She Gave Her All to the Hood's Finest 5

by Shvonne Latrice

  “It’s never just business, D.”

  Yes, he called me D. I still hadn’t outgrown the DSL nickname.

  “Tony, if you just think about it, I’m sure you will—”

  “No, Rubie. And since when do yo’ ass try to make fake ass relationships?” He frowned, looking at me with an accusatory expression. Did he know? Now I was afraid.

  “Usually, I don’t, but I just think in this particular case, Miko and the Gangstar Girlz would really benefit from this.”

  “Well get back to the fucking drawing board, because it’s a no. And don’t try to pull no dumb shit by hooking them up behind my back, because I’ll shoot you and yo’ nigga for trying to play me.”

  I believed him.

  “Fine.” I huffed, getting lost in my thoughts of how I was going to hold up my end of the bargain with Mark. I was such a failure.

  “Why you so hung up on this shit? And don’t lie.” Tony leaned back in his chair.

  I looked into his eyes and realized I was more afraid of him than what Mark’s ass could do to me. Then again, I didn’t know what Mark had planned for me. But it couldn’t be worse than making an enemy out of Tony Wacko, right?

  “Okay, but don’t get mad.” I kept my eyes locked on him as he waited. “I promised Mark I would do this if he switched spots with me in that magazine. I didn’t have the questions ready on time and didn’t want to risk another leak of information like with Nala, so I needed more time, which meant a later shoot. Mark had that later shoot, but gave it to me, as you obviously know.”

  Tony squinted his eyes at me as he stayed leaned back in his chair, lips tucked in and his hands clasped at his waist. Every time he moved, a whiff of his cologne hit me. Next thing I knew, he was chortling heavily. His smile was rather bright and inviting, despite his devilish personality.

  “You got the spot, so tell him to kick rocks.”

  “Huh?”

  “You ain’t got to come through because he already delivered, Rubie. Go on about yo’ fucking business.”

  “But what if he wants revenge?”

  “Revenge like what? Who the fuck is Mark Vegas?”

  “He—”

  “Ain’t shit but a bitch ass nigga who gon’ fuck around and get his block knocked off if he tries anything that interferes with my bread.”

  Suddenly, a smile came across my face. I guess there was some good in working for a hood nigga like Tony. With him as my reinforcement, I felt safe enough to blow Mark off.

  “Well then, problem solved.” I grinned, hopping up to put my folder in my bag.

  “Aye, but since you was making deals and shit behind my back,” he kept his eyes on the computer, clicking around, “I—”

  “Please don’t fire me. I—”

  “Ain’t nobody about to fire yo’ muthafuckin ass. Camarih wouldn’t fuck me for months if I did. I ain’t losing nuts over no fucking body,” he explained irritably. I kept my laughter inside because I knew he was serious right now. “Get Big Dane over here.”

  “Like for a meeting or to be signed?”

  “The latter.” He ate a cherry Jolly Rancher.

  “I don’t know if I can—”

  “I’m not asking you, DSL, I’m telling you. And don’t ever try to play me by feeding me some bullshit, especially when it’s in regards to my fucking artists. We clear?” I nodded, about to turn my back to him so I could collect my things. “Aye.” He stopped me.

  “Yes?”

  “Rubie, you good as fuck at yo’ job, just stop thinking so fucking much.”

  “I think I could be better.”

  “Nah, you are better. You just ain’t displaying the shit. Get it together. You got it.”

  “Thank you.” I simpered in disbelief but felt slightly better about myself at the same time. Tony didn’t compliment anyone other than Camarih, so to hear him say those things made me feel good.

  “Get out.” He picked up his office phone and started dialing, so I left, grabbing my baby on the way.

  For the rest of the afternoon, I ran errands, breastfed again, and made a couple phone calls. I had some interviews lined up for Nala, Eitan, Holli’s whack ass, and Dirko, so I wanted to be sure it was still set. I also had to schedule each of them in so I could go over everything and take my time with it. After Nala and the mixup with the Gangstar Girlz, I was making sure I was on top of everything. But shit, now I had to figure out how to poach Big Dane, and after Tony’s speech, I couldn’t drop the ball.

