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  “My dad didn’t tell me you would be here,” Amir stated, peeking over at Genesis.

  “Precious stopped by and brought Aaliyah with her. I had no idea she was in town but it was a pleasant surprise.” Not missing a beat with the smoothness of how he maneuvered uncomfortable situations Genesis continued. “Latreese, as always it’s good to see you.”

  “It’s good to see you too,” Latreese said, with a slight grin while I caught her sizing me up on the sly. I was so fuckin’ happy that I woke up wanting to look extra cute today because I had planned on having one of those heart to heart talks with Amir, but meeting the new girlfriend for the first time was even more reason to look magazine cover gorgeous.

  “How long are you in town?”

  “Not sure. It depends on my grandfather. I plan on staying until I know for sure what’s going to happen with his health.”

  “I’m pulling for Quentin. I hope he makes a

  full recovery.”

  “Me too.”

  “I thought maybe we..”

  “Amir, we’re going to be late for the show,” Latreese said, nudging Amir’s hand after cutting him off mid sentence.

  “You’re right. Dad, I stopped by to tell you something right quick before we head to the show. Can we talk in your office?”

  “Of course.”

  “I’ll be back shortly,” Amir told Latreese before brushing past me. When Genesis and Amir had disappeared into the office I was ready to start interrogating this Latreese chick. Then my better judgment tapped me on the shoulder and rationalized it wasn’t appropriate. As much as I wanted to pry, I honestly had no right to do so. I let my self-control kick in. But I guess nobody tapped Latreese on the shoulder because she came in for the kill with no filter.

  “So you’re the girl that stole her best friend’s man and then ran off and disappeared when the relationship got tough. You know because things weren’t working out the way you wanted them to.”

  “That’s funny. Apparently you think you know so much about me but until today I didn’t even know you existed.the irony.”

  “There’s nothing ironic about it. Why would you know I exist? You’re no longer a factor in Amir’s life. And no need to worry, I’m taking very good care of him. Unlike Justina I’m not unstable. I know exactly how to keep our relationship intact.”

  “There is no doubt in my mind that you do.”

  “Is everything okay in here?” Amir questioned when he came back in the foyer where we were standing. I’m sure he felt the tension in the air because the shit was thick.

  “Everything is great. I was telling Aaliyah about some of our vacation plans for the summer.” This Bitch here is really trying me but I got this. Stay cool Aaliyah, I thought to myself.

  “Yeah, it sounds like it’s going to be amazing. I’m not going to hold you two up. I know you have a show to catch. Amir, it was good seeing you again and Latreese it was a pleasure to meet you.”

  I continued smiling as they left out. That Latreese was no doubt a piece of work. Amir definitely had a type. He loved those girls that pretended to be so sweet and innocent but was nothing but some undercover bad shit crazy broads. All I could do was shake my head.

  Precious

  “I’ve missed you.” Those were the first words I out of Lorenzo’s mouth when we were alone. I JL didn’t respond for a couple of minutes. Instead I studied his facial expression, body movement and his all around aura. The man was tall, chiseled and always maintained an air of mystery. I think that was the main quality I found so intriguing about him. Yes he was great in bed and for a man that was several years younger than me we were still able to have very intense, intellectual conversations but that air of mystery always drew me in.

  “If you missed me, like you say then why didn’t you reach out to me when you got back in town?”

  “It was you that ended the relationship and asked me to stay away. you actually demanded it. You said you wanted to fight for your marriage and your family. I had to respect that.”

  “You’re right.”

  “Don’t think for a moment, I didn’t want to

  reach out to you every single day.”

  “Did you know I was coming over today to see Genesis or was it a coincidence?”

  “Genesis told me a few weeks ago he mentioned to you I was back in town. I was here going over some business with him and he said you were coming over, so I decided to wait so we could talk.”

  “So why now?”

  “Like I said, I’ve been missing you. I guess it was time for me to find out if you’ve been missing me too. But before you answer that question answer this one. Where do things stand between you and your husband?”

