Let A Real Boss Treat You Right: Zhane & Nasir's Story

By Mollysha Johnson

21-year-old Amil “Millz” Harris has gone through her fair share of heartache. After the death of her father and the constant drama from her toxic relationship with boyfriend Prophet, she finds peace in family friend and leader of her family’s organization, Trouble Garnett. When past emotional traumas and an old fling pops up unexpectedly, will Millz and Trouble find happiness in each other? Or will they let the ones trying to hold them back stop them from exploring a love they both desperately need?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Royalty Publishing House
• Release date: Oct 4, 2018
• ISBN: 9781648402852

Book preview

KP and Envy’s Shorty Swing My Way was on blast in my room as I went through my closet trying to find something to wear. One would think it should be easy finding something to wear when you’re always buying stuff, but no, that made it worse. I have too much to pick from.

My hair and makeup were already done. I took my shower an hour ago, so now I was just standing in my closet in my black panty and boy short set looking through racks of clothes. I know I didn’t want to be overdressed for the block, but I don’t want to look raggedy either.

I went through my closet for another ten minutes before I finally figured out what I wanted to wear; white denim shorts, a white racer back crop top, and a turquoise and purple Ninja script baseball jersey. My mineral blue Jordan 7′s were going on my feet and the only jewelry I was going to rock was my silver Rolex watch with matching jumbo hoops earrings. I was putting my outfit on the bed when my bedroom door opened, and my mother came in and shut my music off.

You know knocking is a thing for a reason, right? I asked her, and she cut her eyes at me.

I’m not in here to hear your smart-ass mouth. You are not deaf. Why is the music up that loud? She put her hands on her hips waiting for my answer.

My bad I didn’t even realize it was that loud. She gave me a look that told me she knew I was lying hard as shit. I’m for real; I didn’t think it was loud.

Mhm, where are you going anyway?

Kim is having a block party for her birthday so I’m rolling down there with the fam for a little bit.

For somebody who says they can’t stand Jersey City you’re always going over there.

I can’t stand it but that’s home for me. I’m comfortable there. I know damn near everybody. Hell, I still have friends over there.

I was born and raised in the downtown area of Jersey City, New Jersey. It’s not the worse place, but it’s far from the best. Just like most cities there were quite a few upper-class neighborhoods, but we also had some ghettos. I couldn’t really complain though, I’ve always had whatever I needed. My father made sure of that.

Go and have a good time. Just don’t call me from jail.

I’m not going to jail. Why would you think that?

Have you met Darnell and yourself?

First of all, Darnell has calmed down a lot.

That’s her, but what about you? You just got into two fights last week.

I didn’t start it. All I did was finish it.

You need to work on that temper. Imani is the only one with sense.

Some of my fights are because I’m defending Imani.

Imani is my 18-year-old cousin and she avoids drama as much as she possibly can. She stays to herself, but people still choose to fuck with her because they know she won’t fight back. It’s alright because every time somebody picks on her; me and my older cousin Darnell handled that shit.

I know that, but still, just stay peaceful tonight. You look pretty; I guess I did something right with you after all. She said making us both laughs.

Not tooting my own horn, but my parents made a gorgeous child the night they created me. With a clear amber complexion, round full lips and golden brown feline shaped eyes, my face alone put me on the shit list of a few females.

It sounds conceited thinking somebody only dislikes you because of your beauty, but I literally don’t fuck with anybody unless they fuck with me first.

I’ve been told I need to humble myself, but fuck that. I have a lot of self-confidence and nobody is about to make me feel bad about it. My daddy told me every day of my life that I was the most beautiful girl on the planet, and I believe him. If you’re bothered by my confidence, that’s more so your problem than mine.

Yeah I guess you did.

Is Cameron going to be at the party?

Yeah more than likely; I really don’t care. I’m not even talking to him right now. I shook my head thinking about my boyfriend Cameron, or as the streets call him, Prophet. I don’t know where the fuck he came up with that name. I don’t call him that bullshit; I call him by the name his parents put on his birth certificate.

Prophet my ass. I wish the nigga would give himself a revelation to get his shit together.

