Sweep around your own front door before sweeping around someone else’s is a proverb that best friends Kierre, LaTavia, and India live by. They are willing to put their lives on the line for each other, but sharing their inner demons is out of the question.
Kierre White knows what she wants and goes after it, by any means necessary. Her past has invaded her present, but Kierre refuses to face it. When her past and a relentless man come knocking on her door, Kierre must finally sit down, and do the one thing she has always feared; tell her secret.
India Wilcox is a young teacher who works overtime to keep her world picture perfect. A lovely career; sexy, successful man, and great friends. When the last person she ever expected comes and exposes her life for the empty existence that it is, she finds herself confused and exhausted from the thick blanket of denial she is slowly being forced to shed.
LaTavia Johnson’s life is perfect until her husband loses his job. LaTavia turns to the race track and lotto tickets hoping to soothe her angst and fear of their current situation. LaTavia finds out firsthand how fickle Lady Luck can be as her world begins to crumble and her self-made web of deceit begins to tighten around her.
Join these three woman as they discover themselves, and the true meaning of not only friendship, but pure, uncorrupted sisterhood that only transparency brings.
Kierre snapped her fingers enjoying the bumping bass as she sang along with TI’s latest anthem. The apple martini swirled dangerously close to the rim of the glass as she waved her arms back and forth. Her girl India chuckled as she dropped her purse onto the booth’s faux leather seat and slid inside.
“Girl, are you drunk already?”
“Nope, but I’m definitely relaxed.”
Kierre sipped the drink smacking her lips playfully. LaTavia walking up, spoke good-humoredly, joining them now.
“Dang heffa’s, you two couldn’t wait?”
The three ladies were the coolest of friends having met a while back at a Dallas Cowboys home game, no less. Immediately meshing, they hung out often after that enjoying the Texas nightlife, getting into various mischiefs and deepening their friendships.
The server coming to the table questioned them.
“What can I get you ladies?”
India and LaTavia placed their order, with Kierre asking for yet another martini.
“You’re going to be too twisted to go to the party.”
LaTavia laughed. Kierre gave her a look.
“Girl I’ma real drinker, this is Kool-Aid.”
They all burst into laughter yet again.
“And how about you don’t start in on me about my drinking.”
The slight annoyance reflected in Kierre’s statement.
“I’m just saying, you always got a drink in your hand when we go out, damn, slow down.”
India took a deep breath hearing the retort, knowing it would lead to an argument. It always did.
Kierre bristled.
“I’m a big girl LaTavia. How about you let me handle this drink and you worry about your own problems?”
LaTavia sucked her teeth, rolling her eyes at Kierre as she picked up the drink the server returned while they were bickering. She knew she shouldn’t have been on Kierre about something so trivial, but it gave her a much-needed repast from her own troubles.
Ordering an appetizer sampler, they continued to chat guardedly, getting their buzz on before heading out to their real destination. India’s childhood friend invited her to a party, telling her to bring friends along. They were promised plenty of drink and premium entertainment. Leaving the restaurant and in the car moments later, the preparations continued.
Kierre pulled out a blunt asking if they wanted to hit it. Both India and LaTavia declined. Kierre shrugged, teasing them about getting a contact high as she inhaled deeply. I need this right now. Real life tried to put a damper on her otherwise great mood. There were issues and problems Kierre needed to address, but not tonight. Tonight, she was going to relax, unwind, and pretend, just for a scant few hours she was normal. Dallas is a great city. She enjoyed the scenery as the truck whizzed along. They passed The Hideaway and the small smile graced Kierre’s face, hidden from her two friends. Great partying up in there, woooooo. The gay bar faded from view as she returned her attention to the two women she rode with. LaTavia looked at Kierre, eyes begging forgiveness.
“I’m sorry girl.”
Sucking her teeth playfully, Kierre gave her a small smile.
“It’s straight heffa.”
The incident forgotten, no grudges held, India was glad they squashed the drama. She knew they would. It’s how they rolled. They could get mad, talk smack, curse each other out, but at the end of the day they were still thicker than thieves.
“That’s why you can’t remember shit now.”
India playfully fumed of the weed smoke, cracking her window. Kierre burst into laughter.
“Whatever.”
