Episode 7 Pure Coincidence

The atmosphere to the restaurant was dim, much like the way Andre was feeling at the moment. He just wasn't in the mood to see or even talk to another girl. He was still in mourning...more so now, since he talked about the suicide to his brothers. Gloomy...down..just not in the mood for anything or anybody. Kareem spotted three girls walking their way.
"Ok, Andre, put the sad song away because we got three hot chicks coming our way. I'm pretty sure that's them." Kareem stood up as the girls walked up to the table. Andre hesitated, but stood up and greeted the ladies.
"Hello everyone." Michelle said extending her hand to Kareem and Andre. Only Kareem shook her hand. "I'm Michelle. This is Kami and Shanese."
"Hey" The ladies said in unison. Michelle whispered something in the girl’s ears and then headed to the door. Kami truly felt uncomfortable with this "date" She didn't have time to be mingling with a man. She had an agenda. She slid in the booth and began to "occupy" Kareem with a little conversation.
Kareem was all smiles as he formally introduced himself to Kami. She didn't look like she wanted to be here, but Kareem wasn't about to let her down.
"Hi. I'm Kareem. Is everything ok? I mean, if you're feeling uncomfortable, I can understand, since this is sort of like a blind date."
"No I'm ok. It's nice to meet you. Michelle said she needed a favor from a friend so I don't mind." I lied straight through my teeth. One thing I hated was for a man to be able to read straight through me. So I put on all smiles for this rather good looking man. "So are you from here?"
"No, actually I'm-we're from Brooklyn. Me and my brothers are here for some work." Kareem saw the put on smile. What was this girl's deal, he asked himself. "Listen, why don't I get you something to loosen up a bit, because you obviously seem to wanna get up and run from here. I don't bite...I promise," said Kareem, giving his best manly smile to this beautiful lady next to him.
"Kareem, I'm fine trust me. But a drink would be nice." Kareem called the waiter over and I order a girly drink, Strawberry Daiquiri. No need in getting drunk with someone I don't know. "Anyway, I've never been to New York. I'm a writer/author. I'm sure the time will come for me to make a trip there. My Publisher is in New York. What is it that you do?" The waiter came back with my drink. I crossed my legs and turned to face Kareem. My short strapless baby blue dress was rising up a bit. Of course that caught Kareem’s eye. Maybe I wanted it to.

He just had to look at Kami's shapely legs. He tried not to be obvious, but the eyes just did their own thing.
"I'm a computer technician. Yeah, you can call me a geek, but actually, I'm the furthest thing from a geek as you can get," Kareem laughed. He stopped the waiter before he left. "I'll take a coke please," said Kareem. Kami gave him a sideways look.
"A computer technician? Nothing to be ashamed about. That just means you make a lot of money. Everybody has computers." I laughed as well but not at him, with him. Kareem seemed real cool and I was glad I decided to do this favor for Michelle. "So Michelle says that this "favor". I put fingers up for affect. "Is supposed to last for a few weeks. What do you like to do? Any places you may like to see while you're here? I'm not much for being out in the clubs. I just came out of a five year relationship that ended bad and I was trying to do the right thing and stay out of the clubs but that's another story." I laughed. "But I'm sure my girl Shanese knows a few places.

Kareem nodded as Kami was talking, taking it all in, especially the relationship part.
"Yes, I'm comfortable on what I get paid. Three weeks is correct. My days will be busy, but my nights," Kareem started. He was noticing Kami's beautiful eyes, and how she seemed interested in every word he said. "My nights are free, and as you can see, I'm not much of a drinker either. They can keep the clubs. Give me a secluded spot of a restaurant, with good food, and a nice conversation with a lovely lady...who I believe is NOT in a relationship, based on what I heard?"
I laughed at Kareem's little hint of me being single. "Yeah you heard right. I'm single. Wasn't by choice. It was a hand I was dealt but I'm a big girl. I'll get through it."

