-----------------------CAMILLE
I glanced at my phone, once again, before shaking away the idea that had been simmering. For the past two days, Gio's advice had been weighing heavily on my mind. The thought of seeing August, let alone working for him was insane, but all I could do is keep on replaying what Gio had said.
Get in there and make yo money...
It all revolves around paper...
My thoughts were interrupted by the vibrating of my phone. I sighed and peeked at the screen, silently praying that it wasn't another bill collector. I was starting to run a little behind on certain bills...rent included.
The owner of the bulding had to be one hell of a wealthy man cause his ass was surely breaking my bank, along with every other tennant in this expensive ass hotel of an apartment. I was being charged damn near 4 grand a month for rent, and that wasn't even including service fees; valet service, gym fees, room service, and a $200 charge for living in a gated community.
I'd been ducking and dodging bill collectors left and right. I stood and made my way to the kitchen, not bothering to even touch my phone.
I knew that August's workers were paid well, and very well taken care of. I'd be set if I took on the opportunity, but the baggage tht came along with it all is what made me reconsider. Would he even be willing to hire me? If he was as desperate as Gio had claimed him to be, then I was sure he would. Aug didn't like to lose out on profit.
Consumed within my thoughts, I stood on my tip toes to retrieve a glass from the cabinet. With all the money I was missing out on, I couldn't even afford to buy a 4 pack of water bottles, even if I wanted to. I lifted the knob of the kitchen sink's faucet, patiently waiting for water to spill into the glass.
I squinted in confusion when I realized that my glass was still empty. Not even a drop of water had made its way out of the faucet. My eyes involuntarily turned to the stack of opened bills that I couldn't afford to pay this month that lay sprawled on the counter; the water bill sat ontop of the rest. I huffed, sitting the glass back into its original space.
Before I could even fully close the cabinet, there was a loud ass banging on the door. I turned on my heels, walking to the door. It was almost 10 o'clock, making me question who could possibly be banging my door off of the hinge.
No matter who it was, they were about to get their ass cussed out. It was late as hell, and I wasn't in the mood for any bullshit. Ontop of all that, I was still trying to figure out how I was gonna function without any source of water. My head was ringing, and all I wanted to do was hit the sheets.
I looked through the peep hole, only to notice that no one stood behind it. Confusion evident on my face, I unlatched the locks before swinging the door open. I peered down the hall, searching for any sign that only seconds before, someone had been there. The hallway was brightly lit, and the only sign of life was one of the building's many cleaning staff employees.
She ignored me, grabbing a bottle of cleaner from her cart. I cleared my throat gently, and she turned, giving me a tired look.
"Did you see anyone out here?"
Her white uniform was neatly pressed...not a wrinkle in sight. She tiredly gestured toward my door, causing for me to look behind me, noticing a yellow paper that I hadn't seen before. The word EVICTION NOTICE stood out in large red letters at the top of the page.
I quickly snatched the paper down in embarrassment. She only turned around continuing to collect various amounts of different labeled bottles before disappearing into the room that had requested her services.
I rushed back into the apartment, quickly shutting the door behind me. I allowed my eyes to scan the notice, feeling tears beginning to swell.
EVICTION NOTICE...
DEAR TENNANT,
IT IS OUR DUTY TO INFORM YOU THAT YOU ARE BEING EVICTED. YOU WILL BE PROVIDED 3O BUSINESS DAYS TO REMOVE ALL BELONGINGS FROM THE PREMISES. UPON THE ARRIVAL OF THE PROVIDED TIME FRAME, THIS APARTMENT WILL BE CLEARED AND UNFURNISHED, ALLOWING FOR THE DISMISSAL OF FURTHER COMPLICATIONS.
THANK YOU.
My eyes scanned to the bottom of the page, where the owner of the building's name was neatly signed. I felt my fists tighten in aggravation as tears streamed down my face.
My phone dinged again, and I attempted to wipe my tears, making my way to the couch. Collecting myself, and sniffing, I dialed Gio's number, placing the phone to my ear.
After about three rings, she answered. "What's up?"
I slightly chewed the inside of my cheek, closing my eyes. "Hey...has August found anyone to fill in for Asia yet?"
There was shuffling on the line, and a brief moment of silence, before Gio spoke. I assumed she'd gotten out of the bed.
"Not unless he found somebody in the past three or four hours."
I felt my heart beat increase, and I took a deep breath. "I want in."
---------------------------AUGUST
I stirred the coke i'd been cookin, before adjustin the temperature.
"Aye, come handle dis."
I called one of the girls ova, handin ha the stirrin utensil.
"Gone head and seperate it when it's through."
She nodded and I turned, surveyin my surroundings. Shit was flyin smooth today, or maybe I was just in a good ass mood. Gio had called me, sayin she had a girl ta replace Asia. I ain't let just any bitch in on my team, so I was a lil skeptical.
But Gio claimed dis chick was bad, and bout ha shit. I was gone have to see fa myself, but I trusted ha judgement. If I could find somebody who could brang in even half as much profit as Asia, I'd be doin myself some good.
Black walked in, followed by Trim, who was eatin a snow cone. I shook my head at him, chucklin.
"Waaaaahn. What's good witchu, nigga?"
I dapped Black up and looked at Trim ass like he was crazy when he stuck his hand out fa da same. He looked at me like he was confused and shit.
"What?"
I gestured at his hand. "Nigga, yo hands sticky as shit. Back up."
Black laughed and Trim looked down at his hand.
"Whatchu doin wit a snow cone fa anyways?"
Black walked off, fuckin wit one of the broads walkin by.
"Shit, it was a Kona Ice truck down da street from da spot."
I shook my head at him and stuck my hands in my pockets. "Aye, you heard anythin bout the broad Gio sposed to be brangin through?"
He shook his head, focusin on eatin da rest of his ice. "Nah. She ain't been talkin to me forreal. She been trippin since last week."
I ain't even gone lie...a nigga was a lil nervous. I needed some shit ta start fallin into place within the next few days. Asia had already moved out. I had hired a crew ta come through and clear ha space so I could get some new shit rollin in.
"Ant, Gio's here."
I nodded at Riah, and she walked off. Trim followed me ta my office. We was like...business patnas. I ran shit, but he was my right hand. If he ain't feel like some shit was right, den I wasn't gone follow through. Me and him had been runnin wit each otha since we was slangin as youngins infront of da 7/11.
"Aye, get rid of dat shit nigga, fa you get it in my carpet."
He sucked his teeth befa handin it to one of da females, tellin ha to throw it away.
"Aye, she sposed to be legit?"
I shrugged my shoulders and pulled my pants up as we made our way up da second flight of stairs. "I know jus as much as you."
When we got ta my office, I heard talkin on tha otha side of the door. I pushed it open, ready to get some shit done. Gio was sittin on my desk wit ha legs crossed, talkin to a broad wit long, curly hair. Trim walked up beside me, wipin his hands, and I squinted my eyes at the chick. Ha back was turned to me, but I swea she looked like Camille. She turned around, and I felt my jaw clench.