You and that boy get on my nerves. Every other week you’re breaking up and getting right back together. What happened this time?

He’s mad because I’m not trying to move in with him. Of course, that mouth of his went to running so I punched him in it.

You need to stop doing that. I know you’re out here busting these little bitches up, but you can’t beat a grown ass man.

Do I look like I’m worried about him? I don’t even feel like talking about it anymore. Can we drop it? The last thing I wanted to do was think about Cameron and his childish ass ways. According to him I’m still on some little kid shit because I still live with my mother.

The fact that I’m 21 and still living at home doesn’t bother me at all. It’s not like I’m here because I have no other options.

Between the cash I have from my father, and the ten grand my uncle deposits in my account every other week, money is far from an issue.

I’m not ready to leave my mother yet. Half the time we’re arguing and she’s getting on my nerves, but I’m not going anywhere any time soon.

Fine, but before you leave I wanted to talk to you to about something. She took a seat on my bed.

I raised an eyebrow at her because I don’t know what she would want to talk to me about. The way she’s acting I already know she’s about to piss me off.

What’s wrong with you? I asked.

Well I’ve been meaning to tell you that I met somebody.

What do you mean you met somebody? I crossed my arms over my chest looking at my mother, hoping she wasn’t about to say what I think she was about to say.

I’ve been seeing this guy. His name is Eric. Amil, he is so nice and sweet.

So, you’ve been dating somebody and didn’t tell me about it?

I didn’t want to tell you about some random guy. I wanted to get to know him to see where it could go before I let you know. Besides, I’m grown I really don’t need your permission.

You don’t need my permission, but you could’ve said something especially since you’re always in my business. Does he know about me? Does he know you’re still married? The fuck does he think that D tattooed on your ring finger stands for?

Alright Amil you need to watch your mouth and remember who the fuck it is you’re talking to. I’m not one of your friends. I know you better watch your muthafuckin’ mouth when you’re talking to me.

Or what?

My mother always does this. She comes at me, but she’s not going to do anything.

The relationship we have is a weird one. I love my mother to death, and I respect her to a certain extent. I would never fight my mother or hit her, but if she comes at me stupid I will curse her ass out. It’s been like that since I was little.

Little girl don’t test me.

I’m not testing you. All I’m saying is, you’ve been seeing somebody I don’t know shit about. You weren’t planning on telling me until you knew where it was going. So now that you’re telling me that means what? You’re marrying this nigga or something?

No, I’m not marrying him, but if I want to that’s my business, not yours. How long do you expect me to sit around and be by myself?

You’ve never sat around and been by yourself, but we’re not even about to go into that.

What do you mean by that? What are you trying to say? She stood up looking as if she was offended.

I couldn’t give two shits either because what I said was the truth. If she’s hurt by it oh well. Maybe she needs to re-evaluate herself and her actions.

I’m not trying to say shit, I said it. You can take it however you want, I shrugged my shoulders.

So, am I not supposed to date, Amil? What do you want from me?

Right now, I want you to leave me alone. I would greatly appreciate that. I grabbed the outfit I was wearing and went into my bathroom, slamming and locking the door behind me.

If anybody knows how to blow my shit, it’s my mother. I was in a good mood, ready to go out and have a good time, and she wants to spring this bullshit on me.

I don’t care if it’s been six years. She said that shit like it’s been ten. I don’t even know how she could want to date anybody after my dad’s murder.

The man you called the love of your life is gone and you’re worried about some other nigga? Shit like that doesn’t add up to me, but it’s whatever.

I’m not even about to linger on it. This is just a green light for me to really turn up tonight. I needed a drink after hearing that bullshit.

MILLZ BABY! My cousin Darnell screamed my nick name when I got out of my royal blue 2011 Mercedes Benz S550.

I got the name Millz from my uncle Nasir. He started calling me that when I was a baby and it just stuck with me. I was fine with it because I’m not a huge fan of my first name anyway.

What’s up D? I hugged her when she and Imani came walking over to me.