The hurt on Kami's face was so noticeable, even though she put on a brave front. Kareem took hold of her hand, which scared her just a bit.
"Listen, I told you I don't bite. What I'd like to do is to make you comfortable, and ease those bad feelings from your head, because you are so tensed up, I can feel it. "Kami smiled, and her hand loosened up to take a better hold of Kareem's. Kareem continued, “"So, a five-year relationship, huh? How can anyone be with a gorgeous gal like you for so long, and just give up on you? That is how it went, right? Because you seem like the committed type; in for the long run. Does this person still have your number?" Kareem, as smooth as he is, was hoping that the relationship was completely over, because he didn't need any headaches.
“Thanks but yes I was committed. He ended the relationship just when I thought he was going to ask me to marry him. But something about the situation doesn’t seem right. Things have been crazy in my life since then." I took a sip of my drink. "He doesn't know but I know about a huge secret that he's keeping. Something happened a few years ago concerning money. Needless to say, I plan to use my information."
Damn, she wanted to take ol' dude's money, Kareem thought. That hurt look returned to Kami's face, this time with a little bit of fire. Kareem stared at her for a few seconds, seeing the wheels turning in her head. The wheels were turning in his head as well. Kareem heard the word money, and his heart started racing. This was another chance to get paid, and what better way than to help out a fine-ass women bring down her ex.
"Um, wow. Ah, so you really want this dude to pay, huh?
"Something like that. I invested a lot of time in this man. I can't just let him walk away like that. A few months back I found out that he was involved with a friend in a bank robbery and got away with a lot of money. I have plans once this favor for my friend is over." As I told Kareem about Keith his eyes got big like he'd just seen a ghost but before he could respond or ask another question, Shanese walked up to me.
“Hey I'm leaving. I don't know what's up with ol' boy but I'm outta here. I'll hook up with ya'll again later.
"You leaving?" I asked.
"Yeah I need to get Lil Mark. You might as well come with me. I don't wanna leave you here by yourself." She finished.
"Well Kareem I guess we are gonna have to cut this little date short. How about we exchange numbers and hook up again later?"
Kareem couldn't believe his ears. Say what? He stood up as Kami stood, ready to leave.
"Yes, we definitely have to meet up again. So, how about dinner? Some nice convo? You pick the place."

I stood up with Kareem. "Great. Here's my number. Call me this week." I gave Kareem a small hug and headed for the door. He headed over to his brother Andre.
Kareem watched as the babe in the slinky blue strapless dress walked out the door, then sat down with Andre.
"Bro, what the fuck? That Shanese chick was too through with you," said Kareem.
"I don't know, me and blind dates...it's ridiculous, man. I wasn't feeling her, she wasn't feeling me." Andre looked more depressed than usual.
"Well, let me tell you this: me and that fine thang that just walked out the door are hitting it off. In fact, we're hitting it off so well, that she opened up to me," said Kareem. Andre was still sulking. "And, you're not gonna believe what she told me."
"What, that she wants to be your baby's mama? Look, let's just forget about these tricks, and go back to the motel and talk money. That's what we're here for anyway." Andre started to get up.
"BINGO!" Kareem's face lit up. Andre waited for Kareem to explain what bingo meant. "Bingo, as in money! Andre, she just told me that her ex was involved in a bank robbery, and she's about to set him up and get paid. Dude, doesn't this sound familiar?"
Andre eased back into the chair. "Bank robbery? Don't you think it's a coincidence?"
"I don't believe in coincidences, bro. I believe in being at the right place, at the right time." Kareem's smile went wide, causing Andre to do the same.

Meanwhile….
When Michelle left the restaurant with Kami, Shanese, Andre and Kareem, she planned to go home but had other things in mind. She vowed a few weeks ago that she was going to try to work on her marriage and not sleep around but of course while out she met a gorgeous, caramel skin guy named Travis that got more than her attention. After a few brunch dates they’d had one sexual encounter and tonight would make the second.

As she pulled up to his house in Lawrenceville GA she fixed her lips and hair. She got out of the car and walked up to the door not realizing she was being followed by a Private Investigator because her husband thought she was cheating on him.

Be sure to read "Crimes of Passion in the ATL" with Keith, Kareem, Carlos & Andre. http://provocatived.blogspot.com

Dominique Watson and Darryl Mims are bringing their series together. Watch as the action unfolds and the characters come together!

Episode 6 The Set Up; Part Two

“That doesn’t look like work to me.” Brian said as he walked over to my desk and looked at the computer screen.
“It’s not. I’m working on my book shh!” I said back. I was at work and working on the sequel to “Light My Fire” I’d gotten the inspiration over the weekend to work on the book.
“So what’s gonna happen this time? Is Pam gonna have the baby or what?” Brian asked. Brian was a white guy that I worked with that was cool as hell. He even read Urban Fiction Novels and besides my mother, he was my number one fan of “Light My Fire”
“You have to wait and see now get back. You’re messing up my concentration.” He laughed and went back to work. Although I was heavy into my book, I hadn’t forgotten about Keith. Little did he know, I knew about some illegal mess he got involved in a few years back. I was the wrong bitch to cross and he was gonna get what was coming to him. He never should have let me know about his little secret.

