“Nathaniel, get your ass out here!” Jay yelled through the phone. It was nine in the evening. I just put Yasmina to bed, and Mom was probably getting high in her room. I sighed and jumped out of my bed and peeked out of my window. Jay was waving furiously at me from his car. When I gave him half of my reward from Sebastian’s job a few days ago, he’s been cool with me again. Now, he wants to drag me along to the strip club and waste his money. No surprises there.

I made my way downstairs, slipped my shoes on, and checked one more time that the house was secure. I hope that Mom doesn’t do anything stupid while I’m gone. I know nothing will happen; she usually passes out before being reckless. I also instructed Yasmina to call me if she doesn’t feel safe. I headed out of the house towards Jay.

“Hey! How’s my number one guy!” Jay greeted, with a playful punch on the shoulder.

“Great.” I answered, “So, where are we going?”

“We’re getting some tits and ass! That’s what happening tonight. You, my friend, are getting laid.” He announced, speeding off down the road. His navy Ford wasn’t as fast as the amazing machine that Sebastian owned, plus the seats were harder. It’s strange. It has only been a week since I started to work for Sebastian. During that time, so much has happened, the bad, the very bad, and the exciting. I glanced at Jay who was rocking in his seat, mouthing words to some stupid rapper that he was obsessed with.

“Why are you getting me laid?” I asked after a few minutes of chilling in his car. I wasn’t expecting this to be part of tonight’s plan.

“Nathaniel, my man. When was the last time you slept with someone?” I paused. That was a good question.

“Does it matter to you when I last had sex?” I hissed. I hate when people get involved in my personal business.

“Not since Chyna, right?” Jay suggested with a smirk. I sighed, he hit the nail on the head with that one. Chyna was my ex-girlfriend. We broke up five months ago. She was going to study at the prestigious Langley College. She wanted a new social life away from Granton, away from guys like me. I really liked Chyna. When she ended the two-year relationship over a reason like that, I felt stupid, useless, and not good enough for anyone. Since then, I haven’t had any interest in women, especially the ones around here. They’re all the same. I’m happy to focus on my family and making money to get us out of here. That was more important than getting laid. Porn has been a reasonable substitute for any sexual frustration I have, “Don’t tell me you’ve been getting by with porn. That’s sad.”

“Seriously, Jay. I’m happy being single right now. No one’s catching my eye.”

“What? Don’t tell me you like men now?” Jay gasped. I punched him in the shoulder, and he laughed, “I’m kidding! There’s nothing wrong with being gay.” When he mentioned that, I immediately thought of Sebastian, once again. I never had the chance to ask if he was gay. I had a feeling that he was into me, but that could be my imagination. I wonder what it would be like to sleep with a man. I bet it would simpler than these girls. If Jay was aware of my slight curiosity, I know I would never hear the end of it.

“Shut up, you’re gayer than I am. Remember when that guy hit on you at the corner shop?” Jay didn’t say anything, which made me snigger.

“Anyway! We’re going to the titty joint, and we’re going to find you a girl.” I rolled my eyes at his stupid idea and turned up the radio. I have no intention of hooking up with a stripper. We pulled into the club car park and stepped out of the car. The club was on the edge of Granton, facing the industrial wasteland ahead. In fact, it was close to where Sebastian’s warehouse was. I wonder if he and his crew visit here? I doubt it. This place was rough, and the strippers matched the vibe. It looked busy tonight, and it wasn’t peak hour. Jay dragged me in as I was almost prepared to run away.

The club was the same as always. Dark lighting, flashing strobe lights, heavy bass where you can’t hear the actual music, and drug-fuelled ladies shaking their goods on the poles. I watched them for like a few seconds, and followed Jay to get some drinks, “Let’s get a shot, on me.” Jay offered. I wasn’t going to refuse free alcohol, even though I wasn’t a drinker. I took the shot, and Jay patted my back and pointed towards a table.

“It’s T! Come on!” Jay yelled at me over the loud music, he dragged me towards the table. It was T, alive, and kicking. I was relieved, kind of. Ever since I been working with Sebastian, I’ve lost interest in the squad and their affairs. They did the same routine every week, strip club, rob a shop, get into fights with local gangs, and then back to the strip club. I needed to move up in the world as Sebastian suggested. I made so much money from my first reward, more than I typically earn in a month with these guys. However, I didn’t want to cause any problems. They knew where I lived and there’s no way they’re getting near my family. I greeted T as usual, giving the remaining members a handshake and sat in nearby seats.

“It’s cool that you two are alive. Thought you lot were dead.” T muttered, puffing out a cloud of smoke. I’m sure he wouldn’t give a damn if we did.

“Yeah, we got captured by the Luxe family. The son, I think, was about to kill us.” Jay explained.

“Derek got shot in the face, I heard. That guy was annoying anyway.” T shrugged his shoulders. Remembering the moment when Derek was killed sent shivers up my spine, “How did you guys escape?” Jay and I looked at each other. I appreciated Jay not blabbing his mouth and letting me handle the question. I don’t think telling T the truth would be the best idea, but how can I lie to him about this. There would be no other way to escape from the Luxe Family. If you can’t beat them, you join them.

“I was offered to work for them.” There was a slight pause after I confessed, T coughed on his cigarette and scowled at me.

“You what?” He yelled. People nearby were looking at us.

“T, he…” Jay was starting to explain, but he was cut off.

“What kind of man betrays his crew to work for another? Have you got a death wish, my man?” T roared, slamming his hands on the table

“I didn’t have a choice! I was begging for my life. I have a family to protect.”

“Nathaniel, when you joined this crew, we made a pact to be loyal to our brothers!” T got up and was ready to raise a fist. How was I going to get out this one? Jay leaped up and pushed T away from me.

“Wait, wait, T! If we think about this, this could work to our advantage! If Nathaniel is working for the Luxe Family, then he could find out their trade secrets. Maybe get them to ally with us.” Jay quickly suggested.

“With people who busted their deal? I doubt it! But…” He stopped yelling and thought for a second, “Jay, you’re right, Nathaniel can uncover some things for us,” He looked at me and narrowed his eyes, “Right?”

“Yes, I can.” I forced the words out. I wanted nothing to do with these guys, but it was the only right thing to say. T smirked and nodded.

“Alright, I won’t stop you. But…remember where your loyalties lie.” He glared at me. I couldn’t take the hostility anymore, I got up and walked straight out of the club to cool my head. I wasn’t mad that Jay didn’t follow me out. I didn’t want him to choose sides. Besides, I appreciated him sticking up for me. T was aggressive and he never lets anyone speak. He’s more of an asshole than Sebastian.

Once I stepped out of the club, I noticed that my phone was ringing. I had missed three calls. It was from Sebastian.

Great timing.