ROYALE

For a whole week, my world seemed to turn upside down. My man was out here making me look stupid over some random female and I had no say in it. To make shit worse, all of this happened on the internet. But, Sunday came and saved us all. I woke up optimistic about what was to come. We were making history in our city and my man made it happen for us. Durk wanted us wearing matching formal wear and insisted we wear matching jewelry as well. A truck came to pick us up and take us up to the meeting with Mona and her team. We made it at 8:30am and Mona planned on arriving at 9. In the meantime, we waited in a conference room that was surrounded by large windows.
Vinnie showed up with Megan with news they were contacted by Mona's team as well. While we're celebrating that the gang was together, more familiar faces started filing in. Some were well known artists from Chicago, and others were important parts of the industry. My personal favorites were Gherbo, Lil Bibby, Katie got bandz, and Sasha go hard. Chief Keef cocky ass was there, but he was being too salty that Durk was getting a spotlight he wish he still had.
Ultimately, everyone was having a good time while waiting for Mona and her team. Meg and I were chatting it up as usual. Being on the show was gonna be litty. She nudged me and pointed out that Durk was looking agitated and was clearly staring too hard at the door. I figured he was anxious about what's about to happen, or even worried he might not be accepted for the show. I placed my hand on his back and kissed his cheek to assure him everything would be alright. With the conference room packed with amazing individuals, he should've been mingling. Especially since him and Herb were so close.
But, I was mistaken. Shawn showed up with Wiz out of the blue. Wiz stood outside of the conference door turned towards another person outside. He had his back facing the windows, so no one could see who was standing in front of him. Shawn walked in to whisper something in Durk's ear and it instantly upset him.
"What'd you mean? I told you to make the contract last night." He said.
"I did, she said this isn't what y'all agreed on." Shawn said. Durk smacked his lips and stormed out of the conference room with Shawn trailing behind him. Everyone in the room was now focused on what was going on. You could see us all trying not to breathe so we could hear.
"Caly, what's the problem?"Durk said. Just hearing her name made my blood boil. Everyone except Keef looked at me as if they were up to speed on who Caly was by now.
"This ain't the contract we discussed. This is some three-sixty bullshit. He said this is what you told him to write." She said.
"I told him exactly what you said you wanted. Are you trying to make this a issue for me right now?!" Durk said.
"Read this shit and you tell me. Cause I'm not signing this fucking contract!" She said. We heard papers shuffling and Shawn smacked his lips.
"What is this? This not what I asked you to write, Shawn." He said.
"What's the point of signing an artist if they're not bonded to your label?" Shawn said.
"The point is: I never agreed to sign anybody to my label to begin with. This was your doing. I'm not putting her in a position that neither one of us want her in. So, go get the fucking contract I asked you for or you can consider this a termination." It was quiet until Shawn walked away. Then, Durk's tone changed. "Thanks Wiz, lemme get a moment alone with her real quick." Wiz walked into the room and everyone pretended like they were in such a deep conversation with each other. Wiz stood behind me with his eyes on exactly the same person as me. "I didn't mean to get all loud with you. I just been really anxious this morning. How'd you sleep?"
"Great, actually. First night of real sleep in a very long time. I apologize for my lil outburst, I thought you was trying to pull a fast one on me." She said.
"Nah, I understand. Shawn really be on bullshit, sometimes. I think he be trying to embarrass me on purpose." He said with a laugh. "I'm loving this look on you, it brings out your eyes."
"Really?" She giggled. "I appreciate the referral. That was real sweet of you. You think I should make this a permanent thing."
"If it's gonna leave you looking like this, yes." He opened the door, startling everyone. Caly walked pass him into the room and he followed. All of our eyes were on her and she walked like she knew. Durk grabbed an empty chair and set it next to his. They sat right beside each other and Durk's body language seemed to be giving her his full attention. I couldn't help but give the both of them the side eye.
"Hi, everyone." She said. Most people responded with a greeting. Vinnie even gave her a warm welcome with a hug. "Hey, I'm Caly." She reached her hand across Durk to me. I just nodded and smiled. She pulled her hand back with a stank ass look on her face. Megan snickered and nudged me.
"Bitch!" Megan said under her breath. We both fell into a laughing spell, leaning onto each other. Then, the conference door opened and Mona walked in with her team. She greeted everyone and sat on the other end of the table. This was it. This is when shit got real.

