#Mr House looks wack here but fuck it we ball

[eggsrblue]

Messy doodle because I miss Mr. House (AGAIN COUGH COUGH)

[blonde-toddy]

Random and Not So Random thoughts while watching Bridgerton: Season 1, Episode 8

So the finale is here.

And baby do we need some resolutions.

This one is titled "After the Rain"

I hope that's a good thing.

Couples montage then lonely Violet. She was blissfully in love with her husband, that's for sure. 8 facking kids worth.

Yes Simon and Daphne are a love match....but they are ripping my heart out right now.

Why are they being so cold?!?!

Way to reference the ruse Daphne. Ugh.

I'm glad that King Granville is here.

Yes push those assholes together.

That shoulder touch. See, irresistible. They are all about each other.

The very picture of devotion, indeed.

Benny and Eloise!!!!

She's wearimg that ugly neck thing again.

No Benny, she thinks Delacroix is Whistledown.

What?!?! Francesca is coming back.

Oh Marina you still pregnant.

Now you shipping Penelope and Colin. That's not weird or anything seeing as you were ready to trap his ass.

Something is amiss!

For Violet to be so wise with her sons, she's awfully thick when it comes to Daphne. I just don't understand.

Daphne is done done done with Violets advice.

I ain't mad at her.

Aww Portia is trying to finesse her way back in. Violet can't stand her.....

Okay Daphne! Let's just hand out all kinds of forgiveness today.

Oh shit. Sir Crane!

Daphne and Portia are GONE!

Ooooh her beloved is dead dead dead.

Yeah girllllllll. All that time you thought he abandoned you. And he was at war.....shit.

What a pill.

I'm glad Daphne has some kind of friend.

Daphne and Marinas storylines are kind of bizarrely parallel.

Jesus Eloise, wtf!

Awww she's trying to save her friend.

I don't think Delacroix is Whistledown.

Oh this is so uncomfortable.....Benny on the low shit.

That shoulder shrug was cute.

"Lock. The door "

Where you going Daphne....what you doing?

Your Graces.

Awww Daphne is still trying.

Damn Simon if she deserves it, step up and give it to her.

Will and Alice ❤

Aw shit Will took Featheringtons bait.

This can't be good.

The deed to the crib?!

This man is out of his mf mind.

Stop it with Anthony and Sienna already!

Simon knows Will is up to something..........

Oh shit he's still there.

Marina you better marry him.

You a damn fool.

Good luck.....you're missing tf out I think.

Right, Portia, right.

Oh she definitely still pregnant.

What are you looking for Daphne?

Ooooh she found the letters he wrote to his father.

And she's reading the mfs.

Oh man.

Yeah girl. It's fucking awful.

Here we go again with hoe ass Anthony.

Under the bleachers. Okay you freaks.

And Will throws the fight.

Featherington is so full of shit and those bookies know he played them. That is going to go horribly. I guaranfuckingtee it.

Simon knows whats up....but he's in no position to judge ANYBODY right now.

Daphne getting serious insight.

I appreciate the relationship between Daphne and Lady Danbury.

She needs someone to be straight with her.

She's giving that mother-in-law type advice and I love it.

You really out here judging him Simon.

Will fucked up but he's still right! Worry about your wife and your life! What's this really about?!

Oh Portia...don't get too excited.

That shits coming back around.

Breakfast together. Is this progress?

Daphne has a peace about her.

She ain't giving up on her man.

To Bridgerton House they go to see Dear Francesca.

Simon is so charming. He is duplicitous af!

Suddenly everyone is just cool with everything. Okay.

Must be the edibles.

Yes girl, look at your hot husband. He is impressive.

Um. Eloise. I think you're wrong boo.

Everybody doesn't have the advantages you have homie! I'm glad Penelope checks her when she gets on that high horse.

Simon with the kiddos just laying it on thick for my girl Daph. Teasing the fuck out of her.

Even Anthony looks all proud and shit.

Delacroix still finds away to shade Portia and it's hilarious.

He lost her mf dowry.

Yes Marina. The bun is still in the oven.

Hastings house is lavish af!

Gawd that picture.

This is not the end. No. No. No.

I share in the doctors exasperation.

Idk what the fuck has happened to Anthony to turn him on his head like this.

Ok mf! You know what, take Sienna to the ball.

