“You need to stop thinking that Jay ass is ever going to get it right and give Marcos a chance. You told me about how you missed him when he left.”
“I am not thinking about Jay,” I lied.
“Like hell you ain’t, but I tell you one thing: Jay ass ain’t thinking about you. If he was he would’ve at least wifed you. You gave that nigga three years, and he didn’t give you any type of real commitment. He didn’t let you meet his family or anything. Thenyoubreak up with him, and he gets to give you less and get the same benefit.”
I pursed my lips together. She was giving me straight facts, but I wasn’t trying to hear it. Was I really waiting for Jay to act right? No, I wasn’t. I had needs just like any other woman, and he just came in handy when it came to filling them.
“Babe, I love you and I ain’t trying to be mean, but you gotta boss up and stop being so available. I've been knowing youfor a while, and you aren’t the type to just be able to have casual sex with no feelings involved, boo. See we ain’t them young hoes like we were in college. I mean not unless the right nigga come along. Because the right nigga on the wrong day will have me bent in a pretzel on the first night.” She said, laughing and sticking her tongue out, dancing.
“Ooh, baby!” I slapped fives with her and joined in with a laugh.
“Pick up that damn phone and text Marcos. While you're at it, ask that nigga if he got a friend for me.”
“Wait, you want to double?” The idea made me sit up.
“See, I knew your ass was nervous. If you want to, I will take one for the team.”
She shoved the phone into my hands, and I paused for a minute. What would be the harm in at least catching up with him? Who’s to say that something had to happen? I scrolled through my contacts until I got to his name and texted.
Hey, it’s Dyami. Lock my number in.
Chapter 5
Terror
Iwas rushing to get to everything this morning. I quickly realized what my mom meant when she said everything needed to change. I was due to pick up Junior in four hours, and I still had to meet Chubby and the inspector at the restaurant. After that, I had to swing by and get a cut before I made a few drops of product. I wanted to do my part since Chubby was the one making up the menu. I was tasked with everything else. We both were pouring our money into this, and it needed to be successful.
I turned into the parking lot on damn near two wheels. As soon as I got out of my car, the inspector turned in behind me.
“Good morning! I know I am a little early. I can wait until you guys are ready.” He said, popping out of the car.
“Just give me a minute. I’ll be right back.”
I walked inside and found Chubby behind the bar area.
“Aye, you made it.” Chubby’s tall ass looked over at me. Seeing him, everyone thought he was a basketball player. Nigga had been 6’8 since we were juniors in high school. He’d always been his own person. He didn’t play around in the street, and Irespected him for that. In turn, he didn’t judge me for getting to it the way I knew how.
Imagine being best friends with a nigga that big, and he's the type who brings plates to school and makes you try new dishes. When I came back to town and ran into him, he had earned a degree in Culinary Arts, so going into business together only made sense. We were trying to bring new energy to the area. Something upscale that many people weren’t doing.
“The inspector just pulled up. How did it go with the cooking staff?” I asked.
“They are coming along. I have three stronger than the others, so I’ll pair them with the slower ones so we can make sure that everything will run smoothly.”
“Cool. I meet with the bartenders tomorrow.” I sat down on the stool and yawned.
“Nigga you need a nap?” Chubby teased.
“Fuck you. I was up with Junior the other night when he was sick. It’s like I haven’t recovered since.” I admitted.
“So, you were for real? You and Crystal are really done?”
“After the shit I saw that night? Hell yeah. Let me get this inspector. I’m trying to get a cut after this.” I hopped up just as fast as I sat down. I walked toward the door, debating an energy drink.
“You can come in.” I opened the door, and the inspector was standing so close he had to take a step back.
“I’ll get started right away. If I find anything that needs attention, I will let you know.”
Just like that, he was off, looking at the building. The whole situation was new, but I felt invigorated that I was doingsomething worthwhile. Something I could pass down to my son with a sense of pride. I didn’t know if this would be the end-all for me, but it was a step in the right direction.
