by Coco Shawndé
5
Miani
One Month Later...
Dressed in my scrubs and leaned on the L shaped desk, I watched the office door pop open. Both me and Dice´s eyes scanned over to the door to see who was here. We were at the Royal’s, and for the past month, this has been like my second home. Dice was on the phone with one of her developers, and she put them on hold knowing I was about to leave out.
“You clocking out?” Ai’See´s loud mouth could for sure be heard down the hall as she came in her chef’s all whites. On a regular day, you would never guess that she was a well-paid pastry chef.
“She been here since last night.” Dice told her. “Why you up here and not in the kitchen?”
“Dang, boss. I’m going. I was just trying to catch Miani before she goes.” she said trying to hug me, but I stopped her.
“I would take the hug, but I had to get on the floor because the CNA’s hasn't been doing what I say about checking on room 325. She be falling out of the bed, but she wouldn’t if they were in there lowering her bed down. Instead she gets out, and she falls.” I said, knowing that was a lawsuit waiting to happen that would be on Dice.
Since working here as a nurse, it was no problem with my friend being my boss. My success in nursing school allowed me to fill any position I wanted here, but since I could, I sat behind the desk as much as possible.
“Yeah, I’ll save my hug for later.” Ai’See said knowing how filthy these scrubs got from going room to room.
“I have to finish this call, but I wanted to tell you, you did it! You will be a free bitch by the end of the day.” Dice cooed, happy as hell for me.
From day one, I had all of their support. I contacted Dice’s lawyer, Mrs. Langston, and she had me with no regrets by choosing her. She knew right away what she was dealing with, and was able to go head on with Ralph’s lawyer. I was glad for this all about to be over, so I could move on with my life, and close this chapter up. Ralph had caused me enough stress, and I was tapped the hell out.
“She about to be a rich bitch!” Ai’See said, and I just giggled. It was no doubt that Ralph would be paying up, but I had already written my statement on what I wanted to leave with. To my friends, it wasn’t enough in there eyes. I decided to leave everything at that house behind, but me and my son´s personal items like pictures and legal documents. Then, for Easton to have his schooling paid for from now, until he completed four years at any university he chooses. I wanted to leave debt free, and Ralph was overly upset to know he was coming out of his pocket. If it was up to him, I would just be leaving with the clothes on my back. After I told how he tried to take Easton, he tried to ask for some sort of visitation, and I declined. As of right now, Ralph would never see my son. He had hurt me in ways unimaginable, and if I was bitter by keeping my son away now, so fucking be it. I was feeling like fuck everybodyyyy´s feelings, because for so long, mine had just been ran over.
“Ralph acting so damn stingy and cheap.” I said shaking my head. The same nigga that had funds to splurge on every bitch he sniffed on, was no saying he didn’t have a dime.
“Them statements don’t lie. He’ll be alright paying.” Dice waved off, not worried at all.
Saying my goodbyes, I had no time to get all dolled up for my last court date. It was another day in court to me when in fact, it was our final one before the judge. All I did was put my Royal Diadem Pond’s jacket on since it’s always freezing in the court, and I was on my way. My lawyer called me, and we talked over what we have been discussing this past month. My heart was racing for whatever reason, and I was trying to make sure I kept my emotions in check. It was a time or two where it all became too much. With Ralph trying to get out of paying, I had to give the courts every detail and evidence that he was in fact cheating throughout the years. Those pictures I took of him on that woman´s doorstep engaging in a kiss while her new Porsche was parked out front came in handy. I never found out who the woman was, and I had no desire to.
Paying to park, I rushed into the court, hoping not to be late. Taking the elevator up to the top floor, I was let off on the floor for family court. Going to the designated doors that led to the courtroom we were in, I found my lawyer waiting on me.
“Sorry I’m late. Ran into a bit of traffic.” I said taking my work badge off.
