Bitch Reloaded by Deja King Page B

tickets for you if you wanna see the game. It'll be a blowout `cause that's how we do."
    "Is that right?"
    "That's a promise. Let me take down your number and I'll call you to set everything up."
    "Okay, but I'll need two tickets. I'm bringing Nina."
    "No problem, I got you."
    "What's your name again?"
    "Jalen."
    "I like that. You look young. How long you been in the league?"
    "This is my fourth year. I got drafted straight out of high school."
    "You must be really good."
    "I was the league MVP."
    I decided I might have to make an exception to my athlete rule, because Jalen seemed cool. He was laid back and not so boisterous with his shit. I was feeling his easy-going attitude. I was beginning to relax and get comfortable kicking it with Jalen. I still kept my eye on Nina to see just how up close and personal she was getting with Keith. I caught the occasional fake, sexy laugh she was giving him, but nothing else.
    Then, in the middle of Jalen telling me one of his locker room stories, I felt the coldest hands pressing down on my shoulders. "What the fuck!" I said, turning my head to see who was testing they're life by sneaking up behind me and touching on me.
    Jalen was just as surprised as me, and immediately stood up as if ready to go to blows for me. He was definitely my type of man.
    "Did you enjoy the champagne I got for you?"
    I instantly recognized the voice. "Mike, how did you know I was going to be here?"
    "Oh, so you know this guy?" Jalen asked as he sat back down in his seat.
    "Yes, she knows me very well."
    "I was speaking to Precious. I don't need your input," Jalen spit.
    "Young blood, I think you need to check who you speaking to. I'm not David Stem and I don't give a fuck about you being the MVP. If you want to keep dribbling that ball correctly, stay out of grown people's conversation." It was obvious Mike knew who Jalen was, but poor Jalen had no idea who he was dealing with. I'm not saying on a one-onone battle Jalen couldn't hold his own, it was the aftermath I would be worried about. Mike vicious ass might put a street hit out on Jalen just because.
    "Nigga, ain't nobody tripping off of you. You can get it just like the next man. I know how to beat down grown-ass men too," Jalen said as he stood back up. Then the other three players that were still sitting in their booth got up and came to our table.
    "Listen, this is some bullshit. Mike, let's go."
    "You leaving with this nigga?" Now Jalen looked like he wanted to whip my ass.
    "Yes." Call me, I silently mouthed. The last thing I wanted was a brawl. One thing I was sure of, Mike wasn't in here alone. Somewhere close by I'm sure he had some niggas that were strapping lingering about.
    "Come on, Nina, let's go."
    "Do we have to?"
    "Ah...yes, unless you wanna stay here. I'm out."
    "Baby, you stay right here. I'll take you home." Keith stood up and put his hand around Nina's arm.
    "No, I can't. If Precious is leaving, then so am I."
    "Fuck her. You ain't gotta leave `cause her punk-ass man is dragging her home. You can chill with me."
    I just shook my head, because I knew it was about to be on.
    "My man, what the fuck did you just say?" Mike asked calmly.
    "You heard me, and I ain't yo' man, nigga. Nina's staying here with me."
    "Understand one thing. The only interest I have at this table is Precious. Everybody else is irrelevant to me. But if you keep riffin' wit' yo' mouth like something is sweet over here, you gon' have a problem."
    "Nigga, bring it on. Do you know who the fuck I am?"
    It happened so fast. One minute Keith was running off at the mouth, the next he was hitting the floor. All it took was one right hand punch and Mike's fist had Keith laid out. The other players looked like they were ready to jump Mike until three niggas in all black stepped to the table with guns drawn.
    "Let's go, now!" I screamed. I grabbed Nina's arm and Mike followed me out the club. When we got to the car, I was mad as hell.
    "Omigoodness, that was crazy in there,"