The Connect Who Took My Heart Away 3

by Coco Shawndé

  “Mom, they not coming home with us?” C.J questioned with a begging tone.

  “No, Yosohn is going home and so are you.” I told him, knowing home was the last place he wanted to be since he had no one to play with.

  “Can Yososhn come to our house?”

  I was so distracted by my phone, I ignored my son.

  Unknown: I’m coming home. Wait for me

  Deleting the text out of frustration, my son got me back focused.

  “Mom, you hurr me? I want to stay with Yosohn. I don’t want to go home. It’s boring.” he complained.

  “C.J, no. Now get your things so we can go.”

  By the time I had him in the car, he was talking his way in with Miani to go stay at her house. Even though she was at Obasi’s house, she said it was fine. I didn’t hold Hosea up, and we went our own way. Dropping C.J off, he was happy as hell to link back up with Easton. I was so paranoid, I didn’t care that C.J had begged his way out of going home. Hell, I barely wanted to step foot there.

  Leaving from Obasi´s house from dropping C.J off, I headed home. Hosea stayed on the phone with me, but eventually had to hang up. He wanted me to text when I made it home and I told him to do the same. It wasn’t long until my house was in view. Yawning, my bed was all I wanted. Them kids wore me out, but I was glad they played well with one another.

  Not knowing if my mind was playing tricks or not, I slowed down once I made it around my driveway to park in front of my home. Just like Chaunce would do, I was taking in Litto leaned up on the same brand of car my late husband owned. The image alone had me hesitant, but almost relieved that it wasn’t Chaunce.

  “He’s gone.” I told myself in reference of my husband. It was as if my heart had closed the chapter, but my mind loved to play with tricks still.

  “Pretty late.” Litto said, slowly nodding his head. “No hug or hey friend?” he said as if I was acting out of the ordinary. Ever since me and Hosea, me and Litto hadn’t indulged in conversation. When he found out I had been in Vegas all that time with Hosea, he started to get jealous. The fact that we weren’t together nor was there any talk about him having interest in me until he found out I was seeing someone new.

  “I’m aware. But I’m not sure on why you´re here...at my home. When you live in the DR.” I expressed, not liking the vibe. Litto was never this overbearing, and this side of him, I never saw. For him to show up at my home, it made seeing him uncomfortable.

  “Can we go inside? I have been calling you and you haven’t returned any of my calls.” he said, sending an eerie feeling through my body. My mind instantly went to the weird calls and text messages I had been receiving lately. Not wanting to seem crazy, I kept my mind shut off on who it could be. The details of the text had me believing Chaunce was alive, but now...maybe it was Litto toying with me all along.

  “It’s two in the morning. I don’t think-Litto why are you here?” I asked, easing my hand back to my door handle to shut it. Looking at the BMW i8 that was identical to Chaunce’s, I was confused on everything that was happening.

  “Get out of the car and talk to me.” he said grabbing my door, preventing me from shutting it. Looking from side to side, I made sure he had the right bitch.

  “Litto! Fuck is you on?” I said snapping the hell out. “Let my damn door go and LEAVE!!”

  “Damn, that nigga got you treating me like that? Before him, you were down with the shits.” He said in a cocky manner.

  “Whatever you thought was going on, I’m telling you now, you got it wrong.” I said knowing he had the wrong impression.

  “I think I got it right. You just getting cold feet. Get out the car. I don’t want to talk to you like this.” he said in such an odd manner. I knew well not to get out of the car. When he charged in my direction, I went for my gun that was loaded.

  “No, bitch, I got it right. You been after me. It was you this whole entire time!!”

  Miani

  “I’m proud of you.” I said walking out of Easton´s school, carrying his backpack. We had just left from his parent teacher conference, and he had received an honor roll certificate. I knew the divorce and the following changes took its toll. I was pleased he didn’t fall behind in school and was even at the top of his class.

  “Thanks mom.” he said, looking up at me. Pulling him near as we neared the rental car, that I would have until the dealership gave me my call to pick up my Jeep. I stopped in my tracks, as I witnessed Ralph standing at the rear of the car.

