Chapter 10
TEN
Glacier’s spot had become home for me. Over the last four months, I’d been at her condo more than I was at my house. I was in her bed more than I was my own. Wherever Mommas was, that was where I wanted to be. On at least two of her days off, we ventured to my crib but always ended up right back at hers.
As corny as the shit sounded, it made us feel so much closer. The additional square footage of my home wasn’t as impressive now that she was in my life. From my favorite spot on the couch, I could see damn near everything in her crib, including her, unless she ducked off into one of the three bedrooms or a bathroom.
I pressed the buttons that would grant me access to her unit. While I was expecting to find Glacier on the couch, chilling on the phone with one of my peoples’ significant other or indulging in her new favorite downtime activity, television for an hour or two, I didn’t. She was particular about the timing, claiming to feel like she was wasting the day away if she spent a minute over the two-hour mark in front of a screen.
“Mommas, where you at?”
“I’m in here!”
Dropping by her crib before one of the most important meetings of the year possibly wasn’t a good idea, but I couldn’t bear the thought of her falling asleep before I got home. I trailed her voice into the master bathroom where she stood in the mirror, polishing her face with makeup. It was then that I remembered it was the night I’d promised her date night after standing her up twice this month.
Fuck . I began trying to think of a way to explain to her that it wasn’t a good night. Tomorrow would be perfect, but I knew she was back on the clock the next day. It was impossible to take her on anything but a day date.
“What’s the matter, baby?” she asked, stuffing an earring in her ear, and looking at me through the mirror. I wasn’t sure how long I’d been paralyzed, looking like the fucking fool I felt like.
“Nothing,” I responded, shaking my head and moving forward to kiss her cheek. She’d painted her lips with some shiny shit, so I left them alone.
“Good. You’re already dressed. And here I was, thinking you’d be the one running behind.”
I couldn’t muster the strength to deny Mommas another night. She looked way too good in the one-piece she had on. She was dripping with confidence. I liked that shit on her.
The new timepiece on her arm was shining. The bracelet and necklace combo I’d gotten her was the perfect touch. Mommas looked like money. My money. The kind that couldn’t fold. Wouldn’t fold. And didn’t run out.
“How much longer do you have?”
I made the rapid decision to bring her along with me. Mixing business with pleasure wasn’t my jam, but I’d make an exception for the night. It was that or telling Mommas to strip down and call it a night.
She didn’t trip with me about shit but I was sure she’d block my ass for a month and tell her coworkers not to let me on the floor to see her in the wee hours when I was missing her ass something awful. There would only be a few niggas at the table tonight, all crossing the threshold and on their way to becoming top earners.
“I’m just finishing up, waiting on you so you can help me get these Givenchy boots on. They’re such a hassle.”
“Aight. Bet. Let me know when you’re ready.”
“I’m ready.”
I followed her to the living room where she had them prepped and ready. One by one, I worked them onto her feet, knowing that she’d need a prayer and a miracle to get them off. They were a hit, though, matching perfectly with the fit she’d chosen.
“You smell good,” she complimented.
“Thank you, Mommas. You smell good, too. Look even better.”
“My man, my man, my man,” shyly, she sang.
“Ya man gon’ eat you the fuck up when he gets home and gets you out of this shit.”
“I can hardly wait.”
“I bought you a new coat. It’s in the trunk of my car. I should’ve brought it in.”
“Thanks, baby. Where will we be dining tonight?”
“A secluded spot, but we won’t be alone.”
“Who’s coming? The girls haven’t mentioned dinner plans,” she inquired, curiosity spilling from her tongue.
Apprehension was hunting me. I struggled with the thought of surrounding her with motherfuckers I did business with, but there was no other option. I’d dismiss them as quickly as possible so that we could enjoy as much of our night alone as possible.
“Because they aren’t a part of these plans. I have some business to tend to tonight. A dinner meeting of sorts and decided to bring you along.”
