Page 47 of When It’s All Said And Done

“You know I ain’t gonna tell you to quit ‘cause like me if you feel it’s worth it to keep on fightin’ then do that.”

“I’ma chill out and let her be. You know I’m still knockin’ hoes down so it ain’t no pressure with me.”

“And that could be why she don’t take yo’ ass serious. You do know hoes talk and love to brag on fuckin’ with niggas with money, so yeah keep it up.”

We talked for a little while before we closed up the dealership. Although the Santiago Cartel name was ringing loud throughout the city, I was happy that neither mine nor Chance’s name was on any radar. The only thing we were known for was that anybody could come get a decent car for a decent price in the city. So, my plan was moving exactly as I’d predicted it to. This would allow me to keep a low profile and keep my family safe.

On the way to my house, I gave Fernando instructions to inform Nina of a reup that was needed. As I continued my drive, I kept thinking back on how Nessa had been so easygoing these last two months. Even to the point where she finally took my advice and quit her job. That shit made me so happy because I didn’t want my lady to have to wipe no old folk’s ass for a living. Don’t get me wrong, no disrespect to the profession but I know that wasn’t Nessa’s passion.

When I left, she wanted to sing and her voice was so beautiful. Hell, the lick I was trying to hit before I got pinched was going to go towards her some studio time. If we could’ve just made her a mixtape, I knew a record deal would’ve followed. Life had other plans for her as it hit her hard, and she had to choose a more sensible path. I’m just thankful that the decisions she made kept a roof over our child’s head.

“Yo’ who this?” I inquired as I answered my burner phone that started buzzing.

“It’s yo’ mama damn where yo’ manners?” Nina’s voice pierced my ears. “I know my mama taught yo’ lil’ lite bright ass better than that.”

“Man, what you want Ma?”

“Ooh, shit it only took months, but you finally called me Ma. Ahh, shit what happened?”

“Ain’t nothin’ happened,” I chuckled while rubbing my hand down my face. “I’m just showin’ you that I do have manners. Now you called me so wassup?”

“Oh, that’s right. That trip is gonna be traditional like the others. Send a request to your uncle and follow his instructions,” she spoke in code about the reup.

“Understood.”

“Ooh, how is Nessa?”

“She been nicer to me and I’m confused on the change, but I’ll take it.”

“Nothing else?”

“No, why you askin’ ‘bout her?”

“Dang, I just can’t check on my girl. Well, then I’ll keep ‘bout Nyla. How my G-baby doin’?”

“Good she’s lovin’ VPK. That lil’ girl too smart for her own good sometimes but I’ma let her be great.”

“As you should! Tell them both that I said hey and that I’m thinkin’ ‘bout them always. I gotta go.”

“Alright, I will and be safe Ma.”

“Always.”

I was pulling into my driveway just as our call came to an end. My relationship with Nina improved tremendously during the vacation. She dropped a couple of gems on a nigga about dealing with Nessa. Speaking of Nessa, her car was parked in her driveway and as bad as I wanted to go over there I decided against it. With me having to tell her that I’d be going to Puerto Rico again, I figured that would be better done over the phone just in case she flipped on a nigga. After I finalized my arrival plan with Juan I decided to give Nessa a call.

“Hello,” Nessa groggily answered.

“Yo’ you ok?” I wondered as I stopped in my tracks ready to turn around and go to her house.

“Yeah, I’m good, Nas. I was just takin’ a nap. What’s goin’ on?”

“Ooh, ok. You know if you need anythin’ all you gotta do is just ask, right?”

“I know, Nasir. Now what’s goin’ on dang? If it’s nothin’I’m goin’ back to sleep.”

“Ooh, I just wanted to let you know that I had to run back to PR. My mom also checked in on you by askin’ how you were doin’.”

“And that’s all she said right?!”