  I was finished with all my work for the day around 5 p.m., so I went home, cleaned my baby, fed him again, then put him down to nap and started to work on dinner. My father was coming over, and I wanted tonight to be a success between he and Eitan.

  “Let me have a look at it,” my dad requested, referring to my new diamond ring. He’d gotten here about thirty minutes ago, and dinner was almost ready.

  “Beautiful, huh?” I stuck my hand out for him to get a better view of it.

  I couldn’t wait to show him after all the shit he talked when my son was born. For once, I was right, and he was completely wrong.

  “Wow, that is very nice. I’m surprised.” He removed his glasses, putting them back into his jacket pocket.

  For as long as I’d known my dad, he always dressed in full on suits. I think I saw him wear a pair of jeans once, but that was back in the nineties when I was a little child, and I couldn’t even confirm it. It was something I admired about him though, and thought was pretty cool. He looked like money, smelled like it too, and I guess that’s because he was a baller.

  “Why are you surprised?” I went to check on the chicken in the oven. My dad was seated at the counter top bar in my kitchen, while I prepared dinner for he and Eitan.

  “I just didn’t think he’d blow that amount of cash on a ring for you. However—”

  “Daddy—”

  “However, I’m happy he did. It shows that he took my words seriously, but that most importantly, he’s taking you seriously.”

  “Okay, so you like him now?” I cheesed, hands clasped together out of hope.

  “I think he’s okay. I will like him once I see a marriage certificate.”

  “Oh my goodness.” I shook my head, pulling out my good plates, silverware, and glasses.

  “You know how many people get engaged but never go through with it? So no, Rubie, I will not be satisfied just because he asked you. It’s a step in the right direction, but he hasn’t reached the destination yet.”

  “Thank you for that.” I pulled the food out of the oven, closing it with my knee. “All I ask is that you be nice to him tonight.”

  “I’m never disrespectful.”

  “No, but you were rude to him, and I didn’t like it. You don’t know him like I do. He’s very sweet, loving, and just a great man. He doesn’t deserve the way you talked to him, Daddy.”

  My father just looked at me and then chuckled.

  “Even now that you’re grown up, you still find a way to get what you want out of me.”

  We laughed.

  “Good. Be nice. I love him.”

  “I will.”

  My dad helped me set the food and dinnerware out on the table. By the time we had everything set up, Eitan had come home. I made he and my father a drink, and then went to freshen up, hoping my dad kept up his promise.

  When I came back into the dining room, they were smiling, having normal conversation, so that was good. We prayed over the meal and then began passing the dishes of food around to put onto our plates.

  “Rubie, I was telling Eitan that he did a great job picking out your ring.” My dad chewed his food.

  “I’m glad he approves. It took a lot of research, time, and especially money to get that for her.” Eitan nodded.

  “And I love it.” I simpered at Eitan, who leaned over to kiss me.

  “I’m happy you finally asked my baby girl for her hand in marriage, Eitan. You know she’s a great catch and what a lot of men look for in a wife. She’s be
autiful, intelligent, can cook,” he pointed to the food, “ambitious, has her own money, and dotes on the man she loves.”

  “I agree. She’s all that. And I appreciate you stepping to me because I needed that wake up call. I was putting it off for reasons that really shouldn’t have mattered,” Eitan expressed.

  My dad obviously liked his response because he just smiled and nodded.

  Dinner was nice, and I was so elated to see the two men I loved most, outside of my son, get along.

  My father left around 8 p.m., so while Eitan got ready for bed, I fed my baby’s hungry ass since he woke up, and then his father and I read him a story so he’d fall asleep for the night.

  We retired to our own bedroom, and while Eitan got in bed, his bottom half covered by the bedding, I started to undress.

  Sitting down at my vanity, I removed my jewelry and then reached for my makeup wipes. When I looked in the mirror, I spotted Eitan watching me like a hawk.

  “What?” I smiled.

  “Nothing, just looking at you.” His back was against the headboard.

  “So you just like looking at me?”

