“Yes, I told him a few weeks ago. I hate that you and Aaliyah had to find out like this.”

“She’s married and Aaliyah is Nico’s daughter but I’m not telling you nothing that you don’t already know. No disrespect but this some messy shit.”

“None taken and you’re absolutely right. Trust me I didn’t plan to fall for her but I did.”

“What you tryna say that ya’ll in love? What part don’t you get, >

“Oh, I get that.”

“You just don’t care. I know Nico doesn’t know.”

“Of course not.”

“How do adults expect for kids to make the right decisions when they can’t make it their damn selves. Great fuckin’ example you guys are,” I groaned getting up from the table.

“Amir, wait.”

“What is it?”

“I like you. You’re an exceptional young man. Don’t let this define our relationship.”

“I hear you, Lorenzo, but I need to go check on Aaliyah.” When I got outside Aaliyah and her mom were in the parking lot exchanging heated words. That was better than what I imagined it would be. As I got up closer on them I could hear what was being said and to my surprise Precious was not backing down.

“Aaliyah, of course this isn’t how I wanted you to find out about Lorenzo but I’m not going to apologize to you for finding some happiness and holding on to it.”

“You make it seem like there is no happiness left with daddy.”

“What house have you been living in?” Precious asked sarcastically. “There isn’t any happiness left in my marriage and hasn’t been for a very long time and you know that.”

“But you don’t throw your family away for some meaningless affair.”

“It’s not meaningless. Lorenzo is very important to me.”

“Are you saying you’re going to leave daddy for him?”

“I don’t know but it’s my decision to make and I would appreciate it if you give me that.”

“Is that what you call a polite way of asking me not to expose your affair?”

“Yes it is. Until you get married and you’re able to survive the good, bad and the ugly, hold off on being judgmental.”

“Fine, I’ll keep your little secret but while you’re contemplating whether to fight for your marriage, think about Xavier. I’m eighteen so I’ll get over it. But Xavier is just a kid who needs his mother and father together. So while you’re in that restaurant tonguing down Lorenzo, think about that. Let’s go, Amir.”

“Goodnight,” I said to Precious before following Aaliyah back to her car. The entire situation was fucked up but I didn’t think Precious or Lorenzo were bad people they just made a bad decision they would no doubt cause even greater consequences.

“I can’t believe this shit! Amir, you promise you didn’t know about this?” Aaliyah asked me again when we got in the car.

“I promise. Why is it so hard for you to believe me?”

“Your dad and Lorenzo are close. I would think your dad would’ve mentioned it to you.”

“So would I but he didn’t. Maybe he didn’t want to put me in the middle of it. He knew I would feel obligated to tell you.”

“Then why were you trying to get me out the restaurant and hide it from me?”

“Because exactly what I was trying to avoid, happened. I didn’t want you and your mother having a blowout in the middle of a fuckin’ restaurant. When I saw them together my first reaction was to protect you and that meant not letting you see it. But once I got you far away from there I had every intention of letting you know.”

“I apologize for doubting you.”

“You don’t have to. I know how fucked up you’re feeling right now. They not even my parents and I’m feeling fucked up. Then I’m thinking about Nico.”

“What about my dad?”

“Lorenzo is doing business with him. I don’t know how long that will last once he finds out.”

“Do you think I should tell him?”

“Hell No! This shit is fucked up but like my dad would say, this grown folks business and stay the fuck out of it.”

“But it isn’t right. Lorenzo is fucking my mother but then doing business with my dad.”

ownlign="l “See I shouldn’t have even said anything. In all honesty the shit is actually separate. Lorenzo’s personal life doesn’t have anything to do with his business. It’s not like your mother is married to Nico and Lorenzo stepped in and started having an affair with her.”

“So now you’re defending him!”

“All I’m trying to say is that I don’t believe Lorenzo was trying to slight Nico so don’t tell your dad, either one of them. Let your mother handle this. Trust me everything will come to the light without you even putting your two cents in…it always does.”

“Fine, I won’t say anything.”

“You give me your word?”

“Yes, I put that on our friendship. But hopefully my mother realizes her marriage is worth saving and ends that bullshit relationship with Lorenzo. You know what’s crazy about this?”

“What?”

“My mom and dad constantly argued over Nico. My dad just knew there was something going on between them. How ironic is it that he’s not even the one my mother turned to.”

After Aaliyah said that, we both remained silent for the duration of the car ride. Our appetites were now nonexistent and all we both wanted to do was go home. This shit had ruined our evening and I hoped it wasn’t a precursor for how the rest of my birthday weekend would go.

“You are still coming tomorrow?” I questioned Aaliyah before getting out her car to go in the house.

“Of course. I wouldn’t miss your birthday party for nothing. You always come through for me.”

“And I always will.” I gave Aaliyah a kiss on her cheek and went in the house. I knew a birthday party wouldn’t make Aaliyah forget what went down tonight but maybe some fun would be an excellent deviation.

When I entered the house, from the two story circular entry I could see my dad pouring himself a drink at the bar. “Amir, will you come here,” he yelled out from the living room.

I was in no rush to get to my dad so instead I did a mental tour of our new house in order to slow down my pace. I already knew what he wanted to discuss and I was a tad dismayed with him for not telling me about Lorenzo and Precious. I was hoping by the time I made it to him some of that anger would’ve subsided. So I stamesed. So red up at the sky-high ceilings, admired the glided moldings and massive fireplace and even complimented how stunning the chandeliers were in my mind. “What is it?”

“Lorenzo called and told me what happened,” my dad stated, getting straight to the point.

“Yeah it got ugly real quick.”

“How’s Aaliyah doing?”

“Not good. She thought I knew what was going on between them and didn’t tell her?”

“You explained to her you didn’t.”

“Of course but I would’ve known if you had told me.”

“I knew it would be a mistake. You would’ve felt compelled to tell Aaliyah and I couldn’t let that happen.”

“That didn’t work out because now she knows.”

“Were you able to convince her to stay quiet about what she knows?”

“I think so.”

“That’s not good enough.”

“She gave me her word but I can’t control what she does.”

“The two of you are very close. You need to make sure she understands how important it is that she keeps what she knows to herself.”

“I did but understandably she’s hurt.”

“And we all regret that but this has to be handled delicately.”

“You mean because of Nico.”

“Yes. We’re running a lucrative business and unfortunately I’m afraid that Nico won’t be able to separate the business from the personal.”

“You always taught me that was the number one rule in this game.”

“It is but everybody has that one person in their life that the rule doesn’t applym" sn’t to and for Nico it’s Precious.”

“Maybe you should’ve informed Lorenzo of that before he took Precious to bed.” My dad began shaking the ice cubes in his glass around before pouring himself another drink. I knew that meant he was trying not to let his temper get the best of him.

“Son, I can appreciate that you’re upset that Aaliyah has been hurt by what her mother and Lorenzo are doing but it is happening and from what they both told me it’s not going to stop anytime soon. So we have to find the best way to deal with it. Right now that means everybody remaining silent, including you.”

“Aaliyah already knows who else would I tell?”

“Your girlfriend Justina.”

“I comprehend the importance of silence.”

“Excellent because you’ve been asking me for a very long time to let you be a part of the organization and loyalty to our business is essential. If you can’t keep your emotions under control it won’t work.”

“I told you I was ready and I am. I’m fully aware of the rules and I’ll follow them.”

“That’s what I needed to hear,” my dad said nodding his head and loosening the tie on his white shirt. “Are you ready for your party tomorrow?” switching the subject quickly was my dad’s way of saying that the other conversation was over without actually saying it.

“Yes I am. I’m finally eighteen about to graduate and move on to the next phase of my life. Having a big celebration is a great way to start it off.”

“I think you and everybody else will have a wonderful time. Get some rest tonight you have a big day tomorrow.”

“Will do. Goodnight, dad.”

“Goodnight.” No matter how calm and in control my dad conducted himself there was no denying this affair that Lorenzo and Precious were having was stressing him out. I’m sure it had been from the moment he found out. Now with Aaliyah in the loop that brought another element of tension. He knew I could be trusted but he didn’t hold the same assurance in Aaliyah but only time would tell.