Finally giving her the love she deserves from you.

Oh look at these assholes looking at themselves.

"You wound me."

She's light roasting him again and it's lovely.

Come on my babies. Get it together. Y'all are precious.

Also if I ever marry, I want a regal ass portrait like that.

She wants to dance with her man. Same, girl. I want to, and I want you to, too.

Oh we have classic bantering Simon and Daphne.

Come. On. Already.

Fix it.

Fuck....the way they look at each other.

Welp. Party time.

Noooo not one LAST dance.

Ok Will flexed for his baby.

Simon still looking all judgy. Man you better get your own house in order.

Eloise is a living doll, but she's not here for the fellas just yet....or maybe ladies. Or maybe nothing at all. We'll see with her. Just not yet.

I appreciate the evolution of her and Daphnes relationship.

Aww Mr. Finch.

Portia flexing. "The Duchess extended an invitation, personally." She made sure they knew how connected she was.

They're still roasting her wack ass husband though. But fuck him.

Yep he's fucked.

Wtf does Benny do at these balls?

Awe Colin and Penelope.

Penelope bout to confess.

Well Colin killed that. Like dead in the water.

Ya boy is going to Greece.

Sorry Pen. The confession must wait.

Shes devastated. Hell nah she ain't dancing.

Oh Eloise...now is not the time.

Eloise got all that tea!!!!

Hold up this footman looks cheeky. More of him maybe.

Anthony bout to scoop his lady......SIKE.

Sienna pitting an end to this shit.

Anthony you've let her down one too many times.

And Sienna apparently has no desire to put on airs.

Are you sorry though?

And wtf do you do now?

Toss the flowers. Check.

Aww she saved Whistledown.

What a peach.

Come on assholes. Look at y'all looking at each other.

And he still plans on leaving.

Lady Danbury out here dropping wisdom. Listen, Simon, listen!

I honestly do think it's different for them. I think it's different for everyone.

Oh Daphne, Violet is dropping hot ones this time.

What a fucking pep talk.

And now they dance!!!!!

Its that slo-mo smoldering stare for me.

More rain?!

Daphne letting that shit wash her worries away. Go girl.

I mean y'all are cute but this is Daphne and Simons moment.

Cheers to the cane of Lady Danbury.

Danbury put everyone out. Her matchmaking and scheming never end.

At least Simon stayed in the rain with her.

Look at them.....

She told him bout the letters!!!!

Idk man. This love confession is on par with "I burn for you."

She wants to stay with you and love you every day. Man you have a rider. Y'all have dragged each other through the shits. Y'all need this rain.

But there's this lovely thing called a choice.

You really just gonna let her walk away this time and NOT follow her?!

Fucking hell.

Meanwhile at Featherington house.

Oh fuck.

Lord Featherington is dead. I knew that shit was going to blow up.

Fuck. Poor Portia.

Daphne just chilling.

Oh. Ok. Here comes the Duke.

Oh come on Simon. Yes you do. You know EXACTLY what to do.

Nothing else matters when y'all tangled up in them sheets.

They are just so tender!

Yes! Take it to the bed.

Daphne kissing on Simons neck and wanting to give him pleasure and affection >>>>>>>>

A million times over. Its fucking hot. Look at her honing her skillset.

Ride the mf girl!

Ok then! Flip that ass!!!

Out here long stroking the fuck out of her. Got dang.

Oh now you bout to hit that ecstacy.

Is a "congratulations" or "good job" in order?

These beautiful assholes!!!!

I just love them.

All this build up for Simon to ejaculate inside Daphne....but so worth it.

Awww poor Penelope.....

Eloise is convinced Whistledown is Delacroix.

I do love Portia.

Her and Marina grew to an understanding I think.

Marina girl, I think you're making a wise choice marrying your baby daddys brother. Just saying.

Who tf inheriting the Featherington Estate? And have we met them?

Hyacinth is forever in my heart.

Simon and Daphne got that glowwwwww.

Awwe Anthony is all broken up over Sienna.

Ahh yes Anthony, a loving union is the problem. I'm ready for your drama Hoe.

Aha! I knew Delacroix wasn't Whistledown.

Ooooh Eloise!

And you saved her ass.

Really?!?! Pen?!

I can see it a bit.

Aww Daphne is having a baby!!! She got her wish!!!

