January 1994

Harlem, NYC

Monae and I walked down the strip of 125th street in Harlem, holding hands. Ever since that night I blew her back out, me and her has been inseparable. I haven't seen Tony and Quan much since I been getting to the money.

My man's think that I'm pussy whipped, but it's been a minute since I felt the way that I do about a female. She really understands a nigga and I must admit, she makes a nigga want to keep getting the bread so she can keep her fine ass in the designer.

I don't mind spoiling my lady. She deserves it.

It was a cold, but sunny day out here in Harlem. You could see the cool air every time I exhaled and inhaled. The sound of cars beeping their horns in the streets and the sound of vendors playing their music echoed through the air.

Mr. Loverman (Shabba)
Mr. Loverman (Shabba)
Mr. Loverman (Shabba)
Mr. Loverman

"What you wanna eat baby?", Monae asked me as she looked down at her freshly manicured nails.

"Shit I don't know", I shrugged. "I don't care".

"Mhm...how about we go to Vinateria", Monae suggested as she looked in my direction, before a small smile crept across her lips.

"Fuck is that?" I asked, then staring at her.

I caught her gaze and returned a small smile back. Damn, this girl is breathtaking. I don't care if she wanted to go to the corner store and get a chopped cheese burger with a dollar Arizona tea. Anything she want I'ma give it to her.

"Italian food babe. I'm tired of Sylvia's we go there all the time and its making me gain weight", she whined as she pointed to her "nowhere near fat" belly.

Champion lover, no ease up tonight, no
Champion lover, gonna make you feel alright, yeah-hey
Champion lover, no ease up tonight, no
Champion lover, nice me up tonight

I shrugged my shoulders before adjusting my NY Knicks cap.

"I'm coo wit that.", I say as we started to cross the busy street of Frederick Douglass Blvd. I never really spent too much time up here before I met Monae.

My side and this side still beefing, and although the shit at the tunnel died down I keep the nine on my hip. Niggas know me and what I'ma bout and they might try me. I can't get caught naked out here in these grimy streets.

We crossed the street together looking like the best couple New York has ever seen. Monae in her Mink coat, her hair in that sexy ass bang and a pair of Fendi shearling platform booties. She topped her look off with a purple, over-sized Louis Vuitton tote bag, red shades and fingernails.

My bitch looking like a bag of money. I see bitches staring with hate and niggas lusting for her.

About 10 minutes later we walked in front of the restaurant, watching some of the diners that sat on the outside laughing, chowing and sipping on mimosas. It's too cold to be sitting outside if you ask me.

"You always wanna eat somewhere fancy man", I say as we entered the restaurant.

The smooth sound of jazz played softly over us as waiters and waitresses walked passed us quickly with steaming platters of Italian food and pitchers of drinks. It was a cool environment, but the funny looks I was getting from these Italian niggas was making me a little uncomfortable.

It's like, blacks and Italians have some pure hatred for each other for no fucking reason. I mean, I aint got no reason but on the business level I can see why. Everyone hates everyone when it comes to getting money.

You fuck with my bag, I might have to kill you.

"Wait right here baby", Monae says as she walked off into the crowd.

"Monae...Monae!", I called out to her before sucking my teeth in annoyance.

I turned my head in her direction, and frowned my face as I watched her give double cheek kisses to some Italian guy in a black shirt, unbuttoned showing his chest with a pair of black slacks.

The table was off to the side, in the cut as a group of suited men sat in the table in front of the table Monae was standing at with this Italian nigga. My eyes diverted across the crowd as the chattering of people filled my ears.

"The fuck?", I mumbled as I continued to look on at these two.

She better have a good fucking explanation for this funny shit she pulling.

"Sir"

I looked to see a small little lady with reddish curly hair dressed like the other waitresses. She held a menu in her hand, giving off a small smile.

"You waiting for someone?", she asked me.

I shook my head, "Nah" I replied before giving a small smile and focusing my attention back on Monae.

She appeared to be talking about something serious as she used her hand gestures and looking back at me. Now both were looking in my direction. The way this nigga was looking at me, I may have to kill him.

He looks kind of sketchy and I have an itchy trigger finger. I will shoot this place the fuck up if I must. I don't give a fuck. Monae nodded before walking away from dude and back towards me.

"Baby...come with me", she says as she grabbed my hand.

"Who is that nigga you kissing up on?", I asked her in a low tone. "You aint tell me we were having lunch with someone"

"Trust me Casual. You won't regret this" she smiled as we finally approached the table.

"Umm. Ricardo this is my boyfriend...known as Casual but his name is Eric", she introduced us.

Ricardo sipped from his glass, never taking his eyes off me. He licked his lips and placed his cup down on the table before gesturing for us to sit down.

I glanced at Monae who head nodded, giving me the okay to sit. I flared my nostrils before sliding my seat out and sitting down and resting my elbows on the table. I never took my eyes off Ricardo, and he did the same.

"So., You Monae boyfriend huh?", he asked me in a serious tone.

"That's what she said" I retorted back.

"Eric" Monae said. "Stop"

I rolled my eyes and sniffled. "I thought you said we was gonna eat. Aint nobody take my fucking order yet", I say as I turn to Monae.