  “Miani...Easton.” he said in a desperate tone. He took his time looking over at my son, and a smile came about.

  “Why are you popping up at my son’s school?” I asked him, not knowing why he was still even trying at this point. His blow up in court was enough to let me know where he stood. Wasn’t shit to be confronting me about. My son was none of his concern. I was done letting him play on my intelligence. My son wasn’t some pawn and wasn’t going to be used to get back at me.

  “To talk. I really need to talk to you.” he said holding his hands together, and something I read in his eyes revealed some pain. Knowing I had been in his shoes before, I still asked him to leave us be.

  “You want help from the ghetto bitch?” I asked, putting my hand on my hip. “How can I possibly help you, Ralph. You right. You need someone to talk to, but it’s not me.” I said pointing at him and keeping Easton close.

  “I don’t deserve your forgiveness. Yours or Easton´s.” he said shaking his head like he couldn’t believe his own damn words. “But I just need ten minutes to talk to you. Then, I’ll be gone. I won’t bother you anymore.”

  “First, step from my car.” I said knowing he could play tricks well, but I was packing today if he came silly at me. Starting my car up, Easton got in as I locked him in.

  “Mom.” he said looking at me.

  “It’ll be quick. Five minutes.” I said knowing Ralph wasn’t about to be granted even ten minutes.

  “Thank you. Firstly, how have you all been?” Ralph finally addressed in a deep sigh.

  “Oh, we’re great. Doing just fine.” I answered. “You might want to get to speaking on what your hurr for…”

  “I know this may catch you off guard, but I need a loan.” he asked. “I know you received the lump sum and the monthly deposits. You didn’t know, but my father passed right before our divorce finalized. I own the company fully and became CEO. What I didn’t know was the company was on the last leg. The divorce broke me, and I just need something to-”

  “To what?” I laughed, right in his face. “To help you? Help your family that treated me like shit? Get the fuck out my face.” I hissed, mad I even gave him my time to begin with.

  “After all I did for you?! You´re going to turn your back on the one company that took care of you and yours? And just run off with the fortune.” he said growing angry. “What has gotten into you?”

  “A woman who no longer needs validation from any man. I learned from the best. You! I gave you all I had once before. I wouldn’t dare give up the woman I fought to be, only to come to your helping hand...Now me and my son have reservations that we can’t be late. Sorry I couldn’t be of service to you, Ralph.” I said leaving him where he stood.

  Driving off, Easton reached his hand over the middle console, and we just held hands. We went to have lunch downtown, then I decided to pop up on Obasi. I already knew he was going to fix his mouth about me driving, but I didn’t care to be escorted every damn where. I appreciated him giving the offer, but I knew he didn’t want to play taxi with me. Pulling up at his house, he wasn’t here, I simply let myself in. I sent Basi a text, and ended up dozing off in his bed waiting for him to get home.

  Hours of me knocked out, I finally woke up. I was still in my clothes from going to Easton´s parent teacher conference. Laying over on my side, I peeped Basi standing in the mirror of the adjoining bathroom placing his Rolex on.

  “Hey baby.” I said, smelling his alluring scent from all the way in the bed.
He was rocking an all-white fit, and definitely going somewhere. He was fresh from head to toe, and his cut was crispy as hell. “Is it really ten?” I said looking down at my phone. Getting up, I bypassed the text messages on my phone, and went to the bathroom to join him. Smiling at how handsome he looked, I didn’t remember him saying he was heading out anywhere. Reaching up on my tippy toes, I gave him kisses on his jaw. When he drew back, I planted my feet back on the ground fully.

  “Did I miss something?” I probed. The redness in his eyes told me he had been smoking which wasn't’ nothing out of the norm for him. “Obasi?” I said placing my hand on his forearm, and he yanked back from me like I was his enemy. Squinting my eyes up at him, I was lost as hell on what he was even tripping for. All I knew was that I hadn’t done nothing for him to be treating me this way, and the last thing he best believe was he was going out to the club. Normally, I never became pressed on him being out. Seeing his cold demeanor, it made me stand my ground on him talking to me and not continuing with getting dressed.

