She Gave Her All to the Hood's Finest 5

by Shvonne Latrice

  I watched Amara weigh the pros and cons in her head, before she stuck her arm out to non-verbally welcome me in.

  We walked to the back, and she let me in her office. It was only now that I’d realized I’d never been in here. I literally got her the house and had only been to the kitchen, den, and Ahmira’s bedroom. Come to think of it, I’d never been in Amara’s bedroom.

  “Okay, what’s up?” She shut the door and sat down on her couch. I went over and sat next to her.

  “Amara, I love you, baby.”

  “Here we go.” She rolled her eyes, sighing along with it.

  “No, listen to me, for real.” I took her hand, just as she turned to face me again. “I’ve always loved you, always wanted to be with you for the rest of my life, but I’ve never been more in love with you than I am right now.”

  “Really? Why?” She gave me the black woman eyebrow raise, filled with skepticism. “And what about your damn fiancée?”

  “Because I’ve been without you. And I was honest with Dallas. Told her I loved you and couldn’t waste her time like that.”

  “Hmph. So that’s what it takes, huh, you being without me to realize you love me so much? I swear, you ain’t shit, Rahim.”

  “Yeah, it did take that. I haven’t been myself since the day you told me you didn’t want me anymore, for good, in Las Vegas. I tried to move on, but I can’t.”

  “So you expect me to just get back with you after what you did? Please.”

  “No, I don’t, because I know you’re not that type of woman. But all I can ask is that you open the door to give me a chance. I don’t care who you talk to or date in the meantime; just let me be one of them. And you gon’ be the only woman I’m focused on from this day forward, I promise you. I put that on Ahmira.”

  Her face changed when I mentioned my daughter. I never put anything on her, so the fact that I did meant that I was serious.

  “Rahim, I don’t know.” She took her hand from me to cover her face. “You just went way too far. Telling Shanece I was your sister was probably the most hurtful thing anybody has done to me. It was especially hurtful because it came from you, not only the man I loved, but a man I thought had my back and was my best friend. And for you to push me to the side for a fling, not even a woman you fell for, is just hard to get over.”

  I nodded, feeling like shit. I definitely didn’t deserve another chance, but I wanted one and felt like I needed it to even be myself again.

  “That was a nigga I don’t know.” I got down onto the floor to look up at her. “But just let me try, Amara, please. That’s all I’m asking. If you can’t fuck with me even after I try, I’ll respect it, but I’m just begging for a chance. Let me take you on a date.”

  She chuckled.

  “A date?”

  “Yes. I’m willing to start from scratch.”

  “Okay, one date, but I hope you know I’m not sleeping with you.”

  “I wouldn’t even expect that shit. It’s only our first date.”

  She laughed and rose to her feet, so I did the same, before slipping my arms around her body for a hug. Unbeknownst to her, I closed my eyes to bask in it.

  “Amara?” I heard Donnie call her name.

  “I love you, baby,” I said softly before she pulled away to let me out of her office and leave.

  I meant everything I’d told Amara, but I was hoping I actually made it out on top.

  30

  Nehemiah

  Just days later…

  I’d gotten a fresh haircut, so I was checking myself out in the mirror, making sure I looked good from head to toe. Once I approved of what I saw, I went to get my cologne to put on.

  “Well what do you think?” Jilly pranced out of her walk-in closet to show me her outfit.

  It was a short red dress with a split in it, and her shoes were barely there, showing off her sexy feet. Her brownish-gold hair was slicked back into one ponytail, bringing more attention to her pretty face. Even her skin was glowing, and I could already smell her floral perfume, which my ass loved.

  “Wow, baby. You ain’t have to do all this shit. Remember, tonight ain’t about you.” I walked over to her, circling her frame so I could get a good look at what belonged to me. Damn.

  “I do not look that good.” She laughed.

  “Nah, you actually do. You about to get all the attention so don’t say anything to me if it causes a problem.” I kissed her lightly so I wouldn’t fuck up her lipstick.

