I jumped up from my seat, “Brenton! Baby, it’s been forever!” He embraced me in a long overdue hug, and I felt at peace, like nothing was wrong anymore, and there was no reason at all for me to be at the hospital. Brenton’s embrace was stronger than I remembered too. He used to be scrawny and my boobs could kill him. If I could explain how real the glow up was, I would. He had a strong, muscular build, but because I worked in a bar I could tell the beer gut was real.
“I know girl,” he muffled into my hair as the hug lingered. If there were a scent to heaven, it would be Brenton. It felt like all the pain from cramps in my lower abdomen to my headache was gone in that moment.
When we finally let go and sat down with each other, I apologized for not hitting him back up, an honest mistake on my part. He was the best friend anyone could ask for and I screwed him over. He caught me up on how he went to NYU for a year and then transferred to Manhattan College to follow behind a girl he met. They dated for a bit, then she dumped him for someone who she thought would make more money after college. He was down in the dumps and could have used a shoulder to cry on, he explained. It made me blush knowing that I wasn’t there for the friend that was always there for me.
He took a year out of school after that to recollect his thoughts, and regain sanity. He used that year to discover New York and it was more than he could have imagined. He got a lot of opportunities, to be something big, but he knew that his mother was working hard to put him through college for a reason, so he returned to school, finished his business degree and now he’s a freelance manager for starving artists of different professions. He told me that he was back in Newark visiting because his mom was in the hospital. She had been for a few days. I felt bad for Mama ‘Gomery. I felt even worse because I hadn’t been calling her to check up on her.
“I’m sorry,” I replied.
He grabbed my hand and smiled a kind of half smile, “It’s all good baby doll, tell me what’s been going on with you,” he looked at me attentively.
I told him mostly everything that had happened since we had last talked. I even told him about Tracey. I did leave out sleeping with DeVito. It wasn’t important anymore, because it didn’t get me anywhere and outside of the great sex, he was dead to me.
“Chantel Wilson,” the desk clerk called out.
I got up, exchanged numbers with Brenton, and headed to the backroom. I felt so bad all of a sudden when I left him. Like I was leaving a part of me behind.
Chapter 8
“Hello?” Brenton answered.
“Yes, Mr. Montgomery, I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time,” I replied.
“It’s three o clock in the morning, you tell me,”
I smiled into the phone, “Great, I need you to meet me, in about thirty minutes, can you do that?”
“Chantel, what is going on?”
“Sounds good, I will see you there.”
“Chantel Wilson! Chantel! Hello? Daayuumm…” He hung up.
I grinned and threw on some grey sweat pants, a white tank top, and a red, plaid button down shirt. I slid on my red slippers that matched my shirt and a grey beanie over my unruly hair. I shoved everything that had any kind of importance into the only two duffel bags I owned and then threw my clothes into two trash bags. I grabbed my keys and the envelope of money I had saved from under my mattress, then headed out the door, the fresh air smelled great.
I hopped in my car and tossed everything I was carrying in the back of it, then I broke down into tears. I cried for a good thirty minutes, before I cleared my eyes enough to look up to find Brenton hovering over my door. He opened my door, and pulled me out of the car. He hugged me tightly and I fit perfectly into his strong hold. I could not help, but to begin to sob again. He said nothing, he just held me for what seemed like hours, but only turned out to be ten minutes.
“I think I want to go,” I said.
“Okay baby doll,” he grabbed my hand and led me to his huge truck. He opened the door for me and helped me in. He strapped my seatbelt and closed the door. He got into the truck and drove off without saying a word. He drove to the spot where I had planned on meeting him, which was a small diner we used to sneak off too at night in high school. He ordered my favorite meal and him a coffee. I had stopped sobbing, and I was extremely hungry, so I ate and didn’t stop until it was all gone.
Brenton said nothing, the entire time, just sipped at his coffee and stared directly into my eyes.
“Thanks,” I broke into the silence.
He nodded in reply.
I checked the time, it was almost five am.
“I should let you get home.”
“No the hell you should not. You should tell me why my right tittie is wet with Chantears.”
I grinned, but it quickly faded, no Mr. DeVito, I am not on the pill, “Brenton, I’m pregnant.”
There was a long pause, or at least it seemed long.
“Brenton?”
Still nothing.
Brenton called the waitress over and got the check, he paid for my meal, and his coffee, and we left. He drove me straight back to my apartment, again in silence. We sat in the parking lot of my building for a good bit before anyone spoke.
“So is that what your hospital visit was about earlier today?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“I know the dad can’t be the girl, and you didn’t tell me shit about being with a guy. Who is the baby’s father?”
“I don’t know.”
His gaze snapped toward me and burnt holes through my soul, “Chantel Diana Wilson, how the hell do you not know who the father of your baby is? Who did you sleep with?”
