Long Live the Queen, page 13
These were questions I was not prepared to answer. I hated that she was asking me this, but I comprehended why. “Look, Katrina. Like you said I learned this life from DaVon before I ever knew what it meant. You been knowing me way before there was a DaVon in the picture. You are well aware how I was raised. So, you know I knew nothing of the streets in depth. Then I wake up one day and go searching for the street life. But to be honest with you, I kinda flocked to DaVon out of anger at my dad. But when I fell in love with him, I never once gave the life he lived a second thought. Was I safe? I don’t know. Will you be safe? Will Lalah? I cannot say. Should you be afraid? Maybe, maybe not. The best answer I can give you is . . . only time will tell. You must figure out the moves as they come your way, keep your eyes and ears open wide. Let all that be your guide. That and your instincts will keep Lalah safe. And know I always got your back. No matter what.”
Chapter 26
“What would you like to drink?” Shasha asked me. She was behind the bar mixing drinks. She bartended part-time when she was not hosting parties. She was actually pretty good at it. Tonight, was one of our weekly Happy Hour nights.
“Make it simple. Sprite, light vodka, a lime and two olives.”
“That’s plain enough.” She teased with a big grin etched on her face. The club vibe was kind of mellow. I had arrived early so people had not started coming in yet. She poured up my drink, mixed it, dropped the lime in it, then a straw with two olives embedded on the edge of the glass just as I requested.
“Thank you.” I accepted the drink she passed to me. I knew she wanted to talk; she had texted me the day before saying she had a new idea to pitch to me. The girl was ambitious.
“Sooo.” She entangled her hands together than looked at me. “I really would like to throw a big bash for this new R&B artist. He goes by Freeway. He from Arizona but he’s coming in town to meet with A&R over at Elektra, they just signed him a few weeks ago.”
“Really? That’s dope.” I loved to hear positive things like that, people living out their dreams.
“Yeah, the boy bad. Mad vocals. He’s been a YouTube sensation for a while now and got almost five hundred thousand Instagram followers. That’s how he got discovered.”
“Hey, say no more. Freeway is more than welcome to showcase his talents up in here. Do what you do to make it happen.”
“I’m already on that, just needed your blessing first, one of the reps over at Elektra told me that they wanted to rent out all our available VIP areas, spending a hefty sum on the bar etc.”
“All sounds good, but you have to get with Sharita to book the VIP areas to get those dates locked in. At the same time let her know about the drinks so the order will be on point. She’ll get all that info to me for final numbers.”
“Bet.”
I tasted my drink as a customer approached the bar and put in an order for two drinks.
“Hey, Precious.” A regular walked by and spoke. I wasn’t sure of her name, if I had to guess I would say it was Yolanda, but she used to attend back when Keisha was the owner. And soon as I had opened the doors back, she was inside. On opening night, she had approached me and thanked me personally for reopening one of the hottest clubs in LA.
“Soo . . .” Shasha slid back over to where I was still holding post at the bar. “I heard your sister Promise had one the hottest salons in the city?” I wasn’t expecting her to bring up Promise, let alone her salon.
“That’s a fact.” I sipped my drink.
“If that’s the case you think you can hook me up?” I almost spit my drink out I laughed so hard. Had she forgot her and Promise’s introduction? I had not.
“Are you sure you want Promise in your head?” I teased.
Shasha stood back and put her right hand on her hip. “What? I got green money. Are you saying your sister ain’t feelin’ me?”
“Nah, I’m just teasing you. But for real though, like you said it is one of the hottest salons in the LA area. With that being said they don’t take new clients, haven’t in a long time. Besides, Promise only has a few selected clients that she services, personally.”
“Okay, I can understand that. But what about the other stylists up in there?”
“Honestly, they all have a clientele list of people that are like grandfathered in, seriously.”
“Really, see that’s why I got to get up in there. I would love to be a part of an exclusive salon; you know it’s like having VIP access. Please, please, Precious, can’t you talk to Promise and get me hooked up?” She begged. “They the baddest and the owner is your sister.” I wondered how she had even found out about Promise’s salon. Maybe now she wished she had not stared at Money too long.
