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LOVING YOU - Chapter 6 - WHO'S GOT GAME? by Van Dirk Fisher

Michael tried to stay focused as he sat in his Fifth Avenue showroom watching his models strut his latest collection, but his pinky finger still stung from pistol whipping Stogie’s ass the other day. Michael was surprised his cell phone wasn’t blowing up with calls from his attorney, but he knew Stogie knew better than to fuck with him again. After all, what did Stogie expect Michael to do, just sit there and watch his latest client Tyrell walk out on him while someone else benefited from all of Michael’s hard work? Hell to the fuckin no! Michael glanced at his pinky finger again and turned his pinky ring around hoping to relieve some of the pain he still felt. To his surprise a spot of blood stained the gold ring where a diamond cried out that it was flawed and begged to be renewed. Michael quickly dabbed his napkin in his glass of Evian water and tried to wipe it clean. It was a success and now he tried once again to bring his attention back to the matter at hand – his men’s wear collection. He needed to decide which clothes to include in the private show that he was going to have for the editors of Elle and Details Magazine.

Michael was proud of his latest designs and he knew the critics would love them too. They were sophisticated and fresh. His clothes always looked comfortable to wear and the fabrics and colors were to die for. As the song WHO’S GOT GAME? sung by the beautiful Stephanie Jeannot and Ryan Love set the tone for the runway, Michael laughed to himself as he listened to the lyrics:

Who's Got Game? Somebody tell me?

Stephanie: Well he thinks he does.

Who's Got Game? Somebody tell me?

Ryan: Well she says she does.

Stephanie: If you do then you don't need nobody else.

Ryan: If you don't, don't even try to play yourself.

And there was no doubt in Michael’s mind that he’s definitely Got Game.

Sitting to Michael’s right was Tony, sipping a glass of blackberry brandy and smiling with contentment saying over and over, “That’s the shit man, that’s the shit! I definitely gotta get me a pair of those pants with the jacket. Dayum that’ll look good on me.” “You think everything looks good on you man, I bet your bedroom walls are full of pictures of you,” Jay-T chimed in. “How did you guess man?” Tony laughed as he downed his drink. “Cause I know how you be, man. You spend more time looking at yourself in the mirror than looking at chicks,” Jay-T said like Mr. Know-It-All as he shook his head. “What you jealous dawg? You just mad cause I ain’t looking at you, is that it?” Tony teased him as he poured himself another drink and blew a kiss in Jay-T’s direction. “You better get the fuck out of here man. I don’t play that faggot shit man,” Jay-T laughed. “Sure you don’t, that’s why I always catch you watchin me,” Tony said with an air that sounded like there was more truth than joking to his statement. “Suck on my left nut son and knock yourself out,” Jay-T said as he tried to end the conversation and focus on the show. “You wish. You wish!” Tony said, determined to get in the last word.

“Can you believe these guys?” Michael said to Layla, his secretary. “They’re like kids,” Layla said as she smiled that smile that showed all of her pearly white teeth. Layla was beautiful and classy. Michael didn’t know why she was wasting her time working behind a desk when she should be on a stage singing her ass off. But Layla said she wanted to learn the business end first and then the performing aspect of her life could begin later. She said she wanted to learn from the best and even offered to work for free for the first 6 months. Yeah, she was good, and Michael quickly snatched her up and put her on his payroll. He loved having smart women around him, who had a sense of humor and could hang with the boys. Layla continued, “I keep telling you, you need to pay me more for babysitting, because these two are a handful,” as she pointed to Tony and Jay-T, who quickly feigned shock and immediately went to her and laid a big kiss on her cheek. “But you know you love us Layla and you wouldn’t have it any other way,” bragged Jay-T. “You better stop. Now you got me all wet,” Layla complained with a sly smile on her face. “I know. I have that effect on the ladies. I can’t help it,” said Tony. “I meant my face you fool! You’re so silly,” she laughed as she got up and headed toward the door. “Where are you going?” Michael demanded, almost hating to see her go. “We’ve got company. Denise just texted me from the front desk. I’ll be right back,” Layla said as she left the room.

Jay-T and Tony both looked at each other and then swiftly at Michael. Suddenly the front door burst open and in stepped Bobby sweating profusely as if he had just finished racing up a flight of stairs. “I tried to call you Michael, but your phone must be off,” Bobby said nervously and out of breath. “Call me? About what?!!!” demanded Michael. “We’ve got company,” Bobby said as if he had swallowed something whole and couldn’t say just what it was. “Man you better spit it out quick, because I’m about to lose my patience!” Michael said trying not to raise his voice as the music suddenly stopped and one of his models, Javier stood still, drop dead gorgeous, bare-chested in a pair of black leather pants with a floor length black fur coat exposing his muscled eight pack abs that only he could get away with and still look masculine. Nobody said a word. No one dared. Then the door opened again. This time everybody looked at the door as three white men in dark suits stepped in and one of them said, “Michael Cavaughn.”

