Streets

25. Change

Election Day
Glitter Grand Opening

Adina was thrilled at her grand opening being such a success. Her store was filled with people from the city, shopping and having a good time. The girls were there modeling, all except Monica which Adina understood why. She felt like this was the first step in beginning her franchise and with her boyfriend running to be the Grove City mayor that gives her the opportunity to be first in line for properties up for grabs. She was talking and mingling with guests when someone approached her, turning around she felt like someone punched her in the gut. A tall woman, white skin that was perfect and blemish free. Dark hair pulled back in a tight slick ponytail, red lips plump and she smile, showing off her perfect white teeth, her green eyes dazing at Adina, "Adina. Wow....you certainly have grown into a beautiful woman." Adina never thought she would meet the very woman she loathed, the woman who Raymond ran to after leaving her and her mother, Shiela West. Adina gained composure, "You are the last person I expected to be here." Shiela smiled, "I understand. I'm back in the city to celebrate my youngest daughter's birthday. She missed her father which is a shock to me." Adina could care less and she showed it, "Okay well enjoy." Adina walked away and Shiela followed, "Adina I know you have this preconceived notion of me but I assure you it was never what you thought." Adina turned to look at her, "All I know is, you came into the picture and solidified me not having a father, not that he was that wanted. I had to be an adult at a young age and take care of things before I was supposed to because of you. My mother crawling into her liquor bottles and eventually dying because of it." Shiela never felt bad for anything she does but that was her biggest regret, "Adina your father, he would have left even if I never came into the picture. It was the job that's what took him away." Adina scoffed and walked away not wanting to ruin her day with people that ruined her childhood.
Vanessa was having a good time, life seemed to be going great, she's modeling for a lingerie store. Getting exposure for people and agencies dying for new models, not to mention her new relationship that's made her feel safe to walk the streets of the grove. She hasn't been back on the east in awhile and she could tell it was creating tension, her mom had been blowing up her phone demanding her to come home. Being eighteen had its advantages. As she was mingling at the opening she didn't expect to be approached by the guy she remembered Lucky talking to awhile back, "You Lucky's new bitch." Zay said as he walked up on Vanessa. He had heard about the new lingerie shop being open and decided to see what the hype was, perhaps find a new boo while walking in, what he didn't expect was to see Lucky's girl on one of the walls inside as a model. "I'm his girlfriend yes." She didn't want to be bothered with the drama, as far as she is concerned, the gang life Lucky chooses to be affiliated with wasn't her business, "Oooh someone got a little attitude, I don't see why you should, seeing as how you a model and what not." Vanessa rolled her eyes and proceeded to pose around the all white and gold stand with her picture, the brand ironically was called Milky. Zay had bigger intentions and it would have to wait til Vanessa was all alone.
Ricky was there simply to gloat on his new found wealth with the deal he made with Darnell and he definitely wanted to rub it a little bit in Adina's face, so he walked up to her in his golden gown that sparkled in the light along with his red hair pulled back in a fancy hair style that made him feel like a First Lady. He smiled as Adina turned and saw him, she had a feeling what he was there for was not as a congratulations to her, "Why am I not surprised to see you?" Adina said and he smirked, "I'm always here to support you, you know that." Adina rolled her eyes and smiled at that response, "Well thank you for coming." He walked closer to her, "However will I have your support? In this upcoming election?" Adina looked confused, "What the hell you talking about?" He smiled, "Well it seems me and Darnell have created a little deal and not to mention I'm his campaign manager. You see he's running for mayor of New Grove City." Adina almost passed out, what would make Darnell think he knew anything about politics and let alone win? "Well all I can say is may the best man win, seeing as how my boyfriend is also running." Ricky chuckled, "Girl you really trying to upgrade your whole life. Even stealing married men?" Adina rolled her eyes losing her patience with Ricky, "You always like to feel like you know everything you nosey bitch, he's divorced and was very separated when we got together. You must not keep up with these people as much as you think." Ricky looked around the filled store, a pang of jealousy in his stomach, "I know they will use you until there is nothing left and leave you high and dry. Y'all like to pretend that you living this lavish life in the city but I know what y'all gotta do to live that life. Getting paid in hush money, well not me. I keep my sources within the very dirt I came up out of." Adina scoffed, "Ricky fuck you. You the most kept quiet person in Georgia and you don't even keep quiet. Don't worry about me, I'm good and I will be greater. Have a good night." Adina walked off as Ricky stood there and relished in the feeling that maybe things were finally about to change.