Drop it-drop it low girl, drop it-drop it low
Make that thing go boom, ba-ba-boom, ba-boom, ba-boom, boom:
KateyBee42, Guest(1), The Lady Of Gaia, Katie, Cai-the-potato, SpicyWifey, clockwork'sFinest, QuestionyTheQuestionMark, kingofmonsters1, and Guest(2).
Thanks to the baddies above! Proper thank-you's coming soon as usual!
Lately it seems that when I strive to update one story, the ideas and progression for the opposite story come to me instead. Go figure.
Anywaysss for your viewing pleasure, y'all are getting a back-to-back update with this thick-ass chapter XD
And we're Al. Most. THERE.
Enjoy ;)
Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Aaron McGruder's The Boondocks or any of his characters.
"Cause, nigga? I'm the cause!
'Cause I wanna house! 'Cause I wanna yacht! 'Cause I wanna get this guap, nigga!
That's the cause!"
~Riley Freeman; The Fundraiser
Week 20
Saturday, October 27th
Cindy's POV
We're on the way! Be there in five :-*
So excited! :D
LETSFUCKINGGOOOOO! #Bachelorette #GetHitchedOrDieTryin #LastNightOut ;)
Cindy giggled to herself as she read the group text from her friends. She grinned more when she heard Riley groan from behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"No." He mumbled into her neck.
"I gotta go, baby. They're on their way." She told him, showing him the text.
"...Your cousin makes me nervous." He muttered before turning his head back to her neck.
"Don't be. It's just a girl's day."
"She said bachelorette."
"It's an unofficial bachelorette. And we're not doin' anything. We couldn't if we wanted to, she's only seventeen and underage."
"So we gonna pretend like she don't already got a fake ID?" Riley questioned, making Cindy fall quiet. "Exactly."
"Boy," Cindy smirked, turning around in his arms so she could face him. "I know you trust me."
"Of course I do. I just, you know... don't wanna have to kill anybody that tries to dance up on you or tries to touch you or tries to give you one last good time or somethin'... that's all." He brushed off with a light shrug.
Cindy shook her head at him before kissing his lips. "You don't have to worry about that. Nobody's dancing or touching me anyway while I look like a whole submarine."
"Girl if you don't stop. You look like a whole meal." He smirked, leaning down to bite her neck lightly while she giggled. Because she didn't yet know the plans for the day, Cindy had listened to her friends and dressed in her approved "bachelorette" outfit. She wore her Timberland heels, dark-wash jeans, and her specialty-made top just for the occasion. She recently had presented her girls with their official bridesmaids' gifts just for fun: personalized basketball jerseys. Cindy had found black, short-sleeve jerseys and had the lettering done in gold, each one with a different nickname on the back. For herself, she had got an oversized white jersey that said BRIDE in sparkling gold letters on the front, along with her nickname "Fearsome" on the back.
And of course, she was number one.
"Reezy, they're gonna be here any minute." Cindy grinned, pecking his lips again before standing up tall and fixing the Aviators on top of her head. "You helpin' me to the car or nah?" She asked, reaching for the duffel bag on the bed. Riley grabbed it before she could with another dramatic moan.
"This bag feels too heavy, I thought you were comin' home tonight."
"Probably, but Jazz told me to pack one just in case it gets late and we sleep over Anthia's."
"Nooo-"
"Shh!" Cindy shushed him as she opened their bedroom door. "Aunt Cookie said she's resting."
"Why you gotta leave me alone with both her and Granddad today?" He whispered instead.
"Why you gotta be so whiny today?" She shot back over her shoulder with a smirk. She concealed her squeal as he smacked her ass hard as they passed by the guest room and headed down the stairs.
"Granddad must still be out." Riley said, glancing at the clock in the hallway. It was barely past noon.
"Tell him and your aunt that I'll see them later for me?"
"Tonight. You'll see them tonight you mean." He grinned, dropping her bag on the ground again and pulling her towards him.
"You are so clingy today." She teased, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"I don't do well without you around anymore, sue me." Riley shrugged, making Cindy smile.
"I'm sure you'll find something to do."
He smirked at her knowingly. "The only thing I wanna do is-"
Bam!
"BANG-BANG INTO THE ROOOOM!" Lorena yelled/sang as she literally kicked the door open before dancing into the foyer wildly, startling Riley and Cindy as they both jumped.
"Shhhh!"
"Bang-bang all over yooouu!" Lorena continued unfazed, though she did lower her volume as she twerked behind Cindy suggestively.
"Wait a minute let me take you there," She sang while she scooped up the duffle bag, winking at her cousin. "Wait a minute til you..." She trailed off as she headed back out the open door, practically high-stepping. Anthia came through a few moments later, shaking her head with a grin.
"I think she's a little excited."
"She's making me nervous." Riley admitted again, gripping Cindy's hand.
"There's nothing to be nervous about." Jazmine said as she slowly entered the room. "I doubt that two pregnant women, a taken woman, and one seventeen-year old can get into too much trouble."
"Speak for yourself." Lorena spoke up as she bounced back into the room, propping an elbow on Cindy's shoulder. "Hey Riley!" She smiled as she addressed him.
"Where you taking my woman, girl?" Riley gave her a look, slightly gripping Cindy's hand tighter.
"Oh, I'm not driving." She answered innocently.
"You seriously don't have to worry about us, Riley." Jazmine chuckled. "It's just a regular day for some much needed girl time."
Riley gave a glance around to each of them before releasing Cindy's hand with a sigh. "Fiinee."
"Yaaasss!" Lorena cheered.
"Bring my girl back in one piece. Tonight would be appreciated."
"We will." Anthia assured.
"And we'll do our best on tonight." Jazmine added with a grin.
"Bye babe." Cindy gave him a quick kiss, smirking when he whined again in protest.
"Squaddd out! Looking legit by the way." Lorena announced proudly. They each wore their BRIDESMAIDS jerseys in their own way: Jazmine's oversized one with black capri leggings and pink and black Nikes, Anthia with camo jeans and a pair of Retro Jordans, and Lorena with ripped light-wash shorts, black knee high socks, and red Timberland boots. And though their styles varied, there seemed to be one common feature they all shared.
