Rose Cut

Mixed Signals

Jamir

Dorian slammed the double doors shut after walking me out the office. I cursed under my breathe as I let myself out and headed for my car. Once I got in, I hit my main man to meet me at the shop. I sped out of the hills, and headed deep in the Grounds. I owned a tattoo shop down there, and that's where I was meeting my guy.

" f**k! " I shouted punching the steering wheel. I hate feeling backed into some bullshit. I would kill all them niggas. If it wouldn't have to jeopardize my sister's safety to do it. I would feel better having her here with me but, I knew she wouldn't wanna leave Serena. I swerved through traffic in a rush to plan this s**t out.

Hitting the gas, I tried to get my mind right but, a nigga was past pissed. I pulled up to the shop, and hopped out texting that I was here. I spoke to the receptionist named Brandy but, kept it moving to the back.

The shop was big as hell with 4 large private tattoo stations, and lounge in the back for my artists. There was also a back office complete with a full bathroom, shower included.

I owned the shop since I was 20. My dad said that it would be a good way for me to retire. I hired a couple of friends and business has been booming ever since. I had one female artist and the rest were males . Walking in the lounge I saw Raw-lo, Dupree, and ShaMilla.

Raw-lo was "6'2". Goofy as hell. I could never take him serious but, he was always a good laugh. Raw-Lo was always on time too but, never working.

Dupree on the other hand was

"5'8". The shortest in the crew but, his temper was something fierce. He popped off on anything and anyone. I had to fold his ass up a couple of times but, he knew now not to f**k with me.

Then there was Brandy. Our pretty face in the front. She handled appointments and s**t. The girl was smart as hell though. I paid her extra to keep up with the books. She also manages my personal accounts, so I trust her more than most.

Last but, not least was my main man ShaMilla. The streets knows her as " Miss Demeanor ". Since she had just about everything on her record but a misdemeanor. I don't know anything about her past. She kept that to herself.

I only knew she was 24, and had a knack for throwing knifes. The girl had crazy aim and could hit any target with just about any weapon. She was light skin and "5'6". Hella tatted and she had respect, beauty, plus intelligence. ShaMilla preferred women though. She always ended up scaring her boyfriend's away for some reason.

I met her way back in the G. When I was about 17. I tried to push up on her, and ended up with a knife to my neck. I got out of it and switched it up on her but, she had another one at my stomach. I on the other hand. Had a gun to her side. From that encounter, I knew she was trained to go. We've been cool ever since.

I don't really trust people but, I trusted Milla with my life. She's been on assignments with me and side missions. Saved my life a couple times and I hers. Mila was my only friend and my right hand man.

" Boss man whats up!? Shouted Raw-Lo as I walked past them. He was sitting on the couch with his feet up on the end table. He was playing Madden with Dupree on the flat screen.

Milla was watching me, so I nodded towards my back office and she glided smoothly to my side. " Where's little mama? " she questioned in a whisper.

I let her in first, and closed the door behind me. " She's alright, I got her with someone I trust in my building. " I answered as I went to sit behind my desk. I unlocked the top draw and pulled it open. I took out a pack of blunts and my mason jar and started to roll up.

" So what's poppin nigga? " Meanor said coming to sit on the edge of the desk. She was dressed comfortable but, I knew she had something on her. " So that Nigga Lo hit me up. " I told her sparking up the joint.

She pulled a small knife out from somewhere and started spinning it through her fingers. " And ?" She questioned me. "Wassup. Quit beating round the bush. We need to end this nigga cause I been bored anyway. " she continued, taking the blunt. "And since when do you f**k with people enough to just leave Scilla with em. " she pressed, seeing through my words.

" Chill. She's alright. Like I said." I calmed her. " Lo text me so I had to leave quickly. This nigga flake as a f**k sis. " I explained. She nodded passing the blunt back. " I been told you that from how they approached you. So their probably gonna use you for a minute." Milla thought out loud. "Get ya hands dirty, and threaten ya family or some s**t. Then off you. " She said sliding the knife back up her leg smoothly." That's what I would do." ShaMilla explained boldly.