“You´re fine. Take a breather.” she said holding my hand to gain my attention. “Calm down. You´re not late.” Closing my eyes, I got myself together as best as I could. “You know it’s not too late for me to go in there and get you more.” She said in reference.
“I don’t want more. I want out.”
“That’s what I will get you.” She answered right back.
We both went into the courtroom, and took a seat in the front behind the wooden tables. Once the judge joined us, everything flew past it seemed. Ralph agreed to every term, but the financial side.
“Mr. Francis, I need you to calm yourself down.” The judge spoke.
“No, I’m telling you she doesn't deserve to take all that from me.” Ralph lashed once again, standing to his feet.
Mrs. Langston leaned into my ear, and I was open ears. “Stay calm. He’s about to fuck himself because this judge don’t play that shit.” she said leaning back in her seat.
Sure enough, Ralph kept on, and cursed the judge out from A to Z after everything went into my favor. His lawyer had to put him back in his seat as the judge got order. For him to want me to leave with absolutely nothing, I knew how badly he was going to hurt me.
“Mr. Francis, you decided to come in my courtroom and tell me what I was going to grant Miss Harrison.” she said being sure not to call me Mrs. Francis anymore. “That’s not how we do things in my courtroom. Since you like to have outbursts, and I believe Miss Harrison has gone easy on you...I’m going to grant her a lump sum of one hundred and seventy five million dollars that you will pay or you’ll be seeing me in criminal court. On top of the lump sum, since you have so much concern with her son that you half claimed in your statements, you’ll be paying her monthly of twenty thousand until Easton is eighteen years of age.” the judge proclaimed, hitting the gavel against the sound block. “Miss Harrison you are free to go, and I wish you the best of luck.” she spoke, and I sat stunned in my seat.
“Miani...you okay?” my lawyer asked. I wasn’t hearing Ralph calling my name to gain my attention or no ones. I was paralyzed it seems, as I took in how the judge turned this around for me. I came here wanting the bare minimum for myself and my son to always be able to get an education. I was leaving a fucking millionaire, and never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get this much from divorcing Ralph.
“I just want to get out of here.” I said not wanting to be in the same room as Ralph. She ushered me out of the side door, and I was taken back that it was a camera crew snapping pictures. The Francis´ had their time in the limelight, but never to where I would think my divorce would be this important. I was escorted to my car and I refused to speak on what just happened. Mrs. Langston let me know she would be in touch, and she’ll call me when I could pick my check up. We both were in shock, but no one was more than me.
The first thing I did was pick my son up from school, and took him to lunch to explain that I didn’t have to go to court anymore. Easton had been well aware of the new changes and that Ralph was no longer part of our lives. Since he witnessed the fight when he put us out, my son didn’t even bring his name up.
Not making it through lunch without Shira and the other girls calling, they text me headlines that Ralph Francis would be dishing out one of the biggest payouts ever ruled by a judge in the state of Missouri. The number wasn’t disclosed, but the news had already invaded my privacy.
Leaving from lunch, I went home. Taking a shower, I cried so hard that this was now behind me. I never had to deal with Ralph ever again, and I even had my last name back! By the time I got out the shower, Easton was rushing me to head to the front door. Looking outside, it was Dice and the res
t of the girls with balloons, cake, ice cream, food, and of course alcohol!
“How did y’all have time-” I said stopping myself, as they rushed in my two-bedroom apartment.
“Congratulationnssss!” Dice twerked, coming in the house extra turnt.
“Now momma why you gotta do all that.” C.J said to her, with his face all turned up.
“Bye hater. Go play.” she said shooing her son away.
“Thanks, y’all.” I giggled, knowing this was right up their alley. I sent the kids on back to Easton´s room, and they made sure I didn’t have to repeat myself. Once they were out of sight, the bottles were popping. I quickly changed into some comfortable clothes since I was still in my towel from my shower, then joined the party.
“Open this one!” Dice said shoving a celebration card in my hand.
