Love Games

07|| Bombshell

Easton⚡️

Drew and I sat at a table booth at a local diner called Circles. Rob sat at the booth across from us, dressed in all black with a hat and sunglasses to conceal his identity. He acted as if he was reading a newspaper but was actually talking to Drew and me.

"So, what's new, Rob?" I inquire, ready to get this meeting over with. While Rob did come up with new information, it was never anything concerning, and I was growing tired of these weekly meetings.

"She says she's planning on going after your barbershop and your dealership. So, I hope all your numbers are legit, and don't move any dirty money through there for a while because she's watching," he explained.

This information caught my attention. Throughout all the years, none of the investigations had ever involved our businesses. "What's her reasoning?" I asked to see if I was missing anything.

"Tia is fishing for shit now; all of her leads are turning up loose," Rob explained.

"Okay, so what else?" I ask.

"Surveillance on you guys should slow down; she has to cut funding in certain areas," he said, bringing a bit of good news. I smile at that information, thinking to myself, Tia may work hard, but my angels work harder.

"Good, good stuff," I say. The diner bell rings, and I look up to see Amina and Ivy walking in, in their scrubs. I hold up a hand, sending a wave to them. Ivy immediately makes her way over, interrupting our conversation. Although I'm sure she couldn't tell Rob was in a conversation with us. No one could; he sipped his coffee, waiting for her to leave.

"Hey bro, how long y'all gonna be here?" Ivy says.

"We're just grabbing breakfast and heading out," I reply, trying to rush her off.

"Well, let Mina and I order, and we'll come sit with y'all," she suggests, and they walk away to place their order. My eyes are glued to Amina's ass. I only look up when Rob annoying voice interrupts my not so innocent thoughts.

"You know her?" He questioned, and by his tone, I could tell there was a reason behind his question.

"Ivy, that's my sister, and Amina is her friend. Why?"

He sighs, "What I'm about to tell you can be good and bad news, but only use this information if shit gets hot," he says.

"Nigga, stop being dramatic and get on with it," I said, ready to hear the information.

"Amina," he nods to her, "that's Tia's daughter," he says, dropping a bombshell.

Drew runs a hand over his face, "Fuck, man, you telling me Mina is 12?" he said disappointedly.

My face drops, "You think she has something to do with her mom?"

"Nah, not at all. I only know because she has pictures of her all over her office," he explained. He checks his watch, "Look, I gotta get going," he says, standing up, tucking the newspaper in his pocket, and throwing some bills on the table just as the girls were making their way over.

•••

"So, what are we gonna do about Amina?" Drew asks, raising an eyebrow as we stand in the dealership.

"Right now, let's just play it cool. She's not a threat," I reply casually, flipping through motorcycle catalogs.

Drew leans against a display, a curious look on his face. "What do you think, though?" I ask

"I don't know. I've noticed she's been looking at you differently lately. Like the way Kim looks at me," he confesses with a smile.

"You sound almost as delusional as Kayla," I tease, trying to lighten the mood.

"No one is ever that delusional," Drew defends. "But seriously, she might like you."

I lean back, considering the revelation, a light bulb flickering in my mind. "You've got that look in your eyes. What's your plan?"

A mischievous smirk crosses my face. "I've got an idea," I say, keeping the details to myself.

"No," Drew interrupts, as if he's intercepted my thoughts. "Amina's a cool girl. Don't do anything stupid, dude," he warns, his concern evident.

"If her mom doesn't back off, I am," I declare.

Drew shakes his head disappointedly, "You're a messed up individual."

"Call it what you want. I'm just a man protecting his empire," I shrug, unapologetic. I was ready to take whatever steps necessary to safeguard what was important to me, even if it meant putting Amina in the crossfire. In this world, it's an eye for an eye, and if Tia was coming after something vital to me, I was prepared to target something significant to her.

As Jo and Aries strolled in, I quickly shifted the conversation. Aries spotted me through the glass office windows and waved enthusiastically. Waving back, I turned to Drew, questioning their unexpected visit.

"The hell are they doing here?" I asked as they approached.

"Jo mentioned something about getting his oil changed. Not sure why Aries is tagging along," Drew explained.

Aries barged into the office, her cheerful demeanor hinting at an ulterior motive. "Hey," she greeted. Knowing these two inside out, I sensed she wanted something. "What, Aries?"

"Just dropping by to say hi to my favorite cousin," she said, attempting to deflect.

"Cut the crap."

"Okay, okay, okay. Can I crash at your place for the weekend? Mine's under renovation."

"Why not stay with Ivy or at a hotel?" I countered.

"Ivy snores like a chainsaw, and hotels have bed bugs," she replied.

Rolling my eyes, I reluctantly agreed, aware of the consequences with Uncle Frank and my dad. "Fine, yeah, I guess."

"Thanks," Aries grinned. "So, what's everyone up to?"

"Running a business," I replied, and just as I spoke, my phone rang with Kayla's name flashing on the screen. It had been a week since we last spoke, and I had no intention of changing that. I declined the call.

"Avoiding your girlfriend now?" Aries teased, causing laughter from everyone but me.

"Why are y'all always joking? She's not my girlfriend," I retorted, irritated.

"Because you always get so mad," Jo chimed in, further fueling the laughter.

Ignoring the banter, I answered the unspoken question, "I'm done fucking with her. The girl is psycho."