The Story of DeLano Trevino

by Briann Danae

  “You’re right. I’ve been tripping all week thinking how it’d go, but I’m good now.”

  “As you should be. You know a nigga gon’ keep you encouraged,” Lano said giving her a smirk but meant every word.

  “And, that’s why I love you. You got plans today?” she asked, maneuvering around the room picking up their clothes from the night before.

  “Yeah. Some business shit with Tone and Stevie.”

  “With the dispensary?” Anika asked, just as Lano sat up to grab his phone.

  “Yeah. Them niggas act like they want me to take over it or something, but nah. That ain’t even what I’m trying to be on. I like being a silent partner in the businesses I handle.”

  Anika nodded. She knew he did and Tone being his cousin, should have known that as well. Over a year ago, Lano had gone into business with Tone and Tone’s best friend Stevie. Selling weed wasn’t something Lano thought of going into business in, but it was a legitimate job and in high demand. The money he made from it was more than he expected for it to be, but he wasn’t trying to do more than just collect his coins from it.

  “They do know we’re not planning to live here, right?” she asked.

  Lano nodded. “Yeah. They know that.”

  “Hmm. Well, let them niggas know again. California is cool and all, but as soon as business is wrapped up, we’ll be heading back home.”

  “Is that right?”

  “Shit, it ain’t wrong,” she laughed lightly, walking into the bathroom to shower and handle her hygiene.

  Admiring her fat, chocolate ass jiggle, Lano’s dick twitched. He could have stayed in bed and relaxed but wanted to share an intimate moment with Anika in the shower before she dipped out on him for the day. Before he could climb out the bed and follow behind her, his phone rang. Peeping the number on the screen, Lano shook his head and declined the call. He wasn’t trying to hide anything from Anika and never had, but Samia wasn’t about to annoy him this early. When she called right back, he huffed and decided to see what the fuck was so urgent.

  “Yeah?” he answered dryly.

  “Mmm. Your morning voice was always sexy,” Samia giggled.

  “Man quit playing with me. The fuck you want?”

  She sucked her teeth. “My daddy wanted me to tell you to meet with him today at three. He’s out of town right now and doesn’t have service, so I had to deliver the message.”

  “If he ain’t got service, how you get the message then Samia?”

  Lano wasn’t a fool, nor did he like being played with like one. He and Samia both knew if Stefon needed to get in contact with him, he’d do it; not send his daughter like some runner.

  “Don’t worry about it. Just be at his place at three with your mean ass.”

  “Yeah. A’ight. Fuck up off my line,” he said smoothly before hanging up. When he stood to his feet and went to head to the bathroom, Anika was standing at the door. A quizzical look was plastered on her face.

  “’Chu looking like that for? Let’s go shower.”

  “Nah. Hold on. I know that wasn’t that bitch calling you this early in the morning, DeLano,” she hissed.

  “What you getting all upset for? It ain’t even that serious. It was just a phone call.”

  Her head snapped back so damn fast, and face frowned up even quicker. “Just a phone call? Ha. Okay. You must want me to slap you.”

  Lano chuckled and walked past her into the bathroom, patting her booty on the way. “Yeah, a’ight. Slap me for what? You act like I was on the phone chatting it up with her or something.”

  “Oh, I know you ain’t doing that. It’s the principle. She needs to call during business hours since that’s what she seems to always be blowing your line down about. Tell that bitch nine to five, no voice message allowed, and don’t even fucking bother on weekends. I swear I’ma beat her ass for real. She knows what she be doing,” Anika fussed, turning the shower on.

  She knew Samia called Lano. That wasn’t the issue; not all of it anyway. Her calling so early was disrespectful. Knowing he has a woman, one who she doesn’t like, Samia needed to get some manners and quickly. Anika didn’t play those types of games, and clearly, Samia thought she was the one to try and run game on.

  “You getting all worked up when I already handled it. Ain’t no need in letting her piss you off.”

