Saints and Sinners

1.

Santana.

“When are you coming over?” Ay’ana asked through the phone as I sighed out. “When I’m finished. Don’t try to give me a time, I’ll be there when I get there. Just have that ass ready.” I said as I put a new stack through the money counter.

I barely heard what she said, as I hung up, and focused as another $10,000 quickly counted out. “Who was that?” Mario asked as I rolled my eyes. “Ay’ana, who else.” I said as he shook his head. “I don’t even know why you fuck with that broad. She ain’t about shit. You need to settle down.” He said and I shook my head again.

“Nah, not yet, but if I did, it definitely wouldn’t be with her.” I said shaking the thought out of my head. “Nigga you’re almost 30, you going to fuck around and wait till all the good ones are gone.” He said, and I just looked at him. “My nigga you’re 32, with a stable of hoes. What are you even talking about?” I asked and he shrugged. “You ain’t me, Cuh. This the life I want to live. You the type that need a wife at home with some kids running around or something.” He said making me frown my face.

“I’m good on that.” I said trying not to think about it. With the lifestyle I lead, there wasn’t any room for a family. I was 29 going on 30, and one of the highest ranking 60s, on the block. My name is Santana, but the streets only know me as Saint, though I was far from it. Ruthless, cold, and soulless have all been words associated with my name. I made a name for myself as a younging on the block, and earned my nick name as a true product of the City of Angels.

There was nothing nice or easy about the Los Angeles, and especially not Crenshaw. The glimmering lights pulled you in, and left nothing of you once it finished. Many had said that I was the same. I had a clean facade, that would never make a motherfucker think the devil was behind my smile, that the gates of hell flashed through my eyes, or that the sweetest lies left my lips. I could sell salt to a slug, water to a whale, and death to the reaper himself.

I had to get it however I took it, and to get where I am, I took more than my fair share. I was beyond the petty street corner hustling, and I had elevated my game beyond selling drugs. For the past few years I had been making trips to and from Mexico bringing in hundreds of thousands of guns. That’s where the real money was.

From your regular Saturday night special to an automatic M249. If you wanted it I had it, and if you bought it 95% of the time it came from me. I set my little homies up successfully, putting all the Rolling 60s ahead of the curve. Since we stayed away from the drug business we were making money hand over fist with no competition.

We had beef with a few other nearby sets, but no one was going to fuck with us. We were connected beyond the hood, and if they wanted my head that bad, there was a whole hell of a lot to get through before a mother fucker could even reached me.

With everything I had going on the last thing I needed was to be tied down to some bitch. Ay’ana was already a lot to deal with and all she was, was a broad that I smashed when I felt like it. She was bad as hell no lie, and she wanted the position as my woman, but she did way too much.

She was way too easy, a few words and a couple dollars could make her move on a whim, plus she was getting way too attached. I had already told her the situation was what it was with us, nothing more and nothing less, but she still kept at it.

She was starting to do the most by telling people around the hood I was her man, and I recently found out she was posting me on her social media. That was one thing I definitely didn’t do, and it had me looking at her sideways.

I only kept one or two broads around at a time, but I knew soon she was going to have to get dropped. Again, I had no time for the bullshit that came along with having a female long term. If it wasn’t my mama or nana I was cool on it.

“What’s up for the night?” Mario asked snapping me out of my thoughts. “Not really feeling the club tonight, Southland or Living Room?” I questioned and he made his thinking face. “Living Room then Southland if it’s dead.” He said and I agreed.

“What time?” I asked and he shrugged. “Maybe around 9, I gotta go see my little mans.” Mario said and I nodded. “How is Nephew?” “Bad as hell. Why Brianna called and told me he cursed his teacher out?” He said making me crack up.

“He’s only four right?” “Four going on Forty. Brianna wants me to come over tonight so I can punish him.” He said shaking his head. “You talking about me settling down, you need to. You already got the family.” I referenced his son and his mother.

“Because Brianna doesn’t deserve the bs. Plus, I know I won’t stop doing my dirt.” He said and I shook my head. I knew Mario since we were kids, he was my older brother, Sincere’s best friend before he was killed a few years back.

We were close before, like an older brother, but after Sin passed, we created a bond stronger than I could have ever imagined. It was the hardest thing I had ever gone through. Sin was only a few years older than me, but he raised me.

Our pop left before I was born and Sin only had a few memories of him, but took over most of the responsibility in the house. He taught me how to be a man. He taught me how to prioritize, family was first and everything came later.