While in the middle of working on my book, Michelle called.
“Hey your friend Michelle is on line two.” Brian stuck his head in to give me the info.
“Thanks.” I picked up just as he was leaving. “What’s up?”
“Hey you busy?” She asked.
“Not really. Working on my book. I should be busy though. My Boss is expecting this article to be done soon. What’s up?”
“Well I got a proposition for you. I know you will be game once you hear the details so just hear me out ok?” She finished.
I laughed. “Girl what do you want? What you done got yourself into?”
“Look, I have a friend who needs a favor. He has some friends coming in town and needs me to occupy them. It’s two guys and of course I can’t handle them by myself so I was wondering..”
“No.”
“Awww come on Kami. It’s just a mingling with a few guys. No harm done. Plus he’s paying ya’ll to do this favor. She tried to explain.
“Ya’ll? Who’s the other female? Shanece? Who is the guy Michelle? Ray? You’re new guy?” I had tons of questions.
“Yeah I just haven’t called her yet. He’s just a friend. So are you gonna do it or what?” Michelle was a little annoyed I could tell. But I was not about to mingle with some guys. I had an agenda.
“Or what.”
“Ok look, if you help me with this, I will help you get Keith back. He deserves everything coming to him so do this favor for me and I got you.”
I sat quiet on the phone for what seemed like a whole minute. “Let me think about it.”
“Alright call me soon cause’ I need an answer.”

Michelle hung up and I sat thinking about this plan. All I had to do was spend a little time with some guys, get paid and she would help me with Keith. My ultimate plan was to get him back for what he did. Forget that article and this book. I needed to think. I left to get some Starbucks and clear my head.

Meanwhile….
After calling Kami, my next call went to Shanece. I knew she would be down. She was money hungry just like me. She would want to get that cash. I hoped Kami would be down but if not, I would have to occupy this other guy for three weeks. After everything I’d dealt with with Keith I wanted to at least treat my husband decent and act like I loved him. After this plan I was cutting back on being with other men and at least try to do right.
When I called Shanece, she picked up on the first ring.
“Hello?”
“Dang, you waiting on someone to call?” I said.
“Oh, yeah I was hoping you were Flex. We just got into it.”
“About what?”
“Mark of course. He’s tired of that mess. I know I can’t get shit out of him while he’s in his funk and my lifestyle ain’t cheap.”
“Well I got a way for you to come up with a few thousand.”
After explaining to Shanece the plan and giving very little details, she was game; told me to call her when everything was set in motion and she was in it. Right after I hung up with her, Kami called.
“Hello?” I answered.
“I’m in as long as you are game on helping me with Keith.” She said as I answered.
“I got you.”
“Then I’m in.”

The Dirty Sexy Chronicles are collabing with Crimes of Passion in the ATL. Be sure to read those articles so you can really know what's going on and meet the characters that are being introduced throughout The Dirty Sexy Chronicles: http://provocatived.blogspot.com

Episode 5 The Set Up; Part One

Keith was having a tough time accepting this new partnership. He was use to having things done his way, and at his pace…not to mention, keeping most of any profits that were made. Now with Carlos back in the picture, a 50/50 split just won't do. He looked around the beautiful house that he had built in the Powder Springs section of Atlanta. Five bedrooms, a great room, a big kitchen with an island, a huge deck with a pool where he's thrown countless parties...This was earned at 100 percent profit, not 50 percent.

Keith frowned at the thought of dealing with Carlos, but knew this was the right thing to do. He could have hid from Carlos forever, but he didn't want to have to keep looking over his shoulders for the rest of his life. “Why not make things right by bringing him on board in this business deal?” thought Keith. He wasn't convincing himself at all, and now, the added headache of Carlos's brothers scheming on his money...that wouldn't do at all. Keith wasn't sure how this plan to "occupy" the brothers would work, but he did know one thing: if anyone can pull it off, Michelle could. She was the biggest schemer he'd ever known, and was proving it time and time again. She might have gotten over on all those other brothas, but not him. He was going to make sure of that. The doorbell rang. Keith checked his watch...right on time.

