Still The Baddest Bitch Read online

  “Glad to hear.”

  “So, what did you need to speak to us about?”

  “I might have a new heroin connect. The prices are excellent. I think we should make a switch and start fuckin’ with them instead. Of course, we’re partners, so I need for us to agree on it.”

  “The new connect can give us better prices than we’re getting now?”

  “That’s right.”

  “I don’t care how excellent their prices are. Alvarez has the best quality heroin around…period. Why would we stop fuckin’ wit’ him for your new people?” I spit.

  “You don’t even know the quality of my new connects heroin. Customers love it just as much, if not more than, Alvarez’s product.”

  “How would you know, unless you’ve already been doing business with this so-called new connect.”

  “Now you reaching, Aaliyah. Of course I had some fiends sample it, so I could get feedback, but I haven’t started doing business with the new connect yet.”

  “Lies you tell.”

  “Aaliyah, I thought we had an understanding,” Dale said, eyeing me.

  “It’s hard to be nice to somebody, when you know they are telling you bold faced lies.”

  “What the hell is you talkin’ ‘bout now? First, you accuse me and my brother of putting that hit on your family, now you saying I’m dealing with another connect behind your back. When does the madness stop?”

  “First of all, I had every right to think you had something to do with the shooting, ‘cause that’s what the fuck Tori told me. So, she lied, but that’s not my motherfuckin’ problem. When I found out the truth, I apologized to Dale, now we can move the fuck on.”

  “You didn’t apologize to me.”

  “Why the fuck would I? You’re the one who introduced me to Tori, and you’re the one that she pointed the finger at. If anybody owe you an apology, it’s her, but since she’s dead that ain’t gon’ happen.”

  “Both of you chill. We supposed to be discussing business, not listening to the two of you argue over bullshit.”

  “Maybe you need to explain that to yo’ lil’ girlfriend.”

  “I ain’t nobody’s lil’ nothin’, motherfucker. The fact is, Dale, your brother is cutting side deals behind our backs. Emory, you can deny the shit all you want to.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yo, I know you don’t believe this broad!” Emory belted.

  Dale stood between me and Emory. He stared at me, then back at his brother. Emory was breathing extra hard, like he was amped. It almost appeared like he wanted to swing at me and I knew the nigga was a liar, but Emory damn sure wasn’t stupid, and he wanted to live.

  “You keep playin’ crazy wit’ me, I’ma fuck around and give yo’ brother names of who you cutting them side deals wit’. ‘Cause see me personally, I don’t even give a fuck. I wasn’t even gon’ say shit. I never trusted yo’ ass and I expect you to cut side deals. As long as I’m making a certain amount of money, you can cut all the side deals you want. Now, you crossing your brother, well, that’s another Bronx Tale. But what I’m not gon’ do is let you stand in front of me and act like all yo’ shit is sweet, and co-sign on you cutting our business relationship off with Mr. Alvarez. Nah motherfucker, that, I won’t do.”

  “Fine, we don’t have to stop doing business with Mr. Alvarez.”

  “I bet you we don’t,” I said taking another sip of my drink. I could tell from Dale’s body stance that he was pissed. He knew deep down I was telling the truth and the shit was fuckin’ with him.

  “My business here is done. I’ll call you later, Dale,” Emory said, before walking away. Dale sat in the lounge chair next to me and kept his head down for a few minutes, without saying a word.

  “How do you know my brother is cutting side deals? I want the truth, Aaliyah.”

  “I had his phone tapped,” I admitted, without hesitation.

  Dale shook his head. “I’m assuming this was during the time you were trying to find out if we had anything to do with the shooting?”

  “Exactly. Tapping his phone cleared both of you, regarding the shooting, but it implicated Emory and that other bullshit he doing. And again, I wasn’t surprised. Your brother is shady and you know that shit, too.”

  “I do, but I didn’t think he would be shady with me. You really weren’t gon’ tell me?”