India continued smiling as she drove, her mind recalling her impending visitor once she returned home from the party. You’re playing with fire. She swallowed hard dismissing the forewarning. Things were good, so why did she always seem to have this sense of dread residing in her gut. Because you know it’s dangerous as hell. Mercifully, LaTavia began singing along with the music, Kierre joining her. The interruption enough to drive away the demonic specters trying to haunt her right now.
LaTavia felt her cell vibrate but didn’t look at it. There was no need. The same person texted her the last three days. Determined to ignore them, she went on with her life. The vibration died for a few moments, only to return repeatedly as they drove toward their destination. Both her friends were oblivious to her growing trepidation recalling the three messages she actually took the time to read. Turning your head won’t make it go away. That was the whole point of going out with your girls tonight, but even here in the truck with them both by your side, all you can do is continue to stress and worry. Promptly ignoring the thoughts, she started a new conversation, taking her mind completely off the issue.
“How’s Jamal, India?”
Kierre sneered. India seeing the gesture heatedly questioned her.
“What’s that about?”
“Nothing India, it’s whatever.”
“No, you looked like you had something on your mind about my man.”
“I said nothing India, so squash that bullshit and let’s get where we’re going.”
Kierre’s voice rose slightly in warning.
“Nah, I wanna know why you’re always on my damned man and shit!”
Kierre’s breathing became more rapid.
“You sure you really wanna go here India, you sure?”
“Stop you two, damn!”
LaTavia interjected into the melee, sorry she mentioned the man at all.
“Can’t we get through the night without us arguing?”
Both women calmed. Kierre began diplomatically.
“Look I’m cool. I just think you’re too good for him sometime, that’s all.”
India exhaled deeply, unable to fault her friend for caring about her.
“It’s all good girl. I know it seems like Jamal isn’t around or whatnot, but we’re good Kierre, really.”
The nagging voice asked India who she was trying to convince. Kierre smiled.
“Hey that’s straight. As long as you’re good, I’m good.”
Seeing their turn up ahead, India put on her signal. Making the left turn she cut off a couple cars speeding toward them. The gesture earned a loud, long, honk of the horn from one.
“Fuuuuuccck yoooouuu!”
LaTavia yelled their response, head out of the window. Kierre and India thundered with laughter. They found the house quickly and easily, sliding into a space almost directly in front of it.
“Hmph, that was lucky.”
LaTavia murmured the sentiment checking her make-up once more as India put the truck into park.
“Now that we’re here, I’ma need you two heffa’s to behave yourselves.”
LaTavia and Kierre burst into laughter.
“What the hell are you tryna say, India, I’m always good.”
Kierre lewdly winked at her as India sucked her teeth.
“That’s exactly what I’m worried about.”
She laughed as they all got out of the car and headed inside, hoping the escape would last just a few hours longer.
Chapter 11
Who in the hell is Chief,” Jamal fired at India.
“Stop tripping,” India tried to play it off.
“It’s role playing,” she lied smoothly as she attempted to stand.
Jamal grabbed her by both her arms tightly, holding her in place. His hardened face scrutinizing her.
“So you really gonna sit in my fucking face and lie,” Jamal hissed, his eyes narrowing.
Fed up with the show Jamal was putting on India pushed his chest hard, freeing herself and rose.
“Jamal, just because you feel guilty for the shit you do out there in the streets, don’t bring it to me, alright,” she told him before turning and heading to the bathroom.
“So you’re really gonna try to reverse this shit on me,” Jamal yelled incredulously.
♦♦♦
India was in the bathroom staring at her reflection when he made the outburst. She couldn’t believe that she had called him Chief’s name, but what saddened her more was that she didn’t give a damn. If Jamal, the man she once thought would be her husband, told her he didn’t want to see her again that would be fine by her.
“Bitches are all the same. You spend so much time with Kierre’s mean ass and LaTavia’s stuck up ass that you have lost your mind,” Jamal yelled once more pulling her from her thoughts.
“No the fuck he didn’t,” she said looking at her reflection as if it would confirm what she had just heard before stomping back into the living room.
“Bitch,” India snapped standing directly in front of Jamal. “I couldn’t have possibly heard you correctly could I? Don’t worry about my friends or me for that matter.”
Never had India felt so disrespected or hurt. Of course she wouldn’t give Jamal the satisfaction of seeing her pain. Casually she made her way to her front door and opened it. She almost laughed at the incredulous look Jamal had plastered on his face. India shook her head at his arrogance. After a minute or so Jamal finally got the message and made his way to the door.
