Ashley's Story: THE LAST CHAPTER (9 page)

 Supreme was here. She knew that Rio wasn’t too far behind.

 “About time you got here Choice said as soon as Ashley
walked out on the patio.

Ashley chuckled. Oh really I thought you and Legend were
going to come over this morning.”

“Oh yeah we stopped by then I figured you were probably tied
up or something Choice giggled.

Ashley’s eyes widened Choice saw Rio’s car she already knew.

With a knowing look, Choice smiled while she put beers in
the ice cooler with the help of Meechie, Buddy’s girlfriend and baby mama.
Ashley walked over to Choice and gave her a hug and kiss before greeting
Meechie with a hug also. It looked like the get-together they planned was going
to be turned out before nightfall.

A table was setup with a stack of cards along with some dice
so she already knew a hand of spades were going to get played between her,
Choice and Meechie. Ashley looked in her mom’s direction. She was turning meat
over on the grill while Nana stood next to her talking to some of her mother’s
friends.

“I’ll be right back I got some gossip for your ass but first
I gotta go say hi to Nana.”

“Nana!” Ashley yelled excitedly.

Nana looked up and smiled. There’s my girl Nana rain kisses
all over her face then hugged Ashley as tight as she could. Ashley greeted her
Mother’s friends with hugs before turning her attention back to Nana.

“Let me look at you. Twirling Ashley around, she smiled.
Just like I remember you look fabulous.”

Ashley smiled. Thanks nana now where’s my baby at Ashley
asked as she looked around the backyard in search of Legend.

Nana pointed to the Jump’n Inflataball. “He’s in there
playing with Epic, Buddy’s little boy.”

“Is there a Mr. Legend in there?” Ashley yelled as she
neared the jumping gym.

A few seconds later, Legend came scooting out onto his
bottom. When Ashley saw Legend’s face, her heart warmed with instant love and
joy he was the cutest mixture of Supreme and Choice. He had the same eyes. Mocha
skin tone and mole on the side of his nose like his father and Choice’s hair
but it was cut low to his head. Ashley’s smile widened when she noticed his
dimple in his chin just like his mother. Legend was the cutest little kid she’d
ever seen. He stood a few feet away with his pointer finger resting on his lip
looking at Ashley. He tilted his head a little to the side before his smile
brightened.

“Auntie!” he screamed before running too her as fast as his
little feet could take him.

Ashley got on her knees and opened her arms for him so they
could embrace each other.

Legend kissed her on her face before pulling away. He traced
her face with his finger. You look the same.

“Just like the picture I have of you in my room. Your
picture hangs on my wall with my other auntie.”

Ashley swiped away a tear and smiled. "Were you having
fun in that Jump’nInflataball?”

He nodded his head. “Do you wanna jump with me and my
friend, Epic? We’re having so much fun!”

“I would love to.”

Ashley’s legs were in pain and she was exhausted from all
the jumping she was doing with the boys. She’d already jumped through five
songs and she couldn’t and wouldn’t dare jump through another one. The music
was blasting the food smelled delicious. People were laughing and sounded like
they were having a good time. Ashley was having a ball with Legend and Epic but
the adult activities were calling her name. She was also curious to know if Rio
made it yet. She wanted to see him more than ever before.

Ashley eyed Legend and Epic as they continued to jump
around. They were both filled with so much energy that it seemed like they
hadn’t been doing it for the last few hours.

“You boys got me tired,” Ashley said wiping away the
imaginary sweat beads from her forehead. “I’m going out there and to be with
the grown-ups for a little while. I’ll come check on you in a minute. Are you
hungry yet?”

“No, we just want to play,” Epic answered.

Ashley left the bounce house and took in the more grown-up
setting surrounding her. Her mother’s friends along with Nana now occupied the
table playing cards. There weren’t a lot of women there her age though. The few
that were there sat on the patio talking to Choice and Meechie. As she walked
over to join Choice on the patio, Ashley spoke to the few guys from Supremes
crew who knew her from the hood.

“Hey ladies,” she said then grabbed a beer from the cooler.
She joined the ladies and took a seat in the chair next to Choice.

 “I was waiting for you to come up out of that damn
Inflataball so you could tell me about this juicy gossip you got for me.”

