Ethan Whitmore
“What’s going on, old man?” I shook hands with Charles.
“Taking care of business as usual.”
“I hear you. So, what’s up?”
We both took a seat as he leaned toward his coffee table to pour us a shot of Scotch in a glass.
“I have an opportunity available for you if you want. I have someone that’s willing to sit down with you to discuss helping clean up your money.”
“Yeah, who is it, and what do they want in return?”
I had to keep my guard up at all times. It was rare that some shit like this could be put together without any underlying bullshit.
“His name is Christian. He’s my nephew, which makes the two of you cousins.
You both are pretty much into the same shit.
He and his wife, Ariane, own a casino out in Vegas.
They’ve been doing this for a few years, and not once have they been on the feds’ radar.
They’re good at that street shit. When you came to me about the papers for the club, I knew it would take some time to clean all that money.
I had to make a call first before making a suggestion to set something up. ”
“So, you have other siblings besides Blake?” I asked.
“Yes, we had another brother, Ezra. And our sister, Christina. Christian is Christina's son. She was killed nearly twenty years ago. It’s been about four years since Ezra was killed as well.”
“Damn.”
“Yeah, needless to say, Ezra was into the drug world and became a pretty big deal. He got our sister caught up in the lifestyle, which cost her life. Ezra is the reason I became a lawyer. Blake was always the one who played by the book and politics. Anyway, after Christina died, Blake never wanted to associate himself with Ezra.”
“Some tough shit,” I said, but I couldn’t care less about their family history.
“So, back to business. How long will it take to set something up?”
“Actually, it’s already done, I just needed you to agree. We’ll take the private jet and fly out in the morning.”
It was already two in the afternoon, but I was down for the trip, although it was last minute.
I had to send a text to Duke letting him know that we were flying out.
I informed Charles that when it came to my personal business, I didn’t leave Duke out of anything.
We were partners, so we handled shit and made decisions together.
We chopped it up for another hour or so while he gave me the full run down on my cousin, whom I’d never met.
After our conversation was over, I hopped in my ride and went over to Zenobia’s.
She had texted me earlier, asking if I wanted to come over for lunch.
Zoie had the day off from school, so she wanted to do a little something.
At the time, I told her I wasn’t sure if I would make it, but there I was, sitting in the driveway.
I got out of the car, then went to the door and let myself in, using my key. Whatever Zenobia had cooked smelled good as hell. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I walked in.
“Hey, baby daddy.” She smiled upon seeing me.
“What’s up? Where's Zoie?”
“In her room, changing clothes. You look nice.” She grinned.
“’Preciate it.” I glanced at her.
The way Zenobia was acting had me looking at her sideways.
“Um, I’ve been thinking about some things, and I wanted to sit down and talk to you about it.”
“Like what?” I asked, taking a seat at the kitchen table.
My phone was in my face, and I didn’t notice what Zenobia had on until she stood right in front of me, slightly between my legs. I set my phone on the table and stared up at her with a blank face.
“I’ve been thinking about us a lot lately. We’ve been in a very good space for so long, and I wanted to see if we could step it up a notch.” She caressed the back of my neck with her fingers.
“In other words, you’re tryin’ to be in a relationship?”
“How do you feel about that?” she asked.
I ran my hand down my face, letting out a deep breath. “I mean, I’m cool with it. But, right now, I have other stuff going on.”
She silently took a step back. “Like what? Hooking up with ol’ girl who works for you?”
“It doesn’t matter. Just know that I’m not in the right headspace to be in a committed relationship.”
“With me or in general?” she questioned.
“What’s up with you? Where is all this shit coming from? Last time I checked, I thought you were talking to someone anyway. Ever since you saw Ava and me together, you've been on some other shit.”
“As long as we’ve known each other, I’ve never known you to bring someone over to Big Momma’s outside of me.” She smacked her lips and folded her arms.
“Yo, you buggin’.” I stood up. “You jealous, Ze? You think you’re supposed to be the only special person I bring around my family?”
“So, she’s special to you?”
“Daddyyy!” Zoie came running at me.
“Woahh!” I caught her in my arms. “Princess, what’s going on, beautiful.” I kissed her cheeks.
“Are you staying to eat?”
“Do you want me to?” I gave her a goofy look.
“Yes.” She giggled.
Zenobia rolled her eyes and walked back over to the stove.
I ignored her ass and kept my attention focused on my baby girl.
We chilled in the living room and watched some movie she had been playing until Zenobia called out that the food was ready.
The table was already set, and Ze had our plates hot and ready.
She sat down and started eating without us.
I knew she had to be in her feelings. Otherwise, she would’ve waited.
I wasn’t about to comment on her actions or bring the conversation back up because I was sure that’s what she wanted anyway.
As always, the food was banging, not better than Ava’s though.
Usually, I would stay for dessert, but I had things to take care of and was supposed to meet up with Duke and Ace.
“I’ll be leaving town in the morning for a few days.”
“Going on a trip with your special lady?” Zenobia questioned in a mocking tone.
“Yeah, I actually am. Figured we’d take a trip to Vegas and hit up a chapel.”
“Seriously, EJ?” She turned to look at me.
I was just fuckin’ with her, but I could see her emotion stir up through her eyes.
“Yeah. I mean, why not?” I shrugged.
“Wow,” she scoffed.
Before she could open her mouth again and start cussin’ me out, I laughed and grabbed her into a hug.
“I’m just fuckin’ with you.”
“I don’t see why or how that’s so funny.” She smacked her teeth.
“Nah, I’m not ready for all of that just yet. And I’m going out of town on business. When it comes to us, I just need a little more time. I’m not saying yes, and I’m not saying no. My options are open right now.”
“Can I ask you one more question?” she asked.
“What, Ze?”
“Have you introduced her to your alternative lifestyle?”
“Why? Who I have as a sub doesn’t concern you or what we have going on. You know that, but I see you want to cross the line and test the water. I’ll answer your question anyway. Yeah, I have,” I dryly said.
I could see jealousy written all over her face.
Truth be told, Ava was a better submissive than Zenobia.
Ze was too sensitive. There were certain limits with her.
Ava, on the other hand, was fresh and new to the lifestyle but handled shit better than I expected.
To be honest, I didn’t even label Ava as my sub.
I had to step into the role of Maitre one time so far just to put her in her place for being disobedient.
Even though I gave her a little taste, I still took it easy on her.
My goal was to make Ava my lady, I wasn’t interested in her just being my sub.
That was the difference comparing her to Carla and Zenobia.
“So, that’s why you’ve been so distant.”
“Ze, we’re not about to stand here and have this conversation, and my daughter is right in the next room.
You talking like I come over and fuck you all the time.
We have our moments every once in a while, but it’s not shit compared to how we used to get down.
Don’t get shit twisted, and don’t try to switch up on me because you see I’m falling for someone else. ”
“There it is.” She smirked, but it was obvious her feelings were hurt.
“So, you genuinely have feelings for this chick?”
“I might, but that’s none of your business.”
I turned to walk away from her. She was doing too damn much, so it was time for me to bounce. I went to check in on Zoie, and she was in her room, playing with her Barbies. We talked for a good five minutes before I grabbed my keys and made my way out of the house.