***

I stood at the top of the double adjoining spiral stairwell and watched as the guest arrived to my birthday party. My da>

“You look unfuckin’ believable tonight.”

“My dad almost had a seizure when I came out my bedroom. He tried to bribe me to change my outfit but it was more important to me to give you a hard-on when you saw me than anything he was offering.”

“You made the right choice because all I want to do right now is take you in my bedroom. I can’t wait for you to see it. It’s bigger than a one bedroom New York City apartment and it has panoramic views of the entire Los Angeles Basin.

“So what are we waiting for?” I couldn’t help but smile at Justina’s question.

“It’s not time yet, baby. But before the nights over I’m going to make sure you give me my birthday present.”

“No worries by me because I’m going to make sure I do too. I already know where we’ll be spending the majority of our time while you’re here,” she teased kissing my neck.

“Are you trying to get me to fuck you right here on the stairs.”

“That would be sexy, especially in this house. Did I mention how gorgeous this place is? I remember you telling me your dad was buying a house on the west coast but I didn’t know he was getting a European styled mansion in Holmby Hills.”

“I was as shocked as you when he first showed it to me. He always claimed we were bachelors and didn’t need a huge house. I guess he changed his mind.”

“He beyond changed his mind. He went to the complete left. When my dad was driving up that long winding cobblestone driveway and my mom saw the motor court that look like it could fit a zillion cars she told my dad she wanted a new house because this one made her feel poor.”

“Your mother has always been dramatic.”

“True but she’s right this place is gorgeous and you’re in the perfect location. With Aaliyah living in Beverly Hills, me in Bel-Air and you in w R and yoHolmby Hills we’re representing what they call the “Platinum Triangle” of Los Angeles.”

“Is that what they call it?”

“Yep! Now that your dad bought this amazing place, maybe you should consider going to college out here.”

“I love LA but I’m an east coast New York type of dude. Maybe you should consider going to school in NYC. Aaliyah is and if you come the clique will be there and we can run New York.”

“My mother wants me here but I’m working on it because there is no place I would rather be than with you.”

“I can’t believe they came together,” I mumbled under my breath getting distracted.

“What did you say?”

“I said I wondered when Aaliyah would get here since her parents just came in.”

“Together?”

“Yeah, why do you say it like that?” I was checking to see if Aaliyah couldn’t hold it in and confided everything to Justina.

“Aaliyah told me a few weeks ago their marriage was in serious trouble so I’m surprised they came together. But maybe they’re trying to work it out, which would be great for Aaliyah and especially her brother.”

“I hope they are trying to work it out too,” I said gazing off as my mind was about to go into deep thought before getting interrupted by Justina’s loud outburst.

“No she fuckin’ didn’t!”

“Lower your voice. No who fuckin’ didn’t?” my eyes followed the direction Justina was staring at and there was Aaliyah. “Who’s that man she’s with?”

“D’Mario. Is she trying to get her mother to kill her tonight?” My mind instantly went back to last night when Aaliyah told me about her boyfriend and how her mother didn’t approve because he was a drug dealer.

“Let’s go,” I said taking Justina’s hand and going downstairs.

“You mean let’s go save Aaliyah because she’s going to need it.” By the time we got to the bottom stair, Aaimeom stailiyah was greeting us with her boyfriend.

“Hey you guys. D’Mario, you already know Justina but this is Amir.”

“How you doing, Aaliyah is always saying positive things about you. Good to finally put a face to a name.”

“It’s good to meet you too.” Before I could say anything else, Justina jumped in with her warning.

“Here comes trouble.” We all turned around and saw Precious and Supreme coming in our direction. I hadn’t seen them in the presence of each other for so long that I had forgotten how perfect they looked together. Although Supreme was no longer a superstar rapper he still carried himself with the confidence and swagger of a multi-platinum artist. And Precious was no doubt an undeniable beauty who had just enough toughness and mystic that kept you drawn to her. I understood why she was involved in a love triangle. She was wearing a canary yellow floor length dress with a high slit and a pair of nude pumps that made her legs appear endless. I had to admit she almost had me salivating.

“Hey mom and dad, this is D’Mario.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Mills.” Supreme extended his hand so clearly he didn’t know his occupation but the look on Precious’s face was priceless.

“Mom, aren’t you going to speak,” Aaliyah gloated, knowing the ball was in her court.

“Hello, D’Mario. Aaliyah failed to mention she was bringing you tonight.”

“I didn’t think it was necessary. I knew you wouldn’t have a problem with it,” Aaliyah smiled trying her best to get under her mother’s skin and it damn sure was working because the frown hadn’t left her face yet.

“D’Mario, it was good meeting you and hopefully we’ll see you again.”

“You will, daddy.”

“Thank you, Sir. It was an honor to meet you and you too, Mrs. Mills.”

“Come on, Precious, I see a business associate I want to introduce you to.”

“Coming, Supreme, and we’ll talk later.” Precious let it be known that mother and daughter had unfinished business to deal with.

“That was awkward! How in the hell did you get your mother not to slap the shit out of you right here in the middle of this party.” Aaliyah eyed me and I discreetly shook my head letting her know not to even think about coming clean to Justina.

“I’m eighteen now and decided it was time I took a stand.”

“And…because that can’t possibly be it.”

“Justina, can we talk about this later. It’s a party remember, we’re supposed to be celebrating.”

“True! Amir, let’s go out by the pool. I always forget her name but I heard your dad has that new hot artist performing. We gotta catch that.”

“You guys go ahead. I need to run something by Aaliyah right quick.” I peeped the angst on Justina’s face so I cleaned it up. “It’s about a surprise I’m planning for you.”

“Okay then,” Justina beamed. “Come on, D’Mario I’ll introduce you to some people.”

“What the hell were you thinking?” I laid into Aaliyah as soon as they were out of earshot. “I don’t appreciate you using my party to make this round two with your mother.”

“Relax, we didn’t argue.”

“Only because your mother played it cool instead of going upside your head. You told me last night that she said you couldn’t see D’Mario anymore months ago. So to spit in her face you bring him to this party.”

“Why is it that you always seem to defend everybody else but me?”

“Because sometimes, Aaliyah, you act like such a fuckin’ brat. This isn’t a competition with your mother of you hurt me so I’m gonna hurt you back.”

“That’s not what I’m doing.”

“Yes the fuck it is and you need to stop, now.”

“She doesn’t want me dating D’Mario because he’s a drug dealer yet she’s having an affair. What type of hypocritical shit is that? She’s in no position to judge my boyfriend when she can’t even honor the vows she took in marriage.”

“Even if your point is valid, this isn’t how you present it.”

“Whatever, Amir. You’re never on my side so I don’t care what you think.”

“This bullshit attitude you have is the main reason I decided not to fuck with you and make it work with Justina. It always has to be about you.”

“Well thank you for clearing that up. Now excuse me, my boyfriend is waiting for me.”

I was furious at myself for losing my cool. I needed to speak with my father to get some advice on how to fix shit with Aaliyah. As I strolled through the party searching for him, I noticed he was standing in the entrance of the library with my Aunt Nichelle, some young lady that looked familiar like I had seen her in a music video or something and Lorenzo who was leaning against one of the marble columns. They appeared to be in an intense discussion and I didn’t want to interrupt. It did puzzle me what that particular group of people could be discussing that required such seriousness. The match up seemed off.

“There you are.” Justina snuck up behind me wrapping her arms around my waist. “What are you doing over here by yourself?”

“I needed to speak to my dad but he seems to be in the middle of something serious so I’m waiting for him to finish things up.”

“I see. I tried to get Aaliyah to tell me what that surprise was that you were planning for me but she was so tight lipped. I couldn’t get anything out of her. Now I’m going to work on getting it out of you.”

“Justina, if I tell you then it won’t be a surprise, now will it?”

“Surprises are overrated. I want to know.”

“Give me a second. I think my dad is done over there and what I have to talk to him about can’t wait. I’ll be back.”

“Okay, and I guess I’ll be waiting.”