"But damn Cin!" Lorena said suddenly. "The one time you ain't rockin' your braids." She huffed, sassily tossing one of her long Dutch braids over her shoulder.
"For real though." Jazmine giggled, fluffing her signature puffs that happened to include two side braids at her crown this time. "Inspired by you."
"Aww, you guys. I'm honored." Cindy beamed at each of them, running a hand through her wavy hair. "But yo, Anthia wins hands-down. Come thruuu." She exclaimed, admiring Anthia's natural style of a curly afro puff faux hawk.
"Aw, thanks girl!" She said modestly.
"Jealous as fuck." Cindy shook her head, making her laugh.
"I'm braiding your hair in the backseat, let's gooo!" Lorena urged, tugging on her hand.
"Why the bride gotta get in the backseat?" She teased, allowing herself to be pulled slightly.
"Because the matron said she gets car-sick in the back, and I'd really rather not have that in mine." Anthia smirked, pulling out her keys and heading towards the door.
"Since when?"
"Since pregnancy, now come on! We gotta get on the road." Jazmine prodded them all along.
"On the road to where?" Riley asked pointedly, eyeing Jazmine strongly.
"Adventure time!" Lorena said at once before dragging Cindy out of the house behind Anthia.
"Love you Reez!" She called from outside.
"Nowhere particularly special... bye!" Jazmine said abruptly before slamming the door shut and hurrying down from the porch and to the car.
"Get in, get in, get in and shut your doors!" Lorena urged excitedly, already having pulled Cindy into the back while Jazmine quickly slid into the front seat.
"Y'all are crazy!" Cindy said through her laughter, finally closing her door. "What's the big rush?"
"Lock it and gun it!"
Click.
"What the-?" Cindy whipped her head towards the door again at the sound of the activated locks as Anthia peeled off.
"How are we doing on time?" She asked Jazmine as she drove.
"We should have plenty of time even with traffic." Jazmine replied, glancing down at her phone. "I'll pull up the directions as soon as we get on the highway."
"Highway?" Cindy echoed. "Where are we going?"
"A surprise that you'll love." Jazmine replied vaguely.
"But you told Riley we weren't really doin' anything."
"I fibbed." She shrugged.
"Jazmine!"
"It's Jewel now."
"What?"
Jazmine leaned forward slightly in her seat, pointing to the name on the back of her jersey. "My nickname: Jewel. I say for the rest of the day we go by our aliases."
"So down for that." Lorena said at once. "Renegade all damn day, baby. Because I'm a fuckin' storm."
"Because you're a fuckin' hurricane." Cindy corrected, making her laugh.
"I definitely don't mind being Calypso for a day." Anthia grinned from the rearview mirror. "Being as though I do feel all up in my roots today." She added, touching one of her braided sides.
"You're up in your roots everyday, Queen." Cindy chuckled.
"Aww, what about me? Why am I Jewel?" Jazmine asked excitedly, turning around in her seat.
Cindy smirked and gave her a look. "Because you're the crown jewel of best friends."
"D'awwwww!"
"I already told you that when I gave it to you!"
"I know, I just wanted to hear it again." Jazmine smiled before turning back around in her seat.
"So when will I know where we're goin'?"
"When we get there, Fearsome... innn about two hours."
"What?!" Cindy exclaimed.
"PHILLY?!" Cindy read the passing sign for Philadelphia, the most recent so far as Anthia merged into that lane specifically. "Where are we going?"
"Can't hear you." Anthia quipped, slyly turning up the stereo volume slightly.
"TELL THE DJ TURN IT UP, BET THE DJ BRING IT BACK, TELL HIM PLAY THAT SHIT AGAIN, TELL HIM THAT YOU LIKE THAT, LIKE THAT, OH!"
"Ren!" Cindy lightly nudged her at her loud singing and seat-dancing. "C'mon y'all, we've been on the road for awhile now! Can you at least tell me if we're goin' to Philly?"
"Maybe." Jazmine teased.
"Aw come onnnn!"
"Alright, alright... yes, we are going to Philadelphia." She relented.
"Okayyy, for what though?" Cindy tried again, watching Anthia and Jazmine glance at each other.
"How much longer?" Anthia asked her.
"About a half hour now. Should we tell her?"
"YES!"
"Hmmm..." Anthia playfully pretended to think. "I'd say we're close enough for her to find out."
"I agree!"
"But I brought blindfolds though." Lorena pouted, making the rest of them laugh at Cindy's expression.
"Alright fine." Jazmine pretended to sigh, reaching into her purse. She pulled out a white envelope and handed it to her over her shoulder. "Enjoy."
"Damn, it must be good if Ren's already got the camera out." She smirked at her cousin.
"And we're rolling." Lorena confirmed, giggling when Cindy made a face at her phone.
"Brace yourself, girl." Jazmine spoke to Anthia as she pulled out a pair of earmuffs from her purse.
"Are you serious?" Cindy laughed, finally having torn the envelope open.
"I'm ready." Anthia made a show of gripping the wheel while Jazmine quickly put the muffs over her ears and closed her eyes.
"In three..."
"Y'all act like I'm a drama queen or something."
"Two..."
"Looks like I've got tickets tooo..."
"One..."
...Silence...
"...Did she read them yet?" Jazmine asked aloud, squinting an eye open.
"Y'all she fainted." Lorena smirked, still recording as she plucked the tickets from Cindy's clutched hands and held them up. "Courtside NBA tickets for the win, let's go!"
Cindy was still in a state of shock when they finally arrived at the Wells Fargo Center... as she dazedly stared at the players warming up as other activity from cameramen and interviews seemed to buzz around them... as her boots were literally resting on the court. She had played on many courts during her time as an Indiana Hoosier, but she had never gone to an official NBA game. Not to mention that two of teams she thoroughly respected, the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics, were going head-to-head. And she was courtside for it? She could barely breathe.
"She hasn't spoken in at least ten minutes, should we be worried?" Anthia smirked from beside Jazmine.
