Devilish Taste

Sunset

Standing outside of my work I sigh, taking in everything that happened just two hours ago. I'm glad Jessica came to my rescue, but I 'm actually disappointed in Stanley decision making of becoming a Pastor. Little did dad know the secrets Stanley has been hiding from him can actually give dad a heart attack. I know Stanley is the only son dad ever had, so in Stanley head, he thinks he should be the golden child; the man of the house.

Jessica is the rebellious child out of all of us and of course out of the two parents, mom would be the one to dislike Jessica, especially the fact Jessica is a lesbian. Man, I tell you when mom found out Jessica was a lesbian, she was covered with a disappointment mix with pure anger, mostly because she caught Jessica doing s****l activity with a girl on our parent's bed. I think that's what made the relationship between them went off the cliff, seeing as mom found out Jessica was into girl not from Jessica sitting her down and explaining her situation, but from the girls moaning Jessica name out when mom walked in on her. I giggled to myself taking in the memories. Once Jessica turned eight-teen she packed up her things and ran off to a university not turning back. Jessica battled trying to accept not only herself, but getting our parents to accept her. It's not easy when you're a pastor's kid and you always have to be on your best behavior or would've been the talk of the month at church.

A sudden smack on my ass had me out of my thoughts. I swiftly turn my head to be met with Jerome. I automatic narrowed my eyes at him and of course he grins showing his perfect teeth. Jerome and I had a history together back when we were in high school. People called us the 'it couples', but I got tired of dealing with his insecurity ass. Don't get me wrong Jerome is a very handsome man and he can get any lady with the snap of his fingers, but not me I just simply grew tired of him. He was always getting into fights with guys that would only say hello to me, I know crazy right? Every week was something new to argue about, and every week I grew aggravated, until eventually I snapped. Jerome and I were madly in love with each other to the point I gave him my virginity, but at the end we had to separate.

"Ashanti girl I see you're back." He told me as he lick his lips and eye me down from my head down to my shoes. I rolled my eyes, deciding on checking him out too. The only thing that changed on his appearance was his body gaining muscles and also his facial hair growing heavy. I give him points that he actually looks more of an adult now.

"How many times did I tell you that I don't want you touching my ass Jerome?" I question him. I snap my finger to get his attention from his eye's roaming on my body. When I finally got his attention he took a step closer to me letting his eye's never leaving mine.

"And what have I told you? You know damn well, no one will never have you, because I want you back baby." He replied to me with no trace of a smile hint on him.

"I've been waiting on you to return home and run into my arms baby. I made sure to let you know every day how much I wanted you back and how much I miss you're sexy ass."

"No Jerome I told you over and over-"

"I don't want you to even finish the sentence, because we both know that we going to end up disagreeing about this." He answer and I mentally slap him. I had to admit one thing I still love about Jerome was his determination and how he didn't care about showing his love for me back then. I shook my head, giving him a small smile.

"I have work Jerome" I turn around heading straight inside Sunset where I work at, not leaving him time to talk.

"Ashanti girl I'm glad you back, oh how I miss you!" I followed the voice and smile automatic to my best friend Tasha. I walk towards her and gave her a tight hug.

"I'm glad to be back here with you girl. How you been?" I ask her and she just shrugs her shoulders leaving me confused. Tasha and I haven't seen each other since that one time she came to visit me at college which was in my first year. We mostly talked on the phone and video chat since we were always busy. I decided to not pry on her business and the fact she didn't respond to my question. I took a step back and actually drink in her appearance. Something was off about her and I couldn't put my fingers on it.

"Ashanti why the heck are you staring at me like that" she avoided her eyes from me and began decorating the tables. I shrug my shoulder at her when she glances up at me. I wasn't going to start an argument with her since today was my first day back and reconnecting with Tasha.

"So what's tonight agenda?" I question her.

"Well right now everyone is decorating and getting things prepared for tonight, because we have a big crowd coming in." I glimpse around the building seeing decorations everywhere and also on the tables. Right when I was about to ask Tasha for more information, someone yelled my name to report to the office. I look up to see Jerry the manager waving his hands for me to follow him. I told Tasha that I'll be right back and when I return to give me the run-down of everything that changed.

"Ashanti Brown I am so happy that you're back. We missed you!" Jerry said once I close the door behind me. I smiled an actual smile walking towards him to give him a hug.

"You can't forget about us too, honey" a voice startled me, and I whip my head to come in face with my two bosses.