Simon looks equal parts terrified and amazed.

Aw yall keeping the alphabetical name tradition. How fucking cute.

But you know what, I'm here for it and I find myself satisfied.

And also thirsty!

That's why I went right back and started the series right over again. Yes I did. And I'm proud of that.

Now I will start the books and obsess about season 2.

What a beautiful much needled ride during these times. I feel alive again.

[vidkid20ssimblrlair]

Episode 27: The Wolf In Sheep's Clothing (Part 1)

"Audrey! Audrey! Calm down!" DJ yelled from only a few feet away, but he sounded as if he was miles away. Too far to reach me.

I looked at Gemma. My mind was racing. My breathing labored. My katana pointed at her. I don't know when or how I escaped her sickening embrace, but I did and all I could think about was what she said. Her words repeating back to me in my head over and over again. The images of Vince bleeding from his torso and Grace's lifeless body. The Vultures had done all this? I couldn't wrap my mind around it all, but I felt rage bubbling inside me. All of it aimed at Gemma.

"You did this!"

"I did what? What are you talking about?"

"You hurt Vince. You hurt my friends. You killed Grace!"

"What? I didn't hurt anyone and Grace was killed by a rotter. Remember?" she replied still claiming ignorance. She looked over at DJ and shrugged. "I don't know what she's talking about."

"She knows Ace. She said his name! She tried to say she meant to say John and that she said Grace instead, but she said Ace. Not Grace. I heard her!"

DJ gasped. "Whoa! Whoa! What? Slow down!"

"I saved her from the zombie and she sai-"

"I said John would have never saved me. Well, he's usually too chicken shit to save me. Anyway, I called him Grace accidentally. Omar's story about her demise much like my attack just now must have been on my mind, so I said her name instead of John. That's all."

"You're lying! I know what I heard."

"Ok, so what if I said Ace? What does that have to do with Grace's death? I had nothing to do with that. I wasn't there that night. I was no way near this place."

"She described it as if she had been there, DJ. She knew the color of the cat and that it was torn to pieces. She even knew that Grace probably died following after it. We weren't even sure about that."

"Omar told me."

"Bullshit!"

"So I killed her? What did I do? Turn into a rotter and bite her on the neck and turn back?" she scoffed. She then cut her eye at DJ and whispered loudly. "I think she's having a breakdown."

"How do you know she got bit on the neck?" DJ asked eyeing her suspiciously.

"Um...uh...Omar told me. I lent my ear to him one night and he broke down telling me everything. It was heartbreaking."

"Yeah sure."

"I'm serious," she said alarmed looking from one to the other. "Don't be ridiculous. You can't believe..."

"I believe we need to talk. About that and your involvement with Ace."

B..b..but..."

"Yeah whatever, let's just get inside where it's safe," he said glancing over at the zombie's corpse. "Where's there's one, they'll be others."

We entered the house together. Gemma in front, me in the middle with my blade still drawn, and DJ bringing up the rear. He closed the door behind us and the tension returned.

She held up her hands as she stared down at my weapon and DJ stood beside me still eyeing her suspiciously.

"We need to talk. Just you, me, grandpa, and Omar. The four of us will talk in Gramps's room," he said breaking up the silence. He shot me a look. "Lower your weapon. I got it from here."

"Wait. Just the four of you? How about me? And we need to tell Madison and Nathan. The whole house needs to know."

He shook his head. "This needs to be private for now. At least till Gramps makes a decision. She'll be good as dead if Madison or Nathan caught wind of this."

"You don't understand..."

"No, you don't understand. We don't handle things with swords and guns or executions or threats. This is our house and we'll deal with it our way. Not Madison. Not Nathan. Not Wade. Not Vince. Not yours. Our way."

He placed his hand on the top of my katana and lowered it for me. He then placed his hand on Gemma's back and began guiding her to the stairs.

"No. Wait! What about me? Shouldn't I be included in this?"

He glanced over his shoulder and sighed. "No. Just sit back and chill. I'll let you know if I need you. Just...just let me handle it."

"But I'm the one who heard it!" I cried, but they were gone before I could even finish my plea. Up the stairs, they went leaving me alone in the dining room.

