Flowers In The Rain

“ROOF! ROOF!”

“Ugh! Milo! Shut up! Fuck is you even barking for, bruh?”

Yeah, yeah...another day. Ugh! He is probably barking because he must go to the relief area. Sometimes, I wish he could do it himself and come back. You already know how that junk goes when I get out of bed. There is no need to explain it even further.

Anyway, it’s a big day at the dealership. We got a handful of new cars today, and I am the BEST salesman there. You know how I handle things. I don’t just wear a suit to work. I got it like that to wear a particular outfit and still look presentable; you know what I’m sayin’? But I do wear my identification.

I shower, eat, feed my dog, and prepare for the day. I checked my notifications to see if my boys had something going on, and then I dipped out. Every time I go outside, I get stopped for compliments, and I genuinely appreciate it. I love all the love I receive. But do I have a girl? Why are you in my business?

**Bzz! Bzz!

“Yeah?” I answered.

“Good morning,”

“Wassup?”

“Do you think you can send me $300?”

“For what?!”

“Well, I need it to go shopping,”

“Naomi, why don’t you get a job, girl?”

“You know I’m trying! But I really want to go out this weekend. You know I never beg,”

“Never? I wanna see what your ‘barely’ looks like,”

“Please, Duke? I promise I’m looking,”

“Just request it, and I’ll accept it. You know I can help you find some,”

“I’m good. I believe my friend is helping me out with streaming,”

“It’s gone take time and dedication,”

“I’m fully aware,”

“But I’m on my way to work. I’ll send it when I get there,”

“Thank you. Have a good day!”

“You too,”

I arrived at the gig, and there were 27 new cars on the lot! I can spot them that easily. There were some more still coming in. We get used cars a lot, too, but it takes away from the new vehicles we have and receive. I parked my car and hopped out. Everyone at my job is remarkable for the most part, and I have no issues with them. At least, I don’t think so. If it still needs to be addressed, keep it on the playground. Simple.

“If it ain’t the fashion God himself!” My manager greeted me.

“Sup, Micheal,”

“Hey! We had a busy day today. Be prepared for this: six new SRTs, 7 Mustangs, 5 Mercedes Benzs, 10 Kia, and others. The shop opens in an hour, and I have to get all of this shit filed. Fuck!”

“You need some help?”

“Nah, I got it. Hey, I was looking through the appointment list and saw a well-known name pop up. Do you have any idea who Justin Barker is?”

“If I’m not mistaken, he’s another streamer. He also does music on the side, but I’m not too big on him. Is he coming in?”

“I guess so. I see him right here. Purchasing a brand new 2024 Kia EV9,”

“Whew! Hella money dropped on a car,”

“Yeah, but you’re good if you can keep up with the payments. You go and get settled, and I’m going to finish getting things in order,”

“Bet,”

It’s another typical morning at Justin’s house, filled with noise and chaos. There he is, lost in his music, utterly oblivious to the fact that other people are trying to go about their day in the same space. The sound of drums reverberates through the walls, accompanied by the strumming of a guitar and the occasional frustrated curse when a note isn’t quite right. Zuri, his girlfriend, can feel her patience wearing thin as the disturbance disrupts her peace and quiet. She finally decides to speak up and gently suggests that Justin take a break from his musical endeavors for now.

“Goddammit! Fuck, man! I can’t get this right!” Justin curses.

“Justin! Oh my gosh, babe! Calm down!”

“I’m sorry. I just get so stressed. I know I can do better than this!”

“I believe in you, Justin, but we have to think about other people in the house when it comes to noise. I don’t mind you playing the guitar, but the theatrics must stop. Please!”

“I’ll work on it,”

“And you better stick to it. What are you working on anyway?”

“A new song I’ve been meaning to put out for some time now, and I just get so stuck on the damn chorus and even sometimes the bridges. I feel lost...”

“Since when has my baby ever been lost?”

“This song is just...personal,”

“Well, you have to take your time and let the art come to you,”

“Tried that,”

“Maybe that’s a sign for you to take a break then,”

“I can’t do that!”

“Yes, you can. Your audience will understand,”

“This is how I make my living! I’m at this every other if not every day,”

“Justin, if this means a lot to you, you must feel your work. Take time off for you!

And besides, don’t you have a car to get today? Focus on that instead,”

“Yeah, you’re right. Almost forgot about that fucking car. Let’s not waste money. Hurry and get it!”

“There’s the happy and energetic Justin I know! Let’s go get our new whip,”

“Our?”

“Well, yours...yours works too,”

“You have a car,”

“Okay, well damn! I can’t be supportive?”

