Читать книгу Lovely Vines - Tondria Leatrice - Страница 8
ОглавлениеChapter 1
Samaya
Saria Is My Stage Name
“Run, Samaya, run!” Queen shouted as they ducked behind the car. Samaya saw the shadows getting closer and moving past swiftly, and heard the whistle sounds go past her ears as the shadows disappeared. Bang, bang, bang. “Get down, Samaya!” Queen screamed again.
The shooters jumped in the car speeding off, shooting, and each time they shot, a window shattered right next to her face.
Every time the disco lights on the ceiling glared in her face, she thought about that night, seeing the flare from the gunfire.
When the money hit the stage, she knew she’d never put her life in danger over moola again, seeing how easy ass and titties made it fall, but Rocky was always into some shit.
As she slid down that pole looking into the dim room, she saw nothing but darkness, a few lights, and people cheering her on.
The colored lights glared onto her moistened body, and the money falling onto the stage made her hustle even harder. Making her ass shake and looking at her surroundings at the same time became her norm.
When she danced, all she thought about was growing up looking at her grandma pushing a cart, picking up cans off the streets.
Grandma’s routine was cooking anything, cleaning, fighting, canning fruit, gardening, drinking, and not working.
She didn’t grow up around her runaway dad, or his beautiful family, and Grandma tried hard to fill the empty void.
Her mom was fifteen years old when she had Samaya, so Grandma’s routine is all she saw, and that lifestyle made her twerk even harder.
She didn’t start figuring shit out until she turned twelve that their family was poor and accustomed to the system.
Not only that, the crack epidemic took over the whole motherfucking hood and the ones she looked up to in her family tree. That thought alone made her climb the pole again, coming down fast into the splits and barely thinking about her runaway mom.
That street shit had her mom missing, so she went looking for her daddy’s missing ass. Fuck that hungry shit, she thought. Searching alleys where she heard he gambled, his mother’s house, the clubs, and to find out he was the lead crackhead dealer. The realization alone made her count her money with pride, not caring about shit but the height of the stash.
Eventually, running the streets was all she knew, which blew by like a breeze, missing the last few years of high school to get naked for a dollar. Teaching herself how to hustle from the first period to the six-hour turning could be As into a sum of banknotes.
Never giving in to doing drugs, being she saw it take over some of the strongest in the game, which had her doing headstands to get the powerful dollar.
By sixteen, she was not giving a fuck about feelings or life, period, running away from the empty home into the streets that pretended to love her.
Shaking her ass to the latest bounce music made her forget family function and values to the point family started to shake and forget about her.
Learning the power of money was her main focus, and stacking it by any means necessary was the only goal she had. Breaking anyone that came in her path made her careless of who she was.
Being overpowered by the dollar pumped through her blood, and best believe it was all she knew and to hustle.
*****
Samaya stood on the corner, cold as hell, as the customers came and went, while she watched Queen sit in the car. Queen counted the money, listened to music, and flamed, as usual.
Samaya was more focused on being happy that the hunger pangs were gone, she forgot to eat some days. The money was coming so fast. She was blinded.
*****
When Ginnie from the block approached Samaya, she was relieved as hell knowing that all these hours standing out here was worth it. Everybody knew that Ginnie bought all your shit when she came from turning tricks.
Samaya said, “What’s up, G? What you need?”
Ginnie said, “I need all that shit! What you got left, girl?”
Samaya said, “Quit talking so damn loud! I’ll give you this for one eighty.”
Ginnie said, “Okay! You’re hustling tonight? Here you go!”
*****
All the negative things that occurred in her life made her focus while trying to keep her breath. Is she running, Samaya thought. Not falling to the streets again was all she thought about when chasing this bitch down the alley. “Queen, she took our shit!” Samaya yelled as she punched Ginnie in the back of her head. “What the fuck is wrong with you, Ginnie? Give me my money, and get yo monkey ass on somewhere, bitch!” Samaya shouted. Queen jumped out the car running behind them all out of breath and late, “Get that bitch, fam!” hitting the flame and trying to yell at the same time.
*****
Samaya rushed to the back after watching Queen get all her money off the stage. As she gathered what Queen didn’t, she rushed to the dressing room and saw DJ coming from behind the booth to talk like he always does.
