Long Live the Queen, page 7
Chapter 12
I rang Promise’s doorbell three times before she finally opened it. In a pair of silk pink boy shorts and a wifebeater she was breathing hard as though she had run to the door. I pulled off my Burberry sunglasses and gazed at her.
“What took you so long? I was about to karate kick this damn door down.”
“Well, you could have tried. But I doubt them Louboutins was gone do the trick.” She glanced down at my red Christian Louboutin pointed-toe heels I was rocking. “I was just getting out the shower. I dang near broke my neck getting to this door. I should have figured it wasn’t nobody but you out here ringing my doorbell like the police.”
“My bad.” I stepped inside past her. “Thought I’d come by. I’ve been back from Miami for three full days, and I haven’t heard from you until this morning.”
“I been at the salon, it’s been stupid busy around there. I have no free time to make a call. By the time I get here I fall into bed.” That sounded much like my life, too busy. The only thing I did besides work was sleep when I could. But I would not go into that, she had heard that story before.
“What’s with that text you sent me about that dude Money being in LA?”
“Yep, he got in this morning.” Her response was a bit too casual for me. I’m sure my facial expression said as much. And she had totally ignored the fact that I called him a dude. Normally, she would have asked me why I had called him that.
“Why is he here? To visit you or just to sightsee in LA?” My tone matched my questions.
“To see LA?” She chuckled as if my question was funny. “To see me. What you think? Pfft.” She sucked her teeth then folded her arms across her chest and twisted her lips at the edge in a sarcastic gesture. “He was trying to get me to come to Miami remember, I told you about that. But I told him to come here first. Cause I could tell you wasn’t feeling that. You know that look you had on your face. Kinda like the one you have now.” She smiled, but I did not return it.
Instead, I replied, “I gotta say, he know he is forcing his way in. Who comes all the way to LA for someone they met for five minutes?” I tapped my right Louboutin to show my slight apprehension at the whole idea.
“What’s so wrong wit’ that? Them five minutes must have been enough to tell him everything he needed to know.” Her smile never faded. I knew she thought I was overreacting, so she taunted me on purpose.
But in that moment, I could see that her smile was not just a smile. She was happy. I stopped tapping my foot. “Nothing I suppose. I guess you can bring him by the club while he in town. My new club promoter got some local celebrities coming through. So the club will be on fire.”
“Shi’dd your club always on fire.” This time I smiled. She was right about that. There was never a dull night when the club was open. My cell started to ring. I recognized Mob’s number right away.
“There goes your hotline.” Promise sat down on her couch.
“What’s up.” I answered.
“We got a problem. Rolla on that shit and not following orders to shut that shit down.” Mob’s tone was matter-of-fact and not at ease. He didn’t take disrespect easy. Rolla refusing to shut down was exactly that. In the past, the old Mob probably would have shot him first then called me after he got rid of the body.
“Get him on the phone and set up a meeting asap.” I ended the call, there was nothing else to say. Rolla needed my special attention, that much was clear. I understood having a new boss was sometimes a challenge just like on a regular job. But this was not a regular job, we didn’t report to the IRS. And the termination process was a whole lot different.
“Is everything okay?” Promise asked right away. She knew from my tone and body language something was up.
“These niggas want to test me today, it’s all good, though. But I gotta be out.” Promise got back to her feet. “I’ll hit you up later though.” I smiled to ease whatever she thought might be amiss with that call. I knew sometimes she worried about me, but I tried to reassure her as much as possible that I had this. By the time I was in my Range Rover truck Mob hit me up to let me know it was set. It would take me close to an hour to hit the meeting spot, so I hit the gas.
Don P greeted me at the door, and we walked to the meeting room together. Case and Mob were seated. I knew Mob didn’t come to the door because he wanted to keep an eye on Rolla, who was seated at the table among them. Along with two of his henchmen. Mob was giving him the death-eye, which was so convincing I shivered.