I followed in his footsteps closely always wanting to be just like him, from the way he moved to how he spoke. He was killed in a drug deal gone bad which is one of the main reasons why I don’t get involved with it. Not saying there aren’t snakes in this business, but I know my enemies already. They don’t come hidden as a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

I passed the last stack threw the counter, totaling up at a little over $4 million. “Is it all good?” Mario asked, and I nodded. “Yeah, tomorrow night we can head down to Tijuana, and make the exchange.” I said, and he nodded. Mario was the only person I trusted when it came to business and personal. Tomorrow we were doing one of our biggest pick ups yet, but the payout would be almost ten fold once everything was sold.

I was starting to transition more into the legit side of business, but with this last flip my family would be set for the rest of my life and the lives of my great great grand kids, if I ever had any. A few months ago I opened my own real estate company. I had already bought a handful of properties and apartment buildings between Crenshaw and Baldwin Hills. I was committed to keeping our neighborhoods in black hands, and doing right by the community. Things had been successful, and it was a bright future that I was actually looking forward to.

Mario and I began to stuff the duffle bags full of the money we had just counted, and went to put them into the safe. “What you about to do now?” Mario asked, as we headed out of the safe house. “Probably going to go see Ay’ana. Chill out for awhile.” I said, and he shook his head. “Says the man who doesn’t even like the girl.” He said making me laugh. “Chill, she alright she just do too much. Hit my jack later when you’re ready to go out.” I said, and he nodded. We did our hand shake, before I got into my F Type, and headed towards Baldwin Hills.

The drive didn’t take too long before I reached Ay’ana’s block and I parked around the corner. I walked back to her crib, and used my key to let myself in. “Babe,” I heard her voice call out from the kitchen. “What’s up?” I said as she came out to the living room. “I didn’t think you’d be here so soon.” She said as I scanned her body. I bit my lip looking at the small tank and shorts she had on. Her body was ridiculous, and every dip and curve was pronounced.

“I wasn’t, but I finished up early.” I said, as she wrapped her arms around my neck. “I was making lunch. You hungry?” She asked as I ran my hands down to her ass. “Nah, I’m good. I’m not staying long though.” I said and she rolled her eyes. “Why? What do you have to do today?” She asked with an attitude. “Don’t start that shit. You lucky I’m even here now.” I said, making her roll her eyes again.

“Whatever you say, Saint. I’m getting sick of the fuck and ducks, we been doing this shit for a year, and it’s getting real old.” She said and I shrugged. “Well you already know what to do. I’m not holding you here. You’re here cause you want to be.” I said, and she sucked her teeth. “I’m sure you don’t really want that. We’ve been down that road before, and you didn’t like it when I did me. Remember?” She asked, and I sucked my teeth.

“I wouldn’t have cared, but you’re not about to fuck some other nigga when you’re with me. I break bread for you, I pay for this crib you got, I put gas in the car you drive. Don’t get shit twisted it’s about respect.” I said and she just shook her head. “So if you do so much for me then what’s the problem with wanting more. We might as well have something real.” She said, and I sighed. “Not with the lifestyle I live, and for real I’m not looking for anything serious with you. Like I said, if you can’t handle it you need to move on.” I said, and she shook her head.

“So what are you over here for?” “Not for this conversation.” I said as I bit my lip, and grabbed two handfuls of her ass again. My mouth attached to her neck, instantly attacking her spot. She melted into me, making me pick her up, and head to her bedroom. The previous conversation, long forgotten, as I kicked the door shut.

*

“Where are you going?” Ay’ana asked as I started getting dressed. “Home,” I said, and she rolled her eyes. “Don’t even start that shit, I told you when I came over that I wasn’t staying long.” I said, and she sucked her teeth. “Fuck you, Saint.” She spat as I shrugged, and pulled some hundreds out of my pocket. “Your choice, sweetheart. I never forced you, nor did I ask for anything different. I’ll call you later.” I said placing the bills on the table.

“You can keep it, I’m done.” She said, glaring at the bills I placed down. I shrugged again not really caring. “That’s cool too. I wish you well baby girl.” I said, and she sucked her teeth again. “You’re a fucking ass hole. I don’t even know why I try with you. I should have listed to Faben, you ain’t shit.” She said talking about her girlfriend. “Was she telling you I wasn’t shit before or after she sucked my dick. That’s my fucking problem with you. You never know how to keep your mouth shut, always running it to different motherfuckers. I’m not that nigga, and you know it.” I turned and snapped on her.

