It had been almost 7 years since ShoNuff had stepped back into Harlem. For now, the past was the past, the heat was off and now it was going to be strictly business.   He had looked up a couple of good business partners and left the rift wrath behind.  He wasn’t going to fuck it up or let anyone try and fuck it up for him this time. He had served his time, was handsomely rewarded by a grateful and loyal Boss and was going to make the most of it.

He could afford to hire the fancy lawyers and they were able to secure a deal to purchase the Sugar Hill Hotel.

ShoNuff stood in front newly acquired Sugar Hill Hotel and address the inquisitive admirers standing outside.

Ladies and Gentlemen, after the renovations are completed here this will become the hottest spot in Manhattan.  A portrayal of the “sweet” life.   This place is going to be the real deal. A home to famous musicians such as my man Duke Ellington, and Paul Robeson.  The most beautiful female singer such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and the legendary Billie Holiday will perform here.

Along with the finest decorated rooms and suites, it will house the finest ballroom, restaurant and the finest discreet ladies of the night.   The speakeasy will be secured, where the biggest wheelers and dealers can come chill, discuss business or just shoot the breeze.

I hope to see you patronized the place when we open.

I unlocked the front door and walked in to check out how the renovations were coming along.  Everything was coming along nicely. 

Thinking to myself, now had to get the place staffed.  I will have to look for some trusted friends to help handle the business, especially security.  

I picked up the pay phone on the wall and called Big Moe told him to put the word out on the streets I was looking for good people.

Frank walked into the Harlem Renaissances looking around as one of its first visitors.  He spots Shonuff and shakes his hands as he greets him and congratulates him on his new establishment.  He continues looking over the joint and comes up with a few ways to generate more money.  Looking at Snonuff he ask.

You plan on serving liquor in this place I have connections.  I got the meat packers union and the janitors union if you need support in those areas to include a maid and butlers union connection.  I can make sure things run your way if your running this completely legitimate. I also have a uniform cleaning service.  Think about it, I know with your connection you can keep the rift raft out.  With the entertainment line up you should be bring in a healthy profit.

Frank looks at Shonuff as he was shanking hands with a few passing employees.

ShoNuff shakes Frank-Dicaprio hand.

It's nice to see you, my brother.  I assure you the Sugar Hill Hotel will be completely legitimate.  I have all my required licenses and permits.  Just a few more renovations and we will be open for business. I already have a few contacts with several businesses and everything should fall into place but I thank you for any assistance you might be able to hook me up with.  It's sure nice to see you in the Big Apple.  How're things going for you over there in Chicago?  How's the wife LuckyLucy.  Please send her my regards and tell her I hope to see her come visit once everything is set up.

Frank nods then lights a cigarette then exhales slowly.

Good deal, if you got everything you need they there's nothing left but to earn money.  I'll make sure she come's when the doors open.  I owe her a night on the town and I want her to enjoy every second of it.  She something special you know?

Show me around guy.   

Louise, finally have some time with you.  We have really been just missing each other. Can you believe this place?  Babygirl. I can’t thank you enough for helping me decorate.  You really came through for me and I know it wasn’t easy getting all this shit together.  The personal touches you added to the place makes it fit for kings and queens. From the curtains to the matching bedspreads, beautiful vanities in the marble bathroom to the sweet aromas coming from scented candles  puts the “sugar” in Sugar Hill.  When I first saw the bill for all the marble I wanted to hit the fucking roof, but when I see the final product it was all worth it and I can't be mad.

I know you have some reservations about the Ladies but let me assure you I’m no pimp.  I am a business man and these classy ladies are my business partners.  I have the utmost respect for them and they will be treated with the utmost respect.