As Keith opened the door he looked at me without a word. On the phone he told me we needed to talk and it was important. He didn't give details on the phone, just an address to come and see him at his house which I'd never been to so I knew it was serious.
"I'm here. What's up?" I walked into his lavish house that looked like he paid millions for. I sat my purse on his plush living room couch and turned to him for an answer with my hands on my hips. The way he looked at me told me I looked good in my gold top, gold stilettos and black tights. His answer said otherwise.
"Sit down, we need to discuss a couple of things," said Keith.
"Is that how you talk me now?" Without hesitation I walked around to the couch and sat down. He poured me a drink and sat across from me.
"Look, for what you owe me, I can talk to you any damn way I please. So listen up. How would you like to get rid of the debt you owe?"
"What debt?" I knew exactly what he was talking about. I just hoped he wasn't talking about the Kami situation.
"Please, you know what I'm talking about, or did some dude blow your mind so good that now you can't remember shit?"
I hated the hold Keith had on me but I couldn't do anything but take the blows. I slept with my best friend’s man and now I was paying for it."Whatever Keith. So what's the discussion?"
"Since you're so good at keeping brothas company, I got two that need your expertise. I want you to keep them occupied for a few weeks. They're from New York, and will be working for me. Whatever you do, make sure you don't do it around me. Other than the hours they put in for work, I don't want those two around me...and around my business partner."
"What? I'm not doing your dirty work. I don't even know these "brothas" No Keith. I'm not doing it." I sat back on the couch with my arms folded.
Keith laughed for a good minute. When he stopped, he wasn't smiling. "I was wrong. This isn't open for discussion. You WILL do it because you owe me. Don't make this harder than it's supposed to be."
"Keith why are you doing this? Why can't what we had just be a one night stand and move on? Wow I can't believe Kami was in love with a Con Artist." I sat quietly for a minute while I thought about his plan. "So what all do I have to do?"
"You know, you got a lot of nerve bringing up Kami's name, while stabbing her in the back. That's why you will be good for this little job. I'm a business man, and there's business that needs to be done. So...all you need to do is get these brothers to pay you and whoever else you bring on, more attention than us. You know how you do. Seduce them, screw them, keep them in hand cuffs for all I care...just make it happen."
"How much you paying us? This ain't for free." I was now sitting up and looking Keith straight in the face.
Keith laughed even harder this time. "Bitch, that dude must have really blown your mind because you're talking some crazy shit right now. You're right, this ain't free, so do this, and consider your little debt paid in full."
"Keith my girls ain't doing shit for free and get off your high horse cause' the dick wasn't that good anyway. You ain't gotta pay me nothing but my girls are going to need to be reimbursed. I know you got it living in this nice house and all." Keith and I were no longer sipping our drinks quietly. It had turned into a mouth piece war and if I was called another bitch it would be more.
"Yeah, and the ass wasn't all that, either. No wonder dudes treat you like shit, because that's all you're worth. But, alright...I'll give up some dough to the other girls. You, on the other hand, gets nothing. You get them to do whatever it takes, and I'll pay them say, $2000 a piece."
"Fine and after this deal is done don't call me text me or "accidentally" run into me. We are done." I grabbed my purse and headed for the door. "Call me when we need to meet the guys." I slammed the door behind me leaving a big loud bang behind and hopped into my Mercedes. My next call was to Kami.

Meanwhile…
Keith watched Michelle as she was marching out the door, her body tight, ass so fine...thinking that if he was a little nicer, that he could have gotten some before she left. He threw out that thought quickly. Seeing that she was pissed with him right now, Keith figured she might try to scam her way into getting some of the money for her efforts. She was just a piece of ass to him...it wasn't like he couldn't get some from someone else....

