Devilish Taste

Cocaine?

It's been two months since the funeral, and our family was getting back on track. When I perform at the service I didn't think my heart will take over and speak those words that came out of my mouth. After I perform, everyone stood up and applause yelling amen and other compliment words, even my parent's stood up with so much love in their eye. I was truly shocked the way my words effected the audience. Jessica and Stanley smile, kissing my forehead hard as if I won the lottery. I have never seen my parents smile so hard in a while, especially my father. The way he had walked over to me with tears in his eyes, told me he was contempt with my performance. I'm pretty sure I was the talk of the church gossip after the funeral ended and the church was back to the normal service. My girls post up my performance in their social media news fed getting so much attention. I'm not going to lie, I felt great expressing how I felt about my sister departing from us.

Life will continue to move on with or without you, and it's up to you to decide how will you handle the changes that come about.

Getting back on track was a little hard, since I had to return to Sunset to work, I was definitely back up on bills and even though Stanley said he can pay for it, I still felt my independent pride taking over as I told him that he can pay my bills until I get back on track. I don't know how Stanley is able to pay not only his bills, including the rent and utilities, but my bills also. Thank god, I didn't have a lot of bills to pay just my phone, credit card and my college debt. I would give Stanley money time to time for letting me stay with him, but of course he wouldn't take it so I purchase a jar that I wrote Stanley name on and I would occasionally drop money in there until his pride went down and use it.

Jerry, Thomas and Janet were so supportive when I came back to work. They were at the funeral and saw my performance, saying it was beautiful. They also told me, they would love to have me perform again on spoken word night just like how I use to back then, and I told them I'll think about it.

Jerome went ghost on me, not hearing or seeing him since the funeral, and I felt great. My mind wasn't consuming with him trying to get back in my life and if I should give him a chance. I felt like a weight has been lifted off my back. On the other hand, when I finally call Nino to start our relationship, his phone got disconnected. I didn't have no other way to contact him without anyone seeing or hearing about us. I could of ask Jerry, but knowing Jerry he would off told Thomas and Janet and soon enough they'll be on my ass like white on white rice. I guess maybe God was playing a tease for me the way Nino fine ass wanted me, I knew it was too good to be true.

I was currently home and the time struck six ten in the afternoon. Tonight Stanley, Jessica and I had a family dinner at our parent's house. To say I was a little nervous was a lie, when in truth I was beyond nervous. The last time we tried having a sit down with everyone, it ended up horribly as Jessica and I left the table, because of dad dictating how I should live my life. Stanley still didn't tell dad that he didn't want to become a pastor, and for that Jessica and I were still upset with him.

Stanley has been disappearing a lot and been coming home either pass midnight or he wouldn't show up at all. In the beginning I was indeed upset, because cooking for him went waste, because he wouldn't eat when he come home. I stop cooking and doing his laundry since he was never home. There was multiple time I confronted him about it, and he yelled at me saying I wasn't his b***h or his momma to be reporting in. There's something definitely going on, and I intend to find out sooner or later.

The dinner was at eight tonight, and Stanley text me saying he will be there to pick me up. I didn't want to be around him, but I couldn't act childish, whatever Stanley was going through I will find out or he will tell me soon I hope. I was sitting out on the balcony from the living room watching the sun set, while reading a book Angelica use to read multiple times. I chuckle remembering how she was always trying to make me read the damn book. I sniffle lightly. It's funny how the person you love is gone, and you finally do the things they always wanted you to do. I shake my head, as my phone begins ringing for an incoming call. When I grab my phone it was an unknown number calling. Should I answer it, I thought? When the call ended, the phone rang again from the same number. It must be someone important, right?

"Hello?" I whisper, finally taking the risk and answer it.

"si usted necesita su coche para ser- "

I quickly end the call, letting out a loud frustrated. You have got to be kidding me. I actually thought it would have been Nino calling me, but instead a damn Spanish operator was trying to call me. I went on my phone blocking the advertisement number so it won't call again. I close my eyes taking in the wind that was passing by. My phone began ringing, and this time I answer the phone yelling onto the person on the other line thinking it was another Spanish advertisement.

"Sorry no hablo esponal, so you can miss me with your bullshit!" Right when I was about to hang up, his voice caught me.