“Don’t pout. I’ll make it up to you,” I promised giving Justina a quick kiss. I raced over to my dad because I knew it was only a matter of seconds before somebody else would be up in his face wanting to have a discussion with him. “Dad,” I called out to get his attention before somebody else did.

“Amir, I was just asking Nichelle where you were.”

“I saw you guys over here but didn’t want to interrupt.”

“You know she started her modeling agency a few months ago.”

“Yes, I remember when she was looking for an office space.”

“Well Lorenzo knows a young lady that has some modeling experience but needs someone to guide her and give her that big break into the business. So we introduced her to Nichelle. We think it’s a perfect fit.”

“Is she going to sign her up?”

“Yes, she is, but enough about that. I’m sure that’s not the reason you were tracking me down.”

“No, it’s about Aaliyah.”

“Dammit, did she say something already?”

“No, but now I’m wondering how long that will last.”

“Why, did something else happen?”

“Yes, she showed up at the party with a boyfriend she knows her mother doesn’t approve of. Then she rubbed it in Precious’s face as if daring her to go against it in front of Supreme.”

“How did Precious handle it?”

“Surprisingly well unlike me. I ripped into Aaliyah for acting so immature and now she’s pissed at me. How do you think I can smooth things over?”

“Amir, women are all delicate, I don’t care how strong they appear. You have to move with caution when dealing with them so pointing out Aaliyah’s immaturity under these circumstances is counterproductive.”

“I know that, that’s why I’m coming to you.”

“Are you in love with, Aaliyah?”

“Where did that come from…no. I’m in love with Justina,” I stuttered being taken off guard with the question.

“I was only checking.”

“Now that we got that out the way are you going to tell me how I can make this right? If Aaliyah doesn’t feel she can confide in me I’m worried she might act out.”

“And start telling people about Lorenzo and Precious.”

“Exactly.”

“The only thing I can suggest is speak to Aaliyah from the heart.”

“Huh?”

“You heard me. Be honest. Only you know how you feel and why. So tell her.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s all you need. If you take my advice that will be enough to convince her to keep her word and not say anything about her mother and Lorenzo.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“I am. Now go handle this thing with Aaliyah because time isn’t on your side.” When my dad walked away I stood and considered what he said. How could something so simple feel so complicated? Maybe there was a part of me that feared the truth but that was all going to change tonight.

I headed outside towards the pool pavilion and from the distance I could see Aaliyah and D’Mario by the hillsides that was filled with orchids. They were holding hands and kissing each other like they were in love. He kept sliding his hand up her white and pink spotted mini dress then she would playfully slap it away. As I got closer they disappeared into the cabana and my mind began visualizing all the things they were about to do to each other and it made my stomach knot up. I turned away and decided the truth about my feelings towards Aaliyah would stay with me.

Aaliyah

The Best I Never Had

As the hours dwindled by, I regretted that the one phone call I was able to make was to my mother. She or nobody else had shown up yet and so of course I blamed her. I was wondering after we hung up did she say fuck me and go back to sleep. I couldn’t think of any reason why either one of my dad’s or my grandfather hadn’t been here to bail me out unless my mother didn’t let them know I was locked up.

If I was going crazy and I hadn’t even been locked up for twenty-four hours there was no way I could survive this for the rest of my life. I was ready to let the tears of defeat flow out but something inside me wouldn’t let me do it. I was a fighter. I was born into a family ofem" a fami fighters and I couldn’t let this break me. It wasn’t too long ago I was in this same predicament—locked up. “If I got through it once I would get through it again”, I said out loud thinking back to how the more things change the more they stay the same.

***

It had been a few weeks since Amir’s birthday party and my mother and I were barely on speaking terms, which was fine by me. At this point I didn’t want to ever speak to her. I hated her for cheating on my dad and I hated it even more that I couldn’t say anything. Although Amir really turned me the fuck off by the stupid shit he said to me at the party I was a person of my word. I told him I wouldn’t let the shit slip out about my mom and Lorenzo so that was a done deal but it made me full of resentment. My dad adored my mother and if he knew some other man had taken his place it would destroy him.

“Aaliyah, we need to talk.” The sound of my mother’s voice broke me out of the depressing place my mind was in.

“I can’t right now. I’m meeting D’Mario and I’m already late.”

“Then he won’t mind waiting a little longer.”

“He won’t but I do.”

“Aaliyah, I’m not going to tolerate your disrespect. I’m your mother.”

“Then act like it. Because the mother I know or I thought I knew wouldn’t be sneaking around having an affair with another man.” My mother swallowed hard and I could see her cheeks turning beet red. Her hair was pulled tightly in a ponytail so there was no hiding what she felt, as every emotion was exposed on her face.

“I’m not going to discuss my relationship with Lorenzo anymore with you. You asked me to consider my marriage and how it would affect Xavier and that’s what I’m doing.”

“Good, I hope you make the right decision, now excuse me I have to go.”

“Wait,” my mother said grabbing my arm as I was walking past her to exit the kitchen. “We need to discuss your relationship with D’Mario.”

“What’s there to discuss, he’s my boyfriend.”

“It’s taking everything in me not to slap the shit out of you.”

“Why? Because I’m being upfront and in the open about my rp hn aboutelationship with D’Mario instead of creeping around like I’m starring in some disastrous Lifetime miniseries.”

“That’s enough, Aaliyah!”

“You’re such a hypocrite. You judge D’Mario because he sells drugs but you’re a married woman having an affair with a man that does the exact same thing.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about!”

“Yes I do. I’m not naïve, mother. I know what Genesis does, my dad, Lorenzo and my grandfather before he retired out the game. So don’t stand there and judge D’Mario. You need to look long and hard at yourself.”

POW!

That slap I knew was coming finally landed across my right cheek. It didn’t shake me up because I knew my mother and if anything I was expecting it to come sooner.

“How dare you. Everything I am, everything I’ve become is out of my love for you. I would walk to the end of this earth for you. I would battle, fight and kill for you. You and Xavier are my life. The reason I don’t want you with D’Mario isn’t because I’m trying to judge him. It’s because I’ve been there and I’ve done it better than you’ll ever be able to do it and one thing I know as fact, is that you can never beat the streets. If you stay too long and don’t get out, the streets will beat you. I don’t want that for you Aaliyah. I didn’t almost die more times than you can count so my only daughter can end up catching the prison term or God forbid the death sentence that I always managed to escape.”

“I hear you, but it won’t happen to me. Now excuse me I have to go.” I bolted out the kitchen before my mother had a chance to stop me. I was tired of listening to her and couldn’t take anymore.

When I got in the car, I turned on the ignition, pressed down on the gas, speeding to D’Mario’s place. If a cop stopped me and gave me a ticket I wouldn’t have cared but it didn’t happen. Why? Because I was one of the lucky ones, bad things didn’t happen to me. For the last couple of months I had been meeting D’Mario’s connect and picking up the envelope with no problems. Why? Because again, I’m one of the lucky ones. That’s what I kept telling myself because believing that was a lot more fun than acknowledging that what my mother had said could end up being true.

What normally was a twenty minute ride to D’Mario’s place, I got there in about ten. I rushed to the front door and unlocked it since he had given me a key. He had been so patient with me and paying generously for my simple pickup services, that I decided today I would reward him. I actually just made the decision after the heated confrontation with my mom. Everything I knew she would loathe, I wanted to do it ’ed to dand it would start with me losing my virginity to D’Mario today.

“Baby, I was starting to think you weren’t coming,” D’Mario said when I opened the door. He was lying on the couch with some sweats on and a wife beater that exposed his lean but muscular arms. The man owned sexy without even trying and I wondered how I was able to go so long without giving it up, but that was about to change.

Without saying a word I mounted myself on top of D’Mario, letting our tongues interlock promptly. His hands massaged my hardened nipples as I felt his dick growing under me. “Baby, let’s not do this. I don’t feel like jackin’ my shit off.”

“You don’t have to.”

D’Mario gently pushed me away, and asked, “What did you say?”

“You don’t have to because you can cum while we’re making love. Then we’ll stop and start all over again.”

“Are you telling me you’re ready?”

“Yes.”

“But after making me wait so long I wanted to take you to Anguilla or somewhere like that and we have sex on the beach…something romantic.”

