Upside of Love

by Dominique Thomas

  Novah’s home had been transformed into a pink palace for her special day. From the sweet-smelling blush-hued roses to the crepe colored canopy’s in the backyard and the ivory colored décor everything was dreamy. The second you entered into the home you felt the love. The good vibes and Billie couldn’t help but feel slighted.

  She smiled tightly as she carried the gifts for Novah. Normani glanced over at her and bumped her shoulder.

  “Y’all haven’t talked huh?”

  Billie shook her head with her smile dropping from her face, and Normani sucked her teeth.

  “You two will not be the death of me. I can’t believe you didn’t do the baby shower,” Normani said as Billie peered over at her.

  Billie noticed big hickies adorning Normani’s neck as they walked through the home. She touched one and Normani swatted her hand away.

  “I had an allergic reaction,” she said calmly.

  Billie nodded with a smile gracing her pretty face.

  “Right. To dick?”

  Normani held in her smile until she no longer could. They both laughed as Quinn approached them. Quinn wore all white with a pink bow tie. Billie gave her a tight-lipped smile as Quinn grabbed the gifts.

  “Hey! Welcome to the shower. Novah is out back. Because it's cool outside, we got her the heated tent, and she loves it. Can I get you all something to eat or drink?”

  Normani rubbed her stomach while staring at Quinn.

  “I could take both, and I got it,” she said before giving Quinn a big hug.

  Quinn smiled as Normani walked off. She then turned her attention to Billie, and they stared at one another.

  “What about you, Billie?”

  Billie shook her head as she looked at the woman that her best friend couldn’t get enough of. Quinn seemed cool so she wouldn’t hate but damn to be a guest at her BFF’s shower was still fucking with her.

  “I’m okay,” she replied coldly before walking away.

  Billie searched through the house and spoke to various people she knew including mutual friends she shared with Novah. She bumped into Palmer in the kitchen and Palmer pulled her into a hug.

  “Mickey and I was just talking about you earlier. Why didn’t you tell me she call herself dating now?” Palmer asked hugging Billie tightly.

  Billie laughed as she let her go. Palmer was always so sweet to her.

  “It’s a long story, and I’m anxious to see how this will play out. Especially once Easton finds out about it. Have you seen Novah?”

  Palmer nodded while smiling. Like always Palmer was looking beautiful as ever in her ankle length diamond jeans that she’d paired with a white designer half top. Palmer’s blue-black extensions reached her waist in loose waves, and Billie was reminded of why Novah’s cousin fell for the beauty. She was one of a kind. In the past, they’d both been thin, but since having her kids, Palmer had gotten thick on Billie. Billie grinned knowing Palmer’s husband loved the weight gain.

  “You looking mighty thick and I see that body on snap back,” Billie noted.

  Palmer dropped her head and smiled. She looked at Billie as she shook her head.

  “That’s all Quez. You know he loves to feed me food all damn day. Well food and dick but yes, Novah in the back stuffing her face. I know you can’t wait for the baby to get here. And I just love the name. Ariel Monae after Quez’s sister. That means so much to him,” Palmer said with her eyes saddening.

  Billie nodded. She’d known Ariel as well. They’d all hung out together, cried together and had their biggest moments together. Like Novah and Quez she was crushed when Ariel had died in a car crash.

  “Wow, I didn’t know she’d chosen that name. That’s beautiful,” Billie said overcome with emotion at the thought of Quez’s late sister.

  Palmer gave her another hug and pulled her into the backyard that was shielded with a heated tent that covered the entire yard.

  Everything was top notch from the catering, and DJ to the open bar. Billie loved everything about the shower, and with Ariel on her mind and how she’d suddenly passed away, Billie chose to let her anger go. This wasn’t the time or the place to be upset. Novah was finally having her little girl and no matter the circumstances Billie was happy for her friend.

  When the time came for them to discuss their friendship they would. As for now, she would enjoy the moment because tomorrow wasn’t promised.

  “Sit with us!” Palmer said taking Billie over to the large round table.