  “I won’t. I like being the center of attention anyway.”

  We chuckled as we left the bedroom, heading downstairs and out to the car. I opened the passenger side door for her, and after I saw she was in safely, I shut the door then got in on my side.

  “You feeling okay tonight?”

  “Yes. Thank you for asking. I threw up once in front of you, and now you worry all the time.”

  “I know. I can’t help it. I thought you were going through an exorcism when the shit happened.” I pulled out of our space and drove off.

  “Shut up.” Jilly ran her fingers through her ponytail. “I was thinking we should buy a house now that we’re going to have a baby.”

  “The condo is huge though.”

  “Yeah, but condos are for childless people. We need a home, something we can make our own and give our baby memories in.”

  Glancing at her, I replied, “I like that idea. I guess we should start looking now since baby Van Buren is already cooking.”

  “I know.” She touched her stomach. I put my hand on top of hers at the red light, making her smile at me.

  Finally after being in traffic for almost an hour, we arrived at the venue where the party was.

  Roxie and her label were throwing this big ass album release shindig. I usually didn’t get invited to shit like this, but she and her people wanted me to come. The music video I did for her was still being talked about, and she even got a best music video award for it, so her people were kissing my ass at the moment.

  Valet got my keys, and then I helped Jilly out of the car carefully before we started toward the entrance. I gave the bouncer my name, and after he checked it off, we were let inside. The venue was like a big ass banquet hall in a sense, with yellow lights, marble floors, and a gold theme. Although music was playing, and loudly, nobody was really dancing like that. The affair was too classy for twerk sessions, but chill enough to get drunk and eat.

  “Oh, there’s Roxie, baby. Let me introduce you, and we can say hi.” I took Jilly by the hand over to where Roxie was. I saw no sign of Mac, so I guessed they were really through. “Hey, Roxie. Congrats on the album and the award.” I smiled at her.

  “Nehemiah, you came!” She hugged me but then jumped back sort of when she saw Jilly and us holding hands.

  “This is my fiancée, Jilly.” I pointed.

  “Nice to meet you, Jilly.” Roxie shook her free hand.

  “So how is—”

  “I have to go tell my manager something, but I will find you later.” Roxie cut me off mid-sentence and dashed away, leaving the people she was just conversing with before I got here looking crazy.

  “Okay, let’s get you some food.” I walked off.

  “That was weird. Is she always like that?” Jilly wanted to know.

  “No, not really. She’s usually chill. But maybe she’s having a bad night or something.” I shrugged.

  “It didn’t seem like she was having a bad night the way she pounced on you. Her mood was fine until she saw me.”

  We made it to the self-service food area and began looking over the dishes being offered up.

  “Baby, you know damn well that’s not true.” I kissed her temple.

  “Nehemiah, she was like a child on Christmas morning when she saw you, and then all of a sudden, she and I made eye contact, now she has to go.”

  “Jilly, please, let’s just enjoy tonight. I don’t want to go back and forth about whether or not Roxie is in a bad mood. And you know damn well you don’t ca
re if she doesn’t like you.”

  Nodding at the woman serving the food to put chicken onto her plate, Jilly said, “No, I don’t care, but if you’re going to be working with her again, she needs to get it together, or you won’t be doing any more of her videos.”

  We started toward the table with my name on it plus my guest.

  “What? I’m not gonna stop working with somebody just because you don’t like them—”

  “Correction, she doesn’t like me. Why would you want to do business with someone who doesn’t like your woman?”

  “Aight, you got me there. I wouldn’t want to work with them. But this conversation is pointless, Jilly. She never expressed that she didn’t like you, so let’s drop it.” I sipped my water.

  “Well, we will see. And if her not liking me has anything to do with you, we’re going to have a huge problem.”

  “Pregnant and mean as fuck.” I shook my head, chuckling.

  Jilly and I chilled, finally talking about something other than Roxie for the next hour or so. The food was okay, but I could tell it was some uppity shit, and I wasn’t too fond of it.