“Just an FYI,” India said just as he reached the threshold. “Bitches might be the same, but dudes aren’t, because your dick game is nowhere near Chief’s.”
With all her might India pushed the door on Jamal subsequently closing it as he was shoved out. Of course, he yelled and cursed more, but Jamal wasn’t a fool. India was able to stay in shape because of kick boxing classes and mixed martial arts. So she would allow what was left of his ego to blow off a little steam, but if he got too out of pocket she would beat him down without a second thought.
I need to talk to somebody, India concluded as she entered her ocean themed bedroom in search of her cell phone. Her first thought was to call Chief, but she didn’t want to talk to him right now.
“I’ll call Kierre,” she said as she dialed.
Receiving her voicemail, India huffed and left a short message.
“I guess I will call LaTavia,” she thought aloud before dialing and once again receiving her voicemail.
“Come on ya’ll, I really need you guys,” she lamented as she plopped down on the bed.
♦♦♦
A knock at the door startled India. She couldn’t believe she fell asleep.
“I am going to curse him out,” India gritted looking at the alarm clock on the nightstand. She had put Jamal out over an hour ago and he was still at her door acting a fool. You would think his cocky, international ass would get a clue and leave her alone.
“You’re dying for an ass whipping aren’t you,” India gritted as she slung the door open.
The anger on her face quickly turning into shock then horror.
“Chief,” she whispered feeling completely exposed.
Thank God she had put on her nightshirt when she went into the bathroom earlier.
“I take it you weren’t expecting me,” he chuckled before his sexy smile fell upon her.
“No,” she laughed nervously before inviting him in.
India asked Chief if he wanted anything to drink before she excused herself. Thankfully he declined giving her time to put some much needed space between them.
In the safety of her bedroom India finally tried to process what exactly was going on. She had just called her boyfriend another man’s name and ended a long term relationship. Now the man she was fantasizing about is in her living room and instead of her sending him home she wants to remove the fitted thermal he has on with her teeth and place his black kangol on her head while she rides him.
“You are too hot in the ass,” she scolded herself as she searched her dresser for warm up pants. “You just got done sleeping with Jamal.”
India talked a good game, but the throbbing between her legs let her know it was just that – talk.
After the shortest shower ever India dressed in warm up pants and a tank top. She continued to smell herself and the air wondering if Jamal’s scent was still on her. You act like Chief is your man and you cheated on him, her mind threw at her. Dismissing the accusation India returned to the living room.
“Perfect,” Chief whispered as India entered the room.
“Excuse me,” she asked.
“I said you look perfect,” Chief clarified as his eyes hungrily roamed her body.
Chief found India attractive the day he saw her at the school. As time went on not only was he attracted to her physically but he had also developed a deep level of respect for her. She was intelligent and not intimidated by her colleagues. She had a true passion for education and adored her students. What Chief most admired about her was her confidence. Never was she boastful or quick to prove anything; it was the way she silently held herself, how her students continued to show improvement. India didn’t live for praise, she just lived.
As he continued to study her he could see her periodically avoid eye contact. Her shyness was so cute and refreshing to him even though he didn’t understand it. She was gorgeous and whenever he was around her he had butterflies in his stomach, but he couldn’t stay away. Hence, he took a chance and came over.
“Let’s go,” he told her as she gave him an impatient look.
“Go where,” she asked with bulging eyes.
“It’s a surprise,” he replied smoothly.
“Mmm,” India began with a raise of an eyebrow.
God she is sexy, he thought wanting to kiss her entire body.
“Well let me go change,” India told him, her suspicion still in full force.
“You’re fine the way you are,” Chief reassured. “Just grab a jacket it’s a little chilly.”
“This is a warm up suit, Chief,” India combated.
Seeing that talking wasn’t going to get him anywhere Chief made his way to the closet next to the front door and opened correctly assuming it was the coat closet.
“This one is nice,” he said grabbing the black leather jacket from the closet.
Chief smiled as India put the jacket on without protest. She likes a take charge man I see, he concluded as she put her right arm into the jacket. Within seconds they were both out the door.
♦♦♦
India was enjoying Chief’s conversation as they walked down the street. Chief told her their destination was close to her place. India was attached at the hip to her car, but it was nice and different to just stroll and talk. Chief told her how he wanted to go to Fiji next summer and India told him that was nice, but she wanted to go to Brazil.