My Mom died when I was a teenager and I went to live with my Aunt who owned and managed a brothel so to speak.  I mostly ran numbers but at night I would make sure the Ladies were alright and protected them from the drunken Johns. I was a little hothead back then but no one and I meant no one was going to disrespect them.  I threw so many men out of the place at times it would piss my Aunt off, but she understood,   I learn their way of life.  Theirs was just a hustle like mines.  I learned you treat them right and they are the most loyal people around.  You want to know something about what’s going on in the street; they are the best informant in the world.   They are going to have the wealthiest clientele.  I know these sneaky fuckers, excuse the punt that just want to get their freak on.  They just want what the wives won’t do.  We are just providing an expensive serve in a very confidential atmosphere.  You want to dance to the music you going to have to pay the piper.  Talk to them and get to know them you will see.

By the way last night I stayed in the suite on the end and I am embarrassed to say that was the first time I slept on satin sheets.  I should have had you with me.  Now don’t get nervous I am not trying to jump on your bones but you are a beautiful woman.  I know not to try and mix business with pleasure lol

Grand opening is set for Thanksgiving night.  Reservations are pouring in already and I really need help with that. 

Still need someone to head security.  They installed the security system a couple of days ago and it’s awesome.

Had a little beef with the building inspector but that’s been resolved and received all the permits so we are set to go.

The Boss lady @OneEyeJack has been handling the books for me and she says we are in good shape.

I just a few more trusted help and babygirl we are set.

Sky limped down the street, leaning heavily on his cane. It was chilly out but not to cold, nothing like the winters growing up in the North. Though the cold and having to rely on the cane was getting tiring, at least he wasn't to far from his destination. 

Turning the corner Sky stopped and marveled at ShoNuff s new place,it was a huge and beautiful hotel. looking down at his ripped jacket and dirty pants he was gonna stick out like a sore thumb, oh well it was cold out here and warm in there. walking through the door Sky looked around the place was fancy as hell, limping as fast as he could Sky finds a sofa and sits on it. The most comfortable sofa he had ever sat on! forget sitting he thought, no one would mind if he laid down. Laying down Sky put his hat over his face and listened to the sounds of the busy hotel around him.

ShoNuff received a call from security that someone was asleep in the lobby.  What the fuck who in the hell could that be.

I will handle this. I made my way down to the lobby and shonuff there was someone sleeping on the couch.  I went over and pulled his hat off his face ready to punch the shit out of him when I realized it was @ SebasianSky.

Sky, Sky as I started shaking him.  What the fuck? Come on man wake up.  Sky was a good dude and I didn't know what had happened but I couldn't put him out.  Sky was definetly a man I could use around here. Come on Sky let me get you a room and something to eat. All of a sudden I heard a lot of commotion coming from the restaurant. Lilly come here and take care of my friend.  Put him in room 303 and see that be gets something to eat.

Sky  go with Lilly.  She will take care of . You rest my man and we will get you together tomorrow and talk business. The commotion was getting louder.

There's never a fucking dull moment around here.

It was a night, the mood was business, Blowed just getting back to New York from travelling, but always on the move.Blowed had received a kite from ShoNuff about a new venture he was putting together. Of course Blowed had to check in to this. He and Taga pull up to the establishment, as they step out Blowed stops and looks at the building in front of them.  Hearing a commotion inside the two scoot into the establishment. Hearing the noise continue he sees that it is coming from the restaurant. Two hoods going at the waitress and cook, with one or two civilians in the middle. Taga walks up and shows his presence. The two stop from harassing and turn their attention to the big guard. Quickly the mood changes and the two hoods are at ease. Easily Taga snatches the two up by their collars and shows them the back door, door to face. A loud bang followed by a quick scuffle and shuffle. Blowed looks over with a smile.

“Good stuff Taga, you do get it done. Kick back for a sec while I go get at ShoNuff”

Blowed walks out to the lobby where he saw ShoNuff in a blur as him and Taga ran in. He walks up with his hand out to greet ShoNuff..

“Hey Brother, How's everything? I think we can put something together. I like the setup you have here. My guy Taga has a crew of hitters plus my guys and a few homies we can secure this. Show me what we are looking at.”

Wandered in to visit the new undertaking and thought ' I should have worn my best suit '

Looking around this is obviously a class joint, wonder if Louise will let me bring her here for dinner?