No one said a word. Tony mouthed the words, “Oh shit!” They didn’t look like models, that’s for damn sure, Tony thought to himself and if they were they had definitely gotten off on the wrong floor. Anyone who knew the brand name Michael Cavaughn knew it represented fashionably young, fly and sophisticated men and none of these qualities applied to the three men dressed in drab shades of gray that clouded the room. Jay-T couldn’t agree more, but he sensed something more sinister in their stance and it was written all over his face. Jay-T couldn’t hide it even if he wanted too. Tony tried to clear his throat to distract Jay-T, but it didn’t work. Jay-T had that awful look on his face that said, “Dayum, mama said there would be days like this,” and with that thought he slowly sat his black ass down hoping he could disappear in the soft chocolate leather sofa that welcomed him with ease.

“Who’s asking?” Michael said defiantly as he rose to his feet, his heart beating ever so rapidly that he had to swallow to stomach what was about to come next. “NYPD,” said The Man with a mouth that reminded you of a recently fallen governor of New York State, as he flashed his badge and revealed two rows of pariah teeth awaiting it’s prey. “What can I do for you officers?” said Michael calmly as if he were about to ask them if they wanted to stay for dinner. “You’re under arrest for assault and battery of Mr. Stogie McKnight.” “Ain’t that some shit?!” said Michael with a crooked smile. “Is that what he told you? That I assaulted him?” Michael just shook his head in disbelief and said, “Once a pussy always a pussy.” “I’m just here to bring you in Mr. Cavaughn,” the lead detective said. “You can tell your side of the story to the judge, but I’m warning you, Mr. McKnight has witnesses.” “I’m sure he does. I’m sure he does,” Michael said sarcastically. The two other detectives made their move to handcuff him, but Michael protested. “Officers, is this really necessary? Handcuffs? I’m a public figure. I have my reputation to protect,” Michael pleaded. “I’m sorry, it’s regulations, but if you want you can carry your coat in front of you to hide the cuffs, but…” the officer was cut off by Michael. “Now we’re talking. I can do that. Thanks. Bobby, hand me my coat,” Michael commanded as Bobby swiftly handed him his coat. No sooner was he cuffed and covered fashionably in his cashmere coat did Layla enter the room to report, not missing a beat, “Michael I’ve phoned your attorney and he said not to worry. He will meet you at the precinct station.” “Thank you Layla. And don’t forget to call Mariah for me. Please contact her before she hears about this on the news,” Michael said fully confident that this matter would be settled swiftly and amicably. “Oh, course. I’ll do it right away,” Layla said as she left the room, taking all the air with her.

“Oh, shit!” Tony mouthed the words again. Jay-T just looked up at him not knowing what to make of what was going down, but he prayed to God that He would intervene and make this nightmare go away. Bobby looked like he was about to shit on himself and something in the room smelled like he already did. The detectives must have gotten wind of it too, because they looked at each other and quickly left the room with the lead detective leading the way as the other two officers followed with Michael Cavaughn between them.

“That’s the shit man, that’s the shit!” Tony said as he poured himself another drink.

To listen to the song WHO'S GOT GAME? click here.

To buy the CD or MP3 with all the songs mention in the novel LOVING YOU click here.

LOVING YOU - Chapter 5 - LONELY by Van Dirk Fisher

Justin couldn’t believe it, but he was finally in. In Mariah’s office that is, he thought to himself with a chuckle. Her office was immaculate and there was a sweet smell of jasmine in the air. Just like the fragrance she loved to wear. So this is where she worked. He smiled to himself. He was proud of her. She finally got that promotion she was waiting for. Justin remembered the frustrating nights when they would stay up all hours of the night, talking on the phone as she expressed her concern that her company didn’t appreciate her. Well, obviously things have changed and they finally gave her the recognition she so deserved.

He was hoping to give her the bouquet of flowers that he was holding in his hands, but she was nowhere in sight. He found that to be strange, because the receptionist told him he could go right in, so he did. Who was he to question her? The roses were beautiful. They were Mariah’s favorite colors, peach and white, so he had to buy them. He was hoping to see her at the photo shoot yesterday, but she wasn’t there, and if she was there she didn’t make herself known to him. He couldn’t blame her though. He would have probably been distracted if she was around and noticeably excited. She was more beautiful every time he saw her. Mariah radiated innocence, a softness, but underneath that soft shell there was a tigress of strength and you could sense that when she got down to business she knew how to get the job done.

Justin found himself sitting in her chair behind her desk. He could feel the warmth of the seat as if she was recently there. On her desk was the CD by Darnerien McCants, the American wide receiver who played for the NFL and currently plays for the Hamilton Tigers-Cats of the Canadian Football League. My man could blow. Darnerien used to play for the Washington Redskins, but they didn’t know what to do with him. And then he played for the Philadelphia Eagles, but they didn’t do right by him either. My boy should go Hollywood. They would eat him up out there, but that day will come, hopefully sooner than later. Justin looked inside the case and the CD was missing. He looked around for the remote control and he found it and he pressed play and the slow jam LONELY began to play. Justin felt his heart skip a beat and his breath began to quicken. Mariah remembered or was he just bugging? Nah, nah, he knew what was up. She was thinking about him too. LONELY was their song. That’s the song they danced to when they first met. Justin closed his eyes while he leaned back in the chair and lost himself in the moment.