“You can. Let’s just forget it and just get the car,”

“Whatever you say,”

“This is a 2020 Kia Sol—” I said.

“Ain’t these the cars that get jacked a lot?” The customer said.

“They may be getting jacked, but they can get jacked with this heat pack, for sure!” The co-signer added.

“I don’t know, son. These are high-risk cars,”

“Anything is good for right now, dad. I got this. Plus, this is the newer model. I’m good,”

“Are you sure you want this?”

“Yes,”

“Okay, man, we’ll take it,” the dad said.

“Alright, just step back inside, and we can get you started from there,” I said, leading back indoors.

“Dennis! Just the guy I was trying to see,” Micheal said.

“Wassup?”

“Just got off the phone with Justin and he said he’s pulling up. He’s changing his mind about the EV9 and wants to look around to see if there’s any other options. You think you can take him for me? I got a bigger situation right now,”

“I would, but I’m doing someone right now,”

“I’ll have Garrett take over for you. I’ll even add this to your check,”

“Fine with me. That’s the car they are getting right there,”

“Gotcha. Thanks again,”

“You good,”

I’ve watched a few of Justin’s videos before. Guy has some talent, but he can do too much at times. He can even come off as arrogant and obnoxious. Heard he had a girl, but I rarely pay any attention to that. But if he does, how on Earth does she deal with him?

I got a text from sis and she sent me pictures of her shopping with my money. I don’t appreciate this. She betta get a job before I sue for all money sent. Reporting to the FBI for scamming and trafficking if she asks for one more thing. Watch!

Some time goes by and I see a black Porsche drive into the lot. Windows are tinted, so I can’t really see inside. He parked right in front of the glass doors, too. Who does this guy really think he is?

He comes out of the car and walks straight inside. But, there’s another person in the car. The door opens and a woman comes out, shaking her head. He had a whole woman in the car and didn’t open the door? WHAT?! They both come in and start looking around. Boy am I gonna have a field day.

“Hello! Welcome to the dealership! My name is Dennis, and you must be Justin,”

“Yes, sir. Nice to meet you,”

“Vis versa. Heard you’re looking for a new car?”

“Yeah, man. I just wanna see my options. I’m looking for something...exotic, but smooth.

Something that’s made for cruising, but still luxurious. You know?”

“I got just what you need. Follow me this way. Good morning, ma’am,”

“Good morning!” She smiled.

I smiled back. It was a reflex, guys! Anyways, let’s see what this dude wants and hurry up and get him out of the way. I took them to the side where most of the expensive cars are, but he can get an excellent price on them if his credit is correct.

“Ight! So out here are the 2023 Challenger SRT’s. They run from around $55,000 to $87,000. The newer model Ranges are over here and they start at $100,000. Over here are the 2023 Phantom Rolls Royce’s and these start at $500,000. SRT’s are pretty loud, but the ladies love ’em. Range Rovers are pretty chill and comfortable, bringing that nice cool vibe. Royce’s give you that luxury experience and have you feeling and looking good,”

“What about that Aston Martin over there?” Justin pointed.

“Oh, these! These are some of our best sellers as well. Starting off at $185,000 with a down payment of $4,000 a month if you don’t wanna pay in full. This one has 542 to 697 horsepower, 9-speed automatic, all-wheel drive, and a 3 year warranty. The interior has black and blue leather seats, 7 overhead lights, Bluetooth speakers, and it seats 5 people in total,”

“Hmm...I think I kinda like this one. You said up to 697 horsepower?”

“Yup,”

“Mmm...what you think, babe?”

“I love it! You seem to be most interested in this one,” she smiled.

“Yeah. I think imma go with this one,”

“Alright. Step on inside and we can get you started,”

“You need my ID and stuff?”

“Yeah,”

“Uh, Micheal said I can just come and take it. Drive it off the lot,”

“Hold on. Let me check,”

I took out my phone to call Michael because I wanted to know what the hell was going on here. He hasn’t even paid yet!

“Yeah?” Micheal answered.

“Hey, I got Justin here. He said that you said he can take the car and go?”

“No, he needs to get his background first, pay and then leave,”

“He said you need to pay and then leave,” I said.

“Do ya not know who I am?”

Oh, he is one of those. I should have known.

“Regardless of that, you still have to follow the same procedures as everybody else, man,”

“Justin, just do what the man says, please?” Zuri asked, rolling her eyes.

“I’m just saying. I have a status. You know this, Zuri,”

“Justin, not today,”

After some time past, I was finally able to get this mother fucker off my hands. One of those privileged white kids I see. I can’t believe she puts up with that—another self-centered human being.