“I’ll see what I can do. But I can’t make you any promises. Okay?” I laughed. She was persistent.
“Okay, okay. Oh, thank you so much, Precious.”
“Girl, you are always trying to talk yourself into something. The gift of gab.” I shook my head and smiled. “Now stop worrying about hair appointments and serve up these drinks. Hell, you on the clock.” I stood, grabbed my drink, and headed off towards my office. The crowd had started to come in. I would use this time to look over the books and relax.
Chapter 27
“I’m so glad you are finally here. I’m so hungry.” Promise reached for the top platter in my hand that held a fifty-piece wing. I also had a platter with carrots, which all the girls liked. I had dropped by the salon with lunch for everyone. “Did you get blue cheese and ranch?” Promise asked going through the bag.
“Yes, I did. No worries. It’s in the bag with the veggies.” I sat the platter of veggies on the counter next to the wings. Promise had already pulled off the top and was digging in. She filled her plate, and I handed her a container of ranch dressing once I opened the bag.
Promise sat down in her seat, bit a wing, and chewed vigorously. “Precious, dear sister this tastes so good. I swear I’m starving and tired.”
Toya now stood over the wings fixing a plate. “Her clients are so glad she is back they have been booking her every two days for a fresh look. They scared she might sneak off again.”
Promise rolled her eyes and bit off a celery stick. “That is no lies.” She talked with her mouth full. “I’ve been doing them so much I haven’t had time to get myself all dolled up. I look a mess,” she exaggerated. I smiled.
“You do not look a mess.” I reached for a plate so I too could join in the smacking of good wings and carrots. The lemon pepper wings smelled so good; I craved my first bite.
“My sister is so modest, she thinks I look good even when my hair is flying the coop.” She chuckled. “But Reese, can you please do my eyebrows later before you head out.”
“Yes, I got you.” Reese stood next to me putting carrots and celery on her plate.
“Speaking of you being busy. My club promoter Shasha was wondering if you can do her hair. She has found out that you are one of the hottest stylists LA got going.” I grinned so hard my jaws ached. I bit a carrot and waited.
Promise eyes went downward and she sat up in her chair and gazed at me. “You mean that bootleg, scullery snot you hired? Hmmph, I’ll do her hair a’ight. Lil heifer know she rude, with no home training.” Promise eased back into her chair and reached for another wing. I laughed.
“What she do?” Toya asked. “I remember that chick getting on the mic that night at the club talking about her name Shasha. Ghetto name to be sure.”
“I know right?” Promise agreed right away. “And she stared at my man a little too long, that night at the club.” She tossed at Toya. “Anyway, Precious, don’t she know this is a five-star salon? Ain’t no walk-ins.”
“I tried to tell her that.”
“Why she want to come here anyway? Plenty salons down in Compton, for the likes of her.” We all laughed at Promise’s antics. We knew she was just teasing.
“Hey, say what you want. She is determined to get her hair done here. She even asked if one of you ladies could do her.” I nodded at Toya and Reese with a smirk.
“Nah, I can’t do it. I’m booked for the next six months.” Toya chimed in.
“Welp, I tried.” I threw up both my hands, my plate was leveled in my lap.
Promise sighed and rolled her eyes again. “On the other hand, I am in the mood to do a good deed. Tell Ms. Thang, I’ll fit her in . . .” She picked up a wing. “Sometime this year or next,” she added. We all busted out laughing.
Toya stood up with her empty plate in hand. “I gotta go.” She was still laughing. “I’m going out to this fancy restaurant with Quavo.”
“What’s up with Puerto Rico?” Reese asked.
“Oh, yeah, that. I told him maybe in the future but I’m not ready for that now.”
“I swear you are procrastinating.” Promise added in. “Tell the brother I’ll go. Shit I ain’t never too busy for a free vacation. And I do mean never.”
