Too Naughty (13 page)
“Better,” Nokea moaned. “Oh, you have no idea. No idea how much I love this ... and love you more.”
“I love you, too, baby.”
Nokea and I made up for lost time. She said that I didn't know how much she loved me, but now I for damn sure did. Not only that, but I knew how much I loved her more. There wasn't competition between us pertaining to who loved who the most, but just the tiny thought of her not being in my life had caused me to lose my mind. Peace had made its way back into my home, and I hoped like hell that it stayed there.
SHANE
18
After getting ignored by me, Scorpio gathered her things and left. I just wasn't up for no arguing, and I was tired of her always having to explain. The apologies were enough to drive me crazy; and I felt that if she hadn't done anything wrong, then what was her apologizing for?
No doubt, I wanted to hear her full side of the story, because I thought it was fair that I, at least, heard her out. But today was not the day. Since Jaylin had left, I'd visualized the whole encounter in my head. I had allowed them a few hours alone, and she couldn't even control herself. First, to be running around, half naked, was definitely inappropriate and disrespectful. She could have easily grabbed my robe and covered herself, but that would mean Jaylin couldn't see all that he'd been missing. I'm sure that was her intention for wearing what she had on; and she knew for a fact, him being married or not, being dressed like that would arouse him.
I guess Nokea's phone call saved everybody. Whatever was about to go down before she called, it was clear those two hotheads probably would've fucked. And then in my house? On my bed? Underneath my sheets? Of course I was mad. Maybe that was why Nokea and I felt as if our kiss wouldn't hurt nobody. I was surprised when she brought her lips to mine, and even more surprised when I didn't back away. Yes, it was wrong, but I was upset with Jaylin about his remarks. Even if I was making a big mistake by being with Scorpioâand he could still have her whenever he wanted toâhis words left a bad taste in my mouth. Getting back to Scorpio . . . she knew better. I'd been nothing but good to that woman, and she had no reason to open her legs up to any man. I didn't give a shit about her past with Jaylin. It had been time to move on, and both of them very well knew it.
Instead of lying around all day, fucking, I was kind of glad Scorpio was gone. I had mega work that needed to be done, and for the last few weeks, Alexander & Company had been on the back burner. I knew that if I wanted to make more money, I'd better get busy. So, I went into my office and continued on my sketch for the Mayor's Group. Since picking up my account with them, I'd already gotten another one. It was recommended to me by one of my previous clients through Davenports. When Felicia and I parted ways, I took a wealth of the business with me. I was surprised that I hadn't gotten a phone call from her about an attempt to sue me.
I guess everything must have worked out with the situation between her and Jaylin. He didn't say anything about it, and frankly, I was tired of calling him to find out. I figured he must have been busy, and I hoped that the reason he wasn't calling was that he was behind bars.
By 1:30
P.M.
, I could see the progress I'd made on my client's design. I had a few setbacks, as I remembered I'd left some of my expensive art tools at Davenports. I had planned on going back to get them, but it never seemed to be the right time. And since I still had a key to let myself in, I put on my mahogany velour tracksuit and made my way to Davenports.
P.M.
, I could see the progress I'd made on my client's design. I had a few setbacks, as I remembered I'd left some of my expensive art tools at Davenports. I had planned on going back to get them, but it never seemed to be the right time. And since I still had a key to let myself in, I put on my mahogany velour tracksuit and made my way to Davenports.
I hoped that Felicia was still in the hospital, but when I pushed the door open and saw her from a distance, my thought was short lived. She was casually dressed in some khakis and a royal blue button-down shirt. Her micro braids were pulled back, hanging several inches from her shoulders. As I walked farther in, I could see her mouth moving and someone who sat in front of her. I didn't think it was one of her clients, because she aggressively pointed a pen in the person's direction with every word that came from her mouth.
When I finally made it to her doorway, I was shocked to see Stephon sitting in front of her. Even more than that, I was surprised to see how bruised her face was. She dropped back in the chair and placed the pen in her mouth.
“Well, well, well. Look what the devil done dragged in,” she said.
