Falling Back into Old Habits

Despite my believing that Isa needed to be at a party with so much money and potential in the building, Isa decided to stay back and be with Izzy for the night. She claimed to want to spend some time alone with her baby for a change. I on the other hand, believe Isa is afraid to fly. If it isn’t a party with Indie or underground rappers, smoking, drinking, and doing other random drugs; Isa isn’t interested. I decided not to push the issue for a change and let Isa be.

Zion and I pulled up as if we were luxury in a pear-colored Rolls Royce owned by my boss at about a quarter after 11. Serenity Grey had to ensure that her employees made a hell of an impression for her label, and I didn’t mind it one bit. The chauffeur came around to let us out, and like always as soon as our feet touched the sidewalk all eyes were on us. I could hear people whispering amongst themselves trying to figure out who we were and betting we were some type of celebrity. Little did they know, my best friend Zion had grown up with me here in Chicago and turned out to be one of the coolest and closest white girls I’d met. She was a sure spit fire about life.

Zion has the longest pencil legs I personally ever come across that drove men, women, and high school kids crazy. She was the typical girl next door with icy blonde hair, blue eyes, perfect teeth, and a very pretty face. Not to mention Zion had swag. With a die-hard demeanor about herself that makes everyone in the room, no matter the race feels comfortable; I had no problem with calling the white girl from Vermont my best friend.

Zion Sworzyk was family.

Tonight, Zion was painted in a rose pink, v-lined mini dress to show off her legs and those big boobs of hers. Her shoes were satin pink stilettos with tiny little lace gold jewel-shaped bows that dangled when she walked, her hair was curled and flowed endlessly down her back, rocking a smile and a mean walk to match.

I on the other hand liked to keep things simple. I was draped in a pearl, lace over satin mini-H&M dress that hugged every last one of my curves so perfectly that although I wasn’t built like a cola bottle, this particular dress gave the illusion. My hair had still been done from the wedding, so I simply let the pins out and brushed my fingers through it lightly, letting the curls fall. I too got out of the car with a smile and walk to match my confidence.

Tonight, felt so good, so different than any other night, I swear I was going to build myself an empire off the work I was about to put in tonight! Once inside the lobby area I stopped and asked Zion double checking reassuring her confidence level,

“So, you ready to turn ourselves into moguls tonight?”

If not overpowering my confidence, 

“Girl hell yes! I’m ready for that estate and that Rolls Royce we just got out of. That ride was so clean I could’ve eaten off the floor! Let’s go get this money friend!”

We both giggled for a moment sharing a couple jokes as we both knew this was all a part of the scheme. Once people knew that one Artist, a young black man in particular, had 2 beautiful ladies both black and white backing, marketing, and supporting him; money, endorsements, and perks begin pouring in like flies on poop.

We walked inside the banquet room while the usher greeted us with an over eager to see you

smile and took our jackets. I did my usual, greeted my artist Prime Theory with cheek-to-cheek kisses, scooped him up, and went over to our reserved table. There was nothing but money in the room from the looks of things, and it was time to get down to business. I began to give Prime Theory the rundown of our goals for tonight, detailing exactly how we were going to achieve them. Before I was able to get a word in Prime Theory speaks in a low toned, country accent that almost sounded seductive,

“Ms. Edily, Ms. Zion, boy y’all certainly look perty tonight. I mean y’all always look perty, but tonight y’all looking extra perty. I’m sure glad I got y’all on ma’ marketing team.”

I had to admit I was a bit taken back by his compliment, especially in the tone of voice he used. His lack of grammar slightly got under my skin. I thanked him and quickly changed the subject.

“Look tonight is about our motto, cash first. Everything else can wait or come into place on its own. Therefore, I’m going to need you charm and be talented toward the women, and a die hard, do whatever you need to do, aggressive talented artist toward the men. Since you rap, everyone in the building will want to hear you rap, if requested stay within 2-3 bars maximum per person that asks, no matter who asks Theory, no more than 3 bars. The men just want to hear what you can bring to the table and the women just want to see a free show.”

Zion cut in,

“With that being said, drop a few bars, leave a couple business cards, not forgetting to remind them to use the QR code to d******d your music, and keep it moving; leave them wanting more. Make sure everyone you come across gets the card with the QR code. Do not under any circumstances email, sync, or stream a track; use the cards it limits access to your music, there’s over 1000 so you should have more than enough.”

Prime Theory nodded and I continued,

“Now my mother and aunt are going to be here celebrating as well so we’ll be back and forth, however were on our job all night, no slacking. Watch the amount of liquor you intake, executives will get you drunk just to test you, so don’t be stupid.”