“Okay. Am I overdressed? Underdressed?”
“You’re perfect. Let’s roll. We’re taking my whip.”
She sauntered out of the door with me watching every fucking step she took, imagining just how much I’d have her back arched and how high her ass would be in the air as I put that work in. It didn’t take her long to notice I wasn’t behind her. She spun on her heels, looking like an entire fucking dinner meal, and blushed a shade of red. Her light skin and rosy cheeks would be the death of me.
“Whaaaat?”
“Nothing. I’m coming. I’m coming.”
We piled into the coupe, using the fob to control the elevator for a seamless transport. Nightlights flashed across our faces as we set out on our path. Berkeley was a beast in the winter. Its beauty was unmatched. The snow stuck to everything it touched. Holiday decorations filled the gaps between gates, lit up the very tops of buildings, and illuminated the darkest parts of the city.
“Don’t say nothing, Makai.”
“Nothing,” I joked, already knowing what question would follow.
“Ugh. So annoying. I’m just going to get you something, anyway.”
“Good, ’cause I don’t want nothing but to know that my family is in good health and my girl is still by my side. Anything else is a bonus, Mommas, so do your thing.”
“Fine.”
Her smile was radiant. She rolled her eyes, playfully, as I grabbed hold of her thigh. She’d been thickening up nicely as of late. Good dick, good loving, and the finest dining were to blame for the weight gain. I admired every pound she’d packed on.
“Baby,” she whined.
“What?”
I took my eyes off the road momentarily to see her squirming in her seat.
“You’re going to ruin my panties.”
“They coming off soon, anyway, G. It’s all good.”
I patted her thigh before gripping it again. That was where my hand rested until valet opened her door. She was happy to bounce her ass out of the car, forever unsure of how far I would take things when we were alone. She had little to worry about. My head was in another place. The meeting and the fact that Glacier would experience a different side of me at the table completely consumed my thoughts at the moment.
Hand in hand, we stepped into Rouge, a speakeasy that was only available to certain players of the game. The owner, Roulette, was kind enough to let me have the spot whenever I needed it. She didn’t have much of a choice, though. She was family, and looking out for one another was exactly what family did.
Being Chem’s blood sister made her mine by default. We didn’t share parents but we shared a sibling and I’d known her her entire life. My reservation was top priority. She’d pushed every nigga on the schedule aside to accommodate me. Her generosity was appreciated.
The boardroom was our destination. Through the hidden door, never-ending hall, thick curtains, and into the soundproof meeting room, we traveled. Glacier’s grip tightened as we entered.
The tension in her body was easily recognized and noted. I was kicking myself in the ass already and realizing how much of a shitty decision it was to bring her along. Unfortunately, we were here now, and the meeting was set to start in seconds. Her comfort, however, was not a gamble for me. I stopped in my tracks, turning and leaning down to meet her ear.
“Are you okay?” I needed to know, coming to the conclusion that I would halt the entire meeting if necessary.
Did I want to? Nah.
But I would in the blink of an eye to make sure Mommas was straight. Niggas could either wait for my return or take their asses home.
“Yes,” she said, nodding.
I paused, waiting for her eyes to meet mine. They were the mirrors of her soul. If they didn’t align with her answer, we were walking right back out of the door. To my surprise, there was something within them that I didn’t recognize.
Something unfamiliar . Something I’d never seen, making my decision a bit harder. Discernment wasn’t on my side this time. I couldn’t figure Kiwi out. For assistance, I asked another question.
Discernment
Verb
The ability to judge, recognize, or identify something or someone.
The ability to draw a conclusion or perceive without judgment to obtain spiritual, emotional, or physical guidance.
Synonyms include: judgment, discrimination, enlightenment, astuteness, shrewdness, erudition
“Kiwi, would you like to leave?”
She paused, swallowing the lump in her throat. Her eyes darted in so many directions, I lost count before they were back on me.
“No, baby. They’re waiting for you. I’m fine.”