  “Alright, you getting dressed for nothing then. Cause’ I promise you not leaving until you tell me why you giving me the silent treatment.” I said crossing my arms over. He tried to step around me, but I blocked his way once again. The way his slugs bit down in such an angry manner, I was not letting his fine ass go out this house pissed at me.

  “Watch out. You can’t keep me in the house.” he said looking down at me like I was not a threat to him. “I’m going out. You do yo shit. Don’t sweat me, ma.” he said throwing his shoulders at me.

  “What do I do?” I said tilting my head.

  “I’ll give you the world. You love them pussy nigga’s though.” he said with a scowl on his face, and that shit hit me hard because the lie within his words.

  “I love you.” I said pointing in his face.

  “You want to believe that shit don’t you?” he said with his eyes damn near shut as he stepped in my face even closer. “Leave it alone. I’m telling you what’s best.” he warned.

  “No! Why?” Seeing how serious he was, and at this point, I threw my hands up.

  “Ralph...it’s about today, huh?”

  “You know what the fuck you got going on. And now I do.” He shrugged off.

  “Ralph came to the school. I didn’t invite him.” I vented. “He just showed up...I don’t know how.”

  “Oh, you know how. Same conference I was supposed to take you to, this nigga show up like he the daddy of the year. Nah, I ain’t going for that shit. You shouldn’t have even been in his company. He shitted on you, and Easton! Fuck type of sense do it make for you to even let him step to you??! You can’t be that damn mindless, Miani!” he barked.

  “He wasn't invited! The conference was OVER WITH! Me and Easton came outside to him waiting at the car. The conversation lasted for five fucking minutes!!” I screamed, hating I even had these tears in my eyes. “I don’t know how he knew. Easton been going to that school since kindergarten. So, he probably got the information that way, but it didn’t come from me!”

  “You should have handled that shit differently. We ain’t got shit to go back and forth about.” he said picking me up to move me aside. Pushing him back for trying to leave, I got even more pissed that he didn’t budge. He simply kept walking, and I grabbed a hold of his shirt, ripping it. “MIANI!!! I’M LEAVING!!”

  “NO!” I shouted back. “You not!”

  “Mane, you can holler at yourself.” he said snatching his jacket off and then the ripped shirt. He went to the closet to find another shirt, and I went right behind him trying to stop him from getting another one off the hanger.

  “You don’t know what it feels like as a woman to know you did everything right in a marriage and it crumbles to the ground right before your eyes. For a man you gave your all to shit on you and your child... I never took the shit out on you other than taking things slow. I could have been real bitter. I could have fed you lies and gave you the pussy knowing I was harboring a heart full of hurt. I don’t deserve closure to you? I’m wrong for being a strong enough woman to finally know self-worth?” I asked him with tears threatening to fall. I was tired of fighting for understanding. I was sick and fucking tired!!

  “You deserve him. Maybe y’all can work y’all shit on out after all since his presence means that much to you. Fuck out my face.” he hissed, and I felt myself crushing.

  My vision went blurry, but the slamming of the front door got me right together. Wiping my face, I grabbed my phone and keys up. Dialing Dice, I received no answer. Going to my last result, I called on Aja. I told her how me and Basi got into a fight. She welcomed me to bring Easton, and I took him right over. She let me know to not try to come back for him tonight and just come in the morning. She was hoping things were good by then, but I didn’t know what the hell I was even getting into tonight.

  Driving on the midnight road, I was growing in hurt and anger. Pulling up at the club, I was mad as hell Obasi even brought his funky ass here. Knowing Tiesha worked here, I knew I would see straight red if he was even close to that bitch.

  Paying the cover fee, I was granted entrance even though I wasn’t dressed the part. Not giving one fuck, I stormed around the club until I found the private section Obasi´s podna’s were in. They all froze up when they saw me coming, and even tried to ignore my presence. I walked up knocking the red rope right the fuck over.

  “Where he at?” I said knowing they knew. Laughing lightly, I grew serious as hell snatching bottles from their lips demanding their attention.

