Page 32 of Hellcat Barbies: Imani
“Oh good. We’re eating out in the solarium. Hazel take her out there please. I need to grab the butter and ranch.”
“Ranch?” I question.
“Yes. I love ranch on my crab legs,” she says and I’m pretty sure my face contorts. I loathe ranch dressing, no matter who makes it or what brand. I don’t know why so many people like it.
“You can have that. I just need butter and lemons.”
“Me too, girl,” Hazel agrees.
“Haters,” Presha says before leaving us in the entertainment room.
“You want a refill before we go out?”
“No but I would love a beer. A Bud Light or Heineken. I swear I can’t eat crabs without a beer,” I tell her.
“Then, you are good. There’s plenty of Heineken’s in the fridge out there. All three of them big negros love Heinekens.”
“Is your husband here?” I ask.
“Not husband yet but he’s on his way. He should be pulling up in a minute. You ready to eat?”
“After I use the bathroom.”
Daymir
“Did you talk to Vee Vee about ol’ girl?” Brick asks as soon as he walks out into the solarium. I don’t even have to ask how he knows because my family talks to damn much. If he didn’t hear about it from Aunt Vivian, Vee Vee or Dodge told him.
“No. I let that Makenna shit ride,” I admit. I don’t live in the past. I didn’t parole back home for a reason-there was nothing left there for me. That hasn’t changed.
“You don’t care why she’s looking for you?” Dodge adds.
“Hell nah. Shit was dead with us when she showed me who she really was. Plus, you saw Imani, right?” I ask and Dodge smiles. “And nigga, keep that corn bread dressing shit to yourself,” I bark playfully. I can’t believe he said that in front of Imani and Presha.
“She thick like that?” Brick asks.
“Too small for me but she’s bad,” Dodge says.
“This is both of ya’ll niggas first and last fucking time talking about my lady.”
“Damn, you got that. I’ll shut up,” Dodge says with a laugh.
“What happened in NYC?” I ask Brick. Friday morning, he left for New York and he just got back.
“We finally handled that PrePass shit. So, our transport rigs won’t have to stop at the weight stations anymore on the high ways. Shipments should be quicker and smoother now.”
“Good. Shipment delays and issues throw the warehouse schedule off. This will make Hazel happy because she can create a more succinct work schedule for the girls and stick to it. And, I can streamline the deliveries.”
“Facts. Anything to keep this shit flowing. I plan to eat for a long as time,” Dodge says and I agree one hundred.
Our business is organized, streamlined, and on point. Between law enforcement on payroll, attorneys on retainers, and several legitimate businesses owned and ran by the family, I sleep damn good at night knowing that I won’t ever be back in anyone’s cell again. I’m even thinking about using my money to start a business. I love working for the Powers and appreciate my cousins for putting me on but ultimately, I want my own shit. I run the warehouse but that shit ain’t mine. Being a manager isn’t true boss status and that’s what I ultimately want.
The door opens and Imani walks in looking gorgeous as always. I love that she always puts some shit on. Her style is uniquely hers, sexy and a little edgy. Today, she’s wearing a sweater dress that hangs off one shoulder and a pair of boots up to her knees. The dress kind of looks like a jersey with the number ten on it and although it loosely fits her body, I know what’s under it and that makes the look extra sexy.
I stand, step to her, and wrap my arms around her. Whenever I’m near her, my hands can’t control themselves. I have to touch her in some way.
“You good?” I ask.
“Yeah. Good and a little tipsy. Hazel makes some strong ass drinks,” she says, smiling.
