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  “I get what you’re saying but I’m well aware of the fact that I can’t overplay our hand. I just have a couple questions to ask and I’ll be ready to make my decision.”

  “We had to come all the way back to Miami to ask these questions?”

  “You know how important it is for me to get that up close eye contact. You’ll never get a better read from a person than when you’re standing right next to them.”

  “You have a valid point but since this is our third visit, hopefully you’ve got all your questions lined up so we don’t have to do this again,” I said, as we stood in front of the elevator waiting for the doors to open.

  “Precious, I told you, this is the last meeting. Trust me, I know what I’m doing.”

  “I do trust you. That’s why I’m following your lead when it comes to this.” I did trust Genesis and so did my Father. Quentin always spoke highly of Genesis and so did Nico. I also never forgot that it was Genesis that helped me get to Maya when I was searching for Aaliyah. Genesis was a shrewd businessman and with my father leaving his empire for me to run I knew I couldn’t do it alone and that’s why I aligned myself with Genesis. Doing so also meant me doing business with Nico and Lorenzo since they were his partners. But I rarely had to interact with either one of them especially Lorenzo. Genesis was my go to person and I preferred it that way although I had to admit to myself I did miss Lorenzo. My mind was about to wonder off, thinking of the last time we saw each other but then I heard the noise signaling that the elevator doors were opening.

  My eyes widened in disbelief, “Aaliyah! What are you doing here?” I practically dragged Aaliyah out of the elevator from pulling her so close while hugging her. I realized I was blocking other people from getting in and out of the elevator, so I released my daughter from my embrace and just stood looking at her for a moment.

  “Mom, Genesis…I can’t believe I ran into both of you.”

  “We’re here for a meeting,” Genesis said. “It’s really good to see you. How have you been doing?”

  “Hanging in there but things are coming along.”

  “Precious, I’m sure you want to spend some time with Aaliyah. I can go up and handle this.”

  “Thank you. Aaliyah, do you have time to have lunch with me in the hotel restaurant?”

  “Sure, I would like that.”

  “Great! So I’ll see you when you’re done, Genesis.”

  “Cool, I’ll call you when I come back down,” he said, before getting on the elevator.

  “I can’t believe I ran into you. I had no idea you were in Miami. What are you doing here? Last time we spoke, you were going to LA for a while to be with your dad. Then your dad told me you went to Atlanta. And when your brother came to visit a couple weeks ago he said he had talked to you but you hadn’t been home in a long time. Of course I hadn’t heard anything from you so I didn’t know what was going on.”

  “I did go to Atlanta for a while and it was great but I then decided to come to Miami.”

  “Are you working here? Before you answer that lets make our way to the restaurant because I’ll keep asking you questions and we’ll be standing here forever.”

  “Sounds good. I’m hungry anyway,” Aaliyah smiled. My heart did a dance because I had yearned to see my daughter smile at me again for so long and now here she was doing exactly that. I was tempted to grab her and kiss her all over her face but knew she would be completely embarrassed, so I decided to wait until we were in private.

  By the time we sat down for lunch at the restaurant the questions continued rolling off my tongue. It was almost like I felt I had to get every question out because I had no idea if or when I would have an opportunity to do this again.

  “Are you staying here at the hotel?”

  “No, I have girlfriend visiting from LA and I came to see her.”

  “But you do live in Miami now?”

  “I’m mainly here right now.”

  “I see. So where do you stay when you’re here?”

  “I have a few friends that live here so I crash with them.”

  “Are you working? Both Nico and Supreme say they always offer to send you money but you decline, so how are you supporting yourself?”

  “I got my bartender license and I make great money working at high end restaurants.”

  “Really, so are you happy?”

  “Yeah! I’m really happy.”

  “That’s all that matters. All I want is for you to be happy.”

  “I appreciate that, Mom.”

  “Listen, since you’re staying here, why don’t you let me get you a condo or at least an apartment. You shouldn’t have to crash at different places. You should have your own spot.”

  “Thank you but I’m enjoying making it on my

  own.”

  “I love you so much you know,” I said, reaching over the table and grabbing Aaliyah’s hand.

  “Mom, don’t cry.”

  “I’m sorry,” I laughed in attempt to stop the tears. “I don’t want us to not be in each other’s lives. We used to talk every day now it’s just an occasional phone call and getting information here and there from Supreme and Nico. You’re my daughter and I love you so much. I never thought our relationship would be this way.”

  “I know and I don’t like it either. I always admired you and I still do.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. You’re still the most beautiful woman in the world to me. Look at you. You don’t look a day over twenty-five.”

  “And every time I look at you, through your eyes I see my mother. If she was alive she would be so proud to have you as a granddaughter.”

  “Speaking of being a granddaughter, do you think grandfather is ever going to come out of his coma?”

  “There is brain activity so we haven’t given up hope. The nurses tell me that you still come visit him a few times a month.”

  “Yeah I do. I’m always praying that on one of those visits he’ll open his eyes and speak to me.”

