by Deja King
When I walked further out, someone beeped their horn and I noticed the hottest 2005 red SL65 AMG with banging rims. My face lit up like a Christmas tree. When I sat down in the car, the first thing Nico said was, "I bet you thought that banged up Chevy was mine," we both burst out laughing.
"You know I did, ma'fuckah."
"Seriously, Precious, you are way too beautiful to talk like that. Plus my name isn't ma'fuckah."
"I apologize. You know what I meant to say, Nico." I didn't mind giving him a little life cause his wheels were crazy and the nigga was even finer out his street clothes. He had on some top line Sean John shit. Not the sweat suit gear, but the slacks and button up shirt. His wrist was heavy with the Jay-Z limited edition platinum version Audemars Piguet watch. I was feeling his style.
"So where do you want to go tonight?" he asked, doing a U-turn in the middle of my street.
"Maybe dinner."
"You got a place in mind?"
"You pick the spot," I wanted to see what his restaurant game was looking like anyway. He jumped on the Westside Highway. We eventually ended up on Lafayette Street at a spot called Butter. The place was sexy. I was surprised because it was a white joint with a bunch of model type looking motherfuckers. It was cool though and the food was a'ight to be a white establishment. After dinner it was still early and Nico suggested we go to the movies. But I declined. I wanted to find out everything I could about him. So we drove to the park across from St. Nicholas Ave. and just talked.
"So, Nico, tell me about yourself."
"What do you want to know?"
"Everything." So Nico started from when he was a kid.
"My father got murdered when I was thirteen. Of course he was a street nigga. He used to hustle with my best friend Ritchie's dad.
"I've known Ritchie since I was three years old. He's like my brother. We grew up in the same projects and our mother's were best friends. After my dad got killed, shortly after, Ritchie's dad got locked up on some Federal charges and got life. With both of them gone I had to step up as the man of the house.
"I was determined to pick up where my dad left off, which meant getting my drug hustle on. One of my dad's captains took me under his wings and molded me into the perfect solider. But hustling was embedded in my blood, so I conquered the game with rapid speed. I have that deadly combination of intellect and street smarts. I can run circles around anyone that crosses my path.
"As I got higher up in the ranks, I tried to bring Ritchie in the mix, but he became withdrawn when his father got locked up. To make matters worse his mother got strung out on crack. Eventually it got so bad that he moved in with me and my mother, because his moms couldn't take care of him anymore. It took a few years, but Ritchie came out of his shell and we made a pact to never leave one another's side until death do us part." Nico paused and looked at me for a moment." "I can't believe I just told you all that. I don't even usually open myself up like this. But that's OK, because you are going to be my girl, I know it."
"Why you stressin' for me to be your girl?" I was cu rious to know. It was obvious that Nico was large and in charge. He probably had bitches throwing pussy at him from every direction. So I had to know what his fascination with me was.
"Besides the fact that you are unbelievably gorgeous, something about you is dark."
"Dark? What the fuck?"
Nico gave me that look. "I meant to say, `What you mean."' This cussing situation was definitely gonna be a problem, I thought to myself.
"That same look I got in my eyes, you got it in yours. I've never met a woman or man besides my father with that look."
"What look is that?"
"It's a combination of many things. The average nigga wouldn't be able to handle you, but I know I can and will. We are going to do big things together."
With the majority of niggas I fucked with, I wouldn't give them no ass until they had tricked a few G's on me first, but not with Nico. I willingly gave up the pussy that first night. It was crazy because no matter how hard I tried, he wouldn't let me get on top. That let me know he was determined to maintain control over me and our relationship. The way he put it on me, though I didn't have a problem with it. From that day on it was like that Biggie record, "Just Me And My Bitch".
Holifihood
eing Nico's girl was like being the First Lady. The streets bowed down to me as if I was their queen. I had to take it back to Brooklyn on a regular basis and represent my hood. See, Harlem wasn't my hood, I rep'd for BK. The first time I drove up to Boogie's spot in Nico's SL65, the place paused. They knew it was Nico's shit, and I had to be his girl to be pushing it. For everyone else who didn't know, there was no doubt in their mind I was some powerful ma'fucka's wifey.
