“Art, man, if you don’t spit that shit the hell out. I got a meeting in a minute and you’re cutting into my short break I had scheduled.”
“Okay, okay, okay, you ain’t gotta get all sensitive. But we have a series of events planned all geared around the holidays and yes your too busy ass has to participate. We’re kicking things off the week before Halloween and going through the new year.”
I chuckled, fully amused by Art and Amber’s shenanigans.
“Fool, it’s the end of September and y’all are already thinking about holidays? Damn, can the leaves change colors before y’all plan the next three months?” I joked, now moving around my kitchen, the vibration on my hip letting me know my mini break was over.
“You already know how our people work. Anna will swear it’s so last minute if we say something in October and Amber’sfolks need a heads up so they can make sure they’re in town those days. Now, like I was saying, we’re starting the week of Halloween. She wants to do the pumpkin patch and pick apples, or some shit like that.”
I was already shaking my head.
“Naw, but y’all have fun. Pumpkin patches and apple picking? What y’all doing for Halloween and please don’t say anything with matching costumes and shit.” He was up, moving toward me at the sink.
“Naw, you know Anna ain’t giving up her annual party. That’s why Amber wants to do stuff beforehand. But no wasn’t an option. It’s the holiday season and we make time for family. You already know that. So make sure you’re ready to participate in everything. Shit, Amber’s even telling her friends.” He nudged me in my side.
I snorted. Art had been trying to put me on with Amber’s friends since the beginning of him and Amber, but I wasn’t going for any of that. I kept telling him I didn’t have time to date.
“What else is on the agenda besides the couple activities?” He was right, our family started early with holiday festivities. My parents always threw a Halloween party and the boys attended every Royals home game.
“Well, you already know the first game is coming up.” He kissed his teeth. “Fine. And before your uptight ass says no, Tino, Boss, and I were talking about renting a suite for the Royals opening game this year. Now, the ticket is high as fuck, but split four ways, we’re looking at ten a piece. Shit, less if we can fill the suite.”
My head shook as I released a hearty laugh. It wasn’t about the price because we all had the money, but I didn’t believe in just spending my money on things I could experience for half the price or nothing. I enjoyed watching the games either in my caveor at the bar like a normal person. So for me, sitting in the stands was my limit.
“Forty grand for an opening game? Come on, Art, ain’t no way.” I laughed, truly amused by this whole conversation.
“Man, what’s the point of us having money and making it back if we don’t ever spend it.”
“You spend yo’ shit enough for the both of us.” I was now moving around my kitchen to get a meal of out of the refrigerator for myself. I caught his glare as he clenched his jaw and his fists. I didn’t care about his attitude though. Art loved to throw his money around just because he had it.
Art was right though, we did have money. And lots of it. Both of our grandparents came from wealth and made sure to pass it down to their children, who passed it down to theirs, which included Art and me. The only difference was, with me you couldn’t tell. I never walked into a room with mine while Art used his to finesse whoever was paying attention.
“Ol’ frugal ass muthafucka. This must be why you can’t keep a girl around for too long because ain’t no way you in here crying about ten bands. You stressing ten grand, when you and I both know that amount of cash ain’t even a ripple in your account. I know your clients are keeping you busy plus the other cases you're working on. You more than likely made that yesterday alone from just meeting a client. Put the money up for this game. I’m trying to kick it with my brothers, both kinds of blood.”
“Frugal will keep my pockets right for me and my kids.”
Art snorted. “BK, what family? Your ass don’t even date. That takes time and money and you don’t spend shit. We just talked about this. And please don’t say these gotdamn plants. They are not human,” he joked.
I flipped him off as I pulled the now steaming container from the microwave.
“Damn, I hate that my own people got me in here begging and shit. Can you just do this one thing for me?”
“They count. I keep telling you my babies can hear and feel like you and me. But if you want me at the game, we can do regular general admission tickets and seats in the stands, easy. And I know how to date and treat a woman, it just doesn’t take a fortune to prove I’m interested. If they only want to fuck with me because of the bread I got, then they ain’t the one for me. So if that makes me frugal then whoop de fucking do,” I said as I took my first bite of chicken marsala.
“Man, c’mon, BK. I can’t do shit in the stands with my boys. C’mon man, just this once for the opening game we do it big. Think about it, more space, we can kick back, drink, and have catered food while watching a good ass game.”
“Art, you could always rent it out yourself. Remember, big money?” The sound of my phone vibrating had me tuning him out while I put my attention on the message. It was from my camera system letting me know my client was here.
“So is that a yeah, BK?” Art asking me a question had me frowning as I snapped my head up at him.
“Fine. I’ll put it up, ol’ fake balling ass muthafucka. Just shoot me the dates so I can make sure not to schedule anything on that date.” I said just as a round of knocks came from my front door.
“Aight, now get out. I have a meeting.”
I was already moving toward my front door with Art on my heels.
“Don’t bullshit me, you’re serious?”
I looked to acknowledge him once more before I opened my door.