  Billi nodded. She waved to Palmer’s husband Quez and Novah’s cousin Tarik. Billie had always crushed on Quez and had even slept with him in the past, but that was in their teenage years, and they were more like family now. It was a secret that they would take to their grave because they’d been passed that.

  “You good Billie,” Quez said pulling Palmer onto his lap.

  Billie smiled. Quez had been an unattainable hustler until Palmer stepped into the picture and changed his life for the better. Billie was genuinely happy to see the two together. She loved Palmer and felt that they were perfect for each other. Much like her and Dreux.

  “I’m maintaining. I have to admit I’m feeling better now that I’ve seen Palmer’s fine self,” she said smiling.

  Palmer blushed and blew Billie a kiss. Quez nuzzled Palmer’s neck before looking Billie’s way.

  “Shit you and me both. You know my lady only brings them good vibes with her fine ass,” he said and kissed Palmer’s cheek lovingly.

  “Hey everyone! Thank you all so much for coming. Erin and I wanted to do this for Novah because she means a lot to us. I’ve known her for a few months, and already I love this woman. You are an amazing mother, and I can’t wait to meet baby, Ariel. Let’s get this shower started,” Quinn said, and the DJ began to play some music.

  Billie took a seat and glanced over at Novah. Novah looked angelic in her long-sleeved floral maxi gown that she’d paired a rose headband with. Novah’s makeup was natural and her hair had been curled in loose spiral curls that framed her face. Novah waved Billie over as she sat beside Durand and his group mates.

  Billie waved to her girl before turning her attention back to Palmer and her husband.

  For two hours everyone enjoyed the party as Billie ignored the distance; she felt with her best friend. As the time came to open up the gifts, Billie’s bag was the first gifts Quinn selected.

  Quinn looked Billie’s way as Erin passed Novah the gift.

  “This is from Novah’s best friend, Billie. And it’s a—”

  “Aww Billie,” Novah crooned opening the scrapbook.

  Inside was photos of Billie and Novah from when they were teens to when Novah had her boys. The rest of the scrapbook was left for new memories that baby Ariel would be a part of. New photos that Billie prayed still happened.

  “The card says. “Since the beginning of time, we’ve been stuck to one another like glue. From birthday’s to heartbreaks to new beginnings we’ve seen it all. I can’t wait to witness you bring your baby girl into this world so we can have even more amazing moments. Love your sister for life Billie.” The card also has ten freaking gift cards attached to it. Good looking Billie,” Quinn said, and everyone clapped.

  Billie’s eyes connected with Novah’s and they both smiled at one another.

  “Anytime,” Billie said and winked at her friend.

  Before Quinn could pull out another gift, Novah walked over to Billie. She pulled her into a hug and embraced her tightly.

  “I love the gift,” she murmured, and a few people took pictures of the precious moment including Novah’s mom and Normani.

  Billie rubbed her back tenderly as she smiled for a few more photos.

  Two days later Billie sat inside of the La Buena Vida restaurant. It was Detroit’s newest happening Moroccan eatery, and it was owned by Hayward and Marcos Yaasmin. Because of the owners and the exotic style of the downtown Detroit establishment, it was hard as hell to get a table, but for a man like Cazi DeLoines, it was easy.
/>
  Billie sat next to Cazi’s younger brother Sayeed DeLoines. She’d always heard about how handsome the men were, but the rumors did them no justice. Sayeed was fine as hell with swag to him that she’d never seen before. His vibe was so contagious that she knew if she’d been single, she’d been all over him. However, they were both there for support.

  “What's up with you, Mickey? I gotta admit I didn’t think this moment would happen beautiful. Tell me about yourself,” Cazi insisted staring at Billie’s friend.

  Mickey sat nervously beside Cazi with an impish smile on her beautiful face. For the night she’d worn distressed black jeans that showed off her meaty thighs and thick hips. Her top was black and off the shoulders while her makeup was natural. Her hair was in an array of loose curls thanks to her Bantu set, and she was dripping in diamonds.