"Damn ma, who got you all prissy?" His voice was croaky and deep, and my mouth shut tight as I now just embarrass myself. Great!

"Ma?" He calls out, and my legs have already closed shut not wanting my queen down there reacting to his voice.

"Yeah I'm here, before you call there was a Spanish operator calling me and I got aggravated thinking it... "

"Thinking it was me, huh beautiful?" His voice cut me off.

"Honestly yeah, it's been two months and I haven't heard from you." I answer him honestly. I wanted him. I was definitely going to let him know that. I wasn't going to be on the childish game with him that some people be doing. I wasn't in high school anymore, the heart wants what the heart wants, and that's him.

"Look things with my business been getting hit up, and I had to go take care of that, and plus with everything you were going on I decided to give you space. I had to throw away the last phone cause it's a track phone and I can't be holding on to that phone because you never know who might be tracking me and listen in. I could off, put your life in danger ma. I'm pretty sure I wanted to at least go on a date with you before I got to go save your ass from someone that kidnap you to get to me." My mouth was slightly open as I was lost for words. I forgot he was a part of that life and so being in contact was going to be a little harder than it looks.

"You right, my bad boo. I just thought you wasn't interested in me anymore."

"Never that my queen, I want you there's no doubt about that." Hearing him say that made my heart jump a beat. I blush hard saying thank you to God for not teasing me after all.

"By the way your performance was beautiful." He compliments to me.

"Thank you, but how were you able to hear about it, if you weren't here?" I address him.

"Don't get mad ma, I had someone watching over you, while I was gone." He confesses, and for some reason I was okay with this. After watching so many gang related movies I understood the way the guys took care of their ladies. They were paranoid to the max always watching over their back and keeping max protection on their love ones.

"It's cool." I told him.

"I thought you would off have got mad and start screaming at me that I invaded your privacy." He replied in an approval tone. I shrug my shoulder even though he couldn't see.

"Well you're in that lifestyle, so you got to constantly watch your back and protect people you love and care about."

"So you think I may love and care about you?" He comments after me, and I blush hard not knowing why I set myself up like that.

"I mean, we both interested in each other so yeah in the future, you never know." I babbled and I heard him chuckle lightly after hearing my comment.

"I want to see you, ma." His request caught me off guard, and I curse for having to go to dinner at my parent house. I sigh as I know I was about to reject his offer.

"I can't tonight, my parents want my brother and sister and I to come over to have dinner at eight with them, I'm sorry." I apologize at the end.

"What about after that?" He questions me. Did he not hear what I just told him?

"I'll be home after that, if you wondering."

"Perfect, let me come get you or if you want we can stay at your apartment-"

"How do you know my brother won't be home-"

"Ma I got someone watching you, you don't think I know your brother been out ya'll place for a good minute now?" He admits and I huff in being defeated. If someone is watching me, then could that mean they know where Stanley has been going off to?

"Do you know where my brother been disappearing off to?" I ask him, hoping he would answer me. He stays quiet, I'm guessing he's thinking.

"I don't think it's my place to answer that for your brother ma. Even though I am in everybody's business when it comes to someone I want and care about, I try hard not to ruin things between us with other people business that doesn't bother me or in danger me." He responds to me. Why is he such a gentleman to me? His words made me smile knowing he wanted me to confront him instead of him digging in the dirt for me to get hurt from the information.

"You right, so if I say yes to us chilling what do you have in mind?"

"We don't have to do anything; I just want to be around you. If you want, I can bring us some things to occupy us." I can hear him smirk through the phone. My queen down there got moist and my mind began filling up with different things he might want us to do.

"I may like where you're going with this." I said in a sexy voice. A beep on my phone indicate a text message my phone receives; I quickly check putting Nino on speaker.

'I'm five minutes away' – Stanley.

"I can't wait to see you, ma, you have no idea how much I want my hands all over you." Nino voice booms through the living room as I close the balcony and headed inside my room to slip my shoes on. I smile looking through my closet finding my shoe.

"You sure about that? The way you be acting as if you scared to touch me, like you a little boy waiting for my approval." I said letting my laugh fill my room.

"Little boy? Girl I show you nothing yet, you better wait till tonight." He mutters.