"Thomas and Janet! I didn't think you two would be in today." I honestly told them. I've been working for them since junior year of high school. Even though the age requirement was eight-teen to work, they was able to let me work by keeping me in their office answering phones. Before returning home from college, I made sure to call them to ask if I can come work temporarily and replied saying they didn't mind. Thomas and Janet knew my situation when it came down to my family. They especially knew how my father viewed their restaurant as a 'Satan club'. You could say all three of them was like another family to me, they have my back whenever I was in trouble.

"Girl you honestly thought we wouldn't come down to see you, you must have lost your head now." Janet laughed causing me to grin. One thing I loved about them is that they were understanding adults. They created this restaurant right when I first got hired. Tasha introduce me to this place in the summer going into our junior year. Tasha didn't come till after junior year when her financials needed help. She was able to get the job after I convince Thomas and Janet to hire her.

The restaurant well I should say Sunset was created for a place to eat and get entertained. We had undiscovered people coming to perform in the events we host; like rappers, poetry, dancers etc. If you were lucky enough you could have got discover from a celebrity.

"We have to catch up you guys." I said grinning.

"Yes we do, but right now it's money time." Thomas inform me, and I playfully rolled my eyes.

"So what's going on tonight that everyone is here decorating the place?" I ask watching both Thomas and Janet.

"Well love, tonight this group called young winners-"

"Young winners! You have them coming in out of all people in this town, you have them coming inside in this building where we work?" I half yell waiting for their response.

"Well actually they've been inside quite a few times" Jerry replied calmly. My eyes grew wide, staring back at the three of them. Young winners were a group of people that think they can run around doing illegal stuff and not get caught. They were out of control and they killed innocent people for no reason.

"We made an agreement with their leader to leave their weapon outside and cause no harm." Thomas add in.

"But why them though?" I couldn't comprehend why. I mean their people, but dangerous people that can get others hurt or even killed!

"Its simple girl, we need the money." Janet giggled and I quickly glared at her.

"Fine" I said giving up. If someone gets hurt or killed, they the one to get blamed not me.

"Okay great well tonight is the leader's birthday and he's bringing in more people than his usual. We have to make sure his handle with great care, because he gave us a deposit and at the end of the night or tomorrow morning if he's not drunk he will give us the rest of the money.

"Deposit?" I question

"He paid for everyone" Jerry answer my question. Wow! He got money. Well of course! I don't know why I even said that when he has loads of money. Probably he robs innocent people bank account information or something.

After the conversation with Jerry, Thomas and Janet and I quickly went back to the floor greeting old faces I used to work with. I got back to Tasha and started finishing the decoration with her as she gave me the rundown on everything that's been happening.

By the time we have fixed up the place, things were starting to get in motion. The musician was on stage getting their equipment prepared and even the bar was stocked up with liquor on the other side of the room. Tonight Sunset was opening their doors late since the only customers we had was the large group from young winners.

"Is everyone ready?" Jerry yelled, causing everyone to glance up at him. He began walking towards each area, making sure things were organized. He had a clip board with him, I'm guessing to check the things that were on his clip board before the guest arrived. After about thirty minutes or so, one of our bouncer from outside came in towards Jerry telling him there was people lined up at the door.

"Alright people listen up!" Jerry caught everyone attention including mine. He made sure to stand in the middle to get everyone's attention.

"We all know the deal with this group, be in your best behavior. Handle everything fast and easy, don't let them get in your head and girls make sure you don't fall for these knuckle heads." He voice out and I couldn't help but smile and shake my head.

"The new people if I were you I'd serve the food, because we don't have time tonight to give you the training, and we need all the help we can get" As he said this I took in the new faces that was across from me.

"You already know who to help out correct?" he question them, and luckily all the new people nod their head.

"Alright people, it's a beautiful night to make some money!" he claps his hand and proceed to jog over to the double doors that were the entrance and gave the bouncer the heads up to let them in.

This is going to be a long night, but what can possibly go wrong.

A lot my subconscious told me and I groan walking over to the door.

Hours pass one after another, and my tip was growing. This is what I missed most of all, the money. Even though my family had money and I could have easily asked my parents for money, I wanted to earn it. I wanted to feel the independent and the reward I got after my hard work. I actually wanted to be tired from working crazy hours.

I was impressed with the group that they were actually decent, except at times they got loud and aggressive. I haven't seen the so called leader and I was okay with that. After some people would eat those who finished, head down to the dance floor grinding on anyone they saw. I'm pretty sure the alcohol was taking over, and the effects were showing faster than ever.