“So are you turning me down and saying you want to wait?” I gave him a devilish grin.

“Hell No! You might change your mind and I’ve wanted you so bad since the first time I saw you going into the mall. If you’re going to give yourself to me now then I’ll take you now.”

“I am ready.” I lifted up the gray t-shirt dress I was wearing over my head and D’Mario wasted no time unclipping my bra. He cupped my breasts and his soft wet lips began going back and forth getting a mouthful of my nipples each time. I moaned out in pleasure anticipating how amazing he would feel, filling up my insides. “Take off your shirt,” I whispered wanting to see his ripped abs.

He obliged by not only taking off his shirt but his sweat pants too. When he stood up it was the first time I had ever seen him completely naked and the man was built like a fuckin’ black stallion.

“Damn you fine,” he said to me when I stood up and slid out my panties. “Let me take you upstairs so we can make love in the bed.”

“We can make love here first and then you can take me upstaicolke me urs to your bed…I’m in no rush.” D’Mario smiled at me with those beautiful dimples and pretty white teeth. He laid me down on the couch and spread my legs so his tongue could deflower me first. As I closed my eyes eagerly anticipating this mind blowing experience I heard so much about, somehow in less than sixty seconds with what sounded like an explosion, I went from a dream world to a complete nightmare.

“Stand up and put your hands behind your head! D’Mario Faine and Aaliyah Mills Carter you’re under arrest for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, using the telephone to facilitate a drug crime and…” I couldn’t hear anything after that. If it wasn’t for the fact that my tits were jiggling and my ass was exposed in front of a ton of federal agents I would never have believed this was happening to me. I was speechless. I wasn’t even able to put the simple words together like cover me the fuck up. I was screaming it in my head but it was like when I opened my mouth there was nothing. Therefore I continued to keep my eyes closed, praying that when I opened them the nightmare would be over.

After being photographed, fingerprinted, given a brief examination by the jail nurse, then issued a jumpsuit with some slip on shoes and thrown into a jail cell, I had to face reality that this nightmare wasn’t going away. I hadn’t even called my parents or anybody because I didn’t know what to say because I was still confused by what happened. So when the guard told me I was being released I didn’t know what to think but he didn’t have to tell me twice.

I couldn’t rip that jumpsuit off fast enough. I put my street clothes back on and was lead to the front but when I got there I wanted to go right back to where I came from. My mother and father were waiting for me and I had never seen either one of them look as angry as they were at that very moment. I literally wouldn’t take another step forward. The officer had to grab my wrist and move me along.

“Don’t say a word until we get in the car,” was the welcoming my dad gave me. My mother simply murdered me twice with the way she slit her eyes at me. As I retrieved my belongings and we were walking out the last person any of us needed to see came in.

“What are you doing, stalking us?” my mother shouted.

“Calm down, Precious. This isn’t the place or time for a scene.

“My dear sister, why would I want to stalk you?” Maya asked in a condescending tone. “Your life is pretty boring, or at least it was until your daughter decided to follow in her real father’s footsteps.”

“Maya, I am not your sister.”

“According to a DNA match you are but that’s irrelevant. I’m not here to see you.”

“So it’s strictly a coincidence that you showed up at the same jail at the same time as me.”

“That would be correct. If you must know, I’m here on behalf of my man Darius, who happens to be the brother of my niece’s boyfriend. Isn’t this a small world?”

“Darius is your boyfriend! And you’ve known all this time that I’m seeing his brother? What type of sick game are you playing, Maya.”

“Aaliyah, don’t say another word,” my dad warned.

“Look at you, Supreme, still playing that protective daddy role, for a child that’s not even yours.” My dad flinched forward and my mom quickly moved in front of him.

“She’s not worth it, Supreme,” my mom said being the voice of reason. “Come on, Aaliyah, let’s go.” I followed behind my parents and then lingered back so I could confront Maya.

I marched right up to her and used a soft tone but let my words speak loud and clear. “If I find out that you had anything to do with D’Mario’s or my arrest I promise you, what my mother didn’t have the heart to finish I will.”

“Should they add terroristic threat to the long list of charges you’re already facing? One additional charge won’t make a dent in those twenty years you’re about to be facing.”

“Fuck you, Maya. Just remember what I said and…” Right when I was attempting to finish letting Maya know what was up my mom came back in to get me.

“Aaliyah, get over here now!” Then my mother sauntered over to Maya pointing her long slender finger in her face. “Stay away from my daughter. If you see her coming, go the opposite way. If I even hear that you accidentally ran into her you will experience a blackout. And don’t even bother asking me if that was a threat because we both know, I don’t make threats I deliver on promises. So we’re clear that right there was a promise.”

My mother grabbed my arm and I rolled my eyes at Maya as we made our exit. I truly wanted to take my foot and stomp the life out of Maya. She was always plotting and lurking waiting for the right moment to show her evil face. I didn’t know to what degree but I would bet my life that she had something to do with what happened to me and D’Mario. During the entire car ride home all I was trying to figure out was what role did she play? Because both my mother and father weren’t saying a word to me or each other it gave me plenty of time to come up with some scenarios but I kept drawing a blank.

When we arrived home I saw my grandfather’s car parked in layr parkethe driveway. I silently thanked God because I was hoping his presence would save me from the wrath of my mother. The fact she hadn’t said a word to me since we got in the car let me know that a volcano would erupt once we got in the house. I took my time getting out the car and going into the house as if it would make a difference on how harsh of a tongue lashing I was set to get.

Somehow no matter how slow I was, we all ended up arriving in the living room at the same time. It was like my parents had slowed their pace so I could keep up with them, which is what I didn’t want. “Grandfather, I’m so happy to see you.” I practically jumped into his arms like I was four years old instead of eighteen.

“How are you?” even with an arrest under my belt my grandfather spoke to me in the same endearing, loving voice he always did.

“Better, now that you’re here.” My grandfather gently rubbed my back like he always did when he thought I seemed stressed.

“Stop babying her. That’s why she’s a spoiled brat now,” my mother snapped, making me hold on even tighter to my grandfather. I knew shit was about to explode but I was hoping for a longer reprieve.

“I’m not babying her, Precious. She’s had a traumatic night.”

“She brought it on herself. I warned you to stay away from that man but you refused to listen. Now look at you, facing drug charges! You’re going to have an arrest record what type of future is that!”

“Aaliyah, your mother is right. Is this guy the same person you introduced me to at Amir’s birthday party?”

“Yes.”

“He seemed like a good guy. Did you know he was a drug dealer before you were arrested today?”

“Supreme, don’t be naïve. Of course she knew! But like always, Aaliyah wants to do what she wants to do.”

“I guess that’s another trait we share in common, mother.”

“I’ma slap the shit outta you,” my mother barked lunging towards me. My father grabbed her arm holding her back.

“Precious, calm down. This is not some street fight you’re in. This is our daughter. And, Aaliyah, don’t speak to your mother like that.”

“Daddy, she’s noteft she’ worth defending. If you only kn…” my mother cut me off with such swiftness by the roar of her voice I thought I went deaf.

“Aaliyah, that’s enough! This is about you and the poor decisions you choose to make!” There was so much I wanted to scream right back at my mother but I held my tongue. This wasn’t the right time. My family was already in the middle of a storm and I didn’t need to make it worse.

“All of you calm down and listen to what I have to say.” My grandfather demanded. “Aaliyah was released because a very close friend of mine who is high up in the ranks with the Feds informed me about the arrest. He didn’t know you were my granddaughter until after the fact. But all the charges against Aaliyah will be dropped.”

“Thank you, Jesus,” my father shouted, sitting down on the sofa folding his hands as if praying to God.

“Quentin, I don’t know how to thank you. You always manage to come up with a miracle. This time I’m happy it wasn’t for Maya but instead for my daughter.”

“It wasn’t that difficult. The only concrete evidence they had on Aaliyah was her going to meet a connect and picking up an envelope a few times.”

“That sonofabitch had you working for him!” My mother went right back to attack mode.

“No. I asked him to let me do it. I didn’t think it was a big deal. I was wrong and I made a mistake. Can we let it go? Grandfather said the charges will be dropped against me. That’s all that matters.”

