Bitch # 1

by Deja King

  "Honestly, Precious, when you wouldn't tell me what was going on with you I was leaning towards cutting you off. But when I saw you with that nigga I lost it. The thought of some other man in my pussy was about to make me go ballistic. We gotta find a way to work this out `cause I can't give you up."

  When we got back to my place, the first thing I did after locking the door was unzipped Supreme's jeans and put his dick in my mouth. I wanted to taste him so bad, and I also wanted him to remember what my lips felt like wrapped around his manhood. I was in love with Supreme, and I didn't ever want to worry again if he would leave me and never come back.

  fld1h h lls Purl

  nce again I was feeling alive after the thug lovin' Supreme put on me. The love I felt for Supreme was becoming so strong, that I considered him to be the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Because of that, I debated whether or not I should come clean with him about my past.

  Of course, not tell him everything, but enough for him to get a general idea about who I am. Or maybe who I was. Falling in love was beginning to soften my heart and make me want to change my ways. All my life, the only person I could depend on was me. Nobody had my back or gave a fuck about me. Everybody was out for self, including me. It was different now; everything had changed. I knew that Supreme was in love with me like I was in love with him. For the first time somebody valued my life and genuinely cared what happened to me.

  I woke up famished and went to the kitchen. "Rhonda, what you doing here, why aren't you at work?"

  "By the time I got home after escaping from all the drama you caused, I was too tired to go to work."

  "Escape, how long did that shit last after we left?"

  "They had to shut the club down. The fight between Mike and his people and Supreme's bodyguards spilled over to some other niggas. Pretty soon the whole club was basically fighting. The police had to come in and break that shit up. Thank goodness I had your car keys because when I looked around your ass was nowhere to be found."

  "As soon as the fight broke out, Supreme got me outta there."

  "Yeah, when I got home early this morning I saw his driver sitting in the car, waiting for him. I guess that means ya kissed and made up."

  "Something like that." My face was beaming as I smiled from ear to ear. "So what happened to that dude Mike? Was he a'ight?"

  "Yeah, he escaped out of there around the same time as me. His face was still intact. Supreme's bodyguards got pretty fucked up `cause them dudes were busting bottles. That was some crazy shit."

  "What exactly do you know about Mike?"

  "Damn, Precious I thought you just said that you and Supreme were back together. You want to fuck it up and start seeing Mike too."

  "No, it's nothing like that. I'm in love wit' Supreme I'm not doing nothing to fuck that up."

  "Then why the interest in Mike?"

  "Something about the conversation we had last night bothered me. It wasn't anything specific. A few things he said seemed odd."

  "What things?"

  "I can't really pinpoint it. The conversation in general. So what do you know about him?"

  "Not much. He came on the scene a couple of years ago, making big moves. The first couple of artist he put out just went straight to the top of the chart, selling millions of albums. He quickly solidified himself as bigwig in the music business. People respect him. He don't cause no trouble."

  "Interesting, sounds like an overnight success story."

  "You can say that, and oh, yeah, he's also from Brooklyn," Rhonda added before going to her bedroom. Maybe that's what it was; certain Brooklyn niggas got this way about them. Dudes from other boroughs don't exude it. I couldn't put my finger on it, but something about pretty boy Mike I couldn't shake.

  Later on that day, I got dressed because I was going to the city to meet Supreme. He was having a session at Sony Music Studio and I was determined to be on time. We were finally back on track and I wasn't going to do anything to jeopardize that. I was also looking forward to going because I had never been inside a studio before.

  When I turned on 54th street, there was a Bentley in front and a couple of Benz's, Beamers and Range Rovers lined on the side of the street. It looked more like a car show than a place of business. I parked my car in the lot because I wasn't taking chances getting my shit towed.

  "Hi, I'm here for Supreme's session."

  "Your name?"

  "Precious."

  "Hold on one moment." The guy got on the phone and I assumed he was calling the studio to make sure it was OK for me to go in the session. "Sign in and go right through those doors, he's in studio A."