  “Yeah, I do. Actually, I love looking at you. Come lay down.”

  “I will, but I need to have a shower first.”

  “Hurry up, please.”

  Standing from my vanity, I trashed the makeup towelettes and then went to have my shower. Once out, I put on lotion, did my face routine, then brushed, flossed, and rinsed with mouthwash, before returning to the bedroom.

  I slid into the bed, and Eitan slinked under the covers while facing me. He pulled me closer to him so that our noses touched, then pressed his lips to mine slowly.

  “Are you okay?” I quizzed, touching his face. He looked like something was bothering him, and I noticed it even at the dinner table.

  “Yeah… why?”

  “You seem off, like you’re worried about something.”

  “Nah, I’m good. I just want you to know that I love you.” He hugged me tighter.

  “I know that.” I kissed him. “I love you too.”

  Again, he just looked at me with that unreadable expression.

  “So that means you would never leave me, right?”

  “What reason would I have to leave you, Eitan, I—”

  “If something happened, hypothetically, you wouldn’t leave me, right?”

  I frowned, not understanding why he wanted to know this. Had he done something? My heart began to thump in my chest at the thought.

  “What did you do?”

  “I didn’t do anything, Rubie. I’m just asking you a question. I know I would never leave you, and I want to know that you feel the same.”

  “No, I would never leave you.” I caressed his face again. “I love you, and I agreed to be your wife, so that should tell you that I’m in this for the long haul.”

  “We should get married at the courthouse.”

  “Uh… don’t you want a wedding? I want a wedding and for my father to walk me down the aisle.”

  “We can do both, baby.” He rubbed up and down my back slowly, while looking deeply into my eyes. “Let’s get married now, and you can still continue with the wedding plans as normal. Only thing is, we’ll be official already.”

  “Why right now?”

  “Why wait? I want you to be my wife right now.”

  “You sure?”

  “Positive.”

  “Okay, but we can’t tell my dad.”

  “Aight, cool. I’ll have everything set up for this week.”

  I was surprised he wanted to get hitched so quickly when it seemed to take him ages to propose. But I wasn’t going to question it too much, because I was ready to be his wife years ago. I guess my dad’s talk with him had really done a number on his ass.

  Eitan kissed me hungrily, and soon enough, our tongues were introduced as he got on top of me and in between my legs.

  Wedding Bells & Alarm Bells…

  “I cannot believe we did that.” I sat in the passenger seat of Eitan’s Phantom, staring down at my ring.

  “I know.” He leaned over to kiss me.

  “Mommy and Daddy are married, Elijah.” I looked into the back seat at my son who was asleep, per usual.

  All he did was sleep, wake up to be fed, shit himself, and then knock back out. I guess he was living the life. He was the cutest thing too, having my deep complexion and his father’s handsome features.

  “So what you wanna do to celebrate?”

  “Honestly, I just want to go home and relax together all day. We’re usually separate and working for the majority of the day. It’ll be nice to actually be together for a full twenty-four hours.”

  Nodding with a smirk, Eitan replied, “Cool, I’m with that.” Pulling off into the street, he asked, “You gonna cook, or should we order some food?”

  “I really want some pizza, but I’m trying to lose these last ten pounds of baby weight, so maybe I shouldn’t.”

  “Nah, get what you want. You deserve it. And you look perfect to me like always.” He took my hand into his as he continued to drive.

  Sinking down in the comfortable seat, I peered out of the window with a smile. How did I get so damn lucky? The only thing I would change about Eitan was that he hadn’t come into my life to sweep me off my feet and steal me away from Armonn sooner.

  We were home by 3 p.m., and Eitan ordered the pizzas right away while I got the baby settled. I’d pumped specifically for this day, so we were able to open a bottle of wine to enjoy.

  While we waited for it to come, we just talked and kissed, nothing too much, and it was perfect. Plus, the sex was being saved for tonight, and I was positive it would be epic. A couple hours in, our son was ready for bed, so I bottle-fed him and put him to sleep for the night, before returning to the den with my husband.