" I know. I already thought of that but, i'm gonna flip the s**t on them." I responded unfazed. I told her everything that happened with the Apollo and Dorian situation as we finished the joint. I put everything up and watched Meanor since she was heated afterwards.

" That nigga spoke on your Pops !? " She shouted, seething. " f**k no. He gotta die my guy." she demanded switching back and forth.

" Not now. we gotta wait. " I spoke calmly. " How long til he try some s**t Mir? " she snapped in response.

" He's not. Apollo needs me right now, and that gives us time. " I stood up and headed for the door with Meanor on my heels. " I gotta go get Priscilla. " I announced over my shoulder walking out.

" So, who is she wit? " asked Meanor while I locked the door. Before I could answer we heard a crash from up front.

" Yall QUIT THE BULLSHIT!" shouted Brandy, from up ahead. We walked into the front Lobby to see Raw-Lo holding Dupree in a headlock. Dupree was struggling to free himself, and knocked over a vase by the looks of things. Brandy's little ass was trying to help but, was too afraid to get in between the two men. She sighed with relief when she saw me.

" Yeah little nigga. DO SOMETHING! " chuckled Raw-Lo as he nuggied Dupree. " Yo! f**k yo b***h ass! " growled Dupree getting more mad at being trapped. " Yeah BOSS up lil nigga. Boss up ha ha . " Raw-Lo taunted him.By then Brandy had already scrambled over to me and rushed out what happened .

Dupree lost the game and the two were betting. He got mad and bucked on paying up. I hate to say it but, Raw-Lo was technically in the right. I shook my head, as Meanor walked over and Raw-Lo stopped laughing, letting Dupree go abruptly. Dupree fell on his ass but, got back up quickly swinging.

Meanor caught his fist, and swung him down with her hand on his neck. " C H I L L." She stressed impatiently. "Before I really f**k you up. " she spoke letting him go to stand. You could tell he was still angry but, he got up and did nothing mugging Raw-Lo.

" Gimme My MONE NEY. " said Raw-lo putting his hand out smirking. Dupree was about to blow up again but, calmed seeing a knife suddenly in Meanor's hand. He grumbled a bit, as he pulled out two fifty dollar bills, and smacked them in Raw-Lo's hand. I walked up and took the money.

" This is for my vase. " I said putting a bill in my pocket. " And this is for pain and suffering. " I added giving the last bill to Brandy. She smiled and pocketed the money. " Thanks Mir. "

" Damn, man. " Mumbled Raw-Lo snapping his fingers.

" I'm out. Clean this s**t up and Brandy watch the shop. Lock up at 9. " I ordered on my way out the door with Meanor behind me.

" I'll beat you there. " she called out walking to her cherry red motorcycle. " Where's your helmet? " I questioned her. She gave me a dumb look, poking her lips out and shrugging. "Nigga, Imma Pro. I been doing this. Mind yours. " She chuckled, mounting up and pulling out. I shook my head as I jogged to the Lincoln and headed Home.

Rosalina

" How would you like to go to my house? " I asked Priscilla as she was drawing her picture. She dropped the crayon and turned to me.

" I have to ask my daddy but, I really wanna go with you. " she answered sweetly.

" He said it was okay. " I told her as I watched her face light up. "Stay with Charity while I go get my things. I told her as I went to the back. I waved to Ms. Sharon after I got my things and headed out. Priscilla and I left the salon and headed to my car.

I frowned knowing I didn't have a car seat for her. So, I strapped her in the backseat and made a mental note to drive slower. After 20 minutes we made it home. Priscilla waited for me to unbuckle her and we headed for the elevator.

"Is Mir okae? " she asked looking up to me. I nodded as I rubbed her hand.

" He's just working sweetie. He will be here soon. " I replied as she relaxed a little. I wondered why she asked, and stepped off the elevator leading her towards my door. I let us in and got Priscilla settled.

