Page 22 of On Everything
“Don't ever fuckin think any woman can have leverage over me for anything other than pussy, and even that can only take a bitch so far. Just know that your daddy can’t even save you, once I don’t want you at all.”
Her entire body was trembling after I spoke.
“Now have a good night birthday girl. I'll see you in the morning.”
I walked towards the guest room because Cashmier is about to have to learn how to sleep alone.
Chapter 6
Ciara
The next day
The sun was tearing the back of my neck up as I carried assessment center tees to our table set up near the entrance to the cages. We only got this prime location because my coworker Mindy suggested we meet up here at eleven, when the tournament doesn’t start until four. The only positive side is we did get a spot with shade from the tree overhead. That was going to cool us off in this hot ass weather. I had a whole bottle of deodorant spray on deck because working in this heat guaranteed to have you Philly Cheesed under the arms without it.
The atmosphere was crazy already on the block with the event happening in just an hour now. I knew it would be jumping even more by tonight when I got off. It was something about the air today that was both hot, yet inviting. The scent of barbecue was already in the air and every street vendor known to man was setting up in a two block radius.I can’t wait to sneak off from this table and get an Icee from Rosie, who set up near the corner. A strawberry bubble gum icee to be exact. That’s been my go-to flavor since I was a kid.
“Hold on, Ciara. Don’t you think one of us should stay here and switch out going to the van? I don’t want anyone to take the shirts we have set up here already.”
“Mindy, I’m sure no one out here is checking for those shirts, but whatever floats your boat. I’m about to make my last trip before the crowd starts coming in an hour. I think we will have enough shirts out after these next two boxes I bring.”
“Okay.”
I walked away from Mindy and instantly got irritated when Honey, Kairo’s sister, caught my eye with a sidewalk sign under her arm and her homegirl behind her with a wagon of them dry ass cupcakes she sells. I’ve had better from an Easy Bake Oven and I don’t see any of the hype. Maybe that’s simply because I cannot stand her ass. She loves her brother to death, but she’s hated me since we got together. She was that kind of family member that you know you can’t trust from day one. That bitch even had the nerve to tell Kairo he could do better than me. The problem is I'm not an ass kisser and Honey survives off of validation and ass kissing from others.
Once me and Honey made eye contact, she rolled her eyes and continued about her business. Thank God she wasn’t on any bullshit today. Well, at least just yet. I'm sure she would soon blame me for Kairo getting locked up.
Last night was my first time sleeping in my apartment without Kairo and I was up all night, which explains the way my hair looks crazy today. Every five minutes I was tossing and turning, thinking about someone bursting into my room or standing over me while I was attempting to sleep. Diablo for sure isn’t the only victim to the shooting because my life was forever altered over that shit.
This morning, when I walked into my living room, I couldn’t help but smile seeing firsthand what real money could do. I had so many questions on how he could get that new couch in there so fast and fix the hole in the wall within a day. I’m sure it’s because people move quickly for a boss ass nigga like Hov. He probably had access to money that I have never seen before in my life. I for sure appreciated it and I just kept thanking God for the blessing. One day I hope I'm able to pass on blessings like that too to someone in need.
Me and Mindy worked side by side getting the table, signs, and shirt displays set up. Time flew by like a train and before I knew it, the tournament was starting.
“Everybody, welcome to the 6thannual Marlin Anthony basketball match at the historical Watson Park.”
I finally took a seat at one of the chairs sitting behind the table once we were complete. I plan on doing some serious people watching right on my ass and not move for a good minute.
“Hey, Ciara?”
“Yes, Mindy?”
“Ronda wanted us to try and push the shirts. Shouldn’t we be up talking to people?”
“Mindy, the people see these signs out here about the cost, the charity, and what we are trying to do. It is not in my job description to do anything other than sit here. Neither is yours.”
“O, okay, sorry.” She turned around and I knew I’d hurt her feelings. I hated to be like that because Mindy wasn’t a bad person. She just doesn’t understand how fragile my nerves is with no sleep after what happened this weekend. Because I didn’t put my job in my business, they would never know whathappened at my apartment two nights ago. I will continue lifting my chin up and hoping this life gets easier as the days go on.
“First to the court, we have Team Q and Team All About That Doe.”
I looked towards the court to pay attention to the game about to start, but Pernelle got my attention, walking up in white denim shorts and a black bandanna print cropped shirt.
“My girl!” She sat down on my lap in my chair. I could smell that she had been drinking already and tequila at that. I admit I am kind of jealous because I could use a strong ass drink right now. With lots of fucking ice in it.
“Hey, bestfriend.”
She hugged around my neck.
“Hey, I need to be on your level.”