I pounded my fist on the table out of frustration. I didn't understand. Why was I being left out of this? What was DJ up to? I pulled out the dining room chair and sat down. I placed my head on the cool surface of the table trying to calm down, but I couldn't. I couldn't just stay out of it. I jumped up and stormed up the stairs. My feet carrying me to the end of the hall to Jones' room.

As I passed Aaron's room just inches away from my goal, I felt a hand grab my shoulder. I looked up to see Vince staring at me in the doorway.

"Where the hell are you going?" he growled.

"None of you business," I snapped feeling my anger rising again, but he shot me a look that made me instantly regret it. He grabbed hold of my shirt and yanked me into the room. I fell onto the arm of the couch and he slammed the door shut. I looked up at him aghast. "What the hell?"

"Shut up!"

"No! What is your problem?"

"That woman is in there with Jones and DJ. That's what."

"I know. I should be in there."

"For what?"

"She slipped up. Just now in the garden. I was with her. She mentioned Ace and from the way she described it, I think she was involved with Grace's death. That's what they're talking about in there in Jones' room. I can't believe they're leaving me out of it. I'm the one who heard it. Not DJ or Jones or Omar. Me! I should be in there!"

"No. You shouldn't. That woman is dangerous."

I snorted and I laid back on the couch. "No, she not. Well, I think I can handle her at least. She can't even fight off a zomb for fuck sakes. I just saved her in the garden. It grabbed her and she almost got bit."

"Don't be stupid! If you think that's how she really is than you've already lost. That's just an act."

"But you didn't see it. It grabbed her and she fell over -"

"I don't care. It's all an act. If she's one of those wack jobs, it's an act. She would have saved herself if you hadn't intervened. She's not stupid."

I groaned. "You're not listening to me. DJ told me to keep quiet, but I'll tell you the whole story."

He crossed his arms and sat down beside me. "Not going change my opinion, but go ahead."

I told him everything. From the idle chatter to the exact moment Gemma revealed her ties to the Vultures. He just sat there stone-faced. Then when I was done, he shrugged, and to my shock he seemed unmoved. His exact words: "So?"

"So? Wade said she would slip up and she did! And I was there!"

He frowned and let out a small sigh. "I don't want you talking to that woman anymore. I want you to stay away from her. The less you're involved, the better. It's best DJ and Mr. Jones handle it."

"Did you even hear me?"

"I heard you. You shouldn't have been out there with her. I told DJ to keep you away from her. I caught wind of Madison's little plan of making you her spy from Tao, so I asked DJ to keep you out of anything involving her. But that Madison. The balls on that woman. Putting you in danger. How dare her?!"

I felt like the veins in my head were about to pop from sheer rage. "What? What did you say?"

"You need to understand. She's dangerous, Audrey," he said troubled. "The other night, I snuck out to get a snack and something to drink. Aaron thinks he can keep me cooped up here, but I sneak downstairs from time to time. Anyway, I ran into her in the kitchen. Wade and Omar were on guard, but they were too busy flapping their gums to even notice me. Well, she was just standing by the sink looking out the window. I didn't know what to say and I didn't want to turn around and leave, so I said hello. She turned around. Looked at me as if she had seen a ghost and ran out. Never said a word. I saw her again a few days after that one afternoon. She was wiping the dining room table. Looked up at me and I got the same reaction. It was strange. Unnerving. She wasn't scared either. It was almost like she knew me. Like I wasn't supposed to be here. Like she knew what happened. "

"And that justifies you going behind my back and asking DJ to keep me away from big bad scary Gemma?"

"I get that you're mad, but The Vultures are ruthless murderers. I almost died out there. If Gemma is a Vulture, she was sent here for a reason and she can't be some pushover. I'm just trying to keep you safe."

"I don't need you to keep me safe! I can take care of myself!"

"Audrey..."

"How dare you go behind my back! Treating me like some kid!"

"That's not.."

"Stop treating me like some fucking child! I'm not your daughter! I'm not Maya!"

"Low blow. Low fucking blow!" he roared. He jumped up from the couch and clenched his fist as he stared down at me angrily. "Maybe if you stopped acting like a child, I would stop treating you like one!"

"I don't act like -!"

"Yes, you do! A spoiled insufferable one. A little girl that hides behind a tough exterior with her little sword. Waving it around like she some fucking badass, but you're no badass. No. Deep down you're just a scared little child looking for attention. Running recklessly and stupidly into everything and anything just so you can feel something. Just so you keep up this facade of a tough girl act when you're nothing more than an immature brat scared shitless like everyone else!"

