The music paused, signaling a disruption. Baffled, my eyes darted toward the DJ booth.
“Miss Hyphen. Miss Hyphen Stone. We don’t want no problems up in this bitch. Your nigga said bring your ass to the door. Hyphen to the doe. Hyphen to the doe.”
I tore my eyes away from the DJ and focused on Saga as the music began to play again. She was close. So close I could feelher breath on the side of my face. I looked up at her. She tipped her head toward the entrance with a smile.
“Yo nigga at the doe. Yo nigga at the doe,” she chanted, much like the DJ did whenever her grandmother had to peel us out of the grownup parties though we were only teenagers.
She never missed a step. Neither did I. My attention didn’t waver, not even when I remembered I’d agreed to have dinner with Flocco at nine o’clock. It was past midnight. That ship had sailed.
I was almost certain he was at my home at nine sharp. Unfortunately, I was not home. I was at Saga’s grandmother’s house as we waited for the final touches Grandma Anne promised to have done in time for Saga’s first night on stage. Though she’d rather her granddaughter choose another profession, she was supportive.
She knew Saga’s heart and that was all that mattered to her. Grandma Anne stitched Saga’s first 2-piece and garter belt with plans to create every look Saga wore during her time as a midnight ballerina.
JT was no longer over the speakers. DJ Khaled and Drake replaced the slow, seductive song. My girl stood to her feet and began bouncing. She was hype now. Just as much as I adore the seductive edge 90’s baby brought out of her, I knew For Free would spark that energy we loved so much from my best friend.
I folded my bottom lip in and tossed ones onto the stage. Saga put some distance between us to climb the pole. During my incarceration, she’d installed one just like it in her home. And, for a full week, she practiced climbing it.
“I go on and on. Can’t understand how I last so long.”
Her persistence proved to be beneficial as she climbed the pole effortlessly. When her core was completely stabilized, she flipped upside down. Her freshly installed 30” wig allowed gravity to have its way. Saga’s legs were directly in the air. Sheslammed her heels together, making a tidal wave that ended at her ass.
“That’s what the fuck I’m talking ‘bout!” A tipper to my right yelled. “Work that motherfucking pole.”
I couldn’t help myself. My money was running low, but the night was far from over. Saga would leave the main stage and head to the second stage for a closer encounter with those who loved her artistry. My bills wouldn’t survive.
“I don’t mind dragging you out this bitch by your bang, Hyph. But I’m trying to be a gentleman. I’m trying out this nice guy shit but you taking my kindness for fuck boy behavior.”
The hair on the back of my neck stood. My nipple hardened against my one-piece. My toes pressed against the sole of my shoes. I clenched my pussy, smashing my walls against each other. Still, I remained forward.
Flocco’s hand snaked around my waist. Forcefully, he pulled my body close to his. I could feel the evidence of his manhood. I closed my eyes as I softened against him.
“Fl–”
“Either you’re grabbing a hold of me and we’re leaving this motherfucker hand-in-hand or I’ll be patching the front of your shit up with glue and tracks in the morning.”
I held my laughter. Steam was coming from Flocco’s ears and nostrils. I didn’t have to turn around. I could feel the heat against my body. He was fuming. And, it seemed as if he had a sense of humor when he was angry.
“It’s Saga’s first night,” I explained, feeling somewhat sorry for standing him up.
It was a pathetic feeling. I’d never had sympathy for a man.
“You trying to make a nigga ignant in this club, Hyph?”
“Just understand that you’re not the only one missing screws. Be prepared to have your energy matched.”
“You ain’t no animal, baby girl. Stop selling yourself dreams.”
“I can’t leave Saga,” I sighed. “And, I’d be damned if I let a nigga drag me out by my bang.”
The laughter was unavoidable.
In an instant, my backside was cold again. A chill ran up my spine. I turned to find that Flocco had disappeared. My breath was caught in my chest. Laughter turned into silence. Silence turned into panic. Panic resolved at the sight of him returning with a waitress.
“Right here?” She asked, pointing at the table for two just a few feet away.
“Yeah. Right here.”
“That’ll be $875.”