“Saria!” DJ shouted, but the door closed in his face just like that chapter of chasing crackheads down the streets and his simple-as-baby-mama lines.
*****
Samaya said, “Roll up, my nerves getting bad. The mouse face chasing me with his musty ass.”
Queen said, “Oh, one day he’s going to bite yo ass. You know Rocky doesn’t allow smoking anymore.”
Samaya said, “His mouse ass is going to bite the tip of my nine. Da fuck! Well, Rocky knows I don’t follow the rules. Fuck him!”
Queen said, “You dropped out of school and started shaking that ass at fifteen for this club. He knows damn well, you could have been shut down this club a long time ago.”
Samaya said, “Stop it! I’m going to finish school eventually, and shaking my ass fed us, deary.”
Queen said, “You’re always saying that shit!”
Samaya said, “Me doing the splits got you through high school and out of the car.”
Queen said, “I’m just saying, damn! Thank you, Ms. Bouncy.”
Samaya said, “Bouncing, and twerking in the air getting on my nerves.”
Queen said, “Girl, you been needing a man to bounce on for a while now!”
Samaya said, “I wouldn’t know the first thing about how to treat a man, let alone myself.”
Queen said, “It’s easy. All that shit you’re doing on the pole, you do on his dick, then follow his lead with your eyes open.”
Samaya said, “Bitch! You sound dumb as fuck. Hit this shit so that you can come back to earth.”
Queen said, “You don’t have no filter. At least give it a try or something.”
Samaya said, “With no direction, or structure, I’m a hot mess for anybody. Sliding down this pole to get this paper is all I know, and a man will slow that down. Have you ever thought about what our life would be like if our parents raised us, or Granny?”
Queen said, “I don’t think about them. We came from nothing, but look at us now, bitch!”
Samaya said, “I’ve never seen our family work a nine-to-five, attend college, or have rules.”
Queen said, “We ran away from home into the streets to get away from Granny’s army rules, or we’d probably be college graduates by now.”
Samaya said, “Girl, please! We didn’t give a fuck about anything just loose. Chasing people in that old blue Chevy.”
Queen said, “My dumb ass was right there with your hungry ass stealing and shit. Girl, remember Granny tried hard to get us out of that damn car, but we kept dodging her. I didn’t want to move across the country and shit.”
Samaya said, “She had the police looking for us, and we hid in the car for hours. We’d probably be running like my mom did, if we went. Poor Kacee and Kasie, they’re trying to leave now.”
*****
Samaya looked at Queen sideways when Sunshine came into their changing room. “Thanks for knocking first,” Samaya said. Queen knew Samaya wasn’t fucking with any of the females or men that stepped a foot in that club.
Sunshine said, “Let me hit the flame, Queen.”
Queen said, “Huh? What you need?”
Samaya said, “You got money, right? We don’t know where your mouth been. Da fuck!”
Sunshine said, “I do…I wasn’t talking to you to begin with.”
Queen said, “Slow your roll, Sunny. What do you need?”
Samaya said, “This bitch said, ‘Sunny.’ You funny as fuck, girl.”
Sunshine said, “It’s Sunshine. I’ll see you later before you leave, Queen.”
Queen said, “Here, girl! Let me get that hundred first. Did Rocky raise your premium?”
Sunshine said, “What the fuck is a premium?”
Samaya said, “Hell naw! This shit funny, G! It’s your rent!”
Sunshine said, “Y’all using all these sadity-ass words. And no! He didn’t raise shit! I’m gone, Queen.”
Samaya said, “I can’t stand her jiggly ass. Anyways, we went from pushing pushcarts down the street to rolling on rims in this bitch.”
Queen said, “Girl…every time you get high, yo ass go down memory lane. Come back, bitch! Come back! Look at the situation now, we’re good. But jiggly?”
Samaya said, “Whatever! I can’t wait to count all this money my beauties, techniques, and Saria made tonight.”
Queen said, “We did bank tonight! I’ll call you tomorrow. I’m out.”
Samaya said, “Hold up! Did you hear our premiums went up in this bitch?”