" Are you hungry? " I wondered out loud. " Si', just a snack por favor. " she answered softly as I went to the kitchen. I cut up some vegetables and fruit. Placing them on a platter with some lemonade to drink.

"dónde está el baño(where's the bathroom)" I heard her call out. " Right down that hall. " I shouted back. I hurried back, and put everything down on the table. She smiled as she came into the room and said a quick prayer before eating. I sat next to her and pulled out my phone to text Dorinda.

What time we heading out ?

Rinda : I'll be there at 8

It was only 6:30pm. So I had time to kill but, I didn't know what time Jamir would be by. I looked over to Priscilla to see her already watching me . She didn't miss anything.

" Scilla what does Jamir do? " I asked raising my brow.

" Tattoos. " she answered quickly eyeing me. " I'm not pose to talk about his work. " she continued as she ate her snack.

" what can you talk about? " I asked sliding on the floor grabbing a piece of fruit. I wanted to know more about them. She thought for a minute as she nibbled on her fruit swinging her legs as they dangled next to me.

" My Ma Ma lives with abuela and I with them. My God daddy never visits but, Jamir works a lot. " she began. " He travels and brings me all kinds of things. He helps people do hard things but, he doesn't like to." she said with a frown.

" So he helps people and does tattoos? " I pried some more, since it didn't add up with what she said.

" Why you no ask him? " she flipped on me. " You talk to him, Yes? Then he will tell you. " she finished as she scooted back and folded her arms. " I'm not supposed to talk about his business. " she pouted.

I felt bad for asking so many questions. She was just a child and here I was so desperate for information. I shook my head and sat next to her.

" Lo siento(Im sorry). " I spoke as I grabbed her chin. She nodded and slid into my lap .

" I like you Lina. " I smiled at the nickname she made. " I never meet nice people like you." Scilla explained sweetly. "I only have mama and Mir. I want you too. " she said, hugging me tight. " Will you stay? " she pleaded looking in my eyes.

" I'm here as long as you want me. " I told her meaning my words. I didn't care if I'd just met her. I didn't want to let her go." Mir bought me this. " she said thrusting out her arm and jangling the bracelet on her wrist. " Mi pequeña familia(My small family) . " she whispered.

" P for Priscilla, K for my mama Kailey, and J for Jamir." She explained pausing, look at me. " Maybe R for Rosalina? ". She asked raising her eyebrow making me giggle.

" You and Papa will get married!" She beamed. " And Mama can come here, and we all can live with Mir and he won't leave anymore! " she cheered, clearly loving her idea.

" WOOAH there. " I tried to calm her. " Slow down Priscilla. " I giggled. She just smiled and played in my hair.

" Ma Ma says Mir is just use to being alone but, if he met someone pretty it will change. " She said looking at me fondly. "You are so nice and muy bonita(very pretty). Sí(yes), he will stay. " she said, as she nodded certain of her words. I was about to correct her but, I heard a knock at the door.

" Pa Pa! " she shouted bouncing up and down as I took her off my lap and sat her on the couch. " Maybe." I giggled. I walked to the door and looked through the peep hole. There stood an irritated Jamir. I frowned feeling a repeat of his attitude. I quickly unlatched and opened the door seeing him about to knock again.

" Don't break my door. " I joked opening the door wide. He relaxed a little and looked me over before smirking. " Wassup Rosalina. " he spoke smoothly. " Call me Rose. " I told him sweetly, with a smile.

" Daddddyyy! " Screamed Priscilla, as she bolted into his legs. He swung her up, and kissed her all over her face as she giggled, trying to scramble away. He was cheesing so hard I saw his slugs again. He softened his smile and put her down as he looked at me.

" Thank you for watching her and doing her hair. " He said standing up and grabbing her hand.

He stood over me easily, making me feel small but, more secure than anything. I felt like he was shielding me from the world. "Its no problem at all, and if you don't mind..." I began my pitch.

"I wanna do her hair for now on. When she's here with you, that is. " I added smiling up at him.