I pulled my seat out and sat down. I counted to ten in my head. I wanted to remain calm so that my delivery could be well received. Reluctantly, I turned my attention to Rolla who I too wanted to choke. I cleared my throat as a test run of my tone. “Let me make two things clear and simple.” Rolla and everyone in the room’s eyes were fixated on me. “This here is a single table, and everybody come here to eat. But when just one leg breaks from underneath it . . . it fucks it up on all ends.”
I intertwined my fingers together and placed my elbows on the table, my eyes still never leaving Rolla. And the urge to jump across the table and squeeze his neck did, in fact, intensify. “You are one, nigga. And when you fuck up—” I stopped talking and sat back in my seat. My blood was boiling.
To my pure agitation, Rolla’s voice came across the table. “Look, I need my block running. Without that one territory, I am missing major money and losing loyal customers. That situation with the little girl, that shit been died down. And . . .” Before he could utter another word, I pulled out my Ruger from under the table and pointed between his eyes. My forefinger was locked on the trigger.
His words about the little girl stung deep. His voice was crawling under my skin. The one thing I hate is for a jabber jaws who don’t say shit, to say nothing. “Shut down the spot or the next time you see my aim it will bust red from that brain that you don’t use to think. And have some FUCKING RESPECT . . . FOR A LITTLE GIRL WHO LOST HER LIFE, IGNORANT ASS NIGGA!” Spit flew outta my mouth I was so pissed. I eased the gun down, laid it on the table and stood up. “This shit is done.” I turned and exited the room.
How dare he sit in my face and reduce a child losing their life to “that shit died down,” all the while disobeying my direct orders. Honestly, had El Guapo not had a huge sum of money tied up in him, I would have blown his brains out myself no sooner than those words came out of his yuck mouth.
Chapter 13
The club was always packed on its opening nights Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. But it was a Sunday night, and the line was still hanging off the property line. It was clear Shasha’s latest promotion for a local celebrity performance was going to be a hit. As usual when I knew I was going to be lit I rented a driver to pick me up and bring me home. My driver pulled up to the front of the club to let me out, security opened the door for me. Anytime it was packed they were on point for my arrival until I left the building.
Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop” blasted out of the speakers as I made my way to the bar. It was an old song, but I did not see one person who wasn’t singing along, and the dance floor was full.
Sharita as usual was all dolled up and serving up the drinks. The people loved her. The nights she took off the regulars would ask about her. She was popular in the club. The girl raked in at least twenty-five hundred in the three nights we were open during the week. A night like tonight would just be the extra icing on the cake. She might rack in twenty-five hundred in tips tonight alone. She smiled when she saw me. “I guess your girl really bringing them in with her promotions. It has been non-stop since I got here. And it’s a Sunday night.”
“No doubt, the line is around the building,” I replied. From the bar I looked out and viewed the club. It was indeed packed. Soon they would be turning people away at the door. And they were going to be pissed. But we had no choice. There was no way I would risk the Fire Department coming in to shut us down because we were over the maximum occupancy limit.
“Umm, are all VIP rooms stocked and taken care of?”
“Of course, and there are two servers to a room. We gone get this bag tonight.” She grinned, while mixing a drink.
“Facts,” I chirped. Sharita was always on top of it. She was much more than a bartender. Honestly, she was like my assistant at the club, just not with the title yet. The girl was definitely keeper material.
“What’s up Precious? Hey Sharita, girl.” Regina bounced on stool at the bar in front of us. We both said hey. “Can I get a vodka shot?” She looked over her shoulder.
“Coming up.” Sharita turned to do her thing.
“Hey, you know you are on the VIP list.” I reminded her.
Turning her attention back to me she grinned. “I know, I’m just working the crowd for a minute. Ran into an old cutie.” I should have guessed that is why her lips were stretched from cheek bone to cheek bone.
“Okay. Well, I’ll catch up to you later.” I exited the bar just as Sharita slid her the vodka. They started chatting and giggling. No doubt Regina was filling her in on more detail about that cutie she had referred to.