Stephon turned, glanced at me, and ignored me. His bitterness was obvious, but I wasn't the motherfucka stabbing friends and family in the back because of a drug habit. He was.
Wasn't no love lost for me, so I turned to Felicia, telling her my purpose for being there.
“If you don't mind, I need to gather some of my art tools I left behind. I promise you I won't be long.”
“Just make sure I see everything you leave here with. And please don't take anything of mine, because I know what I own, piece by piece.”
I didn't say a word, just walked away. A bully must have taken that bitch's lunch money when she was a kid, because I couldn't ever remember a time when she wasn't angry at the world. What in the hell made me give my dick and heart to a woman like her in the past, I would never know.
I spotted several of my tools lying around here and there, and then entered my old office and opened the drawers. After seeing a few more items I'd left behind, I took a seat and rummaged through the drawers. As I placed the items on the desk, I peered up and saw Stephon standing in the doorway. Since the last time I'd seen him, he did look a lot better. The last time I saw him, he was anxiously standing in an alley, making an exchange with a dope dealer. I walked up and snatched the drugs from his hand. He wanted to fight, and when I didn't give the dope back to him, he sucker punched me. Being a concerned friend, I didn't hit him back, and after giving him a piece of my mind, I went to the crib. Hours later, he showed up, acting a complete fool. He begged me not only for the drugs back but also for some more money. He tried to make me feel guilty because Jaylin and I had moved on with our lives. When I told him how much bullshit that was, he jetted. But not before stealing an expensive ring that my grandfather had given to me. I was furious, and when I called to ask him about it, of course, he didn't know where it was. After that, our friendship was over.
I snapped out of my thoughts. “What's up, Stephon?” I said.
He walked in and stood in front of the desk. “Nothing much, Shane. I wanted to come in here and thank you for turning your back on me. Now, though, thanks to your partna, and my long lost cousin, Jaylin, things are looking up again.”
My forehead wrinkled. “I'm glad things are looking up for you, Stephon. But I'm not really sure what Jaylin has to do with it. I'm sure he doesn't want credit for, and I quote, âbringing you back to life.'”
“A million dollars is enough to uplift anybody's spirits.” He placed his hand on his chest. “Even though I'm only entitled to half, I knew that someway, somehow, or somewhere, I would get what was owed to me.”
“Stephon, your grandfather left Jaylin that money because, I'm sure, he was a wise man. You didn't deserve one penny of it, and thank God that your grandfather was in his right mind when he died. He must have been able to predict the future, and right at this moment, so am I. I predict that whatever money you're talking about, it is more than enough to send you back to your previous unfulfilled, dark-shadowed life. After all, Stephon, Felicia's back. With her around, you can't possibly come in here smiling at me as if your future is so bright.”
Stephon leaned on the desk and winked. “Shane Alexander, you don't know shit. Your words sound like Jay's, so it's obvious that his bullshit has rubbed off on you. For the record, though, my grandfather was a wise, rich man. But he had the same problem that many of the men in our family had, and that was his major love for pussy. Nanny B was the one who inherited his estate. Not Jaylin. She was kind enough to turn it over to him, but he decided that he didn't want to share. I lost respect for him then, and I don't have any left for him now. As for Felicia, the pussy doesn't control me. I control it. You can say what you want about me, but you can never say I let a bitch come between me and my friends.”
Stephon took a step back and stared me down. “When it comes to you and Jaylin, losing friends is a ritual. Friends dropping off like flies, because the bitches that both of y'all had were out of control.” Stephon held his hand out and started to count his fingers. “Nokea? Been there and done that. Scorpio? It was fun while it lasted, but I could damn sure use some more. And Felicia ... Well, let's just say that freak can't never get enough. In case you haven't noticed, this love triangle then turned itself into one big circle. Jaylin, ole punk-ass, is too afraid to admit how hurt he is by you shaking down his ex-whore, and when the truth comes to the light, that opens the door for you and Nokea. So, tick-tock-tick-tock, the clock is ticking away. If Scorpio doesn't destroy your, and I quote, âfriendship' with Jaylin, whenever you lay the pipe to Nokea, that for damn sure will.”