" We could do that. Seems like you know what your doing. " He complimented, watching me slightly. Priscilla giggled and I blushed as we broke eye contact.

" Me and a Friend of mine will be in Eclipse tonight. " I piped up, not wanting him to leave just yet.

" And? " he started raising his brow. I rolled my eyes placing my hand on my hip. Mir just smirked at me. " You should come. " I retorted.

" I might have my hands full with her. " He chuckled gesturing to Scilla while moving closer to me. " But I'll think about it. " he whispered, pulling me into a hug. I wrapped my arms around him. Hugging him back, I felt just how muscular he was. Jamir must hit them gym when he's not tattooing.

He smelled so good as I relaxed into his embrace. I swear I felt his hand on my ass before he let me go and walked away. I leaned against the doorframe, waving at a smiling Priscilla as they rounded the corner. I sighed and pushed my hands in my back pockets. There was something in my right pocket so I pulled it out. I unfolded and counted $400 crisp dollar bills.

My jaw dropped as I gaped at the money. His slick ass slid the money in my pocket! I sucked my teeth but, quickly folded the money up and put it back. I guess I should have known what he was trying from that hug. Clearly he's just not into me like that.

I closed the door and attached the latch. I went into my bathroom and turned on the shower. Dorinda would be here in an hour and I should start getting ready.

I did my normal hygiene routine and hopped out the shower wrapping the plush white towel around myself. I sat at my vanity and applied my makeup to cover my freckles. I let my highlight bake while I lotioned up. I heard the door open but, it was stopped by the chain latch.

" b***h. Let me in! I told you I was coming at eight. " shouted Dorinda from my door. " I told yo ass that key is for emergencies! " I yelled as I unlocked the door to let her in. "It was an emergency. I missed you. " she whined pouting her lips.

We both laughed as we bear hugged each other, and went inside. Dorinda wore a satin blue fitted dress. Which she filled out nicely,and some suede gray shoes.

" Now why aren't you dressed yet? " she fussed as she broke the seal and poured herself a glass of Rosae'. I smirked and went to my closet to get dressed. " Hurry Up ! " she shouted after me. Why is she rushing me, its still early. I thought to myself, as I went through my closet. I Decided to be simple but, sexy and settled for a gray top and matching fitted skirt. It showed a little bit of navel and my tattoo.

I placed a gold chain around my waist and put on my cherry red loui's. After some red lipstick to match my shoes, and my gold diamond bracelets. I was satisfied with my look and walked back up to the kitchen to see Dorinda now taking shots.

" Yass b***h! " She complimented, seeing I matched her shoes. She smacked my ass as I walked by and grabbed the bottle to pour myself a drink.

" Get . On . My . Level . " she chanted passing me 3 shots of vodka. I looked at her like she was stupid.

" Who's driving ? " I questioned downing my glass quickly. " Boooo! " she pouted throwing them back herself. What the f**k is going on with her. I had no clue but, she was doing the most. " Dorinda chill. We haven't even left yet. " I spoke up, not liking how she was acting.

" I'm Good Rosae'. " She giggled. " Loosen up a little damn. " She snapped, seeing the concern still on my face. I lifted my hands backing off, and poured one last glass before grabbing my michael kors clutch.

Dorinda followed me out, as I locked up and headed for the elevator. " Claudia is gonna meet us there too. " She said under her breath getting on. I held the doors before stepping on.

" What ? " I snapped at her as she rolled her eyes. " Don't be so dramatic Rosalina, GOSH. You work with her all the time. " She grabbed my wrist and pulled me on and pressed the button for the garage.

" That's work and this is personal. " I argued. " You know I don't f**k with her like that and neither do you. " I told her shaking my head. " I could have stayed home for this s**t. " I mumbled, now shaking my leg pissed the f**k off. " Chill. We're all gonna have a good time I promise. " She cooed rubbing my shoulders.

I rolled my eyes and folded my arms. " Yeah Yeah. " I said finally stepping off the elevator. I switched quickly to my car with Dorinda walking a lil back. Tonight better get better because i'm already over it.