Youngin' Blues: The Story of Reed and RaKeem (6 page)

“Stop it, Reed.” RaKeem shook his head, removing his hands, and spinning Reed around in his direction. “I know that the things that he does aren’t pleasing, and are much like punches to your gut. Trust me on this one, though. He’s going to cause himself a world of trouble. Leslie is continuously digging a deeper hole for himself. Soon, he’ll be out of our hair. He’s to stubborn to listen. People like that have limited time as free people, or living people. It’s either or. For now, he’s our client. Our clients, we always have their best interest at heart. So, even though you don’t like what he’s doing… Just do your job. Let your man handle the rest. Shit, I don’t even get you this vexed.” Keem joked to lighten the situation.

Just like he knew he would, he got a slight smile from Reed. “You’d better not! Just like I’m ready to do Leslie, I’ll drop you in a hot second.” She assured him, and he knew that she meant it.

“We locked in for life, Reed. Ain’t no quitting me.” RaKeem joked. “You’re stuck.”

“Whatever. Where are we headed?” Reed finally asked. They’d been driving for quite a while.

“I need to go holler at Meek.” Keem admitted.

“Good, I need to see Bella. I miss my Baylee Reign.” Reed puckered her lips up. Keem only could shake his head. They weren’t going near neither Bella or Baylee.

“We aren’t meeting them at the house. You’ll have to see them another time.” He broke her face.

“What?” She folded her arms over her chest. “Then why are we meeting Meek?”

“He has something for me to look into.” RaKeem shrugged.

“Both of y’all are full of it.”

“Whatever,” Keem mushed Reed’s head –causing her to lean over sideways.

Reed hadn’t seen much of Bella, her previous guardian. As a child, Reed had a stint in a group home, a place she hated with a passion. After her mother’s husband was caught attempting to penetrate her virgin vagina, her big brother Roc killed him. Their mother testified against her very own son in court, trying her hardest to paint him as a horrible murderer, which he wasn’t. He did what any real man would’ve done, and acted upon impulse. Roc was sent away to jail, and their mother gave up her rights to Reed. She had no one to take her in, so she was sent to a group home. Luckily, her brother’s girlfriend, Kelly and her sister Bella, had hearts. They came to her rescue, taking her under their wings. She was forever grateful for their leniency.

“Stop. You could’ve left me at the school until you handled your business.”

“Why? I would’ve had to come all the way back out just to pick you up. Quit pouting, I’ll tell him to hit me up on the office line when I get to the house. It ain’t nothing major.” Keem shook his head. Reed was as spoiled as they came, and he only had himself to blame.

“No, handle your business. Don’t let me stop you.”

“I never have. I just don’t feel like seeing you pout for the rest of the night.” Keem told her. “We have things to do, and sitting around with your lips poked out won’t get them done.”

“My lips aren’t poked out.” Reed chuckled.

“They were just a minute ago.”

“Well, they aren’t now. Quit bringing up the past.” Reed waved Keem off.

He snatched her hand in mid air, brought it down to his lips, and kissed the back of it. Reed smiled, warming RaKeem all over. She’d never fully grasp the effects that she had on him. She made even his darkest days feel better. Just her presence kept him focused and in grind mode. He felt as if they were a powerful combination, unstoppable even. With one another, they had the knowledge of an entire team. A force to be reckoned with, everyone knew that they were the best chance at whatever it was they needed done.

“What do your heart desire for dinner?” he questioned, picking her brain. Reed was a very healthy eater. She prided herself of eating clean and staying healthy.

“Lobster and asparagus.” She hummed, thinking of how tasty the combination would be. She didn’t eat meat, other than seafood. She hated the filth that was pumped into the animals that the meat came from. She’d much rather take her chances with the natural creatures of the sea versus farm grown, altered animals.

“Lobster it is.” Keem placed her hand on his lap, grabbed his cell phone and punched a few buttons. He’d texted Meek and let him know of the sudden change of plans, and he was sure to make the right moves so that Reed would have the dinner she desired. Turning his attention back towards Reed, he smiled before placing the phone back in it’s rightful spot.