I laughed and shook my head. “You are really, really one sick man, Stephon. This obsession that you have with Jaylin has gone overboard. Please don't hate, my brotha. It's truly an ugly thing. If money is the key to your success, then go on and do your thang. I ain't tripping, and I assure you that neither is Jaylin. Because you see, Stephon, the past is the past. Nokea, Jaylin, Scorpio, and I are all living in the present, striving hard for a better future. Mistakes have been made, and nobody's been perfect. Not even you.”
I picked up my belongings on the desk and walked past Stephon. I gave him one last look. “Pertaining to your life, the history books have already been written. You have the opportunity to change some things around. From a good friend to the most backstabbing-ass Negro I've ever known, I suggest you start making some for-real plans to change your life around. To me, it still stinks, and I can smell bullshit all over you.”
Stephon smirked. “Fuck you, you slave-driven-ass nigga. You ain't nothing but another one of Jaylin's bitches... .”
As Stephon continued to rant, I snickered and went into Felicia's office to show her the several items in my hand. She examined them.
“I don't have much to say to you, Felicia, but you'd better watch your back. I hope like hell you know what it is you're dealing with.”
Another stubborn-ass person, she tooted her lips. My business was finished, so I went on my happy-go-lucky way.
Before I returned any of Scorpio's calls, it had been almost a week. I did, however, leave her a message to tell her how awfully busy I was. The truth of the matter was, yes, I was busy, but I was also still upset with her. No doubt, I was the type of man who didn't have time for apologies, especially if they came every other week from someone who claimed to love you. Besides, Scorpio said she'd been missing Mackenzie, so I felt as if time apart would do both of us some good.
Since I spoke to her earlier, I was on my way to Jay's to see her. She sounded so damn pitiful, and when I asked her what was wrong, she wouldn't elaborate. As I was on my way out the door, the phone rang. I checked the caller ID and was surprised to see Jaylin's phone number. Since he hadn't responded to my previous phone calls, I hesitated and then answered.
“You got me,” I said.
“What's up? Why ain't a brotha heard from you? I know you ain't tripping offâ”
“Man, I ain't thinking about you or Scorpio. I called you several times, but you've been the one missing in action. If anything, I thought your ass was locked up.”
“Damn, if I was, you sure as hell didn't inquire, did you?”
“I told you I called your cell phone, but a brotha get sick and tired of hunting you down. You knew I was anxious to find out what happened in court, and when I saw Stephon the other day, I would say that things didn't go too well.”
“What? Things went very well. I'm back at home ... been back at home with my wife and kids. What happened in the Lou stays in the Lou. Stephon and Felicia racked up one mill of my money, but ain't no trip. You know a brotha like me gon' be all right.”
Stunned, because I'd finally heard it from Jaylin's mouth, I grabbed a stool in the kitchen and took a seat. “That's a whole lot of money, Jay. I thought Stephon was bullshitting around with me when he told me.”
“Naw, he wasn't bullshitting. I wish he were, but fuck it. Money is money, and there's plenty more where that came from. Nothing beats being back at home with Nokea, Nanny B, and the kids.”
“So, I see the two of you worked things out. I'm glad to hear that, and I might have to work my way down there to take another vacation. I surely could use it, and it would take me away from all the bullshit around here.”
“You mean between you and Scorpio?”
“Yeah, we gon' work shit out, but I was referring to a funny feeling I got when I saw Felicia and Stephon the other day. I got a bad feeling inside, and the way he talked was almost kind of creepy.”
“What did he say?”
“He's just so obsessed with you, Jay. Not only that, but the brotha is bitter with a capital
B
. He dogged me out, too, and you know Nokea was included as well. Just make sure you be on guard and protect what's yours.”
B
. He dogged me out, too, and you know Nokea was included as well. Just make sure you be on guard and protect what's yours.”
“Don't I always? Besides, Stephon doesn't put fear in me. I would love to bust a cap in his ass, and family or not, I would have no regrets. Anyway, what did that motherfucka say about my wife?”
“He talked about his past relationship with Nokea. Said we all go around screwing each other, and it would be just a matter of time before Nokea and meâ”
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