BRIA

"For some of you, production has already started. But tonight is to celebrate filming the juicy parts of the show. I hope you guys are ready for the group activities..." Mona's speech continued.

That bitch could talk for days. I wasn't even part of the show and I was already tired of her. My ears were honing in on what was going on at the other end of the table. I nudge Vinnie, nodding towards Caly and pointing to my head. He takes a look at her and furrows his eyebrows.

"I could've sworn it was 80 degrees outside, today." I whispered to Vinnie. He shot a look at Durk who then disappeared from the table. Not too long after, Caly excused herself, but Slim snatched her up.

"Nigga, you done lost yo damn mind!" I stood up, ready to lunge.

Vinnie wrapped his arms around me and whispered, "Not here, not now."

"Mind yo business, Bitch."

"Well, I got some business for you." Durk said.

Click! Clack!

Caly let out a scream and dropped to the ground. He had a gun pointed directly at Slim's head as he walked up behind him. A gasp left my lips as I clung onto Vinnie. You'd think Mona invited statues over for dinner. The look on Royale's face was nothing short of disgust. I don't blame her, look at what her man did.

"Bro, let's tone this shit down man." Vinnie said, he wrapped his arms around me.

"I would listen to your brother if I were you." Slim said. He stood still as there was a gun pointed to his head.

"London, it's okay, come here." Durk reached for Caly who was crouched on the ground with her hands over her ears.

"If you knew what was good for you, you wouldn't do that." Slim said to Caly. Caly didn't move, she just sat there trembling.

"Tay, please don't do this." She cried.

"I wouldn't say shit else to her if you knew what was good for you."

"Tay?" Slim said. He cocked his head to the side and furrowed his eyebrows. "I know for a fact you didn't call me that last night, London."

"Oooh.."

"I can't do this, It's so hard to watch." I mumbled.

"So, you bout to catch yo first body over a bitch?" Slim laughed.

"I love her, what's your excuse?" Durk pressed the gun against his head, pushing him to the wall and stepping in front of Caly. "Vinnie, take her somewhere safe."

"Alright, Alright!" Slim put his hands up against the wall. "You win, just let me go and you ain't gotta hear from me again."

"Cap!"

"Fa shit sho" Vinnie said as he picked up Caly and carried her in his arms. "Let's just get the fuck outta here, Bro."

Durk sucked his teeth and tapped the gun on his head. "Next time won't be so convenient for you." He tucked the gun in his pants and walked around the table. "Mona, keep that clown away from me. Or you gone need a new cast member."

CALYPSO

"My dress.. What did you do? My dress.. What did you do?.."I repeat as I rock back and forth. I sat in the corner in the fetal position. My hands cover my ears that were tucked under a black headband. Vinnie is pacing around on the phone, Bria is hysterical as she watches me from the bed.

"Baby, we need to get her some help. I don't know what else to do. She won't even talk to me." she cried.

"I'm on the phone with Durk, he knows someone who can help."

"You think we should check her for some injuries first?"

Vinnie approached me and scanned my body. He then grabbed my arms and checked them 1 by 1. Next, underneath my clothing. He almost called it a done deal until he decided to take my headband off. Revealing a butchered right ear. Which was originally just a graze.

They're so dramatic. They had me in a hospital bed and scheduled for surgery within an hour. Everyone was crying and carrying on, had them doctors in my face, just asking a million and 1 questions. No, I didn't wanna talk about it. Yes, I could hear you. No, I didn't wanna tell you who did this to me. I was tired. I was afraid. I was angry, and I gave up.

The worst part was seeing people I dont fuck with coming to visit me in the hospital like they care. What the fuck happened to the covid restrictions in this bitch?!

"Hey, Baby." Durk said as he entered my room. "These are for you."

"Oh, Thank you!" I reach for the bouquet. The lavender aroma mixed well with the sunflowers. "What are these for?"

"Do I need a reason?" I squinted my eyes, hoping I could see right through him.

"What did you do?" He let out a sigh and opened the door. A man in a suit walked in, standing next to Durk.