Just as Reed’s existence was centered around Keem’s, his was the same case. It wasn’t much that they didn’t do together. You rarely saw one without the other. As a team, they were splendid. Both, well aware of the worth of their counterpart. It was the main reason they cherished one another so much. What they had was rare, and it was lovely.

Twenty minutes later, the custom wheels on the Phantom winded the twirling driveway of RaKeem’s home. The $9.8 million estate was dressed with beautiful greenery, a small lake, two horses, a huge outdoor projector and theatre, a golf course, and a hell of a guest house. The indoor pool wrapped around half of the very first floor. RaKeem had allowed both Reed and Raven to assist in coordination and decoration of his home. He hadn’t had the slightest clue on what to place in the huge spaces that served as rooms. With a total of ten of them, he was sure to turn gray before he figured out what was to go where. Luckily, his mother and girlfriend came to his rescue.

“After you,” Keem spread his arm, advising Reed to lead the way.

Pulling out her keys to his home, she prepared to open the door. However, it swung open before she could stick it into the pad. Rosa was quick on her toes. When she was around, Reed rarely had to lift a finger. She served as the cook and housekeeper, and took her position very seriously.

“Hola!” she yelled, happy to see Reed.

“Hey, Rosa.” Reed reached in and hugged Rosa’s neck.

“Come. I prepare dinner for you.” Rosa encouraged Reed to follow her into the kitchen. She’d began preparing exactly what Reed had requested. Just a few minutes ago, she’d just made it back from the market with fresh lobster.

“It smells good in here, Rosa.” Reed allowed the smell to invade her nostrils.

Looking around the state of the art kitchen, she realized that Rosa was making a mess. Reed chuckled, thinking about how the space would be spotless when the time came. She didn’t understand how Rosa did it, but something gave every time.

“One hour. Dinner will be ready.” Rosa assure Reed. “Go, I will call when ready.” Rosa had just invited Reed inside, and now she was putting her out.

“Okay.” Reed nodded, and headed up the stairs.

Standing inside of the custom built study, RaKeem adjusted the tie around his neck as he listened intently to the caller on the other end of his line. Observing the space around him, he searched, desperately, for his stress relievers. The two weirdly shaped instruments fit in the palms of his hands, and allowed him to release the tension that motherfuckers loved pumping him with.

“Yeah.” He acknowledged the fact that he was still listening to the bullshit that was spewing. “Okay.”

He pulled the top draw from the mahogany colored desk. Nothing. Sighing, he leaned to the right and opened the draw just across from that one, but nothing was there either. “Fuck.” He cursed under his breath.

Standing up, big and tall, he placed his right hand on his right hip, and pondered. He was trying his hardest to figure out where he’d last had his instruments. He only discussed business in his office, so they had to be near. Just as he went to call out to Reed, he felt a vibration in his pocket.

At the same time, he heard Reed’s steps nearing his office. Within a moment’s time, sweat beads had formed across Keem’s forehead. He wondered how close Reed was, and if he had time to power off his second cell and store it without being detected. Taking the risk, he whipped his cell out, checked the caller, and pressed the side button to power it down. Just as he’d thought, Danity was calling. For obvious reasons, Keem tried separating his secret affairs from his open one.

Aside from his personal and business cells, Keem carried around a secret cell. It was the only cell that any woman he’d encountered, other than Reed and his family, had access to. He’d had the damn thing for years. He rarely carried it around, not wanting to take the chance of getting himself into a world of trouble. The previous night, he’d needed it in order to give Danity a heads up about his plans for the night. The plan was for her to be waiting up, but that wasn’t the case. She’d fallen asleep on him, anyway.

Leaning back down, Keem pulled out the second desk draw to the right and lifted the small piece of would that lead to his hiding spot. He tossed the phone inside, and slammed the drawer just as Reed pushed the door open to his study.

“It says knock first.” Keem mouthed, chuckling. Reed didn’t follow rules well. His rules, at least.

Humping her shoulders, she removed her shoes and laid on the couch that was adjacent to his desk. Reed stared on as Keem babbled at the mouth, venom in his words. Obviously, someone had encountered a problem that they’d been forewarned about. Keem was upset because they hadn’t handled it the way he’d advised them to.