“I hope you’ve learned your lesson from this because one day your grandfather might not be able to get you out of one of your fucked up predicaments.” I ignored what my mother said because I had other things on my mind like what was going to happen to D”Mario.

“Grandfather, what about D’Mario. Are the charges going to be dropped against him?”

“Why do you even care? He was using you! Having you do his dirty work.”

“That’s not true. Our relationship wasn’t like that at all.”

“Aaliyah, there is nothing that can be done for D’Mario. They’ve been watching him and his brother for a long time, trying to build a case. I didn’t know that. If I had I would’ve warned Maya to make a clean break from Darius. So D’Mario won’t be getting out of jail for a very long time.”

“So you knew about Maya and Darius?”

“Yes, that’s how I knew when I saw you with D’Mario that he was a drug dealer and not eighteen. Maya has been seeing his brother for some time now.”

“Did you tell Maya about me and D’Mario?”

“No. I was under the impression that you had severed all ties with him after the conversation me and your mother had with you in the kitchen. I had no idea the two of you were still involved until after your arrest today.”

“Grandfather, Maya came to the police station when we were leaving and I’m telling you she had something to do with it.”

“Do with what?”

“Our arrest.”

“I told you the Feds have been watching both brothers and their operation for a while now.”

“Then why wasn’t Darius arrested?”

“You never know why the Feds do what they do but I’m sure they are working on it.”

“Enough about Maya and those damn brothers. Let’s rejoice in the fact that those charges will be dropped against you and we can put this craziness behind us.”

“I agree with your mother and thank you, Quentin. I don’t care how you managed to do it, you saved my daughter and I’ll always be grateful to you for that.”

“Supreme, you know I would do anything for this family.”

“You’ve proven that again and again, I thank you. Now Aaliyah,” my dad turned his attention toward me. “You have to make better choices. You’re eighteen. Although you’ll always be my little girl to the world you’re a grownup and second chances are rarely given.”

“You’re right, daddy. And I’m sorry. I have to be more responsible with my decisions and I will be.”

“Good, now give me a hug.”

“It’s been a long night so I’m going to let you all get some rest,” my grandfather said. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

“I’ll walk you out,” my father said, patting my grandfather on the shoulder.

“Thanks again, Quentin.” My mother gave her dad a hug goodbye, something I had never witnessed before.

“My pleasure,” he said taking great pride in being able to hug his daughter back, seeing that exchange touched me. With all the negativity I went through today it was such a relief for it to end on a positive note. I decided to head upstairs to take a hot shower and wash off the last reminder of what happened.

“Aaliyah, wait,” I heard my mother say. I wanted to keep going upstairs but I knew if I didn’t stop to hear what she had to say she would simply follow me to my room.

“Yes, mother,” I replied in a peaceful voice, letting her know I wanted to call a truce.

“I didn’t appreciate what you were about to say to your father but I’m glad you held it together and changed your mind.”

“I didn’t do it for you. I did it for daddy.”

“Whatever the reason, you made the right decision.”

“Only time will tell. Goodnight, mother.”

I didn’t know if the decision to keep my mother’s affair from my dad was right or wrong but it was the choice I made and I would stick with it for now. If I learned one thing today it was that when you make a decision you have no control over the outcome so be prepared to deal with whatever ramifications that comes with it.

Amir

Words I Never Said

It seemed like Nico and my dad had been inside of the police station for hours but when I looked at my watch it had been nowhere close to that long. It was my nerves getting the best of me. With the craziness I went through today the one thing I did know was when I talked to Aaliyah again, I promised myself I would no longer hold back. I would tell her the truth and stop wasting time because it was too valuable. I thought about how much time I had already wasted. It seemed just the other day the three of us were making plans for how we would spend our summer vacation before starting college and now that break was almost over.

***

“I’m so happy there is no more hartis no migh school! We’re going to have an awesome summer partying in New York and hanging out at my dad’s crib in Jersey. I love being at his place. I always feel like I’m home alone when I stay here. He lives on a fuckin’ estate and it’s just him. We can be here for the entire summer and never see him if we wanted to.”

“I know right! Thank goodness my mom and dad let me come with you. I wouldn’t want to be anyplace else but lounging in this Jacuzzi with you guys, ” Justina, said kissing the side of my neck.

“And to think with everything that went on with me a few months ago, I thought the only place you all would be visiting me at was behind a jail cell.”

“Aaliyah, I’m not gonna lie, I’m glad you told me what happened after you were in the clear because I would’ve been stressing nonstop. But at the same time when it comes to your family I realize they can make a miracle out of the worse situations.”

“Between Quentin, Supreme, Nico and my father there aren’t too many problems that can’t go away. You know I’m right.”

“Of course, Amir, you’re always right. Isn’t he always right Justina?” Aaliyah mockingly put up her fingers doing quotations marks while stressing the word always. She and Justina both laughed and I couldn’t help but join in.

“Hey, you have to admit, most of the times I am right. I don’t have a problem with that and neither should the two of you.”

“Baby, you know I love you being right all the time,” Justina said giving me a kiss on the lips. I had to take it further and get some open mouth going.

“I didn’t get on a plane and come all this way to watch the two of you tongue each other down,” Aaliyah complained as I caught her rolling her eyes.

“I can’t help it, I missed my, baby.”

“I missed you too,” I said kissing Justina on the tip of her nose.

“I guess since you all are still a couple this is what I have to look forward to the entire summer.”

“That’s why you need to get a boyfriend, Aaliyah, so you won’t feel like a third wheel. Oh, and let me add, one that isn’t going to have you end up in jail again.”

“Funny, Justina. But honestly, I miss D’Mario.

He was a great boyfriend. Do you know the day we got arrested we were actually about to have sex for the first time.”

“Excuse me! When you told the story you conveniently left that part of it out.”

“I was still dealing with the humiliation of getting arrested while I was fuckin’ naked.”

“Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. I’m sorry, Aaliyah, I know I shouldn’t be laughing but that’s the funniest shit I’ve heard in a minute.”

“I’m glad you think so, Justina.”

“So you and D’Mario never had a chance to go all the way?”

“No. The Feds kicked the door in before we had an opportunity.”

“So you’re still a virgin, Aaliyah, Justina said shaking her head. “This is ridiculous. We have to find you a boyfriend. It’s not fair that out of the two of us I’m the only one who has experienced how amazing sex is.”

“Thanks for the reminder.”

I was taken aback by Aaliyah’s confession. I thought for sure that night at my birthday party she had sex with D’Mario. I had no idea she was still a virgin. Her admission seemed to reopen all these feelings I had buried in a matter of seconds.

“Don’t worry, I got you. You’re my best friend and I guarantee you, before this summer is over you’ll no longer be a virgin.”

“Wow, Justina, that’s a pretty huge guarantee.”

“You’ll see.

“Truth be told I hope you’re right because I need to get over D’Mario.”

“Have you talked to him?”

“A few times and I even went to visit him and my parents flipped out.”

“I can imagine. The charges were dropped against you. The last thing you need to be doing is communicating with him. I’m sure they’re recording your conversations anyway.”

“I’m not saying anythior=aying ang to incriminate myself I’m not that stupid.”

“But Justina’s right, it really is in your best interest to cut off all communication.”

“I know. That’s why I went to go see him. I wanted to tell him in person that I cared about him but he couldn’t call me anymore.”

“I bet he didn’t take that very well.”

“He took it a lot better than I thought he would. He understood and agreed that was the best thing for me to do. He knows he’s not getting out anytime soon and he told me it was time for me to move on with my life.”

“Wow, that was big of him.”

“I know. D’Mario really is a great guy. I wish him the best but I have college and the summer to look forward to and that’s what I’m going to focus on.”

“That’s a great idea, don’t you think, Amir…Amir, where is your head at right now?” Justina asked nudging my arm. I didn’t think it was a good idea to inform her that my top head was thinking how relieved I was that Aaliyah hadn’t lost her virginity to D’Mario and my bottom head was wishing I could be her first.

“I was just wondering what we should do tonight.”

“I’m glad you brought that up because that’s the surprise I wanted to share with you guys.”

