VENTURES: Natika's New Life

Sunrise-Philadelphia.

Natika was ecstatic about her new life...A Brand new apartment in a trendy section of the city....

A section that had new houses, new apartment complexes, New lofts , new condos and new housing..a section that was attracting a lot of professional's, doctors, lawyers, teachers and what not... Three Shopping Centers, A Multiplex Movie Theatre...and plenty of nice eateries,,,,A Dry Cleaners, A Laundromat and she was a block from the train , which she sometimes took into town to go to work.

She had everything she needed right in this area.

She was ecstatic about her new job, Managing Director of the Public Defenders Office.

She partied at the area's clubs...

AQUA BAR-

STOLEYS

The MERMAID CLUB-

She often ran into her new found friends in these establishments...She was sorry she didn't live closer to them...but she enjoyed being in their company when she could just the same.

They were so fortunate to all live on the same street or so close to each other and mostly all work in the same building.

She loved the Sandwich Shoppe that was blocks from her friends homes

And the local Seafood and Steak restaurant.

and she was a big fan of Mabel Jenkins Soul Food Joint, often stopping by there on a Friday Night or Saturday afternoon.

Her man, Her man, Her man, Her former Boss, Deputy District Attorney Lester Burke and her were still not completely out in the open...Not in Center City where they both worked any way..But around her way they certainly were..

And he spent the night with her whenever he could and most weekends..

Her office was just a block from where she used to work...

Rockland, Ms. Alfreda's husband, Gary, Yvette's husband and Danny Ho, Jade's husband..all worked near her...They came to visit her , her first week there...but that was it.

There was however one person, who she didn't want to see or hear from...

Assistant District Attorney, Bruce Greene....

II-

NATIKA SABREE SOMMERS-

Born in Philadelphia PA.

Father, Eldridge Sommers, a retired Common Pleas Court Judge

Mother ,Marie Sommers, a retired Attorney

GRADUATED from the Philadelphia High School for Girls

B.A. -Administration of Justice, Trial Advocacy, Pre Law- Howard University

J.D.-Georgetown Law School

Fluent in Spanish and French

Passed Bar in Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Deleware

Public Defender- Washington D.C.

Assistant District Attorney-Washington D.C.

Senior Associate Attorney- Remington and Steele Attorneys at Law.

Married to Attorney Roderick Remington (Partner's Son, also an Attorney)2017-Divorced 2019

Dismissed in May 2024, after lawsuit against Remington...

Returned to Philadelphia.

Senior Associate Attorney at The Harris Group (May 2024- April 2025)

Assistant District Attorney -City of Philadelphia.

Managing Director- Philadelphia Public Defender's Office

THE OFFICE OF ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY BRUCE GREENE--

''Wowwwww! She's right around the corner....She'll be making more money than me....WOWWWWWWWWWWWW! Power move...." said Bruce.

"Your little bird has flown the coup eh? Got herself a new job, right around the corner...Got herself a new apartment...."laughed investigator, Ingrid Stevenson.

"Where is she living?" asked Bruce Greene.

Ingrid gave him a card with an address...

"She's been there about a month now." she said.

"That's that section where all of that new housing is, new apartments, lofts, condos,homes...restaurants what have you....Olivia and Beverly, Yvette Jones and her crew and some of the other lawyers that hang with them all live in that section...It's nice up there...They have everything they need...Transportation...Clubs... Shopping....Eateries.... I've gone to Josie's and Aqua Bar a few times....It's nice....I remember when there was nothing in that section but old empty warehouses and trash filled fields.Now you'd never know it was ever like that...It's been so well developed." said Bruce Greene.. "I may pay her a visit." he said.

"Why don't you call her first.??...I know I'd hate having someone drop in on me like that without prior warning after I just moved into a place. She's probably still getting her things together."said Ingrid.

"Nonsense" said Bruce..

Ingrid just shook her head...

"He never listens to anyone." she thought.

Bruce had no problem finding her apartment complex......It was beautiful and it had a Barber Shop, A Beauty Salon, A Steak and Hoagie Shop all on the first floor.