I loved the stares and glares I received from dealing with a kingpin. Even for the people who hated on me, they didn't have the balls to say anything to my face. Nico's reputation preceded him, and no one crossed him, and since I seemed to be the closest thing to him, they didn't dare cross me.
Everything between me and Nico happened so fast. The next morning after we twisted each other out, he said I was moving in with him. He didn't ask, he demanded. He was so damn cocky, confident, and controlling with his shit, but it turned me on like crazy. I was open for it anyway. I agreed to move in with him, but I also kept my spot. As much as I digged Nico, I knew that any bitch that was about her business maintained her own crib. Nico had a couple of cribs, but I moved into his brownstone on the promenade in Brooklyn Heights.
Anybody that is familiar with Brooklyn knows that is prime property. I'm talking million-dollars-and up cribs. I didn't understand how Nico maneuvered that, but that just showed how official his shit was. At first I didn't even feel comfortable being in the same neighborhood with all those rich pricks, and Nico could see how frustrated I was becoming.
One day he sat me down and schooled me. "Precious, understand something. The only way you become rich is surrounding yourself with rich people. I know this might seem like a bit much to you, but pretty soon instead of you worrying about who all these rich people are around you, they'll be trying to figure out who you are."
Nico was right. After a while a couple of ladies in the neighborhood would see me pulling up in my 6-Series convertible and would try to make conversation with me. They was curious about who I was. They swore down I was in the Entertainment Industry. When they got to asking me a million questions, I would slightly tilt down my Jackie 0 shades and say, "Sorry can't chat. I must be going," real Hollywood like.
I said to myself, let it stay a mystery. If I have anything to do with it, they will die trying to figure that shit out. It was bananas because in Brooklyn Heights, Nico and I were looked upon as a respectable couple who was just doing it, but the ghetto ran through our bloods. We both lived for the streets.
I didn't normally go with Nico when he was handling business, but this particular day on our way to do some shopping in the city we made a stop at one of the many blocks Nico had on lock for a spontaneous spot check. It was his way of making sure his workers were doing their part and holding it down. Nico was the man, and when he pulled up in the hood with rims spinning all shenanigans came to a halt, and everyone stood in attention.
Although his best friend Ritchie was his right hand man, he didn't garner the same level of respect as Nico. The whole borough knew that Nico basically handed large portions of the business over to his best friend out of loyalty, not because Ritchie earned it, although Nico didn't see it that way. As far as he was concerned he and Ritchie were brothers. "How's it looking, my man?" Nico asked his field lieutenant, Tommy.
"It's all good. It's Friday, so you know the clientele is steady and the money is right," the stocky worker bragged.
"That's what I like to hear. I was checking up on you. You seem to have everything under control, so I'm out," Nico said giving Tommy a pound. "Hit me later with those numbers."
"I got you boss." Right when we were pulling off, Ritchie pulled up.
"What's up, my nigga?" Ritchie said as he knelt down on Nico's side of the car door. He then noticed I was in the car, "What's up, Precious?"
"The same thing, Ritchie."
"When you gon' hook me up wit' one of your girls?"
"I told you I don't fuck wit' bitches like that. The only chick I fucks wit' is Inga."
"Well hook it up."
"Ritchie, every time you tell me to do that shit you always cancel at the last minute."
"I tell you what. You and Nico come, we can do it fo' sho' tonight."
"Why we gotta come?" I smacked. I knew Inga would want it that way, but I wanted to make Ritchie feel like I was doing his ass a favor.
"Com' on. Stop trippin'. It'll be fun, right?" He playfully punched Nico's shoulder, trying to get him to cosign on the outing.
"Yeah, it'll be cool."
"R'ight', I'll call her. We can go to the Harlem Grill. I heard they have some good food."
If I had to be bothered with Ritchie's silly ass at least I could get a good meal out the deal. "Put her number in your phone so you can make the arrangements to pick her up." After Ritchie plugged Inga's number in his phone, he noticed Tommy and told him to come here.