  “Should I post my wedding band?” I inquired as I lay on Eitan’s chest. We’d been binge watching this show on Netflix. I hadn’t realized how something so small could be so fun if you did it with the right person.

  “Why not?”

  “I don’t know. I guess I was afraid my dad would see, but he doesn’t use social media. The closest thing to a social media account that he has is that Bailey Furniture account, and I’d bet my life he’s not running it.”

  “Hell nah he not. Homie is a damn multi millionaire, probably a billionaire. Some nigga making fifteen dollars an hour is running that shit.”

  “So true.” We guffawed in unison before sharing a kiss. “Okay, I’m gonna post. I already sent it to Camarih, Shanece, and Jilly in group text anyway.”

  I sat up to take a nice photo, and my acrylics were fresh, so the picture was perfect. I posted it to my story instead of my feed, just in case that social media guru working for my dad came lurking on my page, and captioned it ‘Mrs. Wright’.

  Locking my phone, I laid back down on Eitan, and we got right back to watching TV. About fifteen minutes into a new episode, we heard the doorbell, so Eitan agreed to meet the pizza guy to collect our food while I got the plates.

  My phone chimed as I got up, so I grabbed it on the way out of the den area. I saw it was an Instagram notification, so I unlocked it with my face as I tread the long way to our kitchen; this house was so damn big. I finally made it, getting the plates, and then checking the message.

  Holli: I see you forgave him for fucking Frida. I did always like how hard you rode for my baby daddy.

  Me: Girl bye. He hasn’t talked to her in forever.

  I shook my head as I left the kitchen, plates in hand. But again, I felt my phone buzz and sound off, letting me know another message had come. I was praying it wasn’t sent by the baby mama from hell.

  Holli: If forever means during his show in Las Vegas, then you’re right.

  She sent a video right after, showing tiny ass Frida walking to a dressing room with Eitan’s name on it. Maybe he wasn’t even in there; however, the nigga told me he hadn’t seen hide nor hair of this hoe since we’d gotten back t
ogether years ago.

  I picked up the pace until I made it back to the den where Eitan had the pizzas out on the coffee table.

  “You ready?” He smiled up at me, but it faded when he saw my expression.

  “Did you sleep with Frida?”

  “What? No. Where did you even get that shit?”

  “So you haven’t had any type of contact with her? Haven’t been around her at any point since the last time y’all were boyfriend and girlfriend?”

  Standing, he responded, “Baby, no. I told you. Who is feeding you this shit?”

  Staring up into his face, I felt tears drips from my eyes and ski down my cheeks. His angry face switched to a mixture of astonishment and sympathy. He tried to thumb my tears, but I stepped back, putting the plates down next to the open pizza boxes.

  “I know she was at your show in Las Vegas, Eitan, so that’s one lie right there.”

  “No—”

  “Stop it before you piss me off even more. I already have proof she was there, so don’t even try to say otherwise.”

  Licking his lips, he exhaled. “Aight, she was there. Holli brought her there, but umm, nothing happened. She wanted it to, and I blocked it.”

  “You’re lying.” I started to cry. I couldn’t believe this shit, and now not only did I have a baby with him, I was married to his—“This is why you wanted to get married so soon.”

  “Rubie, baby, I’m not lying. I—”

  “Yes the fuck you are! I know when you lie because, after you speak it, you hang onto every word the person says in response! I’ve been fucking with you for years, dumb ass. I know you!” I hollered.

  “I’m not lying, Rubie. I ain’t fuck her!”

  “Okay, so if I hit this bitch up right now, she’s gonna tell me y’all haven’t messed around? If you’d lie about something as simple as seeing her, I’m sure you’d lie about sexing her!”

  Of course his ass did it. I wasn’t fucking him, and he was acting like his life depended on sex during that time. We even had a whole blow up about it.

  “Aight, aight! She came to my dressing room, and she gave me head, but that was it, baby. She did that, and then I haven’t touched her since.”

  “You say that like it’s okay.” I chuckled out of anger. “But no, it’s fine. We can just get an annulment, and we’ll have to work something out with Elijah as far as you seeing him. He can’t really spend the night with you because he’s breastfed—”