So, you really went through with dying your hair huh? She ran her hands through the 28-inch blue and teal ombre extensions I just got installed the day before.

I’m out here looking like a mermaid and I love every minute of it. Blue is my favorite color so I figured why not rock some blue hair? And of course, I’m killing it.

I told you I was; Do you like it?

Yeah it’s bomb. I thought you were going to end up looking like a damn smurf; but you look good.

You’re annoying, I laughed. I knew Kim was about to have this shit packed, I noted, looking around at all the people walking around.

It was clearly over 100 people around this muthafucka, which means it’s only a matter of time before the cops shut this shit down.

The bigger the crowd the better; You know how she is.

More people, more bullshit, I told her, and she nodded in agreement.

Exactly, but I told Vick and them that I wasn’t going to touch anybody. I’m keeping my word on that.

Mhm. We’ll see how long that last,- I smiled at her.

Darnell is one of the closest people to me and I love her to death. When I say she has had my back through any and everything, I mean that.

If I needed something, she was there. If I was crying and dealing with my own fucking emotions, she was there. She’s a true rider when it comes to the family. Any time something is going down, she’s front and center to get some shit poppin’.

On top of just being a bomb ass person she is downright gorgeous. Just like me she’s a proud size 12 and all her curves are packed into a perfectly proportioned 5’10 frame. With a flawless nutmeg complexion, hazel almond shaped eyes, and long curly hair that reaches the top of her butt, Darnell looks like she was born on somebody’s island. She can’t stand when people tell her she looks exotic; but she damn sure does.

You’re showing out ain’t you? I said to her while I looked her up and down. The red, black and white short set she was wearing showed off every curve her body possessed. Our outfits are similar, but at least I had my jersey giving me a little coverage.

It’s hot as hell out here, she shrugged her shoulders.

Well you look good bitch, and you look good too pumpkin, I said to Imani.

Imani is the smallest of us standing at 5’5. She’s super quiet and shy but her beauty gives her all the attention she would ever need. Her dark caramel complexion upturned green eyes and full pouty lips stopped people dead in their tracks.

It’s been times Imani has walked in a room and all conversations stopped because she’s that damn beautiful. She downplays herself a lot which irks me, but she’ll get it together eventually; she just has to grow into that confidence.

Thank you, Imani smiled. Vick and everybody are already here turning up.

Let’s get into this shit then. We started walking over to where the rest of our family was while people stared and whispered under their breath.

Imani if somebody says something to you, come get me alright, I told her after I saw a few bitches with their noses turned up at her. I’m not worried about anybody saying anything to me or Darnell; they know better. But Imani is a different story.

Why do they always have to fuck with me? She asked, I could tell it was rhetorical question but I’m going to answer her anyway.

Because you let them, Darnell said before I could, taking the words right out of my mouth.

Imani is the total definition of shy when it comes to strangers. Not only is she the baby out of all of us, she’s my Uncle Nasir’s youngest child and only daughter.

Over protective isn’t even enough to describe how he is when it comes to her and because he’s had her guarded for most of her life, she’s timid as hell. She has a bad habit of letting people be disrespectful to her, so Darnell and I always ended up in some shit. Bitches love using the fact that Imani doesn’t fight to their advantage.

What am I supposed to do? Fight all the time like y’all? She countered back.

Ooh was that shade? I laughed. Don’t make it seem like we’re just out here knocking bitches in the head for nothing. If you fuck with me you can get fucked up. It ain’t my fault.

You take it to the extreme sometimes Millz.

Okay and everybody knows that. So, if they continue to come this way with the bullshit, that’s their fault not mine.

When it comes down to me, the last thing a bitch should want to do is start a problem. Out of the three of us I have the worse temper; I’ll be completely honest about that. Anybody that really knows me will tell you I’m just like my dad. We react first then ask questions later; even then we still don’t give a fuck. It doesn’t really take much to set me off, and because of that, I tend to get into a lot of fights. It’s not on purpose, I just don’t tolerate bullshit and I don’t know how to let shit go. I will eventually work on it, but for right now fuck it.