  “Clearly, you didn’t handle it because she should know not to call any niggas phone, especially mine before he can even take a piss and brush his teeth.”

  “Say. Who you talking to? We can talk about this like adults, but you better lower your voice. Do I holler at you?” he asked, deep voice making chills cover Anika’s naked frame.

  “No,” she said softly. “But—”

  “But nothing. You know I’ma listen to whatever it is you gotta say. Ain’t no need to holler and shit. That’s not how we communicate. Now, what’s the problem so I can address this shit with her since you think I haven’t already.”

  Huffing, Anika rolled her eyes. The fact that he wanted to stand here and have this conversation with her while his big ass dick was swinging had Anika even more annoyed. His patience and understanding with her were what made her fall in love with him. Willingly, he took on her insecurities as his own and showed her how to be voice her concerns to him without getting out of character. This bitch Samia had her ready to act up though. Fuck the calm, understanding shit.

  “She needs to know her boundaries. Calling your phone before we can even brush our teeth and shower is not about to fly with me. She did this shit a few times, and I sort of let it slide because of what y’all have going on business-wise, but not anymore. It’s disrespectful, and I can’t promise the next time I see her that I won’t say anything because bitches like her do shit like that on purpose,” she let out.

  “A’ight. So, what you want me to do? Tell her to stop calling at a certain time and what else? Tell me what it is you need me to do, because I refuse to have dysfunction under the roof I lay my head at with my woman. So, tell me something,” he said, stepping closer to her and wrapping his arm around her waist.

  “Tell that bitch I said to stop calling your phone before nine o’clock or I’ma make it my business to whoop her ass,” she said with a smile.

  Lano massaged her ass cheeks in his hands as his dick pressed hard against her thigh. “Got it. Anything else, bae?”

  “Don’t be smirking at me. I’m serious. She gon’ get enough of playing with me just because I don’t say shit.”

  “I’m serious too. I’ma handle that. Now quit pouting and come handle this dick before you be late,” he said with a gentle smack to her ass before making her turn around and walk into the shower.

  Lano heard Anika loud and clear. The thing was, Samia had been told more than once about calling his phone. He didn’t know what he needed to do to get it through her head to stop moving the way she had been, and if she didn’t stop, he’d just cut her off completely — business or not. Lano didn’t need Stefon to carry out his missions; he was only an extra ear to the street. If it took a little longer without he and Samia’s assistance just to keep Anika happy, Lano was cutting them off. He didn’t have time to be worrying about his home front while out in the streets. His home was the only place he felt at peace, and he’d be damned if a mothafucka came and disrupted it.

  Once they were showered and dressed, Anika still had an attitude. Too many times she’s had to bring up Samia and for what? The bitch wasn’t relevant in her eyes, but she was trying to be. Lano could toss that business word around all he wanted to. He had just better be prepared when Anika started throwing hands. There were going to be only so many more times Samia got out of line before she handled the broad herself. Clearly, words didn’t work for her; she needed some action and Anika was all about that.

  “See you later. Have a good day,” Anika told him.

  Lano looked up from a text Tone had sent him. “You better bring yo’ black ass over here and give me a kiss. Stop playing wit’
me.”

  Anika held her grin back and walked over to him. Leaning down, she pecked his lips with a smirk dancing in the corner of her mouth.

  “There. Happy now?”

  “Nah. Gimmie some tongue too. Make that shit nasty like I like it,” he said lowly, grabbing her by the chin.

  Doing as she was told, Anika kissed her man like he liked it. With enough passion and tongue to have her ready to reschedule her meeting. Coming up for air, she licked her lips.

  “Better?”

  “You already know. Come on so I can walk you to the door.”

  Standing to his feet, Lano walked her to the door and told her to have a good day. Phrases of ‘I love you’ were exchanged before Anika pulled out of the driveway. She wasn’t going to let Samia or anyone else mess up her day. There was too much to look forward to and being upset over a broad who clearly wanted her life was giving her too much energy. Energy Anika was going to use to step into her meetings with confidence.