“Listen, if you want to do this shit your way, then what the fuck do you need me for. Instead of backing down, that was your chance to man up. I can’t be the man that you need to be. These clowns will run circles around you if you allow it. I’m setting up another meeting, and this time you go in demanding respect. No one leaves until you’re completely satisfied with the outcome. Aight?” RaKeem spoke clearly, wanting to be sure that he was understood. “Besides, where are all of those goons you told me you had when you need them?” he asked, not waiting for a reply. “Round their asses up, because it’s show time.”

He ended the call, blowing out a heavy gush of air. He’d never understand for the life of him why people paid millions of dollars each year to be consulted, only to disregard what was being set forth for them. Most of RaKeem’s clients only returned when new problems arose. Those, he rarely spoke with.

However, he had about ten men on his roaster that literally needed him to take them by the hand and walk them through each and every problem that they encountered. It seemed as if they were incapable of running a successful business. Keem couldn’t help but to wonder how they’d made it as far as they had.

He turned his attention back towards Reed, only to see her maneuvering his stress relievers from hand to hand. RaKeem smiled. She knew exactly what he needed. Not even bothering to question where she’d retrieved them from, he held his hands out, and she threw them his way. Catching them midair, he winked and blew a kiss in the air. Reed captured it, and snuggled it close to her heart.

5

KinZu woke to the rising of the sun. She opened her eyes, but laid still in the bed. Rubbing the space next to her, she was happy to come into contact with Jonathan’s abdomen. He was still asleep, with his breathing under total control. He didn’t budge, even when KinZu lifted up and propped her head up on her arm.

For what seemed like forever, she stared at the handsome young man before her. As perfect as he looked, he was graciously flawed. KinZu kept her eyes trained on his closed lids as she wondered if he’d ever get it right. Time was of the essence, and their clock was ticking. It was only so much that she could withstand, before she reached a breaking point. By the time he’d realized his mistakes, she prayed that it wasn’t too late for them.

“Are you going to stare at me all morning long?” Jonathan smiled, with his eyes still closed.

“If you don’t mind.” KinZu joked. “How did yo know, anyway?”

“I could feel you in my sleep.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, and that shit doesn’t feel too good –being watched in your sleep.”

“Hush up, boy!”

“For real. What you got planned for the day?” Jonathan asked.

“Nothing. It’s Saturday, so there isn’t much that I plan on doing. You?”

“I plan on spending the day with my special lady.”

KinZu sat up, completely. She knew that Jonathan could only mean one person, and that was her. of course he could’ve meant someone like his mother, but she was way down south. There was no way that he was referring to her.

“Me?” KinZu questioned.

“Of course you.” He smiled. Pulling her down on his chest, he kissed her forehead. “Who else would I be talking to?”

Times such as the one that she was basking in were the ones that KinZu focused on the most. It was moments like the present that kept KinZu holding on to faith. She was certain that Jonathan could be a great person, even if it took him a couple of tries. She was banking on his growth, and praying that he corrected his ways before things got too far. As understanding as KinZu was, once she was done that was it.

“I’m excited. What are we going to do?” KinZu asked, rubbing the engraved lines on Jonathan’s stomach. He was rocking a solid 8-pack.

“I was thinking dinner. Maybe even a movie.” He added.

Knowing that he’d fucked over her the previous night, Jonathan wanted to make it a priority to do a bit of ass kissing. It didn’t bother him a bit to butter KinZu up, because he had plans later that night. In order to get her squared away, it would require just a bit of his dick, attention and time. KinZu was a simple girl, she didn’t want for much.

“Sounds like a plan.”

“You getting dressed at my place or yours?” he asked. “I have a few errands to run, and then we can get the day started.”

“You’re not going to stand me up are you?” KinZu asked.

“Why would I do that, Kin?”

“Just asking.” She smiled, happy about the plans that they’d made. “What time should I be dressed? I think that I am going to get ready at my place.” KinZu had no other choice. It took her forever to piece together the perfect ensemble. She needed to dig through Reed’s clothing to find something suitable.

“I’ll be there around six.”

“Okay. Six it is.” KinZu laid back down. Neither were ready to start their day just yet. Jonathan rubbed the crown o KinZu’s head, putting her back to sleep within minutes.