Tears welled up in my eyes. "Vince..?"

"Grow the fuck up and do it fast! And keep Maya's name out your god-damned mouth!"

Before I could even utter another word, he was gone. He slammed the door with such a force I'm surprised the door frame didn't crack. I sat there in a state of shock and tears streamed down my face. 

I was still so angry, but I knew I had crossed a line. He dreamed of his daughter, Maya every night. Sometimes crying out the little girl's name in his sleep. His reaction was to be expected. I fucked up and I knew it.

Part 1 of 3. To be continued...

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 Part 2, Part 3

[polygamyff]

47.

Robyn acting like I wanted to do this shit, since she started to work she prefers to sit at home because she is tired but this ain’t my damn fault. She snapped on me because I woke her, like we need to leave a nine to get to Atlanta on time and she flipped a damn switch on me, she was so feisty and then Reign, I am staying away from both of them right now “Good morning Maurice” looking to the side of me, Lorraine and Ally are here “good morning Ladies and Jay” look at him escorting them inside “just making sure they got to the place they need to be” Jay said “well now you’re not needed, thanks anyways” Jay laughed pointing at me as he walked off “morning, morning. How are we all? Take a seat, you like my home?” I asked Lorraine, I’m proud of it “I am impressed, well for that amount of money, I expected this. Very nice Maurice, you could hide here” placing my spoon in the bowl “I could, and Robyn forces me to eat this fruit in the morning. It’s just not me so I am just forcing myself” Khaleesi jumped onto the chair, Lorraine jumped back “don’t like dogs?” I laughed “I didn’t see her, ok can you tell her to sit?” shaking my head laughing “nope, she wants to sit with me, she don’t like ugly people either” Lorraine sighed out “this is why I prefer to speak to you in an office, childish behaviour” I chuckled “Maurice, I just need to get a dress for Robyn. Will be back before you go” putting my thumb up at Adam “no problem, so please tell me I don’t need to speak to these people?” Lorraine opened her laptop “you have to speak to them, these are your workers, this is a big thing for the city of Atlanta. So you need to speak to the people, the Atlanta governor will be there, he reached out actually. I think he wants the promo too so yes Maurice you need to speak, Ally. Tell him what to say?” looking at Ally “use your brain” I groaned out “well I don’t have one so tell me” I didn’t want to make a whole damn speech “also, I don’t understand why I am getting random bills for tickets? What is that? I mean I just so happened to see?” Ally eye-balled me “wait, that is your accountant issue but that is not us” Ally looks guilty “I know you, tell me?” Ally laughed “why don’t you ask Robyn” oh god, the grumpy girls are here “ask me what?” Robyn said “nothing dear” I laughed to myself.

Ally snorted laughing “wow Robyn, I like this. We should do home visits more often” Ally is getting a kick out of it “why what happened?” Robyn asked, clearing my throat “you know when you called me on Thursday about the tickets?” oh this is a Ally and Robyn thing “oh yeah, I did” Robyn said as she placed her hand on my shoulder “well I did, I placed them in the books and Maurice is questioning it. Those are Robyn’ tickets” looking up at Robyn “tickets!? Where are you parking?” how many does she have “anywhere and everywhere, you said you was going to pay for them. And I kind of erm, well what happened was I thought I put the card in the box. And I am not sure where the black card is” my mouth fell open “Robyn, seriously?” now I am annoyed “it’s in the house somewhere so I rang Ally and she said she doesn’t have the authorization to do a new one, the accountant can. So, I was like what am I going to do with the tickets, she said she would deal with it” waving Robyn off “I am not getting a new one for you, Ally call. I am cancelling the card. I can’t have that lost now; anyone can have it. How can you lose a black card? You know how fucking bad that is” Robyn walked off in a huff “get them on the phone Ally, hurry up. I want to cancel it and Lorraine, who the fuck else is going to be at the opening?” now I am annoyed “the media, and you are doing interviews” she added “no” I said “you are Maurice, stop being so miserable. You are going to be a fucking business owner, a billionaire. Do it, why do you make me snap on you. I be telling your dad you are a pain in the ass” Lorraine pointed at me “then go back to my dad, just they ask me shit” Ally slid the phone to me “because they like you, your life” pressing the phone to my ear “hi, it’s Maurice Davenport. My other half has lost her black card, not even a month old” I am not happy at all “I am sorry to hear this Mr Davenport, we can send a new one and cancel it off?” rolling my eyes, I want to say cancel and no card but I won’t.