  I followed the guy's directions and came to the door that had the letter A. When I opened the heavy wood door, I entered into a lounge. There were a few black leather couches and a television with a play station hooked up. A whole bunch of junk food was sitting on a table off to the side and mini-refrigerator was next to it.

  I stayed on course and followed the loud music, which led me to the actual studio. The lights were dim, but I could see somebody in the vocal booth messing with his head phones. The guy didn't look like Supreme, though. Then a couple of guys that were hauled up in the corner smoking weed noticed me.

  "Who you looking for, Mami?"

  "Supreme. Is this his session?"

  "Nah, this the wrong studio."

  "Is this studio A?"

  "Yeah, but I believe Supreme in Studio B. It's right across the hall."

  "Thanks. Sorry about that."

  "No problem. You more than welcome to stay," the weed smoker said in attempt to flirt with me.

  "Maybe another time." As I turned to walk away, pretty boy Mike was standing in my way.

  "Precious Cummings, I was hoping to run into you again. I wasn't counting on seeing you so soon though." I didn't recall telling Mike my last name, `cause honestly I'm not really deep on conversation to do all that.

  "Well, here I am. I'm glad I did run into. I wanted to apologize for what happened last night."

  "Things happen. It wasn't your fault."

  "Appreciate that. Thanks for being so cool. Well I better be going."

  "You here to see Supreme?"

  "Yes, the guy upfront accidentally sent me to the wrong studio."

  "I'll walk you out."

  "That's OK. I can find my way."

  "But I wanted to talk to you about a mutual friend of ours."

  "You must be mistaken `cause I don't know any of your friends."

  "Oh, I could've sworn you knew Nico Carter." I wanted to come up with some sort of quick denial but I couldn't. I was stunned that of all the people in the state of New York, our mutual friend had to be my worse enemy.

  "As a matter of fact, I do know Nico, but from a long time ago."

  "Come have a seat, Precious. We should talk."

  "I don't have time. Supreme is waiting for me."

  "Make time." Mike was making it clear that this wasn't a request, but more so a demand. I followed him into the lounge and sat on one of the black leather couches I had observed on my way in.

  "What do you want?" I said defensively.

  "Remember last night when we were talking and you told me that you rep for BK."

  I nodded my head, letting him know I remembered saying it, but now wishing I hadn't.

  "Then I told you I was slipping because I didn't even recognize my own. I meant that in terms of identifying the wifey of a kingpin."

  "Don't worry `bout it, `cause I ain't nobody's wifey, especially not a kingpin's."

  "Let me finish, Precious," he said sternly. "See before I got in this music game, I was a kingpin. Unlike so many fallen soldiers, I was able to get out and take my money and make it legitimate. But the streets still run through my blood.

  So, I should always be able to spot another soldier, which includes a wifey. A wifey is an intricate element to a kingpin. A wifey has the eyes of death because they're always a step away from it. The only time I've ever seen tha
t look in a woman's eyes was right before I killed my own wifey-that is until I looked in yours.

  "That was so many years ago, and I'd forgotten because there aren't that many true kingpins, so there aren't many women who are truly built to be the wifey of a kingpin."

  "So why did you kill your wifey?" I asked with curiosity.

  "She didn't remain loyal. She caught me fucking around so to retaliate she fucked around on me. Of course, she had to die. It destroyed me to end her life, but her body was no longer sacred. Part of me died when I killed her; she was my everything. I molded her to be tough as nails on the inside, just like you, Precious. But, see, her mistake was she tried to teach the teacher a lesson."

  "This makes for an interesting conversation, but what is your point in telling me all this bullshit?"

  "Nico Carter is a true kingpin and you are his wifey. No matter who is supposed to be your man, you still belong to Nico until death do you part. The only reason why you're still alive, Precious, is because only Nico can end your life, and he will when he gets out. That is my message to you."

  "Lucky for me, Nico will be in jail for the rest of his life. Let me ask you a question, Mike? Did you know all this before you was pushing up on me at da club?"