Read “Crimes of Passion in the ATL” here: http://provocatived.blogspot.com Starring Keith, Andre, Kareem & Carlos

Episode 4 The Hustle

I met Mark when I was sixteen years old, yeah my High School sweetheart. Out of the eleven years we’d been together I’d been pregnant twice. Lil Mark was the second child. The first I aborted when I was eighteen. Mark and I were never really crazy about each other. We loved each other but always dealt with other people. I think it was easier for him to see me with another guy than the other way around. Mark and I had a lot of drama that escalated from him seeing other chicks. I guess it was just the jealousy in me. Lil Mark showed up three years ago and I knew I wasn’t getting rid of my baby. Mark and I were still going through our ups and downs; still not an official relationship. Whatever you call that. We spent time together as a family. He took us out occasionally but Mark was a drug dealer. That only went so far and he wasn’t a Kingpin. He worked for someone else. There were times that me and Lil Mark went without. My job as a receptionist didn’t always pay the bills and I wasn’t close to my family so I really had no one. Mark and his drug money was it.
So now I’m in this relationship with Flex. Good job having, clean, nothing illegal Flex. I love him with all my heart. Something I never felt with Mark but it was hard to let Mark go. I couldn’t stand to see him with someone else. I felt like I had leverage because I gave him his first born; his only child but now he was having a baby with someone else and I was about to lose my leverage; especially if he loved her.

Flex and I had been together for almost a year. We didn’t live together just spent plenty of time with each other when we could. He had a real problem with Mark. Not because he felt like mark was a problem but because I allowed Mark to play too much of a big part in our relationship. With me everything was about Mark. “I wonder where Mark is” I haven’t heard from Mark today” Mark this and Mark that. Flex warned me time and time again to let Mark go that we were no longer in a relationship and the only ties we had to each other were Lil Mark. I never listened. I always felt like Flex couldn’t understand our bond because he didn’t have kids. Now we were sitting here arguing about the incident that happened yesterday in front of Mark’s house.

“Shanece, I can’t keep going through this mess with you. I’m not in a relationship with Mark. I’m in a relationship with you. I don’t care that he has another baby on the way. He’s a grown man. He can do as he pleases.” Flex spoke as he stood in front of the TV at my house. Flex is a little over 5’8 smooth brown skinned with low cut sandy brown hair that he inherited from his mother.
“Flex you don’t understand. He didn’t even tell me that he was seeing someone else.” I sat on the couch trying to make Flex understand my point of view. Lil Mark was upstairs in his room playing.
“Does he know about me? Does he know that I take care of his son when he falls short?” He paused. “I didn’t think so. I’m tired of this mess with you and him. You get so worked up about what he’s doing in his life that you’re not paying no attention to me and you and our relationship. I been dealing with this for a year. But I’m done now.” He grabbed his bag to leave. He planned on spending the day and night but I guess that wasn’t happening today.
“Where are you going?” I jumped up to keep him from leaving.
“Going home Shanece. I told you I was not going to play this game with you for too much longer. Find someone else to pay your bills.” Flex walked out the door but I ran behind him.
“Flex we need to talk about this first. Don’t leave….Please Flex. Wait!!!”
“Shanece, get in the house before your nosey neighbors come out. Get your shit together and call me.” He jumped in his Lexus and pulled off. I went back in the house before someone started peaking out their window trying to see what was going on.
“Dammit!” I screamed at no one as I walked back into the house. I picked up the phone to call his cell but he didn’t answer. I did that two more times before I threw the phone into the couch. This could not be happening. Not right now. I truly needed Flex.

Flex made living in this luxury apartment an option. Everything I had was because of him. I worked as a receptionist and could not afford the rent on my own but with Flex and his great paying job at the bank I was able to live here and buy more for Lil Mark. Something else Mark did not know; another man was taking care of his son yet I was up his ass all the time about other chicks. I needed everything to be ok with me and Flex or it would be time to get a side hustle. Money would be getting low very soon.

Then the phone rang….

Meanwhile at “Forte” across town…

Keith Forbes checked out the crowded club...Rob Base's "It Takes Two" jam was getting the people up and dancing on the dance floor. His good looks and perfect fade with laid back waves was attracting lots of females. They came up to Keith, and asked him to dance. He smiled, showing the whitest teeth, and told them "Maybe next time, babe," and gave them a wink. His "guest" wasn't all that impressed with Keith's smooth ways. In fact, he fell for Keith's smooth ways once before...earning him 13 years in lock up.