Queen said, “Yes. I was serious when I just asked her that. He so money hungry, I can’t stand him.”
*****
The smell of smoke, stale alcohol lingered in her hair and clothes, but counting all that money made her forget about that shit.
She danced four nights out of the week and shopped the other three. In her mindset, she didn’t have time to fuck with a nine-to-five, that school bullshit, or these simple-ass men. Money turned her on, and people that made it, period.
Samaya hustled hard to get her apartment on the top floor of the Canyon Club Condo, never wanting to be hungry again. Taking everything off as she walked through looking at her all-white furnished Grayson Luxury collections, she was reminiscing about living out of her car with her sister and Queen.
The warm water hit her body, relaxing her mind as she massaged herself with Eau Du Soir in the all-white marble shower, moisturizing her caramel skin, perky 38D pierced breasts, thirty-four-inch waist, and apple booty. She loves her moneymaker, thinking about how they used to take baby baths in restaurants, to the movie theaters.
She lay across the top of her white Batiste European goose down comforter, with her white laced bodysuit on, in her oversize king bed by herself again, which was solely hers.
She loved the softness of her skin, feeling the silk sheets ravel as the tightness came then relaxation. Beep. Beep. Beep. She did not pay the notification no mind, because only a few people had her number, so if it rang, she answered. Beep. Beep. Beep.
She ignored the sound and continued to slowly rub her nipples in a circular motion to intensify the effect of the tightness, never letting a release to the fullest, relaxing the clitoris just enough for a daily wall exercise. She finished and checked her notifications, knowing damn well it wasn’t Prince Charming with the glass slipper.
*****
Queen’s text to Samaya: “Love you girl…Wyd?”
She noticed that Chad finally got out his feelings, texting the same thing over and over again; a few notifications on Lovely Vines; and her manager fat ass from the club.
When she responded to Chad, she instantly got mad at herself giving in to her past.
Samaya’s text to Chad: “What’s popping?”
The last time she had drinks with Chad, they became partners in crime. He tried to wife her because he liked how she got down with him, but they went their separate ways when he couldn’t fuck.
Chad’s text to Samaya: “When can I see you?”
She ignored Chad’s text, wishing she hadn’t said anything to him. She continued to check her notifications until she saw one that stood out from the rest. She decided to text Queen because she knew she had something to do with it.
Samaya’s text: “What’s up, Queen?”
Queen’s text: “What are you doing?”
Samaya’s text: “Looking at this site ‘Lovely Vines’ you know, the one I joined. Are you coming over?”
Queen’s text: “Got some new flame! This shit fire! The twins called earlier wanting to come live with me, but granny not going.”
Samaya’s text: “Girl please, you see Tara left when she turned sixteen.”
Queen’s text: “You are always trying new shit! I’m bringing fast food. Why would you try a site that cost money and all these free fine men out here.”
Samaya’s text: “It’s a VIP page for ballers only.”
Queen’s text: “YEAH! IT DOESN’T COST TO MEET MEN.”
Samaya’s text: “A one-time registration fee and they make sure funds are legit. And, I can look all I want to without them all in my face…”
Queen’s text:: “That’s too much! You can pay a fee to get in a nightclub and see men in the flesh. Lol.”
Samaya’s text: “If someone comments or likes your pictures only you can see it. My inbox, always full of nude photos, and long-ass paragraphs of horny fuckers.”
Queen’s text: “I hope you don’t respond to that horny bullshit! It seems like the more money a person has, the freakier.”
Samaya’s text: “Well my Sketch only has a little information.”
Queen’s text: “Then they know all your business, NOPE!”
Samaya’s text: “I have one face picture, one full body in that long white dress Jai designed. My hair straight as usual, and you know my body moistened down, French tips, and my lip gloss shining.”
Queen’s text: “You’re always extra.”
Samaya’s text: “Want me to set you one up?”
Queen’s text: “HELL NO! I’m good. Omw!”
*****
They sat around the fireplace sipping on wine, flaming, looking over her Lovely Vines page, and laughing at all the alerts she was getting.
Queen said, “Look, girl! Look!”
When they saw the new alert coming from him, they both smiled hard. Samaya was waiting for Queen to snitch on herself because she tried setting her up with him before.