  “I finally signed the divorce papers.”

  “It doesn’t sound like you did so willingly.”

  “I never hid the fact from you that I wanted to save my marriage and stay with Supreme but he made it clear the damage had been done and he wanted to move on.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that…I really am. As much as I wanted to see where our relationship could go, I also wanted you to be happy. If getting back with your husband would give you that then I was willing to let you go.”

  “I did appreciate you respecting my request and giving me my space but even that couldn’t save my marriage. Truth is our relationship had started deteriorating long before you came into my life.

  Supreme finding out about us just caused it to come to a crashing halt before I was ready to admit my marriage was over.”

  “No pressure from me, but know I would love for us to try again, if ever you want to.”

  “I can’t think about that right now but thanks for letting me know. And to answer your first question, yes I’ve been missing you too.” I left Lorenzo smiling while exiting the room and inside I was smiling too.

  “Hey, Mom, you ready to go? The stores and the credit card machines are waiting for us.”

  “Aaliyah, you have such a way with words,” I laughed, shaking my head. “Genesis, here are those papers you needed. Now Aaliyah and I are off for a mother/daughter therapy shopping spree.”

  “You ladies enjoy yourself.”

  “We will,” Aaliyah and I said in unison.

  “Mom, at this moment I need that therapy shopping as much as you right about now,” Aaliyah commented while we were walking towards the elevator.

  “Why what happened?”

  “I met Amir’s girlfriend while I was waiting for you.”

  “His girlfriend?”

  “Yes, some chick named Latreese.”

  “Amir is still with her?”

  “You’ve met her before?”

  “A few months ago Genesis had a small get together and Amir brought her. It didn’t seem serious at the time to me.”

  “Well they are still going strong so I guess it has become serious.” When we got on the elevator Aaliyah leaned back and put her head down as if in deep thought.

  “I had no idea you were still interested in Amir. You haven’t mentioned him once since you’ve been home or when I saw you in Miami.”

  “I know. I had a lot of unresolved feelings that I didn’t want to discuss until I was able to speak to him and knew where we stood but I know now.”

  “I’m sorry. I hate to see you so down. But you did leave Aaliyah. You couldn’t expect for Amir to keep waiting not knowing when or if you were coming back.”

  “I know that’s why I can’t even be mad. It seems to be time for both of us to move on. But it looks like you have someone that would be more than happy to pick up the pieces.”

  “What are you over there talking about,” I beamed, nudging Aaliyah’s arm as we walked to the car.

  “All I’m saying is I saw the way Lorenzo looked at you and the way your face lit up when you saw him. If you think he can make you happy why not give it a try.”

  “Who is this girl and what did she do with my daughter! Where is this change of heart coming from? It seems like yesterday you wanted L
orenzo permanently deleted out of my life now you’re cosigning on us seeing each other. This is strange.”

  “Honestly, mother, I just want you to be happy and I think dating would be good for you.”

  “You’re right. I mean even Nico told me he’s dating.”

  “What dad calls dating is probably more like unattached flings. He has never mentioned a woman to me before. I always assumed he was holding out for you.”

  “I have a lot of love for Nico but we are too much alike. We would literally end up killing each other. We almost have a couple of times.”

  “Huh?”

  “I’m only joking,” I lied. Aaliyah didn’t need to know all of my dirty secrets. Some skeletons needed to remain in the closet.

  Aaliyah

  I had Clap watching Maya’s moves for the last week. He had her on twenty-four hour s u rveillance with him and his partner alternating on eye spy duties. They had her daily routine down packed and once they shared the information with me I was able to comprise a plan to set in motion. Maya had made a grave mistake ever coming at me sideways at the hospital and I was going to take great pleasure in teaching her a very important lesson.