“Fuck them,” I insisted. “What do you want to do?”
“Find our seats,” she responded.
“They’re at the head of the table.”
“But there’s only one.”
“There will be two by the time your feet reach the head of the table.”
I switched positions, placing her in front of me as my hand rested on her back. I led her to our seats. As I’d stated, her chair was waiting by the time she made it. Once she was seated, I followed suit. Everyone around us stood, pissing me off slightly.
“Sit down,” I demanded. “I’m not interested in the warm welcome. Let’s get down to business. I got shit to do.”
All eyes were on me.
“We’ll start with introductions,” Roulette began.
She organized and directed every meeting I hosted. There was only one a year. She was in charge of everything from seating to invitations. And once everyone was finally at the table, she was in charge of the proceedings.
“Dank.”
“Phil.”
“Nel.”
“Rudy.”
“Frank.”
“Greg.”
“Tim.”
“Eric.”
“Jay.”
“Squeeze.”
“Thank you, fellas. In front of you, my staff is offering you appetizers according to your personal selections upon invitation receipt. As you begin to dine, you’ll find screens in front of each of you with an itinerary for this meeting. We’ll start with inductions.
“There are four new faces at the table who have performed well this year, becoming part of the top ten earners. That’s something to be proud of. We’d like to officially introduce you to The Table.”
Roulette worked the room, doing what she did best. All eyes were on her. Except for one set in particular that couldn’t quite resist Glacier’s frame. Taking note, I continued listening as Roulette began knocking off bullet points from the tablets that were placed in front of everyone.
“Rudy. Nel. Eric. Jay. Welcome, fellas. In the envelope in front of you is a key to your new storage. Inside, you’ll find an additional supplies to expand your business. The new strand that is waiting in your unit has been customized and was specially formulated by The Chemist. No one earner has the same strand. Find comfort and confidence knowing that no one is in possession of yours but you.”
“That’s what’s up.”
A few head nods and amens were heard around the table. However, I couldn’t put a finger on where they’d come from because my eyes were planted on the person who couldn’t keep theirs to their fucking self.
“Who is my mans right here?” I asked, pointing directly to the motherfucker who obviously needed an optometrist on speed dial.
I felt Glacier’s hand on my thigh, gripping it in an attempt to get my attention. I was too invested in the presence of the man across the table to submit to her request.
“Nel,” Roulette confirmed, checking the seating chart.
“Nel, you need us to send you to an optometrist, my nigga? ’Cause it’s got to be something wrong with ya vision. Pay attention to her, she’s the one talking, nigga. Not me and not her.” I tilted my head toward Glacier.
“Baby,” she whispered, beckoning for my attention.
“You got it, boss. She just resembles someone I used to know. It’s all good.”
“You don’t know her no more, then, my nigga. That’s all that matters here.”
Feeling a hundred pounds of pressure on my chest, I waited for a response. There wasn’t one. I continued to grill the nigga who had pissed me off before I could properly warm my seat.
“Welcome to the grown-up table, nigga. A far cry from the kid’s table you’ve been scraping for food at. Over here, we shut our fucking mouths and get this fucking money. It’s the only thing that matters here. Learn the rules and stick to them motherfuckers,” I suggested.
“Baby.” Glacier tugged at my pant leg.
Finally, I gave her my undivided attention. I owed her an apology for bringing her to this meeting and an even bigger one for forgetting our date night had been rescheduled twice and ultimately landed on the one night I needed to handle business.
“I’m sorry, Mommas. I?—”
“That’s him,” she whispered.
“Him, who? Who the fuck is him?” Baffled, I asked one question immediately after the other.
“That’s my ex-boyfriend. His name is Nelson.”
“Oh yeah?”
The weight that pressed my chest cavity against my heart was released. It wasn’t that this nigga had a problem with his eyes, he was seeing the gem he’d lost with the nigga who was his boss. His heart was aching. There was no need for me to join his pity party. I wanted to turn that motherfucker up.