“What is it? Y’all didn’t have to.” I said opening it up, only for me to see a scheduled departure for the private jet to Las Vegas. “Vegas?”
“Yes! Don’t even come with an excuse on why this ain’t the move. We turning you all the way up for this divorce baby. Easton is going to stay with Rocco and the boys. So, what you got to say?” Dice asked, knowing I was going to say I didn’t have a sitter.
“I guess nothing other than thank you.” I said knowing a getaway trip was well needed. “We going to Vegas y’alllll!” I said raising my glass for a toss.
“To Miani being a free woman.” Aja announced. We cheered to the new beginning, and I was anxious as hell to go on this trip.
6
Obasi
“Got it.” I said seeing the wired transaction on the deal me and Hosea had just closed on. Shaking hands with the Zoe Cartel, security showed them out. Once it was just me and Hosea, we went ahead with making sure the artillery was set to go on the cargo for shipment.
“What’s the word for tonight?” I probed, knowing this was our last scheduled meeting for Las Vega. Hosea needed to come straighten a few ends out regarding the casino, and it just so happened that the Zoe Cartel had been this way for social reasons. They caught us on good timing, so we got them in and out with a deal no one could beat. Now all business was taken care of, I was trying to see what the night was going to bring.
Hosea had been stressing over family issues just like myself. Aci was still at my apartment, and my mother had recently found out she was pregnant. Oletta being her, she was livid when she first found out. With the help of myself and Konvict, she was coming around. Aci did find out how far she was in her pregnancy, so now she had to make a decision that she would have to live with for the rest of her life. Even though I was miles away, Oletta was their to be by her side on whatever she chose.
This trip was right on time, because all the work I had been putting in, all I knew was grind.
“Shid, anything. First, I need to slide through the mall before they close. All I got is business suits in my luggage.” he let me know.
“I’ll follow you then. I might need to cop some shit.” I said patting my pockets for my rental keys.
From there we left the casino, and went out front. It was midday, and it was already jumping. The casino sat right on the strip, and entertainment was everywhere. Packed streets, and I was surprised they bought our cars around so damn quick.
“Keep up!” Hosea said jumping into the Ashton Martin. While the doors to my rented Lambo was waiting.
“You saying that now.” I grinned, getting in the car. We pulled off from the curbside, and treated the road like a racetrack. Speeding through, we were at the mall in no time.
“You not that bad behind the wheel.” Hosea joked, knowing I did more than keep up with his driving.
Heading inside, Hosea was worse than a female shopping. I was quick with my shit, and ended up cashing out on shit I didn’t even need. “Yo, you stressing the sales lady out.”
“Just ring all these up.” Hosea said pointing down at the Louboutin sneakers that he had scattered around the floor. Shaking my head, I was going to take a seat until this nigga could make his mind up. As I was zoned into my phone, I heard a familiar laugh.
Looking up, I saw Miani walking into the store with Dice and Aja. Them three walked past the men’s and to the women section. Getting Hosea´s attention, I pointed out Dice for him.
“Damn.” he cursed, fucking shordy with his eyes. “Put these up at the register.” he told the sales woman trying to move around, so he could follow shordy.
“What they doing this way.” I questioned, and seeing Miani all smiles. I hadn’t seen her in some time now, and I wasn’t letting the opportunity pass me up. Definitely after I seen that ring finger bare, I was on all that.
“I’on know. But Dice out the dog house for sure. She can get the business the way that ass switching around in that sundress.” Hosea said, drooling hard as fuck.
Miani wasn’t interested in nothing inside Saks Fifth, and ventured away from her girls. When she went to sit down on an empty bench, I went by the display table she had just left, eyeing a pair of heels that were just in her possession.
“I think you forgetting something.” I smiled, charming my way right in. She looked up, and slowly her mouth went into a smile. I wasn’t expecting her to get up and wrap her arms around me. I did miss the fuck out of shordy, and didn’t think I would receive this greeting from her. Not that we were beefing or anything, I just knew she had a lot on her plate with her husband.