"I think that silence is her coping mechanism right now." She giggled, nudging Cindy. "Surprised?"
"Usher... is... the man." She managed to draw out.
"That's it, I'm movin' to Woodcrest for real. Y'all literally know everybody!" Lorena said from Cindy's right side, not making eye contact as she hadn't stopped taking pictures since they entered the arena. "Oh my God, is that Will Smith over there?!" She exclaimed, quickly taking multiple snaps.
"He's a huge 76ers fan, I'm not surprised." Anthia said, discreetly taking her own picture. "I'm pretty sure I saw Mark Wahlberg a minute ago on our side."
"Where?!" Lorena nearly broke her neck trying to look.
"I just can't believe we're here right now. This is unreal." Cindy spoke, still in disbelief. "Does Huey know?"
"Are you kidding?" Jazmine let out a laugh. "Could you see him being even remotely cool with us driving this far and being this close to the court?"
"Yeah, that was a stupid question." Cindy snickered. "He'd think we were bein' way too reckless with it. Riley probably would too honestly." She admitted.
"We blockin' any balls that come this way, don't even worry about it." Lorena promised with the wave of her hand.
"Definitely." Anthia agreed. "We gotchu both."
Cindy smiled in return, glancing between all of them. "Thank you. Seriously."
"You're welcome. And you deserve it." Jazmine told her, looping an arm through hers and giving her a brief side-hug.
Cindy grinned and leaned against her with a squeeze, not being able to help herself as bounced her feet giddily in anticipation. "Ahh, I still just can't believe it!" She said again, sitting up straight again as she watched a player flawlessly sink a basket. "Riley's gonna be so jealous."
"Him and Caesar both."
"Especially if we happen to make it on TV." Lorena grinned slyly.
"Doesn't get much better." Jazmine commented with a smile, leaning back in her seat comfortably.
"...McPhearson?"
The four turned to the right at the voice, the question belonging to a well-dressed guy in a casual beige blazer, white button-down, and olive trousers. It took Cindy a second to realize who he was while he removed the pair of dark sunglasses from his eyes, but once he did, her jaw dropped.
"Kace Hunter?" She said with a smile, rising from her seat to give him a quick hug. "Oh my god, what is up? I barely even recognized you without all that hair you used to have!"
"Had to clean it up and try somethin' new. More professional and shit." He grinned, running a hand over his low taper fade.
"What, your lightskin man-bun wasn't cutting it anymore?" Cindy cracked.
"Damn Fearsome, you haven't changed a bit. I mean aside from..." He trailed off, gesturing down to her body. "Pregnant and getting married on top of it? God bless you."
"Let me guess. You're still anti-relationship and anti-commitment?"
"It's a way of life. The only way, mind you."
"Boy please." Cindy smirked with an eyeroll as she took her seat again. "Girls, this is my goofy-ass friend from college, Kace." She told them.
"And y'all must be the bridesmaids." He grinned, sitting in the chair next to Lorena.
"Sure are!" Lorena answered immediately. "Call me Ren. I'm Cindy's sister." She smiled as she extended her hand.
"Word? I didn't know she had a sister." He said as he took her hand. "Y'all do look alike."
"We get that we're twins like allll the time. But nope, she's just two years older than me." She said with a shrug. Cindy tried to keep her face right and not call her out for trying to be slick and act like she was older than she was, even though she definitely looked it.
"Yes, Ren's my maid of honor." Cindy cut in with a firm pat on Lorena's leg, subtly giving her the eye. "This is my matron of honor." She nudged Jazmine.
"Jewel." She smiled, extending her hand across to him.
"Beautiful."
"And my other amazing bridesmaid is right next to her."
"Calypso." Anthia grinned with a wave.
"LOVE that."
"Who are you here with?" Cindy asked him.
"Just a few of my boys." He replied with the nod of his head to his opposite side. "They're newer employees of mine and have never been to an NBA game, so here we are."
"What have you been doing since you've graduated? You got done a year or two before me, right?"
"Yeah, and it's been great so far. Recently got hired on as a sport/entertainment agent over the past year, which is exactly what I wanted to do and-"
"Hold up, you're an agent for that kind of stuff?" Lorena interrupted, her eyes wide.
"I am." He grinned proudly. "My main focus is sports, but I do occasionally scout singers, musicians, and that kinda thing for my company."
"Holy-"
"That's awesome!" Cindy told him. "You always did have the connections if I remember correctly."
"Still do. And they definitely don't hurt."
"I bet they don't." Cindy smirked, knowing full-well that the boy came from a very privileged background.
"I'm actually hosting a party tonight at my place. You guys are more than welcome to stop by if you'd like." Kace offered.
"A party? Hell yes."
"Ren." Cindy hushed her with a chuckle. "Kace, we're from outta town right now, about two hours away. We definitely don't wanna be out too late."
"Not to mention, we can't really participate in much party-wise." Jazmine added with a frown.
"We?" Cindy heard Lorena mumble from beside her.
"Oh, I understand that. I just want to give you guys the option if you wanted to. Any friend of Fearsome's is a friend of mine." He said with a wink.
"Thanks Kace." Cindy grinned at him.
"Definitely. And y'all can think about it and let me know later. The party won't start until closer to seven since the game won't be done until about five. I could take you guys out to grab a bite if you want." He shrugged.
"Yes."
"Ren!" Cindy scolded her again with a light swat. "You don't have to do that."
"I know I don't have to, but y'all aren't from around here. Plus, I'm sure you'll be hungry. I can take you to the best cheesesteak place in town." He suggested, immediately making Cindy's stomach growl.
"Um, I'm not pregnant that I know of, but you had me at cheesesteak." Anthia spoke up as she leaned closer into the conversation, making everyone laugh.
"Alright, if nothing else we can go to dinner. But we're still gonna think about your party. We'll wanna get back on the road before it gets too late." Cindy told him.
"I gotchu. And even if you don't want to stay the whole time, you should at least drop by for a bit. I've got a killer DJ, lots of activity that'll be happening, and a bunch of people that have said they're planning on coming. Even a few people here."
