A Gangsta Twist Saga (13 page)

Sacha smiled when she opened her eyes the next morning. She smiled because she saw Precious and Heaven sitting by the door, alert and aware of their surroundings
. Taz didn't play around when it came to his safety,
she thought as she climbed out of his bed.

She went into the restroom and turned on the shower. While she was showering, she was trying to figure out a way to ask Taz to accompany her to the firm's Christmas party next week. She loved him so much, and she wanted her coworkers to meet him. Shit, she wanted the world to know about her and Taz!
But damn, Taz's platinum grille and all of the flossy diamonds he wore are just a bit much,
she thought as she lathered herself with a scented bar of Taz's soap. She made up her mind by the time she finished her shower. Taz was her man, and the grille and the diamonds were a part of him. “I love everything about that man, so who gives a fuck what my coworkers will think?” she said aloud as she wrapped herself in one of Taz's big fluffy, towels.

When she stepped back into the bedroom, Taz was still sleeping soundly. She smiled as she dropped the towel and climbed back in bed with him. She shook him lightly and said, “Taz, wake up, baby.”

Taz had been awake ever since she first climbed out of his bed. He was so content with her being in his bed that it didn't make any sense. He opened his eyes, smiled, and said, “Good morning, sexy. How long you been up?” He played with a few strands of her wet hair.

“About twenty minutes. I just finished taking a quick shower.”

“I can tell. Your hair is still wet.”

“Baby, I need to ask a favor of you, okay?”

As he sat up in the bed, he asked, “What's up, Li'l Mama?”

“Well, next week the firm is having our annual Christmas party, and I'd really like for you to come with me. You see, the partners are going to announce my partnership, and I . . . well . . . It would mean a lot to me if you were there with me.”

Smiling, Taz said, “I don't have a problem with that. When is it exactly, so I can make sure that I'm free?”

“Next Friday. It's going to be a real dressy-dressy type of an affair.”

With a raised eyebrow he asked, “What's dressy-dressy mean, Li'l Mama?”

“You know, suit and tie stuff. You can do a suit and a tie, can't you?”

Taz smiled and said, “Yeah, I can clean up when I want to. Don't worry, Li'l Mama. I'll make sure we leave your peers with a positive impression.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Look, I know you were nervous about asking me to join you next week. It's written all over your face. And then you're probably worried about what your peers are going to think of you bringing a guy like myself to your party. But don't trip, Li'l Mama. Like I told you before, I'd never do anything to jeopardize your career. And I meant that. In fact, you'll be surprised at exactly how much I mean it.”

“What's that supposed to mean, mister?” she asked, relieved that he wasn't offended.

“You'll see. Now, let me get up. The homies should be arriving any minute for our workout.”

“Y'all work out on the weekends too?”

“Not really. Today is our running day. We're going to go run a few miles. Then we'll come back and chill out. Do you have any plans for the day?”

“Not really. I was going to call Gwen and see if she wanted to get into anything.”

“That's cool. After I run, I was going to go check on a few of my rental houses. Then the rest of the day I was hoping we could chill out.”

“That's fine with me.”

“Have I told you that I loved you this morning?”

With a mock pout on her face, she said, “No, you haven't, Taz.”

Smiling, he said, “Damn, I love it when you stick that bottom lip out like that! Come here, baby!” They shared a deep kiss for a full minute. Taz pulled away from her face and said, “I love you, Li'l Mama.”

“I love you, too, baby,” she said, and they started kissing each other again.

 

 

Bo-Pete and Wild Bill pulled up to Taz's home, followed by Keno. Just as they were getting out of their trucks, Red, Bob, and Gwen pulled into the driveway.

“What the fuck is this?” asked Keno when he saw Gwen getting out of Red's Tahoe, followed by Bob.

Bob smiled and said, “What up, niggas? Y'all ready to get y'all's run on this morning?”

Wild Bill smiled and said, “Nigga, we might not be doing no damn running after Taz sees that you've brought a fuckin' guest.”

“Shut the fuck up, li'l man! I just got off of the phone with him. He knows I brought my baby with me. She's hooking up with Sacha.”