  “Damn, Miani! What’s the deal?” William said, mad I caused him to spill his liquor.

  “Somebody better get to telling me where the fuck my nigga at or we can turn this shit all the way up!” I smartly snapped.

  “Bro not even-”

  Just when he was coming with the lies, I put my hand up for him to stop fucking talking. Walking towards the stairs that lead to the private sections, I stormed in the direction seeing the backside of Obasi being led by Tiesha. She was dressed as if she was ready to put on a show. She was all smiles guiding him by the hand. I was on their ass and pushed through the heavy crowd. I could hear William calling for Obasi, but this nigga was so gone off what was about to go down with this bitch, he didn’t hear him. Snatching a bottle up from someone else´s table, I was ready to crack this nigga head for even trying me. It was another bitch approaching them that clearly didn’t see me in rage. She stopped them whispering in his ear, and I was glad I heard her asking could she join him and Tiesha.

  “AHT AHTTT!!!!!” I smartly said, smacking the first bitch that had her hands on Obasi. “Don’t even try it bitch!” I said, and the girls looked at me first. Sad thing was, I wasn´t even talking to them. Basi´s eyes squinted back at me.

  “YEAH! I’M FUCKING TALKING TO YOU!” I yelled. Pointing my finger into his forehead, I was beyond livid. “I said let’s fucking go!

  “What you mean?” he said with his lip curled in the corner.

  “Nah, you meant for me. So, tell these hoes you going home! To your family.” I ordered, and we stood in a stare off. With my heart racing, I was officially done being quiet about my feelings being played on. On my soul I wasn’t going for what I felt for this man to mean nothing.

  Hosea

  “What we owe the visit of Hosea Juelz?” the valet asked, as I stepped from my Bugatti. Handing him a crisp bill, he happily ended the short conversation he started up just to gain my attention to get a tip to begin with. Walking through the casino, everything was running smoothly. Still taking my role here serious, I made sure my staff was on point.

  From there, I got my usual seat at the poker table upstairs. Taking over the table, I got down in the game while enjoying a cigar with a few business partners for the night. Laughing and chopping it up with them, I received a tap on my shoulder that I had a call.

  “I’ll take it after this game.” I replied, taking my attention back to the game. It was another twenty minutes when I was being
interrupted again, and the shit irritated me more than anything.

  “You are wanted for the meeting at this time Mr. Juelz.” I was told. Looking back, I could see the new possible business partner waiting at the door. Taking in his demeanor, I could tell everything about him screamed geek. Laughing almost, I knew not to underestimate him one bit.

  “I’ll be with him shortly.” I waved off, not caring that I had him waiting.

  He came to me short notice, and I was far from in need of anything in my business. Eventually, the poker match ended, and I was sitting face to face with Ralph Francis. Obasi had told me he was Miani’s ex-husband, so I was more than curious in what this white collar wanted with me. There was already bad blood for how he got Aci pregnant, and deprived her of her rights of an abortion, so the dislike was there. Sitting before him, it was something about the desperation in his eyes that made me want to make him pay for his sins besides death.

  “What brings you to the table? Because we both know this ain’t even yo lane.” I said, taking a pull from the cigar.

  “Money.” he said, and I knew that would bring any man to his knees, and having him on his last result.

  “How much?”

  “2.5 Billion.” he said, and I almost wanted to laugh. “I have the most elite jets in the nation. I can give you full access to the aircrafts, for exchange of money to dig my family business out of the dirt. I’m sure CNN is waiting to broadcast that we are going broke, and I’m simply trying to put an end to it all before I lose it all.”

  “Why should I trust you?” I asked, knowing he could have more problems than going broke. One thing for sure, I moved more artillery than any cartel. If I decided to trust Ralph, I would be vouching to the cartels that their shipments wouldn’t have the FBI waiting at the ports to arrest them.

  “Because just like I have no other options, who has a fleet of armed jets to get these shipments off faster than ever before? That’s more money for you and I...Money never hurt nobody.” he said selling me his best pitch.