Just then the door opened and in stepped Mariah. She heard the music playing and saw the roses on her desk and the back of her chair was facing her. She smiled and locked the door behind her. “Baby, you know you’re not supposed to be here. Besides I told you I had work to do and couldn’t get away, . . . but I’m glad you’re here,” Mariah kicked off her shoes and started to unbutton her blouse. “My appointments have been cancelled for the rest of the afternoon. So you have me all to yourself.” With that being said Mariah walked over to the chair, turned it around and bent down to give him a kiss, but was startled when she realized it was Justin. “Justin?!!! What are you doing here?!” she exclaimed. “Obviously, about to have the time of my life,” Justin laughed with glee as he saw her white satin bra, which was probably made by Victoria’s Secret. Mmmm, she smelled baby fresh. Dayum she was gorgeous. Justin was jealous as her bra teased and caressed her skin, replacing him like no man could. His tongue became wet with anticipation as he longed to cup her breasts and give them all the attention they deserved. “I told you I couldn’t see you Justin. So what are you doing here?” Mariah said as she backed away and buttoned her blouse. “I’m trying to prevent you from making the mistake of your life,” Justin said as he got up and walked toward her and grabbed her by her hands. “How did you get here?! What do you want?” Mariah demanded. “I told them I had something to give you so they let me in,” Justin explained. “Don’t look so surprised. I’m not going to hurt you. I just wanted to thank you for booking me for the cover of Men’s Health Magazine,” Justin said as he pulled her closer to him. He could feel her body relax a little, but on her face was fear as if she was going to cry. “Please, please, don’t!” Mariah pleaded. Her lips were moist and Justin longed to kiss her, but he couldn’t. He wouldn’t, if she didn’t want him too. “I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do. I’m sorry Mariah. I just wanted to give you these flowers. I had to thank you in person,” he said as he let her go. He turned to the desk and picked up the roses and handed them to her. “Thank you, but you didn’t have to,” she said as she took them from him. “They’re beautiful.” There was an awkward pause between them and then Justin said, “I remembered how much you liked them.” “That was sweet,” she said as she moved to put them on a side table.

“Mariah, I’m not going to lie to you. I still love you. I never stopped loving you.” “Please!” Mariah pleaded again. But Justin continued, “No please! I came this far. Let me have my say. . . . When we were together, I fucked up. Yeah, I’ll admit it. I should have told you everything about me when we first met, but I didn’t expect you be around the way you were. You were different. You weren’t like the other girls. I messed up.” “Shhhh, please, don’t say it,” Mariah pleaded. “I have to. I haven’t stopped thinking about you. Every girl I tried to get with after you never worked out, because she wasn’t you,” Justin said as he looked at her and then looked at the door, remembering that it was still locked.

“Please Justin, you must go. I’m getting married in two weeks. We can’t do this,” Mariah said softly as LONELY continued to play in the background. Justin sat on the corner of her desk just looking at her with his hands resting on his thighs, “So you gonna tell me that you don’t miss me too?” Justin started to get a little indignant, “I see you been listening to our song. How you going to marry this dude when you know you still love me?” With that being said, Mariah turned her back so Justin couldn’t see the tears that were about to well up in her eyes and she walked toward the door and said, “Please Justin. If you love me, you’ll leave me. I love Michael and I don’t want to hurt him.” She didn’t want to look him in the eyes, but she managed the courage to do so and Justin rose from the desk and walked over to her and said, “If that’s what you want I’ll do it, but before I leave do me a favor.” “What is it?” Mariah said, holding on to all the strength she had in her to not give in to Justin’s pull at her heart. Just then there was a knock at the door. Mariah felt her heart sink as she moved to open it.

To Mariah’s surprise and comfort it was Susie, her secretary. “Mariah I’m back from lunch, would you like me to do anything?” Susie said with a smile on her face as she gave Justin the look over. Her smile was so broad that Mariah could only wonder what Susie was thinking, but Justin knew. He knew she was undressing him with her eyes. “No I’m fine Susie,” Mariah said, trying to break up this little love fest that was going on. “Are you going out to lunch?” Susie said. “Yes she is and it’s my treat,” said Justin. “That’s the least you can do for an old friend Mariah. Let me take you out to lunch to celebrate your impending nuptials,” Justin said with a devilish smile. “I can’t. I have work to do, . . . appointments scheduled for the rest of the day. I can’t take a lunch break,” Mariah said nervously. “Sure you can! Maybe you didn’t get the message I left for you earlier. Your calendar has been cleared for the rest of the day. So you’re free. You can relax. Eat. Go shopping. I can hold down the fort. I’ll call you if anything comes up,” Susie said coyly. “Are you sure?” Mariah said flustered and feeling a little trapped. “You heard her. Let’s go,” Justin said. “I won’t take no for an answer. Besides this will be my last chance to see you,” Justin said to Mariah hoping she would get the message that this was the favor he wanted.” “Okay, okay. Lunch, and then I have to go,” Mariah said finally giving in to him. “Well you two run along,” Susie said. “Oh, I better put these flowers in some water before they die,” Susie said as she walked over to the table to get them. “Enjoy!” Susie said as Justin and Mariah walked toward the elevator.

