your smart ass over here, Professor Jill.”
*****
That morning Ishmael went to the club to meet up with Rocky before handing him the signed papers.
He wanted to see if Merch was right about the profit it’ll bring, and from what he saw the property value was already down.
He sat in the parking lot, waiting for Rocky taking notes on what he thought would be excellent for renovating.
After waiting fifteen minutes, he got out and walked around the outside of the building, looking for cracks in the foundation.
He noticed there were a few other bars on the block that weren’t as big, but they were updated.
As he walked by the side entrance, he noticed that the building was attached to an empty, abandoned building in the back.
When he turned around to go back to his truck, he noticed a woman coming out of the side door.
Ishmael said, “Hello. Is Rocky in there?”
Woman 1 said, “Hi. No, he’s not. He should have been here ten minutes ago.”
*****
Rocky said, “I thought he was going to bring his other brothers. They’ll be here tomorrow.”
Man 1 said, “I saw a few of them the other night spending that bread. How many is it of these pretty modeling-looking muthafuckas?”
Rocky said, “Stay put! I’ll be right back.”
Rocky walked over fast, so Ishmael couldn’t see which car he came.
Rocky said, “What’s up, Ishmael? Sorry about that. I was running late.”
Ishmael said, “What’s up? I was just about to call you. Time is money, man. Maybe you need an assistant.”
Rocky said, “I do! She’s busy this morning gathering information for me. Let’s go through the front so you can see the entrance. Then we can come out the side.”
Ishmael said, “The purpose for you selling? If you don’t mind me asking. Let me see the other building.”
Rocky said, “At my age, I’m ready to retire and travel, young man. I didn’t know that the back was my property.”
Ishmael said, “That’s real! Did you owe money on the place?”
Rocky said, “No. All it needs is some minor remodeling, but I don’t have the time or patience right now. I mentioned to Merch that I had to sell quickly.”
Ishmael said, “Just checking on what we bought and the location. Do you have all the keys with you?”
Rocky said, “Yes! Do you own other properties? Is this your first time buying? Are you going to keep it as a gentlemen’s club?”
Ishmael looked at his ass sideways, like, Pause, bitch.
Ishmael said, “What’s with all the ‘you’ questions?”
Rocky said, “Awh, man! Just wondering, because you look so young. Last potential buyer was a young man playing games.”
Ishmael said, “Were keeping it as a club, just changing the name. Buying and selling are in my blood. Anyways, this is a nice place. We’ll meet you later on.”
Rocky said, “How’d you hear about this place? I hadn’t even put it on the market yet.”
Ishmael said, “My friend Jill!”
Rocky said, “I don’t know of her. She must have heard about it from the last guy.”
Ishmael said, “Word of mouth travels fast. I’ll call you later.”
Rocky said, “That’s real spit. I’ll keep you posted, and nice meeting you.”
Ishmael said, “You as well.”
*****
Mac said, “Hi, beautiful. What’s your name?”
The lady said, “Hi. Do I know you? You look so familiar.”
Mac said, “No. I’m not from around here. What’s your name?”
The lady said, “My name is Jillian! Is this your first time coming here?”
Mac said, “Second time. Have lunch with me, Jillian?”
Jill said, “Sure will! You can pay as well! What brings you to this lovely city?”
Mac said, “I’m a businessman trying to get around the block without being seen.”
Jill said, “What’s your name, businessman?”
Mac said, “Lil Cam! Nice meeting you, and thanks for having lunch with me. What do you do for a living, beautiful?”
Jill said, “I’m self-employed. I try to bend my body around this pole, trying to be saw…What’s so funny, Cam?”
Mac said, “I like that! Real creative comeback. Do you like your job?”
Jill said, “Not really! Honestly, I don’t know what I want to do. Do you like going around blocks?”
Mac said, “Nope! I’m starting a realtor company soon, so I can relax and be on my time. Would you like another drink?”
Jill said, “Let’s take a shot to our ‘Not really’ and ‘Nope.’ We both look like we need a pep in our step this late morning.”
Mac said, “What time do you need to meet up with the pole?”
Jill said, “You’re funny! I like that…I’m off today. What about you being seen today?”
Mac said, “You got some nice comebacks! Do you flame?”
Jill said, “Hell yeah!”
The flame was in the air, and they decided to hit up the mall and finish talking, which she thought came easy with him.
Mac said, “Go try it on?”
Jill came from behind the curtain, dancing and laughing, “What do you think?” Jill said. “You are going to make somebody a happy man,” Mac mumbled, trying not to forget why he was here.
Jill said, “Why are you looking like that? I’ll try the other one on, then we can leave.”
Part 2
What Made You
Chapter 6
Samaya
Letting It Go
She didn’t deal with banks,