Nobody is going to be out here fighting today. Imani just stick close to us, so nobody will say some bullshit and Millz you’re going to keep your temper in check. I’m too damn cute to get blood on my clothes. I’m not in the mood. Darnell said to both of us.

Even though she’s calmed down a lot over the last two years, at 25, Darnell is one of the most dangerous bitches I’ve ever seen in my life. The girl fears nothing and she will fuck somebody up. She can fight straight up with the hands, but she will pull some shit out and cut a bitch or even shoot one if you push her hard enough. My uncle Sean raised her and her older brother Vick the exact same way. He didn’t shy away from teaching her certain things because she’s a girl; if anything, he pushed her harder because of that.

Fine with me, I’m just trying to turn up and have fun. I don’t want problems with these hoes today. They need to get their niggas though; It ain’t my fault they stare so damn hard, I said back while catching a few niggas staring at us as we walked.

I wish I could say the eyes on us were just about our looks, but that wasn’t the case at all. We were pretty much like royalty in Jersey because of our parents. Our fathers were born and raised in Jersey City, but their presence was felt and known throughout the whole state. Anything moving in this state was because of them and they were notorious. Even to this day our parents are considered hood legends. If you have a problem with any of us, it’s a strong possibility your head could get blown off with just one phone call.

When my father, Dice, and his brother, Sean, were murdered six years ago, my uncle Nasir took over. He ran everything for a few years before he stepped down and this nigga named Trouble took over. Even now with somebody else being the head of what they started, our name still goes on and people know we’re not to be fucked with.

When we finally made it over to our family I took a blunt out of my cousin Haze’s hand and pulled my lighter from my pocket.

Damn rude ass. You couldn’t ask for none first? he laughed at me.

Nah you’re good. I gave him a hug then hopped on the hood of his car to sit down.

Haze is my older cousin and Imani’s older brother. His real name is Hazel, but he hates it so we just call him Haze. If you call him by his government, he will look at you like you lost your mind. The name actually fits him because the nigga forever has a blunt on him. He’s the biggest pot head I know.

What’s good, Millz? my cousin Vick said before giving me a quick side hug. Vick is Darnell’s older brother and they’re the children of my Uncle Sean. My father was the only one to have one child and I’m cool with it. I didn’t need anyone else in my space anyway.

What’s up, Vick? How long have y’all been out here?

We just got here maybe an hour ago. How have you been doing? Is everything good with you? he asked, his face filled with concern.

Yeah I’m fine. You good nigga?

I’m always good. Act like you know, he smiled at me before laughing. You know I saw your boy out here earlier.

Already knowing he was talking about Cam, I rolled my eyes. Where was he?

He was just around with his boys then he slid. I don’t know where he went.

Alright, I replied. I know if Cameron had his ass around here earlier he’ll be back.

I’m wondering if he left because my cousins are here and he knows he can’t be on that dumb bullshit he’s always on. Vick has no filter and will have no issue telling that nigga off for even looking like he wanted to try and play me. I sat on the hood of the car smoking the blunt and I couldn’t help but think about what my mother told me earlier. The fact that she waited to tell me about this so-called boyfriend is annoying; that means she’s really taking this nigga serious and I’m not ready for that.

Millz, are you good? You’re looking all spaced out, Darnell nudged me. I looked at her and nodded my head.

Yeah I’m good. I just got a lot on my brain right now. You know my mother told me she was basically dating some nigga named Eric?

Wow, Darnell shook her head.

What Darnell??

What you mean what?

I see that look on your face, I could tell Darnell had something to say, but she didn’t want to risk starting an argument. Darnell and I can’t argue for too long, because we will start swinging in a heartbeat. I don’t know how many times we’ve fought over stupid ass disagreements, but it’s been quite a few. 

Nothing, I was just waiting for you to continue. Are you mad that she’s dating? Or are you mad she’s just now saying something?

Both. I mean I don’t know. I know it’s been six years but that doesn’t seem that long. I still remember seeing that shit like it was yesterday, man.

I know. And I know it’s hard for you, but come on Millz. At some point you have to realize that her life is going to go on. You can’t dictate what she does.