Samaya never paid attention to how fine he was, but she knew the name well.
Samaya said, “I should give his fine chocolate ass some time. He liked a few of my pictures to get my attention, I see.”
Queen said, “Look at the other fellas compared to him.”
Samaya said, “They’re all saying the same lame-ass shit. He looks familiar.”
Queen said, “Let’s check out his sketch. Let’s be a little nosy!”
Samaya said, “Check him out. He’s a business owner, with almond brown skin, brown eyes, six foot four, an elegant taper with a full beard, mustache, solidly built body, and single.”
Queen said, “Go to the other pictures. I think you should breathe, bitch! Quit drooling and shit.”
They started checking pictures for females and kids.
Samaya said, “Should I hit the ‘like’ button to this one?”
Queen said, “Yes, bitch! Get his attention!”
Samaya said, “Anyways! Have you been to the storage?”
Queen said, “I went last week! It’s your turn! Yes, I know! We’re going to move it soon.”
Samaya said, “No! Let’s repackage it, so it doesn’t mildew.”
Queen said, “Or, we could just put it in the car and move it. Problem solved!”
*****
That morning, Samaya went for her morning run around the lake and saw Chad doing pull-ups on the bars. The sun shined on the lake and glared onto his body, making his monkey ass look good.
She kept jogging past him all cool, not noticing that Chad was right behind her, picking her up off her feet from behind. She screamed until she saw Chad’s face as if she didn’t notice him.
Samaya said, “What the fuck, dude!”
Chad said, “Calm your pretty ass down.”
She yelled while hitting him in his chest in a playful way, noticing his fake empty smile. This bitch fine as fuck, Chad thought. Chad laughed, knowing he’s never had a chance with her anyway, so he enjoyed the hitting while it lasted.
Chad said, “Bet your ass don’t run past me no more, acting like you didn’t see me. What you’ve been up to, Samaya?”
Samaya said, “Shit, Chad! You scared the fuck out of me.”
Chad politely grabbed Samaya’s hand and began running with her to complete the run around the lake, trying to convince her to hit another lick with him.
When he walked her over to her car, he opened the door for her. He placed his business card in her sports bra, seeing that she was rolling better than him, and that made him want her more.
Chad said, “This time, use it! Hopefully, I get a yes for an answer.”
Samaya said, “I get busy.”
Chad said, “Why are you scared? It’s quick money.”
Samaya said, “I’m not the same young thirsty-ass girl anymore. I make real money now!”
Chad said, “It can be between us, Samaya.”
Samaya said, “I’ll think about it.”
*****
Queen went out that morning and picked up some groceries while Samaya was out running. When she returned, Queen had breakfast and coffee ready for them.
Queen said, “Bitch! How you got money and no food? I don’t get it! How are you thick in the ass like that, seriously?”
Samaya said, “I buy when I’m hungry, okay! Let’s go before the gym gets crowded.”
Queen said, “Yo ass want to see that sexy trainer. Horny ass!”
Samaya said, “He is fine! I know he’s probably fucked half his clients already. I saw Chad irritating ass.”
Queen said, “Please don’t deal with him. He’s bad news. Had us running for our life type shit.”
Samaya said, “I’m not thinking about hitting any licks. I’m past all that dumb shit.”
Queen said, “I’ve seen that look before, Samaya. You have a lot of money, so there’s no need for that thirsty shit.”
Samaya said, “We were hungry and desperate back then. The fuck! I’m not stupid for no nigga.”
Queen said, “Bringing him up done spoiled my appetite. The twins called again today. They’re ready to come up here with us.”
Samaya said, “We need to go find your mom and daddy’s ass.”
Queen said, “Your mom said she’ll be out of treatment in three months.”
Samaya said, “Well, hopefully, Pops get out of jail and stay out of the streets this time.”
Queen said, “He ain’t my pops. He left us for the streets and turned my mom out.”
Samaya said, “We have to learn forgiveness, baby girl.”
Queen said, “Fuck that! Forgive your daddy then.”
Samaya said, “My daddy on the street, still chasing false dreams. Yours is locked up for trying to put money into the house. It’s a big difference, cousin!”
