Carl Weber's Kingpins by Smooth Silk Page B

appreciate him touching me, but I didn’t want to say it. He cleared his throat while standing in front of me, rubbing his hands.
    â€œBased on what one of my boys said he witnessed, I think we gon’ work well together. If anybody questions you, you don’t know nothing, you ain’t seen nothing, and you wasn’t there. I already have the cops under control, so no need to worry. These niggas out here need to understand that business is business. You can’t play with a man’s money. For now, go celebrate yo’ good deed. Have some fun tonight. I’ll probably need yo’ services again by the weekend, especially if this fool tries to disappear.”
    I nodded, and as Mango held out his hand, I slammed mine against his. Afterward, I left to go see what was up with Nate and Theo at the club. They were already there chilling and having drinks with several other dudes. Theo was there with his main chick, Nichelle. I was surprised to see Alexis there too. I guessed she wasn’t tired anymore.
    â€œIt’s about damn time,” Nate said, standing as I approached the table. We gave each other dap; then I sat to the right of him while Alexis remained to his left. Nichelle was sitting on Theo’s lap. He cocked his head back to acknowledge my presence.
    Several drinks were already on the table, and there was also a cake. “Who or what are we celebrating tonight?”
    â€œDon’t you see my name on the cake?” Alexis said in a sassy tone. “It’s my birthday, duhhh.”
    I nodded, then looked at the cake and saw her name. I didn’t say anything yet, ’cause today seemed like a good day for Alexis. She had her man by her side, and I hoped she was happy about that. Theo and Nichelle had been together for a long time too. He had his doggish ways, no doubt, but Nichelle had his heart. She was nothing like Alexis, and I had much respect for Nichelle.
    I looked past Nate to get at Alexis. “Happy Birthday, ma. Enjoy the night.”
    She smiled, and then wrapped her arms around Nate’s neck. “I most certainly will. Especially since I just got my birthday present from my man.”
    She bragged about a diamond necklace that Nate had gotten her. I wasn’t hating at all, but I couldn’t believe how simple some hoes were. If diamonds made a muthafucka forget about being battered, so be it. She was definitely confused, but I was staying out of it.
    They kissed as if love lived right at their front door. I looked away, and that’s when I saw Red working the floor, doing her thing. I had hoped to avoid her tonight, but after I had several drinks, she sashayed her way over by us.
    â€œI can’t stand that bitch,” Alexis whispered to Nichelle. “She always up in niggas’ faces, thinking she the finest thing on earth.”
    Nate cleared his throat, then snapped at Alexis. “Chill with that shit tonight. We here to have fun, not hate on muthafuckas.”
    I wasn’t sure if Red heard Alexis or not, but I sensed some tension between them. Alexis kept rolling her eyes, and for whatever reason, Nichelle got up from the table and walked away. She was one person who didn’t like drama. A couple of females, and several brothas, gave Red all the attention she needed.
    Nate reached over and patted my chest with the back of his hand. “What you think about that?” he said, referring to Red. “She fine, ain’t she? And I know you gon’ hit that again.”
    I shrugged. “Maybe, maybe not. She ain’t really my type though.”
    â€œWhat? Since when? You have always appreciated the brown skin, and ain’t nothing on her fake. Plus, the last time I checked, you don’t fuck bitches who don’t excite you. Obviously, something about her intrigues you.”
    I turned to glance at Red, admitting to myself that there was something about her that I liked. Still, and not trying to judge her, but