“Come on; let’s go in the front of the house away from all
of these people,” Ashley said. She didn’t want people to overhear her business.

Choice stood up and followed Ashley inside. As she and
Choice walked through the hallway, Ashley glanced in the living room hoping to
see if Rio had made it but he hadn’t.

When she and Choice stepped foot onto the front porch,
Ashley told her everything that happened with Rio hours ago. She left nothing
out.

“It was so good, Choice. Being with him felt great. It felt
right,” Ashley said with an unsure smile. “Even though it felt right, I was
still overwhelmed. I haven’t had a dude touch me in forever.”

 “Even though he was saying all of the right things, I think
its bullshit.”

“I don’t think so. I kinda believe he was telling you the
truth,” Choice stated.

“Niggas will tell you anything to get what they want. I’ve
played this game before and I’d rather not play it again. I already feel like
I’m becoming emotionally attached to him and that’s not good. He could go back
to New York tonight and where would that leave me?”

“Rio isn’t that kind of dude. He’s a grown ass man with
loads of shit on his plate. Breaking hearts is something he’s done already.”

“Yeah, I hear you, Choice. Just because he’s older doesn’t
make what he says the truth,” Ashley said. “He’s a man and men lie.”

As Ashley finished talking, a silver Maserati followed by a
white Tahoe drove past them. The two vehicles parked alongside the curb a
couple of houses down. Mark and some other dude they’d never seen before got
out of the Tahoe and stood next to the Maserati. Rio stepped out and gave them
some dap.

‘Speaking of the fuckin' devil,” Choice said with a sly grin
on her face.

When Rio’s and Ashley’s eyes met, he smiled at her but she
didn’t return the gesture. The closer he got the more nervous she became.
Ashley looked down at the ground and then back over at Choice. She couldn’t
stand to look at him too long without thinking about the things his mouth had done
to her.

Ashley shook her head. Just moments ago, she had been dying
to see him but now she felt differently. Her heart was beating so fast, too
fast for her chest. Shyness overtook just as her nerves began to make her feel
nauseous. Ashley felt vulnerable and naked she hated that feeling. She didn’t
want any weird vibes between them. She even discussed it with him before he did
what he did, but here she was feeling weird as hell.

“What up sis?” Mark greeted her with outstretched arms. He
gave Choice a quick hug then pulled Ashley into a bear hug. “Why you acting
funny?” he asked Ashley.

Choice looked at him with raised eyebrows. He was bold.
Fucking with Ashley was bound to get him shot.

“You weren’t going to speak to me?” Mark asked Ashley.

Ashley giggled. “Boy, stop playing. Of course I was going to
speak. You didn’t even give me a chance to.”

Ashley and Rio’s eyes connected briefly but neither of them
addressed each other right away.

“Hey sis, this my boy Trust. He’s from New York. Trust, this
is Supreme’s wife.” Rio said.

“What up, Ash?” Rio nodded his head in her direction.

The pleasant smile his face held when he first laid eyes on
her was gone. She nodded back but said nothing. Choice looked back and forth
between the two. Their presence was very awkward considering how friendly they
were to each other last night at the club. Choice couldn’t figure out why they
would even indulge in grown up shit together if they were going to turn around
and act weird to one another.

“Ash, this is my boy, Trust.”

“Hey,” Ashley responded dryly.

“This you, B? Trust asked Mark while pointing at Ashley with
a smile.

“Nah but hopefully soon. Ma ain’t been doing nothing but
playing games.”

Choice and Ashley looked at each other but voiced nothing.
They already knew what each other was thinking so no words were necessary.

“Come on; let’s go inside,” Choice said trying to break the
tension.

“You know your Godson has been asking about you since he
arrived earlier.”

“Oh yeah. Where’s my little man at?” Rio asked.

“He’s in the backyard. Go on back. He’s going to be happy to
see you.”

***

Royce stuffed her phone back into her knockoff Louis Vuitton
bag angrily. She’d been calling Rio non-stop all day and not once did he pick
up or bother to send her a text. Usually he would answer or send a text when
she called him back to back but this time, no such luck.

Maybe I should call Ashley to see if she’s seen him,
she thought to herself but then changed her mind. Royce remembered Ashley
telling her that her best friend was coming to visit from out of town so she
didn’t want to bother her with her nonsense about Rio.

