“Yeah,” I answered and nodded as I chewed the last bit of my sandwich. “Get someone to come clean the house on the Eastside—it’s filthy. Also, you might need that new crew. Something tells me the old one won't be in tomorrow.”
“Mr. Mills! The truck is out back, ready to unload. I’ll be there if you need me.”
Nodding my acknowledgment, I watched Irene as she sashayed to the back. The club was closed every Monday for housekeeping, inventory, and stocking, so I didn’t have a full crew.
“You know that girl wants you, right?” I dragged my eyes to Jerome. He came in on a packed night when I only had one bartender, pushed her aside, and went to work. I was amused and impressed with how well the customers took to him. He was flirtatious and complimentary when it came to the ladies and a jokester in a way that the men weren’t easily offended. Somehow, the man bullied his way onto my payroll, and I admit it was a great choice.
“That don’t have shit to do with me.” I shrugged as I sat on the bar stool with my iPad in hand. I’d been looking over invoices and sales all morning, and the shit was making my head hurt. “You got everything you need back there? What bottles are you missing?”
“Once she accounts for the liquor and brings me the bottles I’ve requested, I’m good.” He flung hair that wasn’t there from his face as he leaned over the counter. “Are you seeing anyone, Skip?” I paused my swiping and mugged him. He threw his hands up and chuckled. “I don’t want you, love, so no need to shoot. I’m still heartbroken that my sister landed fine-ass Dre.” I chuckled at him, feigning hurt as he palmed his chest. “I was just asking. The girls here say you’ve never taken them up on advances. They said you’re either with someone or gay.”
Shaking my head, I continued what I was doing because the shit didn’t deserve an answer. I love pussy, and I get it when I want it. My employees will never know what this dick is hitting for.
“The next time the ladies feel the need to gossip, let them know if they want to keep their jobs as well as their lives, don’t worry about who’s getting this dick. Not to mention, I don’t want the drama it will bring.” I smirked as he hung onto my every word. “This shit is Grade-A and deadlier than the nukes in Russia.”
“Trust me… he is not lying.”
Hearing her voice behind me caused the hairs on my neck to stand as the blood in my veins turned cold. Slowly, I stood from my seat and came face to face with Gia. For a moment, I said nothing as I stared at her. Still thick as cold grits, she was beautiful. Her breasts were full and spilled over the top of her dress while her black panties played peek-a-boo from the bottom. Her ass was so fat, I could see it from the front. Her Hershey-colored skin was blemish-free, and her almond eyes held love with a mix of fear. She had the right to be afraid because I was moments away from blowing her head off her shoulders.
“You got about three seconds to get the fuck out of my place of business before I shoot the fuck out of you.” I pulled my Glock from my waist and held it at my side. “One?—”
“S-Skip, wait!” she stammered as she slowly backed away. “I-I just want to talk?—”
“Two.” I lifted and aimed it at her forehead, eyes squinted.
“P-Please!” she cried as I walked her backward. Those tears didn’t mean shit to me. “I-I didn’t mean to h-hurt you, but I have nowhere else to go!”
“Three.”
“I have your daughter!”
Pow!
I shot inches away from her ear as she dropped to the ground and wailed. My chest throbbed as I hovered over her.
Did I hear her right? Did this bitch just say she had my daughter?
“What the fuck did you say?” I gritted my teeth as I stared down at her. The few workers I had here came rushing to the front to see what the commotion was, but I wasn’t worried about that right now. “Lie again, bitch. I haven’t seen you in six years!”
“S-She’s five!” she shouted as she peered up at me. “She’s five years old, Jordan, and she looks just like you. Please, if you just let me explain?—”
“Get out.” I dropped my gun to the side of me and stepped back. “Get the fuck out of my club before I blow your brains all over the fuckin’ floor.”
Without a second thought, she hopped to her feet, but not before going into her purse and pulling out a card. “T-This is the number to the hotel we’re staying in. C-Call me.”
“Girl, give me the damn card and get your ass out of here before this damn man shoots you.” Jerome came up beside her and grabbed the card. He placed his hands on her shoulders and ushered her to the door. “Standing there looking goofy like one side of your head wasn’t almost blown off. Gone on, nye! Get!”
Seeing her being pushed out the door and it clicking behind her snapped me from my murderous thoughts. Sweat formed all over as I shook with anger. If that bitch really had my kid, I was going to kill her with my bare hands.
“Everybody get the fuck out.” I turned and faced the three other employees as they eyed me with sympathy. “Now!”
I watched as they scrambled in different directions, gathering their things to leave. Irene took slow steps toward me before placing her hand on my arm. “I’m so sorry, Jordan. I’m here if you need me.”
“You’re going to need a medic for the hole you’re going to have to match hers if you don’t get your hand off me.” She snatched back instantly. “That’s the second and last time I’m going to tell you about touching me. Next time, they’ll be zipping up your body bag.”
Tripping over herself, she ran to the back for her things before reappearing and running out the front door. I stood in the middle of the club, with my mind running a mile a minute. I didn’t know what the fuck I was going to do.
“Listen, boss… I don’t want to overstep, but we can’t leave here today without restocking if you’re going to open tomorrow. I got the front—you take the back. Here…” Jerome handed me the card. Hesitantly, I removed it from his hand. The smooth card felt like fire between my fingers, even though it was nothing but paper. “Despite how you’re feeling, I know you want to know. Now, come on! You dun scared all the people out of here, and you’re about to work the shit out of me. I’m too pretty for manual labor longer than two hours.”