Unfortunately for him, on the day Bruce planned to surprise Natika...She and eight of her girlfriends were having Steaks and Hoagies and Onion Rings. in the shop below her apartment.

"Ummmmmmmmm girl, these sandwiches are delish.Thank you for inviting us."said Beverly.

''Do they deliver? Do they cater?" asked Josie.

"They do both...It's right here on these menus." said Bresha.

"Oh noooooo, then you won't come and visit me...You'll just have them delivered." said Natika with a fake pout.

''Sure we'll come and visit you...This gives us someplace further to go, to get away."said Renee.

"Yes...Ummmmm like Beverly said..These are delish...I'm going to order two more...One for my hubby and one for me later tonight."said Jazzy..

"I'm doing the same....You got it going on girl...You got this place, A Nailery and a Beauty parlor too? wow..and not to mention a Grocery Store...You don't have to leave ,unless you want to."said Kayla.

"Yeah, you got it goin on here in these apartments.."said Natalie.

"This is why I didn't have any qualms about moving into this area.....Plus, all my friends live here. We have everything we need right here." said Brooke.

"Lester loves it...The privacy, the quiet...We can walk around up here in peace far from the prying eyes of anyone in my old office...We don't have to hide our relationship now...but I just like my privacy...you know?"said Natika.

"I perfectly understand, but you no longer work in the D.A.'s Office...He's no longer your supervisor...You can do whatever you want." said Beverly...

"Beverly is right...And people are going to talk no matter what...They are going to say you left because you two were bopping around when you were there anyway with or without proof, you know how people gossip....but officially...you two are safe, in the clear now."said Kayla.

"Bruce hasn't bothered you has he? He must know you work around the corner from him at the Public Defenders office by now." said Renee.

"Oh he knows....That was mentioned at the going away party they through for me in the office before I left....but so far he hasn't sent any flowers or been by to visit. knock on wood."laughed Natika.

"The Best thing is...He doesn't know where you live." said Natalie.

"Oh God YESSSSSSSSSSSS!" said Jazzy,laughing.

"Oh Thank God, because I hadn't signed the lease yet at the time I left...and I bought a new phone with a new number, which I gave to all of you guys....but no one else." said Natika...

Not realizing, Bruce Greene was right across the street watching her and her eight friends chowing down on Hoagies and Steaks and Onion Rings and dishing.

"Next week Lester and I will join you at Curley's for "Couples Night"... Friday, we are going to New York for the weekend. Lester has some friends up there." said Natika.

'"Awwwww that's so nice!"said Kayla.

"Have a good time......I know you will." said Jazzy.

After An HOUR AND A HALF-

Beverly ,Josie, Bresha, Jazzy, Kayla and Renee piled into the Lincoln Navigator, with Beverly at the wheel and prepared to pull off.

"Bye Natika...We look forward to seeing you next Thursday."said Beverly...

"Byyeee Natika...I had a great time." said Josie.

"Bye Natika." said Bresha,.

"Can all of you girls fit in there?" asked Natika ,laughing.

"Sure and with room to spare...We are petite girls....For the time being."laughed Jazzy, hugging Natika.

"Byye Baby." she said.

"Bye Natika...We had a great time." said Kayla.

"Byeeee Girl." said Renee, hugging her...

They pulled off.

"Well we'll see ya, when we see ya."said Natalie, hugging Natika.

"Bye Girl..." said Natika ,hugging Natalie... She hugged Brooke too.

"Byyeee Brookie." she said softly...

"Bye Natika."said Brooke softly...

They got in Brooke's car and pulled off...

Natika watched them all drive off and smiled. Then she went inside her building and up to her apartment.

When the doorbell rang!

"This can't be Lester this early. "She thought.

To her horror and surprise....It was Bruce Greene..

He had a Bouquet of Yellow Roses for her...

"Surprise!!! You are just making all kind of moves lately... New Job, finally moved out of Mom and Pop's house to this wonderful new apartment complex in this tony part of the city...Not badddd...." he said.