I heard Ricardo start chuckling before shaking his head, causing me to glance over at him. I furrowed my eyes brows as I leaned back in my chair and tilting my Knicks Cap.

"You expect me to work with this guy Monae?", Ricardo said in a "Are you kidding me tone"

"Wait hold up...Work with you?" I said, jerking my head back with a sour face expression.

Ricardo eyes diverted back and forth between us before speaking.

"You...you don't kn...okay okay", he says before shaking his head and motioning for a waiter to come towards our table.

I leaned towards Monae and whispering in her ear.

"Why the fuck are we here and who is this nigga?", I whispered, not taking my eyes off Ricardo.

"Ima, need you to calm down. Ricardo is a very powerful man and you always talking about expanding your money. So, I got in contact with an old friend"

"Old friend huh?"

Monae shifted in her seat before sucking her teeth and smiling at the waiter. I'm glad she happy cause right now I'm not. I don't do business with everyone so she better tell me something good about what the fuck I'm getting myself into.

"Bring a bottle of Molino Real for my guests. Please and have them order what they like", Ricardo said in his thick accent and quickly looking at me.

I read over a nearby Menu on the table and to be honest, I rather eat Chinese food and sip a 40 while watching the game or something. I really don't have a good feeling about this situation.

"Yea. You can get me the Pan seared Scallops", I answered as I quickly closed the menu and handed it to the waiter.

"And ill take the Rigatoni with the Fennel on the side please", Monae smiled as she handed the menu to the waiter.

"Very well. I will return shortly", the lanky tall man said before walking away from our table.

I tapped my fingers on the table impatiently before turning around in my seat and looking at Ricardo. He stared at me with a blank expression, then smirking a little as he leaned up on the table.

"Here's the deal man" he started to say. "I don't usually do business with your kind"

I mugged him, "My kind? What the fuck is that supposed to mean?", I asked in a defensive tone.

"Eric, will you please...- "Monae started but stopped as Ricardo lifted his hand to silence her.

"Nah man", I flared my nostrils. "You got something against niggas or something?"

Ricardo leaned back in the chair, sipping on his wine and raising his eyebrows behind the glass.

"I need you to be quiet and listen. Out of respect for Monae, I haven't put my foot in your fucking ass but if you not willing to hear what I have to say, you can get a to go box and get the fuck outta here", Ricardo said as he shrugged his shoulders.

I licked my lips and glanced at Monae who looked pissed off. I didn't give a shit though. I should fuck her up for bringing me here for surprise and shit.

"I'm listening", I mumbled.

Ricardo smiled a little as he folded his hands onto the white table cloth.

"Like I said Mr. Eric. I usually don't do business and invite your type in because I have had bad run ins with flashy black guys but you seem to be about business and don't take too much shit" he said as he looked back and forth between me and Monae.

He continued, "But since we have a like friend", he heads nodded towards Monae. "I believe I have a proposition for you"

I squinted my eyes a little bit as I watched our food return quickly to our table as well as two bottles of wine. We thanked the waiter as Monae and Ricardo started to eat their food. I could care less about this meal right now.

I'm trying to handle this business and discuss this like two corporate white men.

"So, what you saying. Like how you know what I do?", I questioned with concern.

Ricardo dabbed his mouth with the cloth napkin before licking his lips and replying.

"The streets talk sir. I know what's going on and I know who you are before Monae says that you were her guy friend. Monae never bought anyone to me, so if she bringing you... I guess you may be hardworking." He admitted.

"You hard working, right?", he questioned and raising his eyebrow.

I cracked a smile, "I hustle by any means man".

"Anyone can hustle. You gotta be smart about it which I feel like you quick on your feet"

I titled my head in agreeance. "Yeah, I try to be smart. Can't be out here getting fucked"

"So. Like I say I may have a proposition for you if you're looking to make some real money. Not nickel and dime shit that some of these boombots selling nowadays. But if you be good to me Eric, I take care you and bada bing" he says before holding his hands out to each of his sides. "You got more money coming in...right?"

"Yea...I feel you man. You right" I say as I scratched my chin, then resting my left hand on Monae thigh. "But I'm bout my money.", I ensured.

"Good. That's what I need. You to be hard working and have a goal", Ricardo says with a sly smile. "Let me show you something." Ricardo says as he dug down into a bag that I just realized was resting on the side of the table.

He placed a rectangular package wrapped in plastic onto the table. My heart dropped as I looked around in shock. is this nigga crazy?

"You know what is?", he questioned.

I gulped a little as I stared at the package.

"Yeah. Its coke" I answered, looking up at him.

Ricardo smirked as he leaned in closer to me. I could tell this may be the start of a new beginning for me.

----

And I decided once again to bring this book back because, it has potential to do well So forgive me for the indecisiveness.

I appreciate those who take the time to read, vote and comment. You are very appreciated as always. I'ma stop unpublishing books. If they get high reads then they dont if not thats cool too.

I do it for the love of it. Not for recognition. Writing is stress relieving for some and I cherish this skill that I have. It helps me keep whats left of my sanity. LOL

I hope you enjoy this. If you dont remember what's going on just look back at the previous chapters. ! I'll work on my other books when this one is finished. !

You are appreciated (Pac Voice)