Preaching to the Choir (8 page)

PREACHING TO THE CHOIR

READERS, PLEASE ENJOY THIS EXCERPT FROM JADED PUBLICATIONS NEWEST BOOK “A THUG’S CHARM” BY MERCY B

Chapter 1

BIANCA

“Excuse me,” Bianca heard as she crossed the street. Her initial reaction was to keep walking. She completely despised when men tried to get down on her while in the car. It was like a secret rule she’d made to self to never respond to a guy that didn’t at least have the decency to get out and approach her as a man should.

“Excuse me,” she heard again interrupting her thoughts.

“It’s about time I read this rude ass nigga his rights” Bianca turned around to see the face of the guy behind the voice.

“B, that’s Q,” her sister Kia said while giving Bianca a slight grin. The two, along with their mother, was on the way to American Apparel in Downtown, Memphis. The minute Kia mentioned the name “Q” Bianca’s entire demeanor changed. The mug that she wore when she initially turned around was completely wiped away.

“Hey,” Bianca said.

“Hey, how are you doing?” Q grinned. Bianca nearly lost her balance after witnessing such a beautiful smile.

“I’m…I’m fine”

“My name is Quinton, sweetie what’s your name?”

“I’m Bianca.”

“Well, Bianca, can I have your number so that I can call you sometime?” Q questioned.

“That would be a problem”

“For who?”

“For me.”

“Why is that?”

              “Because, if I’m not mistaken your pretty close to someone I’ve dated.”

“Who?”

“Roderick, so yeah, I couldn’t give you my number. Nice meeting you though.”

“That doesn’t really matter.”

“It does to me, I just can’t. Sorry,” Bianca said as the threesome walked inside of American Apparel. To say that she was on edge would be an understatement. Q was just one of those guys you didn’t turn down. He was a known hoodstar that all the girls would love to have a chance to be with. Bianca had seen Q a few other times in passing while in high school, but never an encounter as the one like today.

“B, you know there is nothing wrong with being friends with him. What you and Roderick had was back in high school and it was not even serious,” Bianca’s mother Wyn finally spoke.

“Ma, just drop it. I mean we could be friends, but I’ve already blown him off now. It’s cool.”

Bianca hated the way her mother was always right. Although she didn’t want to believe her at the time, she knew that she could have at least given Quinton her number. One thing she didn’t do was dwell on a situation, so she decided to push it to the back of her mind and continue browsing the store.

“See something you like,” Q asked Bianca.

She was totally shocked and taken by surprised. She turned around, and looked up only to find Q standing there. He raised his hand and removed a few strands of her hair in which had fallen into her face back into place. The gesture alone made her whole body tingle. Never had she felt such a strong connection in her 20 years on earth.

“So, is this what you do?” Bianca asked.

“What?”

“You follow young ladies around and disturb them while they’re shopping?”

“Not really, but I felt the need to. You turned me down to easily a minute ago. The lame ass excuse you gave me wasn’t enough, so I’m here trying again.”

“So where did you go anyway?”

“I was on my way home, but instead, as soon as my niggas stopped the car I hoped out and ran across the street.”

“For little ole me, when I’ve already told you the deal.”

“You talking about that shit with you and Roderick? Yeah, I know him. I know him really well, but I just don’t see what that has to do with me. If y’all not dating now then I’m not stepping on anybody toes. So you giving me your number or what,” Q smiled.

“I can’t!”

“Well you see that building over there?” Q pointed to the condos across the street. “That’s where I live. Fourth floor. You can’t miss it because it’s the only one on the fourth floor. So, if or better yet, WHEN you decide to change your mind you’ll know where to find me,” he said as he hugged her and walked away, but not before giving her his condo number.

“You’re crazy,” her mother said.

“I know,” was Bianca’s only reply.

After the ladies finished shopping they headed to their next destination which was the Wolfchase Galleria. After over three hours in the mall they decided to go home.