Queen said, “If he’s that perfect, Granny shouldn’t be raising his children. Oh, I forgot! Who do they want to come live with?”
Samaya said, “I love you! You’re still my baby, but they’re running from discipline, probably. Tara forgave our parents for sending her with Granny.”
Queen said, “You like my mama, girl! Tara ran away at sixteen too.”
Samaya said, “Well, you don’t like them! I don’t either!”
As soon as Samaya smashed off, Queen leaned over, hugged her, and kissed her face, leaving lip gloss all over her cheeks, knowing Samaya hated shit on her face.
Samaya said, “Stop it! Before you make me crash this bitch.”
Queen said, “Ugh! There that bitch go. She never speaks when I come to the shop. I can’t stand that bitch!”
Samaya said, “What bitch?”
Queen said, “She just pulled out the garage in that raggedy-ass car.”
Samaya said, “Girl, we weren’t always rolling and eating. Stop that!”
Queen said, “One day I came looking for you at that store, and it took forever for the bitch to tell me you left. Then the bitch rolled her eyes, and sipped her coffee.”
Samaya said, “She told me about that. She said, ‘Some girl came looking for you, Ms. Samaya,’ plus, she always speaks to me.”
Queen said, “Little turtle-head-ass bitch. Eyeful-watching ass!”
Samaya said, “Girl, yo ass funny! Leave that girl alone.”
Queen said, “Her sister needs to make her some damn clothes. How the hell you fly, and your twin look like a rag doll.”
Samaya said, “Jai is outgoing and classy, and her twin is laid-back into her books. Just because she wears oversize flannels doesn’t mean she’s a rag doll.”
Queen said, “So what! If she’s into her books, she missed the part of good customer service.”
*****
Man 2 said, “Told you, my nigga!”
Samaya put in the code and waited for the gate to open. She discussed with staff already about it opening and closing too slow, so she was pissed to see they hadn’t fixed it.
She hated going by herself which Queen complained about, but they both went by themselves most of the time.
Man 2 said, “She’s not giving up any play, so you might as well get the bitch.”
Chad said, “I told you to give me more time. I’ll convince her to be mine, and we can get the shit easily.”
Man 2 said, “Look! She has a briefcase, and Queen has the duffel bag. It never changes! Then, you think she’s gonna fall in love with you and give you her password and hand you the money.”
Chad said, “If I can get in her crib, then I can look for it. You look! Ain’t no way we’re getting in this storage unit without a unit.”
Man 2 said, “That’s the smartest shit you’ve said. Let’s call and get one!”
Chad said, “We’re going to need a few more people.”
Jai
Doing Me
Jai was one of the coldest designers on the rise in California. This bitch kept her shit tight with her skin always glistening. She stood at five foot seven with long-ass legs, had a nice bump in the back to complement her figure and boobs sitting high at a 36D after her surgery. Her stomach was flat, and her makeup was always on point.
The bitch’s hair was shiny and jet-black, hanging to her ass, which made her stand out. She had clothes to die for, and her outfits showed off her buttered-down skin, with no scars or tattoos anywhere.
Only a selected few exotic dancers knew about Jai, and the rest were some funny Wall Street bitches with big-ass noses.
Her identical twin sister Jez worked as the cashier and her assistant part-time. Jez always smiled and greeted the people she liked, but Jai couldn’t let her go, knowing she was rude at times.
*****
Jez said, “Hello, Samaya. How are you doing?”
Samaya said, “I’m okay, twin. How are you doing?”
Jez said, “I’m good, girl. Thanks for asking.”
Samaya said, “Likewise. Where twin at?”
Jai noticed Samaya immediately walking into the shop. I see money today. And prices don’t matter, Jai thought. She would have sit-downs with Samaya and sketch designs to her liking.
Jai said, “Come to me, beautiful! I have so much to show you.”
Before she could say hi, Jai pulled some new designs from behind the white curtain, and the twin was pouring her a glass of champagne. After trying them all on, Samaya bought them all and chatted with Jai.
Samaya said, “You know my style, girl?”
Jai said, “Very simple, and elegant. How are you doing with the man search?”