"I got to go, Stanley here to pick me up." I told him as Stanley text saying he was outside.

"Alright ma, text me so you can let me know." He replies to me, and I roll my eye's knowing he'll have someone watch me. I didn't want to say anything as I said bye and ended the call. I walk out my room and towards the exit switching off everything that was on. I lock the door behind me, and went over to Stanley car.

"Hey." I greet him and he nods his head at me, and I roll my eyes. During the ride to our parent's house, it was mad quite to the point I heard other person's conversation in their car. He's face was hard as a rock, and I wasn't going to be the one that ignites his frustration. When Stanley park the car, I dash out my side and went straight inside the house as the door was unlock. Once inside I smell the food, and my stomach growl letting me know it was time to eat.

"Hey mom." I greet her, walking over to her to kiss her cheek. She took out bake mac and cheese from the oven and I tried hard to keep my drool from slipping out.

"Hey baby girl." She smiles and I help her bring the dishes to the table where we would be eating.

"How you feeling?" I ask her with concern, and she shrugs her shoulder. There was something going on with her, lately she's been down a lot. The only time I saw her smile was at the funeral after my performance. She's been distanced from everyone, and I don't think dad may have noticed. I decide not to pry anymore in her business and let her be. Whatever that is in the dark, will surely come out in the light.

After a few minutes, everyone was now seated at the table including Jessica. I was a little shock that Jessica was able to come and have dinner with us. Stanley was of course silent, ending any conversation that mom and dad were trying to make with him. Jessica stays to herself answering her text messages on her phone under the table. As for me, well I was just observing everyone and their behavior.

I was the only one having a decent conversation with mom and dad. We were mostly talking about how things use to be, and they were telling me new things that has happened to them over the time I was away and after the funeral. Jessica behavior was getting out of hand now, as she kept giggling to herself on the phone. It was actually nerve wracking to watch.

"Jessica can you please put your phone away, it's getting very annoying hearing your phone vibrate and you are giggling loud." Mom states. Jessica looks up glaring at her, and the war was about to start.

"I'm not bothering you though, you just want to start something." Jessica scolds, still texting away.

"I didn't ask you to comment, I told you to put your phone- "

"I'm not a child mom, and I certainly don't live here." Jessica snaps loudly.

Mom looks shock from her outburst. She clenches the fork that she was gripping, and I swear I thought I saw her knuckles turn white as hard she was griping the fork. No one else mutter a word. Mom and Jessica were having a staring contest. I was surprise dad didn't intrude this time. Tension in the room was strong, and I didn't want to add more heat to the fire.

"Jessica that is it, I have it here with you!" She yells at her with venom spitting out. Oh boy, here we go.

"I'm so tired of your disrespecting ass! Ever since I found out about your lesbian preference, it's like I'm the one who told you to turn gay! You think I judge you? You don't think I'm always defending your selfish ass when there's people talking horrible things about us? But you don't make it easy, I told you plenty of times back then to come to me and talk it out. I knew you were a lesbian before you got caught! You don't think I paid attention to my kids? You ran away not wanting to face your parents thinking it was okay to run away from your problems! Your father is a man of God, so you really thought we wasn't going to comfort you, but instead you thought we wasn't going to love you anymore? Come on Jessica!" Mom roar out in rage. At this point the next door neighbor heard her, heck the whole neighborhood heard her. Jessica and everyone at the table was taken back by her outburst.

Mom was never the type to lose her temper. Taking in her appearance was a sight I didn't want to see. You can tell she was clearly going through something as all the light that was once in her was draining from tears. Her eyes lid was now baggy and puffy, and there were clear signs that she's been crying a lot. Her hair wasn't done and her clothes wasn't her usual fashion outfits she wore every day. The woman that stood in front of me was not my mother tonight. I look over to see Jessica with tears in her eye. Stanley head was still down not even paying attention anymore. Dad's stay quietly next to her just watching the scene.

"You guys we can't end it like this." I whisper out. I hated the fact that all we do is argue. We never had a good family dinner even when Angelica was still alive.

"Ashanti be quiet for once!" Stanley now decides to take part in our family dinner chaotic war.

