True To The Game

Jada

Jada POV

My name is Jada Green. I live in California with my grandmother, Denise Morgan — though everybody calls her Ms. Dee.

She's pretty crazy for an old lady, but she's well known around the neighborhood. I like to think it kept us out of a lot of trouble. After my mom died five years ago from a heroin overdose, I made it my responsibility to take care of her and my little sister, Jaylen.

Jaylen just turned seventeen. Smart mouth, hardheaded, and always in my business.

As for our father?

We don't know him.

Right now, I work part-time as a bartender at Club Green Door. It's only temporary to keep me afloat while I'm in college, but soon, I may have to look into student loans, which I really don't want do.

Still... work ain't always bad.

My best friend Casey works there too, and sometimes we sneak out on the dance floor for fun. Guys throw extra tips our way when we do.

Tonight was packed though.

I'd already carried almost ten rounds of tequila to the VIP section, and they just ordered another one.

I balanced the tray carefully and headed toward the back. Right when I reached for the VIP door, someone flung it open from the other side.

The tray flew out my hands.

Drinks crashed everywhere.

I slipped and slammed against the wall before hitting the floor.

The guy tried to catch me, but he missed.

"My bad, shawty. You good?" he asked, reaching down for my hand.

I sat there irritated and embarrassed.

I looked up at him.

"I'm fine. Don't touch me," I snapped, crossing my arms.

He raised an eyebrow.

"So you just gon' sit there? 'Cause I was trying to help you up."

"I'll get up when I'm ready."

For a second, he just stared at me.

Then he snickered.

"Are you laughing?" I asked, frowning.

"I ain't mean to laugh at you," he said. "Your stubborn ass is just funny."

I finally pulled myself up. I needed to get another round and have it sent it back out.

"Yo. What's your name?" he stopped me as I turned around to leave.

"Can you read?" I asked

He looked down at my name tag. Another smile cracked across his face. 

"Oh. Wassup Jayda. I'm Khaza."

His stared directly into my eyes. 

"I ain't realize how beautiful you was down there on the floor."

I felt heat rush to my cheeks.

"Thank you," I said softly.

"You welcome."

I glanced back toward the bar. "Well, I gotta get back to work. It was nice meeting you."

"Nice meeting you too."

I turned around, biting my bottom lip while walking away.

Lord...

That man was fine.