Once they got to the lobby Mariah felt her body relax. Lunch can’t be that bad she thought to herself. After all there will be plenty of people there. Justin wouldn’t dare to try something in the restaurant. He promised he would be on his best behavior. He said he wanted to say goodbye and he would respect her wishes. She was happy as they stepped outside the building and she realized that she could finally breathe a sigh of relief once this lunch was over. In two weeks she will be marrying Michael Cavaughan. He deserved the best and Mariah was determined to be the best wife for him. After all it was Michael whom she loved the most. Michael would never lie to her. He had always been honest with her and she with him. After all, she told Michael about Justin. Well, she told Michael about her being in love with this guy and how he lied to her and cheated on her and got some girl pregnant. Yeah she told Michael and he comforted her and told her he was single and that any man who would cheat on her didn’t deserve to be with her. Yeah she and Michael talked about a lot of things when they first met. They said there would be no secrets between them. And there weren’t. She just didn’t tell Michael her lover’s name. It wasn’t important anyway, not now, because after today, she would never see Justin again.

Justin was preoccupied with Mariah as they stepped outside so he didn’t notice the gray BMW parked across the street. He should have been paying attention, but he wasn’t. All he could think about was Mariah. She loved him, and he knew it. She just didn’t want to admit it, but he knew it. The CD by Darnerien was one clue. The fact that she didn’t keep any photos of Michael on her desk was another. Oh yeah, Justin was full of himself. He thought he had Mariah pegged, but what he didn’t know was that she kept Michael’s picture closer than her desk. In fact, she wore his picture in a locket that she wore around her neck. Michael was the closest to her heart. Closest to the warmest part of her body that left her moist at night when she lay in bed alone thinking about him long after he had gone. Yes, Mariah was fortunate. She was loved by two men. Too bad for Justin though, because Shaneequa was loved too. She was Justin’s baby’s mama, and as far as she was concerned Justin was all the man she needed and she was all the woman he needed. He just needed to be reminded of that shit every now and again. She knew Justin was PHINE and he got distracted every time some hoochie would throw some pussy his way. He was a man. What did she expect? Good thing she was a forgiving woman. Her mama raised her right. She taught her that a good woman has to learn how to fight for what’s hers in order to keep her man. And that’s what Shaneequa was, a good woman. Good thing she had her long lens camera that her papa gave her for Christmas, cause it was gonna come in handy. Daddy always knew what to buy her before she did and now it was time to put it to good use.

As Mariah and Justin entered the restaurant, Shaneequa was there, snapping away. As they toasted glasses and laughed at each other, Shaneequa was there, snap snapping away. As Justin kissed Mariah on the cheek, Shaneequa nearly broke her neck to get that shot, but she snapped that one too, just in time. Shaneequa smiled to herself. Satisfied. She even kissed her camera she was so pleased with herself. Luckily, Mariah and Justin chose a table near the window so Shaneequa could get all the good shots she needed. God was good. Lord have mercy, Shaneequa thought to herself, and Justin would see that she was doing this for his good too. Yes he would. She knew he would!

To listen to the song LONELY sung by Darnerien click here.

To buy the CD with the songs mentioned in the novel LOVING YOU click here.

LOVING YOU, Chapter 4: TRIALS by Van Dirk Fisher

The clock struck 12 in Michael Cavaughan’s office at B-Boy Records and still there was no sign of Tyrell. This wasn’t a good sign, but Michael was doing his best not to let it show. Tyrell was the latest hip-hop artist added to the roster of impressive clients and Michael was very pleased with his performance. His debut CD Tyrell – Taking It To The Streets had sold over 600,000 units, and it was still climbing the charts. Bobby was supposed to pick Tyrell up and have him in front of Michael at 11:30 a.m. Traffic can be a bitch in Manhattan, but this was ridiculous. If it wasn’t for the fact that Michael had been busy with another client until now, it wouldn’t have been so bad. But now he was free and Michael wanted to get Tyrell to renew his contract so he could move on and plan their next CD. He glanced at the two bottles of champagne that were sitting on ice, waiting to be opened. Michael was happy. He had done well. He had made a wise investment in Tyrell and it had paid off handsomely. It was now 12:15 p.m. As soon as Michael pressed the intercom to speak to his secretary his door burst open and in walked Bobby sweating profusely.

“What is it Bobby? Where is Tyrell?” said Michael. “Don’t tell me he forgot about our meeting today?” Bobby wiped his forehead with his handkerchief and said, “I wish I could tell you that, but I don’t think he forgot.” “Then where is he? Look, I don’t have time to waste. I have another meeting at 2pm,” Michael said trying not to show his impatience. “Well I went to his place like you told me to. I spoke to the doorman and he said Tyrell was on his way down and he would be right out. I said, “Cool.” And then I waited in my car. When Tyrell came out of the building, I thought he was coming over to my car, but he didn’t. Instead, he got into this black SUV,” said Bobby. “And? And? Where the fuck did he go?” Michael said perplexed as his pressure was starting to rise. “Spit it out Bobby! WHERE IS HE?!” “I followed the car and it pulled up in front of Killer Inc. Records. I was going to follow him upstairs, but I thought it would be better if I came back here and told you first to see how you wanted to handle this,” Bobby said quickly, looking to see if Michael was going to explode, but there was nothing but silence. Bobby figured Michael was in shock so he helped himself to a glass of ice water. “Oh, shit,” Michael tried to pull off a nonchalant laugh, but he couldn’t even fool himself. “That punk ass nigga. So he thinks he can step out on me like this? That nigga better think again. I MADE him and I OWN HIM!” Michael said as he poured himself a glass of Courvoisier. “So what do you want me to do man?” Bobby said anxiously. “Get Bonz, get the car and meet me out front,” Michael said firmly and with that command Bobby finished his water and quickly left. Shit was on, Michael thought to himself. Why did people always want to fuck with him? Why? It seemed the more successful he became the more people wanted to challenge his authority. They wanted to see how much they could get away with and if he would really put up a fight. But some people just didn’t understand. They couldn’t see past the fine suits and ties that Michael sported. They forgot that he knew the hood. He may have the look of a prince, but he had the heart of a thug.