Royce looked around the crowded mall and decided to leave.
She didn’t feel like being around a bunch of people. The one person she wanted
to be around was Rio but he was letting her down and she wasn’t going to
pretend like it wasn’t adding to her anger and discomfort.

Fuck this shit
, Royce thought to herself while
digging in her purse for her cell phone.

She wanted to tell Rio how she was feeling while she had the
courage to. She wanted to confess her immature love. Doing so would make her
feel better. She dialed his number once more but it went straight to voicemail.
Royce waited patiently for his phone to beep before deciding to leave a
message.

“You know what, Rio? I’ve been blowing your fuckin’ phone up
and you’re not answering. I’ve been doing the shit all day. That’s real fucked
up. You’re playing with me and that’s not cool,” Royce said into her phone
angrily before ending the call.

Royce was so mad that she was on the verge of tears. Why
couldn’t he just act right? She looked through her purse hastily before it
slipped from her fingertips and fell onto the floor. All of the contents rolled
onto the floor. Frustrated and hurt by Rio’s actions, Royce bent down to collect
her belongings.

“Do you need help?”

Royce looked up to see who the voice belonged to.

It was a woman smiling from ear to ear. Royce wasn’t gay but
the woman was beautiful. The horrible scar on her face did nothing to her
beauty. Her chocolate skin held a certain glow, making it hard not to stare.
Royce looked over the woman’s wardrobe.

Her clothing and handbag screamed money so she wondered who
the woman could be. Royce shrugged her shoulders.

“Thanks for helping. Today just doesn’t seem to be my day.”

 “Yeah I understand. Believe me, I’ve had plenty of days
like the one you’re having right now, some probably worse.

Royce stuck her hand out for a handshake. “My name is Royce.

“It’s nice to meet you, Royce. My name is Blue.”

It was after midnight on Sunday. Rio, Supreme, Mark and
Trust were sitting in VIP at KOD waiting for Dylan, Buddy and Willie to arrive.

“Tell me what’s up with these niggas,” Supreme asked.

“Where do I start? Niggas trying to make business hard but
they ain’t fuckin’ with it. The dope money is good as always. On another note,
they got in contact with them Ohio niggas about some dog fights. O.C called me
asking about the two. I told him I don’t know shit about Finesse and Profit and
not to mess with them,” Rio stated.

“They still mad I took out Wise and Butter after all this
time?” Supreme smirked. “That was many moons ago.”

“I’m doing shit I haven’t done in years. Fighting and I’m
constantly looking over my shoulder. These little niggas taking me out of
character,” Rio said

Supreme’s face held a menacing scowl when he realized what
Rio said. You have too much clout in the game to be handling these little
niggas like you are.”

Rio looked over at Supreme and smirked. He remembered saying
something similar to Supreme when he was having problems with Bear. How times
had changed.

“I’m dead ass serious; you shouldn’t be fighting and shit.
You should’ve gotten Willie to take care of that if that’s how you wanted to
handle it, Supreme said.

He watched Mark stand in front of one of the stages raining
money on a stripper named Bubbles.

”Supreme’s right, big homie. You should’ve let these little
niggas put in some work,” Trust said as he rubbed his hands together.

Trust was a quiet dude most of the time. He only spoke when
spoken to unless it was something he felt strongly about.

“You know what? A nigga happy as hell to be here right now,
I told Ash I would find out about them niggas shooting at her,” Supreme said.

“Yeah shit been driving me crazy,” Rio said while taking a
sip of Remy. “I already know who did that shit though. It was Finesse and
Profit. Ashley said it was three niggas. Not sure who the third person could’ve
been but I’ll find out sooner or later.”

Rio thought about the incident between Choice and Profit. He
had to tell Supreme now.

“Supreme, some shit that happened the last time Choice was
here and I don’t want you to lose it. When this shit is over the nigga will be
dead. I promise. You already know how we get down, Rio stated.

“What happened to Choice? You can tell me because like you
said. I already know what the end results are going to be,” he said with a
scowl resting on his face.

Satisfied with his response, Rio rested his hands on the
table before telling Supreme.

With an evil glare Supreme spoke. “I haven’t laid my murder
game down in years. Supreme said as he pointed his index finger down on the
table. “Finding this shit out will give me a reason to point that red dot at a
few niggas heads. I have a couple of days to play. So what’s up? You know where
these niggas rest they had. Supreme asked with a smile.