DURK

It was all news to me that Mona would invite all those people to the meeting we scheduled. Just a couple days before, Vinnie was trying to make sure I made it on the show. But, he was contacted last minute to be apart of it too. I don't know if I was more worried about these people being alternatives for me, or if I had blown my own chance with the scandal I was apart of. Mona started with telling everyone why she contacted so many people last minute. She said she knew exactly who she wanted for LHH Chicago and was confident that she might have created a "dream team." I asked her when she had that epiphany and she told us there was a "surprise" for us.
"Excuse my tardiness," Shawn said as he walked in with a contract for Caly to sign.
"Good morning, I hope you've got some good news for me." Mona said. He nodded and slammed the contract in front of Caly with a pen on top. She skimmed through the papers, nodded, and signed on the dotted line. I signed my name next to hers and Shawn sighed with relief.
"You're now looking at the first female artist signed to OTF. Caly Michigan." He said. An applause filled up the room and the non bias ladies cheered her on. Royale smacked her lips and possibly rolled her eyes, gaining some attention. Mona seemed pleased by the way she smiled at Royale's reaction to the news.
"You must be the girlfriend." Mona said to Royale. Royale's face was shaded in embarrassment when everyone had their eyes on her. She nodded and looked at me. Mona smirked and leaned forward. "This is great. I want you to take this extra attention you're getting and milk it. It will help our ratings if you keep yourself in the spot light." Mona said to me as she passed out contracts to everyone. "Caly, I want to congratulate you. But, I'd also like to share my surprise with you personally." Everyone signed their contract and passed it back to Mona. Caly started fidgeting around and shaking her leg. She looked at me hoping I'd know what the surprise was but I shrugged and shook my head slowly. Mona pulled out another contract and whispered something to one of her team members. They left the room and Mona stood up. "I want everyone to say hello to our final cast member on Love & Hip Hop : Chicago." She said. Some nigga with dreads walked in that I've never seen before but felt real familiar with. Caly clenched her hands around my arm and hid her face behind my shoulder.
"That's him." She whispered.
"Who?" I said. I wrapped my arm around her and rubbed her back. She started shaking so bad, I looked at Wiz for help.
"His name is Slim Joos, and he's a rapper from Ohio. Some of you may have met him already." Mona said. When I heard his name, everything hit me at once.
"How y'all doing?" He said with a wave. He gave me a head nod with a smirk, then squinted his eyes. "London?" He walked toward us, trying to get a better look.
"Wiz, it's time to do your job. Caly, go with Wiz." I said.
"London, where the fuck you been at?" He snatched her arm, but Wiz pushed him back.
"Nah, I got him." I said. I gripped him by the collar and slammed him against the wall. Wiz rushed Caly out of the room. "You not finna lay another finger on her." I said, then let him go.
"Nigga, that's my bitch! Yo bitch, sitting right there." He nodded at Royale.
"If that's yo bitch, why you out here putting ya hands on her?"
"Ion know what she told you, but I never put my hands on her. "
"Real niggas own the shit they do, they don't act like they got amnesia and be surprised when the consequences end up right in they face."
"Ditto." He said with a smirk. "Everybody only knows what they saw. But, I have her phone, I was home the night you met her, and the night she disappeared. So, it's only a matter of time before the gaps are filled in. I'm sure yo girl already did that. And we all know the internet has a mind of its own. No matter who says what, you look bad. My bitch ain't have no business being in yo red. Bentley. truck. Now, own up to that."
"Don't embarrass yourself." I stepped to his face.
"You should be worried bout you." He stepped to mine. He looked at Royale and chuckled. "You stay outta my way, I'll stay outta yours."
Royale stormed out of the conference room while Slim and I stared each other down. Mona must have been satisfied with the issue, because she clapped. Her applause happened to be contagious because others joined her. They cheered and rewarded us for our performance, suggesting we keep it up. Shawn, Vinnie, Megan, even Slim and I were confused on how awkward the moment was.
"That's what I'm talking about, keep that energy until we're done filming the reunion show. Just perfect. Everyone, take notes." Mona said. I pinched myself to be sure I wasn't just having another one of my crazy dreams. Turns out, Mona thought the scandal was just a publicity stunt that I orchestrated. We were now playing into exactly what she wanted to happen. I shook my head with disappointment and sat back down in my seat. She finally had my attention, and my signature. All I could do was play my role around her.