  “I was debating it, but a part of me really didn’t care. I do understand why you would care, so a part of me did want to tell you, but I also didn’t want you or Emory to know that I had been listening to his private conversations.”

  “Yo, this is really fucked up. I can’t even trust my own brother.”

  “At least now you know to watch his ass.”

  “But damn, I didn’t want to have to watch my brother. This game can bring out the worst in people, for sure. I don’t want that to be me. I appreciate you telling me the truth, though.”

  “I suggest you tell Emory to change his numbers, though, because although the person who was tapping his phone said they stopped, I don’t believe it. At this point, I think we know enough and everybody deserves some privacy, including Emory.”

  “You’re right. I need to figure out how to handle him, though. I want to make sure whatever side business my brother got going doesn’t interfere with our business. That shit could easily turn messy.”

  “I didn’t think about that, but your right.”

  “I like hearing you say that.”

  “Say what?”

  “That I’m right.”

  “Oh, shut up,” I giggled, hitting Dale in his arm.

  “Now, only if I can get you to admit that I’m right about it being time to meet your family.”

  “First, I needed to prove that you weren’t the enemy. I couldn’t have you meeting my family, only for them to kill you.”

  “True, but we’re past that, now.”

  “No doubt. I have an idea. Amir is having this big fancy birthday party this Saturday. You should come as my date. All my family will be there and it will be fun, so everybody will be in a good mood, so no pressure. What do you say?”

  “What do I need to wear?” Dale smiled, giving me a kiss. He slipped me out of my bathing suit and next thing I knew, we were both floating in the pool, naked.

  Precious

  “Are you sure you’re up to going to this party tonight?”

  “Of course I am. I need to dress up, go out, and have a good time. Even at my last doctor visit, he recommended as long as I was up to it, I should get back to my regular routine.”

  “As long as you’re up to it, I won’t fight you.”

  “Good, because the skintight, metallic, Armani Prive gown I bought to wear is gorgeous. You’re going to love to see me in it and you’re going to love taking it off of me even more.”

  “Really,” Nico said, lifting up my hair and kissing my neck. “Maybe we should skip the party and stay here. Everything I need is right here in this room.”

  “Patience, my love. Now, let me go get dressed, before you change my mind.”

  As I headed upstairs, out of nowhere, this excruciating pain shot through my head. I grabbed onto the staircase, so I wouldn’t lose my balance. I glanced behind me, to make sure Nico didn’t see what happened. If he thought for one moment something was wrong with me, the only place I would be going was to the emergency room.

  When I got to the master bathroom, I took two pain killer pills that my doctor had given me. I hadn’t needed to take them in weeks, but tonight was different. I turned the knob to take a hot shower, not wanting to dwell on the discomfort. I felt myself dozing in and out, so I sat down on the glass bench, inside the shower, letting the water rain down on me. Within a few minutes, my mind had completely gone someplace else.

  Flashes of faces, places, and things kept flipping through my head, but
I didn’t recognize any of it. I seemed to be traveling back in the past. Who are these people and where am I? I asked myself over and over again, until in an instant I snapped out of my daze and was back to present.

  “What the hell is going on with me? Could I be trying to get my memory back or am I hallucinating?” I asked myself the questions out loud, as if I expected someone to miraculously give me the answers.

  “Precious, are you okay in there?” I heard Nico call out.

  “I’m fine,” I lied, as I got my bearings together. “I’ll be out shortly.

  I refused to let a headache, flashbacks, or anything else ruin my night. I stepped under the showerhead, closed my eyes, and fixated on the amazing night Nico and I would share together.

  * * *

  “Amir went all out for his birthday,” Nico commented, when we stepped into the venue, on the Upper East Side.

  “He must have spent a pretty penny,” I added, observing the elaborate design. The space wasn’t large, it was well suited for an intimate party, but it screamed money. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered gorgeous views of the park on one side and a panoramic view of the New York Skyline, including the Statue of Liberty, on the other. There was Art Deco style furnishings, marble floors, Corinthian style columns, and 7-story vaulted ceilings, with enormous sheer curtains hanging from them. The elegance was on a staggering scale.