Standing, I grabbed the glass that had been placed in front of me. It was filled with champagne that I had no intention of sipping. The plan was to pass that shit to Glacier, but the plan had changed.
“Madam,” I called out, beckoning for Roulette’s attention.
“Yes?”
“Bring a few bottles out and add a key to this nigga’s load. It’s a fucking celebration.”
“Is it? Should I round the ladies up as well?”
“Nah, not this time. Just a bottle for my mans on the other end. I got a lot to thank this nigga for.”
I held my glass in the air, everyone following suit, though they weren’t sure what we were celebrating.
“You want in on this shit, baby?” I asked Glacier.
Quickly, she shook her head.
“Bet.”
The bottle was delivered to his end of the table. One was also delivered to my end.
“Nel, Nelso, whatever your name is, my nigga, I just want to give thanks to you, my nigga, for doing whatever the fuck you did and blessing me with the best fucking thing that’s ever happened to me. She’s one of a kind, bro.
“What you’ve done on the block, any motherfucker could’ve. But what you’ve done for my life, nah. Niggas at this table ain’t fucking with that. Best gift ever, hands down, nigga. I appreciate that. I appreciate you. So, to Nelson.”
“To Nelson,” the room erupted in cheer.
A good sport, he nodded, hiking his glass in the air as well.
“She fucking the boss now, dog. When you see her in the streets, look the other way and we gon’ be aight. No hard feelings. It’s love, all love, ’cause you the nigga I have to thank for giving my baby up. That extra key on me.” I chuckled. “And that still ain’t enough ’cause I could never repay a nigga for fucking up that bad.”
“Right on. Right on,” Nel responded, tilting his glass again.
“Now, back to the money!”
I popped the bottle of champagne and refilled my glass. When I sat beside Glacier, I leaned closer so that she could hear me clearly.
“Never feel threatened by a nigga in my presence. I will kill everything breathing in this bitch about you. Don’t ever get that twisted. For you, I will clear a whole town. For you, I will lay shit down. For you, I will wage war. For you, G, hell ain’t even the limit. Fix your face, that’s your past. I’m your future.”
“I love you,” she responded, reaching for my hand underneath the table.
She sought security, comfort, and validation. I met her exactly where she was, willing to give her whatever she needed. Our fingers intertwined as the meeting continued. Though I was fully present, mentally, physically, and financially, I still kept my eyes open and my ears to the ground, making sure there were no lingering feelings associated with the conversation Nelson and I had just had.
“I love you more, Mommas.”
Roulette rounded the table, ending up beside me with her hands concealing the words coming from her mouth as she whispered in my ear.
“I’d like to take Glacier into a more comfortable setting. Roaman, Range, and Royce are in the lounge having drinks. She’s welcome to join them.”
“The entire gang is here, huh?”
“Not exactly. We’re missing a few and the obvious one.”
She was referring to Chem.
“Right. Let me ask her.”
Roulette nodded, stepping away as I turned toward Glacier.
“Baby, the woman conducting this meeting is Chem’s sister,” I explained lowly so that she was the only person at the table able to hear me.
“Your Chem?”
“Yes. My brother. His sisters are in the lounge having drinks and she’s offered to take you back there if you’re more comfortable.”
“Baby, I’m comfortable wherever you are,” she clarified. “But after all of this, I could use a drink and some girl chat.”
“Aight. Bet. She’s going to lead the way. When I finish up, I’ll come get you.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll have your food delivered to you,” Roulette told Glacier as she stood.
Intently, I gazed in her direction as she followed Roulette out of the boardroom. Wedding bells and flowers and white gowns and rings clouded my head. Without a doubt, I knew one thing to be accurate in my future.
I’ma marry the shit out of that fucking girl.
The reassuring smile she gave me before exiting, letting me know that she was in good spirits, made my heart pound against my chest. I responded with a head nod, letting her know it was all good.