“What surprise?”

“My dad got us tickets to Sway Stone’s concert tonight at Madison Square Garden.”

“Get out! With everything that’s been going on I totally forgot about his concert. Remember, Amir, I told you about it months ago!”

“He’s one of my dad’s clients under his advertising and marketing services company. So we have an all access pass to everything!”

“You’re shittin’ me!”

“Nope!”

“T-Roc Rocks! I should talk to my dad about partnering with your dad just so I can get me some Sway Stone perks. But then my dad isn’t that cool with your dad because of my other dad, so that isn’t going to work.”

“It could. My dad is really close to Genesis not so much to Nico. They’re cool because Genesis and Nico are business partners. But I think it would be awesome if your dad and my dad partnered up.”

“I think that’s just wishful thinking on our part. As long as we’ve been friends if they haven’t done it by now then it ain’t gonna happen. But who cares as long as somebody has the Sway Stone hookup.”

“Baby, why are you so quiet? I thought you would be more excited than Aaliyah.”

“I’m kinda over the whole Sway Stone thing.”

“Since when? You love his music.”

“It’s a’ight.”

“Anyway, everything is set. We even have backstage passes so we can meet Sway before the show.”

“I’ma have to pass and I think you all should too.”

“Why would we want to do that?”

“I heard some things about him, that’s all.”

“Things like what?”

“For one that he does drugs.”

“From what my dad told me, just about everybody in that business does drugs. As long as we’re not snorting coke and poppin’ pills who cares.”

“I should’ve expected that answer from you, Aaliyah.”

“And what is that supposed to mean, Amir? I mean when did you become so self-righteous. Considering some of the history of our parents, I don’t think any of us has room to judge others…ya think!”

“I’m not being self-righteous or judging. People aren’t the way you think sometimes, that’s all I’m saying.”

“Baby, please come tonight. It won’t be the same without you,” Justina smiled while rubbing the back of my neck.”

“She’s right, Amir. It wouldn’t be tgn=ldn’the same without you. I want you with us.”

“Fine, I’ll go,” I said not wanting to get into a long drawn out debate with them. I didn’t want to take the chance of slipping up. As close as the three of us were I couldn’t tell them that my dad was helping Lorenzo plot on that man’s life. That was business and my dad always stressed the importance of being able to separate friendship and business when needed. My dad had chosen to help out Lorenzo because they were friends and they also did business together. I couldn’t risk jeopardizing their relationship because I got caught shooting off at the mouth to Aaliyah and Justina. Having my dad’s respect meant more to me than anything and I wasn’t going to disappoint him. I would have to keep my feelings about Sway to myself plain and simple.

***

When we arrived at Madison Square Garden the show had already started. I wanted to catch the end of the opening act but all Aaliyah and Justina wanted to do was get backstage.

“Come on, Amir. We’re already late. I hope the guy my dad had meeting us hasn’t left.”

“Don’t rush me. You and Aaliyah were the ones taking a year and a day to get ready for this clown.”

“What is up with you? You were the biggest Sway fan, now you act like you’re allergic to the dude. I hope you’re not jealous because my only interest is in you.”

I stopped walking for a second and stared at Justina. I was making sure I heard her right. “You really think I’m jealous of that dude?”

“Will you two come on,” I heard Aaliyah scream out, as she was way ahead of us.

“Amir, we can talk about this later. Let’s just enjoy our night and have fun.”

“Whatever,” I said nonchalantly and continued to walk forward.

When we made it to the open entrance, it was blocked off and mad security was obstructing any sort of entrance. It was a bunch of people hollering that they had passes to get backstage but nobody was producing shit.

“So where is the man that your dad said would hook us up. ‘Cause I’m not about to be standing here looking crazy like the rest of those fools,” Aaliyah said as she cut her eyes towards the crowd in front of us.

“You all took so long to get dressed and get down here, that man probably bounced by now.”

font><iv height="0em"><div>

“Stop being so negative, Amir.”

“I’m not being negative, I’m being real. I’m sure that man has other things to do besides wait around for us.” At least that was what I was hoping. I could tolerate watching the concert from our seats but I didn’t want to be backstage with Sway and his entourage. Right when it looked like all my hoping would pay off I noticed this super skinny tall guy in a suit approaching us.

“Hi, aren’t you Justina, T-Roc’s daughter?”

“Yes!”

“I’m Robert. I’ve been looking for you.”

“We’re a little late. I was worried you left us.”

“Your dad gave me strict instructions to wait for you because he said you would definitely be showing up.”

“He was right about that.”

“So how many people do you have with you?”

“It’s just three of us.”

“Great. I thought at least half of the girls standing in that line over there were with you.”

“No, we don’t roll like that. It’s just three of us in our clique,” Aaliyah stated, stepping up on Robert.

“Robert, that’s my friend Aaliyah. And this is my boyfriend Amir.”

“Nice to meet you both,” he said acknowledging us both with a handshake. “We better get going. Backstage with Sway can get a little out of hand.”

When we entered Sway’s dressing room I was expecting something the size of a huge oversized closet but instead it looked like the size of a humongous apartment. People were scattered in different sections of the room, talking, eating and drinking. I was scanning the room to see if I could spot Sway but instead I noticed my Aunt Nichelle.

“Where are you going?” I heard Justina call out as I made my way across the room.

“I’ll be right back,” I said putting my finger up. I was positi0emI was pve that Justina wouldn’t mind since the only thing that seemed to be on her mind was meeting Sway Stone.

My Aunt was so deep in conversation she didn’t even notice I was walking up on her until I said her name. “Aunt Nichelle, what are you doing here?”

“I need to be asking you that question,” she smiled giving me a hug.

“Justina’s dad got us tickets and the backstage hookup. Now your turn.”

“One of the girls I’m representing is working tonight.”

“I thought you represented models not singers.”

“I do. Sway is doing this series of commercials and they wanted it to have a day in the real life feel, like a documentary. Part of that is filming him before he takes the stage at the legendary Madison Square Garden. And the young lady I represent is one of the main girls in the commercial. I’m here making sure all goes well.”

“So you’re here protecting your investment.”

“You’re sounding more and more like my brother every day.”

“That’s a good thing. My dad is always about business. Did you mention to him you’re working with Sway Stone.”

“Yes. As a matter of fact, the young lady in the commercial is a model that one of his business partners introduced me to.”

“You must be talking about Lorenzo.”

“Yeah, that is his name.”

“I was on my way to curse you out for leaving me and coming to flirt with some chick and then I realized it was Nichelle…hey Nichelle,” Justina said interrupting my conversation with my aunt.

“Hey, Justina! It’s good to see you oh and here comes Aaliyah. The whole gang is in attendance.”

“What’s up Nichelle!”

“Hi, Aaliyah! You look beautiful as always.”

“So do you. Let me find out you attending backstage parties. That fine hus>

“Renny understands the business I’m in and I’m here working.”

“Whatever you want to call it. We all got to hustle and I’m not knocking yours. But do tell, did you get invited here after doing some sort of modeling gig for Sway Stone?”

“Aaliyah, I stopped modeling a couple years ago. I have my own agency now.”

“I told you that, Aaliyah. Remember the article I showed you they did on her a few months ago in that magazine.”

“Amir, we talk about so much stuff but I don’t recall that. But congrats, Nichelle, on your agency. Why did you give up modeling though? You still got it!”

“Honestly, I got fed up with having a career where everything relied on my looks. I’ll leave that to the new girls on the come up. But at least because I’ve experienced mostly everything they’re going through I can help lead them in the right direction.”

“So is one of your girls working here tonight?”

“Yep, and here she comes now.”

“If we had to do that take one more time I was going to scream.”

“That’s part of the business. Everybody this is Courtney. Courtney, this is my nephew Amir, his girlfriend Justina and best friend Aaliyah.” I took a good look at the girl Courtney and like I expected she was the young lady I saw at my birthday party who was in that intense conversation with my dad, aunt and Lorenzo. She had to be the woman Lorenzo had told my dad would be perfect to infiltrate Sway’s circle, all she needed was a legitimate introduction which they clearly found with my Aunt Nichelle’s help.