She took the roses, ran some water in a bottle and placed them inside..

"Thank You! Thank you for the flowers Bruce..." she said.

"You are quite welcome ." he said and took a seat.

There was an eerie quiet between them for a minute. Then Bruce spoke.

"You know, we kind of got off on the wrong foot that night at Gazspachos...I'd like to try for a reset." he said softly.

"I'm afraid I can't do that Bruce... I'm seeing someone now...and it's getting a little serious. Sorry."said Natika.

"WHATTTTT? This fast?? It's Only BEEN A FEW WEEKS!" screamed Bruce.

"Bruce, stop shouting!!It;s not like you were my man...We just went out on a date.....There was another man who was also interested." explained Natika.

"YOU ARE A CAREER GIRL , THE DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE WAS JUST A STEPPING STONE FOR YOU WASN'T IT???????YOU MOVED RIGHT ON THAT MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDERS OFFICE GIG AS SOON AS IT BECAME AVAILABLE AND YOU MOVED ON TO ANOTHER MAN, DID YOU NOT? " screamed an irate Bruce Greene.

"I want you to stop shouting!!!.........Yes, I was looking for something that made a little more money...Aren't we all? Olivia, Beverly and Beverly's husband,Nelson left the Public Defender's office and formed their own law practice...Yvette Jones-Lockwood became a partner at her prestigious law firm......Jazzy and Kayla moved around and now they own a piece of their law practice...So does Jazzy and Kayla's husbands...That's what people do, they move around and find what fits personally and financially. You teased me about moving back home with my mom and dad....Well now I have a place of my own and a new job that pays me well....I did nothing wrong....You yourself are planning to run for District Attorney next year aren't you?

Now who I date and sleep with is strictly my business and as Bobby Brown says...MY PERROGATIVE! Now I'm asking you to leave...." said an angry Natika.

Bruce snatched the roses out of the vase and angrilly marched out of Natika's apartment complex.

He angrilly kicked a trash can on the corner until it dented......

He then got in his car and sped angrilly off.

III-

AN HOUR LATER-

"You'll never guess who was just here? Bruce Greene....Apparently he knows where I live and where I work....He was bound to find out eventually anyway....Those things are a matter of public record...He brought me a beautiful bouquet of Yellow Roses which he angrilly and pettily took back when I told him I was seeing someone.. I didn't reveal who it was... He'll find that out too in due time."said Natika.

"You could have told him....Nothing he or anybody can do now...You no longer work at the D.A.'s office....I'm no longer your supervisor....and so what and who cares? A lot of relationships are going on around there anyway....Bruce is just going to have to suck it up and move on."said Lester Burke, smiling.

"He knows not to come in my face with anything." he added.

"He won't....I just don't want him coming to my job and making a scene...is all." said Natika.

''Watch your trash cans." said Lester,laughing out loud...

"Come here girl, give me a kiss baby?" he said.

"OUUUUUUUUUUUUUU It turns me on when you talk all commanding like that." she said as she kissed him slowly and softly....

"Well I like turning you on.." he said as their kissing got more passionate.

"UMMMMMMMMMMMMM, good to knowwwww!" she cooed as they continued kissing.

He slowly unsnapped her bra...

"Ouuuuuuu you are too good at this." she said and giggled.

He said nothing....he slipped her panties down and off....

He lifted her up, parted her legs and entered her warm, wet center...

"OUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU, OH MY GODDDDDDD!" she screamed.

"AWWWWWWWWWWWWW, LAWWWWWWWWWD!" he yelled.

Her head moved from side to side,tears streamed down her face...She was having a quick and intense orgasm,the likes she had never had before..

He laid her down across the bed, he spread her legs open and again entered her warm, wet center...It was the best feeling in the world.

"OUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!" she cooed..

"OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" he moaned.

"OUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU OH MY GOD LESTER!!!....OUUUUUUUUUU!" she moaned.....