"Tommy, make sure you don't leave until all business is dried up. We don't need nobody slacking off," Ritchie said, trying to execute some authority. Tommy nodded his head as if agreeing with what Ritchie said, but I knew he gave it no merit.
From the few occasions I observed Ritchie, he had a way of making unnecessary comments in an attempt to make his presence known. I wondered if Nico ever picked up on that, but since he never mentioned it maybe he didn't. He had a blind eye when it came to Ritchie, anyway. Because I knew for a fact that Ritchie was straight jealous of Nico; it was written in his eyes.
"Man, you too lax with these niggas. They be coming at you like ya friends instead of your workers," Ritchie said with agitation.
"Nah, it's not like that. They know who's boss, but I prefer for them to feel comfortable around me."
"Comfortable. Fuck that, you better make them goofy niggas fear you. They need to know if they step out of line it can happen."
"Man my temper is legendary so they all know it can happen. But fear brings about lies. Our crew is the eyes and ears of the streets. They gottta believe they can tell me anything, whether good or bad. Without the information from the streets I'm powerless. If that means making my crew feel at ease then so be it."
"I hear you, but I still say you need to put your foot in they ass every now and then," Ritchie stressed.
As I listened to them exchange words, I knew that Ritchie didn't understand that Nico had a different style of dictatorship. Ritchie's browbeating style actually worked well for many bosses in Nico's position, but Nico vehemently opted against it. See, Nico wasn't big on bluffing. If he had to instill fear in you, that meant your time was up, and your life was over. He maintained a calm, cool and collected persona that made even his worse enemies respect him. When the dark side of Nico appeared everyone knew to stay away.
"I'll think about what you said," Nico answered, trying to get off the subject. "What time do you want to meet up at Harlem Grill?"
"Nine is good."
"So we'll see you there, and don't have us waiting on you neither," Nico added with a smile, knowing how it was nothing for Ritchie to be late or not show up at all.
After Nico and I went shopping, he dropped me off at home so he could handle some business before we went out. The moment my bags hit the floor, I called Inga. "What up?"
"What's going on, Precious?"
"Not too much. Did Ritchie call you?"
"Not yet, why is he supposed to?" I looked at my watch and saw it was quarter to five. "That nigga so simple. Yeah, he was supposed to call. The four of us is going to the Harlem Grill for dinner."
"Word ...wait hold on a minute. My phone beeping." As I waited for Inga to click back over from the other line, I twisted my mouth up, thinking how slack Ritchie was. We saw that nigga at twelve in the afternoon, and it damn near five and he still hadn't called Inga. That's why he couldn't keep no girlfriend `cause he was one of those simple-ass dudes. I could never comprehend why Nico had so much love for him. "I'm back. That was Ritchie on the other line."
"Oh he finally decided to call," I said sarcastically.
"Girl, yeah, he said he'll pick me up at eight-thirty. What you wearing?"
"Probably something I got today when Nico and I went shopping."
"Yah stay shopping. I hope Ritchie generous like Nico so I can start flossin'."
"I doubt it. I ain't neva seen Ritchie wit' no official bitch. `Cause an official bitch wouldn't be able to deal wit' his clown ass on no long term basis."
"Well, maybe they ain't neva fucked him right. `Cause he's a cutie."
"Whateva. Let me get myself together `cause I been running round all day. I'll see you tonight."
When I hung up with Inga, I just rolled my eyes. Inga was my girl, but she always got so caught up in nigga's way before they started feeling her. I could tell by the sound of her voice that she was already feeling Ritchie, and knowing him, he was just looking for a big butt to bust a nut in.
Of course Nico and I arrived first and on time for our reservation at the Harlem Grill. The hostess led us to a table in the back. After our second drink, Ritchie and Inga came walking in the spot like they were on time. I knew it wasn't Inga's fault, but because she had a big Kool-Aid smile on her face from being so happy to be with Ritchie, she was guilty by association.
"What took ya so long?" I asked just to fuck with Ritchie.
"The traffic on the bridge was backed up." Inga said, already trying to come to the defense of her clown-ass date.
"Oh, it was moving fine when we were coming across."