  “I’m going to go to the restroom.” Jilly got up.

  “Okay. You want me to walk with you?”

  “No, I will be okay. Don’t go anywhere while I’m gone though. I don’t want to look stupid sitting alone when I return.” She smiled, causing me to laugh.

  “I got you.”

  While Jilly pranced off and out of the humongous room the main party was in, I took my phone from my pocket to busy myself.

  “Are you having a good time?” I heard Roxie’s voice. I’d seen her across the room the whole night, and only now did she come over to speak. Maybe Jilly was right.

  “Good time? I don’t know if I could call it that, but it’s chill. I expected the food to have a little more weight and seasoning though.” I put my phone down to be polite.

  Giggling as she descended into the empty chair, Roxie responded, “I know, but just remember, I had no control over that. The label paid, booked, and ordered everything here except my outfit.”

  “Aight, good. I was worried for a second,” I joked.

  She was quiet but then exhaled softly. “You know, I didn’t think you would bring her.”

  “Her? You mean my girl?” I wrinkled my forehead. She spoke as if she were my wife and Jilly was my mistress I’d brought to a family barbecue.

  “Yes. You know how I feel about you, so bringing her to my event was a bit rude, don’t you think?”

  I was kind of slouched in my seat, but Roxie’s words made me straighten up.

  “Hold on, Roxie. I told you I was in a relationship and that she was it for me. You don’t have the right to be tripping off of me bringing her anywhere I go. I never gave you the impression that there was something between us.”

  “Oh wow, so you don’t have any feelings toward me?”

  “No, not in that way. I think you’re a beautiful girl and that you’re cool as hell, talented, but that’s it,” I stressed, wanting her to catch on.

  The last thing I wanted was some drama with her and Jilly, when I wasn’t even feeling her in that type of way. If I was gone have issues over a female, I at least wanted it to be one I’d messed with or planned on messing with.

  “I could’ve sworn you said if you were single, you’d date me.”

  “I told you I probably would, and the only reason I even said that shit was because I felt bad for you in the moment.” When I realized I was getting angry and saw the sadness mixed with a little dismay on her face, I sighed. “Roxie, I didn’t mean it like that. I just—”

  “It’s fine.” She got up abruptly, taking her flute of champagne with her. “You enjoy the rest of your night, Nehemiah.”

  I let my head fall back, irritated with myself for stooping so damn low.

  “You okay?” Jilly stood over me so that my view of her was upside down.

  “Yeah, I am.” I picked my head up. “Let’s go. I’m bored, tired, and hungry.”

  “Okay, me too.”

  We left out hand in hand, and I definitely spotted Roxie looking our way. I saw in her eyes that she was angry with me still for what I’d just said moments ago.

  This would be the last damn time I tried to make friends with one of these females I worked with. I didn’t like drama of any kind, but especially the type that would possibly fuck with my personal life.

  Around 7 p.m.… A new day…

  I stood outside Star’s spot and rang the doorbell for the third damn time. I was here to get my son, Timothy, and as usual, she was fucking with me. Just as I was about to call her phone again, she opened the door, wearing lingerie. Her bra and panties were purple, see-through, and had yellow butterflies in certain places.

  “What are you wearing?”

  “You caught me in the middle of a job.” She walked away from the door, showing me her underwear was a thong.

  Star had one of the nicest bodies I’d ever seen naked, borderline perfect, but not better than Jilly’s. Jilly was more petite and softer, but I liked it… loved it. Just thinking about her had me ready to get home and try some things.

  “A job? You own a fitness company. How is wearing that part of your job?” I closed and locked her door.

  “Okay, I meant a side hustle. This lingerie company hired me as an ambassador for obvious reasons.” She gave me a look. “So I have to take some photos in this.”

  “Well, yeah, you’re definitely the perfect candidate for some shit like that.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “It means your body is extremely nice, so you can sell the shit well.”

  “You don’t have anything to say about me posting pictures in this online?”

  “No, why would I?”