“You fucked my friend?!” She asked taken aback. “A few times, if I’m being honest.” I said as she got up. She used the sheet to cover herself as she came over and attempted to swing on me. “Chill the fuck out.” I said gripping her arms. “I can’t believe you, you’re so fucking trifling!” She yelled, as I pushed her back onto the bed. “She was you’re friend not mine, and she threw the pussy. If you’re mad at anyone it should be her. Like I said, I’ll call to check on you later.” I said before heading out of the room.

I heard her let out a frustrated scream before I headed out of the door. I shook my head sort of glad that it was likely to be over between us, but the way I knew Ay’ana if I gave her a day or two she’d be over it. I can’t lie, sometimes I did enjoy the aggression between us, because it made the sex so much better. I knew, once she got over this little incident the sex would be out of this world, but I was going to try and fall back.

I headed to my truck, and headed home. Just as I parked, my phone began to ring, and I looked at the ID to see it was my mother. “Hello,” I answered. “So now you want to answer the phone. I done called you all day, boy.” She said making me laugh slightly. “Sorry Ma, I was in a few meetings. What’s going on with you?” “Nothing, you know you’re Nana is back in the hospital.” She said as I felt a pain in my chest.

“No, how is she?” I asked. “Same, they have her on the respirator, they think she picked up pneumonia.” She said, and I shook my head. “I’ll stop down by the hospital in the morning. Are you staying with her tonight?” “Yeah, I’ll be in here. I got Mario bringing me some dinner, so you don’t need to worry.” She said making me frown. “Why didn’t you call me?” “You must be smoking one of them joints or some shit. I know you heard me say I called you.” She said and I shook my head.

“My bad, Ma.” “Yeah, you’re bad nigga. I was just calling to let you know, but call me back later. I need to give Mario my numbers.” She said and I shook my head. “Alright Ma, I’ll talk to you later.” “Hmmm,” She made a noise before hanging up. I shook my head at how crazy she was, and headed into the house. It was crazy how my mood seemed to deflate at the news about my nana. She was a strong older woman who had been dealing with COPD, for a few years. It had gotten worse as of recently with her having short stays in the hospital until she could return home. The doctors had been telling us it wasn’t fatal yet, but just knowing she was there was depressing. My mother and grandma were almost the same, as far as attitude, but my grandma, was much worse attitude wise. She said anything out of her mouth, and didn’t care who heard or was offended. She was my heart for real.

After I got in the house, I decided to call Mario. “What’s cracking?” He answered. “Nothing, you’re headed to the hospital already?” I asked. “Yeah, Ma called me a few hours ago. She had me go grocery shopping and shit. Luckily I had Brianna do it, you know I would have taken forever.” He said, and I shook my head. “Tell her I appreciate that. You still trying to head out tonight.” I said noticing it was going on seven.

“Yeah, why you still laid up with Ay’ana?” “Hell nah, she said we over.” I said causing him to laugh. “Word? For how long this time, a day.” “I’ll give it two. I told her I fucked Faben.” I said and I envisioned him shaking his head. “You going to make that girl catch a charge. You know she doesn’t have it all.” He said, and I shrugged. “She’ll be alright, bitches get fucked everyday C.” I said copying a New York accent. “You wild boy. I’m almost at the hospital now, so I’ll call you when I’m finished getting ready.” “Alright and tell Mama and Nana I love them.” I said and he agreed. We hung up, and I went to go roll a dutch.

I had a little time to spare, so I turned on some Nipsey and began to vibe out while I caught up on sports center. A dutch, turned into two and I realized more time had passed than I realized. I hopped up, and found a fit for the night before getting into the shower. I washed thoroughly before getting out and going to the mirror. I looked over my face and decided I should line my beard up a little, and around my tape line. Once I had a fresh line, I went into the bedroom and put on blue and green button up, with a pair of black jeans, and a pair of all black foamposites. Once I was dressed, I added a gold chain, and my rolex along with a Nike hat. I felt satisfied, and sprayed on some YSL cologne to complete the process.

I heard my phone ringing from the front, and hurried to go get it. “Yo,” I answered once I saw it was Mario. “You left yet?” “Nah, I’m about to though. You already out?” I questioned. “Yeah, I’m already here. It’s packed.” He said, and I nodded. “Say less, I’ll be there in thirty.” I said and he agreed. I put my phone in my pocket along with my wallet and some cash before I headed out. I didn’t really make a habit of going out too often, and when I did I tried to stay low-key. I wasn’t the flashy guy by far, and I liked to stay in my lane.