Her body began to tremble....Her head moved from side to side and once again, tears flowed down the side of her face..She was having another quick orgasm....

"OUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!" she cried out.

She wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him toward her....

"OH MY GOD YOU FEEL SO DAMN GOOOOOOOOOD! OUUUUUUUUUUUUUU! YOU ARE SOOO BIG...SO DAMN HARD!!!!OUUUUUUUUUUUUUU! " she moaned as he thrusted away....

"OUUUUUUUUUUU NATIKA...YOU ARE BLOWING MY MINDDD!" he moaned..

"AWWWWWWWWW LESTER....OUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU! UMMMMMMMMM! YOU ARE BLOWING MINE!!! OUUUUUUUUU!" she cooed.

They began making sweet love.....Now he could take his time ....there was no rush...

"UMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM GIRRRRRRL!" he moaned..He didn't know if he was coming or going, he felt so good..

"OH MY LORDDD!" moaned NATIKA...

Her body began to tremble,. her legs began to shake and her head moved from side to side... She was having an orgasm like she'd never had before...

"OUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUWEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" she yelled out..

"OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH GIRRRL" LESTER shouted.

"OUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU LESTER!" she cooed.

They made love for the next TEN TO ELEVEN HOURS!

"You know this was a perfect day." said Natika as she rested on his chest.. "A Great day at work...A nice afternoon with my friends, Beverly, Josie, Bresha, Jazzy, Kayla, Renee, Natalie and Brookie." said Natika.

"They were all over here?" asked Lester.

"Yeah and we had Steaks and Hoagies downstairs.....A regular girls day.. It would have been perfect if not for Bruce coming in and shouting and performing."said Natika.

"I don't think you have to worry about him....I'm going to be late for work tomorrow.."he laughed.

"Me too!, Only now I can afford to be..." she laughed as she snuggled up under him and he softly rubbed her butt.

A WEEK LATER-

CURLEY'S BAR- COUPLES NIGHT!

"Girl you are lying! Right after we left...He was at your apartment door?" laughed Jazzy incredulous.

"I kid you not... I watched you guys pull off and no sooner had I gotten upstairs and closed my door..Here he comes a knockin..."said Natika.

"I gotta hand it to Bruce ,he is consistant." said Dabnis, Jazzy's husband.

"Yeah a consistant pain in the ass." said Kayla.

"He wants to be on the girl...After all he did shoot his shot first." said Rsay,laughing.

''Actually, he did not...Lester did...but Bruce moved a little faster when it came to asking me and actually taking me out."said Natika.

"That's because he could... Lester had to tread lightly....because he was your supervisor and all." said Jessica.

''What a position to be in."said Chip.

"Wow, that was a precarious position to be in , but everything worked out."said Karen.

"Yeah....You have a new job and you're both free to date now." said B.L.

"You said he was shouting and when you asked him to leave, he snatched the flowers he gave you?" laughed Natalie.

"How Petty."said David.

"Exactly.." said Natika.

"That's Petty, even for Bruce..." said Brooke.

Her husband, Sean just laughed so hard, he was shaking.

"He's a Petty and petulant child."said Zoey.....

"Yeah well he's free to ruin some other girl's afternoon."said Lem.

"I wouldn't wish that on anybody."said Renee.

"Me neither."said her husband, Tyrell.

"I'm glad we don't have problems like that."said Lee.

"Me too!" said her boyfriend, Matthew.

"My Niecey Poo told me that Steak and Hoagie shoppe in your building is the truth."said Olivia.

"And they cater too! We are going to order some for our next business meeting."said Donnie Ray.

"Yesssssss and don't worry...That won't stop us from visiting you."joked Beverly.

"It better not and bring your husbands next time too!"said Natika.

"Yeah, I'd love to come and sample those Hoagies."joked Nelson.

"We are going to make sure you come next time...You too Paris." said Josie,laughing.

"If it's good food...I'm there." said Paris.

"You got a Beauty Parlor there too and a Nail Salon....You don't have to leave if you don't want to."said Bresha,.

