Twisties

Chapter 4

Deon looked thoughtful as he stared at Mace. "That's true. That kid Tre, he talked a good game. But still. Whoever he works for should be man enough to speak business in person. That's some shady shit."

I groaned from where I was standing. I was getting restless. "How long y'all going to go on? I'm bored."

Deon sighed and slouched into his chair. "Why can't you just shut up and sit?"

"I've been doing that for an hour!" I said throwing my hands up in the air. "What am I here for?" I didn't like being still. I felt like a trapped squirrel.

"Uh oh. That's my cue," said Stingy, quickly making his way to the door.

"Yeah, I gotta go anyway." Mace waved bye before following Stingy and Jaque, who nodded at us.

Deon turned his attention to me. "Why do you gotta do that?" He asked annoyed. I was annoyed too, so fuck him.

"Because I could be doing something else. There's literally no reason for me to be here if you're busy." If he was kept waiting, Deon would throw a fit, and call himself a king and claim he's too good for all of that. Why can't I complain?

"Look, chill. I just wanted to see you," he said while doing that stupid thing where he grabbed my chin. I almost melted.

I ripped my chin away. "Fine. What are we gonna do now then?"

Deon looked down at his Rolex before glancing up at me. "Actually, I gotta roll out. My girl made plans with me tonight."

"Oh. Okay."

He leaned down and gave me a kiss. "I'll catch you later baby. Go on and enjoy the club. You already know drinks are on me." With that, he left.

Even though I was feeling kinda disappointed, the fact that Deon left me alone in his office meant that he trusted me. So, everything would be okay. I left to see the fun that was happening downstairs in the club. With the mixture of neon clothing and black light, everyone looked like purple aliens to me. I made a bee line for the bar, ready to start the night's festivities. "Hey." I reached over the counter and tapped on one of the passing bartender's shoulder.

"Yes?" He asked.

"Can I get a jack and coke? And hold the coke."

He looked at me suspiciously. "Are you sure you're 21?" We both stared at each for a good solid minute before busting out in laughter. No one gave a shit about serving minors alcohol. Plus, I was Deon's girlfriend. "Hold on, let me get that for you." My drink was handed to me a few minutes later. I took a huge sip and sighed in relief. This was exactly what I needed after a long, hard day of being a bad bitch.

"In My Feelings" by Drake started to play and I was waving my arms above my head, swaying back and forth. Singing along, I already felt the effects of the alcohol taking over as I tried to keep up. "Deon, do you love me? Are you riding?" I giggled as I made up my own remix. Taking my second drink from the bartender, I quickly drained it before getting up to go to the dance floor.

Two bad bitches and we kissin' in the Wraith. Kissin'-kissin' in the Wraith, kiss-kissin' in the Wraith.

All the girls in the club twerked and popped their asses off, just like in the video. I joined right in, bending over and smacking a girl's ass to the beat of the music. Her girlfriends were like "AYE" before twerking in a circle around us. This was the shit I lived for. Turning up every night and not having to deal with anything. No school, no annoying ass people, no mom. This was my goddamn peace and quiet.

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Tatiana

"Would you rather eat Cheetos soaked in pickle juice or eat yogurt with olives in it?"

From his closet, Les looked at me horrified. "Why are you so freaking weird?"

I was lying on his bed, my legs kicking back and forth behind me. "I don't know, I was just thinking about how it would taste."

He shook his head. "Disgusting, I'll tell you that."

I was over at Les' house, helping him decide which clothes he should donate. If the boy didn't clean out his closet at least once every two months, a professional would have to come in.

"Hey, what about this shirt?" He held up a green striped polo to his chest, modeling it for me.

"Yeah, I would toss it. Doesn't show off your curves," I said jokingly. The digital clock on his nightstand read 7:38. I was going to pack it up soon and head out so I could be home on time.

Ehhh this one?" I heard him say. I look to see him holding up a slim fitted blue blazer.

I shook my head furiously. "No no, I love that jacket. And I bought it for you!" I had gotten that jacket for Les' last birthday. I saved for two whole months, not wanting his family to think I was cheap. "You look very handsome in it too," I added shyly.

He winked. "Alright, now I gotta keep it." I beamed at him. Les had tons of clothes, so he was constantly getting rid of them. Anything I ever bought him though, he kept.

"Leicester." Both of us froze when we heard his name from down the hall. Les straightened up while I sat up with perfect posture.

A moment later, Les' dad appeared in his doorway. Jonathan Reginald Jameson looked frightening as he did any day, in his formal work attire. The man was so distinguished and sophisticated, you had to say his full name. Standing at 6'5 with massive NFL looking shoulders, Mr. Jameson not only made me look small, but feel it too. His cold, sharp gaze glanced at me briefly before landing on his son. "Leicester. Your mother says dinner is ready. Time for your company to go home."

I mean, it's not like I wasn't on my way out soon anyway. I could see Les cringe inwardly. "Yes, I know. Thank you, Dad." Mr. Jameson looked at Les for another second before leaving. Les slumped against his closet.

"Tatiana-," he started to say, but I cut him off.

"It's okay, it's really not a big deal. Plus, I was planning on leaving soon anyway." I stood up to gather my bag and put on my shoes.

Les walked over to me and gave me a hug. "You'll text me when you make it home safe right?"

"Course."

He kissed me on the forehead. "Good."

I said goodbye and went downstairs. As I was walking down the hall, I saw Mr. Jameson coming my way. I could've just shat myself right there. I didn't know what to do. If I looked him in the eye, he would think I was challenging his dominance, but if I looked away, he would smell my fear. I was thinking so hard, my dumbass almost ran into him.

"Sorry sir," I mumbled trying to scramble away.

He nodded. "Goodnight young lady."

"Goodnight sir." I breathed a sigh of relief once I let myself out. Talk about nerve wracking.

It had rained earlier today, but thankfully tonight was clear. I would've been annoyed if I had to walk in the rain. To be honest, I was just a teensy weensy bit bothered. Les usually got me an Uber, believing it was unsafe to be walking around Southern Gardens at night, but lately that hasn't been the case. I really didn't need a ride every night. I was a big girl, but still.

Luckily, the bus stop was a ten minute walk from his house. Forty-five minutes later, I was home. Grandpa was still sleeping for work and I didn't see Tara when I peeked into her room. Praying that my sister wasn't hooked up to an IV full of Jack, I crawled into my bed and fell asleep.

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