When Michael and his boys walked into Killer Inc. Records security waved them through and they quickly entered the elevator and took it to the penthouse. Bobby and Bonz didn’t know what was about to go down, but they were prepared for anything. The fact that Michael had asked Bonz to come along could only mean one thing and that is -- some shit was about to go down. The elevator door opened and Michael got off first. Stogie was CEO of Killer Inc. Records. Many people in the industry thought that B-Boy Records and Killer Inc. Records were staunch enemies, but that wasn’t true. As far as Michael was concerned Stogie was small stuff and no competition. Stogie was a glasses wearing scavenger who quickly signed any artist who lost a record deal with a major label. That’s how he got his talent. He didn’t cultivate them the way Michael did. “There must be some mistake.” That’s what Michael kept telling himself. But he was about to find out.

Veronica, Stogie’s secretary looked surprised to see Michael and his boys exit the elevator and spoke up at once, “Excuse me, can I help you? Is Mr. Stogie expecting you?” Michael didn’t pay her any mind and said, “Don’t bother to announce us. I want to surprise him.” And with that Michael and his boys burst into Stogie’s office. Stogie was on the phone looking out of the window and laughing up a storm. He was a stout Black man about 5’10 in height and immaculately dressed in a blue gray suit. His suit jacket was on a coat rack in the corner of the room. When he turned around and laid eyes on Michael and his boys his laughter died and the smile quickly left his face as if he had been caught with his pants down and his dick in his hand. “I’ll have to call you back. I have a meeting I have to tend too,” Stogie said as calmly as he could to whomever he was talking to on the phone.

“Oh, please, don’t let me interrupt you. I can wait,” said Michael patronizingly. “No, I can talk now. Have a seat,” Stogie said as he put his phone down and cleaned his glasses and then put them back on. Michael stood there and didn’t move an inch. Bobby moved to the left of Michael, but stayed slightly behind him. Meanwhile, Bonz carefully closed the door and locked it and then moved to Michael’s right side, but within arm’s distance. “Never let them see you sweat,” is what Stogie was thinking, but that was hard to do. Shit like this always made him sweat. Some guys just didn’t know how to let go and Michael was that kind of guy, Stogie thought to himself. Just then his intercom rang and it was his secretary Veronica calling. Stogie pressed the button so he could hear her, “Is everything alright Mr. Stogie? Michael Cavaughan didn’t give me a chance to announce him. Will you be needing anything?” “No Veronica, everything is fine. Thank you,” Stogie said as he tried to sound like it was business as usual, but he knew better. Suddenly it was hotter than a witches brew and somehow Stogie managed to loosen his tie. “Well, Michael I figured we would talk, but I just didn’t expect for us to have this conversation so soon. Would anyone like a drink?” Stogie said as he got up to make himself a screwdriver. Michael noticed the drink and thought Stogie was trying to fuck with him, because he felt that it was him that Stogie was trying to screw. Stogie stirred his drink and took a sip and then let out a satisfying sigh and smiled as he sat down, hoping that the drink would settle his stomach. “Well gentlemen, what can I do for you?” he finally said.

“Look nigga, don’t play dumb with me! You know why I’m here. You’ve got something that belongs to me,” Michael said as he leaned on Stogie’s desk practically breathing in his face. Bonz thought that they were awfully close. Too close. So close that you would have thought Michael was going to kiss him, if you didn’t know any better. Stogie could feel the hairs in his nose part as the sweet smell of Michael’s cologne invaded his nostrils. “Come on Michael, you know me better than that man. Why would I try to fuck with you man? This is nothing personal. This is bizzness.” The funk coming out of Stogie’s mouth was more offensive than the words he spoke and Michael stood up to catch his breath and to clear his head, but Stogie kept talking and every word he spoke continued to cloud Michael’s mind. “Tyrell came to me. He said, he was looking to move in a different direction and I asked him if he was sure and he said, “Yes.” I didn’t force him to jump ship. You did! He said, he wanted more personal freedom to express himself and that’s what I gave him,” Stogie said defiantly. Slowly Michael leaned into Stogie to make his point -- again. “I don’t give a FUCK what he told you and what you offered him. He’s mine! Do you hear me? HE’S MINE!!!” Michael said as he stood up trying to compose himself. “Look Michael I didn’t want you to find out like this. I wanted to call you, but Tyrell said he would handle it and I trusted he would, but it’s too late man. It’s a done deal. In fact he’s going to be on Wendy Williams’ show in about a few minutes -- making the announcement,” Stogie said as he turned the radio on.