"I know, but I like to get out...get some fresh air...." said Natika.

''Well there is plenty of fresh air to be gotten around our way."said Tony.

"I know I love it."said Alfreda.

"I knew you would...That's why I bought a house right across the street from Olivia and Beverly...I knew you wouldn't be happier anywhere else..."said Rockland.

"Awwww that's so sweet."said Natika.

''So you like this "Couples night? Two free drinks for every two drinks a couple buys...You can't beat that." said Yvette.

"Oh I love it.." said Natika.

Yvette's husband, Gary and Natika's new love, Lester Burke were having an animated conversation.....

"Natika we owe you a visit." said Keith Jones.

"Yeah , we need to come back to your great apartment complex.."said Bee Bee.

"And taste those great steaks and hoagies everybody was raving about."said Sofia.

"Yes indeed."said Kahlil.

"You are all welcome anytime...just call me in advance." said Natika.

"We're not like Bruce.."laughed Jade.

Her husband Danny Ho laughed loudly at that remark.

"He really has a thing for you....huh?" said Virginia.

"He did!...but I told him I'm seeing somebody now. I suppose he hates me." said Natika.

"That usually means nothing to him...Ask Renee....She was MARRIED and he was still trying to shoot his shot. I hope you're right." said Jetty.

"I do too, because he just entered the bar." said Nina Rios..

"Aye Mios Dios."said Carlos.

Bruce walked in with his date...A young and attractive Black woman who no one seemed to know..

She smiled...

Bruce made sure that all of us saw them when they walked in and walked past us....He deliberately walked past our area...Giving everyone and especially Natika , a good look.

They sat down at a table not far from Lt. Tragg and Kelly Ann..

They were having their usual blend of beers.

"Oh Look, Bruce has a plus one." said Jazzy..

"Good for him...He didn't let a setback keep him down."said Dabnis.

"I wonder if this one lasts through the night."smirked Kayla.

"Oh Stopppp! Just admit , you can't keep a good man down."laughed Ray.

"He's your idea of a good man? "laughed Jessica.

"Give the guy a break..." said Chip,laughing.

"Yes, give him a break."laughed Karen.

"I'm with Kayla....I'm wondering if this will last the night."said B.L.

"I'm taking bets on that...One dollar."said Natalie.

"I'm in on that." said David.

"I'm in on it too."said Brooke.

"I'll throw a dollar in the pot."said Sean....

"Let me in on that."laughed Kayla.

"Me too!"laughed Beverly..

"You ought to be ashamed of yourselves."laughed Zoey... "I've got a dollar." she added..

We all laughed.

Lem cracked up...

"You gettin in on this Renee?" he asked.

"Nahhhh I don't want anything to do with that...That's a sucker bet."laughed Renee.

Her husband, Tyrell threw his dollar in the pot.

So did Lee

and Matthew as well.

Bruce and his date ordered Mojitos...The most expensive drinks and they drank a lot of them....

Bruce was fine until he saw Nakita sitting with us and on Lester Burke's lap.

Enjoying a very public kiss...

A kiss that got hotter, steamier.

His mood grew dark....and his remarks to his date grew sarcastic and snide....

"You're not very good company tonight...What's eating you?" she asked...

He passed her the bill when it came... It was for $72.00 dollars.

"WHAT IS THIS? YOU ASK ME OUT FOR COUPLES NIGHT AND YOU EXPECT ME TO PAY THE BILL? It's $72.00....We could have just ordered Beers.... YOU CHEAP BASTARD!" she screamed...

"JUST PAY THE TAB AND SHUT UP! DON'T MAKE A SCENE!" he said.

"YOU SHUT UP!" she said and hurled the contents of her drink at him, only it missed and hit Lt. Tragg..

"AWWWWWWW GEEEEZ!" he said as the drink and Ice was all in his hair and running down his suit...

"OH MY GODDD!" screamed Kelly Ann. Some of the Ice got on her dress....

Her jerking motion knocked a few beers on the floor.

