Page 18

“I love it when Skip gets that crazy look in his eyes.” Wild clapped as he bounced in his seat. “I love this type of carrying on.”

As I listened to Uno curse him out about acting like an idiot, I lost myself in thoughts of Gia.

I should have killed her years ago for playing me, but the love I had for her wouldn’t let me.

I don’t know her reasoning for coming back to my city, but she’d better stay out of my way.

The Jordan that loved her hoe ass is long gone.

The nigga I am today will blow her shit back without a second thought.

It's been a couple of weeks since Money brought it to my attention that our workers on the Eastside were doing a piss poor job of selling our work. Being as though those guys had been with us for a minute, I tried giving them the benefit of the doubt. I took it upon myself to stake out the house they were over and confirmed everything Money had said. They show up late, if at all, they always have women over, and sometimes, they’d throw small parties.

In the line of business they’ve chosen to work in, it’s certain shit you can’t do.

These niggas have been around long enough to know we don’t play that.

They didn’t know they worked for me directly, but they’re going to find out today.

“Talk to me,” I answered my cell as I whipped through the lifeless streets. I’m a creature of the night, so I handled most of my business once the sky darkened. “Speak up.”

“Well, aren’t you just a ball of sunshine,” Mimi’s soft voice flowed through the speakers, and I couldn’t help but to smirk. “Why haven’t you returned any of my calls, best friend? Let me find out I’ve been replaced.”

Gripping the wheel, I chuckled as I listened to the accusatory tone in her voice. Noemi was always fishing to be in someone's business. I admit I hadn’t spoken to her in a few days, but I’d been busy. Also, Wild saying Gia was in town had been on my mind.

“I haven’t replaced you yet, so you’re good,” I assured her, causing her to kiss your teeth. “There may be someone coming for your spot, though.”

“You’ve met someone?” I could picture those wide eyes now, ready to ask a million questions. “Who is she?”

Approaching the block, I parked a few houses down from the one the guys trapped out of.

This particular spot was supposed to serve until two in the morning.

Seeing that it was a little after midnight and all the lights were off didn’t sit well with me.

Cutting the engine to the unmarked Malibu, I got comfortable in my seat to have a quick conversation with Mi before I went in here and killed these niggas.

“Do you remember me telling you about my ex? The one that tried to play me?”

For a minute, she said nothing. If it wasn’t for her heavy-ass breathing, I would have thought she’d disconnected.

Hearing her shuffling in the background, I heard a switch flick before she answered, “Sorry, I had to run downstairs to get a drink for this.” I chuckled as I heard her throw a cap from a bottle onto the counter.

“Now, Skip… I know damn well you’re not going to spend the block with her trifling ass. Tell me what happened.”

"Ain’t shit to tell.” I shrugged as I took a quick pull from my blunt, eyes still trained on the quiet house. “Wild said she came into his shoe store looking for me. I’m not sure why, but what I do know is when I see her, I’m knocking her shit loose.”

I wasn’t one of those people who let time heal my wounds.

Instead, I let the shit fester until I exploded.

Not seeing Gia for years didn’t take away the hatred I had for her.

If she thought she was coming back to town to rekindle what we had, she might as well leave the city before she ended up losing her life.

“Wow…” Mi echoed into my ear. “I don’t know what to say to that.

It’s been years, and I can only imagine what she wants.

For her sake, I hope it’s worth coming back to town for.

I know you don’t put your hands on women, but I wouldn’t be mad if you smacked a hoe after what she did.

” We shared a laugh because I knew she was serious.

“Where are you? It’s too quiet, and I know you’re not at the club. ”

“Handling business,” is all I said. I wasn’t going to say too much, but I know she could read between the lines. “It’s late… why are you up?”

After telling me she wanted to visit Grove’s Isles, I went to work, making sure my spot was fresh and clean.

We all owned our own houses out there, but I hardly ever went to mine.

I confirmed it was cleaned weekly, so I wasn’t worried about that.

I just wanted to guarantee everything was in place so she would have a good and comfortable time.