"What?" Cindy and Lorena said simultaneously.
"Y'all are like twins." Kace chuckled. "But yeah. I got some people here that have said they're coming. And Tatum and Brown said they might roll through together after another spot they're gonna hit."
"Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown?" Cindy clarified slowly.
"Uh-huh." Kace nodded as if it were no big deal. "Speaking of..." He trailed off as he glanced at the court with a smile as a basketball rolled out of bounds nearby.
"Whaddup, boss?" Kace called out as none other than Jayson Tatum passed in front of them to retrieve the ball. He glanced over and gave Kace a head-nod while he jogged past, making each of the girls' jaws drop.
"People don't really like you callin' out to players like that, but you know." Kace brushed off with a smirk and a casual shrug.
Lorena turned to look at Cindy, her eyes wide as saucers. She didn't have to say a word for her to know what she was thinking. Cindy let out a shaky exhale, trying and failing to appear nonchalant.
"M-maybe we'll drop by... for a little bit."
Riley's POV
Aunt Cookie let out a loud yawn as she slowly rose from the couch. "Goodness, excuse me. I think I'm going to turn in for the night, boys."
"Old-woman!" Granddad pretended to cough loudly from his recliner. "Whoo, excuse me!"
"Shut your dumbass up." She responded curtly with an eyeroll, causing Riley to snicker.
Granddad shot him a glare as he grumbled. "Shiiit, she's lucky she a female or-"
"Or what?" Aunt Cookie turned to face him directly. "I ain't too tired to bust your ass in front of your grandson, I know that."
"Daaamnn." Riley smirked. "Please do it."
"Boy." Granddad warned, shifting his attention over towards him.
"Yeah, that's what I thought." Aunt Cookie scoffed, turning away from him. "Thanks for going out with me today, baby." She said sweetly to Riley with a smile.
"No problem. I ain't have nothin' to do." He shrugged. And he hadn't. He'd been on the verge of complete boredom all day, going so far as to take his aunt shopping around just to get out of the house. Granddad had decided to tag along, which had been the only highlight of the trip surprisingly. He and his sister were at each other all day, and it was hysterical to watch. In an odd way, it gave him a strange sense of déjà vu.
"You sleep well, honey." Aunt Cookie told him, giving him a peck on the cheek.
"You too."
"Dumbass." She quipped over her shoulder as she left the room.
"Trick." Granddad muttered in return extra low.
"Dare you to say whatever you said a little louder next time." She retorted as she headed up the stairs.
Granddad rolled his eyes hard while Riley laughed. "Shuddup. Can't wait til her ass is outta my house."
"You rude, G." Riley grinned.
"Yeah, whatever." He said while he checked his watch and quickly rose from his recliner.
"Where you goin'?"
"I gotta date." He boasted proudly.
"Ew."
"And I'm meeting her at her place, so I probably won't be home tonight."
"Man, ewwww."
"Shut your ass!" He hissed, beginning to slide on his shoes. "I don't want your nosey aunt to know that I left. So as far as you know, I'm in my room sleepin'."
"That's seriously all I want to picture."
"Don't hate the player, hate the game." Granddad smirked as he grabbed his jacket.
"If only you had game." Riley snickered, though Granddad ignored him as he left the room and quietly snuck out the front door.
Riley let out a yawn of his own as he rose from his spot on the couch and headed towards the kitchen to make himself a snack. He checked his phone while he did so to no avail; it was a little past nine and Cindy still hadn't texted him. He had decided earlier (even though he had "pretended" to make a fuss over it) that he wasn't going to bug her while she was with her friends. She deserved to have a good time out undistracted. All he had asked was that she text him when she was on the way home, otherwise he would assume she was staying for the sleepover.
He hadn't been lying, he really had gotten used to having her in the house. He was bored out of his mind without her around.
Riley opened the fridge idly, not really caring for his options. Half of him wanted to make himself a sandwich and the other half of him just wanted to settle on a few beers and call it a night. He was mid-reach for a bottle on the door when—
"MMH!" He barely had time to react as a thick band was suddenly forced over his mouth from behind as someone restrained him and tied it tight.
"Got him! Bag!" A muffled voice said lowly. Riley tried to break free and whirl on his attacker, but didn't get a chance to as a sack instantly slid over his head, making everything go dark.
"MMMMMPHH!" Riley tried to sound as loudly as he could, attempting to throw himself on the floor with all of his dead weight, hoping that Aunt Cookie would hear. Unfortunately, someone grabbed him firmly before he could land, surprising him with a basic slap to the back of the head.
"Shut up." A different muffled voice said simply, the cadence familiar. Riley furrowed his brow as he was literally lifted in the air, one person holding his legs while two separate people held him up by the arms despite his thrashing. In what felt like moments, he felt the brisk air of outside, was stuffed into some type of vehicle, and was held down as two people stayed on either side of him as the car pulled off.
Riley quickly tried to think of scenarios while he was restrained on what to do when they got out of the car. Maybe he could head-butt someone and free himself in enough time to pull the bag from his face and kick whoever's ass.
It didn't seem too long during the silent ride when the car made a turn and seemed to come to a slow stop before the engine was cut.
"Be prepared. He's going to try to run." One of the muffled voices next to him spoke again. He was almost offended at that, he wasn't no little bitch.
"Then let's make it easy." The other voice mumbled as the sound of the door opened. Riley's body tensed, not knowing what that meant but was ready to go HAM on these bastards. However, he was caught off guard when he was unceremoniously thrown out of the vehicle onto the hard ground. He wasted no time in scrambling to his feet, managing to rip off both the bag over his head and the cloth around his mouth simultaneously, all to reveal an abandoned alleyway, a silver truck, and-
"Whaddup booyyy?!" Caesar greeted him loudly, his dreads bouncing as he jumped down from the truck wearing a loose beanie hat and black hoodie with dark pants.
"Shut up." Huey emerged behind him, dressed similarly although he lacked a hat, his afro instead pulled back into a ponytail. Riley raised a brow at the bandanas that covered the bottom halves of each of their faces.