“Hey ladies you looking at the next artist of the year, I promise I’m on my game.”

Briefly pausing to lick his lips he went on,

“By the way y’all dressed, shit, y’all on y’all game too. We gon’ def make some moves tonight.”

Visibly irritated by his lack of proper diction, Zion cut him off,

“Boy please remind me to teach your country ass some manners when we get back to the office on Monday; your grammar and lack of knowing who you talking to is starting to wear on me. Have mercy Jesus!”

We all chuckled at Zion’s opinion, shared a toast to the night and went to work.

Mama and Aunt Aida arrived a little before midnight. I showed them to their seats and ordered a couple bottles of Cîroc and Rose’ to start our celebration night off. I was inspired to have Mama with me tonight. It made me feel proud to have her here while I worked and treated her like a queen at the same time.

“This party is lovely niece. This is what goes on at the new school industry parties huh? I been so used to going to strip clubs and bootleggers with your uncle lately, I almost forgot what an upscale industry party was about. Looks like a whole lot of fancy dressed folk and expensive alcohol round these parts, my type of crowd. Ross wouldn’t have minded coming to a party like this. He assumed it was going to be a cluster of young kids in here getting drunk and falling over themselves and each other.”

Mama cut in bragging,

“I tried to tell you Aida, my baby takes me to the best parties, even if they do be all snooty with watered down drinks, the ambiance is always lovely. I tell her all the time that she’s blessed to have her job.”

I could feel myself blushing because I knew I was truly blessed with a decent job and lots of great perks. I also had a family and team that backed me one hundred percent.

“Did you all enjoy your ride to get here? How was the driver?”

“Like it, niece we loved it! That car rode so smooth, and the Chandon on chill was the icing on the cake; you sure know how to treat your ladies.”

“Only the best for the best” Zion responded.

“So how about some shots to get this celebration started ladies?”

I nodded to Zion in agreement and made shots for the table. The four of us took about 3 shots each to loosen up and began to let our hair down. We shared a toast, and poured some Champagne on the floor for Smitty Joe pimp ass despite Mama’s waste of liquor rant before Zion and me went back to working the room.

I must say tonight had been a success. Not only was I feeling good I was feeling accomplished. I had over 70 business cards in my purse and had already set up a meeting for later this week with a rep from T-Mobile to shoot a possible commercial for Prime Theory. They were thinking of a possible endorsement deal and all I could think about was a definite pay increase. I was going to sell his behind at that meeting. This was the career break we both needed. I was seeing green.

I was heading to the bar to order another bottle of champagne to wrap up the night before noticing my boss Serenity Grey approaching. I was shocked to see her make an appearance at a promo party. It seemed as if she floated toward where I was at the bar and greeted me with a warm smile and hug. Serenity always had this ‘happy to be alive’ attitude about her until someone did something stupid in the office. By the look in her eyes and sweet tone of voice she greeted me with, I could tell tonight was a good night for Serenity.

“Well, if it isn’t the boss lady herself? I’m surprised to see you and the Jakobi fellow here at a promo party.”

“Well Ms. Graham, I got an anonymous email informing me that my incredibly beautiful chief of marketing was down here doing a stellar job with the little Prime Theory fellow. Mentioned something about a possible deal from T-Mobile; I had to come check it out for myself.”

I was definitely blushing at this point and I’m sure Serenity could see it. She only calls her employees by their last name when she’s impressed.

“Why thank you Serenity and the anonymous caller. I told you we wouldn’t let you down.”

“I see. Adding Zion to your team was a very great business idea. I must say you guys are down here making me a proud Mama. Might I add the two of you look exceptional tonight; you certainly have the right ideas when it comes to marketing Ms. Lady. What’s that you just ordered?”

“Oh, it was a bottle of Rose’. I invited my mom and aunt out today to let our hair down after Faith’s wedding.”

“That’s right Faith’s wedding was yesterday, hate I had to miss it, but you know with my great Aunts funeral in Haiti and all.”

“I totally understand although you missed a show. Long story short and to get to the extremity; my Mama killed Smitty pimp ass while we were waiting on the reception to start!”

Serenity’s eyes widened in disbelief as I continued,

“Girl yes all while he was pointing the gun at me and talking shit; it got ugly and bloody in there.”

Still seeming to be in idle shock, Serenity didn’t say much; she paid for the bottle and politely asked,

“So, where’s your Mom and Aunt sitting? How are they doing after all this madness? I’m so sorry for your loss Edily, I can’t believe what you just told me.”

I walked Serenity over to the table, the look of astonishment remained in her eyes. I reintroduced her to Mom and Aunt Aida while Serenity offered her condolences.

