Hakeem. . .
Niecey didn’t react the way I wanted her to when I brought up the conversation of us having a baby. I was ready to start a family with her. I’m sure she’s been worried about getting married but little did she know I was proposing this weekend. I searched for my mother’s ring the day I asked DJ to be my girlfriend. That was 3 almost 4 years ago. Now, I was ready for marriage. I sent the ring off to a jeweler in Paris about two months ago and it was supposed to be delivered tomorrow. I had everything planned. I just hoped she said yes. As soon as they pronounce us man and wife I want to start making a baby. Lately I’ve been really wanting a baby to see a part of me grow and be something great.
Deniece and Fransisca were lucky to have CJ and I. We take care of them and leave them wanting for nothing. But, we haven’t been completely honest about how. Yes, I did work for a design company. And yes CJ was a promoter. But, that was just the beginning. About two years ago CJ came to me with an offer only a fool could refuse.
2 years ago. . .
I walked into CJ’s home office because he’d called me and said he needed to go over something with me. I was fresh out of school and looking for something great so I figured it was something legit. But, it was far from it. Me and CJ had been boys since Freshmen year of high school so I trusted him
“Wassup my man?” CJ stood and dapped me then gave me a brotherly hug.
“Nothing dawg. I got some business to mole over with you.” I sat down and listened intently.
“These men came to me Friday night saying they had business with me. I had been scamming the club’s operation for extra money so I thought that I was done for. I followed them back to the top floor silently praying that if I didn’t make it home then Frankie and Amelia would be straight. When I got up there though it was a whole different situation. Jorge Martinez was sitting at the desk.”
“The big time drug lord?”
“One and the same.”
“He has almost all the streets of L.A. on lock.”
“Exactly. So he went on telling me how he needed two new faces of his business. The way he put it all we would have to do is go to certain people and collect money. The legit money only. He also said we would have to make sure all the major clients were happy. It’s a fairy tale for us. We’ll be untouchable.” He was smiling so hard I thought his cheeks would break.
“You keep saying we. How does this help me? And why did he choose you?”
“That’s the best part. Your company was on the top of the list. He chose me because he said he’s heard about me through the streets. He said he loves that I’m street smart and knows I’m hungry. But, he didn’t just pick me. He chose you also. Apparently your mother was the last person he had in the company. Now he’s been looking for a way in ever since her death. He thinks that if you’re half as good as your mother was then we can help him completely change the game.”
“My mother? Damn man. All this sounds good and shit but how long do we have to think about it?”
“Just the rest of the weekend. He says if we want this gig then we have to set up a meeting at his office on Monday.”
“Alright nigga. I’m gone go home and go over this shit in my head. Let me sleep on it. I’ll get at you tomorrow.”
I went home that night stressed as fuck and needing Niecey. But, as soon as I got in the door she was on the floor crying.
“Baby, what’s wrong?” She looked up from the papers on the table.
“Hakeem, my bank account is completely empty. The stocks my mother has had for me all these years are now worth nothing. I have no money to finish school.”
“Baby, you know I got you. Don’t worry about a thing.”
“Hakeem, I have your bank statements also. You’re blowing all of the money your mother left you quickly. Even with your new job you can’t stay afloat if you pay all my school fees.” She cried harder into my chest. I had to think of something. Anything. And quick.
“Baby, actually today I got offered a higher position. With this new money flow I got your schooling covered.” She looked up at me and stopped crying.
“Really?”
“Forever Baby.” She kissed me and jumped on my lap. She was giggling because I had slapped her booty playfully. “You just got to promise me one thing first.”
“What’s that?”
“That you gone stick this thang out with me. Nomore worries. And you not allowed to be all in financial shit. I got you forever. Fa’sho?”
“I got you. Ride. . . “
“Or die.” I kissed her lips and carried her to the bed. When she slipped into the bathroom I grabbed my phone and texted CJ: I’m in.
I guess that was the day I officially joined the game. What I was doing wouldn’t be illegal but still it technically wasn’t legit.
Present day. . .
“Baby, do you have to go on another business trip? I’m tired of you always leaving. I’m starting to think you cheating on me.” She gave me a hurt look. I grabbed her by her waist and pulled her close.
“I would never cheat on you. There ain’t nothing better than this.” She smiled. I was getting ready to go on a business trip to Miami. I told her I would be gone until Saturday afternoon but, I was actually going to be back Friday night. That’s when I was going to propose.
When we got to the private airport I kissed her and told her I loved her. She walked me to the entrance still because she hated when I left her. I picked her up and spun her around. “Baby, I’ll see you Saturday.”
“Ok.” She waved me off as I walked in. I hated walking away from her.
