16. Mercy #3
We got comfortable at the bar while the other ladies got situated around the room. Typically, they did ladies' night during the day because some of the women were pregnant or new moms, but tonight was just for the single ones who wanted to blow off some steam.
“I am helping Fire out with a situation which has me working with Bizzy, but I don’t think that counts,” she said, shaking her head.
“Why?” I adjusted my dress before sitting.
The all-blue bodycon dress I’d chosen looked good as hell, and from the looks I’d gotten when we walked in, I knew if I wanted to, I could walk out with a man.
The thing is, I didn’t want just anyone; I wanted Givens.
When I got home earlier, I reached out to check on him, but he sent me to voicemail and left my text on read.
I wouldn’t beg him to talk to me, so coming out tonight was a good distraction.
“Because I have no interest in real estate,” she answered with a shrug. “Daddy said it was a smart business move, so you know that meant Xion pranced his happy ass into the conversation, trying to see if he could be a part of it.”
“And what did you say?” I asked, knowing that Xoey more than likely had a few words for her brother. Xoey and Xion never got along. I wasn't sure what their story was, but I knew there was animosity between the siblings.
“I told him my aim might be shit with darts but not with a Glock,” she said with a shrug. “He tip-toed his prissy ass right out of the room once he heard that.”
“Xoey, you threatened your brother?” I laughed. I wasn’t surprised by her actions because it wasn’t the first time I heard her do it.
“Did,” she answered as she looked over the menu. “And I’ll do it again.”
I turned around and rested my back against the bar as Xoey ordered herself a drink. The view from our suite overlooked the lower level, giving us a clear view of the dance floor and bar.
“So what’s up with you and the light skin thug?” she watched me over the rim of her glass and smiled sweetly. “And before you ask, yes, I’ve spoken to Krude, and he’s told me all about y’all, but that was after I saw the pictures from that party that you had scrubbed from the internet.”
“I didn’t have anything scrubbed.” I glanced at her and smirked.
“Nine and his magic fingers,” she dreamily sighed, and I shook my head. “No? It was the silent assassin of a wife?” Xoey dramatically sat and fanned her face. “I swear I love her more every time I find out something new. The fact that they are so deadly makes them even more sexy.”
“You are sick,” I laughed.
“What, you jealous that I’m in love with them?” she asked with a laugh, then took a sip of her drink. “You and the light skin thug are fine, too, don’t get me wrong.”
“Gee, thanks,” I playfully said as I rolled my eyes.
“You’re welcome,” she said, setting her drink on the bar.
Then, her expression went from playful to serious.
“Now, explain to me why you were at the party because from what I’ve heard, Javien is not to be trusted.
” I shrugged instead of answering her question, and Xoey kissed her teeth.
“Mercy, you’re my girl. I love you, and yes, I know you are a DeCorte, but keep your hands clean with this one. ”
“Why?” I reared back in surprise, and it was Xoey’s turn to shake her head. “No, talk, Xoey. If you’re telling me to back off, I need to know why.”
“Because I’m asking you to,” she sighed. “Javien is on my daddy’s radar already. Just let it be.”
“He’s turning you loose on Javien?”
“Hell no,” she angrily answered. “He told me to sit this one out, too.”
I stopped talking and thought about what Xoey was and wasn’t saying. Getting on Xayne St. Thomas’s radar meant that Javien’s hands were dirty as hell. His being in the NBA meant nothing; Xayne had the reach and pull to take him out, and no one would bat an eye.
“Okay,” I finally said, and Xoey nodded. Her shoulders dropped in relief, and she smiled. “Was that why you invited me out?”
“Partially,” she answered with a laugh. I rolled my eyes as she threw her arm over my shoulder.
“I needed to get out of the house, too, so it was a win-win. I needed to hang out with my friend and talk a little shop.” She picked up her phone from the bar top and brought up her camera. “Now, let's take some pictures.”
“I could’ve said no.” I posed, and she started taking pictures.
“You could’ve, but I knew you wouldn’t,” she said as she swiped through the pictures. She showed me a few, and I nodded. “I’ll send them to you. You care if I post one?”
“Go right ahead, give the headlines something to talk about,” I said as I checked my phone. There was still no response from Givens, but I refused to let that bother me. “Socialite Xoey St. Thomas and WNBA player Mercy Givens out on the town.”
“Superstar Mercy Givens,” Xoey corrected with a laugh. “Always put some respect on your name or them bitches will try and play you.” She stuffed her phone into the top of her dress and smiled wickedly. “Now, let's go out there and show the fuck out.”