Tonight was a big night for Bianca; she was going to a friend’s party with her girls. It had been months since she had gone out due to her ex-boyfriend and her school studies. Bianca had been busting her but this past semester, and was more than happy to be on summer break. She was even happier to finally rid herself of her ex, Tay.

Bianca and Tay had been together for over 4 years. She’d been to hell and back with him, only to receive nothing in return. She remained faithful to him during all of his cheating, lies, games, and financial issues. The latest stunt he pulled was too overwhelming to even consider forgiving him. His cheating ways had finally caught up to him, and she was just glad she realized that she deserved better. She hated that it took 4 years to come to the conclusion, but never being one to dwell, she just saw it as a lesson learned.

None of that even mattered tonight, because it was all about having fun and enjoying her girls. After a long nap, Bianca started preparing for her night. She emptied all of her bags onto the bed and debated for about twenty minutes on what pieces she wanted to pair. She finally decided on the white high waist nylon pants from American Apparel and a black laced crop top.

“Helloooooo! Is anybody home,” Tee yelled as she walked into Bianca’s apartment.

“Yesbitch, I’m upstairs. I just got out of the shower.”

“Okay, well I’m about to start making these drinks. Kara said she is pulling up, so I’m just going to leave the door open.”

“Okay cool. Please don’t make mine strong,” Bianca yelled downstairs.

“Oh, bitch grow some balls. I got this”

“I’m not playing Tee, don’t make my shit strong. I won’t drink it if you do.” Bianca whined.

Bianca wasn’t much of a drinker. She just wanted to be a little tipsy tonight, being that she’d need the extra help to deal with the thirsty men that would be coming for her tonight. Bianca was the example of confident. She never overthought when it came to her clothing or anything else in particular. She was very unique and always well groomed. She stood at 5’1 with a very light complexion. With honey blonde hair and the cutest almond shaped eyes, she was a beauty. She was proportioned very well, and had a lot of butt to go along with her structure. She was the fashion guru of the bunch. As long as her outfit was fly and her make-up was on point, she was ready to rock and roll. She could be the life of the party on any given day.

Natella, or Tee for short, and Bianca had been friends since middle school. Both of the girls had attended Snowden Middle, together. She and Bianca were complete opposites. Tee was tall and slim with an athletic build. She was dark skinned with a low haircut. Many people looked a total mess when they cut their hair all of, but Tee was stunning with hers. It not only suited her face, but it suited her attitude as well. Tee was very organized, and she focused mostly on school and athletics. Natella ran track. Tee was the more level headed one out of the girls, but once she was worked up it was on. As long as Patron or Hennessey was a part of the party, she was down to ride.

“What’s up?” Kara questioned busting into the front door.

Kara was definitely the outgoing friend. She would strike up a conversation with anyone, and she had connections that ran really far. Together, she and Bianca could start their own P.I. firm. The two could find out any information that they wanted to on almost any given person. Kara and Bianca were a force to be reckoned with. She was only 5’2 with caramel colored skin. Slim was the only word to describe her form. Bianca begged her on a daily basis to gain weight. The pair had known each other since elementary school. They’d both attended Gordon Elementary together, and had been inseparable since the 1
st
grade. She was the crunk one out of the crew. She was always eager to get the party started. She often stood the other girls and many others up, but tonight she wouldn’t have missed for nothing in the world.

“What it do, boo?” Tee screamed as her and Kara embraced.

Just as the ladies started getting their drink on, Bianca emerged from the stairs.

“Hey superstars,” Bianca shouted.

“Hey girlfriend,” Kara shouted, “I’m so glad your ass is finally getting out of this house. Lord knows I couldn’t miss this for nothing in the damn world!”

“Yeah, if you would’ve stood us up I’d be mad for ages. You know how long I can stay mad,” Bianca laughed.

“Don’t we all,” Tee chimed in, “here is your drink,” she handed Bianca the mixed drink.

“Okay thanks. I just came to say hi, so let me go finish getting dressed.”

“I need to touch up my make-up as well,” Tee followed behind Bianca up the stairs to the bathroom where they always messed around with their make-up.