"What the hell is happening?!" He demanded in confusion.
"What's it look like?" Huey rolled his eyes.
"That you're psychotic?" Riley shot back. "What the actual fuck, nigga?!"
"Pipe down and take your bag, bruh." Caesar said while tossing him his black bookbag from the truck. It fell to the ground heavily with a lot of clatter, slightly concerning Riley as he scooped it up and opened it.
"...These are my spray paints." He stated, glancing up at them both.
"Hell yeah they are, now leggo!" Caesar answered enthusiastically, ushering him over with a wave of his arm.
"Go where?"
"Where do you think? It's your bachelor night, we taggin' up this city for you!"
"Really?" Riley asked in surprise.
"I mean, it ain't much, but it's the only thing we could agree upon." Caesar shrugged. "I was told no strippers, no clubs, and no drugs unfortunately. So this was the next best thing. And something we knew you'd be down for."
"The only thing I wasn't down for was gettin' kidnapped, nigga."
"Minor details."
"Hey." Hiro appeared and pulled his bandana down as he walked over, a fitted cap on his head with his dark hood pulled over top of it. "I'm gonna leave my truck parked here for now. Ed and Rummy just texted, they're gonna meet us a few blocks down in a few minutes."
"They're comin' too?"
"The goon squad is out tonight, yo. All for Lil Reezy." Caesar smirked.
"It's Young Reezy." Riley corrected with a smirk of his own. "Let's go."
"How about you throw these on before you hurt yourself, 'Young Reezy.'" Huey rolled his eyes as he tossed him a black pullover and a pair of his sneakers that he must've grabbed from the house.
"...Good look, best nigga."
Two Hours Later
"But wait, this is the best picture of the night!" Caesar laughed loudly while he was still looking at pictures he had taken on his phone of their work.
"Shut up, Ceez." Hiro tried to ignore him as he racked up the balls on the pool table again.
"Are all musicians this bad at creating art, or is it just you?"
"Keep it up and you're walkin' home." He told him, rolling his eyes when he childishly stuck his tongue out at him. "You're lucky you're semi-drunk, man."
"That's what bachelor parties are for, my dude." Caesar grinned, tossing back his glass. Riley chuckled from beside him, happily doing the same. After they had tagged up most of the empty streets around town, Ed invited them over to the Wuncler mansion to hang out and have few drinks. Riley and Caesar wasted no time in making use of the fully stocked bar while Ed and Rummy ran out to grab pizzas.
"I think you surprised me the most tonight, nigga." Riley smirked, elbowing Huey from beside him. "Who knew you had talent?"
"I don't know how that's a surprise. I do pretty much everything bigger and better than you, so..." Huey trailed off while he lifted his beer to his lips.
"Daaaaaamnn." Caesar sounded with a big smiled. "Shots fired, yo."
"Hatin' ass." Riley couldn't help but snicker, moving forward to take his turn at the table. "I'm glad y'all did this. I've been bored as shit all day."
"This is why we ignored your texts." Caesar grinned as he explained. "I pretty much slept the majority of the day, knowing we'd be out late."
"I had Jamilah until I dropped her off with Sarah and Tom."
"I was with Ming most of the day." Hiro said, inciting a low groan from Riley and Huey both. "What?"
"We're only supposed to discuss good things tonight, nigga."
"She's in town?" Huey asked, ignoring Riley's comment. He groaned again at his nod. "Joy."
"Come on, you guys gotta give her a chance. I think she's changed."
"You don't know her." Huey and Riley stated simultaneously.
"I know how she is now. Y'all know how she was then. It's been years." Hiro countered. "Can't we agree to give her the benefit of the doubt?"
"No." Huey's answer was quick.
"Man!"
"Aiight, aiight, we'll try or whateva." Riley told him with an eyeroll.
"Thank you. I'm sure she won't cause any trouble."
"Better not."
"Speaking of girls, how do you think ours are doing?" Caesar asked, sinking a ball.
"Probably enjoying being away from you." Hiro smirked.
"Har-har." He rolled his eyes. "Y'all know where they went?"
"All I know is that Jazmine said they'd be out and probably sleep over Anthia's."
"That's what Cindy said too." Riley added. "What do you think they're doin'?" He asked Huey, who shrugged in return.
"Again, enjoying being away from y'all." Hiro commented again.
"Probably painting each other's nails or somethin'." Caesar shrugged with a grin. "Hopefully they're having as good of a time as we are."
Cindy's POV
"I CAME IN LIKE A WREEECKKINGG BAAAALLLLL!" Lorena belted out from the stage. The two space buns she had hastily put in her hair were now loose as she had been whipping her head around, making her hair fly all over her head.
"I NEVER HIT SO HAAAARRDD IN LOOOVEE," She continued dramatically, still being cheered on by everyone in the crowded living room, her friends included. Cindy could barely catch her breath between her laughing and talk/screaming all night.
Since they had arrived to the house (more like mansion) with Kace and the party had officially began, it had been lit from the start. Cindy tried to keep a handle on her cousin from the jump, telling her "no" immediately upon arrival if she was even thinking about hooking up with Kace or anyone else at the party. In a perfect world, she also wanted her to refrain from drinking, but she knew there was no chance in hell. Not even five minutes of being at the party and Lorena had slipped her, coming back barely a minute later with a red solo cup in hand.
Aside from that, Cindy couldn't lie: she was so happy they had decided to show up. It was all dope. The music was club-level, which led to a lot of dancing all night in between breaks for her and Jazmine. Everyone seemed super friendly and approachable, which was surprising. Most parties that Cindy had been to in the past felt awkward for the majority, and usually led to fights. Everyone at this party in particular seemed cool as hell and in a good mood. Probably because there was so much to do, including the pool, hot tub, and karaoke stage that Lorena was currently performing on.
And then there was the highlight of Cindy's night. It was brief. And it wasn't huge. But Cindy didn't care. She had been officially introduced to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. She shook their hands. She felt like a groupie-ass for asking for their autographs, which they gave. And then they had both wrapped their arms around her as she and her friends posed for a picture with them. It was almost enough to make her faint.