  "I truly admire the fire in you, Precious?"

  "Answer the damn question."

  "As you know, Nico garners a lot of respect on the streets, and we were all aware of his incarceration. The top heads soon learned you were the reason for his demise, but at his request everyone agreed to let him handle you personally. I knew your name, but I'd never seen you before. When you walked into the club I was mesmerized by you.

  "My wifey was beautiful but nowhere near your caliber. When I came over and introduced myself, I thought you were in the entertainment industry. But then when you said you were from Brooklyn and you told me your name, something clicked. The first thing I did this morning was investigate. It didn't take long to put all the pieces together. You're still a baby and yet you're already a legend in Brooklyn."

  "So what I'm supposed to be? Grateful for this little speech you just gave me?"

  "As I tried to explain, I'm just the messenger giving you a warning."

  "You mean a death sentence."

  "I know Nico taught you the code of the streets. You didn't honestly believe you could walk away from him. There's always a price to pay, and it usually means death."

  "Are you finished because Supreme is waiting for me?"

  "We're done here."

  "Good, and by the way, next time you speak to Nico, deliver a message for me. Tell him I hope he rots in jail for the rest of his life."

  My heart was beating so fast. I didn't want Mike to know it, but what he said had me petrified. I reached a point in my life where I had a reason to live, and here he was, delivering the news that death was right around the corner. My hands were shaking, and I was visibly upset. I didn't want to go in Supreme's session looking so distraught. I stopped in the bathroom and splashed water on my face. I dabbed on some fresh lip gloss, trying to erase the look of defeat away. I held out my hands and the shaking wouldn't stop. "I give up. Fuck it."

  "Where have you been? They called in the studio a half hour ago saying you were here."

  I was surprised to see Supreme standing in the middle of the hallway.

  "Baby, the guy gave me the wrong studio. I sat in the lounge for over fifteen minutes before someone told me the correct room. By that time I had to use the bathroom so bad. I'm sorry I had you waiting."

  "That's cool. I just worry about you. All these vultures around here, I would hate for one of them to take you away," he said, kissing me on the forehead. "What the fuck is that nigga doing here?" I looked up and saw Mike.

  "Precious, I see that you found Supreme."

  Supreme eyed me suspiciously.

  "Baby, studio A, the session that Mike is in, was the wrong room I accidentally went into. Mike was nice enough to point me in the right direction. Thanks again."

  "No problem. Supreme I hope there are no hard feelings about what went down last night; I heard your bodyguards were in pretty bad shape."

  "Nah, they recovering nicely, but I got two more here with me now, until they recover a hundred percent. Would you like to meet them?"

  "No, thanks I'll take your word. But with a girl as gorgeous as Precious on your arm, you might need two more. It would be a shame for someone to come take her away."

  "Nigga, stay away from her." Supreme and Mike were now standing toe to toe.

  "Supreme, stop. Lets just go. He didn't mean nothing by it." I was holding onto Supreme's arm, praying he would back down. He had no idea he was butting heads with a killer.

  "I think you should take your woman's advice."

  I finally got Supreme to walk away, but not before Mike said, "Precious, I'll make sure to tell Nico you said hello."

  "Who is Nico?"

  "Nobody important. Just some dude that we both know from Brooklyn."

  "Precious, I don't ever want you talking to Mike again. If you see him go in the opposite direction, `cause that nigga rubs me the wrong way." Supreme didn't have to say anymore, I had already come to that very same conclusion.

  Holy Mairiffloilfi

  or the third night in a row I woke up in a pool of sweat, suffering from the same nightmare. I'm at a funeral and my mother, Boogie, Nico, Ritchie, Butch, Azar, Boogie's nephews, Tommy, Porscha and Inga are all there dressed in black. I'm the only one in white.

  I walk over to my mother, but it's like she can't see me. No one can see me. Then they all gather around the casket that is about to be lowered into the ground. I slowly move forward to get a glimpse of the person we gathered here to mourn and to my horror it's me. I blamed Mike for my delusions, and it made me angry. In a twenty-minute conversation, he managed to turn my whole world upside down.