“You two bitches, let’s not be all night. You guys look straight without it.” Kara sighed. She didn’t care for make-up, and didn’t have the patience to put it on. The most you’d see Kara with on is lipstick.

After making sure everything was perfect with her clothing and make-up Bianca put on her black Jeffery Campbell spiked heels. She didn’t want to overdress being that it was just a regular party. She gathered her personals and headed downstairs to meet the girls in the living room. They always took a “To Go” shot before heading out of the door. It was like a ritual for the girls, they never left the house without a little extra liquid courage.

“Do the honors why don’t you, Kara,” Bianca said as the girls gathered in a circle and held their shot glasses in the air.

“To a night full of fun, laughter, joy, peace, niggas with deep pockets,” Kara paused because the girls were laughing so hard, “and a safe journey back home.”

“Let’s roll,” everyone shouted in unison.

They decided to take Tee’s car since Kara or Bianca felt up to driving. Plus, Tee had just purchased a new black four door Honda Accord, so the girls were thrilled to test out her new set of wheels. The ride to the club was smooth and very live. The girls rocked to every song on Drake’s new cd.

Silverspoon was packed as usual, and the girls were all the way alive. They pulled into a VIP parking spot and paid the attendant. Each girl gave themselves a once over before stepping out of the car. Kara was sporting a cream crop top with distressed denim that Bianca had made her and a pair of Steve Madden heels. Tee was wearing a purple BCBG dress with a pair of Jessica Simpson heels to match.

The girls entered the club, and as usual they stole the eyes of everyone in their path. Stopping at the first booth upon entrance, the girls embrace their other acquaintances. Leah and Lyn were twins, and had known the trio since high school. The girls wouldn’t call one another friends, but they were as close to friends as it got. Lyn and Leah were celebrating their 21
th
birthday, and invited everyone to the festivities.

Everybody partied the night away, and didn’t care who didn’t like it. Each girl had a bottle of something in their hand. Bianca was beyond tipsy, and her bladder was filling with each passing minute. Neither of the threesome ever went anywhere in a club alone, so Kara volunteered to go to the restroom with Bianca. Swaying her hips as she walked pass, Bianca never acknowledge the stares of her onlookers. Once in the restroom, the girls handled their business and freshened up a bit.

As soon as Bianca exited the restroom she ran right into someone’s chest.

“Shit,” she cursed.

“You should watch were you’re going don’t you think.”

It was that voice. Bianca could recognize that voice from anywhere. It was him. It was Q.

“You’re absolutely right, but if you were paying more attention, you would’ve seen me coming. So you watch it, too.” Bianca blushed.

“Whatever you say,” Q grinned.

Just as Bianca was about to respond to Q’s smart remark, she was yanked out of his face.

“What the fuck,” she yelled.

“B, what the fuck is your problem. All in this niggas face. Disrespecting ya mans and shit. Why ya ass ain’t at home,” Tay asked in Bianca’s ear.

“Hold on motherfucker. You better let her go,” Kara grabbed Tay’s arm.

“This ain’t got nothing to do with you, Kara,” he gritted.

“This has everything to do with me. Now let her go.” Kara yelled into Tay’s face daring him to jump stupid. She couldn’t stand his guts and that was no secret.

“Get your fucking hands off of me. Go on and play house with your little made up family.” Brooke spat with a scowl on her face as if she had smelled something sour.

Tay had a grip on Bianca’s arm and had pulled her into the nearest corner of the club. She was ten seconds from going ape on him, and he just about knew it. He knew that she had told him over and over that it was over, but he just couldn’t believe it. His ways had finally caught up to him, but he refused to let go of the most important thing in his life. Bianca was his heart and soul. She’d stuck by his side for four long years, and put up with all of his shit. He knew that she should have left him years ago, but the thought of her actually leaving tore him to pieces. He loved her and only her. He did his dirt, but she was the only one he came home to. She was the only one he made love to. She was his everything.