"You always got to say something for every little comment. This is between mom and Jessica, you not on their problem. You always want to play the hero like nothing is wrong with you! I don't know if that f*****g college made you think you grown up, but you didn't." He rages out in anger, slamming his fist onto the table. Right when I was about to comment on that, Jessica beat me to it.

"Don't f*****g yell at her, at least she tells people what's up about her decision. You got dad over here thinking you actually want to become a damn pastor when all honestly, you hate pastors!" Jessica scream at Stanley. His eyes went wild and quickly look over to dad to see he was torn.

"Why didn't you just tell me?" Dad pleads to Stanley. Stanley was hurt, from the secret Jessica just yell out. Mom was now quiet. I was utterly upset from his outburst at me. Why did he yell at me? I only wanted to help him out. Am I that annoying to him?

"Stanley, son you could of just told me no." Dad said in a hurt tone. Stanley clench his fist glaring at Jessica with a sinister look.

"I'm sorry pop, but I was too busy dealing with Jessica damn addiction to cocaine!" Stanley voice had made us feel we all just gotten shot from a drive by, because that's how bad we never seen it coming. Everyone was dead silent. Jessica mouth was, so wide open, and her eyes held so much emotion. No one knew what else to say. I was expecting mom to speak out, but she stays glued to her seat next to dad.

"What happen Jessica? Cocaine got your nose sniffing?" Stanley spit out viciously. Jessica was on drugs. Jessica, my sister was on cocaine. Jessica and drug shouldn't be together. My mind was now raping me with all these thoughts passing through.

"f**k you Stanley, just cause you in a damn gang doesn't mean you should talk little on other people!" Gang! I yell in my head.

"Stanley are you in a gang?!" Dad voice fills the house. Jessica looks down as Stanley got up from his seat.

"Stanley!?" Dad roar at him.

"Oh help me God, if you don't answer my question- "

"You what dad-"

"That is Pastor to you, son!" Dad cuts him off. Dad was officially back to his call me pastor not dad.

"Oh come on dad, so when one of your child dies that is the time to call you dad instead of pastor? We had to wait until Angelica dies so you can finally hug us?" Stanley cried out.

"Don't you dare talk to me like that." Dad snaps at him.

"So what if I'm in a damn gang? What are you going to do about that, report me to the f*****g police pops? You didn't think nothing about where I got the money when ya'll kept pressuring me about the money to pay for your bills that one time. Jessica I remember you kept begging me to lend you money to go get your drugs. Ya'll never ask me if I needed money because I'm a man right, and I had a position to uphold if dad were to retire." At this point Stanley had tears streaming down his face. I was lost for words. I guess my suspicions were very clear now.

"You gave us illegal money Stanley?" Mom hiss at him. Stanley kept his head high as if he was confident about everything.

"Get out all of you now." Mom whisper towards us. When we didn't move an inch, she screams.

"I said Get out, Get out now! Leave me alone now!" We all got out the living room, as Stanley and Jessica ran to their car got in and sped out to the streets.

Great! How the hell was I going to get home? I walk down the block to see if I can catch a bus, but the bus services were now close as I mutter a curse word as my phone screen told me the last bus that pass by was an hour ago. It was now ten thirty. Ashely and Tasha were at work and Jerome was out of the question. I dial the last person I could think of.

"Ma, what's good? You ready for me to come over there and show you that I ain't no little boy?" He chuckles. I can tell he just woke up from his sleep, by the way his voice was hoarse and rough.

"Do you think you can pick me up?"

"What happen?" He quickly asks. He sounded concerned and that made me smile. I told him the address of where I was located and he said to stay on the phone since it was late at night, and he didn't want me to wander off without him knowing. I stay at the bus stop sitting on the public seat waiting for him. While on the phone I told him everything that happen, from the funeral service to now. I even told him about Jerome. He just listens not interrupting me, as I pour out my feelings to him. I was happy that he didn't judge me or say anything. He eventually pulls up beside me in his midnight blue expensive car and I jump in his car putting on my seatbelt. His cologne in the car was floating around, and it wraps around me like a blanket making me want to stay by his side.

As he drove heading to my apartment, he made a phone call.

"Alright thanks." He ends the call looking over at me. I quickly look out my window so I wouldn't have to stare at his concern face. He laid his large hands on my thigh, messaging it in the process with his thumb. My queen down their clench, and I tighten my jaw as now it was starting to affect me.