I really didn’t want to tell him that I had a one night stand with a billionaire. It was improper and against our best friend code. I knew the only way he would let me rest about it, though, is if I did tell him.
“Andrew DeVito.”
“The CEO that you interviewed with?”
I nodded.
“Fuck Chantel! He never called you back? Now your baby is gonna be a fucking bastard, like you were, like I was?” he was sensitive about that kind of thing, “Why would you put the kid through that same shit? You know how tough it is on these streets. If you were gonna do it, you should have wrapped it up.” He took a deep breath.
“Ok, we’re going to go into this apartment, pack some clothes, and you’re flying out to Florida tonight. He needs to know about his child. You owe him that at least.”
I reached into my pocket and handed him a crumpled note. He turned on the interior lights to read the note.
Ms. Wilson,
It has been a pleasure having you/your family as a resident here for the past 30 years. Due to reasons beyond our control, we are giving you 2 days to get out. If we can help you move, please don’t hesitate to ask in the main office.
We are sorry,
Apartment Management
“Tel, what is this about?” He asked holding the note up.
“I don’t know.”
“Chantel!” He scolded.
“Damn it Brent! I don’t fucking know! I got home from the hospital and it was taped to my damn door. If you wanna bring your happy go lucky ass down to the office and argue this shit,” I snatched the letter from his hands, “then go right ahead.”
The car was silent for a while until he broke in.
“I’m sorry Tel.”
“It’s fine.”
“So where are you going to go?”
“To the bar I guess.”
“Oh hell Nah. Get in your car and follow me. I’m not about to have my girl living out of no damn bar.”
I did as I was told. I had nothing else to do, there was nothing else I could do. I got into my car and we drove off into the night.
Chapter 9
His mom’s apartment was the same as I had remembered. It was cozy, and a little old fashioned. A feeling of relaxation was over the place, it was the perfect home to grow up in.
When we got to the hous
e, Brenton grabbed my bags out of my car and brought them to his bedroom. He put them all at the foot of his bed, and went to run me a hot bubble bath. I soaked in it for a good forty five minutes. It felt amazing on my skin, and it was needed after the long day I had. I got out and through on one of Brenton’s big t-shirts, and some underwear then headed to the kitchen where he was talking on the phone with his mother.
He was perfect, the perfect man, the perfect friend, he had the perfect face, and he was my best friend. My heart swelled watching him walk around in boxers and talk on the phone like he was a little kid again. I checked the time and decided I should sleep, because it was six in the morning. I went to his bedroom and climbed under the covers. In an instant I was fast asleep.
I woke up at two o clock, to a snoring Brenton wrapped around me. I couldn’t wait to find that special guy who would be there to love and cherish me, and cuddle me while I slept. It made me smile knowing that he was there to comfort me when I needed him, but I couldn’t sleep, so I got up and flipped the T.V. on to the news.
What I saw next took my breath away. Rasheed’s mugshot! The news anchors rambled on about how he had been storing fifty kilos in his office. The bar was closed and I had gotten no warning. No one called me or texted me telling me I was out of a job or that my boss had drugs in the office that I used for a safe haven. It’s crazy how someone can be so genuine with you, and so upfront, that you never see the evils that they are hiding within them. I thought about where he could have hidden it, because I could have sworn I had been through every drawer in that office.
I laughed. Pops had a good run for sure. I clicked the television off and drank a glass of water, then I headed back to the bedroom and fell back to sleep.
The next time I woke up Brenton wasn’t there, but I did smell food cooking so I got up to see what it was.
“Ah! There goes my sleeping beauty! You had better hurry and get dressed. Your flight to Florida leaves in two hours.”
“What?! I don’t even have clothes packed!”
“Done,” he pointed to a duffel bag that I didn’t recognize with his spatula.
“What about a hotel?”
“Reserved,” he flipped his pancakes.
“Transportation while I’m there? Money?”
“Baby doll I’ve already done almost everything. What I haven’t done is told that baby’s daddy that he’s that baby’s daddy.”
“So I guess that means you’re not coming with me then, huh?” I sighed.
“Did I help make the baby?” he didn’t wait for a response, “Exactly, now stop wasting time.”
I grinned and headed to the bathroom. I washed up, pulled my hair up into a pineapple, and did my makeup. I pulled on some black leggings and an orange oversized sweater. I slid into my combat boots and let Brenton drive me to the airport.
Chapter 10
Stepping off of the plane at the Miami International Airport was riveting. I took in everything that was Miami, Florida. I was glad to be off of that plane. It was the first time I had ever been on a plane and to be on it alone was kind of scary. I followed signs to grab my suitcase and then called Brenton, because I had no idea where to go.
“You made it!” He yelped.
I giggled, “Yea, I’m here,” I replied with uncertainty.