Samaya said, “You never ask questions to why I want my outfits to come off so easy. And, this man situation needs to find a way into my universe. I’m not looking or chasing shit.”
Jai said, “Are you still down with the business proposition?”
Samaya said, “Yes! I brought the down payment, and we can meet at the bank on Thursday when everything goes through. Right?”
Jai said, “Correct! Here are the business agreement and insurance papers. Sign these, and we’re in business, girl.”
Samaya said, “I need a few minutes to read it over.”
Jai said, “I’ll be right back! Take your time!”
Jai and Samaya attended fashion shows; went to brunch, wine tasting, body painting events, movies; gone fabric shopping, spa treatments; and shared the latest gossip.
Samaya considered Jai a friend, so she decided to open up more and handed Jai a business card.
Samaya said, “Meet me tonight around nine thirty, so we can celebrate. I’m in business now! I’m proud of myself.”
Jai smiled as she read the card, knowing damn well she’d never been to a strip club before. I never have known for a stripper to have a business card, but I like her hustle, Jai thought.
Jai said, “I got an invite? I feel special as fuck. See you tonight, Saria.”
Samaya said, “Bring your A game, girl. I see your friend still sending flowers.”
Jai said, “Yes, girl! These are the old ones. Since I let him smell this muthafucka, he’s been sending flowers on a weekly.”
When Jai went to hug Samaya, she saw the delivery man approaching with a big bouquet of fresh white tulips, knowing who sent them already. “Look at this shit!” Jai whispered to Samaya as she let her go. “You got that soup cooler,” Samaya said as she walked off, and Jai giggled so hard, she teared up.
Jez said, “Bye, Samaya. Seriously, how many dates have you been on with him?”
Jai said, “We went on a few dates. He’s sending flowers before the other ones go bad. Thirsty ass!”
Jez said, “Did you have sex with him? What does thirsty mean?”
Jai said, “I cannot deal with you. Sis, you need to get out more.”
Jez said, “If your ass doesn’t speak proper English. Don’t go around the question.”
Jai said, “We’ve had some good conversations. He’s been to the shop a few times. He’s watched me model my designs, a few movies, and some lunch dates. I already know he wants sex, but who doesn’t?”
Jez said, “Well, he must like something about you. Always sending flowers and candy. Do you think he’s relationship material?”
Jai said, “You already know sex comes easy with male, or female with me. Oh, I let him eat my pussy a few times.”
Jez said, “Oh my gosh, sis! TMI…Next, he’s going to be here cutting fabric.”
Jai said, “Sis, you’re crazy. Let’s step out tonight?”
Jez said, “For something to eat, I hope?”
Jai said, “No! A strip club.”
Jez said, “Hell no! Not my cup of tea.”
Jai said, “Loosen up a li’l bit.”
Jez said, “I’m not that loose. I don’t want to see loose asses shaking all in my face.”
As Jai read the card attached to the flower stick, she smiled. “It must be nice, the way you’re cheesing,” Jez said.
To Jai
I hope these flowers brighten up your day beautiful.
Meet me for lunch at our spot around the corner.
From Chuck
Jez made sure Jai arranged all the orders for pickup with the receipts for each client that were picking up their orders before heading to lunch with Chuck.
*****
Chuck said, “Hey, baby girl! Looking beautiful as always. Come here!”
Jai loved hugging Chuck and smelling his cologne, and the strength of his hug made her pussy wet every time. Chuck picked her up a little bit off her feet, pulling her into him, loving the softness and smell of her skin. Chuck finally got that wet kiss he’s been wanting. He wanted to start fucking in the restaurant but had to snap back into reality.
Man 2 said, “His ass happy as fuck to see her. I think we might need one of my brothers.”
Chad said, “I’ll talk with him! He doesn’t know about the storage unit. He thinks we’re following the girls for a friend over some money she owes.”
*****
Chuck said, “Get up and follow me!”
Jai said, “Oh my gosh! You’re crazy! They’re going to see us!”
Chuck locked the door to the bathroom, picked Jai up like she was a feather, and sat her on the sink. He lifted her skirt and opened her legs as she pretended to be nervous. She was watching his head go in between her legs, and that turned her on every time. His head was moving up, down, side to side, like he didn’t have a bone in his fucking neck. As soon as she squirted, they went and had a beautiful lunch like the lovely flowers he sent to the magnificent tongue he used.