  Sitting across from Monroe, the owner of Monroe Photography and Studio, Anika couldn’t help but admire the woman’s beauty. Her dark skin tone was glowing. Hair in a short, red bob, while her stunning gray eyes and the brightest smile ever lit up the room. Anika had only been in her presence for a good ten minutes, and she felt good vibes from her. Monroe wasn’t over the top dressed either, which surprised Anika. Rocking a red and black flannel that she left unbuttoned, a baggy pair of distressed jeans and some black vans, Monroe was dressed comfortably.

  “So, what made you want to get into modeling? Is it something you’ve always wanted to do?” Monroe questioned, just wanting to get a feel for Anika.

  “I wouldn’t say it’s always been something I wanted to do, but I have taken an interest in it over the last few months. I just moved here and figured why not chase my dreams in California of all places.”

  Monroe smiled. “I was the same way. I moved here a little over ten years ago with my family and since I’ve been invested in the photography world. There’s so much opportunity out here. You just have to be willing to go get it.”

  “Yep. And that’s my plan. Starting with some photos,” Anika laughed. “This studio is amazing.”

  “Thank you. This is my first year open, and business is amazing.”

  “Wait. How old are you if you don’t mind me asking?”

  Chuckling, Monroe shook her head. “Not at all. I’m twenty-six.”

  “Yes! You’re young and out here on your boss shit. I love it!”

  There wasn’t anything more exciting than celebrating another black woman’s accomplishments. Anika clapped and cheered loudly when women of color won in life. She didn’t care if they couldn’t see her cheering them on; she did it because it felt good to see women like her win. Women like her beat the obstacles life and society threw their way. To see Monroe owning a successful business at such a young age sparked a flame inside Anika. She vowed to go harder at her dreams right then and there.

  “Thank you so much. For real. It’s not easy, but I’d never give up.”

  “And you shouldn’t. Girl, you just encouraged the hell out of me.”

  The two laughed, and Monroe stood to her feet. “That’s good! I’m glad I could and happy to be working with you. We need more beautiful, plus-sized women in magazines, on billboards, on our TV screens. Hell, any and everywhere we belong. I’m sure whoever you submit your portfolio to once we’re done, will be elated to have you. I’m excited just to capture the photos, and this is only a consultation,” Monroe chuckled just as the main door to the studio chimed.

  Always surveying her surroundings, Anika’s head swiveled in the direction of the front of the building. She wasn’t easily captivated by any man’s appearance nowadays, thanks to only having eyes for Lano, but she couldn’t help but let her eyes roam the male who had just stepped through the door. The red bandana shorts hung loosely around his waist, while a black tee clung to his broad frame. The diamonds sparkling around his neck and wrist danced with each stride he made their way.

  What had Anika stuck was the teardrop below his eyes, the gun she knew was on his waist and bulge in his pocket. She was trying to gauge his occupation based on his appearance, but she knew not to judge a book by its cover. Lano didn’t look like a cold-blooded killer, but he surely was and was damn good at it for the right price.

  “Money Making Monroe,” he joked, as he approached the duo. “What’s the deal?”

  “Hey. Nothing much. How are you?”

  He let his eyes shift from Monroe to Anika. Stroking his wild beard that sat atop lightly blemished brown skin, he gave her a once over. Dressed casually, but still business attire, Anika was wearing a white, sleeveless button-down that she tucked into a pair of canary yellow dress pants, with a pair of brown suede mid-heel Gucci slides. Though simply dressed, he could tell she had a little style to her. And, even from the front, he knew she had an ass for days. He peeped it as soon as he stepped through the door.

  “I’m straight. Just came to drop this money off to you. I tried calling Zoe, but she ain’t answer,” he said handing her a roll of money. Monroe pocketed it, knowing there was no need to count it.

  “Yeah, she’s off today. She’ll be back tomorrow,” Monroe said, speaking of her assistant and sister.