  "Precious, telephone. It's Supreme," Rhonda yelled out, helping to shake my terror.

  "Hi, baby."

  "You still in the bed, sleepyhead?"

  "I'm getting up now."

  "What are you doing later on?"

  "Hopefully I'ma see you."

  "Cool `cause I wanted to take you out to dinner tonight."

  "Really, where?"

  "You'll see. Wear something really nice and sexy, of course."

  I was so happy Supreme planned a romantic outing for us. I could now focus on something other than death.

  After speaking to Supreme, I had the energy to get out of bed and eat some breakfast. "Good morning, Rhonda."

  "Good morning, Supreme called pretty early this morn. I ing.

  "He wanted to tell me that he planned a romantic dinner for us tonight."

  "Nice, things have gotten really serious between you guys."

  "I know, so serious that I think it's time for me to sit down and let him into my life."

  "What do you mean?"

  "Rhonda, there are a lot of things about me that you don't know and neither does Supreme. I don't trust people and because of that, I keep most things to myself. That way no one can hurt me. But since I've fallen in love with Supreme, I want to share my world with him."

  "That's so passionate, Precious. I'm impressed."

  "Rhonda, this isn't funny."

  "I wasn't joking, I'm serious, Precious. I think it's totally amazing that you're going to open up to Supreme. I could always tell that you were different, but I didn't want to intrude in your life. You appear to be perfect on the outside, but you've made it clear that the inside is a lot more complex. Not to mention the way you was about to put it on Amir. I've never seen anything like that before. I'll always be grateful to you for standing up for me."

  "Thanks, Rhonda. You pretty cool yourself. You did take me in as a roommate without even knowing me."

  "That's called desperation, and the nine thousand dollars upfront didn't hurt."

  We fell out laughing because it was the truth.

  "I'm glad I was desperate, though, because you turned
out to be the best roommate ever. You're unlike any friend I've ever had. Your feelings, thoughts, are all so real. In my world that quality is an endangered species. I'm keeping my fingers crossed because I truly hope that everything works out for you and Supreme and you all have a wonderful life together."

  "Me too."

  I spent the rest of the day preparing for my evening with Supreme. I went to Elaine's in Edgewater Commons for a complete spa treatment. I then took it over to my beautician to get my tresses in order. By the time I got home, it was time for me to get dressed. I put on a deep v-neck plunged white dress, that had stone and bead detailing, which added a little sparkle. The length fell right above my knees and dangerously hugged every curve.

  "Damn. When Supreme sees you in that dress he might ask you to marry him tonight," Rhonda said when I strutted in the living room.

  "Girl, you so crazy."

  "Call me crazy if you like, but you look like a goddess. No one would ever guess you can handle a gun better than a dude."

  "Let that be our little secret."

  "Do you know where Supreme is taking you?"

  "Not yet." I was giving myself the once over in the hallway mirror when the phone rang.

  "Your Prince has arrived," Rhonda announced. I grabbed my purse anxious to see Supreme. "Have fun tonight."

  "I will." I couldn't get downstairs fast enough. The elevator seemed to be going so slow, but I knew it was only because I was so anxious. When I got outside, my chariot awaited me in the form of a silver Maybach. The driver was holding the backseat passenger door open for me and Supreme stepped out with the most beautiful bouquet of flowers. He had on a linen white suit, which matched perfectly with my white dress. A tear rolled down my cheek, but this time it wasn't out of pain. It was pure love.

  I was so busy making out with Supreme in the backseat like we were in high school, I didn't pay attention to where we were going. So when we arrived at what looked to be an airport, I was confused. "Baby, where are we?"

  "Teterboro Airport."

  "What are we doing here?"

  "They're fueling up the private jet. We're having dinner on the beach in Barbados."

  "Are you serious? I've never been on a private jet before or dinner in Barbados. I can't believe you're doing this for me."