1
BENTLEY ATKINS
Iheld the phone to my ear as a small smile crept on my face. There were many women that wanted a place of permanency in my life. However, there was only one that held value. My aunt Daisy was my world. I didn’t have my parents growing up, but I had her. She was all a nigga knew. She gave me everything I asked for and never let me see a day of struggle. The love I had for that woman ran deep.
“My sweet boy, I have to get off this phone with you and get some sleep. This old lady can’t hang no more, you know that,” she expressed. Her voice was naturally low, so it always seemed as if she was whispering.
“I know Ma. I just wanted to check in before it got too late. I’m coming home tonight, so I’ll see you later.”
“Well, I love you, and happy birthday again. Enjoy yourself, alright?”
“I love you too, Ma, and ‘preciate it. I’ll do my best. Get some rest.” With that, I pulled the phone from my ear and ended the call.
Keeping her worry free and at ease was the only thing I cared about. She was getting old for real and if letting her know mywhereabouts at all times gave her peace then so be it. She didn’t have kids of her own so all we had was each other.
Both my parent’s passed before I could lay eyes on them. I was told many stories, but that’s all they were. I was deprived of their love and affection, so I couldn’t miss what I never had. Daisy though, I’d let the world burn for her.
Turning into the parking lot of Club Sin, I eyed the many bodies that stood along the wall waiting for entry to my shit. This was nothing new. I was a man that preferred the shadows than spotlight. Partying with the city was limited. My birthday and New Year’s Eve was their only chance to share a space with me. Other than that, they saw me when they saw me.
My driver Bryan cruised to valet and came to a stop. “We’ve arrived Mr. Atkins. Do you need a minute?”
“Yeah.”
Reaching into the armrest, I pulled out the case of pre-rolled blunts. One was extracted and fired up. Inhaling deeply, I allowed the THC to fill my lungs while my eyes closed briefly. I made it another year, and I had nothing but OG to thank for it. Thirty-one was a blessing believe it or not. I had my hands in some things that could’ve taken an ordinary nigga out, so I was all of thankful just to be here.
A knock on my window interrupted my quiet time. I looked over and saw my right-hand man waiting to be addressed. Kong was the only nigga I found trust in and even that stopped at a certain point. I knew better than to let anyone know every card I held.
Cracking the window, the smoke seeped out grabbing his attention. “Should’ve known yo’ ass was in here cheefin’.”
“It’s either catch a body or cheef. I figured since it was such a special occasion, I’d take the latter and spare a family of sorrows and prayers,” I answered putting the blunt to my lips once more.
“Ain’t you a fuckin’ saint. The crew ready to party, let’s go nigga.”
“I don’t give a fuck who ready to do shit. This my shit and my party. If I wanted a muthafucka to wait all goddamn night long that’s what the hell’s gon’ happen. I’m finding peace right now Kong, don’t come to me with bullshit.”
Last time I checked, I cut everybody check in my crew. Them rushing me wasn’t gon’ do shit but slow me down even more. I rolled my window back up and continued to smoke on my Backwood until I was satisfied. Kong leaned on my car in the meantime conversing with everyone that passed. He was something I never saw myself as… a fuck ass social butterfly.
The blunt was put out ten minutes later and Bryan was given the greenlight to finish his job. He hopped out and rounded my matte black Bentley Flying Spur to open my door. Call me cheesy but carrying a name like Bentley only gave me the right to cop one and make my presence known without shouting that shit off the rooftops. Plus, she was too pretty to leave on the lot.
As soon as my Louies touched the pavement, the instant shouting and cameras flashing became an annoyance. I hated being the center of attention. However, I knew it came with the status. My crew strolled up wearing smiles dapping me up one by one and handing off happy birthdays. Much like the folk here, this was their only chance to kick it with me as well. Just because you worked for me didn’t mean I was easily accessible.
“Heeey Bent!”
“Damn, he fine!”
“Aye, waddup Bent. Happy birthday big brudda!”
I heard everything that was being shouted my way. The women wanted to be chosen and the fellas… them niggas was just happy to be here. I threw light nods their way before telling the crew, “Let’s go.”
Before I could take another step forward, a conversation to my left caught my attention. “Bitch, slow down. We literally just got here. Stay for a while and wait on the birthday boy. It’ll be fun, I promise.”
“Girl, you said this was supposed to be small.” I continued to eavesdrop, but it sounded like the other chick didn’t want to leave. “This is anything but that. I don’t do crowds, and I truly don’t care to party with whomever you’re speaking on. You said drinks and a little music. There’s a shit load of people both inside and out. It’s too much for me.”
Finally glancing in their direction, I caught a glimpse of a rarity. Both women were beautiful and chocolate, but the uniqueness of the short one had my complete focus. She had a light surrounding her I was sure she wasn’t aware of. I gave her a quick onceover and smirked at her ensemble. She was covered from the neck down in a black Burberry body suit that hugged her curves comfortably. The red heels and clutch she paired with it set it off. Whether it was her natural hair or not, the natural look fit her. She had my undivided attention.
I was intrigued by her refusal to stay. Everybody here wanted to brag and boast ‘bout being in the same place as me, but she didn’t. She was the only one who was putting her preference over a quick ten second video. I wanted to know more.
“Friend…”