"This is Dr. Henry. He's going to help you -"

"Help me? I don't need help. I'm fine."

"London, I'm not asking you. If you don't talk to him, Mona is going to vouch to get you admitted. You and I both don't want that. Do we?"

"What the fuck does Mona have to do with any of this?"

"Baby, look at me." He held my hand, and gave it a kiss."I'm on your side. But, something is wrong with you. And, you need help. Please just talk to him."

"But, I'm okay now. I just needed some time away from everything and-"

"You're not okay. We have things to do and I won't feel comfortable with you doing it without making sure you're in the right headspace."

"Ain't Slim still on the show? Ain't Rodney still out here? Ain't you getting married to a bitch who doesn't skip a day to throw dirt on my name? What kind of headspace do you want me to be in?!"

"This isn't about me, her, not even Slim & Rodney bitch asses. It is about you being happy and you can't be that if you're not healthy. I want that for you. I want that for us, too." His thumb rubbed my cheek. I closed my eyes and rolled over on my side.

"Fine, I hope you're right about this, Tay. I don't think I can handle another reason to die.."

SLIM

"Nigga, what the fuck you mean, shes gone?!" Rodney said. He pushed me in my chest, making me look at him crazy.

"Exactly what I just said. Ain't shit to worry about."

"See, this why I don't fuck with green ass niggas."

"She not gone snitch , bro. You act like you scared or something."

"Me and my niggas disposed of yo nigga body for yo dumb ass. Yo only job is to make sure yo bitch keep her fucking mouth shut."

"Bro, chill. I got everything under control."

"You better. We need to be in-fucking-cognito."

"Nigga, is you ready to handle this business? Or what?"

I dropped the briefcase on the table and opened it. Cash money. Rodney hissed, rubbing his chin.

"Aight, you came through." He held his hand out for a shake. "But do you trust that these niggas can deliver?"

"Nigga, with this. You could make a monk recite a poem." We shared a laugh and wrapped everything up.

Walking down the hall, I braced myself. A bouquet of random flowers in one hand, I hope she likes it. A box of chocolates that I know she'll love in the other. But will she hear me out? The hallway grew longer, the more my thoughts consumed me. This had to be my worst idea yet. I know she'll never see me. I know she bouta crashout. I just know it.

Why do I fuck up so much? Why can't she see that I'm doing my best? Why does she keep hurting me and blaming me for reacting? Where is the common ground? I need to know. Can we fix this?

I freeze just an inch away from the door. A barrier of sadness and regret bridges the gap between me and my girl. The only girl that I want in my life. Then, I let it simmer. Hold my head low and take a deep breath.

"What are you doing here? Y-you can't be- NURSE! Somebody Help, Please!" She screamed the moment I walked in. My heart sunk deep into my chest, I froze again.

"L-London, Please. I'm not here to hurt you. I promise." I set the flowers and chocolate down on the ground and raised my hands in surrender. "I just came to talk."

Her head shook as she began to cry. "Please leave."

"Bae. I'm sorry for what I did to you." I picked up the flowers and chocolates and crept up to the edge of the bed.

"You said that last time. Then you shot me in the ear, drugged me up and held me hostage for days! I don't wanna talk to you. Fuck your apologies!"

"I fucked up, I know. But you have to believe me when I say that I didn't mean to hurt you. I am not your enemy London!"

"Oh, you could've fooled me."

"Just hear me out, Please." I kneeled down on one knee and reached into my pocket.

"What are you doing?" She sat up straight, covering her mouth as the diamond ring was unveiled.

"I know I haven't been the best boyfriend. But you've stuck by my side through my worst days. There is no other woman who I'd rather live my forever with. It's just you. I promise to be the best husband, and we can start fresh right now. You're the woman I need to build an empire with. You're the Cookie to my Lucious.London, will you marry me?" Tears filled my eyes and my hands shook for dear life. Her silence was so loud. Her eyes bounced between mine and the ring, then the door.