“Is that right? So, Sacha's inside, huh?” asked Keno.

“Yep. So I guess you guys better get used to us being around, 'cause we're going to be here awhile. Ain't that right, babe?” asked Gwen.

Smiling from ear to ear, Bob answered, “You damn skippy!”

“Damn, she must have really put that thang on that nigga!” said Bo-Pete with a smile on his face. They all were laughing as they went inside of Taz's home.

Taz, who had opened the door for them, asked, “What's so damn funny, clowns? What's up, Gwen? I see my nigga has made a good impression.”

“Yes, indeed. Where's my girl Taz?” she asked as she looked around his spacious home.

“Here I am, girl. Come on up here so they can go on and get their run on. Baby, I'm going to take Gwen home. Then, after I change, I'll be back, okay?”

“Yeah, that's cool. Do you want to take the truck or what?” asked Taz.

Smiling mischievously, she said, “I'd rather take the Benz.”

Taz laughed loudly and said, “Well, take it then. The keys are on the dresser, next to my jewelry.” Turning toward his homies, he said, “All right, clowns, let's go do this.”

Gwen gave Bob a kiss and said, “Give me a call after you're finished, lover. You know we gots some more work to put in later on.”

“Without a doubt, baby girl,” said Bob. They quickly shared a kiss.

The rest of the crew was laughing and clowning with Bob as they went back outside.

Sacha led Gwen upstairs to the bedroom and showed her around a little. “Damn, this nigga is living large! Look at the size of this place!” yelled Gwen.

“What's up with Bob? How's his place look?” asked Sacha as she sat down on the bed.

“It's real nice, bitch. Real nice. But it's nothing as fancy as this. Bob's more laid back, but you can tell he's got plenty of loot. He has expensive black paintings all around the place. And the bed! Bitch, the bed is the biggest bed I've ever seen!”

“You mean it's bigger than this one?” Sacha asked as she patted Taz's bed. “This is a California king-sized bed. This is, I think, the biggest they come.”

“Nah, bitch, that there bed is small compared to my babe's. I'm telling you, bitch, when I say huge, I mean huge!”

“What! Come on, let's go downstairs so I can show you the rest of the house.”

Gwen followed Sacha as she gave her the same tour of the house that Taz had given her the night before. By the time they made it to the gym, Gwen was completely speechless.

Sacha was smiling, because during the entire time she was showing Gwen around the house, Gwen hadn't noticed once that they were being followed by Heaven and Precious. Hell, the only reason why she knew it was because she'd spotted them coming out of the bathroom as they left the bedroom to go downstairs.
Damn, they're good!
she thought as she led Gwen toward the pool and Jacuzzi. “You like, ho?”

“I like! I like, bitch! Taz is the fucking man!”

They both started laughing. “Before we leave, I have to show you something. Now please, whatever you do, don't freak the fuck out on me, okay?”

“What are you talking 'bout, bitch?”

“Just relax, and watch.” Sacha turned toward the gym, where she had watched Heaven and Precious enter after they had made it to the pool, and said, “Heaven and Precious, come and meet my friend Gwen.”

Gwen's eyes damn near popped out of their sockets when she saw Heaven and Precious come trotting out of the gym. Once they were at her side, she stood frozen and scared shitless.

Sacha saw how nervous she was and laughed. “Girl, go on and pet them. They won't hurt you.”

Gwen rubbed and softly petted the deadly Dobermans on top of their heads and watched, horrified, as they began to rub their wet noses on her hands. “O-okay, Sacha! Tell them to go bye-bye now, okay?”

Sacha smiled and said, “Protect us, Heaven. Protect us, Precious.” Both of the Dobermans' ears rose at Sacha's command as they turned and trotted out of the room.

“Bitch, I done seen it all!”

They both laughed as they left and went back upstairs.

It was the night of Sacha's firm's Christmas party, and Taz was late. She couldn't believe that he would do this to her! Sacha was a nervous wreck as she paced back and forth in her living room. Here she was, dressed to fucking kill in a tight, formfitting Versace dress and matching Versace pumps, and Taz was fucking late! “I'm gon' kill him! I swear God, I'm going to kill him!” she screamed as she stormed back into her bedroom.

