by Lexi Reign
"You always got yo titties or yo ass out," Lorenzo said rolling his eyes. I laughed. She was pretty, though.
Yesterday, I noticed the tension between CJ and Lauryn. I know Lorenzo sees it. But Lauryn is cute today. She has on a golden yellow long sleeve crop top with jeans.
"Come on, the food almost ready," she said as we walked onto the patio.
We greeted everyone and then I sat by Lauryn. CJ and Lorenzo disappeared with the guys.
"Where's CJ's girlfriend," she asked.
"At the condo. He said she's sick" I said as I watched everyone. They had their family shirts on and everyone was sitting at the tables. Music was playing, the grill was smoking, and the wind felt good.
"Did your husband make it?" I asked. She looked down.
"Girl, no. He said he's on his way, though" she said.
"How long y'all have been together," I asked.
"We've been together for 3 years and married for 2," she said.
"Are you happy?" I asked.
"Sometimes, yea," she said, forcing a smile on her face. I felt and saw her pain. That's how I was with Andre.
We heard yelling and I saw the guys playing football. CJ was running fast as hell. I'm guessing he scored a touchdown. I laughed and watched as Lauryn didn't keep her eyes off him.
"What's up with that," I asked her. She blushed.
"Girl, nothing," she said.
"It ain't nothing. You can't tell me it's nothing. I see your eyes" I said laughing.
"I am not worried about Calvin's crazy ass. His skinny ass legs" she said making me laugh.
"You cool with Violet ain't it," she asked.
"I mean yea, but it ain't like she's my friend. I normally only hang with her when CJ brings her around. I only am around Lorenzo all the time" I said.
"I feel you. I don't have any friends myself. I am normally with my husband whenever he's around or with Maurice or here with my parents", she said.
"Well, keep this between us. Lorenzo doesn't even know this. CJ and I had sex about 2 years ago" she said. My eyes widened.
"WHAT," I asked.
"Well, when I was in high school, we always had a crush on each other. I never really pursued it and he didn't either. I didn't cause he has always been Lorenzo's best friend and CJ had a lot of hoes. Everybody loved him. All we did back then was hang out and all that shit. But it was like a week before I got married. I remember him and Lorenzo had come down and CJ came on to me hard" she said. I couldn't believe this.
"So Lorenzo didn't know that y'all had a thing back then," I asked. She shook her head.
"Nope, but when he came, he started telling me that he loved me and stuff. And then he said how he always wanted me and how he wanted to know if I felt the same way before I made my life decision. So, he kissed me and it went from there. When I say that was the best sex ever. Girl. It was magical and I ain't had nothing like it since" she said making me laugh.
"You’re laughing, but I am serious. You ever had a magical dick" she asked. I laughed and shook my head no.
"Quit laughing, Nia. I am serious. It was like a glove. His dick fit me perfectly. I was on cloud 9. It was emotion-filled and everything. I told him I loved him and all. And I wasn't lying. But we agreed it was a one time thing and yesterday was my first time seeing him since" she said. My mouth was wide open. I can't believe this.
"What about him," I asked.
"Who? My husband, Kyree" she asked. I nodded.
"I didn't tell him. I just constantly told myself that CJ was a mistake. And I've been unhappy ever since that night with CJ. Kyree doesn't please me right. He's always away on business and he's a manipulating, lying ass man" she said.
"Damn. Well, girl if you aren't happy, then you have to let it go. There's no sense of holding on. Holding on hurts worse. Follow your heart" I said.
"You're right. And I can't follow my heart. Following my heart will only hurt the people I love" she said looking down.
"What is your heart saying," I asked.
"It's screaming CJJJJJJ," she said fanning herself, making me laugh.
"You are stupid," I said.
"Well, at the end of the day, your happiness is what matters," I said to her.
"Okay, Iyanla," she said as we laughed together.
"So since you are giving me advice, what about you? I see the way you and Lorenzo look at each other. The love just bounces off y'all. I feel it" she said, making me smile. I watched Lorenzo as he and CJ started fighting out there.
"They act just like kids," she said as I agreed.
"What is it that's stopping you," she asked. I sighed and shook my head.
"Well let me ask you this. What do you like about him" she asked.
"Girl, Lorenzo is just... I don't know. No words can even describe him. He's an amazing man and I do care about him. He makes me happy. He makes me laugh. I can never stay down long around him. He has my back. He encourages me. He dries my eyes when I'm hurting. He's just always there" I said smiling thinking of him. She smiled at him.
"I can see it all in your face, Nia. You can't let what Andre did to you affect what you can have with Lorenzo. You already can see that he's nothing like him. You have to let yourself be happy. Stop fighting it. You have to take risks and fall in love. My brother is a good man and I've seen him get used and stepped on by so many women. I like you and you are what he deserves. Y'all have been playing for 7 months, come on now" she said.
"Do you love him?" she asked. I smiled.
"Yeah, I do," I said honestly.
"Well, stop being scared. And get that man. Be bold" she said snapping her fingers.