"Nigga, where did you find that Shortie from Ohio?" Herb said.
"Who, Caly?" I said. Vinnie laughed and shook his head.
"Nah, that nigga Slim. Who else would he be talking bout?" Vinnie said as he walked out the studio booth.
"Yeah, she bad asf. That's ya side piece or something?" Herb said. He passed the blunt to the producer/engineer who worked on Vinnie's vocals that he just laid down.
"Why everybody making it something it's not? Mona needed me to sign somebody, so I did. What's the problem?" I said.
"You whole just snatched that lil nigga up over shortie and if I heard you ready to fire Shawn about her, I know everybody else did."
"Nigga sprung." They all laughed and Vinnie shook his head slow.
"Y'all dragging it. Why don't y'all get to know her yourselves?" I said.
"Say less." Vinnie said with a shrug, followed by an exhale of smoke.
"Nah, You embarrassing niggas over Shortie. I'm good." Herb said in surrender as he chuckled.
"Speaking of niggas, what's the beef I need to know about?" Vinnie said.
"What beef?" I said.
"That shit that happened earlier wasn't for entertainment like Mona made it seem. So, what did I miss?" He said.
"Remember you was telling me about Bria's Ex?"
"Yeah, what about him?"
"What's his name?"
"Uhh, I think Rodney or some shit like that. Why, wassup?"
"He tall or short?"
"I'd say bout five-eight. He wasn't that much shorter than me."
"He got dreads?"
"Yeah. Nigga, what? You seen him?"
"Right, he on some First 48 type shit." Herb said.
"I'm just trynna make sure I know who is who. Rodney's not my concern right now, but he is a problem. He know everything that happened in Ohio." I said.
"Well, what did happen in Ohio?" Herb said.
"Shit, a lot." Vinnie said while he rubbed his chin. "Blockhead right here made out with Caly while her nigga was watching them right out the window."
"It was just a kiss. That's not the issue, though." I said.
"Same thing." Vinnie said. Herb burst into laughter while shaking his head.
"Nigga, what!?" Herb said. "So, everything that he was saying earlier was true?!"
"And in that interview.." Vinnie added with a nod.
"Since y'all was listening so hard, did y'all hear anything I said? And, wait. What interview?"
"I mean, you didn't really say much. You kinda just bullied the fuck outta him." Herb said.
"The interview been trending all day." Vinnie said. He pulled out his phone to show me the post that The Shaderoom made on Instagram about it. "The nigga been chasing the bag, no cap."
"Word, but ion blame him. He do-"
"Man, ain't nobody trynna hear shit you talking bout, Herb." I said. I waved off the interview Vinnie had on display and stood up. Pacing back and forth, I contemplated.
"Bro, you good?" Vinnie said. He grabbed my arm, so I'd stop moving.
"Did Bria tell you what happened to Caly after we went back home?"
"You mean what happened after her nigga saw you drop her off the night before?"
"Did she tell you what happened?"
"All she said was he tried to kill her and wouldn't let her leave."
"But, can you blame him?" Herb said.
"Right, but I don't think she meant he actually tried to kill her. Wouldn't you be upset with Royale if-"
"I don't put my hands women. Never have, never will. Y'all didn't see what she looked like underneath that make up and I can bet my bottom dollar you don't wanna know what happened to her that day. So, don't fall for the sugarcoating he doing to ride this clout wave."
"Well, what happened to her? I'm sure the world has seen enough Chris browns, Fabulous', & Tory lanez' to not find another domestic case as interesting." Herb said with a laugh.
"Chill," Vinnie said while shaking his head. His hand waved beneath his chin, directing Herb to cut it out. "This ain't no funny shit. But, nah for real. What happened?"
"Imma just say this... if I beat Royale while Herb just sat there and watched, then you raped her more than once, I'd have amnesia too."
"Cap." Vinnie said. Herb and the producer looked at each other with wide eyes.
"I bullshit you, not." I said my hands in surrender.
"And this muthafucka still alive?!"
"She wouldn't let me do it, my hands are tied. I can't touch him, Jason, nor Rodney." I said.
"Who Jason?"
"The nigga that raped her, I can't find him."
"I'll figure it out. You sure this happened and not no story she made up?"
"Yeah, don't you think she'd report some shit like this?
"Nigga, if you got raped, would you report it?"
"Say less."
"Look, I'll take care of it. You keep ya hands clean." Vinnie said.
"Thank you."
"This what you got me for, big bro. Be careful, though. Situations like this get real messy."
"That's why you shouldn't be playing captain save-a-hoe right now." Herb said.
"Look, if she was a close family member of your, you'd appreciate what I'm doing."
"No, I would be confused. You don't know her, it's none of your business what happened to her. So, why you taking-"
"Herb, you know damn well if this was your daughter you'd be giving him a Medal of Honor right now." Vinnie said.
"Bottom line, there are things you just don't do. Lines, you just don't cross."
"Right, and you have crossed a few of them yourself already. You haven't even known Shortie a week." Herb said.
"None of that shit matters. Why you defending them weird ass niggas?" Vinnie said.
"I'm not defending nobody, I just find it stupid to ruin yo relationship and career over a bitch you don't know."
"Woah, watch ya mouth."
"Yeah, I'm done with this conversation." I said. I walked out of the studio and out to my car. My body temperature started to cool and my hand shakes began the subside. I didn't usually get upset about things like that, but the ignorance of Herb that day really got under my skin.

VINNIE

After Durk left the studio, Herb and I finished our song. Then, we parted ways. Wasn't much else said about the Caly situation once Durk left, but Herb seemed to understand he went too far with the conversation. Regardless of the way Durk looks in the spotlight right now, I'm supposed to have his back. If he got beef with these niggas, I do too. That's just how we cut. So, it's been up ever since.
I called a few of my lil niggas and gave them as much information on Slim & Rodney I could find. I warned them about Jason, but that's some homework I still needed to do. The goal was to make Chicago a dangerous place for these niggas to be lacking. So, that made Slim a lone soldier.
Not even 30mins before I had to pick up Megan for the date I promised her, one of my lil niggas spotted Slim at Roy's Soul Food.
"Aight bet, don't let him leave." I said.
"Blast his ass or stall him?" He said.
"Stall, I'm on my way."
"Bet."
I picked up 2 more on my niggas on the way, and told them we're just going to send a clear message: Make one wrong move in this city and it's over. As soon as I pulled up, I parked right next to Slim's black Chrysler 200. Lucky for me, he was just getting his food.
"Empty that nigga pockets and take everything you see in that car. Don't forget to put on your mask."
"Oooh, I'm bout to smash!"
"I call dibs on his phone."
"Nah, leave his food, his phone, and his keys alone."
"Why?"
"Who you think he gone call for help?"
"His niggas from-"
"Exactly."
"Ohhh..." Once Slim walked out with his food, my niggas ambushed at his car. They stripped him down to his socks and beat his ass while two others looted.
"Ayo, He got two phones."
"Lemme see em." Both phones were IPhone 11s. One red, the other was light purple.
"Here, give this back to him. I'll keep this one." I tossed the red phone back and looked at the lock screen of the purple one. There was a picture of Caly and Bria together. I stuffed the phone in my pocket and ordered my niggas to let up. When Slim stood up off the ground, I pulled down my ski mask, then I rolled my tinted window down a bit. Making eye to eye contact with him, he froze. "That was for Caly. Next time, it'll be for me." I rolled up my window and pulled out the driveway, leaving him in his boxers with a fucked up face.
"That was lit!"
"That was business, know the difference."
"What's the difference?"
"I don't care what songs y'all feature in, what niggas you meet, or what female you trynna impress. You never, and I mean never, speak of this."
"Why not?"
"This ain't no internet gangsta, or wannabe gang head ass shit. Real gang shit ain't for likes, it's business."
"I feel that, but why is it a secret?"
"Because real gang shit is a secret. Do you wanna die tomorrow?"
"No?"
"Then what do you think would happen if he go tell his niggas in Ohio and they catch you lacking, huh?" He was silent and I scoffed. "Don't sound too smart to broadcast the business you do, now does it? Every nigga you rob, every nigga you jump, every nigga you kill gone have a vendetta."
"Not if he dead."
"If you get killed, you think the niggas that did it is safe?"
"Fuck no."
"Then don't make the same mistake when it comes to killing other niggas. They got niggas too. Even worse, they got family. Be mindful, ma nigga. Keep ya fucking mouth shut."