"Your brother not home, he went where I'm guessing is their spot." He told me. I nod my head as I try to focus on his words, not his hand on my thigh. We pulled up to my apartment complex, and we both walk to my apartment door. Once we enter I went ahead and switch on the kitchen light as Nino told me he forgot something from the car.

I went into my room changing my clothes into something more comfortable. I end up choosing a black tank top and shorts. I heard Nino come back to the apartment and I walk out my room and into the living room to see him.

"You want some food? I can cook us up something right quick if you want." I told him, heading my way in the kitchen.

"Don't even trip ma, I brought something to eat for us." I stop dead in my track and turn to look at him as he held the bag up so I can see. He mentions to bring a blanket out my room, and I went ahead and follow his order. He laid the blanket down as if we're out in a park, and he began pulling out containers out the bag. Curious of me, I open the container to see it was chopped up fruits and a little container that had hot melted chocolate. I grin like a kid waiting to taste the chocolate.

"I didn't know if you ate up a big meal at your people place so I went ahead and brought something light, I hope you like it. I mean, if you don't we can just order takeout or pizza- "

"I like it boo, especially chocolate, it's my favorite." I told him seductively. He smirks at me as we began getting to know each other.

During the whole night we were laughing and having a good time getting to know one another. There were some things about him that shock me as he told me he loves cooking and he owned a couple of restaurants in different states. I told him how Jerome and I met and our history and how he was having s*x with my ex best friend now. He told me he didn't like messing with girls or having a relationship while he was in the game, and I understood where he was coming from. He also told me his dad's got killed in prison for having so much enemy and his mom got raped and kill from one of his dad enemies. He had a sister that got jumped and kill over a boy she was with and I felt so bad knowing he was really alone. I grab his hand as he talks providing him comfort and he smile squeezing my hand.

"So where the proof that you not a little boy?" I playfully said lighten up the mood. He smirks wide using one hand to pull me towards him and the other hand to help pull me on top of his body. I look down as I now saw I was straddling him, and I blush fiercely as his smirk widens. He leans back on the couch, while placing his large hands on my ass. He gave each side a squeeze and I squeal low while playfully smack his chest.

We stare at each other, letting our eyes talk.

"You know the way you look on top of me, got me thinking how good your lips might taste." He said flicking his eyes on my lips. He licks his lips real slow, and my heart pick up speed. He's waiting on my response Ashanti I yell to myself. Do you want the kiss? Hell yes I do, but wouldn't I feel like a hoe? Girl kiss the guy, you not in a little girl anymore! I finally agree with my thoughts.

"Why don't you come over here and taste them to see if it's really that good." I told him as if I was giving him an invitation. The smirk turns into a seductive grin and our lips met each other, letting our lips do all the talking. My heart explodes as his lips were on mine, we sync as one as we were talking with our feelings through our lips. This was the first time I kiss a man without having to try to sync with him, because our lips were molded as one. My hands automatically went around his neck and he grips my ass as I moan into the kiss. My queen down there was beginning to get wet from the kiss.

After a while of us hungrily kissing each other, Nino flips us over so I was now underneath him. I wrap my legs around his waist. A moan escape from my mouth and he took that advantage to travel down to my neck, giving me kisses and nipping at my neck.

"I want you, ma." He whispers into my ear, as he took my ear in his mouth, and that made my queen down there leak a little as I now wanted him to. I thrust my hips up as he groans loud, feeling his member through the thin layer of the sweats he wore. He pauses for a minute so he can snatch his shirt off, but the phone ring out loud as we both curse at the same time.

"Please tell me you don't have to answer that." I beg him, and he apologizes picking up the phone creating distance. He curses at the person saying okay, and I knew he had to leave maybe because Stanley was on his way home. I pout, and he quickly gave me a peck as he slips on his shirt as we both stood up from the ground. We didn't say a thing as I walk him to the door.

"Get home safe." I told him as I gave him a peck on the lips. His eyes were filled with lust as he watches me open the door.

"I'll text you later alright ma?" I nod my head as he smacks my ass loud and walks out the door with me yelling at him. His chuckle was loud and it fills the hallway as he disappears at the corner.