𝑾𝑰𝑪𝑲𝑬𝑫 𝓖𝓪𝓶𝓮𝓼

SIX FEET UNDER.

Sept 14, Thursday 9pm.

Sitting in the car over the hum of the engine I stare down Lisa. Not because of anything horrible but because anything horrible could happen. Her face matured so much since I last saw her. Not that I'm in love with her or anything but, she was the only female I had a great love for besides my mother and well. . . Evelyn when the honeymoon phase was fresh. "Boo, can I get my face back?" she rolled her eyes in a playful manner.

"My fault. You just lookin' real good." I feel bad for agreeing to this idea and showering her with compliments trying to sugar coat shit ain't making it no better like I thought it would.

"I know." She looked me up and down trying to conceal a smile that was creeping up her face. Even though she was good at hiding her emotions Lisa couldn't keep her composure for long. Soon that dimple I missed popped out. "But thank you."

I gave her a head nod hoping the wave of guilt would just pass over me but, if she and I had anything in common it's the fact that we both couldn't hold back on our feelings. "You don't have to if you don't want to." I grab her hand trying to ease her nerves that I assume are on edge like mine.

"Abel, I promise it's fine. I'm straight. Trust me." Her hand slipped from my grasp to cup my cheek. My face relaxed in her hand. "It'll only be for tonight. Toni will be back soon with news and hopefully what we need to get back on our feet," I tell her as we hop out of the car. She didn't get into this herself theres noway I'm letting her walk in by herself.

She didn't hesitate to tug at the bottom of her black skintight dress that rested just below her ass. The gold bracelets on her wrists poked out of her coat. Damn I don't know whether to take her home and apologize for dragging her into this mess, tears included or let my actions speak for themself. "Boy, what are you doing?"

"You didn't think you was going in by yourself did you?" I wrap my arm around her shoulder walking her to the sidewalks as the bitter cold bit back. "You're worse than- oh- so, one thing I might've forgotten. Dj and I started dating again. . . so if you happen to see him around here tell him you haven't seen me."

Entering the club the music beating against the walls muffled my words. "Great way to break the news Lisa," I mumble to myself. That was her on and off boyfriend and for some reason that nigga De'vonte didn't like me, probably cause I ain't calling his ass by his street name. Who the hell as a suppossed gangster thinks 'Dj' is going to get them respected.

"What up foo's" Mitch came around the corner taking a hold of Lisa's hands. He reminds me of Ricky. He'd always say 'foo'. "She'll be taken care of." Her eyes wandered all over him I could tell she was blushing and her heart was screaming. She had a thing for older guys and from what I see Mitch was checking every box. I let them know I'll be hanging around till she's done since theres nothing for me to do anyways.

Making my way through the crowds of people I begin to see the bar emerge. I caught a glimpse of the gang which rubbed me the wrong way just a bit. What the hell were they doing here. I really hope these niggas aren't following and plotting. I sat upon a stool and asked for nothing more than a Rum and Coke. Toni would pass out if he even knew I was spending money on liquor during times like this.

"Bonswa." a smooth voice came behind me from my left. My attention automatically focused in her direction like a gravitational pull. It was the girl I saw yesterday. Damn was she even finer up close. The purple lights bounced off her chocolate skin as her gray eyes pierced my soul. She had the presence to make a room go silent with just standing there. I tried to focus on her face, but I wanted to examine every bit of her.

I have no clue what the hell she just said, but I'll assume it's a greeting. "What's up?" I gave a head nod to keep it casual. A smirk washed over her face.

"Drinking away your pain as well?" The more she spoke, the more an accent was threatening to poke out.

"Not really. Just business, relieving stress. What are the odds someone like you shows up around here?" I subtly searched her fingers for a ring, but surprisingly there wasn't one.

"Rollin' with the big boys I see." She bit her lip sneaking a glance at mine before sipping from her glass. I wish.

"Maybe one day, you'll find out. Let me get your name?" I know my game was sorta rusty. I don't usually have to make a real conversation out of nothing with a shorty. Just needed to spit enough to where she believed I wanted something with her for the night. Then in the morning I'd leave just before she woke up.

"Lai'Yomae and for yourself?"

"Abel." I just couldn't figure out why she decided to waste time with a guy like me. Maybe I looked out of place. . . Or even worse; right where I belonged. "Mind if I get your number?" I wasn't going to use it or anything like that. Evelyn would be pissed and on top of that it's wrong but, it's always the people you think have your back the most.

"It's all your fault! You're a horrible man to my sister." Her screams replayed in my head.

"You better make use of it." Her voice pulled me back into the strobbing lights. She slipped the paper into my hand and slid off the barstool. Her hips swayed carrying her further and further away. The way her thighs filled out them jeans, the way her ass sat, it all just pulled me in. Mesmorizing me and keeping me in this trance till I couldn't see her anymore.

I guess time flies when things are moving a little too good. Lisa came back with her coat wrapped around her accompanied by faintly smudged lipstick and marks all on her neck. My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach. I know we haven't been involved with each other in ways like that in years, but I just felt so guilty letting her get exploited for money. Toni is either going to kill me for making a desicion without him or for the desicion itself. Most likely both.

***

"He said he'll bring the money by tomorrow. Are you okay?" She came and took a seat on the blowup mattress next to me. I decided to just shove all my feelings down and live in the moment. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

"Yeah yeah, was just thinking and shit, but I'm cool. You alright?" I take in her scent of cleanliness; fresh soap and deodorant. Her hair waved up and sat neatly at her shoulders.

"Of course I am. If you're worried 'bout me just know that I'm all good. If anything you know I enjoy the attention." She smirked.

"I bet."

The front door swiftly opened and abruptly shut followed up by groans and the sound of stumbling. Shit. Lisa and I rush to find out what the hell happened. Henny is slouched over, clutching is chest where blood leaked. His face was pale along with heavy breathing.