While she wore that tight black leather jumpsuit that complimented her ass so well, and her flat ironed natural hair smelled of coconut oil, Megan's vanilla skin glowed underneath the lights of the fancy restaurant. I was glued to her big white smile that were framed by her juicy lips. Her lip gloss only made them look the more juicier. She was obsessed with combing her hair and checking her makeup in the reflection of the window beside our booth.
The waitress took our orders, I got a simple steak dinner. Megan scrunched her face at the fact that I like mine medium-well. If my mouth was as big as as hers, I wouldn't mind eating a tough ass well-done steak either. She didn't have any room to talk, because she ordered a basic ass fried chicken dinner. Mind you, she requested this restaurant. It's should be a crime to order chicken in Chicago if it's not soul food.
"So, why'd you take so long to pick me up?" She said. "You said you was on your way, then you all of a sudden you wasn't."
"I had to drop my nigga off at home. I didn't want him to walk." I said.
"Oh, that's nice of you." She smiled and took a sip of her frozen margarita.
"Medium-well steak dinner for you." The waitress said as she set my plate down in front of me. "Six piece fried chicken dinner for you, extra sauce on the side."
"Thank you." I said. Before Megan thanked the waitress, she bit down into one of her wings.
"Mm, mm." She shook her head and spit into a napkin. "This chicken isn't done, Take it back."
"Meg," I grabbed a piece and checked it myself. The chicken was done, just juicy. "You want me to eat it and you order something else?"
"No, I want a new order. Tell them to cook my shit right. All the way through. Crispy and well done. Thank you." She handed the waitress back the plate and rolled her eyes as she took a deep breath. The waitress walked away, probably thinking about hitting Megan with the plate of food. Shit, I wouldn't blame her if she did.
Megan finished her drink and ordered another once her new plate of food came back. I gave in and ordered two shots of anything dark. Megan kept eyeing me while she ate. I think the liquor was getting to her.
"Why are you single?" She said. Seconds later, my phone vibrated and I checked it to see that I got a text from Bria.

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Bria: Hey, are you busy?👀
——————————————————————-
9:57pm

"I'm not single, I'm available." I said. I looked up from my phone and then back down to reply to Bria's text.

——————————————————————-
Me: Nah, wassup?
——————————————————————-
9:58pm

"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You ever heard of polyamory?"
"So, you have sister-wives?"
"Being poly is deeper than that, but I'm what they call solo-poly. So, same concept but not exactly what you think."
"Are you married, though?"

——————————————————————-
Bria: I just missed you😩 We haven't got the chance to talk really. I hope you're not having second thoughts about the other night.😒
——————————————————————-
10:01pm

"Clearly, not." I said as I flashed my naked ring finger. "But, I do have kids. I still consider their mothers my women, and I do plan on dating whoever I please."

——————————————————————-
Me: Not at all😏 I been thinking a lot about you. I can't wait to see you again. 💯
——————————————————————-
10:02pm

"Oh, I take it I'm just another one of ya hoes?" She scoffed and shook her head. "Tuh! Nigga, You got some nerve."
"I don't have hoes. The women I date, I intend for it to be long term. Plus, this ain't about sex for me. Unless that's the type of relationship we have, all I'm looking for is something real and to have fun."

——————————————————————-
Bria: How soon might that be? I don't mind flying out there if I have to. I needa see my girl Caly too. How is she?
——————————————————————-
10:04pm

"Why not do that with one woman?" she said. She let out a breath of frustration because I couldn't keep my eyes off my phone.

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Me: When's your next day off? Durk is throwing her a party this weekend, I can fly you out for it. And she in good hands, don't worry.
——————————————————————-
10:05pm

"Uhh..." I said while finishing my text. "I'm sorry, what you ask me?"
"I said," she raised her voice. "Why not do that with one woman?!"
"Because I don't have to. Monogamy is a choice. How many friends you got?"
"None for you, the fuck?" She rolled her eyes.
"I'm serious, how many friends you got?"
"Plenty, why?"
"What's the difference between each friend? Do you like one more than the other?"
"No, they're my friends."
"Right. You have established relationships that work for you with each friend you have. All relationships are the same, just different dynamics and boundaries. You're polyamorous when it comes platonic relationships. But due to whatever insecurities you have or possibly trauma, you can't understand the same concept applied to a romantic relationship."