  “Mommy! So glad you came. You look unbelievable.”

  “Thank you, but look at you. That dress is to die for.”

  “Isn’t it daring,” Aaliyah grinned, doing a quick spin around, so I could get a good look at her couture black gown, with see-through panels.

  “Yes, it is. So daring, I’m tempted to take off my tuxedo jacket and make you put it on.”

  “Daddy, be quiet. It isn’t that risqué; plus, I have my man here to watch over me.”

  “You brought Dale?” I asked, with my eyes widening in anticipation, at the thought of meeting Aaliyah’s boyfriend.

  “Yes, he’s coming this way, now.” I looked over in the direction Aaliyah was staring.

  “Aaliyah, he is beyond handsome. He looks like a young version of…”

  “Of who, mom?”

  “I don’t know. I’m just rambling. Looks wise, he’s a keeper.”

  “Glad that you approve.”

  “I’m glad your mother is impressed, but it’s going to take more than looks to get my approval,” Nico said, eyeing Dale as he approached.

  “Dale, these are my parents.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” Dale extended his hand to Nico, and then me. I smiled, pleasantly pleased with his easygoing demeanor. Nico, on the other hand, was wearing his best screw face.

  “I have been anxiously waiting for Aaliyah to introduce you to us. I had to meet the man who was special enough to capture my daughter’s heart.”

  “Mother, would you stop. You’re embarrassing me.”

  “So, you’re saying I haven’t captured your heart?” Dale inquired in a teasing way to Aaliyah. I noticed he had this charming grin that highlighted his right dimple. If Aaliyah weren’t already in love with the charismatic man, soon she would be.

  “I’m not having this conversation here with you, especially not in front of my parents.”

  “I have no reservations about expressing my feelings for your daughter. I don’t know if I’ve captured her heart, but she has most definitely captured mine.”

  From the expression on Aaliyah’s face, she was taken aback by Dale’s declaration. It tickled my heart to see my daughter blushing. She was wearing love well.

  “Dale, I don’t know you and from what I do know, I’m a bit apprehensive about your relationship with my daughter; but Aaliyah is grown, and I believe smart enough to make her own decisions. Do take this as a warning though: if my daughter ever comes to me saying you’ve mistreated her in any way, you will be dealt with. Now, excuse me, I need to go speak to Genesis.”

  “Please, excuse her father. Aaliyah is his only child, so he can be overbearing sometimes, when it comes to her.”

  “No need to explain. When I have a daughter, I’ll be the same way. Aaliyah is a very special woman and her father has every right to want to protect her.”

  “Dale, would you go get me a drink, please?”

  “Sure, would you like something, too?” he asked.

  “No, I’m good, but thanks. Aaliyah, he is a keeper,” I said, once he had walked off.

  “He’s not going to want to stay around much longer, if daddy keeps making threats like he just did.”

  “Don’t pay your father any mind. Dale handled it perfectly. I think he knows how to deal with Nico. I really do like Dale, though. I get good vibes from him.”

  “I have to admit, I’m pretty crazy about him, myself. He makes me happy.”

  “I’m glad, because you deserve it. There’s nothing like love in the air.”

  “Speaking of which, is that Genesis with a date?” Aaliyah nodded her head in his direction. He was still talking to Nico, and there was a woman standing beside him rather closely. “I have never seen Genesis with a woman before. Is that his date?”

  “I am getting date from their body language. Is it me or does she look very familiar.”

  “You’re right. She has her hair down and she’s all dolled up, but that’s the Skylar chick from L.A. I knew they were crushing on each other.”

  “So did I, but I thought Genesis agreed that he did not need to go there with her.”

  “Clearly, he’s changed his mind and that black and gold one shoulder gown she has on is Emilio Puccini. I know this because I was going to buy it for the party, but got this dress instead. I don’t know Miss Skylar’s job credentials, but I seriously doubt she can afford a dress like that. That means Genesis had to foot the bill. Let me find out Amir’s father is seriously checkin’ for this chick.”

