Love Games

15||Good News & Bad News

⚡️Easton

"Alright, Nina, Aunt Dee's a no-show, but we've got Ivy," I inform the young girl, my voice a mix of caution and determination. Two days of meticulous vetting and background checks went into ensuring Nina was the right choice, and now, it was game time. "She knows only that someone's picking up the package. Keep it brief and low-key," I instruct Nina as we approach the pharmacy's entrance, eyes scanning the area for any signs of suspicion.

As we step through the door, I catch Amina's gaze, a flicker of recognition passing between us before she quickly averts her eyes, Ivy in tow. They were expecting me, no doubt about it.

I lead the way, Ivy's gaze trailing behind her like a hawk assessing its prey, while Amina, seemingly eager to maintain distance, gives a cursory nod of acknowledgment. "This is my girl,Nina." I introduce, ushering them towards the pharmacy counter where our business awaited. Nina follows giving each one a small smile "Hi."

Amina's greeting is curt, her avoidance of eye contact a telltale sign of unease, "Hello". While Ivy, ever the curious one, cuts straight to the chase. "What brings you here, Eazy?" she inquires, her tone casual yet probing.

"New hire, didn't Aunt Dee mention it?" I reply with a nonchalant nod towards Nina, just as the store's bell jingles, signaling another arrival.

"Staci!" Amina's relief is palpable, as though Staci's presence alone has saved her from impending doom. "Thank goodness you're here. I'm off for lunch," she announces with a sense of urgency.

"Can I clock in first, for heaven's sake?" Staci's annoyance is evident as she punches in the door code, Nina and I trailing closely behind.

"Sure, take your time. I'll catch you in an hour," Amina interjects, her gaze darting between Nina and me once more, though this time, with a hint of suspicion that doesn't escape my notice. Perhaps it's the lingering tension from our last encounter, or maybe it's something else entirely.

Whatever the case, I make a mental note to address it later, perhaps at Ivy's gathering tomorrow. For now, there were more pressing matters at hand.

"Ah," Ivy nods in understanding, her expression indicating familiarity with the drill. "Staci, could you hold down the fort? I'll be back in a few," she directs, leading Nina and me towards the back room with purpose.

"So, this is your new mark?" Ivy asks as she unlocks the door and holds it open for us to enter.

"Yeah," I confirm, keeping my responses terse, wary of divulging too much with Nina present. Despite her seeming innocence, I prefer to err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to matters of business.

"Is your truck parked out back?" Ivy inquires, already heading towards the docking area.

I nod, confirming her assumption. As she prepares to lift the door, she shoots me a curious glance. "What's with all this stuff for Mr. Lucky anyway?" she wonders, referencing Aunt Dee's old fabrication about the surplus packages. The memory elicits a chuckle from me. "Beats me. Just doing what needs to be done," I reply cryptically.

With Nina getting to work under Ivy's guidance, I watch silently, impressed by the efficiency and precision with which they execute the plan. Despite Nina's petite frame, her strength and agility are evident, reminding me why Josh had vouched for her. She may appear innocent, but there's a steely determination beneath the surface.

As they finish up, I hand Nina the keys and murmur instructions for the next step. She nods, comprehension dawning in her eyes, before setting off on her task. Meanwhile, I move to make my exit, only to be halted by Ivy's sudden question.

"So, that's your new flame?" Ivy's disappointment is palpable as she folds her arms, her gaze fixed on me accusingly. "Didn't I warn you not to toy with Amina?" she chides, catching me off guard with her insight.

"Nina? She's clearly working. She's not my girl," I correct Ivy's assumption, irritation creeping into my tone.

"Well, that's how you introduced her," Ivy counters, her expression serious.

"Why does it matter to you? Amina is grown, and so am I," I snap back, feeling defensive.

"She's my friend, and like I told you, she's not a toy, so don't play with her feelings," Ivy asserts firmly.

I roll my eyes, waving her off dismissively. "Look, worry about yourself. Ain't nobody playing with your friend, and I'm sure she doesn't need a damn guard dog," I retort, walking away towards my car. Ivy's protective stance towards Amina was starting to get on my nerves, making me regret ever asking for her useless favor in the first place.

I'm a few steps away from my car when I hear a soft voice calling my name. I turn around to find Amina standing there.

"Can we talk?" she asks quietly, her demeanor subdued.

Glancing at my Rolex, I hesitate for a moment before responding, "I've got shit to handle. I'll catch you later," I say, quickly jumping into my car.

As I drive away, her soft voice echoes in my mind. After the mini-spat with Ivy, I'm wary of letting my anger get the best of me and saying something regrettable to Amina. It could hurt her feelings or worse, jeopardize my plan, so I drove away instead.

••••

In the l dimness of the abandoned storage unit facility, shadows danced ominously around us. Drew, myself, and Rob stood after finally reaching Rob. I clenched my fists, frustration boiling over as I confronted Rob, who had been evading me for two agonizing weeks.

"Where the hell have you been, Rob?" I growled, shoving him against the cold metal door of the unit.

Rob struggled in my grasp, his voice strained. "I had to lay low, alright?"

Relenting slightly, I shot him a steely look, urging him to explain.

Rob straightened his disheveled clothes, his expression grave. "I've got news, both good and bad."

Drew's patience wore thin. "Quit stalling and talk dammit" he snapped.

"The bad news is, Tia's ramping up surveillance again. She's secured the funding," Rob divulged. "But the good news is, she's still empty-handed, and the courts are giving her only three months to make a move before dropping the case."

Concern gnawed at me. "Any idea what she's planning next?" I pressed, anxiety coursing through me. Tia had already delved into every aspect of my life—my home, finances, even my family. I dreaded to think what she might target next.

Rob hesitated, his tone uneasy. "I'm working on it, gathering intel without putting myself at risk."

I narrowed my eyes, demanding transparency. "Every detail, Rob. I want to know her every move, every breath she takes."

He bristled at the implication. "Have I ever let you down before?"

Ignore him and turn to leave and problem smoke my night away. This Tia Lady was really becoming a pain .