“It’s good to meet you guys. Are you looking forward to the show?”

“Definitely!” Aaliyah and Justina said at the same time.

“What about you?”

“I’m sure it will be cool.”

“Speaking of cool, look who’s coming!” Justina said elbowing my arm. “And where did Aaliyah disappear to that quick? She’s going to miss her opportunity to meet Sway.rgbo meet ”

I noticed Aaliyah a few feet away over at the bar area getting a drink while making small talk with some guy. Before I could tell Justina, she was all up in Sway’s grill practically drooling. I knew she was a huge fan but I had never seen her act so thirsty over a guy before. I let her continue acting like a borderline groupie and went to get Aaliyah. I figured she would want to get in on the act too.

“I hate to interrupt but I thought you would want to know that Sway is right over there,” I said nodding my head in his direction. “Aaliyah, did you hear what I said?” I questioned because instead of hauling ass in Sway’s path, she started getting extra flirtatious with the random dude she was talking to at the bar. “Aaliyah, are you coming or what? I’m sure Sway is about to go on stage any minute. This is gonna be your only opportunity to meet him.”

“Amir, can’t you see I’m busy. Sway can wait.” Aaliyah went back to laughing, smiling seductively and rubbing on the random dude’s face. I was confused but before I could start tripping Sway and his bodyguard had walked up on us.

“I know you saw me looking at you. What’s your name?” I knew he couldn’t be talking to me and there wasn’t any other female around besides Aaliyah so he had to be talking to her. But she kept laughing as if she didn’t even notice that there was a superstar rapper standing in front of her face asking her a question. “So you’re just going to ignore me?” he asked as if stunned.

“I apologize, were you speaking to me?” Aaliyah inquired so damn casually that you would’ve actually believed she didn’t know.

“Yeah, I was. What’s your name?”

“Aaliyah.”

“How old are you?”

“Eighteen.”

“That’s good, you’re legal.”

“Yeah, I’m legal. And of course there is no need for you to introduce yourself. You’re Sway Stone. I love your music and so does my friend Amir,” Aaliyah said, pointing at me.

“What’s up,” I said but Sway didn’t even look in my direction.

“Glad you’re a fan. I’m having a private party after my show. I want you to be my guest.”

“That’s so sweet but I >

“What do you mean you can’t?” Sway asked as if he hadn’t heard that word before.

“I have an early flight to catch back to LA tomorrow and I haven’t even packed yet. So thanks for the invite but I have to pass.”

I couldn’t believe the bullshit coming out of Aaliyah’s mouth. I didn’t know what she was trying to do but whatever it was it seemed to be frustrating the fuck out of Sway and I was loving that shit.

“You have to pass,” Sway repeated as if him saying it out loud would make Aaliyah change her answer.

“Yeah, I do.”

“So what do you do, Aaliyah?”

“I’m in school.”

“So you’re on summer break?”

“Yes, why?”

“Just trying to figure out your availability.”

“My availability?”

“Yes. I’ll be in touch,” Sway said and walked away.

“What was that about?” I asked Aaliyah as she turned her head and burst out laughing.

“Yo, I played that shit so cool.”

“Yeah, maybe a little too cool.”

“Please, you heard him. He said he would be in touch.”

“That was him just trying to act like it was all good because you turned him down. He won’t be in touch. His ego won’t let him.”

“Amir, you have no idea how this game works.”

“Excuse me. Since you know, explain it to me.”

“hav">

“Is that why you did it?”

“Of course! My mother always told me, treat the man you want like you don’t want him in order to get him.”

“What?”

“It’s called playing hard to get. It’s the oldest but still most reliable rule in the player’s handbook.”

“If you say so, but I believe you’ve missed your opportunity to score with Sway Stone and I’m glad. He’s not what you need anyway.” Right when I was about to break down all the reasons, Justina popped up.

“Look, I got Sway’s autograph and he took a picture with me. He’s so sweet. I saw you guys over here talking to him. What did he say?”

“Nothing really, he invited Aaliyah to be his guest at the after party.” I watched Justina’s eyes widen and her mouth drop.

“We’re partying with Sway after the concert tonight. I can’t believe this,” Justina smiled.

“I left out the part where Aaliyah turned him down. She told him she had a flight to catch to LA in the morning.”

“What! We’re not going back to LA, we just got here.”

“We know that but Aaliyah wanted to play hard to get.”

“You’re playing hard to get with Sway Stone, are you crazy! How can you miss out on a once in a lifetime opportunity like that?”

“Justina, it’s not that serious. I’ll have another chance with Sway, trust me.”

“What if you don’t!” Justina barked.

“Yo, calm yo’ ass down. I do think Aaliyah took her hard to get game too far but I rather her play that role than that of a groupie.”

“I ain’t acting like no groupie!”

“First, you all up in dude’s grill acting thirsty now you coming down oighoming dn Aaliyah because she played coy. I mean let her do her. “

“Whatever Amir, you’ve been acting salty about Sway since you found out I had tickets to the concert. Don’t call me a groupie because you’re jealous.”

“Would the two of you stop! I mean this shit is getting real petty. Let’s just go watch the concert and have fun.”

I couldn’t believe Aaliyah was being the voice of reason. Normally Justina or I would have to calm her ass down but this time we seemed out of control. I suppose Justina was right; there was some jealousy on my part but not over her, instead it came from watching Sway step to Aaliyah. It did piss me off watching my girlfriend act all extra over some other nigga especially since I didn’t expect that from her. Justina always seemed so reserved and safe. That was the main reason I chose her over Aaliyah. My dad constantly reminded me never get serious with a woman that’s a headache because life will bring you enough of those without a woman adding to it. I thought Aaliyah, not Justina would be my headache but maybe I was wrong.

Aaliyah

Hell Of A Life

“Your attorney hasn’t arrived yet but I thought you would want to know your father is here,” the police officer informed me.

“Can I see him?”

“No.”

“What was the point of you telling me that if you weren’t going to let me see him, asshole,” I screamed out while he was walking away. It was like he was purposely fucking with me. But it was nice to know that somebody was finally here on my behalf. At first I was going to ask which dad but I knew it had to be Nico since he mentioned nothing about my mother. I wondered what was taking her and my dad so long to get here. We hadn’t been on the best of terms lately but she was my mother and she wouldn’t abandon ship on me or would she? I couldn’t pinpoint if my concern was coming from a real place or was it because I was fucking exhausted.

My head was spinning. I didn’t understand how I began my summer feeling on top of the world but now I was seriously debating if my mother had any intentions of coming to see if she could bail me out of jail. As I began to doze off I thought about how positive things had been recently and I would give anything to get that time back.

***

“That concert was awesome last night,” I commented to Justina as we sat outside by the pool drinking Bellini’s.

“Awesome is not a big enough word to describe what we experienced last night. It’s one thing to listen to Sway Stone’s music on a CD and entirely different thing hearing him live in concert.”

“You get no argument from me.”

“And to only think, we could’ve partied with him personally if you hadn’t fucked it up.”

“I didn’t fuck anything up.”

“We’re here, and there’s no Sway Stone. I call that a fuck up.”

“Call it whatever you like,” I said before answering my phone. “Hello.”

“Hey, Aaliyah, did I catch you at a bad time?”

“Umm, who is this?”

“Sorry, about that. It’s me Nichelle. Amir gave me your number.”

“Hi, Nichelle. I didn’t recognize your voice. What’s going on?”

“That’s what I’m calling to find out from you.”

“Really.” I eyed Justina letting her know that I was completely perplexed by this phone call from Nichelle.

“What does she want?” I hit the mute button so Nichelle couldn’t hear my response.

“I’m trying to figure that out,” I said then hit the mute button again so I could wrap this phone call up with Nichelle and get back to drinking my Bellini. “Well, I’m at my dad’s house relaxing by the pool with Justina. Did you want to join us or something?”

I extended the invite because I didn’t understand what the hell she was calling me for and I didn’t know what else to say. Nichelle no doubt seemed like a cool chick but I all I really knew about her was she used to be a model, had a fine ass husband named Renny and she had a little boy. It was really her husband’s son that he had with her dead best friend but she was raising him like he was her own. I think I had the story right but Amir told me what sounded like a soap opera street tale so long ago I might have it wrong, The point was I really didn’t know what she would want to talk to me about.