"LOSE MY NUMBER YOU CREEP! YOU CHEAP CREEP!" said his date as she got up and walked out..

Naturally, at least two tables burst into loud laughter...

"OH MY GOD!!" said Olivia.

"Never a dull moment in here."said Donnie Ray...

Beverly was laughing so hard , her entire body was shaking...

So was Nelson...

"Unbelievable....Not even an hour."said Josie.

"WOWWWWWWWWWW!"said her husband, Paris.

"Not even an hour."said Bresha.

"DAMNNNNNNNNN!"laughed her husband, Tony..

"Can you believe that?" said Alfreda.

"Yeah I can believe it."laughed Rockland.

"OH MY GOD!!" said Yvette.

"This is must see TV"laughed her husband, Gary.

"Never a dull moment in here."said Keith Jones.

"Never!"agreed his wife, Bee Bee.

"Aye Mios Dios."laughed Sofia.

"Oh My God!"laughed Kahlil.

Jade was bent over laughing....Tears just streaming down the side of her face.

So was her husband, Danny...Wait until he saw Sissy and the gang.

"This is too much, time to go home."said Virginia.

"It's one thirty...The Buses will be here soon." said Jetty...

"AYE MIOS DIOS!"laughed Nina, laughing so hard her entire body was shaking.

So was her boyfriend, Carlos..

And at a third table....Kayla and Natalie were collecting money..

Jazzy just shook her head.

So did Dabnis, who was snickering loudly....

"What did I tell you?" said Kayla..collecting her money

"You called that one wifey...I gotta hand it to you."said Ray...

"Not even an hour."said Jessica.

"You called that one Kayla."said Chip.

"That was a sucker bet."said Karen.

"It sure was..."said B.L.

"Me and my girl Kayla called that one."said Natalie,also collecting money.

"Gotta hand it to you, you surely did."said David.

"Like taking candy from a baby."said Brooke.

"He's so predictable." said Sean.

"Isn't he though?" said Zoey.

"Oh My God!"laughed Lem.

"I told you that was a sucker bet,"said Renee.

"You were right about that." said Tyrell.

"I love hanging out with these friends....I always have a good time."said Lee, laughing.

"Yeah , me too!"laughed Matthew.

"HEY PAL....NEXT TIME YOU COME IN HERE....DON'T SIT ANYWHERE NEAR ME!" said Lt. Tragg, wiping the ice and drink out of his hair....

Bar employees collected the broken glass and ice and mopped the floor up....

Bruce knew we had seen what happened and were all laughing at him...He began kicking his table like a petulant child..

Curley was having none of it... He and his bouncers grabbed Bruce and tossed him out the door into the street!...

We all exploded into laughter then...

"Oh My God....I almost feel sorry for Bruce."said Natika.

Lester didn't share her sentiment...He was laughing too hard....Tears were streaming down the side of his face...

What a night this had been.

IV-

THE OFFICE OF DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY LESTER BURKE, FRIDAY MORNING!

Lester Burke sat in his office looking out at the city... His peace was disturbed by the arrival of Bruce Greene-

"You really thought you were slick, banging your little Assistant District Attorney in secret...knowing all along that if it got out....your job would be good as gone....Now she no longer works here and your little affair is out in the open....You haven't fooled everybody....People are talking you know..."said Bruce Greene.

"Yeah, so what? She doesn't work here anymore, so what I do with her is a non-issue...Now with that said...Don't you have some upcoming cases to look over?" said Lester Burke, signaling that he did not wish to discuss Natika anymore.

"You're a snake Lester." said Bruce..

Bruce Greene angrilly walked out of the office....Lester Burke was still his boss...When he ran for District Attorney next year and won, his first order of business was going to be to fire Lester Burke.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON-

"I can't believe he confronted you..." laughed Natika.

"That little twerp is planning to run for District Attorney next year.....and if he won he'd be my boss..Can you imagine that? He'd either fire me or demote me and make my life a living hell...I'd have to quit....No way I could work under him....He's mentally unstable." laughed Lester.