"What ya want to drink?" Nico said, trying to keep the peace. For the rest of the dinner Nico and Ritchie talked, and me and Inga engaged in our own conversation. After finishing up there Nico took us to this DL spot called Zip Code.
Nico had to do a special knock just to gain entrance. He said it was an exclusive lounge for the top-notch hustlers. We stayed for a couple of hours poppin' bottles and listening to music. I stepped away for a few minutes to use the bathroom, and when I came back, Ritchie's hand was damn near inside Inga's coochie. She was giggling, and he was whispering in her ear. Right when I was about to tell them to get a room, Ritchie said they was breaking out. I gave Inga a hug goodbye and told her to call me.
"I had a good time tonight," Nico said as he drove us home. "We should all hang out more often."
"Baby, do you really think we should be making longterm dinner dates with those two? I mean how long can their relationship actually last?"
"Ritchie seemed like he was really feeling her."
"Yeah, feeling up her ass."
"Stop it. I'm just saying they seem to enjoy one another. It's cool. Inga's your best friend and Ritchie's mine. We have a nice little family thing going on."
I secretly hoped that Ritchie was so bad in bed Inga would kick him to the curb before anything started. As far as I was concerned, Ritchie was bad news, and I didn't want him in no family of mine.
"Let me ask you something, Nico."
"Go right ahead."
"You don't ever feel like Ritchie just riding yo' dick and not bringing nothing to the table? He always got some shit to pop about how you need to do this and how you need to handle your business like that, but it's all dead noise. That shit don't bother you, `cause it sure as hell gets on my nerve."
"Precious, you too hard on Ritchie. Sometimes a cat has to throw his weight around a little bit in order to feel like a man, but it's harmless. Ritchie might have his shortcomings, but the reason why I keep him by my side is because he's loyal. With the game I'm in, that's a character flaw. These niggas out here ain't got no loyalty to nobody, but Ritchie got my front and my back." Then Nico turned and looked at me with a smirk on his face and said, "Listen here. I'm like a dog, I don't
speak, but I understand everything. Ritchie is good people, trust me."
I sat there in the passenger seat, just nodding my head. The conversation was a lost cause. Nico was dead set on his opinion of Ritchie, which was disappointing to me. I always viewed Nico as a dude that was beyond reproach when it came to his street savvy. But if he honestly believed that Ritchie was a loyal dude, then he had the game all fucked up.
The following afternoon Inga called me, sounding like she was on her honeymoon. "Girl, that nigga Ritchie can fuck. He just left here like an hour ago."
"Where was yo' moms at when all that fucking was jumping off?"
"She went to Philly this weekend to visit her sister, so I had the place to myself. He's coming to get me later on this evening so we can go to the movies. Girl, I'm in love wit' that nigga."
"Whateva, Inga. You say that about every dude that beats that coochie good."
"Precious, this time was different. He was so gentle with me and before he left, he gave me five hundred dollars and told me to get my hair and nails done. You know it don't cost no five hundred dollars to get that shit done. He's feeling me, and I'm feeling him too."
I had to admit that I was surprised by what Inga was telling me. I always thought of Ritchie as being a five-minute fucker. I definitely didn't think he would lay up with a bitch or leave her money. Five hundred was a drop in the bucket for him, but the point was he gave it to her and told her to get her nails and hair done. Not only that, they were going on a second date already. Maybe Ritchie wasn't as bad as I thought. And if Inga was happy, then so be it. She deserved for a nigga to lace her. Now maybe she would keep her weave a little bit tighter.
"Inga, I'm happy for you. But don't get too caught up in Ritchie. I would hate for him to get you open, then break your heart."
When I got off the phone with Inga, I called Nico. I wanted to see if he had heard from Ritchie and got any feedback. Inga was my girl, and I would feel some kinda way if Ritchie played her out. Nico's cell went straight to voice mail. His phone was doing that a lot lately. For a second I wondered if the nigga was creeping on me with the next bitch but decided I was being paranoid. Not saying that Nico wasn't capable of cheating like any other man, but Nico knew he would have to be extra discreet with his shit. I do not play that. When and if Nico fucked around on me, it better be when he's going in and out of town.