  “Well don’t stop praying for that because I believe it will happen.”

  “What about you and dad, do you think there’s still a chance you all can make it work?”

  “My heart wants to say yes but I’ve received the divorce papers I just haven’t signed them.”

  “Daddy does still love you. He doesn’t want to admit it but he does.”

  “I believe that but I also know that sometimes love simply isn’t enough to keep a marriage intact.”

  “So have you given up?”

  “I wouldn’t say given up but I am starting to come to a place of acceptance.”

  “What kind of acceptance?”

  “That we might not be able to get what we had back, our marriage is over. I was so young when I married your father and still a child in many ways but it might finally be time that I let Supreme go.”

  “No matter what happens lets make a pact between Mother and Daughter that we will always have each other.” When Aaliyah said those words it was beautiful music to my ears.

  “Deal,” I said, and leaned over the table finally giving Aaliyah that kiss I had been yearning to give her since I first saw her sweet face.

  Aaliyah

  ‘Cheers! To Tori, for making the best transformation that I’ve ever seen,” I beamed, ready to take a sip of my champagne as we celebrated in Mr. Chow at the W Hotel on South Beach.

  “Wait, we’re not done yet. I have something to say.”

  “Okay, say it.”

  “To Aaliyah, for creating magic by making me more beautiful then I ever thought possible. Now lets clink our glasses!”

  I had to admit that I did make magic happen because the before and after was polar opposites. And even I had to admit now that Tori’s new breasts had settled in they enhanced the package. The plastic surgeon did an excellent job of making them appear natural because they weren’t too big for her body frame. Not only was her outward appearance on point but she had also polished up her speech and etique
ttes. Tori had put in the work and it paid

  off.

  “So are you nervous about meeting your love interest?”

  “No. While I’ve been going through this physical transformation, Emory has been prepping me about my mark nonstop. So I feel ready.”

  “I think you’re ready too.”

  “I’m sure you’re relieved that your job is complete and you can be rid of me and go back to being the Queen Pin that you are.”

  “I do feel like I’ve been missing out on some things but I also have to admit that I truly enjoyed myself. Also looking at the finished product come out so magnificently makes me want to pat myself on the back.”

  “Can I ask you a personal question?”

  “Sure.”

  “I don’t know much about you except you work closely with Emory and Dale but I can tell you’re different.”

  “What do you mean different?”

  “I can tell you’re very street savvy and you know the drug game but on the flip side it’s obvious to me you have what they call “Ivy League” type breeding.” We both got a good laugh out of Tori’s description of me. “But am I wrong. I seriously doubt it.”

  “No you’re not. I come from a complicated pedigree. Lets just say that I was born a rich girl but the street life runs through my blood and I was meant to be a Boss.”

  “Wow, that’s an interesting combination. No wonder you can sit down and have meetings with crime bosses and then turn around and transform me into a beauty queen.”

  “You’re right. It does put me on a different playing field.”

  “Yes it does. You’ve done so much to mold me into this desirable woman but do you have any advice to give me when dealing with this Drug Lord.” “Do you know how old he is?”

  “Emory didn’t give me his exact age but he’s definitely much older than me.”

  “Okay, you’re trying to get him to put his guard down so you can learn as much as possible about how his drug operation is run. That means silence is golden.”

  “Huh, what do you mean?”

  “It means play the sweet but smart role. He’s much older than you so you want to come across as being able to hold your own. That you’re intelligent and able to engage in a meaningful conversation but don’t over do it. If you come across too smart, he’ll feel like he has to watch you at all times because you’re clever enough to get over on him, which we don’t want him to think. Then that’s where the sweetness comes in because you want him to believe you have too much goodness in you to ever cross him. So when I say silence is golden, that means speak just enough to engage him and accomplish what I told you but remain silent and listen the rest of the time.”

  “I got you. You really do know your shit.”

  “Yes I do,” I boasted, winking my left eye. And I did. I was raised and groomed by men who were about that life. If I didn’t know what it took to win one of them over then nobody did.

  When I left Tori, I headed over to meet Dale so we could go over the order we were about to put in with Juan Alvarez. We went through our first order so quickly that for this reup we were considering either doubling or tripling the quantity. Between being caught up in my thoughts, listening to my music and having the wind come through the opened sunroof I almost didn’t hear my cell phone ringing.

  “Hey M om!”

  “Aaliyah, I’m so glad you answered.”

  “What’s wrong? You sound upset.”

  “Your Grandfather has taken a turn for the worse.”

  “Are you serious?” I had to pull over to the side of the street because I felt the tears coming and I didn’t want to cause an accident from being so distraught.

  “Yes, I just got a call from the hospital. I was hoping you could get here as quickly as possible. I’m sure your money is tight and getting a ticket at the last minute is going to be expensive. I know you said you don’t want to take any money from me but please let me pay for it because I really need for you to be here.”