The breaking of dawn had commenced. The smell of whispering winds captured RaKeem’s nose as he treaded through his front yard, in route to his car. He and Reed was to be boarded and landing in New York within the next hour. A very light sleeper, he was able to catch his alarm just before it could wake his sleeping beauty. Reed was sprawled out across his chest as they slept the night away in his king sized custom platform bed.

Still in her pajamas, RaKeem lifted a sleeping Reed and carried her to the car. Now inside, she rested on his lap, still sleeping. During the weeks, she worked relentlessly. Keem nearly felt sorry for her on the weekends. It was the main reason that he allowed her to sleep so late. Hopefully, she’d continue to rest well into the morning. Their meeting with Dade was in an hour, but she was free to remain in her current state, knocked the hell out.

Her presence wasn’t required, but it would be appreciated. Closing the door behind him, RaKeem instructed for his driver to pull off. Rosa was left behind at their house, and she was sure to take good care of it. Two days max, and they’d be back in time for Reed’s first class on Monday morning.

Just as RaKeem had hopped, Reed remained in a deep slumber until the plane landed on the strip. She began to stir once she heard the whaling winds howling. There were two other jets preparing for take off. Lifting her body from the bed that she occupied, Reed opened her eyes to see RaKeem sitting directly across from her.

She smiled, noticing that he’d been keeping a watchful eye on her as she slept. He was always doing that. “Morning.” Reed greeted.

“Morning sleepy head.” He twirled the toothpick inside of his mouth, admiring Reed’s hard nipples through her silk pajama top.

Following his eyes, Reed landed on her hard round nipples. She realized she was still in her pajamas and hissed. “RaKeem, why’d you bring me out of the house in my pjs.” She questioned.

“Shit, what’s the harm in pjs on the PJ?” he joked. “Nobody saw you. We’ll be home in no time.”

“Still, you could’ve made sure that I was decent.” Reed rolled her eyes.

“You’re decent enough.”

“Where are we?” Reed asked, unaware that RaKeem had scheduled a meeting with Dade. At any given moment, she was being whisked away to another city, or country for the matter. Keem was very spontaneous, with his dealings and in their relationship.

“New York.” The base in his voice caused a tingling sensation down between Reed’s thighs.

“Why?”

“Dade is on the schedule this morning. I need to holler at him.”

“About Leslie? So soon?” Reed was confused.

“No. He may not even be seeing Leslie. No one else for that matter. He claims that he’s trying to wrap things up on his end.”

RaKeem had to admit that he was shocked to hear the words coming from Dade. He was ready to throw in the towel, and he wanted to do it the right way. He’d supplied the north with bundles of the best shit for years. His father was the man. Now, Dade was ready to get his hand knee deep into some legal money. First, he needed to wash up his illegal affairs and funds. Keem’s job was to turn his dirty money clean.

“Wow. Really?” Reed’s eyes were as big as saucers as she listened on.

“Yeah. Said he’s ready to walk. Everything is changing on the front end. Loyalty is nonexistent, and these cats are going to the end of the earths to make sure you’re starving.”

“He’s not lying about that. Things are so jumbled out here, now.” Reed stood and stretched. “Are you ready to go?”

“I’d made myself comfortable. You seemed to be sleeping good. I was prepared to call Dade and have him to meet me in the front cabin.”

“You’re so sweet, love. However, I’m up.”

“Aight. Let’s get up out of here, then.” Keem stood, nearly bashing his head into the roof of the plane.

“Careful, RaKeem.” Reed preached.

“I’ve got this. Come on.” He grabbed Reed and pushed her in front of him. “Make sure you brush your teeth when we get to where we’re going.” He cracked, causing Reed to burst out into laughter. She grabbed her purse and cell from the table as they neared the door. Digging into her handbag, she pulled out a piece of green gum and popped it into her mouth.

“That’s not going to replace the paste.”

“Be quiet. I never said it was. It’ll due for now. Get off of my case, Keem.” Reed reached behind her and popped him on the chest. “Bully. Always starting mess.” She chuckled.

Hard wood flooring, two sets of stairs, four bedrooms, a home gym, and two separate living rooms occupied the condo that RaKeem and Reed called home when in New York. It was a bit steep, in pricing, but it was worth every dime.