We are like the worlds most grumpiest people today “I will have to change Reign when we get there, she is drooling so much with this teething” Robyn said as she placed Reign on the floor “it’s ok, are you still in a bad mood?” I asked, I asked before I say something to annoy her “I wanted to say sorry, I was just tired, and I snapped. And I shouldn’t have thrown the pillow at you either. I am sorry” I laughed “it’s fine, I was annoying you so it’s my fault too. I also ordered a new card for you” Robyn cooed out “aww pootie, baby I am sorry. I just didn’t want to tell you, so that is why I tried to hide it but you always checking on your accounts. But I did say you would pay right?” I laughed because she was right all along, I did pay “I did pay, just I hate when you say for the gram. I don’t care about the money” Robyn cooed out “oh my god, that was days ago. Stop thinking that, I will claim you” Robyn walked off “on there” she added, she is so annoying “Maurice my handsome, you will be wearing Tom Ford. Just look, this will perfect on you, the silk blend three piece. Are you thinking of changing here or on the jet?” I like this suit, one of my favourites “on the jet thank you, what about my Mi Amor, does she have her dress Adam?” crouching down to Reign “hey my Hermosa, you in a better mood now. Come here” Reign is drooling so damn much, bless her red cheeks “come here” picking her up “you are not well at all but does my princess have a dress?” Adam jus stared at me “see, you ain’t doing your job, I need to fire you. Reign should I do it?” Reign placed her head on my shoulder “she is not well at all because of this “I know my baby, it’s ok. I will give you cuddles” rubbing her back “anyways, do I keep my job?” Adam said, side eyeing him walking off.

Reign has drooled all on my top but I don’t care, she can do that if she wants too “boss man” My driver said as I left my home “morning” we are finally leaving “let’s buckle you in” Reign lifted her head up looking around, I hate doing car seat duty, it is so wack. Reign knew, it’s like she knew what I was going to do and she gripped my top and started to cry out “erm, Reign-Texas. You need to sit in here baby, it’s ok” Reign decided to cry out even more, pulling her hands off of my top and sat her in but Reign continued to cry “hey, what is wrong? You need to sit in here” it’s like someone harmed her, looking behind me and Robyn just smiled “buckle her in Maurice, she can’t be just in the car. She just wants a cuddle, ignore her” I don’t like this and I don’t like my daughter crying, she wants me to help her “move, come on. Out of the way Maurice, this can’t happen” I sighed out, I just don’t like her crying. Moving out of the way “Maurice, I want to say thank you. This dress is beautiful , you didn’t have too” Terry said “it’s fine, you look very beautiful Mrs Willis” Terry cooed out “thank you, when you’re free we need to talk” she said need to talk, oh this is either a good or bad thing “sure, whenever you ready I am ready” Terry cooed out “you are so kind to me, thank you” I smiled lightly “Reign is having a meltdown, Robyn is being so strict with her. I can’t even stand to hear it, she is not doing well with this teething” this is painful “it’s not, I found it a struggle too with Robyn, she took it bad. She was very ill with it too, not herself. She is really a mini Robyn with it” she is right, I mean clearly Reign is having a full blown fit about it.

Reign had the fit but then she fell asleep in the car seat, she was knocked out asleep straight away. So she is asleep while on the jet to Atlanta, Robyn has changed her clothes and did her hair because she will wake up as soon as we get there “so when we get there we have interviews for you, I think the big deal is because of the takeover. We want to show both of you, united” Robyn just doesn’t understand “Lorrain, Robyn doesn’t understand all this fuss around us, speak to her” I pointed out “well, since Maurice divorce went through it seemed like everyone had an interest in Maurice and his life, we had People magazine say can we interview them. They all thought he was married to you already, I said no and I goes they aren’t. Everyone assumed he was a polygamist, and then views on his social media, fan pages, people just taking an interest on you both, on this lifestyle. On the fact Maurice chose love, now people love a good love story, we just want to show that the company is thriving with a loving family behind him” Robyn stared in shock “really?” she is still shocked “really, Robyn. We have seen a increase on your social media, you may not take notice but we do. We have to make sure the family name remains, and you have fans. We want to keep that” Robyn placed her hand over her face laughing “this will be a new start, this new beginning for Maurice and you, first Hilton-Davenport hotel, mind blowing” I do agree with Lorrain even though I do give her a hard time with everything I do.

