Ashley's Story: THE LAST CHAPTER by Cherie Briggins Page A

clothes when he knocked on her door. Her only concern was seeing his face
to make sure he was okay.
     She wanted so badly to pick up the phone to call him. Just
as she was getting ready to call him, Choice called.

Chapter Ten
    “We ain’t doing shit but popping bottles tonight,” Rio
chuckled.
    He held up bottles of the finest liquor in each hand.
Everyone had decided to get together at KOD to celebrate. Music was playing and
it was nothing but laughter and smiles throughout the crew.
    “There goes my little sis,” Rio said as Choice approached
him.
    “What up?” she asked. She reached for Ashley and gave her a
hug first then pulled away to search her friend’s face. “You good?”
    “Yeah. I’m good,” Ashley answered. “Even better know that
you’re here.
    Choice smiled then gave Ashley a kiss on her cheek and
another hug. Choice greeted everyone else then sat down next to her best
friend.
    All of a sudden, Rio stood up and shouted. “There that nigga
go!”
    Supreme grinned as he approached. “What’s up, nigga?”
    “What took you so long?” Rio asked Supreme before they both
greeted each other with a brotherly hug.
    Supreme shook his head. He couldn’t suppress the smile that
crept on his face. His three best soldiers stood up to greet him. The last time
he’d spoken or seen Dylan, Buddy, and Willie was five years ago. He was happy
that they were able to attend the night’s gathering. Supreme brought his
attention back to Rio. They both walked a few feet away from the crew.
    “I had to park my ride. You know I don’t like muthafuckas
doing that shit for me. I need to be able to get to my ride fast if need be and
if I let them niggas park it, I won’t know where it’s at. Shit. Anything can
pop off.”
    “Yo, Supreme hasn’t noticed me yet. You think he’s gonna
flip when he sees me?” Mark asked Choice.
    She looked over at Supreme. He and Rio were having a deep
conversation.
    “I’m really not sure. It’s been years since you both saw
each other. He’s always considered you family. Whatever the two of you fell out
about should be squashed by now. I really wanted to let him know you were back
in Miami but I changed my mind. He needs to see you for himself,” Choice
stated.
    Mark nodded his head. The shit should be squashed. Mark had
understood where Supreme was coming from when he spoke about loyalty that night
at the beach. He had apologized about fucking with Blue and he was slipping
with business but his apology should have been enough. All should’ve been
forgiven but it wasn’t and that hurt. He would never voice it though and he
knew Supreme wouldn’t either. As much as Supreme acted like he wasn’t bothered,
Mark knew that he was.
    Their friendship was much stronger than that. Before all the
money and women, it was just him, Supreme and Rio. They were family. Supreme
hadn’t been so forgiving after Rosco and Bear crossed him. He wasn’t going to
take any chances for Mark to turn around and do the same thing. Instead of
killing Mark, Supreme cut him off. Now, five years later, they were face to
face with the same problems they had then. Supreme looked over at the table and
did a double take when he and Mark’s eyes connected. A scowl immediately formed
on his face.
    “What’s that nigga doing here?” he asked Rio without
breaking eye contact with Mark.
    “Where do you think he went when you told him to leave here?
He came back home to New York and been there the whole time. He came to Miami
with me. I could have told you but I chose not to. It’s a wrap when you get
your mind set on something. Why are you still trippin’ anyway? Y’all haven’t
spoken in years,” Rio pointed out and took a swig of his drink.
    Supreme licked his lips while he continued to stare. “You
know I don’t fuck with him.”
    “Man, fuck all that old shit! The nigga fucked up. He’s
family and family gets a pass, right? Real talk...he’s sorry, Supreme. How
about y’all have a