My mother asked, 

“Serenity child why you so sad? Tonight, is a celebration, ain’t nobody mourning over no damn Smitty Joe ass so don’t come over here like that! Put your glass up and finish celebrating with us!”

Once Serenity knew that we weren’t at the least saddened by Smitty’s death she loosened up a bit, letting her hair down with us as well. Prime Theory came over a short time afterward insisting that we have a bottle with him, his treat. For the last hour of the evening we drank, laughed, talked, and Mama did a little crying. I was feeling accomplished by the end of my last glass. I had my mother, my Aunt, my best friend, my boss and her boy toy assistant, and my artist all at one table having a ball. I’ve never seen my boss fit in and seem so comfortable with her surroundings. At work or even social scenes like such, she’s normally uptight, doesn’t really talk to anyone but me, the head of human resources, and her assistant. She doesn’t even hire, or fire employees face to face, she would say,

“That’s what human resources are for, use all the humans for their resources, I just have to be the brain.”

That’s exactly what Serenity Grey was, beauty and brains of the S&G Music Group operation. Serenity Grey silently ran the Midwest and northern region of the entertainment industry and was aiming to be the “Silent Face of Hollywood” Whatever that was supposed to mean. It was her dream and mine was to have her position when she accomplished her goal; so, I played my position and kept her close.

It was well after 3am, Zion, Prime Theory, and I were passed out in the back of the Roll Royce something serious. I wasn’t awakened until the driver opened the door to let me out. My body ached and I was extremely tired and even more pissed at myself for being so busy this week that I forgot to book a hotel room for Prime Theory. This disapprovingly meant the youngster was crashing at my house. I said my good-byes to Zion and made her promise to call or text me when she got home.

I put my key in the door unlocking it. Making a beeline toward my bedroom, I grabbed some covers out the linen closet, passed them on, and wished Prime Theory a good night while inviting him to my over-sized couch. I was in my bed and sleep before my head was able to hit the pillow.

Shortly into my slumber I could sense my artist easing into my bed. I popped up questioning what the hell he thought he was doing! I was mortified by his actions and very curious as to what he though was going to happen. He seemed frightened by my response, he immediately jumped out my bed and began to explain himself.

“I’m sorry Ms. Edily, but you are just so beautiful, especially on tonight, I’m sorry please don’t let me go as your artist. You’re just so perty and I wanted to see what it would be like to lay next to a real woman. Ya, know? Smell your scent a little bit.”

My mind was in a state of muddle; I felt flattered and violated at the same time.

“Oh really? Lie next to me, smell my scent, and then what?”

That was the challenge, I couldn’t help but to pull his card and ask. I was engrossed and already too entertained to know what kind of reply I would get.

“Well Ms. Edily when it comes to the woman I ain’t too good wit’ words, but if you let me show you.”

I cut him off I was stunned by his response yet intrigued by his confidence.

“You need to get your ass out of here before I kick you out that other, other door!”

Before I could finish my sentence, Prime Theory was out of my bedroom and hopefully back on the couch. I got up to lock my bedroom door behind him and tried to fall back to sleep. I couldn’t help but to lay there and ponder about what my artist Prime Theory just tried to pull. What made him think he could pull it, and why in the hell was I so inquisitive about it?

He is a handsome 20-year-old street kid. Born, taught, and raised on the south side of Chicago streets. He was practically homeless, a bit lost, yet he has an abundance of talent which drove me to take him on. I was pretty much taking a cut out of my check to help keep him housed and off the streets. For some reason I believed in this kid.

His government name was Parker Miles, and he brought the confidence and aura we needed for the label. He’s about 6’0, rough dark skin, hair worn in dread locks that he kept neat and clean. He has a taste for the finer things in life, just lacked the resources. Remarkably, he doesn’t believe in selling drugs. Says his mother would turn over in her grave if he were to get involved in the life. Besides, that’s what pretty much ended her and his older brother’s life.

Almost 5 years ago someone threw several cocktail bombs inside the house where they were living over drug money and street credibility. The fire killed his mother, older brother, and a girlfriend who just so happened to stop by to visit that day. I recalled hearing the story on the news. Had Parker been in the house he would have been killed too, luckily; he was still at the local high school attending a football game.

I met him over 2 ½ years ago and had developed a soft spot for the young man with natural gray eyes and muscular frame that lay nervously on my couch. I began to imagine what it would be like to let Parker lay on top of me, to hold and caress my body. Maybe even let him kiss me a little bit, then I’d take control.

