Page 116 of Dope Boys: Most Wanted
“I hear that. I got a spot on the lower side. I was thinking about putting a lounge there,” Markus said, hoping right into business mode. Reign took a seat by Nia and left the men to do their thing.
“When are you looking at opening it?” Rich prompted, and Sly chimed in.
“Who handles the talent?”
“A grand opening on New Year’s Eve would put that spot as the hottest spot in the city. What kind of talent y’all got coming out of the label?” Markus quizzed.
Shy and Sly shared a look before smirking.
“We got someone beside Yeraya tucked away,” Shy answered.
“Aight, let’s figure this shit out.”
Hours later, after menu tasting, business deal closing, and admiring the work Reign and Nia had done with the guidance of Aunt Lucille, Aunt G, and Ms. Ophelia, Markus was back at home, his head in Reign’s lap.
“You must want a ring on your finger,” Markus grumbled, fighting his food coma.
Reign was steadily racking her hand through his hair and laughed tiredly. “I just want to make sure your shit is straight.”
“You got that shit locked down. What else you got up your sleeve?”
“It won’t be a surprise if I tell you. You feel good about it?”
“I feel great about. That shit about choosing your partner is some real shit.”
“Indeed it is,” she crooned. “I think we should have our Thanksgiving dinner at Lucille’s. Ms. Ophelia and I will cook, of course, and we’ll give everyone their certificate of shares.”
“That’ll be dope. I’m giving the house to Ms. O. She deserves it.”
“I agree. What are you doing with the brownstones?”
“Renting them out. Let them make passive income.”
“How many do you want?” Reign asked.
“I already own your block, mine, and a few others. There’s some spot on Sunset we’re about to gut out.”
“What about the ones across from the salon. On top of the businesses. I was thinking they can be transition apartments for battered women.”
Markus barely opened his eyes. “You already made a move on them?”
“Not yet.”
“I’ll make a call when I get up. Don’t worry about it. I’ll make sure you get it.”
“Thank you,” Reign hummed with a yawn.
“You take care of me, I’ll get you whatever you want.”
“Happy Thanksgiving!” Reign greeted Nia and her growing baby bump. “You finally popped out. It’s so cute.”
Nia laughed and hugged Reign. “Thank you. I’m enjoying the cute stage while it lasts. What can I help with?”
“Being that you only brought plates, you can sit down and watch us,” Aunt G quipped. Reign and Nia walked into the kitchen arm in arm. “Plus, you’re baking a baby, enjoy all the downtime you’ll have.”
Reign washed her hands and went back to cutting the greens.
“I thought Reign was pulling my leg when she told me she could cook the whole meal. If we were any later, she would have,” Aunt G continued.
