Page 39 of Mercedees: Forever An Atkins
“Baby girl, what you gon’ do?”
“I don’t know, Mama. I don’t fuckin’ know.”
Arion Greek, he was becoming a thorn in my side. Marriage and a child was a lot to bargain for. As many times as I went to Vegas and had the time of my life, I never stumbled into no dumbass shit like this. A husband was something that could be taken care of, but a kid? I wasn’t a monster.
The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to jump into mommy mode. I didn’t ever want my child to feel like they weren’t wanted. Whether Arion was ready for this or not, I had to be. A mother’s love was serious and by all means, they wouldn’t be deprived of it.
Chapter 13
Arion
Annoyed and ready to catch a body to relieve stress, that was how a nigga was feeling on this shitty ass day. When shit went wrong with my money, shipment, or family, I handled it right then and there. However, I had a certain area in my life that was causing me chaos.
Those twenty-four hours turned into a month, and I allowed it. Clover got lucky due to a nigga having to go back and forth out of town. She could think she was in the clear all she wanted, but I was just trying to settle myself before I put her head through my brand new washer and dryer.
Being at the shop always centered me and gave me a breath of fresh air. At the moment, I was in the backroom sorting through the inventory. Some of this shit couldn’t hit the floor speaking that it was pure white. That was how we moved weight in a legitimate way. Them crackers ain’t know what the hell was going down in here.
Imagine coming for a manicure and leaving with product. We served from a simple one ounce to an eight. If you wanted more than that as a whole, you had to go to the warehouse. I was cautious in everything I did. Myth Nails had a selection of ten stores nationwide. This was the first in the Springs. I heard goodthings from Big Greek about the city, so I figured why not set up shop.
“Aye, you straight? You been zoning in and out all day,” Ashaun asked.
Tossing the empty box to the side, I replied, “I’m fuckin’ irritated, Shaun. Why the fuck did Ro tell me you showed yo’ ass in them people establishment? You don’t know how to act like you got some fuckin’ home training?” I shouted throwing a bottle of acetone at his head off the shelf.
He ducked, laughing like that shit was really funny. As a Greek, we moved different. Him going up in them people shit on nigga time wasn’t part of it. Dumbass showed no decorum whatsoever. Then, I heard it was over a bitch at that.
“The same way you’ll tear shit up behind sis’ green bean head ass, I’ll do the same behind Akira. I ain’t playing ‘bout that one so get up off my neck nigga,” he threw back.
“I should get up and beat yo’ ass. I had to pay for the damages you caused and my lil’ sister got hurt in the process. Now if I hit you in yo’ shit for that then what?”
“I’ll just be a hit muthafucka. I ain’t apologizing, Scar, so shut the fuck up ‘bout it.”
Every so often Ashaun would get this burst of courage to stand up to me and pop shit like he could put me down. I admired it when he did ‘cause he was the only one that would do it. Everybody played pussy and did what was told. However, today he would end up with a fresh whooped ass fuckin’ with me. I wasn’t in the fuckin’ mood.
Standing, I strolled casually across the room closing the gap between us. I witnessed my baby brother brace himself the closer I got. I couldn’t help but laugh at him. Preparing yo’self didn’t really matter when it came to me. I did shit to you, you wouldn’t think of and the power behind my swings were deadly.
Raising my hand, he threw his hands up shouting, “Aight, aight. Damn. I’m telling Mama!”
“Punk ass. Do something for once and finish separating the product. I’m going to the front to clear my head.”
Leaving him alone, I walked to the front of the salon where the customers were relaxing and enjoying their services. This trial run we were doing in Sage Springs was turning out to be a good one. Ever since the doors opened, ladies of all ages been flooding this hoe. I guess word got around that it was predominately men, so they flocked.
Shaun and I had a table in the front of the salon that was reserved for us and us alone. We were the face of the place so why not see us as soon as you walked in. Noticing a beautiful mature woman sitting on the other side of the desk, I stepped up to assist her.
“Excuse me, have you been helped?” I inquired.
“Oouu. I have not. I wanted a full set. Cateye polish if possible.”
Nodding, I said, “Yes ma’am. I can take care of that for you. Wash your hands for me and meet me at table one.”
She gave a light nod as she followed my instructions. I set up my equipment in the meantime. By the time she made it back to me, I had more than a few eyes on me. I had the appearance of a thug on some days and a corporate nigga on others. I was sure they weren’t expecting me to buss her down with a set that was flawless.
Taking a seat, she looked at me with lustful eyes. I knew all too well how women admired good looking men, and I fell in that category. She couldn’t stop smiling to save her life. Also, her cheeks were red from how smitten she was.
“May I ask your name?”
“You just did. It’s Dorinda. You are very handsome, you know that?” she questioned.
Smirking, I answered with, “I’ve been told a time or two. Thank you. What made you choose Myth Nails, Ms. Dorinda?”