I was also surprised to see females along with the group, I couldn't understand how females can join a group who does so much violence on the streets. How can they stand next to their leader and go along with everything they're doing. I didn't say a word of course, because it wasn't my place to say my opinion. As long as they weren't bothering me I was okay with that.

There was a loud crash that sounded like dishes and everyone included me turn to follow the noise.

"I've been waiting for my food for more than an hour now! And you telling me, it's not ready when I told you specifically that my partner and I meal is already prepared by now!" The voice erupted my thoughts. The music was now erase from the dance floor as now everyone was watching their gang member go out of control. I move my head trying to see who it was that he was yelling at.

"It's my f*****g birthday and you have yet to bring my food, but yet it's funny how everyone got their food munching on it like it's their damn birthday!" He roared at the petite woman, and I was finally able to see who it was. She was a new girl I can tell from the color shirt. Jerry made sure to change the new people shirt so we can tell who was new and not. I rushed over to them as if it was my mission to save her.

"What seem to be the problem sir-"

"It's Nino, don't call me sir I'm not old" he cut me off, and I quickly nod at him waiting for him to answer my question. At this point I didn't care if he was yelling or cursing at my face, I wanted him to just stop and quiet down. I look over to the new girl not knowing her name and I told her to cover my tables and to made sure she bring my tip. I know I'm greedy. After she leave I turn back towards the birthday boy and I groan.

"All we want is our food, and make sure they prepared it over since we been waiting for too long." He ordered me and I began walking towards the kitchen praying that they already had the food prepared. Once inside the kitchen I head over to the head chef and ask him if he prepared the meal. He point to where the cart was at filled with food and I mentally did a happy dance. Before I push the cart I forgot he wanted the food to be prepared again. An idea struck me and I rush with the cart to the microwave we have.

"This nigga actually think I'm going to stand here and wait on his food. He got life mess up." I whispered to myself and after a few minutes of reheating the food. I fix myself up and the food cart and rush back to the men's.

"Here you go guys, fresh and ready." I lied right through my smile. The birthday boy glared at me, while the man next to him smiled taking his plate. As they took their plates I couldn't help but notice his appearance. I couldn't get all his appearance, because of the low light in the area we were in. As soon as the lights were brighter for a few second I tried to take in as much of him I can get.

Handsome was not the word to use, he was beyond that. His chocolate skin made me want to feel him. The fresh cut he got on his hair made he's facial hair on his face pop out more. His jaw was firm and strong, while he's nose looked to be broken as he might have been in fights. Imperfection is beauty, and even though his aura came out dark and mysterious, I couldn't help but get drawn into him.

"Are you done eye raping me." A voice startled me and I couldn't help but blush for getting caught. His voice was also deep and finally calm, sending a chilled down my spine. I had to hurry and shake it off. When the light finally shine on his face while glancing at me, my eyes were glued to his light brown eyes staring back at me. Those eyes held so much pain and emotions.

"I think you done scared her nigga." The man next to him said breaking the staring contest between us. I looked over to the birthday boy and over to the guy who seem to be smiling at me. I guess he caught me staring, I blush once again.

"I don't care."

"Well I guess my time here is done, I hope you guys enjoy your meal and I hope you have a great night birthday boy." I told them as I began walking away from them. I made sure to smile as I wave back at the man next to the birthday boy since he's the only one that didn't yell at me.

When it was finally my shift to end, I mentally dance giving a pat on the back as I made my way down to Jerry. Walking down the short hallway towards Jerry office to tell him I was leaving, I sent a quick text to my brother letting him know I was done with work. Stanley text back saying he was on his way.

"I see we bump into each other again." I look up to see the same man that was next to the birthday boy. We both smiled at each other. I glimpse down to he's hand carrying an envelope.

"Are you lost?" I ask him and bobbed his head replying yes.

"I need to pay Jerry." He told me and I quickly showed him the door where Jerry office was at. Right before he knock, he turn back digging his hand into his pockets, pulling out a folded napkin.

"This is for you beautiful." My eyebrows went up in confusion and I replied saying thank you taking it from him. I didn't want to offend him and probably beat my ass if I didn't accept it.

"Be safe little mama" he told me as he walk in. I open up the folded napkin and saw a hundred dollar bill. My eyes widen taking in the money. The napkin had a message on it. I carefully fix the napkin making sure I didn't rip it.

'I know you didn't have the chef redo our meal, that money is for you to take me out, because you owe me- Nino'

Oh my god I thought to myself. How the hell did he found out, and what does he mean I'm taking him out!