"The fuck is going on here?" I looked over my shoulder, Durk towered over me, reaching for me.

"Wait, no!." Caly said.

"No?" I closed the box.

"No, not no to you. I- Ijust.."

"Are you seriously considering this? What the fuck has gotten into you, London?!"

"Yo, chill on her." I stood up.

"Nigga, you lucky you still breathing." He pushed me into the bed, raising his fist.

"Tay, Don't do it!" She wrapped her arms around me and hugged my face. He backed down, clenching his jaw. King Vinnie walked in with Bria with the same look on their face as Durk's.

"Yo, this gotta be the twilight zone." King vinnie said.

"London, if you do this-"

"You"ll what?" I said,

"She's not invited to your wedding anymore?" I scoffed. "I'm tired of you brainwashing her into thinking that you love her enough to leave yo bitch. Every real nigga know the code. You always marry yo bottom bitch. She's the one you trust the most and love the most. Cause you know she not going anywhere and you never plan on getting rid of her. Now, tell London where you plan on fitting her."

Crickets. I put my eyes on Caly. Pleading.

"This man is trying to get you-"

"Baby, I want to build an honest life with you. This can also solve our problems."

"This gotta be a joke."

"Oh, everyone in this room could benefit from this." I sat up and rubbed my hands together."We get married, we can't testify against each other. You say yes to this proposal," I shift my body and look at Vinnie. "and I settle our beef right now."

"We got beef?" He said.

"The things I've read, heard, and seen on her phone this past week could be ancient history with an added bonus."

"What's that?" he said.

"A location. One time, so don't miss. This isn't target practice." I reached out my hand. "So, we good?"

He clasped my hand and nodded. "You must've been a snake in your past life."

"Takes one to know one, right?"I give Bria a wink.

I lowered to my knee once again and held Caly's hand in mine. "London, lets make this the best deal as a united front. Will you marry me?"

"Y-Yes?" She hesitated but nodded and rushed the ring on her finger, pulling me into a hug. I couldn't help but smile.

I turned to Durk, "And as for you.." I handed him a flash drive, and lifted up another. "Your secret is safe with me as long as you keep your dick out of my fiance. Otherwise, I have the breakfast club on speed dial. They've been waiting to hear from me." A menacing laugh escaped my mouth. I stole a kiss from Caly, just to see his soul die inside. "Oh, and where I'm from, they call this Checkmate."

BRIA

"Are you shaking?" Vinnie said.

"No.."My cheeks warmed and I scrunch my face.

"Aww, you're nervous." He wrapped his arms around me and lifted me off of my feet.

"Hey, watch it. You're gonna ruin her gift!"

Life was pure bliss for a moment. No drama, no expectations, no worries. Times where I could cherish those pearly whites that were covered in grillz sometimes. Times where I could say I was secure.

People ask me what the turning point was after being Vinnie's vixen of the week. I say this was the day, for me atleast. When dating again after such an abusive relationship, gentleness seems foreign. Honesty, transparency, trust, and loyalty seems too good to be true. But his patience and presence gave me faith.

Just last year, I was being tossed around like a rag doll over misconceptions. Now, I was walking into a mansion with a present that cost me more than my rent was a year ago.

Streamers draped the walls, confetti littered the floor, while balloons remained a concept. The smell of buttercream and sprinkles lingered as children raced around the foyer. I set my gift amongst many, minimizing how worried I was that mine would be too much. A woman staggered around, doing small tasks at a time. I watched in awe as she transitioned effortlessly. Vinnie grabbed my hand and pulled me into the direction of her.

"Bae, this is Misharron. Maya's mom." He pulled her into a hug, and nodded towards me. "Shar, this is my girlfriend Bria."

"Okay, girlfriend. I see you." She said, giving me a tap.

"Nice to meet you"

"Where the party at?" Vinnie said. I nudged him.

"Boy, don't you see her doing all this shit by herself? You better get up and help!"

"Ooh, I like her." She said with a laugh. "But nah forreal, Kema and Mason are running late and she was supposed to help me set up. The nanny couldn't make it today so I'm doing everything by myself."

