Page 62 of The Need to Know

“All right then. And one more thing before we play this next record. Don’t settle. Never settle. One thing them commitment-phobes be trying is that ‘no titles’ bullshit. Ain’t no way you gettin’ away with that around these parts. You don’t get the full package of Paisley P without a title, and that’s the standard,” Paisley said. She soon held up her ring finger on her left hand. “Don’t call me wifey if I’m not your wife. I’m not doin’ wifey shit without that in writing. I need a ring for that.”

Women agreed and Paisley stood back as DJ Aux put on what could only follow up that remark.

“Single Ladies” by Beyoncé blared throughout BLVCKJVCK and women got to dancing.

I came from the railing and found Cesar cuddled up with Leslie at a sectional in the corner. This was my first time seeing Leslie since they’d linked back up and became official. Not only was Cesar glowing, Leslie was radiant as well. She kept it elegant, a dressy blouse and a short tan skirt, exposing a set of nicely toned brown legs.

“P is killin’ it,” Cesar said as he greeted me with a slap to my palm.

I leaned over and gave Leslie a hug and a kiss to her cheek before settling down across from Cease. “Energy got the club feelin’ good, too.”

I watched as Cesar tugged Leslie close into his side and gesture to her with his head. “So, you know Leslie.”

She grinned and leaned into him as if it were natural. “We met once before, I think.”

“Yeah, a minute ago,” I said. “It’s good to see you.”

“C talks about you a lot, and your dad, so this feels like an honor,” Leslie confessed.

Cesar didn’t come from the type of home and background that I did. Another reason he was so loyal to Pops. I loved him like a brother we were so close. He practically lived at my house when we were kids. To hear that he spoke about me and my father made my heart warm as I tipped my head his way.

“Nah, don’t be honored,” I said with an easy smile. “It’s a pleasure to see you though. Cease ain’t never looked this happy before.”

She cupped Cesar’s jaw and gazed over at him. “I feel the same way.”

That was all I needed to know the nail was in the coffin as far as a wingman went.

Leslie came back to me. “We gotta get together at my place sometime and just chill. Have some good food and drinks. You can bring your girl.”

“Don’t have one,” I responded. “But I am down for food and drinks.”

Leslie pouted for me. “That’s a shame.” She wagged her finger at me. “You better be listening to what Paisley is saying. She preaching some real shit tonight. When it’s time, I just hope you’re giving a woman what she’s worth.”

After watching Pops dote on my mother, I knew what to do and how I’d do it. It was just all about the right time and the right person.

Cesar’s words crept up on me and I couldn’t shake them. Until I felt my rhythm and blues, then I wasn’t in a rush to settle down.

Until then, I was gonna have my fun and play.

“Reciprocity and all that, huh?” I quipped.

Leslie merely shook her head. “Laugh now, but the love bug is gonna bite you one of these days.”

“He’d have to have a heart first,” one of our bottle girls, Cristal, teased as she walked by.

I clutched my chest, feigning offense. “Ouch!”

Cesar and Leslie were laughing at my expense. He squeezed her closer and she really was blooming with love for him. Even if she’d invited me out to her spot for food, I wasn’t about to stick around and be a third-wheel.

“I gotta talk business with Paisley,” I said as I stood to my feet. “It’s great seein’ you, Leslie. We definitely gotta link up for the food and drinks. Cease said you a good cook, even better than him.”

“For sure. I’ll get with C and set up a night. You can come alone or bring a friend, it’s whatever,” Leslie offered.

“Where Nas at?” Cesar asked me.

I glanced over my shoulder, down at the Club Suite, knowing she wasn’t down there.

“They shop been busy and she wasn’t in the mood,” I said.