I groaned out “my dad is going to be there” rubbing my face in annoyance, my dad doesn’t drop shit at all. He is becoming annoying, and that includes Reign’ bedroom. Shit is not an easy process for AI, he’s having to do a lot for her but my dad is annoying “Ally!?” looking behind me “yes?” I laughed “comfy over there?” Jay and Ally sat together “man, you got to quit this” Jay said “anyways, did you chase up Nalah? Robyn wants to do something the Davenport program?” I can tell Ally has forgotten “on my to do list, come on. I am busy, but your accountant contacted me back, he has scheduled a meeting on Monday” that will be fun “ok, that is fine. You know Robyn, I have to speak? Like why? I am there that is enough” I kissed my teeth “be nice Maurice” rolling my eyes “oh and you will be staying at the hotel tonight. The opening will be like Dubai, a little smaller but then more eyes on you. Maurice you must, please. You need to speak to CNN, whatever you do. Don’t walk past them, you need to involve the city too, speak on the Davenport program how we have hired people in the city that needed the help, this is what Nalah has done” I am confused “hold up, Nalah did what? Why don’t I know this?” Lorraine walked over to us “you gave her that to deal with, so she sorted that out. You may think she does nothing but she is helping and keeps what you set up running, you just deal with what I tell you. You won’t know everything that goes on and that is fine but I will tell you, so what you need to do is follow what I said” letting out an oh “Lorraine, I like you. A lot, Maurice deserves it” mean mugging Robyn, she ain’t shit for saying that.

[ritchiestories]

chapter 1

I walked into the party around 10 PM. Shit usually didn’t Jump off until around 11 with this crew, but Chance got pretty stingy with his parents liquor around them and started pulling out the cheap shit he got from his brother and i wanted to have a sufficient buzz before that happened. Once your palate becomes accustomed to Tito’s, nothing else will do. I parked my car and walked up Chance’s excessively long driveway to the front door. There were already a decent amount of cars since most people came straight here after the charity gala. I unfortunately was one of the lucky few who got to stick around and chat with the Dean of Admissions at Howard who just happened to be at the table my dad bought for this wack ass function.

It wasn’t all bad though, I got to swipe the last few shrimp and grit puffs from the night. For a food pastry combo that sounds so unconventional, shit was really fucking good.

I loosed my tie and rang the doorbell to Chance’s house. His crib was probably the biggest on the block considering his mom owned the only black movie streaming service in the world. “Niggas really love Brown Sugar bro.” Chance would say anytime people asked about how his mom got so rich. Not that many people asked this since we all came from families with excessive amounts of money but, I think people just have this strange fascination with making sure you deserve the excess for whatever reason. Chance opened the door after about two minutes.

“What up lil nigga?” Chance said as he let me in. “How you gon’ be late to your best friend’s function? We only pull that CP time shit for the Chad’s bro.”

Chance and I had been best friends since the 2nd grade. Partially because our parents met at a Jack & Jill mixer and realized we were the only two black kids in our class. Mostly because we couldn’t properly roll a joint without the other’s assistance. He’s a bit louder than me, and he has an affinity for snapbacks that I find hard to support, but I couldn’t do this “black man in a white world” shit without his ass.

“Sorry bro,” I said as I stepped over the threshold. “Dr. Williams was at my table and my dad wanted me to talk with him for a bit.”

“Damn again? Your dad always has you kissing that nigga’s ass. Did you fondle his balls this time too?” Chance said as he closed the door behind me.

“Do you actively try to be this fucking gross? Or is it just habit for you?” I asked rhetorically.

I walked into Chance’s kitchen where there were already about twenty other kids from our school. I gave a few smiles and head nods, but nothing too personal. Chance was the people person in our friendship. I didn’t even know half these kids by name.

“Yo, come here,” Chance said as he leaned down to a cabinet under his sink. He came back up with a full bottle of Tito’s vodka. “I got what you’re bougie ask asked for. Why can’t you be into peach Ciroc like everyone else?”

