Page 14 of Nothing Like Your Ex

“Youngin’ be having the time of his life,” East, Melo’s right-hand man and brother, said, stepping beside him.

“He better. We ain’t worked this hard for nothing,” Melo replied, peering around the club.

No matter how many years he’d been in the industry, he was still a street nigga. A true Eastside Terror born and raised baby, with his head on a swivel. Even with his gun tucked, his shooters in the section, and security close by, Melo could never be too careful. Just because he made it out didn’t mean mothafuckas liked that he had.

“Straight up,” East said with his eyes trained on the woman entering their section with her friend not too far behind. “Knew it wouldn’t take long.” East chuckled, making Melo do the same.

Shanelle waved at East before standing directly in front of Melo. From his viewpoint, he could see nothing but her big-ass titties and a flower tattoo of where his name used to be inked. She’d covered it up but couldn’t erase her obvious feelings for him.

“What’s up, Nelle?” Melo greeted.

Always for the public display, Shanelle hugged him around the waist, smiling bashfully up at him. “Not much. You did your thing tonight.”

“‘Preciate it. You just got here?”

She nodded. “Yeah. You know I had to come check in with you first. Where you going when you leave?”

“Check in with me, huh? I’ont think a woman rocking another nigga’s last name should be concerned with my whereabouts.”

There wasn’t an ounce of bitterness in Melo’s tone. Just straight honesty, like always. They’d been broken up for years now, and somehow, Shanelle still tried making Melo’s business hers. Not often, but when given the opportunity to make it seem like it was more than what it was between them, Shanelle took it.

As respectfully as he could be to another man’s wife and someone he used to love, Melo let Shanelle make it. But he’d never allow her to place him in the category of a side nigga. The pussy wasn’t that good, and even if it were, he had some decorum about himself now.

Giggling, as if flirting with her ex while sporting a big-ass rock on her finger was funny, Shanelle ignored him. “Whatever. I’m only in town until tomorrow, so we can have some fun.”

Melo felt her hard nipples as she pressed herself against his solid frame. He had to give it to her. Any other nigga, one lesser of the man he was and one who thought with his dick, would’ve gladly taken Shanelle up on her offer. With her mocha skin, wide hips, thick thighs that matched her ass, and a pretty doll-like face, Shanelle could have her way with the best of them. Just not Melo.

“Nah,” Melo uttered, “ain’t no fun being had over here. Make it back safely to St. Louis, though.”

“You’re so uptight now, and I don’t like it,” Shanelle fussed.

Melo smirked. “I bet you don’t. Gon’ head and enjoy your night, Nelle.”

Taking his dismissal with class, Shanelle walked off but not before letting him know she’d be waiting up for him to call. She’d be waiting forever because Melo was never hitting her line. Another thirty minutes floated by, and he was ready to head to the crib. One of them at least. He had a few in different states.

Melo’s eyes fell on his head of security, Bash, and he gave him a single nod. The subtle gesture told Bash it was time to vacate and have Melo’s driver, Sarge, be ready to roll. Maneuvering to Roddy’s side, where he was pouring another cup, Melo leaned in.

“I’m ‘bouta head out. You slidin’ or you staying?”

Grinning, Roddy stretched his arms out and glanced around their section. There was ass being thrown everywhere, the DJ was spinning his best shit, and the night was still young.

“I’m not leaving all this. Shit, I ain’t even made it to the strip club yet. You know that bitch is jumping.”

Melo chuckled. The club occupied half of the building, while a strip club covered the rest. The conjoined entertainment spots made it much easier for partygoers to commute for an even better night. Roddy was undoubtedly about to pay a few bills.

“A’ight, be safe and text me when you get in,” Melo told him.

“Fasho. Love you, foo’.

“Love you too, bruh.”

Leaving the festivities to his people, Melo said his farewells to those who mattered and made his way out of the section. East wasn’t too far behind him, ready to call it a night as well. With shades concealing his eyes, Melo moved through the crowd and out the back door. Sarge was parked right where he needed to be with the Maybach running.

“Ma gon’ whoop Roddy’s ass if he ain’t at church service in the morning,” East commented, chuckling.

“You already know she’s going in. Devin gon’ make sure they up,” Melo said, referring to their cousin Roddy was closest to.

Devin was right in the section along with some of their other family, but he’d never play with his Aunt Carla. She requested their presence, and if they could party all night, they’d better be able to get up and give God praise the next day.