“Dice and Aja dragged me in hurr.” she said, letting me take her all the way in. She had a whole new glow to her, and I noticed she cut most of her hair off. The piercings she used to leave out was all in, and she looked bad as ever with them. The glistening diamond set off her medusa piercings, and it made her lips even more sexier. As she talked, I saw how she had a constant smile on her face. This wasn’t the same Miani I ran into in the Clinton Peabody projects.
“I’m glad they did.” I said not able to take my eyes off the fact that she no longer had that ring on her.
“Oh, my finger?” she said smiling wider. “I’m divorced.”
“That’s more like it. Now it’s my time.” I declared. “Why you leaving without these?” I said taking her attention to the heels.
“I got enough back at the hotel. Let me guess, you´re here with your girlfriend?” she said, hinting at Tiesha.
“Don’t have one of those, and you know that. Why you trying to start shit up?” I chuckled, knowing she was trying to throw shots, and seeing if I was single.
“I’m not doing nothing but asking the basic questions.” she shrugged.
“I’m hurr with Hosea´s picky ass. He probably somewhere trying to snatch Dice into a fitting room. Come follow me before he gets us put out.” I said looking around, knowing his ass would have us banned from the mall in a minute.
Before we could get any deeper into the store, Hosea was walking past with his bags, heading out. “I thought you was going to holla’ at Dice?” I asked him.
“I did...her mean ass ain’t speaking and shit. I’m going to leave that alone. Just hit me up for tonight. I’m about to roll out.” he said dapping me up. “What’s up, Miani.” he said giving her a hug in a rush.
“Nice to finally meet you, Hosea.” she said hugging him back.
“Same.” He replied in a short tone.
He went on his way, and I didn’t waste no time exchanging numbers with Miani.
“You liking these?” I said showing her the Saint Laurent high heel sandals again. The back heel was the YSL logo, and I knew her feet would look pretty as fuck in them too.
“They nice.” she shrugged.
“I’ll get em now for you...as a divorce gift.” I told her, dead ass serious.
“You don’t have to.” She said, shaking her head.
She didn’t have to say another word. I got the heels ranged up and put into a gift box for her. As we were walking out, I was glad to have ran into her while I was out here.
“What you and your girls getting into later?” I questioned, know
ing she was about to go her own way.
“I’m not sure. Whatever they have planned.” she said trying to look back at Dice. Her girl was acting nonchalant like she didn’t just diss my boy something serious.
“Well if y’all find yourselves not knowing what to do, I have some spots. I’ll put y’all name on the VIP list, and text you the times and addresses. You and the crew can come through and kick it with The Connects. Even Dice...Hosea ain’t gon bother her none.” I said, knowing that could be an excuse for her not to show her face.
“Dice need to be bothered. So yeah, I’ll look into it.” she said giving me a departing hug.
“Send a bottle over to that section.” I told the bottle girl that was serving us. All night she had been working hard for her tip, and I was going to give her that. With a few hitta’s from around this way and L.A, we were lit as fuck. The strippers were trash to me, but my eye wasn’t even on them.
Miani had just came through, and I wasn’t surprised by how she shut shit down. Them heels I had copped for her graced her feet, and went along with the satin mini dress she wore. With her figure on full display, she was getting every niggas eye on her. Every minute it was like someone was trying to slide her the digits. I played the backseat as I witness Keefe and a few of the guys back home come through. He extended his hand in the air, and I returned the gesture.
When he got his wife settled, he was coming over to show love. He went through our whole VIP section dapping up everyone, not missing nobody. Keefe was slanging big birds, and everyone knew his ass in every city. After his wedding went viral, and even before, folks be stalking him and his lady. They damn sure had every reason to have the world watching because they stay stepping on necks.
“I’mma start calling you big money grip!” He said giving me a brotherly hug. “Miani told me you got them a section up in hurr. You know they taxing tonight.”