Step Up: High Water

Two

    I sat in the booth across from Sage and waited for the waiter to leave. "Anything else I can get for you," she asked dragging her fingers up my arm. I waived her off and focused in on Sage again.

    "Damn little sis. Ease up will you. She was clearly offering you a taste of something better that's not on the menu." I rolled my eyes and took a sip of my apple Crown Royal. "I didn't come here for that. You know what, matter of fact I'm not even sure why the fuck I'm here." He blew air out of his mouth and put his fork down. "Okay look I called you out here cause I need your help." "With what", I asked sitting up straighter.

    "Look don't judge me. I need to put out new music. Like right now. I haven't put out anything that's sells. On top of that I'm about $30,000 in debt. Possible more. Which means we might lose High Water if I don't figure out something fast." I rubbed my forehead taking in what he said.

    "What the fuck Sage? How could you be so fucking reckless with your money? You should know better." He slammed his glass down getting a couple of dirty looks from nearby tables. "I didn't bring you out here to get a lecture. I brought you out here cause I need your help." 

    "What you need is a fucking accountant! Also don't try to run no fucking game on me. You brought me out here thinking that I'll buy you out your fucking problems. Sorry to break it to you, but I'm not writing a check for you Sage. My money loaning days are over. I'm trying to open my own studio out in LA. Look Sage, I'll help you write new music, but that's it." He looked at me over the rim of his glass. "So, you can't write your brother a check, but I'm sure if I was Collette fine ass you would be busting that checkbook open around the same time you be busting a nut. Oh, what about those checks you waste on your mom who clearly wants nothing to do with you."

    "You know what Sage? Fuck you." I got up and quickly walked out of the restaurant. I opened my car door only for it to be slammed close by Sage. "Look I'm sorry. That was a low blow. You know I ain't mean it. I just need your help ok. If you don't want to write me a check that's fine. At least help me make some music." I nodded and pulled him into a hug.

    You see truth is I owe Sage my life. He was there for me when no one else was. When my mom kicked me out after finding out I was dealing drugs he begged our father to let me stay with them. His mom welcomed me like I was her own child. As for Sage he used to beat up kids who made fun of me for having a dick. He even helped me hide my stash from the cops a couple of times. Fuck he's the reason I even met Collette.

    I drove through the streets of Atlanta listening to Summertime Sadness as my past replayed in my mind.

    "Jordan get your ass down here right now." I groaned looking at the clock seeing that it's 3 in the morning. I walked down the steps to see my mom standing there holding a bag of coke. "What the fuck is this?" My eyes widen as I tried to think of a lie. "Ma It's not what it looks like.'

    "Not what it looks like? Do you think I'm fucking stupid?! I didn't raise your narrow ass to be some damn drug dealer. You acting like your no-good trifling ass daddy." She took the bag and threw it at me, walking over and slapping me. She pushed me down kicking me in the stomach.

    I pushed her away from me. "Fuck ma! How else do you think your fucking bills are getting paid. It sure ain't that damn preacher you sleeping with. Face it ma you need this damn drug dealer." Rage crossed her face as she managed to bust my lip and eyebrow open. "I want your ass gone. I mean gone now. Don't ever bring your ass back."

    I quickly ran upstairs grabbed my backpack and threw whatever was near inside. I wiped my eyes as the tears kept rolling down my face. I walked downstairs and gave on final look towards her before walking out the door.