“Me three.” Reese raised her right hand to the heavens. “Currently, seeking my next contributor. Until then, I’m hitting the gym on the regular to keep this body tight so when the opportunity presents, I’m beach ready. Aye.” She chanted and stood up and twerked holding her plate in her hand.
“Ya’ll a mess. Bye.” Toya exited towards the back where she could discard her plate first before leaving.
“Reese, you are hanging around Promise way too much. She is changing you.” They both were laughing. Promise shook her head in agreement. “I gotta go too.” I stood up, still grinning. I was enjoying myself with them and hated I had to leave but as usual I had a meeting with the crew.
“Aww, don’t go,” Reese said with her lips in a pout.
“I don’t want to, but I got to bounce. But I swear y’all so crazy.” I waved off. “Oh Promise, don’t forget we are hanging out at Dad’s tomorrow night. I’ll have the chef come over and cook dinner and do some desserts. Unless you volunteering to get in the kitchen and shake it up.”
“Umm, tell the chef I want cheesecake minis with thick strawberry sauce.” That was her answer to her volunteering to cook.
“I will let him know because I was craving those too. And guess what, we are running five miles the morning after those cheesecake minis. So don’t forget the work out gear.”
“Always trying to take me on a run. Why can’t I eat my sweets and be happy?”
“Bye.” I smiled and threw up the piece sign. My fun time was over, it was back to business. The grind.
Chapter 28
“Precious, it is so cold in here,” Promise complained. We were at Dad’s for our sleepover. I had just gotten out of the shower and put on my pajamas. “Can’t you please adjust that thermostat to some warmth. Or are you trying to torment me?” she whined.
“Promise, you have on a wife beater and boy shorts.” I described her pajama outfit to clarify why she might be feeling the chill.
“What’s your point? I’m still freezing.” She continued to pout and bounced down on the sofa with her legs folded under her and her arms crossed. It looked as if she was fighting the cold in a standoff.
“Welp, just maybe if you added some clothes to the naked parts of your body, you might not be as cold.” I teased her.
“That is a thought but that would be too much like right. Besides, I like this outfit, I look cute and comfy in it. Who wants to look warm and comfy?”
I laughed and shook my head at her philosophy. “Such a baby, I’ll adjust the thermostat and grab one of those nice throw blankets I brought for you.” I spoiled her as usual.
“Dang I always forget about those. Thanks, sissy.” She smiled. I went into the room that had been designated as hers, opened her closet door, and reached onto the shelf for her Chanel throw blanket. I went into my room and retrieved my Ralph Lauren throw. I wasn’t freezing but I did want to get comfortable on the sofa. Plus, we would be in the den most of the night and would probably fall asleep in there like we normally did.
“Aww, this feels so good to my skin. Yesss, comfort,” Promise sang and snuggled under her throw no sooner than I passed it off to her.
I bounced down on the sofa next to her. We had already had dinner. Now we were going to watch movies, drink champagne, eat desserts, and chat until we passed out. Our first movie was going to be Boyz n the Hood. I popped the champagne bottle and poured us both up our first glass.
Promise gripped her glass and took her first drink. “Ahh, this some good bubbly. Just what I need.”
I followed suit. And she was right. I got that tingly feeling in top of my throat. “Yep, good stuff.”
“You know as many times as we come over here and spend nights, I still sometimes get that odd feeling.” Promise looked around the den as if she was unfamiliar with her surroundings.
“What type of odd feeling?” I inquired with concern.
“I don’t know. That maybe I don’t belong. I know you always are trying to make me feel comfortable. Like I’m a part of this house, its history, like this is my legacy too. But . . .”
“That’s because it is a part of your legacy . . . you do belong here. At this point there should be no question about that. Dad made that clear in that letter we found. Remember?”
Promise looked away. Tears filled her eyes. I see she was trying to hide them from me.
“Wait . . . what’s wit’ the tears?”