——————————————————————-
Bria: Good, please take care of her! & I am down to party whenever. I can take the whole week off if I want. Just let me know what you wanna do, baby. ☺️
——————————————————————-
10:10pm

"Woowwww..." she then laughed. "Look, I just don't wanna share my nigga. That's how STDs get spread, and I'm not having no threesomes. I'm strictly dickly over here, okurrrr?!"
"Shortie, you make too many assumptions to not know what you talking bout. That's not a good look." I took my last shot and shook my head. Talking to Bria was the only thing keeping me at the table.
"I'm just stating my opinion."

——————————————————————-
Me: Trust me, as long as Durk and I are alive, she's safe to go anywhere in Chicago. & bet, get ya bags ready.
——————————————————————-
10:12pm

"Well," I said as I hit send. "here's a few facts. I don't have sex without a condom unless we've agreed to be monogamous. Which is how I ended with my kids, obviously. I also have a primary care doctor, because I'm not interested in giving nor getting an STD and you would have to show me some papers before I even thought about fucking you. It's the standard I learned from when dealing with groupies from ATL."
"Capppp, what's yo doctor's name?"
"Oh, I got my papers in my car. I didn't intend on showing them to you tonight because this was just a date, right?" I smirked. "Being Poly doesn't mean that you gotta change your sexual orientation. It just means you have more than one partner or relationship. You're on a date with me and your best friend is Royale, you're Poly. That's not sharing. If anything, we'd be sharing you."
"Exactly. So, if I date you, I'm sharing you with yo other bitches."

——————————————————————-
Bria: Okay, I trust you.💜Call me later?👀
——————————————————————-
10:15pm

"That doesn't mean threesomes or sister wives. That means, I'm not single. But, I'm available. Like I said earlier."
"So, you can date other bitches, but I can't date other niggas?"
"Megan..." I shook my head and palmed my face. "You can, date, marry, fuck, suck, or swallow ANY nigga you want if you're POLY. I wouldn't give a fuck. But, if you're choosing to be monogamous and your telling me that if we date you'd be in a monogamous relationship, you'd be cheating if you decide to do otherwise. I'm laying my status right on the table. There shouldn't be no confusion."

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Me: Of course😘😏
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10:17pm

"I just can't do it. Mm, mmm." She shook her head.
"Nobody forcing you to do anything, just don't be surprised by the way I move."
"Ughh, but I like you." She pouted.
"So, what's it gonna be?"
"Mm.. I'll think about it."
"Take ya time."

DURK

Truth be told, that Sunday had me in my feelings. My mom knew she was due a visit, so I took up the opportunity. I needed to leave all the stress at home and drama in the world. Momma fed me and we talked for hours. Sometimes, I wish I appreciated her more as a kid. Niggas don't realize how important their mothers are until it's too late. I'm grateful she's an old school woman and don't have as much as a Facebook account. I was able to enjoy my time with her. She recharged me and sent me on my way.
The logical thing for me to do was to go straight home, but I just couldn't do that. After what happened that morning, I should've been by Caly's side all day. Instead of going home, I decided to check up on Caly. I knocked on her suite and she mugged me down when she opened the door. Her eyes were red and puffy, and she had her suitcase right behind her.
"Wait, what's going on?" I said. I reached to push the door open and she pushed me back, pressing the envelope of money I gave her against my chest.
"Just go." She said. I frowned and grabbed her hand. Her eyes began to water, and she squeezed my hand. Then, she pulled me into the suite.
"London,-"
"Stop, there's nothing you can say to me right now. I've had all day to think about this."
"But-"
"I just can't catch a break." She sniffed and wiped her eyes. "I don't give a fuck about that show. That bitch only want to make money off me and my trauma, Tay!"
"I'll fix it, just stay." I said as I grabbed her suitcase from her hand.
"No, I'm not staying. For what?!"
"Just let me handle it, I got you."
"You got me?" She scoffed. "I'll tell you what you got. And right now, you got me fucked up."
"London." I said as I grabbed her hands. "Calm down and talk to me."
"No," she snatched her hands away. "I'm done talking. Everybody is benefiting off of me and somehow I'm the bad guy here. I need to calm down and stop overreacting. Everything has been a chain reaction ever since I put my own needs before others. I'm wrong for looking out for me?!"
"No. You're not wrong."
"Oh, shut up! The only reason you've been kissing my ass is because you're the main beneficiary. If I go, you'd finally have to deal with the backlash of the issue."
"You think I want to be going through this shit?! I have to keep you relevant for views, then go home and lie to my woman about a simple ass kiss that meant nothing. You get to stay in a fancy hotel and not worry bout shit. I'm even paying for you to be here! All you've gotten is opportunity after opportunity since you met me. Is it really that hard to give me a thank you?"
"Mm." She nodded slowly. "Thank you, for finally telling me something you mean... Take your charity back, starting with this room and that money. I'm going back home, you can go tell yo woman that she ain't never have to worry bout me."
"You can't run from this, London. This ain't just gonna go away. Had we not kissed, we wouldn't be stressing this much about it."
"YOU kissed ME."
"And, you kissed me back."
"Why feel guilty if it was meaningless?"
"I-I feel guilty because I'm having trouble convincing myself that it was meaningless."
"Huh.." she looked down at her suitcase. "So.. we're back at square one?"
"I just want us to start over. That kiss confused things between us and I want to wipe the slate clean."
"I.." she looked me in the eyes and walked closer to me. ".. like the sound of that. But, you got a week to make this drama change it's course. Or, I gotta go home and cut my losses."
"Fair enough." I nodded.
"What now?" She said while twisting one of her braids around her finger.
"Wanna recreate our first night together? Only this time, we're in YOUR hotel room.."
"I thought we were wiping the slate clean?"
"We are," I said. I grabbed her hands and kissed each one. "..tomorrow. Tonight, we forget about the world and we get to know each other on a personal level. We owe that much to each other."
"Tay, it's late. I don't wanna be starting no more problems. Does Royale even know you're out here?"
"Enough about Royale, drama, and don't be counting the time. Its you and me, remember?"
"You sure?"
"Yes, I gotta make a few phone calls and then I'm all yours for the rest of the night."
"Oooh... are we having a sleepover?"
"If you got liquor and a Hulu account, then fasho." She smiled and bit her bottom lip.
"Go make your phone calls, I'll start on dinner." She said before she skipped to the freezer and pulled out a fifth of peach New Amsterdam. Just looking a the bottle made my throat burn. I hadn't drank anything light in years, especially New Amsterdam.
"Since we drinking, DRINKING, wait for me. I'll cook with you."
"Okay, hurry back."