Just as she was coming back into the living room, there was a knock at her door. All of Sacha's anger evaporated when she opened the front door and saw Taz standing in front of her, looking like dapper don himself. He was dressed elegantly in a tailor-made Armani suit and black alligator shoes. The silk peach shirt and peach tie complemented his black suit perfectly. But what shocked her the most was his smile. When he smiled, she damn near felt faint. His diamond and platinum grille had been replaced with one of the most beautiful smiles she had ever seen. His white teeth seemed to sparkle, they were so bright.

“Damn, Li'l Mama! Are you going to let me in, or are you just going to stare at me all damn evening? We do have a party to attend, don't we?” he asked with that gorgeous smile of his.

“Baby, when you said you cleaned up good, you weren't lying!”

“I guess I should take that as a compliment, then, huh?”

Nodding her head yes, she said, “Yes, you should. Let me go get my purse. Then we can go, okay?”

“All right. I'll be outside in the car. I brought the Azure, or would you have preferred the Six?”

Smiling brightly, she said, “You know I would've preferred the Six, but the Azure is cool too. Ain't nothing wrong with pulling up somewhere in a Bentley.”

Taz laughed and said, “Go on and get your stuff. I'll be in the car.”

Once Sacha came and got inside of the car, Taz asked her, “Didn't you tell me that that clown nigga who was gettin' at you also worked at the same firm as you?”

“Shit! He does! Baby, I didn't even think about that. Please don't let Cliff ruin this evening for me. If he says anything, just ignore him, okay?”

“I can't make any promises, Li'l Mama. But as long as that fool stays out of arms reach of me, he won't get the shit smacked out of his soft-ass. That's about the best I can do for you.”

Smiling, she said, “Fair enough.”

Taz pulled the Bentley Azure in front of the valet parking at the Westin Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City. One of the young valets came and opened the door for the both of them. Taz stepped quickly around the car, and they entered the hotel with their arms linked together.

Sacha had a huge smile on her face as they entered the ballroom. Here she was, about to officially become a partner. All of her dedication and hard work had finally paid off. To make everything even sweeter, she had her man, Taz, by her side. This was definitely going to be a night to remember. She led Taz toward a table that she saw was reserved for them. After they were seated, she said, “Thank you for coming with me tonight, baby. This really means a lot to me.”

“Don't trip, Li'l Mama. Tonight's your night to shine. I'm just glad that you have let me be a part of it.”

Before he continued, a tall, immaculately dressed brother came to their table and said, “Mr. Good? How are you doing, sir?”

Taz looked up from his seat, smiled, and said, “Edward! How are you?” He stood, and they both shook hands. “I'm sure you know Sacha here.”

“Oh, yes, she's one of the most talked about people at the firm nowadays. Good evening, Sacha.”

“Hello, Edward,” Sacha said as she glanced at Taz with a puzzled look on her face.

Edward noticed the look and said, “Don't tell me that Sacha doesn't know that you're one of the firm's most prized clients, Mr. Good.”

Taz laughed and said, “Come on, Edward. I wouldn't go so far as to say one of the most prized clients.”

“I don't see why not. Hell, I make a nice chunk maintaining all of your finances, Mr. Good. And I'm quite sure when Mr. Whitney and old man Johnson find out that you're here with Sacha, they'll be delighted.” They all laughed. “Well, I'll leave you two now. I saw you when you two came in and thought I'd come say hello. Oh, congratulations on your partnership, Sacha. You deserve it.”

“Thank you, Edward. Don't worry. Your turn is coming.”

Smiling, he said, “I sure hope so. See you guys later.”

After Edward had left their table, Sacha smiled at Taz and said, “One of Whitney & Johnson's most prized clients? Humph! I should have known. You are just too damn slick, Mister Taz!”

Taz started laughing and said, “Baby, it's a small town we live in. How was I to know that you worked for the law firm that I let handle most of my business? Are you mad at me, Li'l Mama?”