Promise sniffed and took in a deep breath. “Nothin’ I’m just being silly, soft, and emotional.” She wiped her eyes and tried to chuckle. “It’s just sometimes when I come here, I think I miss Mom just that much more. I think of the memories she had here, ones that she probably did not share with me. And I think about when she and I were all alone. Just us. Then she was gone, so suddenly. And I was alone. No one to love me . . . no one who really cared. Then I think about the love that I feel I was cheated out of from Dad . . . at least the love from him that I could see . . . touch . . . feel.” I instantly felt all of her pain and hurt from her words, thoughts, and the hurt on her face.
“Aww . . . Promise.” I scooted to her end of the couch, and we hugged. I wished I could hug her pain away, we both had so much pain from our pasts. Slowly we let go. “Listen, we both missed out on a lot. I know I don’t have a house that Mom owned that I can go sit in and know that she was there. But I have you . . . and I used to look at you and regret with my whole heart on what I missed out on. But I have given that up. All I know now is that we belong to each other. And no past will destroy that, we can’t allow that to happen. This house is yours just as much as it is mine. You belong. You are loved.”
“And you are loved.” She smiled at me. We hugged again. She scooted back on the couch and sniffed again. “Now I’m done being silly, all these dumb tears. Tell me something good, what’s up with the business, the new position and all that?”
“Ah, that. Good at least as far as the eye can see. That’s all you can ever say in the game.” I kept it real. “Seizing power, comes with a lot . . . jealousy, hate, betrayal, and of course probably one of the worst. ENVY!” I sucked on that word with a lot of emotion. Envy had brought the end to a lot of street hustlers. And I knew one firsthand DaVon. Keisha and Quincy envied his power, his respect that he had in the streets, and his wealth. In the end the only way they saw to measure up was to murder him and take his spot. Envy was a dangerous plight.
“Are you worried about anything, or should I say anyone in particular?”
“Nah, nothing in particular.” I kept that short. I really tried to never go deep into the business with her. Mostly for her own protection. I wanted to keep her involvement at a minimum. The less she knew the better. I knew she understood the streets and hustling were not the safest place for me to be. And she understood my position put me at risk. Simply, she was no fool about the game. But I kept the killing, especially as of late, from her because although it had been a lot, it had been necessary. Quite of few people had put Marlo and I to the test recently causing us to prove to them the truth. That disrespect of any kind could not and would not be tolerated.
But I did have reason to worry, and she should know. “I am worried about someone though.” I realized.
“Aye, look I know Marlo being shot got you shook. And I know how much you care about him.” My eyes fluttered. I was a bit surprised that she pulled Marlo being shot out of her bag of answers.
I could only smile. She loved to talk about Marlo. She was determined to break the case wide open to prove my feelings for him. I was convinced she would stop at nothing. “I do believe you must be Marlo’s biggest cheerleader and doubt he would appreciate it. Yes . . . I was concerned about him, when he was shot.” I was prepared to downplay the Marlo conversation as I always done. I continued. “But Marlo is on the mend. A fast one I might add. And I never expected less.”
Promise chuckled. She shook her head at me, reached for the Champagne and refilled her glass. “Sister dear, you can continue to play like you have Marlo replete and I will fake like I believe you.” She smirked, then sipped from her glass.
“Anyway.” I sighed then drank down the rest of the champagne in my glass. “If you are done, we can get to the person I’m really worried about. Which happens to be you.” I was matter of fact in that last part.
Promised allowed her lips to fly apart in attempt to be shocked at what I said. “Me. Why? I told you I am fine.”
Once again, her face carried a sincere look, and I wanted to believe more than anything that she was okay. But I had to be honest with myself, ever since she had been home her energy seemed off. But the last thing I wanted to do was argue with her or accuse her of being untruthful. I needed a different approach. Maybe understanding. “Well, I heard you when you said you were fine, and I try to stop worrying.” I tried to sound upbeat. “Listen, I want you to be happy. I hope that you know that. Just the right kind of happy . . . and sometimes lately I just get the feeling that you are not.”