Security fell in line behind me as I left the bar. He kind of stepped to the side of me to make sure I had passing room. I gazed up towards the VIP rooms, I could see Shasha in one of them. I could tell she was checking on the guests. A part of her job, besides bartending and promoting, was to work the crowd to be sure everyone was good. She really seemed to be good at it.
I spotted Toya right away as I stepped in my designated VIP. I saw Quavo, one of the crew leaders who now served under us in her face, and Toya was just like Regina. All tooth and gum.
I sought out a drink. “Precious.” Stylz G approached me before I could get my hand on that much-craved drink. Stylz G, also one of our crew leaders, was known as a somewhat of a pretty boy. He was hazel skin toned and kept a curly flat top. But his hustle spoke for itself. He kept his traps tight, made the dough, and kept the drama out of his territory. “Aye, your spot on hit. I fuck wit’ this the strong way. My first time up in here, but it won’t be the last,” he complimented.
“Yep, come through,” was all I had. One of his homeboys stood behind him. And two females were on his hip like a baby ready to breastfeed. He introduced them both as his girlfriends. I wrote them both off for being stupid groupies. And told them all to drink up and turn up before I walked off. I needed that drink.
I signaled one of the servers over and told her to grab me a shot of Apple Crown Royal. Promise was in my face in a New York minute, I didn’t even notice her approach. Right away I noticed Money on her heels. I remembered his face well from when we met in Miami. “Sister, it is off the hook up in here.” She was hype.
“You know how we do, I’m glad you could take time out of your busy schedule to be here.” I teased her. Promise didn’t miss no special events at the club. And she didn’t miss too many Saturday nights if she could help it either. If she did miss it, she had to be dog tired or sick.
“I wanted to be here an hour ago, but I was late getting out of the salon.” Money stepped to her right side, I guessed he was ready to be acknowledged. “You remember Money.” She looked over at him and gave him a reassuring smile. “And Money this is my heart in life form, my sister, Precious.” She introduced us as if we had not been introduced before.
“How can I forget such a beautiful face.” He tried to lay the charm on before I could respond. Promise should have told him that shit would not work with me though. He would learn that really quick.
“Glad you could make it to LA.” I tried to be hospitable.
“Shi’dd if this how y’all do. I’m all the way in. Your club is HOT!”
“Thanks, business is normally good and with the help of my new part-time club promoter it’s only getting hotter.” I gave Shasha some credit, she would have been glad to hear it herself.
I watched Promise’s eyebrows stretch to the ceiling. “I need to meet ol’ girl. This club promoter.” She bobbed her head to Beyoncé’s “Ego” as it blasted out of the speakers. I had not had a chance to tell her about Shasha. I had planned to but so far time had just not permitted.
“You will,” I assured her just as Toya walked up and Prel, along with Regina, joined. They all eyed Money. Promise wasted no time introducing him. Money spoke then excused himself to go to the bathroom.
“Promise, that Money is fine as hell.” Toya could not wait until he was out of ear shot, to boast her opinion.
“No lies. He is,” Prel added her two cents. “Does he have a brother? Cause you know I’m single.” They all burst out laughing. I didn’t join in on it though. Instead, I used that time to down my shot the waitress had delivered me.
No sooner than my drink wet my throat was Quavo in my face. “What’s up, Precious?” He spoke to me but the entire time he was eyeing Toya. I spoke back but it was clear he only came over to get another look at Toya. Which was fine but why must he be so obvious?
“Okay ol’ boy just came over and spoke to my dear sister but Toya it’s clear he got eyes for you. And please don’t try to deny it. I done already seen him all in yo’ face when I got up in here.” Promise made it clear she had facts. The protest that Toya was brewing chilled.
“Yo, that is fine ass Quavo from around the way, if y’all don’t know. He got the bag, but he a player too,” Regina stated.
“I only just met him tonight. But I figured that. He looks like the player type,” Toya said.
