Copyright ©2020 by Creole Gaudet. All rights reserved.
No part of this chronicle may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system – except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper – without permission in writing from the publisher, Creole Gaudet.
HOME – 8:17 p.m.
“How does it open, baby?”
“I’ve never used it before. Let’s see…” I slid away the coffee table, nesting it between the recliner and the window. I then removed the two large seating cushions and set them on top.
Sway assisted as I unfolded and extended the frame. “Andre… That’s much bigger than I thought it was going to be. It’s already got sheets on it. I bet it’s comfortable.”
Cami pushed the mattress with her palm. “It’s soft too.”
Sway sat at the foot. “There are some pillows and blankets in the closet… Are you sure you’ll be okay on here?”
“It’s a come-up for me.”
“Where were you before?”
“The Anchor.”
“Oh, that’s some fuck shit right there. Is that where he had you?”
“Rats. Not mice, but rats. Roaches everywhere. Fighting in the parking lot every day. A week ago, a man got shot at. Sway, I was on the floor! Bullets flying, going through windows…”
“Well, you won’t have to deal with any of that around here. Other than the Orange Line riding through, it’s quiet.”
I cut in. “I’m… I’m going to go out and do something… Take me a ride.”
Sway turned to me. “Baby, you don’t have to go.”
“I know, but you two need to settle in… Figure out everything.”
Sway came to me, placing her arms around my neck. Cami sharply observed our interaction. “Are you sure, daddy?”
“Yeah, I might go see a movie or something.”
“At the Angelika?”
“Probably… You and Cami can go with me if you like. I don’t mind.”
Sway turned to Cami. “My man likes his movies…old school. You want to go?”
“Hell yeah… I would love to go! Can I clean up first?”
“Yeah, girl. Come on. I got an outfit I haven’t even worn yet. They still have the tags on them. I’m going to give it to you, okay?”
“You sure?”
“Yeah, it’s yours.”
“Thank you… And thank you, Andre!”
Sway dug through the closet and the chest of drawers as Cami entered the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
I watched as Sway carefully laid out a pair of denims and a top with a matching bra and panties set. “That’s cool as fuck, Sway.”
“What?”
“What you’re doing for Cami.”
“I guess it’s… It’s like I’m paying back.”
“Ah, you went from pimp to save-a-hoe in less than three hours.”
“I know, right?”
“I’ll meet you downstairs in the lobby, okay?”
“We won’t be long!”
I was in the break room, sipping some hot cocoa, when I heard the two exit the elevator. They walked to the entrance, searching. I tossed up my hand.
“What do you think, baby? Doesn’t she look pretty?”
“I’m not even going to lie. Real shit… I don’t even recognize you, Cami. Wow.”
“Is that a good thing…?”
“Yes! You’re a very beautiful girl.”
Sway cut in. “I styled her hair over the side a bit to hide… You know… The make-up is covering too.”
I leaned towards her, sharpening my eyes. “You really can’t tell unless you get up close.”
“She’s ready to work tonight.”
“Okay…”
“We already called the club. My manager wanted her to start as soon as she could. He says it’s going to be busy all the way through the weekend.”
“That sounds good.”
“Now I have somebody to pair with.” She looked to Cami. “We’re going to make a lot of money!”
Through the front doors, I noticed a dark SUV pulling in. “Is that our driver?”
Sway checked the app. “Yes! Come on.” She tugged my hand.
Creole Gaudet
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