“You know how many fucking additives are in that shit? I like my binge drinking to be organic.” I said as I topped off the red solo cup in my hand. “Plus bougie is my aesthetic.”

“Whatever dude.”

Chance and I shot the shit for a while as more random niggas strolled into his crib. He started trying to convince me how he’s going to try to be the black Gordan Ramsey when he grows up, traveling to different soul food restaurants across the country and making their shit better. I told him that wouldn’t work because no soul food restaurant in the country would let him talk to them the way Gordan Ramsey does. About forty five minutes later Chance left me to go tend to the AUX chord (someone had played Bodak Yellow one too many times for his liking.), so I went to mingle through the party. Per usual I didn’t know a damn soul so I made my way outside to Chance’s backyard.

Chance’s house sat on one of the highest residential hills in the neighborhood, so the view from behind it was pretty amazing. After you walk past the combination pool jacuzzi setup there’s a set of couches that look over the entire city. “I be on some Big Brother shit up here,” Chance would say whenever we sat outside. “I can see everybody and everything, but nobody can see me.”

Being by myself at these things was pretty normal for me. I didn’t really need a whole bunch of friends, Chance was really enough. The more people you let in your life, the more people gotta know shit about you. And the more people that gotta know shit about you, the less shit you have to your self.

I sat on the couch and pulled a joint and lighter from my suit jacket pocket. I placed the joint in my mouth and sparked the lighter. I inhaled the first puff and resisted the urge to cough. I exhaled and watched as the wind pushed my weed smoke past me back to Chase’s house. I sat back as “911” by Tyler the Creator blasted from the stereo.

This was a normal Saturday night for me, finding a pocket of solidarity in a crowded room. Not on some loner Jared Leto in My So Called life shit though, this rich kid shit was just getting tired.

I closed my eyes as my body started to go slightly numb. I started thinking about the leftover shrimp and grit puffs I was going to enjoy in about 15 minutes. As thoughts of Old Bay began to fill my mind i was interrupted by a small shatter. A flower pot had fallen off its stone pedestal erected next to a sliding glass door. Two kids came from behind the pedestal to pick it up. The first was Larson Clark. Larson Clark is the son of the Mayor of Baldwin Hills. Larson Clark exclusively wears vintage Yale sweatshirts and loafers like he’s always auditioning for a J Crew shoot. Larson Clark is the editor in Chief of The Union, our school’s literary magazine ran by a bunch of hotep niggas who think they’re better than everyone just because they read the Malcom X biography. Larson Clark is an asshole.

The second kid was Sydney.

“Oh shit..” Larson said tumbling past the spilled soil, “this shit is wrecked.”

Sydney pushed Larson in the chest. Not that it did anything, the nigga plays rugby.

“Shut up and help me clean this up.” she said, bending down to pick up the broken glass. Her curls swooped down into her face and she pushed them back behind her ear to see better.

“Oh fuck that, its not like he’s gonna know who did it.” Larson said, picking up Sydney by the waist. “Besides, his mom just signed that development deal with that chef dude, she can buy like twelve more.”

Larson and Sydney playfully struggled for a couple seconds before giving up on the vase and walking away. Larson grabbed Sydney’s hand and led her across the backyard back to a set of double doors that led to Chase’s entertainment room. I took a drag from my joint and unsuccessfully held back a cough. Sydney looked right in my direction.

We made eye contact.

She stopped in her track for two seconds. I sat up and adjusted my tie.

“Yo, you good?” Larson tugged at her hand to get her attention.

Sydney came back to reality. “Yeah, I’m fine.” she said, as they continued to walk. They disappeared behind the double doors.

I sank into the couch. I couldn’t tell if it was because of how high I was, or if it was because of what I saw. I took another puff of my joint as the music transitioned. “Mr. Lonely” started playing from the stereo.

I can’t even lie I’ve been lonely as fuck.

I can’t even lie I’ve been lonely as fuck.

I can’t even lie I’ve been lonely as fuck.

I stared out at the city. The lights started to blend together like stars. the cars stopped looking like ant and more like centipedes. A warm sensation emitted from my chest and flowed into my fingertips and toes. I tilted my head back resting it on the back of the chair as I closed my eyes and drifted to sleep.