Michael couldn’t believe his ears, but the sound of Wendy Williams voice was undeniably coarse with glee as she prattled on. She was the kind of woman whom you didn’t want to get on her bad side, cause she could stir up some shit, and even if it wasn’t true most people believed everything she said as if she had an inside track to the gospel truth. “Well ladies and gentlemen, as I promised you, I have an artist here with me today who’s going to make a major announcement, and if I do say so myself he’s cuter in person. I could eat him up right now if I wasn’t already married. Say hello Tyrell,” Wendy said with a honey tongue so thick that even bees wouldn’t trust it. “How y’all doing? Thanks for having me Wendy,” said Tyrell like the chicken to the fox. “Anytime baby, anytime. You know you are welcome to come by here and chat with me anytime you want. Now what is this big announcement you wanted to make?” said Wendy as if she didn’t already know. You could tell she was just busting at the seams to tell it herself. “Well I just wanted to thank all my fans for buying my first CD and I wanted to let them know that I’ve got a new CD that’s a little more personal that I hope they’ll love just as much.” “Well, I’m sure they will Tyrell. I’ve already heard it and it’s earthy and deeper than anything else I’ve heard you do,” said Wendy coaxing him and trying to get him to spill the big news. “Thank you. I’m glad you’ve noticed. I was able to record a CD like this because I’m under new management now. I’m with Killer Inc. Records,” Tyrell said almost confidently as Wendy hit the applause button, but Michael couldn’t believe his ears. “I’m releasing a single from my new CD and I would like you to play it first, right here for your listeners,” said Tyrell finally loosening up with a smooth and silky voice that could make any girl wanna be a do right woman by him. “Well let’s not keep them waiting any longer. What’s the name of this single?” Wendy said. “It’s called TRIALS,” said Tyrell.

As the song blared out of the speakers in Stogie’s office, Stogie had a look of contentment on his face. As he smiled he forgot that Michael was standing in his office listening to the interview. That’s why he didn’t see what was coming. WHACK! Oh shit, Stogie thought to himself, as he winced in pain, as his face whipped around with such force that his glasses flew across the room and landed appropriately on his bookcase as if they had never read a book before. A tear cowardly and uncontrollably fell from Stogie’s eye as Michael raised his hand back and said, “You got some big balls nigga. From the look on your face I know you ain’t seen one of these before, so say ‘Hello’ to my Magnum.” Stogie opened his mouth in surprise, but Michael pistol-whipped him before he could say a word. This time some blood trickled down Stogie’s nose. “Oh, shit. You better not get any blood on me. You hear me?! Shit!” “Michael man, Tyrell said he didn’t want to renew his contract with you. That’s the only reason I agreed to sign him. It’s all legal man. It’s all legal!” Stogie raised his voice, trying not to sound like a whimp. “Legal? Legal?! Did you even bother to read the contract he signed with me?” Michael said as Stogie just looked dumbfounded. “I didn’t think so. I had a first option to renew. I didn’t break his contract. He owes me 3 albums. Now, I could sue your ass for doing what you did, but since I like you, I’m going to let you release your album, but every cent of the proceeds is mine. Mine!!!!! Do you hear me?” “Yeah,” Stogie said with a whimper. “DO YOU HEAR ME?” Michael said as Stogie finally found the strength to pick his ass up off the floor. “YES, I HEAR YOU!” Stogie said loud and clear. “That’s better. If you had any sense and if you were a REAL man you would have contacted me when Tyrell came to you and I would have told you what the situation was and we wouldn’t be in this shit we’re in right now,” said Michael as he gave Stogie a tissue to wipe the blood from his nose. “We CEOs have got to stick together, you know what I mean? Otherwise people will start talking. And I know you ain’t gonna tell anyone about our little meeting, cause how would that sound? ‘CEO of Killer Inc. Records gets beat down by his competition. News at eleven!’ Michael said with a smirk on his face, while Bonz and Bobby could hardly contain themselves and bust out laughing. “That shit ain’t right boss! That shit ain’t right. It’s the truth though, word,” said Bonz. “Sure nuff. Funny as hell though,” said Bobby. Then all four of them looked at each other and then Bonz said, “So what you want us to do with him now?” “Teach this mother fucker a lesson so this shit don’t happen again. But don’t leave any marks,” said Michael and with that Bobby and Bonz held Stogie up by his arms and proceeded to pummel him in the stomach. “Enough! Let’s go,” said Michael as he unlocked the door. As the song TRIALS ended on the radio Wendy Williams hit the applause button again and said, “Well Tyrell, I think you’ve got a hit on your hands mister. I love it!” “Thank you Wendy and there’s a lot more where that came from so look for my CD Tyrell – A Hard Knocks Life. It drops next Tuesday,” said Tyrell. “Thank you Tyrell, I’m sure they’ll wanna buy it. Thank you for spending some time with us and I hope you come back again, cause I’m sure we’ll be hearing more from you come the Grammy nominations.” More applause. “I hope so,” Tyrell said with a modest laugh. “You’ve got it. That’s wassup.”

Stogie heard the door to his office close as his anger grew. He was nobody’s punk. And Michael Cavaughan was going to have to pay for what he had done to him and Stogie was going to see to it that he did. If payback was a bitch, then Stogie was going to be worse than a bitch’s bitch!

To hear TRIALS sung by SnuggS click here.

To buy the CD with all the songs mentioned in LOVING YOU click here.

