Page 2

Her mother was one of the sweetest women I had ever met, but she didn’t play around when it came to her kids making good decisions. When I got into a fight a few years back, Mama Elantra got on my ass about letting my anger rule my life. I listened to her words of wisdom even though I felt my reasoning was justified.

“I know. Since Rule and Messiah are paying for my tuition, the two of them have been doing check-ins to make sure I’m on track. I just feel like it’s too much work. There’s no way I should have two papers, a presentation, and three discussions due in the same week. Then my African American studies professor gave us a pop quiz yesterday. The only reason I took the class was because I thought it would be a cool elective course. This is too much.”

I smirked as she vented about her studies. Honestly, it made me proud to see her go after what she wanted in life. From the moment we met, I knew she would become someone important. Honesty excelled at everything she did, whether it was sports, academics, or even cooking. There was nothing she couldn’t do.

“And I didn’t miss your smart comment about my friends. For your information, I’ve only been to three parties this semester.”

“Honey Bee, you’re only three weeks into the semester. What are you even saying right now?” I chuckled when Honesty gasped, like she had been caught red-handed.

“Well, I’m just a girl, okay.” She giggled. Her dimples were on full display as she smiled brightly, and my heart did that weird thing it always did whenever I heard her voice.

“Yeah, I hear you. Just know as soon as Messiah is ready to take the drive up there, I’m riding shotgun so I can be front row when he gets in your ass.” I teased. Her big brother, Messiah, was more like a father figure in her life. Hell, if we’re being honest, he played a similar role in mine since the day we met.

He spoiled her rotten, but he also stayed on her about putting her all into her education. Messiah made it clear she would never have to worry about work or housing, but she needed to stay focused on school.

“I can’t believe you! You’re supposed to be my best friend. Why would you do something like that?” she squealed like the dramatic actor she was.

Honesty clutched her chest as if she was hurt while I laughed her off.

“You should know what it is. I love you, but when it comes to your education, I’m not cutting you any slack.” I shrugged, ashing the remainder of my blunt on the to-go plate on the table.

“It’s not fair. I already have my mama and my siblings on my neck. You’re supposed to be on my side.”

She folded her arms, her lips pursed into a pout. My dick twitched involuntarily, but I tried my best to ignore it. It was something I had grown used to when it came to Honesty.

“I don’t care about you pouting your lips, Honey Bee. How the hell are we gonna get out of the hood if you don’t get your degree in fashion and become D-Roc’s stylist?” I joked, knowing it was one of her dreams to make clothes and dress celebrities.

“First of all, go to hell. You know how bad I want to dress him and undress him, for that matter. Secondly, when have we ever been in the hood, Solly? I’ve been a spoon-fed baby since I popped out of my momma’s coochie.”

“Yeah, well, some of us weren’t so lucky. I need you to make those connections so I can ride in a private jet and rub elbows with the rich and famous. Shit, I might give up this tattoo gig and try my hand at music.” I chuckled, even though I was bullshitting. As much as I loved music, it would never be more than an outlet for me.

“Whatever. You need to stop playing and take your music seriously. I think you’re dope with your tattoos, but you’re letting your talent go to waste. Rule even agrees with me, and you know if you wanted to step on the scene, he would help you,” she insisted.

The conversation shifted, making me uncomfortable. One thing I appreciated about our relationship was the fact that it wasn’t one-sided. I got on Honesty’s ass about her future, and she did the same for me. Although I felt she had more potential to be something great in life, she never let me talk down on myself.

“I’m cool, Honey. You already know I don’t care to be in front of people. I would probably freak out and run off the stage or something. Besides, tattoos are my passion too. I love creating and bringing people’s visions to life. It pays well too, so I don’t have any complaints,” I acknowledged.

Since I started working at Ink’d Out, I had made more money than I ever did at any job, legally or illegally.

“I hear you, but I just feel like there’s more out there for you. I see the way your spirit lights up when you’re making music or recording video. It’s obvious it brings you joy, and I think you should at least consider it one day.”

I shook my head, ready to change the subject. Before I could say anything else, I heard a commotion behind me, reminding me where I was.

“Are you seriously cupcaking on the phone with a bitch when you have two bad bitches in the bed waiting for you? What the hell, Solo?”

I turned to face an irritated Malasia with her arms folded across her naked breasts. I could admit she looked sexy as hell, but I didn’t tolerate disrespect from anyone.

“You don’t see me talking on the phone? What the fuck is wrong with you?” I roared, getting up from the couch. Malasia’s eyes widened as she stared at me in disbelief. It was clear she didn’t truly know me and had grossly misjudged her place in my life.

“I-I was just trying to see when you were coming back to bed. We were ready to go another round, and I think it’s kind of disrespectful for you to hop out of the bed to answer a call in the middle of us having sex. No one is that damn important unless it’s your momma,” she fussed.

I chuckled angrily, knowing it was time for me to grab my things and head out. Luckily, I had already gotten my nut the first round, so I wasn’t tripping about going for a second one.

“Maybe I missed the memo, but are we in a relationship?” I asked, walking toward her to get to the room. She and Loren both looked like deer in headlights, which only irritated me more.

“No, but it’s still inappropriate. You’ve been out here holding a long-ass conversation as if we aren’t important.” Malasia scoffed. I glanced at her with my brows knitted in confusion.

“Important to who? You said you wanted to fuck and we did. I don’t owe you shit else, and I certainly don’t have to explain anything when it comes to someone who actually means something to me. Check this out though, I’m about to grab my shit and head out. Y’all can stay here tonight, if you want, but check out is at 11 and I'll be removing my card as soon as it’s time.”