VINNIE

"Hold up, I gotta take this call." I said before I got up from our booth and walked to the bathroom. "Yo?"
"Wassup, bro. I need you to do me a favor." Durk said.
"Speaking of favors, you owe me one. I'll talk to you about it later, though." I said.
"Put it on my tab cause I need one right now."
"Aight, what is it?"
"Can you go to my house and check on Royale for me? Tell her I'm at Momma's, I'll be back in the morning."
"Nigga, what? Why can't you tell her? & tell Momma I said wassup."
"Can you do it or not? I don't want her worrying about me."
"Put Ma on the phone, man."
"Vinnie." He said with a sigh.
"Why you acting weird? Yo girl ain't gone wanna hear from me. You know she bout to be looking all round Chicago for yo ass."
"That's what I got you for, remember? Just tell her I will be back in the morning and that I'm just visiting Ma. She not gone question it."
"You not at Momma's, are you?"
"You got me, or not?"
"I got you, but you gotta let me know what I'm lying for."
"I'm.. I-I'm just trying to spend some time with Caly, tonight."He said.
"Royale is gone kill you, ma nigga."
"That's why she won't find out, right?"

Being the loyal, younger, brother that I am, I went to go check on Royale like I was asked. Megan came along with me for effect, but she thought it was just cause Royale's her best friend.
When we pulled up to the house, all the lights were on and we could see Royale pacing pass the windows. The front door swung open before we made it to the porch.
"Where the fuck-" She said before she realized we weren't Durk.
"Sis, you good?" Megan said as we stepped onto the porch. Royale had a face full of worry and her eyes were hella red.
"We just came to check up on you." I said. She rolled her eyes as she turned away and went to sit on the couch. There were suitcases and boxes being packed, broken dishes and decorations were all over the floor. She aggressively shoved items in big black trash bags without acknowledging we were there.
"Royale, stop." Megan said. She grabbed the bag away from her and pulled her into a hug. Royale pulled away and looked at me as if she knew I knew something.
"Vinnie, why haven't Durk been home all fucking day?" She said.
"Bitch, what?!" Megan said. She smacked her lips. "Shit, I'll help you pack. Where do I start?"
"Royale, chill. He's just at my Mom's house." I said.
"Bullshit." Megan said. She scrunched up her face and looked at Royale. "You bet not believe that shit, or you a dumb bitch."
"Why haven't he called?" Royale said.
"Shit, can you blame him? Y'all both had a stressful day. He needed a break from all the drama and I'm sure he thought you wanted some space. He asked me to check up on you and let you know that he'll be home in the morning."
"Mm.. why can't he tell you himself?" Megan said.
"Why would he think I want space when he just embarrassed me like that?" Royale said.
"He's a man, he thinks he's doing the best he can, given the circumstances. Also, momma been wanting to see him. You can't argue with that. He said he'll be back in the morning... You want him to come home to an empty house?"
"No-"
"Bitch, don't listen to him!" Megan said.
"Meg, shut up. I can't even think straight right now."
"Look, how about we go chill at my place? I'll invite some people over and we can kick back?" I said.
"Fine, but I'm not buying anything."
"I got you girl." Megan said.
"I got you both, now let's get going."

Since it was already late, and now a Monday, I couldn't get ahold of anyone but Herb. He came through with a couple bottles of Dusse, a speaker, some games, and started the party. It brought me back to my high school days, only we weren't sneaking around.
You're Mines Still by Yung Bleu blasted through the speaker. Megan's already tipsy ass couldn't wait to get fucked up. She and Royale danced to the music, singing every lyric. I wasn't planning on getting too drunk, but Herb wanted us all to give in. To break the ice, Herb suggested that we play a drinking game.
"Let's play, Truth or Drink." Herb said.
"How about, Dare or Drink?" Megan said with a wink. Royale and Herb glanced at each other and then at me.
"You cool with that?" Herb said. "Cause, I'm down for whatever."
"Sure, why not?" I said with a shrug. At the time, I didn't think much of it. "Ladies first."
"I'll go." Royale said. "Vinnie, I dare you to kiss Megan." Megan screeched and covered her face. I shrugged again and gently move her hands. Her eyes were on my lips as I licked them. I lifted her chin with my finger as I pressed my lips against hers. She was dazed after I pulled away.
"Royale, I dare you to give Megan a lap dance." I said. She and Megan shook their heads rapidly.
"Nope." Royale said and took a shot.
"Right, the fuck?" Megan said. "Herb I dare you to take a shot off Royale's stomach."
"Woahh... pump ya brakes." I said. Megan laughed and Herb just sat there with his eyes widened. "This ain't that typa party."
"Don't be so dramatic, it's just a game." Royale said. She pulled off her shirt, revealing her red lace bra and looked at Herb. "Are you daring, or you drinking?"
"Nigga, you betta take that shot and move on."I said.
"C'mon! Live a little." Megan said. Herb shrugged and laughed.
"Aight, I'll do it." He said. I shook my head and smacked my lips. Royale grabbed some wet wipes and sterilized her stomach and belly button before laying down on the coffee table. Herb poured liquor on her stomach until it overflowed around her belly button. "I can't believe I'm bout to do this." He said.
"Me either." I said. I closed my eyes and shoot my head in disbelief.
He took a deep breath and kneeled between Royale's legs as he spread them. Not only did this nigga suck the liquor off her stomach, he used his tongue to finish the job. Royale didn't hesitate to show her approval by placing her hand on his head a biting her lip. All I could think about was how Durk was gonna kill me if he knew I let this shit happen.