LOVING YOU, a novel by Van Dirk Fisher Chapter 3

Chapter Three: Knock, Knock

As Justin laid in his bed his shit was like BRICK. He always woke up with a boner and this morning wasn’t any different. But Justin didn’t want to get up yet, no not yet. Laying there nude, the sheets felt good against his skin rising and falling with every breath he took. Suddenly he felt a warm wet tongue licking at his balls, ever so gently, lovingly, and attentively, “Ah, dats wassup.” He moved his legs apart to give better access. Dayum, if he was gonna get done he wanted to make sure every inch was licked. “Oh, yeah,” he said as he stretched his arms out to grab the bedposts as if he was strapped to it. Mmmmmmmmm the velvet tongue was skillful that paid close attention to his balls making them swell with milk so sweet you could taste it. “Ahhh,” as he moaned with pleasure his lips parted and a sigh of ecstasy escaped letting his dawgs below know that he was pleased. He was dripping pre cum and a trail began to race down the side of his shaft. But none was wasted as the tongue swiftly lapped it up with a quicker pace to insure that none was missed. Justin thought he was dreaming as he quickly remembered seeing Mariah last night at the club. But wait a second, how could she? He wanted her so badly. Did he chase her down last night and persuade her to come home with him? He didn’t remember doing such a thing. Besides, she left with Michael and by the time he got outside the club she was long gone. “Oh, shit,” his toes began to curl as the licking became fierce as it swept the head of his dick and teased it ever so gently. “Oh FUCK, I’m gonna nutt!” Justin couldn’t hold back any longer so he grabbed his shit and finished it off. As his hand replaced the tongue, a nail scratched him and he winced in pain, but it didn’t matter cause that shit felt good. So good that he let out a sound loud enough to wake up his neighbors as his body shivered uncontrollably with glee. It sounded kinda stupid, but he didn’t care. He tried to brush the hand away with his other hand and when he did he heard an all too familiar sound from Tina, his cat. He bolted up in bed and sure enough it was her. He should have known it was his cat Tina. She was naughty, but nice as she sat on the side of the bed licking her paw with content. He laughed to himself. “Thanks baby girl. I got the hint. Daddy didn’t feed you, huh?”

Dayum, what time is it? Justin thought to himself as he glanced over his shoulder to see the clock. “Oh, no. I forgot to set my alarm.” He looked at Tina. She was one hell of a cat. Smarter than any dog he ever had and faithful. He picked her up and kissed her. “Thanks baby girl. You knew my ass was supposed to be up by now, right? Right? Well, thanks.” He gave her another kiss as he walked into his master bathroom to take a shower. Yeah, today is an important day alright. Justin had a callback for the cover of Men’s Health Magazine and he didn’t want to be late.

By the time Justin got out of the shower and dressed, his doorbell rang. It was Keith and Troy, two of his running buddies. They were models too with chiseled bodies that were toned and firm. They weren’t competitive like most brothers. They always had each other’s back and they kept each other in the loop to make sure they got in on all the go sees. Nine out ten times one of them would book a job. Sometimes they all booked the same job. When that happened it was sweet! Hell, as long as it was one of them, they were content. The intercom rang again and again. Finally Justin decided to answer it. “I’m coming yo, chill!”

“If you got some girl up in your spot tell her you’ll see her later. We got business to take care of partner,” Keith’s voice boomed through the intercom. “It ain’t like that man. I’m coming now,” Justin said. “That’s probably what’s taking you so long man. You can do that shit later. Let’s beat it man!” said Troy. “Oh, oh, you got jokes! I’ll see who’s laughing when I book this job,” Justin said.

When Justin stepped outside his brownstone he could see they were happy to see him. These were his boys. One playa to another, he knew he could tell them anything and they would tell him the truth. They were like that with each other. They were tight and they knew how to keep it real.

Harlem was changing. New town houses were going up everywhere. Money was moving into the neighborhood. Blacks with money were staying. Whites with money were moving in. Shoot after Clinton set up his office on 125^th Street several businesses, retail stores and people finally discovered that Harlem was an attractive place to live. Shit, Justin knew that and so did a lot of other people. Finally, money was being spent to bring Harlem back to the glorious luster of its heyday. Some people thought things were moving a little too fast and now they were putting up street signs saying SoHa and NoHa, meaning South Harlem and North Harlem. Justin had to laugh to himself. But some people weren’t laughing, because now Columbia University wanted to change the complexion of Harlem a little bit more and decided it needed an additional 17 acres surrounding its college for expansion. And merchants and people who have lived here for decades were being displaced.

Anyway, Justin didn’t have time for all that. He had enough on my mind. Mariah. He couldn’t believe that he saw her after all these years. He told Keith and Troy about last night, running into her at the club and kissing her. “That shit was intense. It was as if we had never been apart. I felt her in my arms and they ached from holding her. But it was a good ache, you know, like after a good workout. Like when your body is sore, but you know its good for you, cause you needed to work those muscles again. Well, that’s how I felt when I saw Mariah. I felt alive again, man! I could breath again. I wanted her and I wasn’t going to give up on having her again.” Keith said he knew something was up with me. He said he could sense it. Every now and then he said he felt like I wasn’t there with them. Like I was some place else. Some place better. Troy was a little more crude. He just said, “You’re pussy whipped. That’s it man. Admit it. Mariah’s that girl you told me about who you fell for and then you let her get away by telling her you were some other girl’s baby’s daddy.”