"I will," I said smiling.
"And I don't know what to do," she said rubbing her hands down her face.
"Just take it slow. Live in the moment and just do what you have to do to make Lauryn happy" I said. She smiled and hugged me.
"Lord, where have you been all my life. I'm so glad my brother met you" she said, making me laugh.
"Me too. You're pretty cool" I said to her.
"Lauryn.. where's your mother" I heard a deep voice say from behind us. We turned around.
"Hey daddy," she said hugging an older-looking man who looks just like Lorenzo.
"She's over there by the grill. And daddy, this is Lorenzo's friend, Nia. Nia, this is our dad, Larenz" she said as he looked down at me.
I smiled at him and he smiled back. Damn, he's as fine as Lorenzo. I can see where Lorenzo got his eyes.
"Nice to meet you beautiful. And friend? Is my son crazy" he asked, shaking my hand while making me laugh.
"He hasn't brought a girl over in years so I'm sure he's working on locking you up. He'd be a fool not to" he said smiling as he walked towards the grill.
They started taking the food out and I grabbed a plate for me and Lorenzo. Lauryn and I stood in line and fixed our plates.
"Let's go around the front on the swings," she said as we headed to the front porch. They had 2 porch swings. Lorenzo and CJ came around with two Hennessy bottles. I swear that's all they crazy asses do.
Lorenzo stood in front of me and motioned for me to come sit next to him on the other swing. I stood up and followed him to the other swing so CJ and Lauryn could sit together. I handed Lorenzo his plate.
"Thanks, ma," he said.
"You good," he asked me. I smiled.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I said to him as I took a bite of my food. I could feel his eyes on me. That little pep talk Lauryn gave me plus this Hennessy, got me on 100 right now. Tonight might be the night.
We all finished our food and just enjoyed the breeze and each other's company. We started drinking and all just laughed at each other.
Chapter 14: Family Reunion (Part 2)
Lorenzo's POV
July 5th
7:15 pm
Right now, CJ, Maurice, and I just got back in the crib from smoking. We watched Kyree as he walked in. He took his suitcases upstairs and came back down. I sat in between Maurice and CJ. Mau
rice was on my left and CJ was on my right.
"Hey baby," he said as he kissed Lauryn's cheek. She was across the room sitting with Nia. Lauryn got up and followed Kyree to the door. Nia was drunk as hell. She was on her phone and just watching everyone.
I could see the worry and hurt all in Lauryn's face. I hate how she has been taking shit from him. I've been knowing from the beginning that he was slick. She ain't never had my blessing with him and she'll never get it. I told my pops not to give his, but shit he did it just to make Lauryn happy. Now, her ass is married to the pussy.
"I ain't never liked his ass," CJ said mugging Kyree. I chuckled.
"You know I don't like his ass either” I said.
"Me either. He ain't nothing but a dirty ass dog" Maurice said.
"And he stays going on these business trips. He goes too often. Don't nobody have that much business unless it's with a woman" Maurice said. I shook my head. Lauryn is too damn smart and pretty to be taking shit from Kyree. I'm sure she knows and can see that he's cheating. Hell, I see it.
"Damn for real? She deserves better" CJ said.
I looked at him and I could tell he had a thing for Lauryn. I have been knowing that since we were in high school. I ain't never said nothing about it cause it really ain't got shit to do with me. And if they ever try some, I wouldn't really have a problem with it. Yea, Lauryn my sister and CJ my boy. I want the best for them both. And if that means with each other, then so be it.
"Every time I try to talk to Lauryn, she gets mad. She only does that shit when she knows it's true" Maurice said.
I listened to CJ and Maurice as I continued watching Nia. Her eyes were nearly closed, but she was beautiful as hell to me. If only she knew how much I cared about her ass. Ain't no other man gone ever feel for her and do her as I can. I know her like the back of my hand.
I saw Lucky walk over towards her. She smiled at him and then he sat next to her. I could feel my blood boil.
"You mad ain't it," Maurice asked laughing. I punched his ass.
"Ouch, Lorenzo. And you know how Lucky is. You know not to bring no female around his ass unclaimed" he said. I laughed at him because he's such a pussy, but he's my brother, though. I wouldn't trade his pussy ass for anything in this world.
My eyes followed Nia and Lucky's every move. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. I watched as Lucky grabbed her hand, and she wasn't doing shit to stop it either. I can't get mad cause I got Tia, but Lucky my cousin, though.
"Yeah, he ain't shit but a slick," CJ said as he sized up Lucky. I chuckled.
"You ain't lying," I said agreeing with him.
I guess Lucky felt me staring and he looked at me. He smirked and winked at me. I could punch his ass in the face. No lie, he looks just like me but he ain't got shit on me. It's only one Lorenzo. He looks more like me than Maurice does, but Maurice and I got the same colored eyes. Lauryn took off my moms and got her dark brown eyes. Nia followed Lucky's eyes and smiled at me. She said something to him and Lucky laughed. But within a few minutes, he got up and walked away. Nia walked towards me.