Oh please, she’s been living her life. That shit was never on hold before or after my dad passed. I’m not trying to dictate her life. I’m just not here for that boyfriend shit. How do you just move on from something like that? It’s not like her and my dad broke up, he was killed. That’s completely different.

Sometimes you have to move on, Millz. What is she supposed to do? Sit back in that house all alone while you go out and live your life? You’re rarely there and when you are you’re in your room asleep or y’all are arguing. She wants some companionship; I don’t think she’s wrong for that.

Why are you acting like she’s been stuck in the house? She parties more than I do, the fuck?

You know what I mean.

She could’ve told me something before now.

Millz, let’s be real. No matter when she told you; you would’ve had a problem with it because you only know your mother to be with your father. I get it, trust me I do, but shit, my mama had to move on and we had to let her. Now look at her, she’s happy as hell and I know my father would want that for her. You think Uncle Darius would want your mother going to bed heartbroken and alone every night?

I looked at Darnell and sucked my teeth. I hated when she was right. You get on my nerves Darnell I swear to God. I don’t have to be happy about my mom dating, but I’m not going to come at her for it anymore. I just don’t want the nigga anywhere near me.

I love you too, she smiled, and then lit the blunt she was holding in her hand. Aww shit here come Trouble and the crew. I looked over at where she was looking to see Trouble, Xavier and Trouble’s little cousin Kason walking over to us.

Why did you say it like that? You know damn well you’re happy to see Xavier. Darnell likes to front like Xavier is so sickening, but she’s sprung over him. Everybody knows she loves his ass and he loves her right back.

I’m not thinking about Xavier. He annoys me.

No, he checks you. You better stop playing, you see that nigga? Bitches will do anything to get with his ass. You better come correct. Xavier is a fine ass nigga. Actually, all three of them were fine.

Xavier stood at 6’1 with a dark caramel complexion. His body is like something out of a magazine; the boy is cut up. He stays in the gym which is understandable, considering that he owns two of them. Tattoos covered his arms and the majority of his back. His hair was always cut low and his facial hair was always lined up.

Kason is the baby of the group, but he’s a looker in his own right. He was the same height as Xavier, skin the color of creamy peanut butter, and he had a slim but muscular build. His dark brown dreads went a little past his shoulders. Between his cute face and that smile of his, I know he had these little girls out here going crazy. I’ve even witnessed a few showdowns between his groupies.

Trouble is the tallest of them. Standing at 6’3 he has the body of a basketball player. He has a light complexion, nice pink plump lips, and the boy even had freckles. He had dimples that sunk in every time he smiled, and his arms, chest, back, neck and legs were decorated in ink. All in all, the nigga is fine as shit.

You say that like he’s unexplored territory. That nigga is for everybody, Darnell spat, making me laugh.

I’m going to tell him you’re out here not claiming his ass.

No, you’re going to shut up and not say a damn thing because you know I’m playing.

Mhm. Now you’re playing?

Whatever, I don’t know why you’re always worried about us. What about you and Trouble?

What about me and Trouble? He has a girl, and I have a man.

So why are y’all always staring at each other then? I’ve seen that shit; just watch when he comes over here. You might want to be discreet. You know his bitch little Bermuda is around here somewhere.

Stop it, I laughed. Her name is Blanco, I told her then we started cackling even harder.

The crazy part about it is we really don’t know her name. We just know it starts with a B. Sure, we could ask what it is, but it’s way more fun getting it wrong.

Whatever the fuck her name is, you know she’s around here. I just saw her not too long ago.

I don’t care. I’m not fuckin’ with him so she can take her stale ass weave and that funky ass attitude somewhere else. I will kick that bitch in her ovaries. She better relax.

Trouble’s girlfriend really can’t stand my ass and I can’t seem to understand why. I don’t want her nigga I have my own, so she needs to save all the extra shit she be doing for somebody who wants to play with her. I’ll slap the bitch and go on about my business. I’m not with that talking shit.

"It’s whatever. You already know even if she does say something that’s all she’s going to do. She’ll get all hype then he jumps in front