"I guess I'll be superdad today," he said. "Where's my babies at?"

"And, I'll help you with whatever you need."

"Thank you, Bria. But I can do this- Shit!"

"What's wrong?"

"I need to finish Maya's hair. When Kema said she'd be late, I started multitasking and forgot to put the beads on her hair."

"Oh girl, I do hair. I can get that done for you with no problem."

"No, it's fine-"

"Really, I can do it. Momma you relax and do the decorations. I got it."

That was life. I saw Vinnie as a father, a co-parent who had great relationships with his babymommas, he handled them with grace while establishing me as his partner. No envy, no competition, no bitterness. He had two beautiful black women who were allowed to live their life as they pleased and still be mothers. He treated them with respect. I admired that. What felt better was that I wasn't a secret. He wasn't ashamed of me. And, neither were they.

I had the opportunity to see the world. He was willing to give me that. Not even the cameras that followed us around could stop us from being us. Even while our feet walked through the sand, the tide crashed into our legs and the sun kissed our skin. The production crew followed behind us, capturing us holding hands and each other.

"Can I ask you something?" I said. He nodded."Did Misharron and Kema get this version of you?"

"Kema did. I had to learn from my mistakes."

"Why didn't you marry her? Or either of them?"

"I could've, but that doesn't quite fit the storyline nor my lifestyle. Does it? I'd rather them and myself deal with integrity than explaining unnecessary divorces due to infidelity."

"Well, are they allowed to marry other men?"

"They are single women, just as the government sees them. Once a man comes along, they'll have my blessing. No issue from me."

"But why are you like this?"

"I value family over ego. I believe in the patriarchy as much as the matriarch. They should coincide to create unity. I have my part, as the woman has hers. There are times where we both need to submit to each other. Just because we didn't work out as a couple, doesn't mean I have to expel you from your role in my life. Even if there are no children between us, with our consent, we should still help build each other in non-romantic ways."

"I hear you. So, what makes me so lucky to experience you?"

"I think I found the diamond in the rough. You work your magic and I'll give you every part of my soul."

Then, there came a time where we had to be serious. To ensure peace and safety, we had to do things that made us uncomfortable. Vinnie had to reveal the side of him that Misharron experienced. The side that confirmed she had no desire to be romantically involved with him anymore. The side that Kema pretended she knew nothing about. They warned me to not get this close. But, that is the side of him that I needed most at the time.

For nearly six hours, we enjoyed each other's company on the road. Not a mention about what we'd expect or how things should go. Before we left, he told me to never leave his side and to never speak a word until we made it back into the car. His firm tone told me to follow his instructions to the T or I'd regret it.

As we closed in on the location, Vinnie became timid. It's like a knob switched and his demeanor changed. Maybe the full moon had something to do with that.He grabbed our phones, turned them off and shoved them in the glove compartment.

"Stay here." He reached over and lowered my seat back. He got out of the car and locked the door to spend some time in the trunk. "Let's go."

Vinnie directed me to my apartment as he carried a gun so big he needed two hands to hold it. My lungs hesitated to breathe in fear of pissing him off. My heart was beating out my chest trying to keep up. But that girl between my legs couldn't wait to get back in that truck when this was all done.

He entered the house first, aiming the barrel to anything that looked like it moved. No lights, no noise.

"Go in the room and grab as much stuff as you can."

As I'm grabbing things, floors are creaking, curtains ruffled, cabinets slamming and then b-b-b-BANG! My bedroom door swung open and a man lunged towards me before Vinnie blew a few rounds into his back. Another man tried to creep his way out the closet and Vinnie snatched him up. Pulling out a knife and putting it to his throat.

"Where's Rodney?" He said."He can't come do his dirty work himself?!"

"He wanted us to give you a message." the guy said. "He said, " You don't know what you think you do. Don't lose your life fighting a fight that's not yours." Vinnie slid the knife across his throat in one swift motion.

"I hate riddles." 

________________________

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