“That’s sweet of you to ask, maybe another time.”

“No problem. But I’m about to take a dip in the pool so I’ll call you back later, Nichelle.”

“Aaliyah wait!” She yelled out as I was about to end the call.

“Yes, Nichelle.” I was trying to keep my patience because this was Amir’s aunt and I did remember her babysitting us a couple times when we were little, although she didn’t seem to be too much older than us. But this phone call was starting to make me think she had some weirdo tendencies.

“I was calling because I wanted to see if you were interested in doing some modeling this summer before you started school.”

“Gosh, Nichelle, why didn’t you just say that when you first called. I was starting to think you were strange.”

“No need to think that. So are you interested?”

“It depends. Do I have to go audition or do you already have something lined up?”

“I have something already on the table for you.” I wasn’t expecting that answer from Nichelle. I figured she would tell me about a few potential gigs that I would have to interview for and I was going to then politely decline. I had no desire to spend my entire summer on the east coast going on one ‘go see’ after another and being turned down. I had better things to do like shop, drink, party and flirt with cute boys. So since she had something already lined up I assumed it wasn’t paying and again I would decline. Yes, I was technically a trust fund baby with access to plenty of money but I wasn’t doing shit for free.

“So what you have on the table is it paying?” I made a bubble with my gum waiting for Nichelle to drop the magic deal killer word, ‘no’.

“Definitely! I would never offer you a gig that wasn’t paying. If there’s no money being made it’s not a job it’s a hobby.”

“So what gig is it?” I was curious to know now that Nichelle had my full attention.

“Sway Stone wants you to replace one of the models for the series of commercials he’s doing.”

“Really, and when would I start?”

“Immediately. So I would need your answer now.”

“Yes, I’ll do it.”

“Great! I’ll have a car pick you up from your dad’s house in an hour. Can you be ready?”

“Definitely.” When I hung up with Nichelle, I couldn’t stop laughing.

“What is so funny? What did Nichelle say?”

“Guess who personally requested me to replace one of the models in the series of commercial he’s doing.”

“Don’t fuckin’ play with me right now.”

“You ruined your opportunity with Sway Stone,” I whined in an annoying voice mimicking Justina.

“You’re gonna be in a commercial with Sway Stone! You lucky bitch! I so hate you right now!”

“Don’t hate…appreciate,” I started clapping, singing and playing with the words turning it into a little song.

“So when do you start?”

“Nichelle will have a car here to pick me up in an hour. So this lucky bitch needs to get up and get ready.”

“Can I come with you?”

“I don’t think it would be a good idea for you to come with me on my first official day at work. But let me vibe everything out and see if I can bring you from now on. Maybe I can tell them you’re my personal assistant.”

“It didn’t take you long to turn into a diva.”

“I was trying to find a way to fit you in. But fine, you can figure out what’s going on by the pics I send you through my phone. Talk to you later.”

***

When I arrived to the closed set in Time Square where they were about to film a scene for the commercial, everything seemed to be in full swing. There were a couple models, including the girl I saw at the concert last night getting their makeup touched up, I noticed a group of dancers practicing their choreography and then there was a large entourage and I assumed that was Sway and his people.

“Aaliyah, you made it,” Nichelle said excitedly, greeting me with a hug. “Follow me, hair, makeup and wardrobe awaits you.” Before I even had time to think or ask a question there were three different people working on me.

“This is a bit much,” I grumbled.

“I know. But with everything happening so fast with you being a last minute replacement we’re tight on time.”

“I get that.”

“I know with all the hoopla going on it won’t be easy to do but try to relax and enjoy the moment,” Nichelle suggested. “I have to go check on some other things but I’ll be back.”

“Take your time.” I was hoping she never came back, I didn’t need a babysitter. As I sat in the chair all I kept saying to myself was damn these motherfuckers fast. They were transforming me into a model within a matter of minutes. While relishing in my supermodel treatment I realized that Sway hadn’t said anything to me since I arrived. I found it odd since the only reason I was here was because of him.

“Here, put this on and you’re all set,” a bubbly blonde said handing me an itty bitty bikini. I was all for showing off some skin but these pieces of thread she handed me was intimidatingly tiny. I took a deep breath, headed to the dressing room and put it on. When I came out, they had me put on some nude leather peep-toe, silver-tone stud embellishment Louboutin, add a collar pendant necklace with a rhinestone spike stretch bracelet. The jewelry and shoes turned the stripper bikini to a stylish ensemble. I was impressed.

“Aaliyah, I’m speechless. You were always a beautiful girl but you look simply breathtaking,” Nichelle said shaking her head in astonishment.

As I looked at myself in the mirror I had to admit that makeup chick beat my face like I stole her man. My hair and everything was nothing less than perfection. A bitch was flawless and I loved every minute of it.

“Yeah, everybody did a great job.”

“True, but if you didn’t have that face and body to work with I don’t care how great they are, they couldn’t have created this.”

“You do have a point,” I laughed.

“Now come on, they’re waiting for you.”

When I came out everyone was in their allotted position and they all stared at me like where the hell is this bitch supposed to gontupposedo. I followed Nichelle and she stuck me next to the model I saw yesterday and some Asian chick which was fine with me. I was looking hot, that’s all I cared about.

“Okay, everybody get ready, we’re about to start,” the set director announced and I simply duplicated what the other two models were doing.

“Wait.”

“Yes, Sway,” the director said as if he was used to Sway interrupting him.

“I want her next to me,” he said pointing to me. Everybody stared in my direction like who, what and where did she come from, especially the model that was already standing right next to Sway.

“Are you sure that’s what you want, Sway?”

“Positive.”

“Okay, you two switch places.”

“What are you talking about?” the model stood there with her arms folded like she was puzzled by the switch.

“You go over there,” the director clarified by moving both arms in my direction, “and she’s coming over here,” he then moved his arms back to the position she was standing in.

“But I’m a real supermodel. I’m supposed to be in the front.”

“I’m the only super anything here,” Sway stressed incase the model had any misconceptions. “This is my commercial. So either take yo’ bony ass over there or get the fuck off the set. It’s your call but make it quick because we need to keep this moving.” The girl came over with the most mortified expression on her face. I didn’t need him to explain it to me. I went and took my position.

“I see you missed your flight to LA.”

“You got jokes,” I smirked.

“We’re going to have a lot of fun together, Aaliyah. And by the way, you look fuckin’ incredible.”

“You mean that don’t you.”

“Damn right, or you wouldn’t be standing next to me. You’re going to be mine and you’ll enjoy every second of it.”

“What if I don’t want to be yours?”

“That’s not even a possibility. Now stand there and make the world fall in love with you, that’s what you’re getting paid for.”

I moved my body, posing trying to emulate what the other models were doing but only better. I didn’t know what I had gotten myself into by willingly becoming a participant in this game with Sway. It was exciting and scary at the same time. So I did what any eighteen year old would do, sat back and got ready to enjoy the ride.

***

For the next few weeks I stayed up under Sway. He wouldn’t let me move without him and because I was getting paid handsomely he didn’t get an argument from me. But we both knew it went beyond money, I was falling fast for him. Or maybe I was falling for his fast paced superstar lifestyle. It didn’t make a difference it was all intoxicating. From the parties, traveling and simply being in his presence, Sway was the personification of the overindulgent icon.

“Tomorrow is the last day of shooting for the commercials.”

“I know, Nichelle told me.”

“But I want to keep you with me. What do I need to do to make sure that happens?”

“I don’t want to go anywhere. I like being with you.”

“I know but I like to keep things that I have developed an attachment for under contract.”

“That’s different.”

“I’m different. So how much does it cost for me to keep you under contract?”

“I’m puzzled by why you want me so bad.”

“Because you remind me of my last girlfriend,” he said caressing the side of my cheek. “The only difference is you still have this sweet innocence about you. She was a whore and drug addict but I still loved her all the same.”

“What happened to her?”

“She died from a drug overdose.”

“That’s so sad.”

mesn >K. El