I couldn’t believe my thoughts at this moment. I was fantasizing about a kid that I do business with. I tossed and turned for several minutes until I couldn’t resist. It had been far too long without Maleek. My urges were gaining control. By the way my body was feeling and the thoughts that were provoking, I knew I had to call my therapist to schedule a session first thing tomorrow.

Still in my dress, I tip-toed to the door, quietly opening it. I walked over to the couch where Parker was lying; I stood there for a moment observing the definition of his build. I admired the glow of the streetlight that reflected off his oily skin. He opened his eyes, raising up, asking as if I had startled him,

“Yo’ what’s good Ms. Edily?”

I knelt closer to him as if to lay on him and whispered.

“Seeing what it may be like to lay next to a somewhat younger man.”

Again, that was the challenge.

“Then do what Ms. Edily?”

He had replied with so much confidence I couldn’t help my next set of words,

“See that’s where you fuck up at sweetie, you ask too many questions at the wrong time.”

I grazed my halfway exposed breast across his lips, offering the cue that it was ok. I could feel him trembling on the inside. He pulled me closer to him, kissed my skin, and said,

“My bad Ms. Edily. Show me then.”

Turned on again by his level of buoyancy I climbed on top of Parker and began to sensually kiss him all over his neck and chest area, kissing his lips every so often. I could feel him fishing with his hands for my delicate spots while he kissed me in return. Remarkably, he was no longer trembling but matching my aggressions. He kissed me with just as much passion as I did him. We played the kissing game for several moments as things began to grow more and more intense until I opted for a change of scenery.

At this point my heart was racing, so were my loins. They had an uncontrollable throb, and I needed this.

Totally in my command Parker followed me into the bedroom, I had the abrupt urge to play vixen. I wanted to see how far I could get in his head. Moreover, he was a younger man, curious to know what it’s like to be with a woman. I pushed him down on my California king size bed, climbed back on top of him and we were at it again. This time it felt as though the feelings were mutual; we were hot, horny, and ready for whatever. I lifted up still straddling him and unzipped my dress now allowing my breast to completely show. There was no bra needed for my strapless dress, so for a first peek, Parker got an excellent shot. I could feel his erection grow so I knew I had already taken the cake. I simply added the frosting by grabbing his right hand and speaking in a sweet, seductive tone,

“Here Parker babe, its ok, you can touch them, kiss them, enjoy them however you like.”

Pulling him towards me, I let him kiss and enjoy the scent of my body. He repeatedly told me how beautiful I was, how good I smelled, how amazed he was of me. He was thrilled because I was going so hard and letting things go so far. The more he complimented me, the harder I went in. I was in a trance with this younger man and was not wanting out. After letting him make love to my breast and enjoying nearly an hour of each other’s body I took him in and fulfilled my oral satisfaction. I listened for the vocal level of his moans and felt for the twinges in his body. The more turned on and erect he became the better I performed. I was turned on by his girth and the clean way he smelled. We had been out all night and his penis still smelled ultra-fresh, while looking and tasting delightful. I was impressed.

Once he was to the point of nearly no return, I did my infamous condom with the mouth trick, strapped him up, and straddled him once more. While inside of me, I could sense the satisfaction amongst the both of us. It was as though we both were getting what we had needed and been missing for so long. This felt so good, so right, right now.

I could tell I was having sex with a younger man because of all the many positions he was anxious to pretzel me in. I was really having my way with him until being interrupted by that damn ring tone. What could he possibly want right now? Something had told me to cut the ringers off. Once my groove is disturbed there is basically no getting it back. I tried my best to tune the ringer out until it rang again.

“Aren’t you gon’ get that Ms. Edily?”

I snapped back in a breathless tone,

“Don’t you hear the ring tone? It says I just want it to be over, so I’m letting it be over.

Now please Parker, don’t stop.”

I turned over in the doggy style position; needing to release this urge while losing the sense of emotion. I desperately needed to cum before my phone rang again.

“Damn Ms. E, I get ass shots too? Fuck Ms. E you a make a man wanna straight wife and life yo’ ass up good as this shit is!”

I was amused and still feeling confident myself, so I smacked my behind and commanded him to enter,

“Make me cum then Parker.”

He must have been turned on beyond existence once he entered me. He delivered the best stroke I’d felt in ages. I found myself doing the breathless moan with cotton mouth gaining up on my desperate need for water.

‘I don’t wanna love you, don’t wanna need you, just wanna leave you, I swear, I just want it to be over…’

I could have screamed out of frustration from Maleeks constant calling. Although I ignored the call again, I couldn’t get back in the groove. I turned over, now on my back. Parker attempted to reach in and kiss me. I backed my head away,

“Come on Parker, no emotion, we know better. This shit just got out of hand. Were both drunk."