Carlos Jenkins was looking sharp...dressed to the nines. His white fedora with the blood-red band, and matching blood-red silk shirt made him look like a true pimp. The Forte was full of pimp-wannabes, but Carlos turned all heads, looking like the pimp daddy...people fully aware of his huge 6'6" muscular frame. He ignored the females, and stared straight at Keith, who seemed intimidated by Carlos's presence.
"Can we get back to the matter at hand...'Keith'," said Carlos, putting emphasis on the name. Keith brought his full attention back to Carlos.
"The matter at hand. Ok, talk to me." Keith couldn't believe how big Carlos had gotten.
"I love the name. 'Forbes", huh? As in Forbes Magazine? And how about Keith-oh I know...from your favorite singer, Keith Sweat, right? Very ingenious, Mr. Randall Williams," Carlos said quietly in Keith's face.
Keith was starting to get furious. "Get to your point."
"Alright, here it is." Carlos saw a little fear in Keith's eyes...knew that this "new" partnership was not going to be like the old one.
"My brothers know about the money. The thing is, they think I'm the one with it. But we know who's holding on to it, don't we?" Carlos paused for effect. "They're scheming to get it, and they seem pretty determined. We need to keep them occupied for the next three weeks so they can work, and bring in the million bucks for us."
"Told you in the first place we didn't need them. How am I suppose to occupy them for three weeks?" Keith shook his head.
"They're good at what they do...that's why we got them here," said Carlos.
Keith continued to shake his head, then stopped. A thought suddenly came to him: His lover Michelle. "Hmm, I think I got a plan." He laughed. "Don't worry Carlos, I'll take care of your bros for you."

There was no reaction from Carlos. He moved in closer to speak quietly again to Keith.

"Remember these numbers: 750,000...for the dollars that we stole from those three banks. 13...for the years I served in lock up, and what you didn't serve. 50...for the percentage we will be splitting for the money stolen, and for this new operation...partner. You owe me that
much." Carlos was now nose-to-nose with Keith, who sat back and wiped off some of the sweat that was on his forehead.
"Carlos, man...we ain't gotta take it there. This is a new partnership, a new me. I was greedy back then, I learned my lesson. I know I owe you, and that's why I had you sent down here...because you didn't rat me out." Keith ordered a shot of Hennessey for him and for Carlos. "Here's to a new and equal partnership." Keith raised his glass to Carlos, who reluctantly raised his glass. They clinked their shot glasses together and downed the cognac, all the while Carlos noticing beads of sweat forming back onto Keith's forehead.

“The Dirty Sexy Chronicles” will be meeting up with “Crimes of Passion in the ATL” Read this series here: http://provocatived.blogspot.com

Episode 3 Blackmail

By the time I got home that night from partying and drinking with Kami and Shanece it was three in the morning and James was fast asleep. We owned a seven bedroom house in Marietta Georgia. All of the staff was gone. I pulled my Burgundy Mercedes into our four car garage and cut the engine off. I didn’t drink much at the club because I was nervous as hell about me and Keith. Kami would have a fit if she found out we were together. I took a few minutes to think before I finally walked into the house.

It was dark and quiet as I walked in. I put my keys on the table in the kitchen. My shoes came off as I hit the door and then I tip toed upstairs. James was sound asleep. Of course he was. He was never up past 9:30, his bed time. I walked to our walk in closet and bathroom. It was about as big as our master bedroom.
Marrying James three months ago was a dream come true for me, money wise. James was the owner of several hotels and resorts on the east coast. He brought in millions of dollars a year. That’s why I was able to splurge as much as I did. Money is everything; money and sex. I have to have each equally or their will be hell to pay. James was great with the pockets but horrible in bed. Missionary only. Nothing more. I couldn’t even get or give oral sex. What the hell was that about? Yes I knew all this before I said I do. But his pockets spoke volumes to me and I couldn’t turn it down.

At the time, I was living with my broke Mama and Daddy in Decatur; working a minimum wage job at the mall and was on break walking through Lenox Mall when we accidentally bumped into each other. I don’t know whose fault it was.
“Oh I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.” I said as my drink went flying out of my hand and on to the floor thankfully.
“Wow, you are beautiful. “ James said as we both got ourselves together from the run in. “I hope you’re not shopping alone.” James being fifteen years older than me looked good for forty one. Medium build, brown skinned, curly short hair. He had to have some Indian or something in his family. I’m sure he hit the gym a few times a week. Sexy as hell was all I had to say.
“I’m actually on break. I’m sorry about that.” We stared at each other for what seemed like hours. “Um I have to get back to work.” Before I could leave he turned me around and put some money into my hang.
“You’re too beautiful to be working.” I watched him turn away and walk off. I opened my hand to $500. I had never seen so much money. Of course a few months after that we were married and honeymooned in Brazil. My parents thought it was the worst mistake of my life. I didn’t know this man from shit. But I married him anyway. James is a good man. He never mistreats me. The sex is just horrible. So for that I find my fulfillment elsewhere and I’m satisfied with that.
I’d been talking to Ray long before I got married and Ray knew about the marriage. We just did our thing on the side. Kami kept telling me that she knew I was messing with Ray long before I got married but I never told her the truth. Some things you need to keep to yourself. So about a month ago, I ran into Keith at a friend of mines party. I was drunk, he was drunk. A one night stand but an awesome one nightstand. At least I thought it was going to be a one nightstand until I started canceling my “meetings” with Ray to go see Keith. It became sex every day. Yes everyday at the Hilton Room 109. For whatever reason I couldn’t resist him. I would try to tell Keith we needed to end it but he would threaten to tell Kami. He started demanding money out of me. That was what happened last night when he said “It pays to be the boss…boss” He knew I had to be in control of everything and if I was going to be in control of everything I had to pay him.