And she would've. Luckily for her, Jazmine had pointedly stood behind her and discreetly nudged her, snapping her out of it and allowing her to pretend to keep her cool.
Best. Bachelorette. EVER.
Monday, October 30th
"...You ready?"
"Yep."
"You gotta game plan?"
"Nope."
"You nervous...?" Riley raised his hands when Cindy gave him a look. "I'm just asking."
"Hell no. It's just a conversation." She said as she opened her car door.
"Right." Riley mumbled, following suit. Cindy's slow pace up the walkway allowed him to easily catch up, taking her hand as she did so. She gave it a squeeze in return as they reached the front door, not hesitating as she rang the doorbell. She heard Riley left out an audible exhale from beside her, prompting her to squeeze his hand a little tighter as they heard footsteps at the door. It wasn't but a few moments later that it was pulled open, Tyrone standing in front of it.
"Hey." He spoke quietly, opening the screen door for them and ushering them both inside.
"Kelly's in the living room. She just got here." Tyrone spoke again lowly. "She'll be taking Trey for the evening as soon as he's up from his nap, so we'll have more than enough time."
"Hopefully." Riley grimaced while Cindy remained neutral. It was all she could do. Here they were at Tyrone's house, ready to have a surprise confrontation with Kelly over the whole ringbearer situation, meanwhile it was going to be the first time seeing each other since the mall fiasco.
In all honesty, the idea had sounded better in Cindy's head. She had also originally opted to go alone and just have the conversation between her and Kelly in the presence of Tyrone. However, that idea had been scratched right off the bat. Riley had summarized his feelings with a solid "hell no" while Jazmine had suggested that she attend with her for moral support. And although Cindy would've preferred going with her alone, that suggestion was shot immediately when Huey caught wind of it, making it very clear to them both that if Jazmine was going, he was going, period. Which would be a bad idea for everyone involved.
One crazy Freeman was more than enough.
"Follow me." Tyrone told them, leading the way down the long hallway. They slowed behind him as he came to the archway of a living room, glancing in as he leaned in the doorway.
"Who was that, one of your hoes comin' early?" Kelly's voice said flippantly from the adjacent room, causing Cindy and Riley to give each other a look.
"Kelly." Tyrone stated calmly, ignoring the comment. "We need to talk."
"About what?" She asked suspiciously. Tyrone cleared his throat and Cindy took it as the cue to come around the corner, mentally bracing herself for the reaction.
It was instant the moment she stepped into view as Kelly's eyes darkened, her face immediately twisting into outrage.
"Oh hell no." She stated, quickly rising from her seat on the couch. "What the fuck is this and why the fuck is she here, Tyrone?" Kelly demanded, her eyes livid as she pointed a strong finger at her.
Cindy didn't react as she felt Riley come up behind her, watching Kelly's expression switch between a blended look of hatred and horror.
"And what the hell is he doing here?" Kelly screeched, her voice slightly cracking. "What the fuck, Tyrone?"
"Woman, if you don't lower your damn voice!" Tyrone hissed. "Trey's still sleeping, he won't be up for probably twenty more minutes."
"You said you'd have him ready when I got here!"
"I lied." Tyrone rolled his eyes. "We need to talk."
"Oh, what the hell is there to talk about? Clearly you already made your decision. All this blindside shit is unnecessary as fuck, Tyrone."
"I'm trying to be respectful of you, Kelly." Tyrone told her. "I know you don't agree, and I don't want to just do something without listening to what you have to say first. I want to be on the same page here. That's why I think it'd be good if we all talked together about it."
Kelly's arms remained crossed as she stared at him, refusing to even look over towards them. It was the most casual Cindy had ever seen her, wearing thick joggers with Adidas slides and a plain tee, her hair pulled back in a low bun with zero traces of makeup on her face. She finally sighed.
"Fine. I have to wait anyway." She muttered.
"Great." Tyrone said at once, as if she were about to change her mind. "Let's go to the kitchen. We can talk over coffee."
"I prefer something stronger."
"You ain't drinking and driving nowhere with my son." Tyrone rolled his eyes again, heading back into the hallway. Cindy and Riley started to follow him, hearing Kelly's footsteps behind them momentarily after.
As Tyrone poured cups of coffee, Cindy and Riley took a seat at the kitchen table side by side. Cindy noticed that Kelly hung back by the counter as she picked at her nails, feigning defiance but really just seemed uncomfortable. It was only after Tyrone brought their cups to the table and came back for his and Kelly's that he gestured her over. She practically dragged her feet, letting out an eyeroll when Tyrone pulled her chair out for her next to him.
"Alright." He cleared his throat when she finally sat down. "Let's just discuss this. Rationally." He added, prompting a nod from everyone but Kelly. "What are the details?"
"We plan to have our wedding next weekend, November 3rd." Cindy spoke first, not breaking eye contact as Kelly stared at her directly. "It's going to be at the Chariot Park at noon, followed by the reception at the Chariot's Country Club."
"Of course it is." Kelly mumbled lowly.
Cindy continued, still staring back at her. "We'd love to have him. If you want, we'd be more than happy to purchase him an outfit-"
"You think I can't afford to buy my boy some clothes?"
"I didn't say that."
"You didn't have to."
"Look." Riley cut in firmly. "With everything going on, we know that it's last minute. We don't mind helping you get stuff is all we're saying."
Kelly stared at him blankly, taking a long sip from her mug as she did so. "...Hm, no. I don't like it."
"Kelly." Tyrone gave her a look. "You need to communicate. Why not? Why wouldn't you like Trey to be a part of their wedding?"
"Because I don't like them." She shot back directly, her eyes shifting towards Cindy specifically.
"No, you're being petty. The stuff that happened at the mall got way out of control-"
"It goes back deeper than that." She cut him off fiercely, making him raise an eyebrow.
"Oh-kay? You had vaguely mentioned that there was another fight between the two of you at an earlier time?"
"It doesn't count as a fair fight if you were jumped." Kelly retorted with a sarcastic sneer.