  “I remember back in the day, you wouldn’t even want me filming myself at the gym in biker shorts.”

  “Yeah, because you were my girl. Now, that ain’t got nothing to do with me. That’s yo’ man’s problem. As long as you ain’t doing anything that will reflect badly on my son, then I’m good.”

  “I’m single now, actually.” She seemed to be waiting for me to reply to that, but when I didn’t, she inquired, “So if Jilly wore this on social media, you wouldn’t care?”

  “I would, but that’s my girl. Star, can you just go get Timothy, or should I do it?”

  “I’ll get him, relax.” She went up a few of her stairs before looking back over her shoulder. “You know, it’s crazy how loyal you are to her, when she doesn’t give you the same in return.”

  “Okay.”

  “Fine, if you don’t believe me, ask her about her boo Ahmad.”

  “Who the fuck is Ahmad?”

  “Ahmad Drake. I saw them out to dinner looking very cozy, to the point where I almost texted you to see if y’all had broken up. I just knew your little Jilly couldn’t be cheating on you. But I remembered we’re not cool, so I didn’t hit you up.” Star continued up the stairs to get Timothy, leaving me dumbfounded.

  “Hey, man.” I scooped my son up when Star returned with him. Thankfully, she had covered up.

  “Have a good weekend with daddy and his girlfriend!” Star kissed our son before looking at me and laughing.

  “Fuck you.”

  “Ooh, Daddy!” Timothy’s eyes widened. “Say sorry to Mommy!”

  “I’m sorry, Mommy.” I looked to Star, making sure my face let her know I wasn’t in fact sorry.

  She kept the smug expression she was wearing, offering up a finger wave as I made my way out.

  Timothy said he was hungry, so even though I was in a rush to get home to Jilly and find out what the hell Star was talking about, I stopped. He wanted a McDonald’s Happy Meal, so that’s what I bought him, and while waiting for his food in the drive-thru, I got a text from Star. It was a series of photos of Jilly and Ahmad getting in a car, getting out of the car, and going to eat at some restaurant. I was livid but had to keep my cool for my kid.

/>   When we got home, I allowed Timothy to eat in his room, which I never did, and then went right to my bedroom to find Jilly. She was in the bathroom, putting some mask on her face.

  “Aye.” I leaned in the doorway.

  “Hey, baby.”

  “You work with Ahmad or nah?”

  The face she made when she turned away from the mirror to look to her right, at me, gave me the answer.

  “Yeah, I am, but—”

  “Jilly, I specifically told you not to work with his ass, and you told me you wouldn’t!”

  “I know, but it was a lot of money on the line. Plus, it was gonna give me a boost in my career!”

  “So your career and money is more important than our relationship I see.”

  “No, it is not, but I didn’t see how me working for him would interfere with us, just because you think he will like me!”

  “It ain’t no fucking think! I’m a nigga, and I know how we roll! You are a very attractive girl, Jilly. I know how niggas think!”

  “We are friends, Nehemiah, and—”

  “Friends that go out to dinner late at night!” I saw her freeze upon hearing my words. “Yeah, you ain’t think I knew that, huh? Where else you let him take you or do to you, Jilly?”

  “Excuse me! Do not talk to me like that! We were hungry, and I didn’t want to sit in traffic while starving, so we decided to get a bite to eat while the traffic died down.”

  “I bet that was his idea.” Again, she just stared at me. “And look at you, falling for the oldest tricks in the damn book! I at least thought he’d have to dig deep to scheme on you, but it looks like it was easy!”

  “Fuck you, asshole! I told you he is my friend and—”

  “Whatever. Keep being friends, and keep working for the nigga until he pulls his dick out on you, if he hasn’t already.” I stormed from the bathroom, snatching my keys back off of the dresser.

  “Where are you going!” Jilly followed after me.

  “Don’t worry about it. Call up Ahmad and see where he going, since you seem to care more about his ass than being with me.” I slammed the bedroom door in her face and rushed down the stairs.