I just stood back and listened and downed my second Apple Crown Royal shot the waitress had delivered me. I was starting to feel good, and Moneybagg Yo’s “Time Today” blasted out the speakers at the right time.
“That’s my slap.” I chanted and started singing along.
Promise started twerking. “Aye,” she sang. We all joined her dancing after that we danced back-to-back on a few more tracks. After the third song I was determined to sit down for a bit and Promise joined me. Money was sitting down on one of the couches chilling.
“You good?” Promise asked him over the music as she sat down next to him.
He sat up, cradling a cup of what looked like Hennessey, he replied. “I’m enjoying myself.”
“I told you it’s always popping up in here.” Promise leaned over and kissed him smack on the lips.
“See I told you I could bring the city out.” Shasha approached and stood standing over me.
“It’s a start,” I said loudly enough so she could hear me over the music. That was all the credit I was willing to give her in person. Like I said, the club was always packed. She would have to show me this on a consistent basis.
Promise snatched her attention from Money and cued in on Shasha and my conversation. “So, you are the new club promoter? What’s your name?”
“I’m Shasha,” Shasha replied but her eyes were glued to Money.
“Shasha,” I said her name to grab her attention and eyes away from Money. I could not believe how hard she had stared at him. “This is my sister, Promise, and her friend Money.”
“Hey,” Shasha’s lips moved but her eyes again briefly landed back on Money.
Promise grabbed Money by his right hand. “Actually, Money is my man.”
A smile spread across Shasha’s face. Her eyes this time landed on Promise. “Well, I hope you both have a good time tonight. And Precious, thank you for this opportunity I promise you this is only the beginning.”
“Well, you get back to work and have yourself a good night.” Promise said before I could say anything else. Her tone and statement were dismissive. A stunned looked crossed Shasha’s face; she looked at me as if to be saved but I said nothing. Appearing a bit dumbfounded she left.
I gazed at Promise and almost laughed out loud. She had hoe’d Shasha and sent her packing with a few words.
Money scooted to the edge of his seat. The mood between Shasha and Promise was clear. “I’ma go catch a server and grab me some Don Julio shots.” He stood up and flexed away.
I could no longer hold it in. I laughed out long and hard. “Promise, your ass is crazy as shit.”
Promise rolled her eyes then smirked. “Lil disrespectful bitch . . . where you find her at anyway? COMPTON HOES BOULEVARD?!”
I could not stop laughing. I had to catch my breath and breathe slowly to control it. “I didn’t, she found me.” I finally was able to release my breath. “I think she got your message loud and clear.”
“She better, next time I’ma smack a muzzle on her lil hood ass.” I laughed some more. I needed a good laugh. These young girls were bold these days.
Chapter 14
“Hel . . . lo.” I could barely get the words straight. I was so sleepy I didn’t even pick the cell phone up. Laying in the bed above my head between my disheveled pillows I just located it and touched the screen to answer. I noticed the time and it was only 3:46 AM. I had just got home and literally fallen into the bed at 3:00 AM. I hadn’t even been asleep long enough for the crust to form between my eyes.
“We need to meet.” Mob’s voice came through the phone.
I wanted to scream at him I was so damn tired. I had just gotten home from the club, and I was wiped out. Shasha’s party promoter event had been a hit. Mad money was made, and plenty of fun was had, now I needed at least four hours of shuteye. “A’ight I’ll hit you with the location.” I ended the call. Reluctantly, I slowly pulled my body up and sat up in the bed. It really crossed my mind to throw my phone on the floor and stomp on it until it was dead and gone. Instead, I got up, threw on a black and white Nike sweat suit, with some black Air Max with the white Nike sign and bounced.
I slid into the booth next to Don P, who was sitting across from Mob. I had told them to meet me at a low-key all-night diner from the old neighborhood where I grew up. For one I needed some coffee to work on this hangover and to wake me up. And two, I knew it would be quiet and virtually empty. Soon as I sat down a waitress approached, and I ordered accordingly.
