Gangster's Gem: The Devious Dance

33

The soft hum of R&B music played through Janelle's shop as I stood behind the counter, ripping open another cardboard box of inventory. Clothes spilled out in a rainbow of fabrics—bralettes, lingerie, stripper outfits. The scent of new fabric filled the air, mixing with the faint lavender candle Janelle always had burning.

"Girl, this is cute," I said, holding up a lavender two-piece set. The material was soft and stretchy, perfect for summertime.

Janelle glanced over from her spot near the racks, where she was busy hanging up some graphic tees. "Right? I was thinkin' that could be part of the window display."

"Smart. Eye-catchin'. You really out here with the vision." I smirked, tossing her the top.

She caught it with one hand, grinning. "Please, you know I stay on point. But don't gas me up too much—I'll start askin' you to model."

I laughed, shaking my head as I picked up another hanger. "I don't got the patience to stand still that long. I'd be tryna strike a pose every five seconds."

Janelle laughed too, her warm energy making the shop feel lighter, safer. "You're such a mess."

"Girl, you knew that when we met."

We fell into an easy rhythm—me sorting through the clothes, her putting them on hangers. It felt good, simple. No drama, no tension. Just us, laughin' and workin'.

"You know what's crazy?" Janelle said after a moment, breaking the silence.

"What?" I asked, looking up.

She smiled, but there was a little edge to it, like she was about to drop some tea. "Trios. They never work."

I paused, narrowing my eyes at her. "Oh, so this is what we doin'? You tryna get shady?"

Janelle laughed, her laugh full and loud. "I'm just sayin'! Think about it—name one trio that ain't end in drama."

I leaned against the counter, pretending to think. "Destiny's Child."

She shook her head. "Latavia and LeToya would like a word."

I threw my head back, laughing. "You play too much."

"Nah, but for real," she continued, her tone turning more serious. "Trios are tricky. Somebody always ends up feelin' left out, or there's some secret tension, and boom—everything falls apart."

I sighed, picking at the edge of the box in front of me. "You ain't lyin'. And I guess...we kinda proved that."

The mood shifted slightly, the weight of what she said settling in. She stopped what she was doing and leaned on the rack, looking at me.

"You holding up okay?" she asked softly.

I shrugged, my fingers playing with the hem of a shirt. "I mean...I'm breathin'. That's somethin', right?"

"Diamond."

I looked up at her, and the concern in her eyes made my chest tighten. "It's just...shit still fresh. Layla was supposed to be my girl. Like, we been through everything together. Fought for each other, bled for each other. And now? I can't even wrap my head around what she did."

Janelle nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It's a different kind of hurt when it's somebody you trusted like that. I get it."

"And it's not just about me," I continued, my voice trembling slightly. "She didn't just betray me—she betrayed us. All of us. Jamal, Malik, Mack...you. She put all of us in danger."