“You didn’t waste any time,” India heard the voice, but continued walking.
It was Jamal and from the slurring in his speech he was pretty wasted.
“So bitch is this Chief,” Jamal yelled again causing India to bite her lip.
Just keep walking she told herself, but she should have said it to Chief because before she knew it he had slammed Jamal against the glass of a pet shop. It seemed that India wasn’t the only one scared; the poor puppies were even too scared to bark.
“Who you calling a bitch,” Chief gritted as his right hand slapped Jamal repeatedly on the forehead causing the back of his skull to hit the window.
“Man that’s my woman, but since you all in my face I guess you are Chief,” Jamal gritted, which was amusing in itself since he was being slapped like the bitch he had called India repeatedly.
“Well, it doesn’t look like she wants to talk to you,” Chief returned, continuing to slap Jamal on the forehead. “Do you baby?”
Hearing Chief call her baby did something to India but now wasn’t the time for wet thongs she just wanted them to get out of there.
“I will talk to him,” India told him.
She continued to stare into his eyes hoping he understood.
Instantly Chief released Jamal causing him to crumble to the floor and stepped back causing India to feel horrible. She couldn’t read his face, but something told her she had hurt his feelings, something she never wanted to do.
“She doesn’t want to talk to me,” Jamal yelled as he tried in vain to smooth his disheveled clothes. “She was calling your name while we were making love.”
Instantly everyone’s face changed: Chief’s was a mixture of shock and happiness, India’s a mixture of anger and shame, and Jamal looked plain stupid.
“Well since she doesn’t want to talk to you, take your simple ass on,” Chief told him tired of the games.
From what the man had just said India had made her choice crystal clear. Shaking his head at Jamal, Chief grabbed India’s hand and they continued to walk down the street.
“Chief…”
“Ssh, we good,” Chief smiled at her before stopping in front of a poetry café.
♦♦♦
India sat on a multi-hued blue pillow in the back of the room.
“I am happy that you came here with me,” Chief told India as he handed her the peach tea she requested.
“I’m happy you invited me,” India returned with a small smile.
“Why are you staring at me,” she asked after taking a few sips of her tea.
“Because you’re so different,” Chief answered honestly.
“I sure am,” India mumbled under her breath.
“Do you come here often,” she asked still uncomfortable under his unwavering glare.
She felt so exposed and vulnerable when his dark brown eyes penetrated her.
“Yeah, I like it,” Chief answered not surprising India at all.
He had sent her countless poems via text so she understood why the bluesy poetry café would be a place he would frequent.
“I had a feeling you would appreciate it here,” Chief continued gently leading India’s face toward his. “Tell me a piece.”
“What,” India giggled.
She dabbled in poetry but it had been years since she wrote something.
“Come on now India.”
India released an exaggerated sigh before opening her mouth staring at Chief.
“That which is striking and beautiful is not always good, but that which is good is always beautiful.”
“Nice try,” Chief chuckled throwing India. “That was Ninon de L’Enclos,” he burst her bubble.
“I told you I don’t do poetry,” India shrugged totally embarrassed and impressed. “Let me hear your piece.”
“You would like that wouldn’t you,” Chief returned with a slight smirk before stretching. “I have to use the restroom, be right back,” he whispered in her ear causing chills to dance horizontally on her spine.
Unable to talk India shook her head up and down and continued to consume her tea. She took in the café as she tried to calm her hormones and the butterflies in her stomach. The blues and rich purples were so relaxing and if Chief didn’t hurry back she was sure she would fall asleep; the pillows were just that comfortable. The café was so different then the clubs and lounges she and her girls frequented. Never would India feel comfortable in a warm up suit unless she was in her condo, grocery shopping, or of course working out, but she felt fine in the café. It was a chill environment and makeup, fake eyelashes, and designer clothes weren’t on the patrons mind. They wanted to be enlightened, empowered, and understood.
“Where is he,” she thought aloud as she scanned the dark room in search of him.
While she continued to wait she thought about the situation with Jamal. She couldn’t believe how he’d clowned.
“Bruised damn ego,” she spat as she recalled his flared nostrils and puffed out chest.
She didn’t expect Chief to come to her rescue so fast or slap Jamal around like he did. Nobody has ever done that for me, India thought as she recalled the pure rage in Chief’s eyes.