Yeah he was blackmailing me and I had no idea how I was gonna get out of this. I finally got into bed with James after a hot shower. He habitually put his arm around me and I fell asleep.

The next morning I was awakened by our maid Mrs. Finelle. “Come on young lady. No sleeping in.” She said in her French voice.
“Mrs. Finelle it’s eleven in the morning. Please come back later.”
“You sleep in too much. Get up and get out of here. I have work to do.” She said.
A few minutes later I got up to brush my teeth and wash my face. I was in need of food. James of course was gone already. I hadn’t heard him leave the house as he normally did at six.
When I got downstairs to the breakfast table to eat whatever breakfast food our cook had made, I picked up my iphone to check my messages; one from Keith of course reminding me of our “meeting” at three and a message from Shanece. I quickly called her back.
“What’s up?” She answered.
“I got your message.”
“Oh nothing I’m about to get my nails done; wanted to see if you wanted to ride.” I looked down at my nails that did need a fill in.
“Yeah we can do that. You picking me up or I need to meet you there?”
“Naw I’m right down the street. Be there in a few.” I ran upstairs to get dressed and reminded the staff that my friend was coming. I was ready in thirty minutes.
After getting our nails done, Shanece got a call from her baby daddy. She asked if I wanted to ride across town to his house to pick up her son. I said yeah but told her we had to make it quick. I had other plans later.

Meanwhile…..

While Michelle waited in the car for me to pick up Lil Mark, I rang the doorbell waiting for Mark to answer the door. It took forever and a day for someone to come to the door. He lived in Bankhead with his Daddy. But Mark nor his dad came to the door. It was some chick we looked like she was about to pop from being pregnant.
“Hey Lil Mark be ready in a minute.” She said.
“Who the hell are you?” I quickly said to her.
“Trina.”
“Trina who? Who are you here for?” But before she could answer Mark walked up behind him with Lil Mark in his arm.
“Come on Lil Man. I’ll walk ya’ll out.” Mark stood over six feet talk with a tank top on and blue jeans. His Jordan’s of course were fresh. Damn he was sexy I thought. But never mind that. Who’s the bitch at the door?
“Who was that?” I finally asked as we reached my car.
“Don’t worry about it. What up Michelle.”
“Hey Mark. Michelle threw her hand back. The window was down so she could hear our conversation.
“I am worried about it if she around my son and she pregnant. Who is she?”
“Damn Nece, you always comin’ around here with that loud mouth and drama. Damn, tone it down a bit. Look Lil Mark about to be a big brother.” He threw his head back in a nonchalant way.

Before I knew it my hand was across his face. “I know you ain’t been sleepin’ with her while you been sleepin’ with me. I thought we had an agreement Mark.”
“That will be the last time you put your hands on me. We ain’t got no damn agreement. You always wanna be in control of shit. That’s my son. My only obligation is to him. I don’t owe you shit. I do as I please. That’s my girl and she’s having my baby. End of story. Get over it and make sure my son is here next weekend to see me.” I turned to grab him but somehow Michelle had gotten out of the car and stood in between me and my opportunity of hitting him.

I couldn’t believe it. He was having a baby with someone else.
“Don’t worry about him Shanece. Move on. You already got someone else so just let it go.” My friend tried to console me. I did have someone else. I’d been dating another guy for almost a year now but still had ties to Mark. Flex was getting tired of my drama with Mark and threatened to leave if I didn’t act like a woman about the situation and let him go. Well I guess Flex had nothing to worry about now. It was officially over.