California Connection 2 (Califronia Connection) by Chunichi Read Free Book Online Page A

Calico, I figured what the hell.
    “That’s cool. You stay near here?”
    “Yeah, not too far.”
    And not too far was right because, after a few turns and ten minutes flat, we were pulling up to some new three-story town homes off Independence Boulevard.
    “These are nice. I didn’t even know they were back here,” I said as we pulled into Misty’s two-car garage.
    “Yeah, they’re new. It’s not much, but it’s a cozy little spot, for me alone.” Misty walked in the basement of the house from the garage.
    It was a huge room with a sitting area, bathroom, minibar, and another area set up with workout equipment. I followed her up the first set of steps where the living room, kitchen, and the master bedroom sat. Giving me a quick tour, she then led me up another set of steps, where another two bedrooms were.
    “We can relax in the basement,” Misty said as she took off her coat and got comfortable.
    We walked back to the basement, and Misty flipped on the flat-screen television that resembled the exact one I had at home, and handed me the remote.
    “Watch whatever you like,” she said to me, and then headed to the bathroom.
    I used that moment as an opportunity to call Poppo. I needed to know what was up with our little arrangement. That run-in earlier was a little too close for comfort.
    I called Poppo’s phone over and over again, but he didn’t answer. Finally I decided to leave a voice message. “Man, what’s the deal with Calico? I just saw that nigga at the mall,” I said, trying my best to whisper. “Are you gon’ do this shit or what? ’Cause, on the real, it’s gonna get done with or without you. So you gonna be a player in the game or a fucking water boy?” I knew the exact words to say to get in his head.
    After completing my message, I rushed off the phone as Misty walked in.
    “Can I make you a drink? I don’t know about you, but I need a little something to relax my nerves.”
    “Ummmm, do you have any wine?” I asked, to see what kind of level she was on.
    “Sure. What would you like? White Zinfandel, Merlot, Pinot?”
    “How about Moscato?” I said, knowing she probably never heard of it.
    “Coming right up,” Misty said, surprising the hell out of me.
    Damn! I guess me and this bitch really can roll , I thought to myself, peeping her style.
    After a few drinks we both were quite tipsy. We spent the next hour chatting like we were two old biddies.
    “So, tell me, when is the big date? Are you aiming for this summer? If so, you only have a couple months to plan.”
    “Well, I’m working on that. I had a late summer date set, but the owners of the historic mansion I’m trying to book aren’t working with me.”
    “For real? Girl, I got all kinds of hookups. Tell me what you trying to do. What wedding scene do you have in mind?”
    I spent the next ten minutes telling Misty all about my fantasy wedding, detail by detail.
    “Wow! That’s sounds beautiful! Do you have a wedding planner?”
    “Nope. I thought about contacting David Tutera though.”
    We both laughed.
    “Girl, save your money. I got your back. Wedding planning is my thing. Any event planning for that matter. I used to work for a huge event planning company before I moved to VA. When I got here I had my own company for a while. Then I got so involved in nursing, I let it go.”
    “Oh my God! What a blessing. I would love to have you be my wedding planner. It must have been meant for us to meet.”
    “That’s destiny.”
    Misty and I tapped wineglasses as if we were giving a toast and took another gulp of wine.

Chapter 10
     
    “Bitch Nigga”
     
    Poppo
    A fter I dropped Calico off at Norfolk International Airport, I checked my voicemail. Jewel had called me earlier, but I didn’t want to answer, with Calico in my presence. I was sure she’d left a message.
    “Are you gon’ do this shit or what? ‘Cause, on the real, it’s gonna get done with or without you. So you gonna be a player in the game or