Page 5

THEY GON’ LEARN…

I wasn’t stupid. I made sure I was meeting Coast in the daylight at a public spot with people around. That wasn’t for him. That was for me. To make sure shit didn’t getoutta hand while he played boss.

We were meeting at Tide’s Edge, a shore bar in Southwave.

It was laid-back with wood tables, sun umbrellas, and reggae low in the background.

Waves crashed a few feet away, and Sable Cove’s skyline glinted in the distance.

Coast was already there with his feet kicked up, shades on, and a drink in hand.

He didn’t even look at me when I walked up. Just flicked his wrist at the chair across from him.

“Sit down, nigga. I should have brought Mula.”

I slowly sat, kept my face calm, and my eyes cold.

“Look, Coast, before we even start,” I started, leaning forward, voice low. “I already told you—keep this between us. Mula don’t need to be in the middle. He is loyal to both of us, don’t make him pick sides.”

Coast finally looked at me behind them dark shades. That little smug-ass look that made my blood boil.

“You act like this is my lil’ secret to keep. Like you doing me a favor asking me to keep quiet.” He let out a low laugh, shaking his head. “Nah, nigga. You owe me so much money, I could smoke you right now and sleep like a baby. And you sitting here telling me you ain’t moving funny?”

His voice dropped, real low, and became cold.

“Explain this shit to me then.”

He pulled out his phone, slid it across the table. I glanced at the screen—one of those anonymous texts.

Unknown: You know, Hurricane movin’ weight behind your back, right?

I swallowed and sat back. I kept my face straight.

“I don’t know who sent that bullshit, but it’s just that, bullshit. You know how these streets move. Jealous niggas talk. I owe you bread, yeah, but I ain’t crossing you.”

“Uh-huh. Whatever you say, fam. But let me tell you this…” He leaned in. “You got five days. Five days to pay me back, or I’m telling Mula everything since you fear him and not me. The shortcuts. The texts. The whole game.”

He sat back, sipping his drink like he ain’t just threaten to set my whole shit on fire.

“And don’t forget Yummi’s beach party. You’re showing up.

Pay that fee for them custom swim trunks she’s making for everybody.

Ain’t no nigga exempt, and stop thinking you can get with her too because you can’t.

I’m only inviting you because I look at you as family.

I suggest you start looking at my sister the same way. Not as one of your potential bitches.”

I nodded.

“Yeah. I’ll be there. I’ll have your money that same day.”

I left the table before I could say something stupid. The sun was burning hot, but all I felt was cold inside.

He thinks he is untouchable and can punk me.

He thinks this wave his forever.

I needed to breathe, so I walked down the beach. My feet dug into the sand while the waves lapped at my ankles. In the back of my mind, a dark thought curled up like smoke.

Coast been running this shit too long. Maybe it’s time for the current to change.

Yummi’s face flashed across my mind; that smile, that attitude, the way shemovedwhen she thought nobody was watching.

I licked my lips slowly as my hands flexed at my sides.

Yeah… maybe it’s time for her to learn something, too.