  Billie looked sexy as well in her high waisted navy jeans that she paired with a honey colored body suit and clear Yeezy heels that reached her knees. Like always she was being extra as fuck, but it worked for her.

  Billie tugged at her straightened strands while staring at her girl. She knew this was hard for Mickey, but it was needed. She was tired of seeing her friend be alone while her baby daddy frolicked his plain jane ass girl around Detroit.

  “Well I like Beauty and The Beast,” Mickey replied quietly making everyone at the table laugh.

  Sayeed shook his head as he peered over at Billie. Not only were the DeLoines brothers tall with basketball player builds to them they were also heavily inked up. The wording that was tattooed on the men was something Billie had never seen before. She wasn’t even sure what language it was but didn’t want to ask and come off looking dumb.

  “And what about you? What you like?” Sayeed asked pinning Billie to her seat with his oddly colored brown eyes.

  Billie shrugged. She hated staring at the sexy man because he was the type that could make a bitch risk it all. Thankfully, she was loyal, and after her bout, with Malachi, she refused to jeopardize what she had with Dreux. Even if he was moving different. Her love for him wasn’t conditional.

  “I like to read fashion magazines and shop. I especially love spending time with my son,” she replied eyeing Mickey who was starting to warm up to Cazi.

  Sayeed nodded. He stroked the bottom of his beard as he peered at her. Billie stared into his alluring eyes and sighed. They were the strangest shade of brown she’d ever seen.

  “What color is your eyes?” she asked just having to know.

  Sayeed chuckled and showed off his perfect set of white teeth.

  “Shit brown, I guess. I never checked baby,” he said and grabbed his drink.

  Billie nodded. She noted how Sayeed and Cazi hadn’t eaten anything and was slightly confused. Most of the men she knew ate like they had bottomless stomachs.

  “Are you not hungry?”

  Sayeed smiled revealing diamonds on the fangs of his teeth. His tongue swiped across his bottom lip as he eyed Billie.

  “I wasn’t really hungry. I just came through with this nigga to scope out the scene,” he replied with a sly grin.

  “Not to be rude but we ate earlier at our parents’ spot. They always have a big feast on Sunday. That’s not a problem is it?” Cazi asked and touched Mickey’s arm.

  Billie grinned as she watched her girl squirm in her seat.

  “Nah, it's just more food for us,” Billie said as the owners of the establishment walked over to the table.

  Cazi and his brother stood up and dapped up the Yaasmin men. They then sat back down, and Billie smiled at the owners who were also close with Dreux.

  “Where my nigga Dreux at?” Hayward asked peering down at Billie.

  Billie sighed before he turned his attention to Mickey.

  “And Easton? What the fuck going down over here?” Hayward half-joked.

  Cazi shrugged while staring at Mickey. His marmalade hued brown eyes shifted to Hayward, and he smirked as he sat back in his seat. Both Cazi and his brother wore black clothing with sparkling jewelry that showed off their wealth.

  “We all adults and as far as I knew Mickey was single. Billie came along for the free meal and shit,” he said and winked at Billie.

  Billie waved him off as she laughed lightly.

  “We’re just chilling, and I don’t know where Dreux is at. But it was good seeing y’all,” she said quickly dismissing the handsome cousins.

  Hayward and Marcos nodded before walking off. Sayeed turned to Billie and licked his lips.

  “I didn’t know that was your man. I done gambled with that nigga a few times back in the day,” he commented.

  Billie nodded. Dreux loved the casinos and was always hitting for some thousands when he went.

  “Yes, that’s my baby. Maybe we should head out and let them enjoy their date? What you think Mickey?” she asked noticing her girl grow more comfortable with Cazi as the time passed.

  Mickey smiled and gave her a cheeky grin.

  “Yes, were good and thanks again. Sayeed can I trust you to take her home safely? No bullshit?”

  Sayeed nodded with furrowed brows.

  “Please don’t insult my character like that future sis in law. She always good with me. I’ll even let you track our location and shit,” he said making Mickey smile.

  “Yes, I’ma need to do that,” Mickey said staring their way.