"And if we're gonna be real it goes back deeper than that." Cindy snapped, momentarily losing her patience. "At a time when I wasn't involved." She added with a steadying look. Kelly glared in return, her eyes slightly darting towards Riley while he deliberately looked away.
Tyrone watched them, noticing the exchange. "You and him?" He asked Kelly, gesturing towards Riley. She let out a short bark of laughter as if the statement were ridiculous.
"Waste. Of. Time." She enunciated scathingly. Riley met her gaze with a steely look of his own.
"Noth. Thing. Happened." He mimicked her rude-ass tone, just as sarcastic. Cindy felt the same irritation he did, but placed a subtle hand on his knee to reel him in.
"Why do you even want him in the wedding?" Kelly demanded suddenly, looking heated.
Cindy gripped Riley's knee again. "Because-"
"Not you. Him." Kelly snapped, her eyes still locked on Riley's. Cindy felt him continue to tense.
"Because it'll make my fiancée happy." He stated evenly, clearly trying to keep his cool.
"Oh, that's the only reason you can think of? Really?" She practically snorted, and Cindy had to hold her tongue. She was goading him and she knew it.
Riley however forced a fake smile. "Because my niece loves him." He told her coolly. And Cindy was so proud.
"As much as I hate it." He ended his sentence with the quick roll of his eyes.
Dammit, Riley.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Tyrone spoke before Kelly could, raising an eyebrow at him.
"Exactly what it sounds?" Riley stated plainly with a confused shrug, oblivious.
"What's your deal with my kid?" Tyrone asked again, crossing his arms.
"I don't have a deal with your kid. I don't want your kid havin' a deal with mines." Riley told him, mirroring his stance.
"Riley." Cindy muttered, pinching his leg again.
"She's not even your daughter."
"Irrelevant. And she might as well be."
"So what I hear is that our son's not good enough." Kelly spoke up accusingly. Cindy watched her carefully, narrowing her eyes. She was deliberately twisting the narrative, subtly trying to influence Tyrone. Unfortunately, both he and Riley seemed too deep in the conversation to notice.
"Please, no one is." Riley scoffed.
"Then why even have him involved? Maybe our son is too good for your kid." Kelly pursed her lips.
"Take it back, yo." Riley closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"This is ridiculous." Cindy stated, but not loudly enough as she was quickly overlapped by Kelly.
"I just don't understand, and you also haven't made it clear on why you want him in the wedding. Especially since you don't want him anywhere near 'your kid.'"
"That's not what he said."
"All I know is that ain't nobody gonna bully or tell my son what to do."
"I ain't tellin' him nothin' and I ain't even the one you have to worry about." Riley said dumbly, making Cindy want to strangle him.
"Who?" Tyrone glared.
"This is getting way off topic."
"Nobody's gonna bully the kid, relax." Riley backpedaled as he rolled his eyes.
"Let me guess, now both the real father and the fake father have an issue with our son." Kelly instigated again.
"That is not what he said." Cindy repeated, starting to get pissed off. No one was listening to her and the boys were too involved in their pissing match to catch onto Kelly's foolishness.
"For real. Y'all trippin'." Riley added, slightly groaning when Cindy gave him a firm kick in the leg to shut up. He wasn't making things any better.
"Can Kelly and I have the room, please?" Cindy asked directly, pinning her gaze across the table and getting a raised brow in return.
"You sure?" Riley asked her lowly.
"Please. Just for a few minutes." She assured, not breaking eye contact. She noticed that Tyrone looked as if he were about to lean in and ask Kelly a similar question, but she waved him away in irritation. Both men glanced at each other warily before standing from the table and making their way towards the hallway.
Once they were out of sight, Cindy slightly relaxed her posture, giving Kelly a look. "Having fun?" She asked pointedly.
The question seemed to throw her off as she made a face. "This isn't my idea of a great Monday if that's what you're asking."
"What's the deal, Kelly?" Cindy asked, exasperated. "Why is this such an issue for you overall?"
"Like I said, I don't like you."
"So get in line!" Cindy shot back with a shrug. "Pick a number, join the club! Seriously, what does that have to do with anything?" She asked honestly. "Is it about Riley?"
"Fuck no, keep him." Kelly stated vehemently, and Cindy actually believed her.
"I am, clearly. But for real, I'm trying here. I'm trying to bury the hatchet and move on but you refuse to let it go. What do you want from me? From us?"
Kelly stared at her blankly, but there was something hidden in her eyes that Cindy couldn't place. She seemed to take a drink from her coffee as a long distraction. Cindy almost thought she wouldn't answer, but then she spoke.
"...There is nothing you have that you could ever give to me."
And there it was. Her poker face was strong, but her voice couldn't hide it. Whatever she was going through, it was deep. And Cindy had a feeling that she and Riley were just light surface drama for her compared to whatever else she was dealing with.
"...I can give you a fun time." Cindy suggested, slightly grinning in response to the confused look she got in return. "You'd be invited to the wedding, you know. And you'd get to relax. Dance. Drink." She smirked. "Just let loose and enjoy yourself for the night."
"One, watching the two of you get married will make me wanna gag, I'd need several drinks. And two, I'd be parenting all night. I can't drink heavy and watch Trey at the same time." She countered dryly, although Cindy took it as a good sign. She was actually considering it, hypothetical or not.
"One, open bar." Cindy grinned cheekily, noticing the way her face slightly reacted to those words. "And two, grandparents. Lots of grandparents who love to dot on babies."
"I wouldn't expect anyone else to watch my kid for me at a party."
"I'm just saying, they would." Cindy shrugged. "Besides, Tyrone would be there. You guys could always trade off?"
"Unless he'd bring one of his hoes as his date." Kelly muttered into her mug before taking a sip, catching Cindy's attention.
"He doesn't strike me as the type to have hoes. Regardless, why would he come with anyone but you as his date, when you both are there to watch your son be a main part of the ceremony?" She asked, getting a blithe shrug in return. "Do you want him to?"
"Not that I care but... wait, why are you asking me that? Want him to what?" Kelly demanded, her voice suddenly quieter.