“No, I'm not mad. I just wish you would have told me. Taz, you make me sick sometimes, with all of your little secrets!”

“Secrets? Uh-uh. Remember what I told you about my business?”

“Uh-huh. If you tell me all of your business, you won't have any business at all. Bullshit!”

They both started laughing as a waiter approached them and asked them if they would like anything to drink. Taz ordered an XO for himself and an apple martini for Sacha.

While they were waiting for their drinks, several attorneys from Whitney & Johnson came over to their table and spoke to both Sacha and Taz. Sacha was shocked to learn that the firm she worked for handled all of Taz's business affairs, everything from the trust fund he had set up for Tazneema to his will. But what shocked her most was when Mr. Whitney and Mr. Johnson came over to their table and told them that they were extremely happy to see that they were an item.
My man is not only richer than I could have ever imagined, he's completely legal! Thank you, Lord!
she thought to herself as she accepted her drink from the waiter.

Taz was sipping his drink when he almost spit it all over Sacha's expensive dress. He set his glass on the table, wiped his mouth, smiled, and said, “Well, I'll be damn! Why didn't you tell me they were coming, Li'l Mama?”

Sacha smiled and said, “Bob made me promise not to. He wanted to surprise you.” They both watched as Bob led Gwen toward their table.

“What's up, my brother? How are you this evening?” asked Bob, who was dressed just as clean as Taz was in a brown, tailor-made suit by Christian Dior. His Italian loafers completed the elegant but casual look he was sporting. Gwen was looking gorgeous herself, in a tan dress with her hair hanging past her shoulders.

Taz couldn't front. They were looking real good this evening. After they were seated, Taz said, “So, I see she's a keeper, huh?”

“Yeah, my nigga, she's here to stay,” Bob replied confidently.

Sacha couldn't believe her eyes. Her girl Gwen was actually blushing.
Shit, I haven't seen her act like this since William,
she thought to herself as she continued to stare at her best friend. She smiled and then said, “You know what? This has turned out to be even better than I hoped it would be. My girl's all in love, and I'm in love. Shit, that's a wonderful thing!”

“Hold up, Sacha. Where is all of this all in ‘love' shit coming from? I'm just loving your girl's sex game, that's all,” Bob said with a serious expression on his face.

Sacha's face fell flat when she heard this. She turned toward Gwen to see what her reaction to that statement was going to be. Gwen smiled and said, “Bitch, don't pay that nigga no mind. He's just as gone for me as I am for his black sexy-ass!”

They all started laughing as Bob smiled and winked his eye at Sacha. “Gotcha!” he said.

Nodding her head, she said, “Yeah, you did, and I will get you back for that one, Bob!”

The evening was going smoothly, and they were having a real nice time chitchatting back and forth with each other.

After dinner was served, Mr. Whitney and Mr. Johnson announced to everyone that Sacha was now a partner of the firm. She received a standing ovation from all of her peers, as well as their family members who had joined them tonight
. It feels really good to finally be appreciated,
she thought as she stood and waved her hands to everyone in thanks.
This night just couldn't be more perfect,
she thought as she sat back down.

Taz was so proud of his girl that he just wanted to grab her and hug her tight. But he knew that was just a little too much emotion for him to be showing out in public. Since he had been kicking it with Sacha, she brought out feelings inside of him that he'd completely forgotten about. It felt so good to be able to love again. But he knew that he had to be careful. He wasn't going to let this love end like his last love affair. He'd die before he let that happen to him again.

Just as it seemed the night was coming to an end, Clifford made his appearance inside of the ballroom, accompanied by Cory. They made an excellent-looking couple. Cory was looking good, dressed in a gown by Donna Karan, and Clifford was dressed neatly in a suit by Sean Jean. When Clifford saw Sacha, he went directly to her table and said, “Congratulations, Sacha.”

Sacha smiled nervously and said, “Thank you, Cliff.”

Clifford smiled at Taz and said, “So, the thug can clean up. How nice.” Before Taz could move an inch, Clifford said, “I hope you all have a wonderful evening.” Then he quickly stepped toward Mr. Whitney's table.

