Page 36 of Welcome to the Heart Of A Maniac
“Luxe, this my girl, Wren. Wren, this is my older sister, Luxe.”
“Nice to meet you.” Wren extended her, her hand and Luxe took it.
“Likewise.”
Murda came over to where I stood. Facing the opposite direction of me, he said, “I think you should gone and introduce that cognac. You were already behind getting here.”
“A’ight.” Turning to Wren, I said, “Sit with Luxe. I’ll be right back.” I pulled out the chair next to Luxe and Wren took her seat. We headed toward the stage, and I grabbed the microphone. Switching it on, I tapped on it to gain everyone’s attention and the music cut out. “I want to thank everyone for being here tonight. I know it was a bit short notice, but I promise it’ll be worth it.” Looking over my shoulder, I saw Murda snatch the white sheet from over the barrel.
“I want to introduce to you the future, Maniac Noir.” On cue, the waitresses came out with the drinks on a tray and handled one to everyone in attendance. I stood there as everyone took a sip from their drinks. Satisfied expressions rested on their faces. I already knew the shit was good. I had a soft launch a while ago with just family and friends to make sure it was worthy of being on the shelves. My family was brutal when it came to critiquing something. I trusted their judgement.
Taking my glass from the waitress, I lifted it up in the air and said, “To Maniac Noir,” and everyone clapped.
Once they were done, someone remained clapping. I looked over and saw this nigga Roc standing in the far back with a few of his men. He damn sure wasn’t invited to this event. I’on even know how he got into the building past security.
“Remind me to fuck security up,” I told Murda as I stepped down off the stage and stormed in Roc’s direction. “What the fuck are you doing here?” I asked him when I closed in on him. I slipped my hands into my pockets, to remain calm in front of all these people. If I have to, I’ll light this entire mufucka up in here.
“I came to see what all the hype is about. Maniac Noir… I think you could’ve come up with a better name than that for some shit that you stole from me.”
“I ain’t steal shit from you. Yo’ brain couldn’t even articulate a recipe for me to even steal. That water down ass shit you call liquor you be selling be making everybody sick. I’ll lick a dick before I steal anything from you.” That was saying a lot, because I wouldn’t dare put my mouth on a fucking dick.
Grim stepped alongside me with his hand resting on his strap. Roc tossed his head back and chuckled. “You stole that shit from me and I’m gon’ prove it. Enjoy yo’ five minutes of fame.”
Turning on his heels, he sauntered toward the exit with his men directly behind him. Grim followed them closely to ensure they left without any problems. I headed back over toward Wren. Luxe reached up to her right ear and flipped her hearing aid off. That girl gon’ get enough.
“Is everything okay?” Wren asked me when I made it to the table.
“Excellent. C’mon, let’s go find my parents.” Gripping her by the forearm, I lifted her from the table.
“I don’t think Luxe likes me,” she said as I whisked her away.
“Why you say that?”
“I was talking to her and she wasn’t answering me.” I chuckled. There’s a lot for her to learn about this family. “I don’t see anything funny.”
“Luxe is deaf. She probably turned her hearing aid off. It’s something she does all the time. Watch this.” Turning, I looked back at the table and said, “Aye, Luxe, they towing yo’ Lambo outside.” Luxe waved and smiled at me before taking a sip of her wine. “See.”
“Wow.”
“C’mon.” I led her further to the back of the establishment where my parents were seated at a table. Normally, they would’ve been front row, but they were trying their best to blend in with everyone else and give me my time to shine.
When I stopped in front of the table, Ma looked up at me and offered me a smile. Her eyes drifted to Wren and when she saw her, the smile grew wider. Ma was the type of person that didn’t care who we got into relationships with long as they treated us right. That woman didn’t play about her babies. If she thought that you were a harm to either of us, she’d get rid of you faster than you can blink. Though she was far from running things, she still has her own connects. Part of them came from when her father used to be in control.
Pops looked cut his conversation with the guy sitting next to him when he felt our presence and looked in our direction.
“Ma and Pops, this my girl, Wren. Wren, this my Pops, Bishop and my mama, Liliana.”
“It’s so nice to meet you both.” Wren extended Pops her hand first and he firmly shook it and then she moved to Ma.
“So, you’re Big John’s daughter,” Pops spoke, and I wish he hadn’t brought that up.
“Yes, sir. I figured you knew my dad when Maniac said something about him.” Wren grinned up at me.
“Yeah, for the most part, he?—”
“And there’s Grim. C’mon. You haven’t met Grim yet.” I took Wren by the hand and removed her away from the table. Looking back at Pops over my shoulder, I mugged him. “Yo, Grim,” I called out his name, halting him in his steps.
Grim turned and faced us. “I wanted you to meet yo’ new sister-in-law.” I hadn’t made it official, but I was a firm believer in speaking shit into existence.
