Page 20

Story: Southwave

LISTEN TO YOUR MIND

I was at Velvet South in VIP. It was super lit because it was one of the local rappers' birthdays, and he brought out all of Southwave. I was with my bestie, Solace, and my mother, Aqua. My mom was close to fifty years old, but she loved going out, especially with me. I didn’t mind chilling with her.

She dressed fabulously, was down to earth, and most of all, she always picked up the tab.

My momma was a vibe, and I was glad she invited me out with the girls because I desperately needed to vent.

“The way you dragged Sparkle, I’m surprised the bitch wig stayed on!” My momma laughed and then sipped her champagne.

“You know that bitch use Gorilla Glue to keep them stiff wigs down, but I had to drag her. I ain’t gon’ lie though; the shit ain’t make me feel good. I’m ready to break away from these shackles, especially after Mula got in my head.” I sipped my D’usse on rocks.

“God rest my son’s soul, but if Rico was alive, that nigga Hurricane would be dead because of the way he treats you, and he knows that,” my mom replied.

“It's time to switch over to the friend. Let ‘em save you because he is your getaway,” Solace added.

“We talked on the yacht. He wants to take me to the mountains to do God knows what. He texted me last night to remind me. He really wants me away from Hurricane, but he said it’s my call.”

“Well, make that call, bitch!” Solace laughed.

“I don’t want them beefing over me, and the city gon’ be looking at me like a hoe. They’re friends.”

“Baby girl, they are not friends. Fuck the city and do what’s best for you, which is getting the fuck away from that nigga before I kill ‘em myself and take over my son’s empire.

I’m surprised Mula even let Hurricane run it by himself for this long.

It's always been odd to me that he left it with Hurricane, anyway.” My mother turned up her nose.

I laughed. “Momma, please! You ain’t killing nobody.

Mula has said in the past that his legal businesses mean more to him, and he only stays around in the name of Coast. There’s been tension between them.

He might make Hurricane come off his throne soon.

He told me that if I don’t go with him on this mountain trip, he’s going to kidnap me.

I might purposely say no so he can. Y'all know I like that gangsta shit.” I smirked as I continued to sip.

“Your love language is for a nigga to manhandle you, and that’s why you still with Hurricane.

Deep down, you like that shit. But that shit ain’t healthy, and I know you seen yo’ dad do me like that growing up.

Your brother used to treat his bitches the same way.

I don’t want that for you, Daughter. You deserve better than Hurricane.

Get you a good man like Mula and get back to designing your bathing suits.

I haven’t seen you be yourself in a while. ” My mother pierced her eyes on me.

“I hear you, Mommy. I promise my next move will be my best one,” I assured her.

For the rest of the night, all I could think about was Mula, and the crush I had on him when I was young had taken over me.

I was in my mid-twenties, but I was ready for something real.

I didn’t want to be in an abusive relationship anymore, and I wasn’t going to be single either.

I craved love, so I was desperate to find my soulmate, and I hoped Mula was the one.