“What in the hell did I see in Jamal,” she asked herself with a deep frown.
As her thoughts went to after the physical ordeal, a smile came to her lips as she recalled how Chief didn’t force her to talk about the situation, instead he draped his arm around her and held her close.
A roar of snaps came to life in the room bringing her attention to the stage. A caramel sister with natural beauty and neat dreads was center stage. She talked about the oppression she felt from men on a day to day basis. India could relate to the words, since she had her share of sexism thrown at her at the school, male teachers making more money and producing below average students. India found herself snapping in between sips of her tea. As the woman bowed the room again erupted with snaps and whistles. India was actually enjoying herself and had to thank Chief for bringing her here as soon as she found him.
“Coming to the stage,” the lanky MC began. “Is family to us and says he has a special piece for us today.”
The snaps and whistles reached a new level throughout the room and India was waiting in high anticipation. She couldn’t wait to see what this mystery man was going to bring. Her jaw became lax as Chief took the stage.
“I dedicate this to a special person,” Chief began slowly licking his lips. “It’s called Indy Red.”
A shiver traveled down India’s spine. Though she was in the back of the café it felt as if Chief was slowly pulling her on the stage with him. Nobody was there but them as he opened his mouth and made love to her senses and spirit.
“See I don’t know what to do,” he began. “I thought I had it all figured out, life that is,” amen’s and preach came from different directions in the room.
“I was the man that did what I wanted, when I wanted,” he continued with his right hand in his pocket, his bowlegged stance slightly agape, and Kangol hat low over his sexy eyes.
“When I said jump she said how high,” a man yelled “well” as if he was helping Chief along with his testimony. “That was before I got between those Indy red thighs. See I was cocky, arrogant if you want to know the truth. Shit I was use to making it do what it do. But those thighs, the ones that belong to Indy Red, shit, had me feeling like I was lying on Egyptian silk, content like a baby with milk. I am trying to tell ya’ll Indy Red is the shit. I conquered those thighs and went on high. Thirsty, I lapped and lapped on a honey sweeter than anything I know. Never did she move or make a sound. Like an undisturbed volcano. Calm, peaceful with a beautiful backdrop, but will set shit ablaze if you piss her off. Her lava was deep in her core and I knew it was dangerous, but I wanted it. I needed it. You know what,” he continued scanning the room as if he was looking for someone that had experienced what he had.
“She was well aware of power and finesse. So I am telling you about my Indy Red because if I catch you near her, I will kill you dead.”
India squirmed and shivered in her seat as her pussy twitched and swelled. God did she want Chief right now. Slowly he made his way toward her with that sexy smile. Oh most definitely he was getting it tonight.
“Having a good time,” Chief asked.
“I am having a great time,” India replied pulling him by his crotch down to the pillow. “Why didn’t you tell me you were going to do that?”
“For two reasons,” Chief replied, his voice husky. “One it was a surprise and two when you opened the door it wasn’t the warmest welcome.”
India chuckled before the look in Chief’s eyes pulled her in. She kissed his lips softly.
“I have never experienced anything so thoughtful,” she whispered after the kiss.
“Not even with the bastard whose ass I just kicked,” Chief asked with a shocked frown.
“No,” India answered. “He would buy me things but he never put any real thought in anything he did for me. It didn’t make me feel special.”
“Damn, he was a dumb ass,” Chief returned licking his lips as he took in her chocolate loveliness. “But his loss was definitely my gain.”
India was swooning and needed to show him just how appreciative she was. Connecting her lips with his full succulent delights caused her nipples to harden.
“You know I am going to fuck the shit out of you Indy Red, right?”
“Promise?”
Chief lifted India onto his lap in lieu of an answer, allowing her to feel his hard and swollen dick. The vibrating of her phone irritated India, but she quickly checked it. There were two messages one from Kierre telling her she was going out of town for a family emergency.
“Everything alright baby,” Chief asked noticing India wasn’t grinding anymore.
“Yeah,” she replied absently, genuinely worried about Kierre.
She didn’t talk much about her family, but India knew she cherished her grandmother. India hoped she wasn’t sick. The second message was from Mitchell it read ‘I guess we do believe rules are made to be broken,’ immediately India searched the room for him. Coming to the bar her eyes landed on him. He was standing at the bar raising his cup with a knowing smile.
Fuck, she inwardly fumed.
“We need to go now,” she told Chief.