  “I will. I’ll take a flight out tonight. And don’t worry about paying for it. I have a ticket hookup,” I lied.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes and I promise I’ll be there. I’ll call you when I’m on the plane.”

  “Thank you. I really do need you and I appreciate you coming.”

  “Of course. There is no place I would rather be. You know how much I love grandfather and I love you too.” When I hung up with my Mother I stayed on the side of the street for a few more minutes and simply prayed. I hadn’t prayed in so long mainly because a part of me felt I had no right to ask God for anything. But today, at this moment I felt compelled to do so because I wanted my Grandfather to live more than anything in this world. In my heart I believed praying to God was the only way to make that possible.

  When I finally arrived to meet up with Dale my mind

  was every other place but right here with him. Now only was I concerned about my Grandfather, I was also worried about my Mother. I knew this was hard on her and she had nobody there to comfort her. Neither of my dads was going to do it and it wasn’t like she could share her grief with the sister from hell Maya. I had to get to New York ASAP

  “I was starting to get worried. You’re usually so prompt to our meetings,” Dale said, when I sat down on the sofa next to him.

  “I apologize but I have to go.”

  “What do you mean you have to go?”

  “My mother called and my grandfather has taken a turn for the worse. I have to go to New York and be with her. My flight is leaving in a couple hours.”

  “I’m so sorry to hear that, Aaliyah. Do you want me to come with you?”

  “I wasn’t expecting you to say that but thank

  you.”

  “Why wouldn’t I? I care very deeply for you. You know this isn’t just a business relationship for me.”

  “Again, thank you for the offer but I know we’re in the middle of a reup and there is a lot of business that has to be dealt with here.”

  “Emory can handle it, trust me.”

  “Dale, thank you…” I reached over and put my hand on top of his. “but I need to take this trip

  alone.”

  “Take as much time as you want but if you change your mind and you need me I’m there.” I kissed Dale on his cheek even though I was tempted to place one on his lips. But I knew how Dale felt about me and I didn’t want to start something with him if I wasn’t ready to continue it. With all my unresolved feelings for Amir the last thing I wanted to do was start a relationship with Dale. More importantly because we did do business together I had to tread even more carefully. Until I was positive that I was ready to move on from Amir, I didn’t want to pursue anything with Dale. That was one of the main reasons I didn’t want him to accompany me to New York. I would use the trip to not only see my Grandfather and be there for my Mother but I would also try to find out if there was any chance of reconciliation with Amir.

  Precious

  “You being here is going to make all the difference. I can feel it,” I said, to Aaliyah as she sat next to her Grandfather’s hospital bed holding his hand.

  “I hope you’re right but the doctor doesn’t seem very optimistic.” I saw Aaliyah squeezing his hand more tightly as if she was trying to give all her energy to her Grandfather.

  “He’s a fighter. He has been holding on this long I have to believe there is life left in him.”

  “My, dear sister, I hope you’re right.” Aaliyah and I both looked over at the door and saw Maya standing there. She was dressed in an all white pantsuit with her hair slicked back in a sophisticated bun and soft pastel makeup colors highlighted her face. Maya appeared almost angelic. Luckily I wasn’t deceived and knew she was nothing but the devil.

  “Maya, we’ll be leaving here shortly. Can you step out the room until we’re done?” “I have every right to be here. He is as much my father as he is yours.”

  “I never said he wasn’t. But Aaliyah and I would like some p
rivate time with him and I’m hoping you’ll respect that.”

  “My beautiful niece, Aaliyah, how is Miami treating you.”

  “What the fuck did you just say?” Aaliyah rose up quickly and I was taken aback by the aggressiveness of her tone and her words towards Maya. “How the hell did you know I’ve been in Miami unless you’re not only a psycho but a stalker?” Aaliyah was now standing toe- to-toe with Maya as if she was ready to go to blows with her. I knew Aaliyah couldn’t stand her Aunt and as feisty as my daughter had always been something seemed different about her.

  “Calm down. I had been in Miami a few weeks ago and I saw you. I assumed you were now living there.”

  “You’re a liar. Stay the fuck away from me because unlike my mother and grandfather your life means nothing to me. So don’t cross my path because then I’ll know, your life means nothing to you either.”

  “Aaliyah, lets go.” I blurted out. Aaliyah’s threats felt so authentic I thought shots had been fired but with real bullets. And for the first time Maya was even speechless. She just stood there not saying a word, clearly shaken and as if grateful I was

  escorting my daughter out the room.

  “What was that all about?” I asked Aaliyah as we walked down the hall.

  “That woman should be dead. I don’t know why you haven’t killed her yet.”

  “Aaliyah, stop.” I had to eye my daughter so I could see that these words were actually coming out of her mouth. “When did you start thinking it was okay just to kill people?”

  “Some people deserve to die, and that psychotic, manipulative bitch is one of them. The world is being done a disservice by allowing her to still walk around in it.”

  “Listen to me, although I agree with you, you can’t talk like that in public. Somebody might hear you and get the wrong idea. Do you understand me…I’m serious.”