  Billie laughed as she stood up. After her situation with Malachi, she didn’t leave things to chance. She didn’t think Sayeed would try anything, but she didn’t know him so, nah she was good on a ride. He was tall hitting 6’5 and weighed at least 220 pounds. She wouldn’t stand a chance against him.

  “I’m good, and Mickey just call me if you need me,” Billie said before walking off.

  “You sure you good? My shit right here,” Sayeed said following her out of the restaurant.

  He pointed to the white Ferrari 458, and she shook her head.

  “No thanks I’m good but thank you for the offer,” she replied.

  Sayeed smirked and gave her one last parting glance before walking over to his expensive ride. Billie headed down the lit-up sidewalk with her Uber app opened. She quickly picked up a willing car and waited five minutes for him to come to her.

  Billie slid into the sedan and smiled at the Uber driver before sitting back. As the car headed to the apartment, she still paid for although her mother wasn’t there, she pondered on if she should tell Dreux. A part of her did then the other part was like fuck it.

  She shrugged and closed her eyes briefly. If he could up and leave at the drop of a dime then surely, he couldn’t be mad with her spending a night in her mothers’ bed. She missed her mom and was feeling extremely lonely at the time — more than anything she needed her mother’s love to lift her spirits.

  Dreux sat in his favorite recliner in his family room with the lights dimmed low. D’usse flowed through his system smoothly as he listened to Anthony Hamilton. He fucked with rap music all day, but whenever he was vexed about his relationship with Billie, he had to turn on his man. Anthony was always speaking that real shit and, in his opinion, speaking up for men. They had feelings too, and at the moment Dreux was all in his feelings.

  On top of learning from three people that Billie had been spotted on a double date with her homegirl Mickey, it was currently 3:50 in the morning and she wasn’t answering her phone or responding to his calls. Despite the bullshit that happened with Malachi he trusted Billie.

  Dreux was regretful with how he handled things and was wishing he could go back in time. Leaving felt right at the moment but now he saw that all it had done was cause a rift between him and his queen. He wanted them to do everything but fight with one another.

  “Damn man,” he grumbled rubbing his soft curls adorning his taper haircut.

  Why must they try to tear down my house when they know it's made from love?

  And they could never stand in my way

  We made a vow to love through it all

  We are one


  And no one has the right to tear my love down

  No matter what the people say, I'm gonna love you anyway

  Dreux shook his head as he tossed back his drink. As he went to pour another glass, Reese stepped into the room. She wore pajamas and a timid smile as she looked his way.

  “Is Billie okay? I tried to call her, and she didn’t answer. I don’t want her to fall back down the wrong path,” she said quietly.

  Dreux frowned at her words. He knew that his lady was doing everything but falling back into drinking. He rubbed his eyes to see her better and sighed.

  “Billie not weak. She’s good. You needed something?”

  Reese cleared her throat as she stood before him.

  “No, I was just checking on Billie. Did you need me to get you anything? I cooked tonight.”

  Dreux shook his head. His thoughts began to swarm at her reply. She wasn’t flirting, but her response was odd as fuck. She didn’t know him, and he didn’t trust her.

  Bitches was slick, and he wasn’t trying to fuck with it.

  “Nah, I’m good ma. You get some rest.”

  Reese nodded with her shoulders sagging. She turned to walk away but stopped. She glanced over at Dreux and smiled shyly.

  “Billie is such a good person. I’m sure whatever the issue is your love for one another will prevail. Have a goodnight Dreux,” she replied and walked away.

  Dreux watched her leave out of the room before chuckling.

  “That lil bitch gone have to get her ass up out of here. Acting like a real-life Carrie and shit. I ain't fucking with it,” he said lowly.

  He poured another drink and an idea popped into his head. He turned on his GPS app and clicked on Billie’s phone. Her location immediately came through, and he sighed with relief. He stood up and brushed off his slight buzz. Dreux grabbed the fob to his Lexus and headed for the door.

  “Hey, you okay?”

  Dreux jumped at the sound of the light voice in the hallway. He glared down at Reese as she held a glass of water.