Page 21 of When It’s All Said And Done

“He in the car. Aye, Yas, will you go grab Chanel’s spendin’ money from him while I chop it up with ya girl?”

“Uh, I need y’all to remember that it’s kids in the other room, so no freaky shit,” Yas taunted before making her exit.

“Nas, why are you here?” I asked again.

“You really don’t fuck with a nigga?” he countered.

“This is not the time for this conversation.”

“Then when will be, Vanessa?”

“Not right now, Nas, please. Just give me some time, ok?”

“Fine. That wasn’t what I came inside. I need a favor from you.”

“A favor? Is everything ok?”

“Almost sound like you care, but everything is fine. I just need you to watch after Chanel for a few days. I need Chance to come with me to handle some business. Here go some money for you to call out for a few days and still be set.”

“Nas, I can’t take any illegal money from you.”

“Miss me with that shit. How you think I was gettin’ money while in prison? This bread has been cleaned, so ya good. Can you do this favor for me or not?”

“Even if you didn’t give me any money, I would do it. Chanel is always welcomed here and she’s no burden. I got her.”

“Thank you, Baby Mama. Now give me kiss it’s gonna be a few days ‘fore I see you again.”

“Now yo’ ass is really pushin’ it. Gone on, Nas. I gotta start my event since y’all were late.”

“Bet. If you need me don’t hesitate to call.”

“Aww, y’all actually listened,” Yas interrupted. “Nas gone head and get yo’ beggin’ ass cousin away from here. We got shit to do.”

Nas sized me up one last time before leaving out. My heart rate began slowing down as it went back to normal speed. No matter how hard I tried I could barely hold myself together when he was around. If we were alone a little longer, I would’ve forgotten all about Yas’ demand. Thoughts of us fucking flooded my mind as I nibbled softly on my bottom lip.

“Yep, you over there thinkin’ ‘bout fuckin’ that man,” Yas implied as she noticed my demeanor.

“Ain’t nobody thinkin’ ‘bout Nas ass,” I lied.

“I know that’s a lie. I see he gave you some money.”

“Yeah, he needs me to keep Chanel for a few days which isn’t the problem.”

“Wait, what else the problem?”

“He wants me to call out for the days that I do it but didn’t even tell me how many day it would be.”

“Oh, he’s real life tryin’ to boss yo’ life up. In so many ways that man is tellin’ you to quit ya job. Hell, I’d suggest doin’ that before they fire you.”

“Yas, I cannot quit my job because Nas got out. I never expected him to go in, so I can’t depend on that, especially if he is back in the streets again. I’ve actually got a lot of vacation time I could use, so I’ll be able to be off and still be paid.”

“I feel where you comin’ from, sis. You ain’t wrong for makin’ sure that you and Nyla good regardless.”

“Right! Now, you were out there with Chance for a lil’ minute. You finally givin’ him the time of day?”

“Girl, hell no!”

“Why you do him like that? He be showin’ interest in you, and you got a great relationship with Chanel.”