Cindy tried to hide her smile. "Nevermind. But you both should make the best of it. You know, if you decide to come. With Trey. Who would look so cute in a little dress shirt and pants, maybe even a pair of suspenders?" She cheesed as she watched Kelly stare off distantly, the corners of her mouth slightly upturned while she listened. "Has he ever been in wedding?"
"This would be his first."
"Damn. And who would you be to deny him that?"
"Oh please." Kelly smirked.
Cindy smiled back at her. "We both would love to have Trey, but we'd also like if you came too... I really am sorry for before, Kelly." She told her seriously. "I was in the wrong. And I should've never put my hands on you."
"You're damn right." Kelly told her at once with quick attitude, making Cindy grimace as she focused her attention towards her coffee.
"...I'm sorry for the shit at the mall though." Cindy whipped her head up at that. She had mumbled it so quietly she had barely heard her.
"Which part?" Cindy smirked, getting an annoyed look in return.
"Every damn interaction we've ever had." She answered smartly.
Cindy reflected on that with a nod. "You right. I apologize also. Honestly."
Kelly was silent for a moment, slowly stirring her drink. "We don't need to be friends, white girl." She stated, not making eye contact.
"I would never expect us to be." Cindy snorted. "I just want to be civil."
"Go about our lives and stay out of each other's way then?"
"As much as the kids will allow."
"He does really like your niece... damn." Kelly muttered, making Cindy grin at the comment.
"Aw, maybe we'll be getting together for another wedding down the road." She teased.
"Oh hell no, my baby's not gettin' married."
"Jamilah will be pressed too if her daddy has anything to say about it. And her uncle."
"May we never meet again under these circumstances then."
"One can only hope." Cindy smirked. She glanced to the doorway at the sounds of footsteps in the hall. "You guys can come back, we're done." She announced before they walked in the kitchen. Riley met her eyes immediately in question and she gave him a subtle wink.
"Sooo," Tyrone broke the silence as he sat back down. "What's the consensus?" He asked, directing his question to Kelly. She glanced back at him and across the table as well while everyone waited for her answer. She lifted her mug again, pausing before it reached her lips.
"Eh. Still don't like it."
"What?!" Cindy gaped.
"Seriously, Kelly?"
"Come on, man!"
She caught them all off guard when she let out a giggle after her sip with the wave of her hand. "I'm playin'."
"Really?" Everyone asked at the same time.
"Do what you want. It's fine with me." She shrugged.
"Finally." Tyrone grinned, tossing an arm around her shoulder in a light hug.
"Thank you." Riley let out a relaxed sigh.
"And you're coming. You both are." Cindy added, giving Kelly a grin at the way she smiled during Tyrone's brief display of affection.
"You don't have to tell me twice." Tyrone smiled. "That'll be fun."
"Speaking of fun things," Cindy cleared her throat. "There was one other thing we were meaning to ask you, on someone else's behalf..." She said, glancing towards Riley. He groaned with a slight face, making Kelly and Tyrone turn to him in question.
"What is it?"
Riley held in his sigh when Cindy gave him a look to speak. "So... my niece Jamilah asked me, begged me really, to see if Trey would be allowed to come trick-or-treating with us tomorrow..." He eluded quietly.
"Seriously?" Tyrone chuckled.
"It's the first year we're taking her out." Riley continued. "And it's only for about an hour in the early evening around our neighborhood. We think some of the other daycare kids will be around tomorrow too, but she specifically asked to walk with your boy."
"I don't know, aren't you worried my son's not good enough to snag candy with your niece?" Tyrone grinned at him.
"Don't let her cuteness fool you. She don't play when it comes to her treats." Riley smirked.
"Oh really?"
"Bet money she pulls more candy than your boy."
"They'd be together."
"And she's a hustler. Now what?" Riley boasted with pride. "Gets it from her uncle."
"You both are ridiculous." Kelly shook her head.
"Like no other." Cindy smirked in agreement.
"Well, I don't have a problem with it. Especially if it means settling this bet." Tyrone grinned at Riley's scoff. "It's up to you though. That was going to be your day with him since you're off." He said, turning towards Kelly. She seemed to think about it for a moment before shrugging a shoulder.
"I'll have him tonight and then after daycare tomorrow. I'll drop him back here late afternoon and you can take him."
"Why don't you come too?" He asked.
"Hell no, I'm antisocial." She shook her head at once.
"Yeah right. C'mon, that'll make him happy."
"I'll think about it." Kelly gave him a look before turning back towards Riley. "Either way, it's fine with me."
"Really?" He sounded surprised, even when she nodded. "Thank you. That'll make her day, believe me."
"He may as well go." Kelly shrugged again, turning her attention back to Tyrone. "You already got him that expensive-ass costume, Tyrone." She added with an eyeroll.
"And it was worth every penny, Kelly." He smirked in return.
Riley's POV
He felt so conflicted.
Irritated, yet amused.
Suspicious, but calm.
Annoyed, yet delighted.
Because even though he was feeling the random mix of emotions, it was almost cathartic to watch his brother battle with the same ones, probably not knowing what the hell he was feeling.
"How ya doin' there, bruh?" Riley smirked, giving him a hard pound on the back as they walked.
"I fucking hate this." Huey muttered back, eyes narrowed as they continued to stare straight ahead, past Tyrone walking slightly ahead of them, past their women walking and talking alongside Kelly, and down to the two toddlers in front of them.
A precious Moana, AKA Jamilah, holding hands with a decked out Black Panther, AKA Trey.
I gotta say, this was one of my favorite chapters to write so far of the sequel. It was so much fun, you don't even know.
What'd y'all think?! The bachelor/bachelorette parties, the sit-down, the fluff scene ending?! If y'all start asking for a one-shot scene by the way... not even gonna lie, I probably would XD
Disclaimers: Nah. Don't own ish.
And you read right. The wedding is NEXT. I'll definitely have to prep for that one. In the meantime, another chapter of Friends First, Benefits Second will be out next guaranteed, as soon as I can.
Thank you so much for all the love! I'll be back soon! ;)
~Schweetie