Page 43
“You got some bum ass nigga outside, saying he’s your brother.”
“My brother?”
Now, my mother might not have been Claire Huxtable by any means, but I’m positive she only has one child. Me. Me and Dime look at each other, equally confused.
“Brother? Did he give a name?” “Thunderstorm or some shit.”
It all makes sense, despite A-Jax’s clear comprehension issue.
“Ahh, my brother…in law. Rayne. What the fuck is he doing here? Okay, I’ll be out in a minute.” “Can you make it quick? Because if that nigga tries to barge in again, I’m dropping him.”
My head instantly tilts to the side. “Excuse me?” “I’m just saying…”
A-Jax is one of those young, loud, pussy ass niggas who can’t handle a woman being in charge. Ever since he came in, he’s been challenging both my authority and my gangsta side. He was never supposed to be a full-time security guard in the first place. I brought him in from one of those temp services, trying to fill a void. I knew I should’ve just gone with a women-only security team too. Here I was trying to put some money in a brotha’s pocket and shit.
“Okay. Well, how about you say nothing and go back to your post, A-Jax. I’m your boss. You’re not mine. Watch how you talk to me. We’ve had this conversation before.”
“Man, whatever.” He storms out, slamming my office door like he paid for it. Fuckin’ moron.
“Yeah, whatever, nigga,” I turn back to Dime, who’s completely caught off guard by the entire confrontation.
“Is he okay? And does he need to be shot?”
“Nope, don’t trip, he’s a bitch. And when this other guy is done with training, he’s fired. I’m not about to keep dealing with his mouth. Come on, sis.”
We both head back out, making a beeline to the entrance. I can already hear Rayne where I’m standing, screaming like a damn fool for his sister. I have no clue why he’s here, but I’m assuming it’s not for a good reason. My first thought is that maybe something happened to Damien. My heart starts to beat out of my chest even thinking of such a thing.
I get outside, marching right up to him. He’s pacing around in a black beater and shorts, fists balled like he’s ready for a fight with security. While I’d love to see him thrash A-Jax around, I can’t have him getting into issues outside of my place of business.
“Rayne? What the hell are you doing here?”
“Man, sis, tell that fuck boy to hop off my dick.” He’s pointing right to A-Jax.
“Trust me, I’ve repeated similar sentiments to him. I need you to calm down though. And tell me what you need.”
“Can I come in so we can chat?”
“Nigga, no. This is a women’s only lounge,”
“Oh, word?” he stretches his neck to try getting a closer look, “Shit, no wonder I see so many titties. I really need to be in there now.”
“Do you have a pussy or a dick, Rayne?”
His face scrunches, exuding confusion. “What?” “Exactly. What do you need?”
“Look, me and Damien got into it earlier.”
“What else is new? How does that concern me?”
“No, sis. This time, we really got into it. That nigga put his hands on me. I can’t let that shit stand.”
“Rayne, now isn’t the time for me to play family counselor. I’m sorry that you and Damien can’t get along. I really am. But I don’t see how I can help with this.”
“I need to leave town. I’m tired of this stupid family. Nobody else has my back anymore. You’re the only family I have left.”
“I’ve been married to your brother for close to a year. We’ve barely shared a cup of coffee, let alone a conversation, Rayne. So, referring to me as family is kind of a stretch, but I’ll bite. How can I help?”
“I need some money.”
