Southern Gossip: A Complicated Love Story (11 page)

“Yeah, it took him a minute to get over that.” Serenity stated.

“I know.” Jada sadly said. “You know I’m going out to celebrate. I don’t wanna think about this sad shit.”

“Well don’t. We’re not going to have any worries tonight about Seth and Flow or A’keem and Marlon. We’re gonna party like we used to back in the day. Forget what people think or say.” She said knowing that there would be heads turned to know that Jada Kent was back in town. “I’m celebrating my bestie’s homecoming party!”

“Hell yeah! I’m down with that.” Jada said as she turned up the rest of her Ciroc. Serenity smiled as she continued to drive almost nearing the
Lion’s Den.

***

Marlon stepped inside of his place of business with Jennifer following closely behind him. He stood in the entrance way, looking from one end of his domain to the other and smiled. It was only ten o’clock and the
Lion’s Den
already had a line waiting outside. He glimpsed the crowd thinking that only a few of those in line would make it in. The others would go home preparing to come earlier the next weekend.

He had a very relaxing place of business. People enjoyed the mellow feel of the lavishly laid out black and white décor, the live entertainment from the attractive exotic dancers, and the deliciously cooked appetizers prepared from the Gray Family’s very own recipe book. He smiled to himself knowing that it wasn’t any place else as hot as his spot on a weekend night in the city.

“Hey babe,” Jennifer said tapping him on the shoulder. “Go handle your business and I’m going to the bar to get a drink. I’ve had a long day.”

“Okay baby. I’m going to my office first and take care of a few things then I’ll be back out.”

“I’ll wait at the bar for you.” She said kissing him softly on the lips then walking off. She knew that the women were looking and whispering as soon as he showed his face in the entrance way, but she wanted every money hungry bitch in there to know that he was already taken.

Marlon stood for a moment longer checking out the VIP section that could seat up to forty people comfortably, but the seats weren’t filled yet. Only a few women were there already and he needed to find out if the rest of the VIP was on reserve and if not why wasn’t Jerome, the doorman, filling the seats.

An old school buddy tapped his shoulder as he walked by. “What’s up Marlon?”

“Aye, what’s up man,” he spoke with a quick dap continuing to pass the engaging crowd as they watched
Cinnamon
slide down the pole with her ass cheeks. He headed down the hallway leading him past the lady’s dressing room with a sign on the door that read,
Please Knock,
as he knocked lightly.

“Come on in,” a light voice called out. Marlon opened the door while peeking his head around it. “What’s up Boss?”
Spice
spoke as she lotioned her caramel tone, smooth legs. She was an exotic dancer, dancing for money and she’d do any and everything to make a dollar. She smiled at Marlon thinking that he was one of the sexiest men she’d ever met, but she knew that she wasn’t his type. No matter how cute and fine she was, her reputation for sleeping around would never allow her to be a woman on his arm.

“Hey Spice.” He smiled. “How are you tonight?”

“I’m good,” she said.

“How long have you been here?” He questioned, looking around the big empty dressing room then hearing the shower turn on in the back. “Who’s working with you tonight?”

“I just got here about twenty minutes ago. I go on after Cinnamon is done.
Honey
just left the stage doing her chocolate surprise inside a small kiddy pool.” She grinned. “That’s why she’s in the shower. She has another show after me since
Sugar
is filling in for the waitress position tonight.

“Okay I see,” he said. “I need to hire somebody for that waitress position.” Sugar was his all around lady, she knew the ends and outs of the business, and she knew how to work each position there. She was his right hand when it came down to the
Lion’s Den
and was one of the main reasons why the bar was so successful. He knew that Sugar was a great entertainer with the most seductive moves ever. The crowd always came to see her put on a show, because she gave them their money’s worth and then some. He couldn’t have her serving drinks and food. He needed her back on that stage as soon as possible.

Spice stood up with her red thongs showing under her see through red and white nurse’s uniform. She turned her back to Marlon so he could get a better look at her long smooth legs and her fat ass. He smiled already knowing what the deal was.

“Uh, when you see Sugar tell her to come to my office and thanks for working extra hours to cover the empty positions. You look good in that uniform.”

“No problem Boss and thanks,” she said as he closed the door and headed further down the hallway then stopped. He unlocked the door to his office and walked in, flipping the light switch on. He immediately sat behind his desk, turning on his desktop flat screen computer. The cameras that were positioned throughout the place showed up on the desktop screen. He zoomed in at a glimpse of Jennifer, looking sexy as hell, sitting at the bar sipping from her drink.

“Knock knock,” Sugar said appearing at his door.

Marlon looked up and smiled. “What’s up Sugar?”

“Hey, I heard you were looking for me.” She said, stepping inside the office with a black mini skirt on, black pumps, and a tight fitted white tank top with the name
Lion’s Den
on it. Her micro braided hair was pulled up in a ponytail, wrapped around in a ball.

He smiled staring at her sexy, cola body frame as she stood in front of his desk. “How are you tonight?”

“I’m good. I’m just ready to get back on the stage, though.” She put her hand on her hip. “I’m missing out on my money.”

Marlon grinned. He loved that about Sugar. She was certainly driven and money hungry, but she’d do anything for him. “I know you are.”

“Unless you’re planning on making up by letting me give you some private dances then you better hire somebody fast.” She said with a wink knowing their history.

