“The same nigga who suggested a vacation with our women when he knew all this wasn’t called for to do what we had to do.”
“You hear me, gang!” Shabu shouted, leaning to slap hands with his cousin. “Nigga, if you wanted a baecation with yo so called business partner, just say that.”
Relic flitted his eyes at Kennedy, who cheesed while propping both elbows on the table to place her chin in her hands.
“Is that what this is, Relic? A baecation?”
“Nah, it’s a business retreat. Just trying to team build and boost morale. Plus, I know you don’t do shit for free when it comes to me. You did me a service, so this is your payment.”
Her smile faded before awkward silence cloaked the table. After a few seconds, Pierre whistled and tossed his head.
“Y’all ain’t even in paradise but got trouble way over there. Don’t come fucking up our vibe tonight. Where the drinks at?”
“Coming now, thank goodness.” Treasure pointed at two waiters heading their way with trays of mixed drinks and shots.
Relic frowned at the sweet cocktails topped with lime and ice, that he knew as their national drink, and the clear shots being set in front of everyone. When a server tried to place a glass near him, he held up a hand.
“Bring me a bottle of whatever top shelf whiskey you have. I don’t need to know the cost.”
“Aight, when they charge your ass a thousand dollars for some bullshit we could’ve gotten from the liquor store, don’t say nothing,” Shabu told Relic as the waiter nodded and scurried off before missing out on the pricy sell that’d come with a better tip. “Niggas get a lil’ money, and don’t know how to act.”
“I haven’t had alil’ moneysince you were little, ti frè. All this shit is just a drop in the bucket. Fuck it. I ordered it because you niggas need some hair on ya fucking chests, drinking girly ass mixed drinks and flavor liquor. I caught Titan sipping wine, wearing a bonnet, and a silk robe with candles lit not too long ago. This shit has got to stop.”
“Yooo! I know you’re fucking lying!” Pierre howled a laugh, and Titan joined in without shame.
“Man, listen. He can talk shit all he wants to, but I bet I got the best scalp rub, body oil massage, and head of my life that night.”
“Yea, and she probably bent your ass over, too,” Relic razzed, and Michi burst into laughter but slapped a hand over her mouth when Titan mugged her. Shabu chuckled, and Relic aimed a shot at him. “What are you laughing at, daddy daycare? Your wife is bringing home the bacon and got you cooking it and changing diapers. I can’t make this shit up. The only one with a little man left in him is Calm, and that’s ‘cause the girl he’s around thinks she has a dick between her legs.”
“I do, and I bet it’s bigger than yours, too. Want to see it?” Tima asked, reaching for her purse. “I keep it on me.”
Calm shook his head. “You’re sick.”
“You like it.” She stuck out her tongue before picking up her drink to sip as he smirked.
“I know y’all fucking, but I just can’t prove it. As soon as I do, I’m gon’ knock yo damn block off,” Pierre warned Calm withhis eyes squinting in accusation. “Ask Tekken what happened to him.”
“Don’t use my damn nephew as an example! You’re lucky you had a gun, or he would’ve dusted your ass off!” Kennedy butted in.
“What?! That nigga can’t beat me! He can’t even beat Toot!”
“I hope he can beat somebody with that yapping he’s been doing. Since we’re on the subject, you got something you want to get off your chest, Tekken?” Relic directed his attention to his artist as the side conversations slowed to a halt.
Tekken scoffed and then placed both forearms on the table to lean forward with a cock of his head. He’d stayed quiet since Relic and Kennedy arrived to feel out their vibe because he was told his aunt didn’t know he was coming, and he found being invited questionable since he was sure Pierre had run back his thoughts on the situation to Relic. If Relic thought for even a second that Tekken would bite his tongue or switch his stance, the nigga had him pegged wrong.
“Yea, I got something to say. I think it’s disrespectful as hell that you’re sneaking around with my aunt behind my back instead of letting me know what’s up like a man. Then, we all know you’re fucking Aura, so you got Kenn coming off like a side bitch. My G-Ma might’ve fallen for whatever you said or did when you visited them, but I’m not feeling it.”
“Bro, you met her parents?” Titan questioned in utter disbelief since that was news to him. “Like, you sat down and talked to them folks in complete sentences? And they actually like you?”
“Fuck you,” Relic clipped at his brother while his eye contact stayed with Tekken. “Tek, what you fail to realize is that how you feel doesn’t matter. I’m a grown ass man, so I don’t have to ask for permission before I stick my dick in anyone. I’m also not fucking Aura, but you’re too busy spending the cash I helped youmake, grinning in groupie bitches’ faces, and living your best life to notice shit that’s right in front of you.
“Have you checked on your aunt since the break in? Do you know, she’s been having a hard time? I know for a fact, you don’t know she’s been staying with me, or you’d have already bitched about that, too. I ain’t heard her talk to you once since then, but yet you’ve called her assistant. Ryell mentioned it while talking to Kennedy because even she’s checked on her. If you can press Kennedy about who she lays with, then you can tap in to make sure she’s good. Don’t only play that grown man role when it’s convenient for you. Either step up, or shut the hell up, because I’m not gon’ be nice about it too many times.”
Tekken glowered at Relic but didn’t respond because he had no space to when the man had spewed nothing but facts. He hadn’t checked on his aunt because, after he had dropped her off at Savvy’s spot, he assumed she was cool. Kennedy had gone home to visit their family afterward, so he saw no point to check in. When his Pops informed him of the random pop up from Relic, that annoyed Tekken to where he chose not to check in again. He’d put his feelings first and overlooked the reality that his aunt was carrying a lot of heavy shit he hadn’t cared to inquire about.
“Hold up? So, you lied and y’all are in a relationship, Kenn? I know we pick with you in the chat about it, but you’re really dating Relic?” Michi asked for confirmation.
“I’m not in a relationship with anyone,” Relic replied, nipping it in the bud.