  I eyed the clock and in exactly seven minutes Maya would be coming out of her Vinyasa Yoga class. She took it every Wednesday evening at a sports club on the Upper East Side. I was sitting in the passenger side of a black van that had dark tinted windows with Clap his partner Gerald and another guy that assisted them with assignments such as these. We were parked right beside Maya’s storm red CLS550 Coupe, laying in wait. I didn’t have to be here for what was about to go down, but not only did I want to see this shit unfold right before my eyes I wanted to participate. The level of hate I had for Maya ran that deep.

  “Here she comes,” Clap informed me and when I gazed at the time like clockwork it was right on point. I quickly put on my black ski mask and held on tightly to the King Cobra 5.8 million volt stun gun I purchased for the occasion. The sound alone would petrify most people, I don’t care how rough and tough you thought you were. When you turned the stun gun on, before even touching your target it sounded like loose power lines touching water then making that crackling noise.

  By the time Maya approached I was already in position, bending down in front of the van. By the time she activated her keyless go button my King Cobra was so far up her neck the heffa was knocked out within a matter of seconds. That’s when Clap stepped out and tossed her ass in the back of the van and Gerald got behind the wheel to take Maya’s car with us. My adrenaline was rushing as I had finally captured my prey.

  “Blindfold her ass and then duct tape her up, oh and don’t forget to plug those ears so she can’t hear shit we saying when she come out of that temporary stupor I put her in,” I directed Clap.

  When we reached the stash house I already had set up for Maya’s arrival she had came to. But Clap had her bound, gagged and vision nonexistent, so all she could do was wiggle and the slight mumbling sound that gave an indication of how panicked she was more than anything else. Gerald pulled Maya’s Benz in the garage so it would be out of view and Clap threw her over his shoulder and carried her downstairs to the basement and then tossed her on the mattress lying on the floor. The dark, dirty and damp basement was the perfect fit for Maya. Clap and I headed back up the stairs, closed the door and snapped on the deadbolt.

  “Clap, remember do not touch or harm her in anyway. You give her only enough food and water to live, that’s it. Do not let her see anybody’s face and never say my name in her presence. You can take out the plugs in her ears, but leave her blindfolded. Guide her to the toilet so she can get an idea of the location, but let her know that after that she’s on her own to figure out how to get to it. If you have any questions you know how to reach me. I don’t want any problems…you understand?”

  “Yes and you won’t have any. You know how I conduct business. I do have one question for you.”

  “What is it?”

  “How long do you want us to keep her alive before we kill her?”

  “I’ll let you know but for now simply follow my instructions. And make sure Gerald and the other guy follows them too.”

  On my ride back to my Mother’s place joy filled me. It took some years but Maya was finally off the streets and I prayed it would be everlasting, but that was solely up to my Grandfather. We all knew that as long as my Grandfather was alive Maya was pretty much untouchable. That’s how much all of us loved him and respected his wishes. But I also knew that Maya had been a menace to society long enough and she had no right to enjoy another day of freedom. So while my Grandfather was out of commission I decided Maya would be too. And if he did die then Maya would too. I refused on taking any chances of Maya being able to disappear if that became the fate of my Grandfather. What made everything so lovely was that I wouldn’t even have to go looking for her. Maya was already nicely tucked away, waiting for her death sentence to be executed.

  “Life is good,” I kept saying over and over again as I let the midnight air hit my face and blow through my hair. I was riding so high I felt like my car was going to lift up off the Parkway and float to the sky. If I had known getting rid of Maya would give me such an euphoric natural buzz, I would’ve shut her ass down a long time ago. I turned up the music and began snapping my fingers and bobbing my head. I was ready to go out to a club and celebrate but unfortunately I wasn’t dressed for the occasion. While I was considering if I should go home and change and still go out I saw that Dale was calling me. My first thought was Clap told Dale what I had him do with Maya. But then I knew Clap had good sense and he wouldn’t want to fuck up the paper I was paying him just to score a couple points with Dale. I shook that idea out my mind and answered.

  “Hey, what’s going on?”