  I listened to every word coming out of Aaliyah’s mouth and I was afraid that was exactly what was going on. “This isn’t good,” I said, under my breath. I was on my way to have a word with Genesis, when Quentin and Maya approached.

  “I’m a lucky man. The three most beautiful women at this party are surrounding me.”

  “Grandfather, you’re so silly.” Aaliyah and I both gave him a hug. When Maya reached over to also hug us, I reciprocated, but Aaliyah leaned back, as if her aunt was contagious. I didn’t say anything, because Aaliyah accepting Maya would have to be of her own free will.

  “Would you all excuse me? I need to have a word with Nico.”

  “Go ahead. We’ll be right here. My daughter and granddaughter need to get better acquainted, anyway.”

  “Good luck with that,” I winked and headed towards my real target, Genesis. By this time, Nico had moved on talking to some other acquaintances and Genesis was engrossed in a conversation with Skylar. I couldn’t lie: homegirl was wearing the hell out of that dress. When I first met her, she was a very pretty girl in a plain Jane way, but all done up, Skylar was undeniably stunning. And she was definitely Genesis’s type, because he loved him some chocolate girls.

  “Hello,” Genesis said, when I walked up.

  “Precious, you look beautiful,” Skylar stated, giving me a warm smile.

  “Thank you, and you look quite beautiful, yourself. That dress is everything and you’re wearing it perfectly.

  “That’s so sweet of you to say. Genesis picked it out.”

  “Genesis always had great taste. Skylar, do you mind if I speak to him for a moment? It’s regarding business.”

  “No problem. I need to use the restroom anyway. I’ll be back,” she smiled at Genesis.

  “Before you start…”

  “Don’t even try to justify this,” I said, before Genesis could even continue. “I thought we agreed that Skylar was not a good fit for you.”


  “It’s just a party, Precious.”

  “Oh, please. Aaliyah stated to me that she has never seen you with a woman and Nico said you’re a workaholic and never date. So, don’t try to act like flying this woman in, buying her an expensive designer dress, and bringing her to your son’s private birthday party is no big deal.”

  “I know how to set boundaries. I’m enjoying Skylar’s company, nothing more, nothing less.”

  “Lie to yourself if you want, but don’t lie to Skylar.”

  “I’m not lying to her.”

  “Pretending that the two of you can have a real relationship is lying to her. You’re the head of one of the biggest drug operations on the east coast. Your life is constantly in danger and so is anybody around you. Does Skylar know that?”

  “Here she comes. Lets finish this conversation later.”

  “Did I come back too soon?” Skylar beamed, in her sweet girl-next-door voice.

  “No, we’re done.”

  “Precious, I’m going to be here for a few more days. Besides Genesis, I don’t know anybody in New York. I would love if we could have lunch or dinner while I’m here.”

  “I think that would be great. Don’t you, Genesis?”

  “Yes, I do. If anybody knows New York, it’s Precious Cummings.”

  “Skylar, get my number from Genesis and we’ll set something up.”

  “Thanks, I’ll give you a call tomorrow.”

  Genesis seemed happy with Skylar and they did make a cute couple. Unfortunately, my gut told me nothing good would come of it. I knew Genesis would survive it, wasn’t so sure Skylar could endure it.

  Aaliyah

  I practically spit out my drink when I caught Latreese parading in the party, like she was the lady of the hour. She was draped on Amir’s arm, like a cheap fur coat, and had the audacity to have her nose tilted all the way up in the air. The two of them made a beeline directly over to us and I put on my fakest smile.

  “Hey, birthday boy! Happy Birthday to you, Amir.” I gave Amir a harmless, friendly kiss on the cheek, but I caught Latreese rolling her eyes at me. I played it off like I didn’t see her, to keep the peace. “Dale, this is the man of the hour and my dear childhood friend, Amir.”