“Aw cheer up baby doll. Three days and you’ll be back here with me. Now, go outside there’s a guy waiting for you, he’ll be driving you around. He’s also gonna be your bodyguard just in case something happens,” I began to walk toward the door.
“Got it, what does he look like?”
“Hell, a body guard? Shit I don’t know.”
We both laughed.
“I’ll call you when I get to my room.”
“Okay girl, love you.”
“Yea, Love you too Brent. Thanks.”
“No problem baby doll.”
I reached for the door and felt a hand on my arm. I quickly turned around and punched at the face of the man who had grabbed my arm.
“Fuck Chantel!” A familiar voice screeched as he held his face.
I gasped into my hands, “Mr. DeVito, I’m so sorry.”
He laughed and checked his face for blood, “I’ll be okay. What brings you down here?”
“Actually, I came looking to talk to you.”
There was a short pause, “well here I am.”
“I was actually thinking we could sit down somewhere. I’ll be here for three days,” I scribbled my number on a receipt, “Call me.”
“Well, okay then.”
“I’ll see you soon.”
I continued out the door and quickly found my ride. I couldn’t believe I punched him in the face. I guess he kind of deserved it after not calling me back, and then pretending like we never had a thing. I guess that’s how booty calls work though, right? I melted into the back seat of the cooled town car and dozed off as the driver took me to my hotel.
Chapter 11
“Hello?” I questioned. I had just gotten in from the airport and there was a call from a blocked number.
There was no answer.
“Hello?” I let the ‘o’ linger this time.
The other line clicked off and I got the sound of a dial tone in reply.
I was a little shaken up by the whole thing, so I called Brenton.
“What’s up baby doll? You settled?” he answered.
“Nah, I actually just got in.”
“You okay? You sound a little off beat.”
“Yea, it’s just, I got a call from a blocked number just now.”
“What did they say?”
“Nothing.”
He sighed, “I wouldn’t worry about it too much baby doll. You have a big day tomorrow. Get you some sleep and some food. I believe that you are just stressed.”
“Yea,” I replied with uncertainty.
“Really baby doll, it will be okay, I promise,” he assured me.
“Yea Brent, Thanks.”
I heard a woman’s voice call his name.
“Who is that?” I asked. A hint of jealousy fell over me. He was my friend and I should be happy for him.
“Mama came home from the hospital last night.”
I was relieved, “Let her know that I said hey and that I am glad she is feeling better.”
“Yep, I will make it happen sweets. I’m gonna go do that now. You get some rest and eat. Please make sure you eat. I’ll see you soon.”
Then he hung up.
I didn’t eat that much. I wasn’t really feeling it. I drank some juice, showered, and slept the night away. The next morning I woke up and there were no missed calls from Mr. DeVito. I knew there was no other options except to head to his office.
I went to the lobby of the hotel and ate some breakfast. I was starving and it was delicious. I showered and laid in the bed wrapped in a towel for an hour before my peace was interrupted by a phone call.
“Hello?” I answered.
“Yes. Mrs. Wilson?” A woman questioned.
“I’m not married,” I corrected her, “but yes, this is she, who am I speaking with?”
“”Excuse me, Miss. Wilson, my name is Henrietta Jones. I am Andrew DeVito’s secretary. I just wanted to confirm your appointment with him today.”
I hadn’t scheduled any appointments, but it didn’t seem like I was getting in touch with him any other way.
“Oh, yes! What time was that again?” I faked it.
“In about four hours at two o clock.”
“Well okay then, thanks for that reminder.”
“No problem, I will see you soon.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Jones.”
“Thank you, bye now.”
I didn’t know how I had gotten that meeting, but I was not about to screw it up again. I called Brenton.
“Good Morning Beautiful!”
“Did you set up a meeting with Mr. DeVito and not tell me?”
“… GOOD MORNING BEAUTIFUL!”
“Brenton!”
>
“Okay, Okay,” he laughed.
“What am I supposed to do?”
“Maybe you could start by telling him that you’re pregnant with his kid. Just a thought. I gotta go though. Mama has been real needy all damn night.”
I laughed, “Okay then. Text me!”
Chapter 12
I quickly got ready. I wore a champagne colored maxi dress that framed my body well and some khaki sandals. I didn’t have a baby bump yet, but my boobs were perkier and my ass was bigger. I was loving what this baby was doing for my figure. I was ready to confront him. Not necessarily to make him want to communicate with me more, but to make him aware of his kid.
The entire ride there I thought of our kid growing into a beautiful one. I didn’t know the gender yet, but that would come with time. Reality was what I was going to name him. I would name the child reality because he awakened me. Reality hit, when Reality came into this world. He could spend the school year with me and spend summers with his dad. I could even move closer to Florida to make the transition easier. I had cousins who lived in Georgia that I could make arrangements with.
URBAN: What A Thug Wants Page 50