“Yeah, this is nice. Way better going through that third party I found than the arena,” Art agreed, already making his way overto the food. I could tell he’d picked out the menu based on the choices available. He picked up a plate and loaded it up with pizza, wings, and fries while I made my way to the counter where the bottles of liquor were lined up. Again, another selection from Art’s taste. I noticed along with Black Ops there were bottles of cognac, tequila, and beer on ice.
“We might be able to move like this more often.” I finally spoke as I grabbed the bottle of Black Ops, cracking the seal to pour myself a drink.
I had never told them about McKay’s business because I didn’t want them to expect tickets and suites for free. Naw, like my baby said, if her dad was a paying customer, then so would my boys.
“Oh shit. I knew once you started getting pussy on a regular basis you would act like you were raised with money,” Art joked as he made his way over to me. Boss and Tino only laughed, probably more because of inside information than Art’s words as they also were currently at the bar with me.
“Nigga, that mouth of yours gon’ have me changing my mind. It has nothing to do with that. Well, kinda. McKay leases club suites for all the major sports. And before you say anything stupid, y’all would still have to pay my lady for her services,” I said as I took a sip of the double shot.
Art’s eyes grew wide as if something hit him before he put the plate on the counter, going for his phone.
“Ain’t no way. Yo, fool this is her shit. I keep forgetting that’s her real name since your old fake alpha ass called dibs and only gave us permission to call her Mickey.” He flipped the phone in my direction, displaying the original ticket information, and there it was.
McKay Bailey was printed at the bottom of the screen right above the barcode.
“Damn, that’s crazy. When we were looking at tickets for both the Thanksgiving and Christmas games for the Sharks, her suites came up then too. You said suites for all the major teams here in Crescent Falls?” Boss asked.
“Yeah, this is her main source of income. So you can understand why I said no free seats. Shit, her little ass even shut shit down for me. Her dad already gave her true business etiquette when it came to family and friends.”
“What does that mean? I mean, I can respect the hustle, but can brothers-in-law get discounts? Or can the baby dad?” Art asked with a mouth full of food.
“No nigga, her dad pays full price and told her if her people are willing to pay a stranger for the same service, why not her. And I honestly love it and wouldn’t have it any other way. I simply meant, I could tell her y’all jokers are trying to buy them before she lists them.”
“Damn, you must not be really putting in work,” Art said, making Tino and Boss laugh. As he came over, putting his arm on my shoulder and bumping me mid sip, causing my drink to miss my mouth, I blew out my frustration.
“I know how it feels having to come to the little big brother for advice, but listen to me, it’s all in the hips. You gotta almost wine your shit in her like you’re hula hooping.” I stared at his ass as I held my head to the side and watched him now doing a full blown demonstration.
I brushed him off.
“Fool, you do see her bump full of my baby? Trust me, I know what I’m doing. So much that I’ma make sure Mickey charges yo’ ass double. But while we’re on discounts, I guess yo’ dick just doesn’t work at all when it comes to Amber getting us on the yachts last summer.”
My last statement had Art’s laughter fading while Boss and Tino’s picked up. Art had been pressing a nerve since I’d toldthem about me and McKay, and honestly, the shit was growing tired for real. This wasn’t like us. Yeah, we would talk shit, but not every time we saw each other. And never did we…I…include his wife in our conversations.
Amber had become a skipper at Drifted and Anchored last summer and Art talked big shit about us being able to rent at a discount, but they stayed so booked that we weren’t able to make it happen.
“See, muthafuckas like you forever keep Black businesses down, always looking for a discount or handout. And plus, nigga you can’t even swim,” Art retorted making me snort as I shook my head.
“Yo, wait! I can’t listen to this brotherly love anymore. Art, get your plate and drink and take a seat, so we can enjoy this game. It’s the first of the season and I got money on the Royals,” Boss called out to us as he was now stacking his plate up with food while Tino opted for a snack.
“Kove Vaughn is a new addition to the team, but I’ve seen footage. And him next to Jabari? Ooh wee, I think we getting another ring this year,” Tino added as we all got comfortable at the high top tables with Art of course taking a seat next to me, making me smirk. It reminded me of when we were kids. He had been my shadow, always tagging along. As a big brother, I loved it. Someone who looked up to me.
We all got quiet for a minute, eating while we listened to the loud crowd of people and music playing before the announcer came on as the lights dimmed letting us know the game was officially about to begin.
Art leaned over to me and spoke just above a whisper so only I could hear him.
“I really am happy for you and Mickey. You know I have to give you shit. I hate being left out. For six months you, my brother and best friend, kept a secret. We’ve never done thatbefore. We tell each other everything. Shit, no lie, until I saw y’all in action at the bonfire, I thought this shit was fake. Like maybe you hired her or something, but seeing y’all? I know you love her and she loves you. Just promise before you buy the ring you’ll tell me.”
I sipped my drink as my crooked smile grew on my face.
“Well, this is me telling you. And asking you to come with me when I pick it out, ya know since you’re the only married muthafucka out of the group.”
That had his smile spreading wide and I already knew by his one raised eyebrow something stupid was about to come out of his mouth.
“Ah, damn. I guess I’m an expert or some shit. I got you though.”
Chapter
Twenty-Four