Freddie waltzed into the main lobby, tugging a small cart behind her laden with vases of beautiful, vibrant flowers. Making her way to the first uniformed person she saw, she approached - cart still in tow - and asked politely, "Discúlpeme... um... excuse me?" She half curtsied, hands still on the handle of her cart, "I'd like to speak with Mr. Nuff, if he might be available. I want to offer my services for the Grand Opening... if he would be interested. Free of charge." 

Freddie fidgeted on the spot as the worker scurried off to inform ShoNuff of her presence and her offer. 

I was in the camera room when Lilly came in to tell me someone wished to see me.  I looked at the monitor monitoring the lobby and  saw a very attractive women with the most beautiful flowers.   As I made my way to the lobby I approached the lovely woman.

Hello there, I am ShoNuff how may I help you?  She introduced herself as Freddie_Lou.

ShoNuff had to take a double look at the person coming down the stairs.   Fuck what a difference a day makes.  It was SebasianSky,  all deck out in a new suit and sporting a rose.

Man, you sure are looking good. Now lets to business.

Freddie introduced herself politely, pulling her small flower-laden cart around in front of her. "I saw your announcements, and I thought that... as a fellow New Yorker... I would show my support by offering to provide floral services for your lobby and guest rooms. You know, my family to yours. If you haven't made arrangements already, that is." 

Freddie smiled up at him sweetly as she stooped to show off a couple of her arrangements. There were traditional roses and lilies aplenty, but also more exotic and expensive looking arrangements and sprays, including birds of paradise, bromeliads, anthuriums, and orchids. "I brought these for you as just a few examples. I can match any theme or atmosphere you like. Hanging baskets, cascading ivies... you name it." 

Still beaming over her blossoming beauties, Freddie backed away a little so that ShoNuff could have a good look. "I figure with such a premier hotel, you should have all the finest touches that make a premier atmosphere," she shrugged slightly.

Wow, Ms Freddie_Lou you do have a wonderful assortment as ShoNuff picked up a couple of pieces. It's just lately I've been involved in the finer things of life.  I would be honored to have your flowers displayed in our lobby and suites.  Let's say I accept your gift for our grand opening then make arrangements to have them delivered every week after that at your cost.

Freddie grinned and bowed her head slightly, "That sounds like a fine deal to me." She offered her hand in gratitude. "I'll coordinate colours, themes, and delivery times with your staff. If you need any 'special' deliveries, you just let me know. And I'll let the boys in Earl's crew know where to find the best room in town."  

Why thank you Ms. Freddie_Lou.  And for being so sweet and such a good business woman I would love for you to come to the grand opening, maybe have Thanksgiving dinner with us if you haven't got plans.  If you wish to stay a couple of nights complimentary.

Freddie hugged Sho. "Oh that would be wonder....ful," regaining her composure she stepped back, smoothing her dress and fluffing her ebony curls. "I sent a request for reservations for the event already. So, that would be most appreciated."   Waving over the same staff member from earlier Freddie handed off the handle to the cart, "I'll be back with additional sprays and to pick up the cart Tuesday evening." 

Turning back to Sho, she smiled and half-curtsied. "I'll leave you to your wonderful work for now. I'll be seeing you, I'm sure. There's big things ahead for this hotel. I just know it." Shaking his hand one more time she flounced out of the hotel with a springy little saunter. 

Once out on the sidewalk she squealed softly and did a little happy dance. This was going to be good. 

Sky came to stand beside ShoNuff watching as the cute lady he was talking to left. Raising an eyebrow at the closing door as she left, leanign on his Cane Sky reached over and picked a rose from the flower cart. playing with it in his hand he address Sho.

"I need to get one of those comfy beds put into my room back at HQ. Who was that lovely young lady? it looks like you just made her day. Also hows the planning for the opening coming?"

Sky was playing with the rose in his hand, closing his hands over the rose it self he opens his hand revealing a dove. smiling and lifting the dove up to his face Sky strokes its chest a few times before closing his hands over it again. Shaking his hand once...twice.....thrice he throws a flash of fire from his hand, reaching into the flash of fire he pulls the rose undamaged from it and grins.