“Nah. I do know where them niggas be at though,” Rio stated.

“Say no more. Miami’s foreign to a nigga like a muthafucka
but I can get that info. Just give me a day or two. I’mma need Mark to roll
with me.”

“I can get Buddy or Willie to roll with y’all too if you
want,” Rio suggested. “I’m good, big homie. I don’t know them niggas. I know
Mark so I’m good with him.”

 Just then, Mark walked up with a bottle of Henny in his
hand in a smile on his face.

“Fuck y’all niggas up here talking about?” Mark asked.

“Some street shit. Sit down and let me tell you about it. We
gon’ make this shit happen tonight so listen up,” Rio stated. .

***

All four men had purposely waited close to midnight before
driving to Lil Haiti. They were sitting in the back of a van in front of
Profits and Finesse’s grandmother’s house waiting for the perfect time to get
out. If they tried to handle their business with Profit and Finesse right now,
they wouldn’t have a chance. They were outnumbered they were in Lil Haiti. This
was Finesse and Profit’s home. If the Haitians sensed any sign of danger then
Rio, Supreme, Mark, and Trust would be dead as soon as they stepped outside of
the van. They decided to wait until most of the Haitians were tucked away in
their homes.

“Yo, what’s up with this old as bitch sitting on the porch?
Mark asked as he looked at his watch on his wrist.

“Yeah, I’m surprised she’s still out here at this time of
night. It’s past eleven,” Rio chimed in.

Trust chuckled. “The little nigga Profit still live with his
grandmother.”

It only took him a day to find out that information. Profit
was a loud dude so it was easy to find out where he rested his head. Finesse
was another story he was quiet and more reserved so Trust had a harder time
finding his residence but that was okay because they both were in the house.

An hour later Supreme looked out of the small window on the
back door.

‘It’s time to make that move,” he said while adjusting his
bulletproof vest.

One by one, each man stepped out of the van with guns in
hand. Facemasks covered their mouths and noses while black hoodies were pulled
low over their heads. Trust was the first to raise his gun at the old lady. The
hollow tip entered her forehead and instantly put her into a permanent sleep.
She was so busy crocheting that she never saw it coming. Supreme was happy she
hadn’t. Because of his own Nana, he had a soft spot in his heart for old
ladies.

Supreme raised his gun and entered the house behind Trust.
Mark and Rio followed behind. Their bullets only whistled but Finesse and
Profit already knew what was happening. They jumped out of the nearest window
and escaped into the darkness.

***

Ashley gazed out of the window as she held Legend sleeping
in her arms. Cuddling her face close to his, she kissed him on the chin. She
was in a funk. In a couple of hours he, Supreme, Choice, and Nana would be
heading back to Barbados. She hated that they were leaving her again. Her heart
was already hurting from the separation from Legend and he wasn’t even gone
yet.

The couple of days she’d spent with him were wonderful and
now he had to go back. The echo of laughter behind her caused her to smile
faintly. All of the fellas sat around her kitchen island playing dice, drinking
and eating while Choice lay on the couch looking through magazine after
magazine.

“So you’re going to let her borrow a pair of your red
bottoms?” Choice asked with raised eyebrows. .

“Yeah, I told Royce she could.” Ashley shrugged her
shoulders “they’re from last season anyway.”

“Is this the same chick that’s fucking with Rio?”

“Yeah. You think I should tell him she’s coming?” Ashley
asked.

“I think you should give him the heads up.”

Ashley nodded while taking a deep breath. Since that night,
her relationship with Rio was strained and she hated that. He was her friend.
When Choice and Supreme left, she would only have him.

 They hadn’t been alone or even held a conversation with
each other since the night they crossed the friendship line. The only words
they’d said to each other were hi or bye.

Ashley’s phone sounded off letting her know that she had a
text message from Royce letting her know that she would be pulling up shortly.

“It’s Royce. She’ll be on her way up in a few. Hold my baby
for me.”

“Ash, you gon’ have Legend thinking everyone’s supposed to
hold him while he’s sleeping.”

“Well, they should.” she kissed his cheek before handing him
over to Choice.

Ashley rested her shoulder up against the wall while
listening to Rio talk shit in the kitchen.