I made it through traffic, about 20 minutes later, and found a parking spot at the end of the block. Mario hadn’t lied when he said it was packed, and if parking was any indication it was a live event going on. I nodded to a few people who recognized me as I made my way down the block and into the lounge. I scanned the packed area, and noticed Mario’s tall frame at the end of the bar. I navigated through the densely populated room, and dapped him up once I made it.

“Didn’t take you too long.” He said, and I shrugged. “I was already about to walk out the door when you called. What’s going on in here?” I asked taking in the environment. “I don’t know for sure. I think they’re doing an open mic. You know they always have a good turnout for that.” He said, and I nodded. I ordered, a glass of D’usse, before we found a table near the back that was open.

“How was Ma?” “Hollering as always. Cursed the doctors out, and they threatened to have her removed.” He said and I shook my head. “Sounds about right. What about Nana?” I asked, and he shrugged. “You should see her. It doesn’t seem to be getting better.” He said, and I ran a hand down my face. “I’m going tomorrow morning. I can’t even stomach the thought of something happening to her.” I said, and he nodded.

“What’s up with Nephew though?” I asked trying to turn the mood again. “He’s straight. I took his iPod so he was hot about that, but little nigga will survive.” He said making me shake my head. “That’s Young Trouble right there. See if it’s cool with B, and I’ll take him out this weekend.” I said, and he nodded. “Hey,” I heard a familiar feminine voice. I turned to see Ay’ana’s friend Faben and I laughed and shook my head.

“What’s up with you Ma?” I asked as she took a seat with another friend at the open seats we had at the table. “So I see you said something to Y’ana.” She said frowning slightly. “Was it a secret?” I asked, and she rolled her eyes. “No, but now she want to be rah rah, like she wants to fight me or something.” “That doesn’t have anything to do with me. She ain’t my bitch and neither are you.” I said shrugging.

“That’s her trying to be up under you, I could really care less.” She said, and I nodded. I scanned her sitting form, and licked my lips. “So if I asked what you were doing tonight?” I asked as I remembered her warm throat. “You play, Saint and I’m not about to get beat up over you.” She laughed, and I shrugged. “Like I said, she isn’t my girl.” I said, and she laughed again. I looked over to Mario, and he was already talking to her friend. “So you rolling with me tonight or what?” I asked in a lower tone. “I came here with her?” She said pointing to her friend.

“Looks like she may already have plans tonight.” I nodded to her and Mario. “Okay, my place again?” She asked, and I nodded. “Yeah, that’s cool. What are you drinking?” I asked, and she smiled and pointed to the drink that I had. “That looks good.” She said, and I flagged down a waitress. “Can I get a vodka and cranberry?” I asked, and Faben sucked her teeth, “That’s not what you’re drinking.” She said, and I laughed. “Cause you can’t handle this. I’m looking out for you.” I said and she rolled her eyes playfully. “Vodka and pineapple.” She reordered, and I nodded.

We kicked it for awhile with some cool conversation, before I felt the need to relieve myself. “I’ll be back.” I said getting up. She nodded, and I headed towards the sign indicating where the restrooms were. There wasn’t a line, and I finished my business quickly, before washing my hands and heading back out. “Damn,” I said as this chick crashed into me. “I’m sorry,” She said, and I nodded. “It’s cool. You good?” I asked helping her regain her balance. “Yeah, I’m just clumsy.” She laughed nervously. Her laugh was light, and almost like a song. I got lost in the bush of curls on top of her head, as I really focused in on her features.

She was beautiful as hell, a little thicker than I normally went for, but that was more than okay. “I’m Saint, what’s your name?” I asked giving her my signature smile. “Nonya,” She said, and I frowned. “Really, like none of my business?” I asked making her laugh slightly. “Exactly like that. I already saw you earlier with a girl.” She said and I smirked. “So you were checking me out.” I asked and she frowned.

“Not really, you had my friend take your drink order.” She said, and I nodded. “That’s cool, but I’m not with her though, she’s just a friend.” “Mhmm, and I bet you try to make a lot of women your friends. I know your type, Mr. Saint.” She said, and I shook my head. “I can guarantee, you’ve never fucked with a nigga like me.” “And I can guarantee you won’t. Now if you don’t mind I’m needed.” She said as she sashayed her way passed me. I picked up on her fragrant scent, and stopped myself from chasing behind her.

