Page 37 of When It’s All Said And Done

“You think I knew that shit was gonna happen? Hell, you seen how fucked up I was on this bitch last time, I don’t wanna do this either.”

“I know, I know. Shit I didn’t know they knew ‘bout Nyla. Do you think they know ‘bout Chanel? Should I be worried?”

“I don’t cous, but I know who we can ask. The same muthafucka that told them ‘bout Nyla. When I get back to Florida I’ll be more in a position to get some fuckin’ answers.”

“Bet. Now how we gonna move all this weight?”

“We’ll that’s cause for expansion, my boy. Time for us to tap into our old hustlin’ ways. We gotta spread the wealth and expand our reach.”

“Pushin’ work outside of down south that could ruffle some feathers.”

“Not when you have connections to tap into. The biggest meltin’ pot is a prison and a prison drug system had folks outside those walls. We just gotta get word to the prisoners than the people will come find us.”

“I like the way you fuckin’ think! We ‘bout to be swimmin’ in money.”

Chapter 13

Nessa

“Girl I’m takin’ twenty-five shots tonight, one for each year on Earth!” Yas gushed as she got dressed.

“That’s exactly why I’m drivin’,” I chuckled as I made my way downstairs.

This night out was needed because the week I had worn me thin. Between working and taking care of both Nyla and Chanel, I needed a night to myself. I didn’t plan to go as hard as Yas planned to because it was her birthday, but I was gonna enjoy myself. It’ll take my mind off stressing about where Nas was, thinking about my breakup, and caring for the girls. My mom agreed to watch them over here, so I’d cleared out my house of any alcohol I had before bringing her over.

“You sure you got the girls?” I asked her when I joined them in the kitchen.

“I am sure, Vanessa,” she scoffed before raising her hand. “You ask me that again I’ma pop you. It does have me wonderin’ where their dads are.”

“Had to go handle some business.”

“Ok, well make sure you enjoy yourself because the girls are safe here.”

“Thank you, Ma.”

“Of course. You look so beautiful.”

“I do?” I asked as I did a little spin in my dress. The colorful bodycon dressed wrapped around my body to perfection. I ordered it offline the day Yas told me her birthday plans. I’d paired it with some gold heels and accessories. The around the neck design had my breast sitting up perfectly, and I had to agree with my mom because I did look beautiful. “Been a while since I got cute and stepped out.”

“I know I wasn’t the best mother growin’ up so I’m probably the last person you wanna take advice from. I still just want to tell you to still pour into yourself and not get lost in just motherhood. I know you were young when you had her and hell bent on not being anything like me, but I know how it can feel to lose yourself and I don’t want that for you. Always remember to have a moment where you can be just Vanessa, ok?”

“I needed to hear that, Ma. Thank you. I’m goin’ to keep that in mind.”

“Good. Now go have fun.”

When we made it to the club, I learned that Yas secured a section for us to enjoy the night it. Once we made it to the section, she wasted no time ordering us a bottle. Her custom light blue dress fit her to perfection from the style to the way it hugged her body. The bottle girls came back with the sign and sparklers along with her bottle as I recorded my girl basking in her moment. After she knocked three of her twenty-five shots back, I decided to enjoy myself since we were more put away. Following her lead I downed three shots of Don Julio.

“That’s what the fuck I’m talkin’ ‘bout!” Yas exclaimed before high fiving me. “Tonight we forget ‘bout the world and enjoy ourselves.”

“Let’s fuckin’ do it!” I agreed before pouring another round of shots. I passed her one before holding my glass up. “Happy Birthday to the best friend in the whole wide world, my ace boon coon, my diary and most importantly my fuckin’ sister from another mister. I love you like I birthed you my girl, and I pray this year is everythin’ you deserve. Again, happy birthday!”

We hit our glasses together before hitting them on the table then tossing the liquor in our mouth. When they started playing Ball Greezy we turned up like it was just us in the club. The weight I carried on my shoulders disappeared as I vibed to my favorite Miami rapper. The DJ started playing my favorite song by him Nice & Slow, and just as I was about to start dancing on Yas my damn phone started ringing. When I saw that it was Nas, I answered to make sure that he was alright.

“Where the fuck you at?” He interrogated before I could even say anything.

“Hello to you too Nas,” I rolled my eyes as if he could see me. “Are you callin’ for Nyla? If so, call tomorrow I’m not with her right now.”

“I figured that much because of the loud ass music. Now I’m goin’ to ask again where the hell you at, Vanessa?”