  “You tell me. You went back to New York and I haven’t heard a peep out of you. You forgot about your life in Miami that quickly?”

  “Never that. I have been meaning to call you but between going to see my grandfather, spending time with my mother and the rest of my family, all I’ve been having time to do is sleep.”

  “Do you know when you’re coming back?”

  “I’m not sure yet. We’re still waiting to see what’s going to happen with my grandfather.”

  “What is the doctor saying?”

  “The same shit. They don’t think it’s looking good for him and it’s just a matter of time that he could go any day now.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Me too but I’ve already prepared myself for the worse.”

  “Don’t forget what I said. If you need me I’ll be there.”

  “I know and again, thank you. How are things going there?”

  “Everything is on schedule.”

  “Perfect. What about Tori, has she begun

  working on her project yet?”

  “Yep. Emory got her settled in and she’s already made contact with her target.”

  “That was fast!”

  “You know how Emory is, when he thinks there is a problem he won’t sleep until he’s figured out a way to rectify it. Plus after that makeover you pulled off, it got him even more hype. Emory is convinced with the package that’s being presented, Tori will have this wrapped up swiftly.”

  “Surprisingly I have to say I agree with Emory and you know that doesn’t happen often. But with Tori’s outer appearance in check, if she keeps up the sophisticated attitude I taught her and follow my tips, she got this in the bag.”

  “We’re counting on it because once we get Tori to infiltrate, the rest our plan will take affect and it will be smooth sailing.”

  “Hold that thought, Dale. Somebody keeps calling me but I don’t recognize the number so let me answer and find out who the fuck it is. Hold on.hello,” I grumbled, when I clicked over and answered. I hated answering calls when I wasn’t sure who was on the other end but their persistence had me concerned.

  “Did I catch you at a bad time?”

  �
��Who is this?”

  “Amir.”

  “Amir. wow, you’re the last person I was expecting to hear from. How did you get my number anyway?”

  “My dad asked your mom. She said she didn’t think you would mind if I had it.”

  “She’s right, I don’t mind. I’m just surprised that you called, that’s all.”

  “So is this a good time for you to talk?”

  “I’m actually on the other line. Can I call you back in about ten minutes?” I heard Amir make a slight huffing noise that I guess he was hoping I wouldn’t catch but I did. I found it hilarious and I did want to talk to Amir but after that bullshit encounter I had with his girlfriend, I couldn’t make things so easy even if I wanted to.

  “I would much rather talk to you in person. Can you meet me at that all night diner we used to always go to.”

  “The one over there on 44th Street?”

  “That’s the one?” I looked down at my all black attire. I was dressed like I was about to go out and commit a burglary.

  “Sure but give me about an hour. I’ll hit you when I’m on the way.”

  “Don’t stand me up, Aalliyah.”

  “I’m not. I’ll be there.”

  “Then I’ll see you soon.”

  “I apologize that took so long but it was my mom asking me a million questions,” I lied, when I clicked back over to Dale.

  “I understand. So like I was saying, business is good, everything straight with Tori and all I need for you to do is come back home and all will be super straight in the world.”

  “I’m looking forward to getting back to Miami too, trust me.”

  “I know but family first. Handle what you got going on over there and I’ll see you when you get back. But don’t be a stranger. Phone service don’t stop ‘cause you hit a different state.”

  “I know,” I giggled, not being able to stop myself from laughing at Dale’s comment. “I will definitely not be a stranger and we’ll talk again soon.” I ended the call with Dale right when I got to my Mom’s place. I wanted to run inside right quick, change my clothes and then go meet Amir. I found it strange that he had called me so late and wanted to meet and talk. But then me knowing Amir, he probably waited all this time to call me because he was thinking or at least hoping that after I ran into him, I would have been the one asking my Mom to call Genesis to get his number. Once he realized that wasn’t happening he probably said, “Fuck it” and called me instead. My analogy could totally be off but I highly doubted it.