“That was close, Li'l Mama . . . real close,” Taz said seriously. Sacha smiled and said, “He didn't come within arms reach, baby.”

“As long as he doesn't, then we're good.”

“What are y'all talkin' 'bout?” asked Bob.

“Nothin', fool. Relax.”

“Are you good, homey?”

“Yeah, everything is everything. Don't trip, dog. Let's enjoy the rest of the evening.” And enjoy they did.

Taz had Sacha out on the dance floor, song after song, dancing and laughing as if they didn't have a care in the world. Bob was right alongside them with Gwen in his arms. Everything was wonderful until Clifford came out on the dance floor with Cory and got a little too close to Taz. Taz turned and saw that it was Clifford who had just bumped into them and said, “Li'l Mama, it looks like this clown wants to play, after all.”

“Come on baby, let's go. I'm getting kind of tired, anyway.”

“You sure?”

“Yes, I'm positive,” she said as she led Taz off of the dance floor. Gwen and Bob came to the table, and Sacha told them, “Thank you both for coming tonight. I really enjoyed your company. Me and my baby are about to—as he would say—shake this spot. Are you two good or what?”

“Oh, God, Taz! Do you hear how you got my girl talking? I think you've become a bad influence on her!” Gwen joked.

Smiling, Taz said, “Nah, if anything, she's became a bad influence on me. All she wants to do is go home so she can try to freak me crazy!”

“Taz! You know you need to quit that! But I am going to love you a long time tonight, mister!” Sacha said, and they all started laughing.

“Well, since y'all are about to bounce, I don't see no reason for us to still be here, baby. Let's shake this spot and go do the damn thing ourselves,” Bob said with a smile on his face.

“I'm with that, sexy. Tonight's the night I plan on doing some freaky things with the knot.”

“Is that right?”

“Yep!”

“What you got planned for the knot tonight, baby?”

“You'll see. Now come on, let's get outta here,” said Gwen.

“Don't let her take all of your energy, my nigga. We do have to get our run on in the morning,” Taz said with a laugh.

“Don't trip, gee. I gots this,” Bob replied as he followed Gwen out of the ballroom.

“Well, baby, why don't you go on and say your good-byes and stuff, and I'll ease on by the door and wait for ya.”

“Okay, baby. I'll be right there,” Sacha said. She went to go say good-bye to Mr. Whitney and Mr. Johnson.

Taz left the ballroom and stood outside in the lobby as he waited for Sacha to get finished. A few people who he knew at the firm walked past him and said goodnight. When he saw Clifford walk out of the ballroom, he said to himself, “If this clown-ass nigga tries me, it's on!”

Clifford was holding on to Cory's hand as they were leaving the ballroom. When he saw Taz standing in the lobby alone, he smiled and said to himself, “Now, let's see what you're really working with.” He turned toward Cory and said, “Cory, go on ahead and wait for me outside by the valet. I need to talk to someone real quick.”

“All right, baby, but don't take too long. I'm in the mood to get real freaky tonight.”

“Don't worry. I won't,” he replied, and he watched her walk away down the lobby. Once she was out of sight, he stepped toward Taz and said, “I think I remember telling you that I was going to see what you were working with whenever I got a chance at you without your boys around to protect your punk-ass.”

Taz smiled, took a quick look around, and said, “Well, it looks like tonight is the night you were referring to
.” Now, come a few inches closer, nigga. That's right. Step into arms reach, you bitch!
Taz thought to himself as he watched Clifford move into his arms reach.

Sacha saw Clifford and Taz talking, quickly said good-bye to one of her coworkers, and hurried over to Taz's side. Just as she made it there, she heard Clifford tell Taz that he wasn't worth ruining a good suit. But he would definitely have his chance at him again one day. That infuriated her. “Damnit, Cliff! Why won't you leave us the fuck alone? I'm telling you, I'm getting sick and tired of this shit! And if I have to, I swear, I'm going to file a complaint with both Mr. Whitney and Mr. Johnson!”

“Sacha, I'm just trying to stop you from making the worst mistake of your life. This guy is a fucking loser!” Clifford said as he poked his index finger into Taz's chest.