  “A’ight bet. Shoot me a text with the dates me and my niggas can come through,” he replied.

  “I told you to start using your email, Giran,” Monroe said with a shake of her head. “You know I don’t handle business that way. I’ll have Zoe send you an email with all the details.”

  “I’ma hire me an assistant then, shit.”

  “Right. I’d love to see that,” she chuckled.

  “Let me get out your way though. I see you got a model in the building. I ain’t trying to steal her shine,” he said, eyeing Anika.

  “Oh. Never that. I’ma shine regardless of who’s in the room,” Anika said with confidence that made him give her a devious smirk.

  “I like that in you, Ma. Monroe… I ‘preciate you.”

  “No problem. Have a good day.”

  Swaggering away with a light tug on his shorts, Anika couldn’t help the smirk that fell over her face. Since she’d been in California, she saw her fair share of niggas, but none ever stood out to her the way he had. It was something about him that had her curious, mainly because he looked so fucking hood and had dealings with Monroe.

  “He’s a client of yours?” Anika questioned.

  “Yes. One of my most complicated ones, but he’s good people.”

  “That’s what’s up. You guys’ interaction alone made me solidify our shoot. You’re super professional, and your assistant was too. That’s the type of business and people I love to work with.”

  Monroe blushed humbly. She’d never get too comfortable where a compliment to her brand wasn’t appreciated. “You’re too sweet, girl. Thank you. Being young, black, and in a major city like LA, I have to remain professional. The first slip up and people will look for a way to get you out of here. They aren’t canceling me. I don’ worked too damn hard,” she laughed but was dead ass serious.

  “I know that’s right. Can I use your restroom?”

  “Of course. Let me show you where it is, and then we can go over a few concepts and themes for your shoot.”

  Anika nodded following behind her. “Okay. Sounds good to me.”

  Whatever nervousness she had earlier that morning was gone. Anika was so relieved at how smooth both of her meetings had gone, and she couldn’t wait to call Solai and Lano. Though her morning had started off slightly irritating, making her want to drag a bitch, her afternoon was much better. Today was the start of something Anika knew she’d fall in love with. Something personal to call her own, step outside of her box and conquer. If she wasn’t ready before, she most certainly was now.

  Across town relaxed in a booth at one of his favorite wing spots in the hood, Lano took a drink from his water as he listened to Tone. He, Tone, and Stevie had discussed
their business venture and ideas of expanding the dispensary earlier before Stevie left out. Tone was now rambling on about his baby mama possibly being pregnant again and how he didn’t think it was his.

  “And you know what else the bitch gon’ say?” Tone griped.

  “Damn. She gotta be a bitch?” Lano asked chuckling.

  “Hell yeah, nigga. I know that baby ain’t mine. On God, I love Camella, but she really trying a nigga. Talkin’ ‘bout, ‘I forgot to get my shot.’ She a damn lie and too far along.”

  Lano shook his head. He didn’t even know how they got on the topic of his baby mama issues, and he wasn’t going to encourage the conversation either. Knowing Tone, he probably slid to Camella’s house on the humbug and knocked her up unknowingly. He used to be a sucker for her ass, and Lano knew that for a fact. That was on him, though.

  “Whatever the issue, keep that shit out the streets. We already got too much going on.”

  Tone nodded. “You right. Where your girl at?”

  “My woman is handling business, nigga. Don’t worry about her,” Lano said just as a text from Anika came through.

  “Awww, shit. Lil’ cuz all in his feelings. Shit. I was just checking in on cuz-in-law. When you plan on getting married and popping out some babies?”

  Lano stopped typing mid-text and looked up at his cousin. “Where that come from?”

  “I was just aski—”

  Before Tone could finish his sentence, a young girl stormed over to their table with a scowl on her face. Touching his waist, Lano watched her every move. Female or not, if she came over to their table on some tough shit, like he figured she did, he wouldn’t hesitate to defend himself. Women were packing heat just like the niggas these days.