I shook my head, and went back to my table. “I was about to come check on you,” Faben said, and I shook my head. “I’m good,” I said, as my ears picked up on the sweet voice I heard just a short while ago. “Do you guys mind if I sing you guys a song tonight?” I heard before I focused onto the stage. Under a spotlight, shorty was standing at the mic more radiant than before. “Now this one isn’t for the lovers, more for the Saint’s and the Sinner’s.” She said before beginning to harmonize a tune.

“I think, I’ll have to cancel on tonight.” I told Faben, without tearing my eyes away from stage. “What? For what?!” She asked and I mugged her. “I’m busy.” I said making her go silent.

I focused back onto the stage as shorty began to sing to my soul. For a few moments our eyes connected, and I felt as if she was singing only for me to hear. She was my personal songstress as she crooned out note after perfect note.

The song came to an end, and I hopped up quickly. “I’ll holler at you tomorrow cuh.” I said dropping a twenty on the table. I quickly navigated my way through the crowd heading to the side of the stage.

“That was the lovely, Xuhri. With her original work, SnS.” The announcer said, and I took note of her name. I saw her coming from the wrap around behind the stage and made my way there.

“You’re so vain.” She said upon seeing me. “Why cause I think the song was about me?” I asked picking up on her song reference. “That’s exactly why.” She said and I raised my hands in surrender.

“I don’t think it’s about me, but the universe had a hell of a way of introducing us. Don’t you think Xurhi.” I said raising my eyebrow. “Universe?” She said beginning to walk.

“Universe, the powers that be, whatever you believe in. They wanted us right here.” I said and she did that beautiful laugh again. “Usually if it’s the universe, the signs come in threes. So if it happens twice more than maybe.” She said and I shook my head.

“The universe is impatient. If you make it wait, who knows what can happen.” I said and she smirked. “We’ll just have to see.” She said simply. “You look like you’re about to leave.” I said, as I noticed we were at the coat check.

“I am, I sing. I leave.” She said and I nodded. “You have a ride home? It’s pretty late.” I said as she took her jacket and bag. “I do, not that I would take one from a stranger though.” She said and I rolled my eyes.

“I’m not a stranger, Xurhi.” I said and she laughed. “You’re crazy too? Maybe I should end the conversation here.” She said and I shook my head. “Is that anyway to speak to you’re future husband. I don’t like back talk.” I said and she laughed heartily.

“Wow. Okay, I really have to go now. It was, um, an experience meeting you.” She said and I followed her out. “An experience in hoping you won’t forget anytime soon. I was just fucking with you, but I want to make sure you get to your car safely.” I said and she shook her head.

“I’m over here. You can see me from the door.” She said flashing the lights to a Nissan. “You think I’m about to watch you from the door? Come on.” I said taking hold of her hand.

“Do you sing at every open mic?” I asked as she tried to wiggle her hand free. “I alternate between here and another spot in DTLA.” She said and I nodded. “Do you mind if I come to another one. You’re voice is beautiful.” I said and she scrunched her face.

“That’s not going to make me like you, or fuck if that’s what you’re looking for.” She said and I rolled my eyes. “Did I say anything about fucking you? If you can’t tell I’m direct about my shit. I want to hear you sing.” I said getting serious for a moment.

“If you’re serious then you’ll find me. You already know one of my spots.” She said and I nodded. “That’s nothing but a word. I’ll see you soon, bae.” I said and she laughed. “I really can’t take you serious.” She said and I nodded. “You will soon. Get home safe.” I said, and she nodded as I opened her door.

“I’m surprised you didn’t ask for my number just now.” She said and I laughed knowing she wanted me to ask. “I don’t need it. I’ll pop up on you when you’re ready.” I said and she looked at me. “When I’m ready?” She asked and I nodded. “I’ll know. The universe.” I said pointing to the sky.

“Well again, this was interesting. Goodnight, Saint.” “More than interesting. Goodnight, Xurhi.” I copied her making her laugh lightly again. Once she was in the car, I closed the door. She started it up, and I stepped back and waived before she pulled off.

I smiled to myself, and jogged to my car before thinking, what the fuck did I just do.

Disclaimer: This is not a Rebecca Enders work of fiction! This belongs solely  to Ari Glenn the author.