“Oh, shit!” said Keith. “That’s who you ran into last night?! Is that who’s got you all twisted?” “Yeah, that’s the one,” I said. “That’s her.” “Mmm and she’s engaged to Michael Cavaughan? The Michael Cavaughan?!” Keith kept saying it like he couldn’t believe my dumb luck. “Yeah that’s her,” I said. “Well let’s go book this job, man. Cause you gonna need some dollars if you wanna compete with a man like that,” Keith broke it down to me like he was speaking the gospel truth. I didn’t want to admit it, but I knew he was right.

We took the subway down to Grand Central Station and walked over to Madison Avenue. Finally, we arrived at BBD&O, the advertising agency that was handling the Men’s Health Magazine account. When we stepped off the elevator the receptionist greeted us, “Sign in here, please. Then go through those doors to the left and then Stacy will give you your clothes.” As soon as we got through the doors Stacy grabbed us. She was a fairly attractive white girl, with black hair pulled back in a ponytail. “The clients are here and they aren’t too happy with the guys they’ve seen so far so I hope you guys can wow them!” “Don’t worry we will,” I said confident as usual for the three of us. “Don’t convince me. Convince them! Here are your clothes. You can get dressed in there. I’ll be back to get you in a few minutes,” Stacy said as she closed the door behind her.

Cool, cool, I thought to myself. We all got dressed quickly. I of course remembered to bring some baby oil to rub down all over my body. I know they gonna make us strip down to our briefs and when we do I wanna make sure it’s hot! This is going to be a 6 page spread and they’re going to be booking 5 guys for this edition and one guy will get the cover. I don’t know about my boys, but I was determined to make sure the cover was gonna be me!

I had just zipped up my pants when Stacy came to get us. She handed each of us a pair of black shades to wear. “Here guys, put these on. They’re going for the Matrix look. Hence the shades, the long black coats, the pants and shirts. You get the picture. When we open the door for you to enter the studio you will hear the music playing. The clients are in there sitting behind the table. I want you to give them attitude, sex and just be fucking bad ass, but cute. You know, like you are ready to kick ass, but they’re going to love it cause you’re the one doing the ass kicking.” Troy chimed in, “I feel you on that. I can do that.” “Good,” Stacy said. “You can strut your stuff, move to the music any way you want. The photographer will be taking pictures. Don’t worry about him. Just do your thing. We are not going to have you slate your name at this time. The client wants it to be mysterious. But don’t worry we will get your name afterwards.” Here it comes, I know she’s going to say it, I thought to myself, but she didn’t. Instead she said, “I know it sounds a little kinky, but just humor them. Make them want you damnit and the job is yours. Comprende? Understand?” “Got it!” we said in unison.

Finally the moment came and the door opened. J-Smash’s hit song KNOCK, KNOCK was blasting out of the speakers and the three of us entered the studio. The lights were so bright you couldn’t see any of the clients who were sitting behind the table, but we didn’t need to. We were on and the music was hot and seductive. We each strutted our stuff and kept moving to the beat as we pulsated and began to disrobe. Troy almost made me laugh when he started making noises like a tiger. Keith tried to top him by making a sound that sounded like something right out of THE LION KING. I said to myself, “Oh hell no, you guys are not going to stand me up. Hell to the fucking NO! That’s when I decided to seductively peel out of my pants. I don’t know where it came from, but I heard myself starting to hiss like a snake. I almost didn’t think that was going to work, but then I knew they were enjoying it because I heard one of the female clients ask some body to get her some water, cause she was about to lose her breath. Then I heard a man say, “Girlfriend you’re going to have to get it yourself, cause my ass is glued to this seat and I’m not moving unless there’s a second coming, but I do believe I done died and went to heaven cause I think I found God. Somebody get me my glasses I’m seeing triples!” “Your eyes are fine Jeffrey. You’re wearing them darling! And I think we’ve found three men for our magazine, but only one of you can be on the cover.” Slowly she walked over toward us and as she got closer I could see her clearly. She almost took my breath away, but before I could say anything she singled me out. “I want you,” she said. I pointed to myself almost in disbelief with a sly smile. “Yes you,” she said as she turned back to the other clients. “Gentlemen, I’m sure you can agree with me, this is the model for our cover for the next edition of MEN’S HEALTH MAGAZINE!” Then she turned back around to me and said, “You’ll be perfect. With you on the cover the magazine will fly off the shelves. Take off your shades. Let me see our lucky stud.” Happy that all three of us would be working on this job, and that I would get the cover I obliged and took off my shades and said, “As you wish.” She couldn’t have been more surprised than me when she said, “Justin!” “I’m glad you like what you see Mariah,” I said devilishly as Troy and Keith’s eyes nearly bugged out as they did a double take. I saw them out of the corner of my eyes and I knew what they were thinking, “Dayam, she’s hot!” I knew it, she knew it and so did everyone else who laid eyes on her. “Should I put my clothes back on?” I said to her as I smiled that smile that usually makes the girls get weak in the knees. “Yes, of course, . . . please do! All of you. You may get dressed . . . now,” she was tongue tied for once a

nd I was content, because now my search was through.”

To listen to KNOCK, KNOCK sung by J-Smash click here.