“If I have too I will,” Marlon said with a handsome smile. He knew he had a sweet tooth for Sugar and she did too for him being that they were once undercover lovers just a few years prior when she worked at a strip bar outside of the city.

She grinned at his comment. “Yeah right,” she said. “Since you made it official with Jennifer, it’s been strictly business with us.”

“That’s because she knows about our history. I can’t disrespect her like that while knowing she comes here from time to time.” He reminded her. “You know I’m not that guy.”

“I understand.” She said knowing that he’d always have a high level of respect for his lady.

“Why isn’t the VIP section packed?” he asked looking back at his computer screen.

Sugar walked around the desk, standing closely behind him to get a look at the VIP Den. Her big breast almost spilling out of her tank top had Marlon rubbing his manhood to keep him calm. “The reserved spots haven’t made it here yet, but uh, that’s Nia Green and her crew. She reserved a spot in the den earlier this week. Serenity Foster reserved a section, party of four, earlier this week too, but they haven’t showed up yet. And then your cousin called in and shut down any spots left.” She said with a soft smile. “I just figured that your brother was showing up here tonight.”

“Yep, he sure is.” He said remembering that anytime A’keem was in the den on a Saturday night he’d close down VIP, prior reservations and all unless the prior reservists were women.

“Jerome should’ve had the
VIP CLOSED
sign posted at the door. You didn’t see it?”

“Nah, I didn’t see it. That’s why it surprised me to see a packed house, but the VIP Den wasn’t. That’s unheard of here.”

“I know right,” Sugar commented knowing that anyone sitting in VIP definitely had the best seats in the den. The eight white leather sectionals were matched with black ice glass tables sitting directly in front of them. A bottle of Dom Perignon inside a champagne bucket filled with ice sat on top of each table. The VIP section also had the pleasure of being graced with an exotic dancer for fifteen minutes, at least five different times throughout the night. Sugar would usually hold down that hour and fifteen minutes of stage time all by herself, working that pole like nobody’s business. Marlon zoomed in on Nia Green and her lady friends as they enjoyed their bottle of champagne.

“Damn, I didn’t realize that was Nia Green with her hair short like that.” He said always remembering her with long hair hanging down her back.

“Her long hair probably was a weave,” Sugar commented with light laughter.

Marlon grinned. “Why does every black woman with long hair have weave? I mean, just because you do,” he teased making her hit him on the arm.

“Hey Boss,” Spice said peeking in the door. “Someone is here to apply for the waitress position.”

Sugar smiled. “What are you waiting for? Bring her on back.” She said.

Marlon grinned at Sugar as the cute light skinned girl appeared at the door. “Come on in.” Marlon said. “Have a seat.”

“No, don’t sit down yet.” Sugar cut in. “Le’me look you over.” She said walking around the lady who had on a black mini skirt, black pumps, and a pink fitted old navy tank top. She appreciated the curves around her thick hips and breast. The lady was certainly cute with very pretty eyes. Marlon sat back knowing that Sugar would take over this interview.

“Have you ever worked as a waitress?” Sugar asked.

“Yes, for about four years total.” The lady responded.

“Do you have a good memory?” Sugar questioned.

“I sure do. Probably one of the best,” she assured her.

“Are you okay working in an environment such as this one?”

“Yes, I have no problem working here. I think it’s really nice in here. I love the atmosphere.” the lady said.

“Do you have some bartender skills?” Sugar questioned.

“I was the top Mixologist at my last job.” She responded.

“A Mixologist huh,” Sugar said still walking around the lady as if she was in boot camp. She looked over at Marlon who was somewhat impressed. “Well,” Sugar said looking for him to cut in at any time.

“Okay, you’re hired.” He said.

“BUT, only if you can start tonight though,” Sugar added. “Your shift doesn’t end until three.”

“Yes! I’d love to start right away.” The lady happily stated.

“I’ll need you to fill out the application after your shift tonight so I can check your employment history and references.” The lady smiled with a pleasant nod of the head. “Well, my name is Marlon. This is Sugar, and you are?”

“Fen,” she stated. “Just call me Fen.” Marlon looked over at Sugar.

“Well, it’s not the usual name you’d expect to hear around here, but it’s edgy and it fits her.” Sugar said.

Marlon smiled. “Fen it is.” He said, shaking her hand. She smiled, feeling really giddy being in his presence. He was indeed the chocolate surprise she’d imagined him to be in person.

“Welcome to the
Lion’s Den.
” He said.

“Fen,” Sugar called out breaking her gaze at Marlon. “I see you read the help wanted ad and wore what was asked, however pink tanks are worn on Friday nights. Follow me and I’ll get you a white tank top with the logo on it. Tonight you can shadow me and I’ll show you the ropes. I’ll train you personally for the rest of the week and by next weekend you should be on your own.”

Fen smiled. “Thanks, I can’t wait to begin,” she said feeling all too good to have gotten the position so easily. She followed Sugar down the long hallway and into the dressing room. She could hear the DJ on the microphone introducing Spice, the naughty nice nurse, followed by a shout out to A’keem, Evan, and Flow as they entered the VIP Den. Fen’s face lit up. The butterflies were turning nonstop inside of her belly as she could feel the wheels set in motion.
Now my real job begins,
she thought
.