Ducked off into the more upscale area of Manhattan, they were close to the main attractions. Reed didn’t give a damn a bout much more than shopping, and she was near the stores. Keem, on the other hand just loved the city. Dade had advised him on getting a spot in the outskirts, but he’d already done that back home. If he was stashing in New York, the city was his only option.

Reed unlocked the door, and pushed into the spacious living space. Twirling around, she made sure that everything was just as she’d left it. As expected, it was. The fresh scent of Lemon hugged her nostrils, causing a smile to draw itself on to her face. Hurrying to the window, she pressed the digital pad on the side once and the blinds that were between two thick clear windows opened. Reed hit it once more, and they disappeared into the top. Looking down, she admired the hustle of the city. Everyone was walking, minding their very own business. New York was always exciting to Reed.

Turning her attention back into the space that she now occupied, she made her way to the kitchen. Staring through the clear fridge, she decided that she’d grab herself a bottled water and a pack of cheese sticks.

“Water and cheese sticks.” She demanded, pressing the blue button on the handle of the fridge. The robotic arms on the inside began to move, causing a ruckus. Seconds later, the glass door slid back and Reed was handed exactly what she’d requested.

Satisfied, she headed to the master suite. She could use another hour or two of sleep, but she didn’t want to miss any of the meeting that was soon to take place. Walking into their bedroom, Reed headed for her closet. She needed to get out of her pajamas as soon as possible.

Scanning her selection of jeans, she chose a pair of Gucci’s. For a shirt, she went with a simple white H&M long sleeve button down. As for the shoes, she went with a pair of designer red single sole pumps. They could bring the beauty out of the simplest choice of outfit. Nodding at her selection, Reed moved along to the bathroom. Keem was in the mirror being his normal light skinned self, while Reed prepared to handle her hygiene.

She gathered her toothpaste and other goods and sat them all by the sink. Remembering that it was probably a good time to change her sanitary napkin, Reed rushed to the portion of the bathroom that was reserved for the business she needed to handle. Once inside, she pulled the small door back.

Reed handled what was needed, and made her way back to the open area of the bathroom. Her water and cheese were both gone. Rolling her eyes, she realized that Keem must’ve thrown them away. He had a thing about bringing food into the bathroom. Reed didn’t understand what there was to complain about, because she hadn’t brought either near the toilet. They were simply on the sink.

Shrugging, she turned on the water and got down to business. Nearly an hour later, she was emerging from the bedroom, looking as spicy as they came. Following the deep baritones, she landed in the living room. Both men turned their attention towards her as she claimed the seat just next to Keem.

“Good morning,” Dade greeted Reed.

His thick goatee was complimentary to his dark caramel complexion. Dade was the definition of a well-groomed, impressive, wholesome man. He was wise beyond his years, and the calmest that Reed had ever seen. Even in the heat of the moment, he remained poised. He was one of the few that was hard at hearing. Reed couldn’t stand him most of the time, but he was a realist. That was what she liked about him the most. A real standup guy, his demeanor was attractive.

“Morning Dade.” Reed nodded. “Out early.” She noted.

“Early bird gets... I’m sure you’ve heard the statement. I won’t bore you with it.”

“I have. I have heard it.” Reed acknowledged. “Keem expressed your departure. Couldn’t say that I’m sad to see you go, because I’d be lying. In my opinion, your timing is perfect.”

“Yeah. That’s commendable… You know, your blessing.” He chuckled, sarcastically.

“Just making an observation.” Reed shrugged.

“A damn good one.” He took a swig from his drink.

Much like Keem, Dade was a very confident man. Full of himself, let Reed tell it. It was a wonder why they got along so well. The two arrogant men would bounce thoughts from one another, creating genius strategies and unwavering plans. For hours they’d discuss politics, gang wars, issues of the hood, and police brutality.

“So how soon?”

“As soon as possible.”

“Have your clients been notified of this drastic change?”

“That’s the thing. Still debating if it’s best to do so or not.”

“Make it known.” Reed said with finality.

“Why?” Dade countered.

“Your hands will be washed. Any radical decisions that they make while no longer under your ruling won’t fall back on you. If you’re exiting, you don’t need anything tying you to that life –even if it’s only a simple thought from others that you’re still involved.” Reed explained. “Cut yourself out of the picture completely. Not halfway. Not a little more than half.”