*****
Chad said, “Bro, I hope you don’t fall in love! We’re strictly after the money.”
Man 2 said, “We need a way to distract the other girl! If her sister went that easy, we need to find somebody to holla at her.”
Chuck said, “Y’all didn’t tell me what the stipulations were to this shit! She too fine not to fuck! Fuck that! How many more friends does she have?”
Man 2 said, “Queen is not going! She fucking with that one nigga that be at the club, and I know that for a fact he has money.”
*****
Jai took the papers to the bank and her lawyer, so they could see the business arrangement through.
She was so excited to have a partner now, knowing the money would help her find a factory to make her designs. She could buy more fabric, make more designs, get better materials, and models for fashion week.
She knew some of the top designers’ assistants from France would be there, so she worked hard on these designs.
Jai walked back into the shop, smiling from cheek to cheek, thinking about what she was going to wear tonight to see Samaya. She grabbed a few designs off the rack in the back of the shop that she hadn’t put out yet, and headed for her office. She picked out her outfit for the night, went to the liquor store, then headed home.
She got her workout clothes then headed straight to the treadmill, showered afterward, took a few shots, and got dressed.
*****
She couldn’t find a parking spot anywhere close, so she parked a block down the street, passing a couple on her way toward the club. Trying not to let them notice her looking at them argue, she tried walking faster. When the man pulled the lady’s hair shoving her into the car, she turned around and glanced at his ass. She wanted to keep it moving, but to see that the lady didn’t yell for help irritated her.
Jai said, “Stop hitting women, pussy!”
Woman’s voice said, “Mind your business, bitch!”
Jai said, “Dizzy ass!”
The man said, “Go on, bitch! Before you get popped!”
Jai stuck her middle finger up. “Fuck you!” she shouted. She wanted to turn around and leave, but she wanted to see Samaya do her thang.
She was so pissed that the lady defended him. All she thought about was her mother getting her ass beat, yelling for help. Their mother’s eyes were bruised up one day; then the next day she be hugging and kissing all on their father.
When she approached the door, the attendant looked her up and down as if she was lost. Pretty as Samaya was, she thought she was lost and looked at the business card again in disbelief.
The door attendant said, “Hello. How may I help you, miss?”
Jai said, “Hello, sir! How much?”
The door attendant said, “Fine as you are, it’s free.”
Jai said, “Thank you!”
The door attendant said, “Damn! Can I get your number?”
Jai said, “I have a man!”
The door attendant said, “He doesn’t have to know! Why is he letting you come here?”
Jai said, “First of all, I’m grown. Boy, bye!”
The door attendant said, “He still shouldn’t let you come to places like this.”
Jai said, “Just how, you don’t know me! He doesn’t let or tell me shit.”
The door attendant said, “Damn, ma! It’s like that? What’s your name, beautiful?”
Jai tried being polite, but he kept coming at her until the door slammed behind her. Before the door closed all the way, he got his last say in trying to whisper.
The door attendant said, “Have a good night, bitch!”
She couldn’t let that shit go because that was one of her most disliked words coming from a man. She turned around so fast to open the door it almost went off the hinges.
The door attendant said, “Coming back for more?”
When she chuckled, he knew she was about to say something from how her face looked. “Let me tell you something. You short, stocky, ‘coming to my chest, closer to the ground than me’ fucker. Maybe you should get on all four since you’re the closest to the fucking ground, doorkeeper. Now, bitch that! Now have a nice night, pup,” Jai said in one breath.
The door attendant said, “Go on, before I bite your sexy ass. Woof, woof!”
She rolled her eyes and pushed by the door again. As soon as the door closed, her phone was beeping like a muthafucka. When she saw it was Chuck, she ignored his hootchy-kootchy-eating ass and went straight to her contacts and blocked his number for the night.
A dancer said, “Would you like a dance?”
Jai said, “Maybe later, thank you!”
The bartender said, “What can I get for you?”
Jai said, “Double shot of top-shelf tequila. Thank you!”