“Naw Ms. Edily I’m not drunk at all. If anything, I’m high off you right now. Swear you the best woman I ever felt the inside of.”

“Negro please. Go grab me a bottled water out the fridge, you have me breathless over here.”

I searched for my phone in the darkness to at least listen to my voicemail to see what Maleek wanted at this hour. There was no voicemail, just a short text.

‘Heard about Joe’s death, how cum u ain’t tell me ur’ pops had died, u ok? Damn Ed its lyk dat now? Call me’.

Whatever. Maleek can be a comedian when he tries to play the “I really care about you and your family role. He knows good and well that he doesn’t care about me or Smitty for that matter.

“Everything all good Ms. Ed?”

Parker was infatuated. He precipitously thought he was in, and our relationship was more than just business with an occasional screw every now and then.

“I’m ok Parker thanks.”

He tried to climb back in the bed. I wouldn’t mind the cuddle company, but this boy is my work. I can’t go trying to mix both.

“Aww Parker I’m flattered and had an awesome time, but you can’t sleep next to me in my bed honey, it’s bad for business.”

“I just wanted to lay there and hold you a lil’ while. Your skin so soft and you smell so good.”

I cut him off,

“And I’m your manager Theory, let’s not get caught up in the moment. We both must go back to work as if this never happened. Laying up and cuddling would be asking for more.”

He stood there looking at me in amazement. I think he was impressed by the string less sex we just had and how I was able to change the tune back to business.

He gave me a sly grin,

“Alright Ms. Edily. You have it your way, I’ll be here though when you ready for the lay-up and cuddle part of our business arrangement.”

“That confidence going to get you in some trouble young man.”

“I’m sure it will be the type of trouble I wouldn’t mind getting in.”

He left out the room while I sat there awestruck. I cut my cell off and tried to get some sleep.

“Um hello, can I speak to Joanne please?”

I was awakened to the sound of a younger woman on the end of my home line asking for my mother. I was a bit caught off guard by the call; my mother seldom gets phone calls here.

“I’m sorry Joanne doesn’t live here; may I ask whose calling, and can I pass a message?”

“Yea tell the bitch that killed my man that I’ll see her ass at his funeral, she might as well prepare for hers!”

More startled and now heated I shot back,

“Excuse me? Who the hell is this? You better watch who you’re threating before all you whores die and still have to pay for his funeral!”

“Well, this must be his delinquent child?”

I was wide awake by now. I didn’t know who was on the other end of my line but I knew I

didn’t appreciate the drama. This chic had me ready for war. I believe I was more pissed at her coming for my mother’s life for such a scum bag of a man.

“Oh, this must be the bitch that’s about to pay to bury his scum bag ass? Who is this, another one of his many hoes?”

“This is the main hoe sweetie and you and your mama don’t have a clue what type of death sentence she’s written herself. You think we didn’t know where Smitty was going before he left? You think y’all could just set him up, murder him in cold blood and get away with it?”

Poor lady, she had no clue.

“Look lady I assume you’re the one making the arrangements? When you’re done getting the funeral arrangements and everything else in order give me a call back. Until then, my mother and I will see you and the rest of his whores at the funeral.”

Outdone, I disconnected the line.

The last 72 hours of my life have been way too much to deal with. Just when I thought I let go of the pain and worries my father had caused, here comes some more bull crap stirring up trouble. I knew there was going to be some drama behind his death. I would never have guessed in a million years his whores would start threatening my mother’s life.

A bit bothered by the call; I immediately called my Uncle Ross. I gave him the run-down of the phone call and was assured everything would be alright. I was also advised not to worry too much about Mama. He gave me the number to a lawyer while insisting I get proper legal representation for Mama right away. After getting off the phone with my uncle I felt better about the threat and entire situation.

Uncle Ross was more like a father than an Uncle to me. Not to mention he’s the go to guy in the hood when things went sour, therefore I knew Mama was secure. I did like I was told; I called the lawyer. I sat on the phone for a couple hours while I sipped some warm tea and told our story. Mr. Monte’ Charleston quietly listened as I recalled moments from my past and how I believe we each got to this point. You would’ve thought I was on the phone with my shrink.

There were moments when I found myself balling in tears from the pain or laughing in hysteria from being numb at times. He certainly wouldn’t know the full details of our past until he talked to Mama personally, but I willingly expressed my pain. Mr. Charleston agreed to take the case and reassured things would be alright; we set up a meeting for lunch later in the week so he could meet Mama and hear her side.