“Since I’ll be on vacation soon, Chandler called himself wanting to spend time with me.” She sighed heavily before I heard her gulp. This girl drinks at the slightest inconvenience; I didn’t speak on it, but I also didn’t like it. “We went to see a movie and grabbed dinner.”

“Did you enjoy yourself?” I grabbed my favorite Draco from the passenger seat. “You don’t sound like it.”

“Any-fuckin-way.” I shook my head at her answer.

Family or not, I don’t think I could be with someone I despise.

I’d be killing everybody. “I just wanted to call and see if you still loved me since I haven’t heard from you.

Remember… I’ll be there in a week. Make time for me.

Tell them hoes that you have to split your time with a real one. Love you, bestie! Be safe!”

Not giving me time to respond, she disconnected our call. I pocketed my phone and made my way across the street. The conversation became a distant memory with each step I took.

Creeping up the steps to the front porch, I placed my semi-automatic weapon at my side as I eased the front door open.

These niggas didn’t even lock my shit, and it pissed me off even more.

Stepping inside, I closed the door behind me and walked further through the living room.

It smelled of old takeout and cigarette smoke in here, and now, I was tempted to just blow up the fucking house with these undisciplined niggas inside.

I know Money explained to them the rules on business and housekeeping.

To disregard his wishes was the same as disregarding mine.

Making my way through the house, I became aggravated when I didn’t see anyone.

The entire house was a mess, and part of me wanted to burn it down for real.

After I didn’t find anyone on the main level of the house, I opened the door to the side of the kitchen, and that’s when I heard the music from the basement.

Easing down the small and barely-lit stairwell, the sounds of Plies filled the air.

Once I rounded the corner, the scene before me was the reason so many niggas died these days.

Leaning against the wall, I relit my blunt and watched as four of my men engaged in their very own orgy with three women from the hood.

Skin slapping and moans could be heard over the music as they not only fucked the women but each other.

Instead of blowing up their spot and letting them know how they had me fucked up, I let my bitch talk for me.

Tat! Tat! Tat!

Not giving a fuck about the women, I sprayed the entire room.

With my blunt still tucked between my lips, I swiveled from side to side, letting all thirty rounds loose.

Once the smoke cleared, the bullet-riddled bodies were laid out on all the couches and the floor.

Walking over to the minibar, I opened the Hennessy and took a few gulps.

Seeing an unopened sub sandwich platter, I strolled over and grabbed a couple.

As I ate, I leaned against the wall and eyed the mess I had made.

Pulling my phone from my pocket, I dialed Money.

“Boss,” he answered on the first round. “Everything good?”

“Yeah,” I answered and nodded as I chewed the last bit of my sandwich. “Get someone to come clean the house on the Eastside—it’s filthy. Also, you might need that new crew. Something tells me the old one won't be in tomorrow.”

“Mr. Mills! The truck is out back, ready to unload. I’ll be there if you need me.”

Nodding my acknowledgment, I watched Irene as she sashayed to the back. The club was closed every Monday for housekeeping, inventory, and stocking, so I didn’t have a full crew.

“You know that girl wants you, right?” I dragged my eyes to Jerome.

He came in on a packed night when I only had one bartender, pushed her aside, and went to work.

I was amused and impressed with how well the customers took to him.

He was flirtatious and complimentary when it came to the ladies and a jokester in a way that the men weren’t easily offended.

Somehow, the man bullied his way onto my payroll, and I admit it was a great choice.

“That don’t have shit to do with me.” I shrugged as I sat on the bar stool with my iPad in hand. I’d been looking over invoices and sales all morning, and the shit was making my head hurt. “You got everything you need back there? What bottles are you missing?”

“Once she accounts for the liquor and brings me the bottles I’ve requested, I’m good.

” He flung hair that wasn’t there from his face as he leaned over the counter.

“Are you seeing anyone, Skip?” I paused my swiping and mugged him.

He threw his hands up and chuckled. “I don’t want you, love, so no need to shoot.

I’m still heartbroken that my sister landed fine-ass Dre.

” I chuckled at him, feigning hurt as he palmed his chest. “I was just asking. The girls here say you’ve never taken them up on advances.

They said you’re either with someone or gay. ”