“You niggas know my shit’s official when it comes to dice!
I’m the one who taught you niggas,” he stated before slamming the dice down
onto the kitchen island.

Ashley walked up to him and rested her hand on his shoulder
before whispering in his ear. “Let me holla at you in my room. It’ll only take
a second.”

Rio nodded his head. “I’ll be back. Supreme watch my dice
for me. Make sure these niggas don’t cheat,” he chuckled.

He picked up his beer and followed Ashley to her bedroom.

“I’m surprised you wanted to talk to me. What’s up?” he
asked.

“I just wanted to let you know that Royce should be on her
way up here. I’m giving you the heads up so you won’t be surprised is all.”

 Ashley's eyes roamed his body before landing on his face.
She missed him.

“I can tell you don’t want to be back here holding a conversation
with me. Your body language is giving you away.

Ashley crossed her arms over her chest. A few seconds of
silence lingered between the two.

“I don’t have anything else to say.” she walked over to the
door. “Now if you move, we can both get back to our company.”

Rio nodded his head. “We really need to talk, Ash. It’s been
a week.”

“Talk about what? I don’t have anything to say.

Rio licked his lips before walking over to her dresser to
sit his drink down. “You need to stop acting like a little ass girl and act
like a grown ass woman. You’ve been feeling some type of way since that night.
I don’t regret the shit that happened. If I knew you were going to act like
this, I would’ve never taken it there with you. At this point, I wish I
wouldn’t have.”

Ashley twisted her face up in anger. “I never expected for
you to say some shit like that to me. You wish you never took it there? That’s
the same thing as regretting it!” Ashley shouted. She knew their friends were
in the other room but she didn’t care, she had to express how she felt. If not
she would be pissed for the rest of the day.

“You’re my fuckin’ friend, Rio. You knew how I felt about
the shit beforehand. I told you it would fuck up our relationship. I knew it
would but you didn’t want to listen. You wanted to do what you wanted to do.
You never heard shit I was saying.”

He walked up on her and whispered in her ear. “Ash, you’re
trippin'. We didn’t even fuck and you acting like this. I could only imagine
what you would act like if we did.”

Rio nodded his head up and down with his bottom lip slightly
poked out. “Our shit is better than most. You’re a beautiful woman but you’re
damaged. I’m too grown for shit like this. That nigga fucked your head up, B.
seriously.”

A knock at her bedroom door interrupted their heated
conversation. .

Ashley waved him off angrily. She was hurt, but she knew
what he said was true. She walked over to her door and opened it.

“I’m okay,” Ashley said to Choice. She could see the worry
etched on her face so she reassured her immediately.

“Okay. I just wanted you to know that ol’ girl is here for
them heels,” Choice stated.

Ashley walked over to the heels sitting in the corner then
back over to Choice.

“Here. Tell her I’ll call her later or early tomorrow
morning,” Ashley said before closing her door.

She turned back around and gave Rio her undivided attention.
“You know what, Rio? You’re a funny ass nigga. How are you going to tell me
anything? Especially when you were just acting funny as hell in front of my
mom’s house. Keep it one hundred. Shit was awkward, right?”

“You made it awkward,” Rio said pointing his finger at her.

Rio walked over to her bed and sat down. Ashley was driving
him crazy and he was beginning to get a headache. The back and forth games she
was playing with him were innocent at first, but that shit was dead the night
she let him taste her.

“Stop playing, ma. Seriously, you know what it is between
us. I fucks with you, Ash. I fucks with you hard. You know that I’m feeling
you. I’m not for sugarcoating shit and I’ll try to be attentive to your
feelings but I can’t promise you that I’ll be the best at this thing. All I can
do is try. My word is God when I say I’ll never cheat on you. There would be no
reason to. If the shit ain’t working, the shit ain’t working and I’ll let you
know that.

Ashley was silent; she didn’t know what to say. She liked
Rio. She liked him a lot but she was scared. The room was completely silent
while the two stared at each other. He stroked his beard while eyeing her from
head to toe. “I’m gonna get back to this dice game. You know how I feel about
you I’mma give you space to think. I know it’s a lot to adjust, Rio said.

He planted a kiss her on the side of her cheek, grabbed his
beer, and walked out of the room leaving Ashley to her thoughts.