DURK

Growing up, I used to help my momma in the kitchen when she cooked. She wasn't afraid to teach me how to take care of myself, cause she didn't want women thinking they needed to do it for me. I'm glad she did, because I enjoyed doing it with Caly. We shared cooking styles, mixed flavors, and we prepared our plates.
It was the subtle glances and touches for me. She'd blush whenever our hands touched, or when I wiped sauce splatter off of her cheek. I'd get a little warm inside when I'd catch her staring at me, or when she wasn't afraid to take a bite of food that I held between my fingers.
Once the liquor set in and the music set the mood, our goal for the night had been achieved. Shot after shot, our plates of food morphed into heaven. The only thing on my mind was Caly and good night we were gonna have.
"Damn, your cabbage is good as fuck." She said. The water from the sink ran as she scrubbed our plates with dish soap. "I haven't had food like that inna minute."
"Well, your baked macaroni's got me hooked." I said.
"Just wait until you've tried my chili or my beef stew." She dried her hands with a few napkins.
"I ain't never had homemade chili, I'm a Hormel baby."
"Oh, please. Hormel has nothing on my chili, trust me. You won't open another can of chili after trying mine."
"Put me in my place, then." I gave her a wink and a smirk.
"Ooh, this my song!" She closed her eyes as she swayed her hips. Alone by Trap Manny ft. A Boogie echoed through the room as I turned the volume up on my phone.
"Dance with me." I held out my hand. She opened her eyes and looked down at my hand. Her cheeks reddened as she continued to stare. "What's wrong?"
"It's just.." she placed her soft and shaky hand in mine. "I've never been asked to dance before."
"Really?" I pulled her to the middle of the open floor and placed her arm on my shoulder. She nodded as I wrapped my fingers around her waist, then she moved them down to her hips. "So, you didn't dance at prom or any other school dances?"
"School dances, negative. Prom? Never went." She shrugged as her arms joined around my neck.
"Instead of asking why, I'm gonna just give you the dance of your life." She smiled and ran her fingers underneath my dreads.
"I'm satisfied with this dance already." We rocked as we closed our eyes and placed our foreheads together. My arms wrapped around her waist and I savored the moment. Then, the song changed to my song Home Body. "Hmm.."
"What?" I said. She looked me in the eyes and shook her head.
"Nothing." She then giggled and removed her arms from my shoulders. Her hands trailed my arms as she turned around. She placed my hands on her hips again while she proceeded to grind on me. "Drug sex, drug sex, yeah yeah.."
"Rich sex, rich sex, yeah yeah.." I sang in her ear, and she looked back at me. She bit down on her bottom lip, then gripped my wrists to harness herself. In a slow, yet pleasurable, motion she parked her ass on my lap. By instinct, I grabbed a handful of her braids with one hand. "I know you nasty.."
"She be touchin' on her own body.." She rubbed her hands slowly up her body, giving her breast a squeeze. Her hips wined, her ass bounced, and back arched to the song. It only took seconds for her to break me off. I ended up with my back against the wall for support.
"Damn, London." I grunted, I thought closing my eyes would help me keep my composure but it made things worse. By the time the song ended my heart was beating outta my chest, I was sweating all over and I was as hard as a rock.
"I'm sorry, I got a little carried away." She laughed and turned around. Time froze and we were inches apart just staring into each other's eyes. Then, someone knocked on the door. We both jumped from being startled and clear confusion.
"You expecting anybody this late?"
"Nah," she said. I walked towards the door, pushing her behind me. The way she grabbed onto me and buried her face in my back made me feel a way that I don't think I've ever felt before. A slight smile crept up on my lips and I suddenly got a rush. I opened the door to see Wiz standing on the other side.
"Oh, my fault. Caly asked me to do something for her earlier. I was just checking in to see if she was okay." He said.
"Yeah, I got it taken care of. Don't worry bout it." I said.
"Hey, Wiz. Thank you for checking in. I forgot to let you know that I changed my mind. Sorry for the inconvenience."
"You're good, no worries. I'll be next door if you need anything else."
"Okay. Goodnight, Wiz." She said.
"Goodnight, y'all." He said. After replying, I shut the door and locked it.
"Ooh wee, I'm definitely sober after that." She said with a chuckle.
"Tell me about it." I joined. "Another shot?"
"We should finish the bottle." She said.
"Mmm.. let's take it to the bedroom then."
"Oh.. okay." She smiled and traveled with the bottle to the room. She set it on the nightstand as she reached for the remote to find something to watch. I turned the music off and followed her into the room. "Wanna watch anything specific?"
"Play an old movie. Like, LIFE or some shit." She nodded as she slipped out her sandals and plopped onto the kingsized bed.
"A Thin Line Between Love & Hate it is.." she played the movie and set the remote down to take a sip from the Amsterdam bottle. I pulled my shirt off, catching her eyes. I cut off all the lights and sat on the edge of the bed as I took off my shoes. "You need some shorts?"
