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“If you could set the wine and champagne up while I get the glasses, that would be great.”
“I got you. Now you know they are going to be bringing their own bottles, right?”
“I know, but I don’t drink that heavy liquor some of them are on, so I wanted to make sure I had other offerings.”
Not long after, Yandi was arriving, along with Lei’s staff. She’d specifically retired the women from having to service other clients to ensure they would always be available when she needed them. Because her brother paid all of her bills, Lei was able to use the hefty salary she made as a defense attorney on literally whatever she wanted—and keeping a staff for her maintenance was always at the top of her priority list.
“Thank you for agreeing to letting everyone come over, Lei,” Yandi said before popping a grape into her mouth.
“Of course. I appreciate you always trying to include me in what you all do.”
“Honestly, I’m going to always go hard for you. You accepted me and didn’t judge me in a way that not too many people do. You’re my sister for life.”
Lei didn’t miss Infinity’s roll of her eyes. “Lei doesn’t judge you because she doesn’t know you as well as the rest of us do.”
With a sigh, Lei grabbed a glass of wine. While Yandi and Infinity may have been Lei’s best friends, they definitely weren’t close. They rolled in the same circle and tolerated each other, but the two women could barely stand each other. The only time they tried to get along was when they hung out with Lei. Otherwise, they wouldn’t talk to each other at all.
“Please, ladies, don’t start,” Lei requested.
“That’s her. She always has something slick to say,” Yandi replied.
“It’s not slick; it’s the truth. You can play this innocent role with Lei, but I know you for who youtrulyare, and I’mnevergoing to pretend as if I like you.”
“Okay.” Lei lifted her hands to silence them. This was one of the main reasons she preferred one-on-one engagement. Outside of being overwhelmed by multiple personalities and energies at once, women were too gossipy and catty for Lei’s liking. She’d had enough drama in her life to last a lifetime. Now, Lei demanded peace. “That’s enough. I know you two don’t really care for each other. If you have to avoid talking to each other to keep the peace, do that.”
Quite frankly, Lei hated their friends’ group was so tied that they had to be around each other at all. Along with Yandi and Infinity, there was sisters Mercedes and Lexus, and Jaqueline, but everyone called her Jack. Mercedes and Lexus were the daughters of another secret society family, so Lei often saw them at events, and that’s how she ended up getting to know them. When Yandi found out they were acquainted, she brought the group together as one.
Though she didn’t talk to Jack often because of her dealings in the streets, Jack was one of the most beautiful, chill, sweet women Lei knew. Mixed with all of Jack’s sweetness was a spice that came from being one of Memphis’ highest earning female drug dealers. She looked like a model, and that was a part of what allowed her to move the way she did. No one would expect the beautiful brown bombshell to be riding around the city with a draco just in case some shit popped off.
Jack often spent her time in Memphis, so Lei wasn’t expecting her to be in attendance.
Lei made her way out of the spa room while Yandi pulled a long case from her purse that held her pre-rolled blunts. Infinity followed behind, taking Lei by the hand.
“I’m sorry, Lei. I’m not trying to bring bad vibes into your home. I know how important peace is to you.”
That was Infinity—never allowing ill feelings to linger longer than they had to. That was probably what Lei loved about her most. Infinity was kind and authentic. There weren’t too many people who had her heart. She was relatable and empathetic in a way that allowed her to connect with almost anyone… even when she didn’t want to. Just as loving and accepting as she was, Infinity was just as raw, too. She didn’t play with anyone and wouldn’t allow anyone to disrespect or play with her, either.
“It’s cool. I know how you feel about her. I hate that you and Mercedes are so close, because I doubt if you’d deal with Yandi otherwise.”
Infinity chuckled as she released Lei’s hand. “You’re right, I honestly wouldn’t. I stay close to protect y’all because that girl makes my spirit scream every time she’s around. She’s been in survival mode since she was a child and nothing she’s ever done has been out of love or care for others. I can admit that she’s been a good friend to you and out of trouble, so maybe you’re the good influence she needs, but I’ll never let my guards down with her.”
Before Lei could respond, the sound of the doorbell stopped her, and she was glad about it. It didn’t matter how many people tried to tell her about Yandi’s bad ways in the past, that wasn’t the version of her Lei dealt with, so she didn’t want to hear about it. One thing that had changed about Lei over the years was that she didn’t overplay her role in anyone’s life or try to make them out to be something they weren’t. She accepted everyone she encountered for who they presented themselves to be.
From the first day she met Yandi, she had presented herself as a woman out for herself who wanted to have a good time. While she might not share secrets with Yandi or have the spiritual and emotional connection she had with Infinity, Yandi served her purpose in Lei’s life and made sure she always had a great time.
A pep was in Lei’s step as she neared the door. She smiled genuinely as she opened it, ushering Mercedes and Lexus in with a wave of her hand. The sisters were close, but they had their sibling rivalry too. All Lei could do was pray today was a good day for them, because if it wasn’t, it would turn into a bad day for everyone else.
“I’m just saying, Lex, it’s different depending on the man. You’ve dealt with bum ass street niggas all your life, so of course you wouldn’t see the benefit in it.”
Mercedes hugged Lei as she addressed her sister.
“What are y’all talking about?” Lei asked, hugging Lexus next.
“Girl…” Lexus animatedly rolled her eyes, causing Lei to chuckle. “That pen pal program. They added a dating option, as if a woman to mooch off is the last thing those niggas need.”
Lei smiled as she locked the door, curious about where this conversation would go. Her father had started Pen Pal Partners, a pen pal program that allowed inmates to talk to the outside world for free. Back when it first started, it was limited to written letters sent by mail. With the elevation of technology, inmates were now able to receive letters from anyone in the world online. Each inmate who qualified was set up with an online portal. If a person wanted to see their record and reason for arrest, they had to pay extra. Otherwise, just the basics were shown.
“A dating option? So people are really starting relationships with inmates online?” Lei confirmed.