"What Lorenzo," she asked. I shook my head.
"Nothing, I see you enjoying talking to my cousin," I said to her. She rolled her eyes at me. I drank the rest of the liquor I had. We all about fucked up.
"Don't start with me, Lorenzo" she said. I can't even hold my peace no more.
"Man, I'm not trying to start with you. I just don't like the shit that I see" I said glaring at her.
"It's not even like that, Lorenzo. He's the one that keeps talking to me. I'm only trying to be nice" she said to me. I could tell she was getting pissed off.
"I'm so sick of y'all already," Maurice said, making me laugh.
"Imagine how I feel. I've been dealing with this shit for the longest. All they do is argue and fight their love" CJ said, making me laugh.
"Fuck you. And I know you ain't talking. What about you and V-" I started to say as he cut me off.
"Fuck her. Let her stay where she is. If you call her name too many times, she'll pop up" he said looking around as he swallowed the rest of the liquor he had. Nia laughed.
"What if I go say some to homeboy," CJ said as I followed his eyes. Lauryn and Kyree were arguing. He grabbed Lauryn's arm and she snatched away from him.
"For what CJ? It's not going to change anything" Nia said to him. He frowned his face at her.
"Did I ask you, Nia? Worry about my boy" CJ said to her. I slapped his head. Nia flicked him off.
"What are you hitting me for? I'm trying to help you out" CJ said as he stood up putting his fist up.
"Man, don't talk to her like that," I said. He threw his hands up.
"Fight me then pussy boy," he said to me. I slapped his ass and he sat down.
"Nia knows I'm playing anyways," he said as he rolled his eyes. I looked at Nia and she shook her head at him laughing.
"You still don't need to go in his face," Nia said as she squeezed in between me and CJ.
"Man, gone," CJ said, pushing her on me. Nia pushed him back. I chuckled.
"Lo, get your girl" CJ warned as I pulled her into me. I watched as Kyree grabbed on Lauryn again.
"Let him try one more thing and I'm going in his shit," Maurice said as he watched closely. I'm not getting in shit. The last time I intervened with Lauryn and Kyree, she ended up getting mad at me for taking her side when I clearly saw his ass fucking up.
"Y'all let's eat" I heard my mama say as we all headed to the table. So far, everyone was slowly leaving. It was only me, Nia, my pops, my moms, Lauryn, Maurice, and CJ.
"Where's Lucky," I asked.
"He's helping Amber get home," my mama said, making me laugh.
"If you weren't such an asshole like your father, towards her, then maybe you could've taken her home," my mama said, making me look at her like she's crazy.
"Mama, I'm here with Nia. That would be disrespectful as hell to leave her to take Amber home when she got here on her own" I said to my mama. She frowned at me. I honestly don't know what's wrong with my mama. I think she’s missing a few screws and that's where Lauryn gets it from.
"Jacqueline, leave Lorenzo alone," my pops said as we sat down. Lauryn poured everyone a shot of Hennessy.
"Let me get some more," I said as my pops chuckled. Lauryn poured me some more and I sat at the table. We all passed the dishes around so we could get what we wanted. I loaded my plate up with greens, cornbread, fried chicken, chicken spaghetti, and caramel cake.
CJ started to laugh.
"What's funny, Calvin," my mama asked him.
"N-Nothing Ms. Jackie. It's just.. um, it's too quiet. All you hear is forks hitting plates and people chewing" he said making me, Lauryn, and Nia laugh.
"Where's Kyree," my mama asked. Lauryn cut her eyes at my mama.
"Mama, I don't know. You act like I keep that man on a leash. He's upstairs I guess" Lauryn said.
"You need to," my mama said. I chuckled.
"No, he needs to have me on a leash. I'm the prize, not him" Lauryn said.
"And you," my mama said looking at Maurice.
"Don't start, Jacqueline" my pops said sternly to her. She rolled her eyes at him.
"What about me? Honey, I'm ready for it" Maurice said rolling his neck at mama. She just stared at him with her mouth wide open.
"I'm so tired of lying to everyone about what you're doing. You don't even know what you're doing. Be more like your sister or Lorenzo" my mama spat at him.
She's been doing this all our lives. She used to put Lauryn on a pedestal, but when Lauryn married Kyree, it changed. My mama started being on my team. I looked at Maurice and I could see the hurt on his face. He swallowed the rest of his liquor.
"Well don't lie then, mama. Tell them the truth. Tell them that you have such a disappointing son. Tell them how I do not fit your description of what a good son is just because I like what I like. I'm so tired of trying with you. I've been doing this all my life and I'm done. I just can't. Because you
don't care. All you care about is what people think and your image." Maurice said as he stood up. My mama shook her head. He grabbed his bag.
"Sit down, Maurice," my pops said to him.
"Daddy, I'm about to go. I can't do this with her" Maurice said.
"SIT DOWN, MAURICE" my pops yelled as Maurice sat down.
"She is still your mother," my pops said.