"Nah, I'm good. Thank you, though." She pulled the covers over her legs as she sat against the headboard with a pillow behind her. She pretended to watch the movie while I took my pants off, leaving me in just my boxers and socks. I climbed into bed next to her, joining her under the covers. She passed me the Amsterdam, encouraging me to take a shot. "Man, Acetone ain't got nothing on this shit." She laughed and shook her head.
"Boy, what you know bout acetone?"
"Long story."
"Mm.." she nodded and focused back on the movie.
"You good?"
"Yeah, why?" She said without looking at me and took a deep breath.
"We still chilling, or it's bed time?" She rubbed her arm and finally looked back at me.
"I won't be going to sleep any time soon. I'm enjoying myself." She smiled.
"Me too," I grabbed her hand and caressed it with my thumb. "Fuck that movie."
"Okay.." she grabbed the Amsterdam from me and set it back on the nightstand. Then, she used the Scrunchie on her wrist to tie her braids up. "Wait.."
"What is it?" She froze just when I leaned in to kiss her.
"The night we met, I lost my lavender scrunchie. I think I left it in your hotel room."
"You sure? I didn't see it."
"I had to, I didn't have it when I got home."
"I'll have Wiz look for it in the morning."
"But-"
"London." I placed my hand on her cheek.
"Yes?"
"Let's deal with that later." She sighed and nodded. "I'm here, right now. With you."
"I know, I know. This liquor just got me thinking bout a lot of shit." She shrugged and laid her head in my chest.
"I feel that, wanna lay down?" I asked again while wrapping my arms around her.
"No, I'm fine." She relaxed in my arms. "Your cologne is therapeutic." She brushed her lips across my chest as she inhaled my scent.
"Your touch does it for me." She sat up and licked her lips as she stared at me. "It's the way you look at me, too. Its something about you that just drives me wild."
"Oh really?" she said and I nodded. I rubbed my hand up her inner thigh, giving it a squeeze, and she dropped the straps off her tank top. When she pulled her arms through, I got hard just thinking about the fact that only a piece of fabric was between us.
"Whatever happens next is up to you."
"Is this you asking for consent?"
"Consent is sexy." I said with a nod.
"Yeah, it is.." she pulled down her tank top revealing her voluptuous breasts and pierced nipples. "No safe word needed, I trust you."
I don't remember if it was the feel of her hard nipples on my tongue or the sound of her moans as I played with her pussy that got me going. But, I do know that I explored every fantasy that I ever had.
Caly was down for whatever, and she expressed her satisfaction. When I sucked on her toes, her eyes would roll to the back of her head. I made her squirt for the first time from tugging on her hair and nibbling on her ear during missionary. The sound of the headboard banging against the wall was louder than the movie playing on Hulu. But, our moaning and groaning added to the intensity. She was caught off guard when I eased my thumb into her ass during back shots, but it eventually drove her just as crazy as it did when my tongue "slipped" while eating her pussy. It was my first time ever doing that, and she moaned like crazy. Her legs trembled with sweat, which surprised me. I must've done something right because the only time she'd tell me to stop is when she orgasmed, which happened a few times.
"What're you doing?" I said. She tied her fallen braids back up and kneeled down between my legs.
"Showing my appreciation." She grabbed ahold of my dick and pleasured me with so much passion. There wasn't a spot that she missed, she didn't neglect my balls, and her main focus was my tip. Within a minute, I was clenching onto the sheets and trying to hold my grunts and moans. I'd let one slip and her mouth would get so moist, she'd even moan herself.
"Fuuuuckk.." As soon as I climaxed, her lips latched on and wouldn't let off. I jerked and twitched aggressively as I nutted in her mouth. She looked me dead in the eyes and swallowed every bit. They say after you nut, you realize if you really like someone or not. Well, in that moment, I knew exactly how I felt about Caly. Looking down at her, despite how exhausted I was, I felt complete. I rubbed my thumb across her lips and she gave it a kiss as she snuggled her face in my hand. She didn't even blink. After all those nights I went to bed confused about her, about us, My feelings were confirmed. And to be quite honest, I was now terrified. "London?"
"Tay," She nodded with a smile I would never forget. "You don't have to say it."

🌻🌻🌻

A lot has happened in this chapter, what's your thoughts on the events that have taken place?

Do you believe Slim doesn't remember what he did to Caly?

Is Mona wrong for stirring up drama?

Do you think Royale is being Jealous of Caly or does she have a valid reason to not trust her?

What's your first impression of Herb? Should he have done that dare?

Are you buying what Vinnie is telling Megan?

Did Vinnie go too far with robbing Slim?

Should Vinnie tell Durk about Herb and Royale?

Is Durk wrong for lying about where he was?

Is Caly wrong for having sex with Durk knowing that he has a girlfriend?

What do you think will happen next?