by Deja King
“I don’t want to hear about the bad. Maybe I forgot for a reason.”
“You need to hear it. If we gon’ move forward, I want you to understand who I am.”
“I do know who you are and I love you, regardless. So, I don’t think you’re cold, but you think you are. Does it matter?”
“It does matter, because I am cold. That’s what makes me so good at what I do. You need to know the type of man you’re proclaiming your love for.”
“Would you stop saying that. I do know!”
“You don’t know shit! Do you know that I shot you and tried to kill you? You lived, but the baby you were carrying, Supreme’s baby, who was supposed to be your first born child, died, because of me.”
“You’re lying.”
“No, I’m not. So, again, nah, I ain’t mourning over trife trash, like Tori. ‘Cause as much as I loved you, when you crossed me, I was ready for you to die, so you know I ain’t losing no sleep over a parasite like Tori.”
“What did I do that was so horrible you wanted me dead?”
“You stole money from me, fucked my best friend, and set me up to spend the rest of my life in prison. All because you found out I cheated on you wit’ some bum chick that I didn’t give a fuck about.”
“I see. We must’ve forgiven one another, because we share a daughter together.”
“We did. But the point is…”
“There is no point,” I said, interrupting Nico.
“We can stand here and rehash the past, because I’m sure we’ve both done a lot of horrible things to each other, or we can focus on now. I don’t have blinders on. I know you’re flawed, so am I. It doesn’t matter though, because I need you and you need me, too.”
“You’re right, I do need you, but I want you to fully comprehend what comes with me…with us.”
“I do. It’s called unconditional love.”
I held Nico and if I had my way, I would never let him go. Through a tragedy we found our way back to each other and I loved him now more than ever.
Aaliyah
“I wasn’t expecting to see you today,” I said, letting Amir in.
“I came over to invite you to my birthday party.”
“You could’ve called. It’s okay to admit you’re checking up on me. By the way, I saw your hired help patrolling the outside of my building.”
“Somebody needs to watch over you.”
“Well, you can take them off duty. I’m headed to Miami.”
“Is that right.”
“Yep. I need to get back to business and I miss my boyfriend, but I won’t be gone that long. When is your birthday party?”
“Next Saturday.”
“Good, I’ll be back in time.”
“Here’s your invite,” Amir said, handing me a black and gold tri-fold invitation.
“Impressive.” The outside was covered with black silk and crystals, with gold embroidery. The inside was drenched in gold, with a black foil monogram at the top and beautiful swirl and crest details. A stunning crystal buckle adorned the back, for added elegance.
“Latreese designed it. She thought I should go all out and have a huge birthday bash, very upscale.”
“I’m looking forward to attending. It’s always fun to have an excuse to dress up in fab clothes.”
“There’s something else I also wanted to talk to you about.”
“Come back to my bedroom and tell me while I’m packing. So, what’s up?” I said unzipping my roller bag.
“It’s regarding the tap on Emory’s phone.”
“He didn’t find out about that, did he?”
“No.”
“Then what…you’re not still tapping his phone, are you?” Amir stood silent with a stupid look on his face. “Why would you keep tapping his phone? After he was cleared in my mother’s shooting that was supposed to be the end of it. I don’t like Emory, but everybody deserves some privacy.”
“I kept it going a little longer. I wanted to make sure we didn’t miss anything.”
“You full of shit liar. You kept tabs on Emory for your own self gain. That’s pretty foul.”
“I think it’s foul Emory is cutting side deals and not including you, or his brother.” I stopped folding the jeans I was about to put in my luggage and stared at Amir.
“Side deals?”
“Yes. Seems that the millions you all are bringing in aren’t enough for him. You want to be partners with somebody like that?”
“I’ve never trusted Emory. Our relationship isn’t based on trust, it’s about money.”
“Yeah, some of the money he’s conveniently keeping to himself.”
“Amir, this doesn’t change the fact that you’re continuing to listen to his phones calls.”
“I’ve already shut it down. We’re done listening to Emory’s calls, but I thought you should know what he was up to.”
“If you’re expecting a thank you from me, forget it.”
“So, you’re mad, I get it. I hope you’ll be over it by next weekend.”
“I’m still coming to your stupid party,” I said, tossing a pillow at Amir’s head.
“Aaliyah, are you here?” I heard my mom calling out.
“Yes, here I come. Aren’t I popular today,” I said, going out in the hallway to see my mother. “This is a pleasant surprise,” I smiled, hugging my mom. “What brings you to the city?”
“I just wanted to spend some time with my baby girl. Amir, I didn’t know you were here.”
“I was about to leave. I came to drop off Aaliyah’s invitation to my birthday party. I hope you and Nico are coming.”
“Yes, we will be there.”
“Good. Aaliyah, you have a safe trip. I’ll talk to you when you get back.”
“Okay, I’ll call you…bye.”
“I had no idea you were going out of town. Where you headed?”
“Miami. Come on, let’s sit down. I can finish packing later. I have some time before I need to leave to catch my flight.”
“You’re off to see your boyfriend, the one I haven’t met yet.”
“Since you got out of the hospital, it’s been nonstop drama. Meeting Dale isn’t a priority, you getting better is.”
“I am better. I’ve been better for weeks now.”
“Are you starting to remember anything new, about us, our family?”
“No, but your father has been cluing me in.”
“What has he told you?”
“He told me about the time he shot me and I almost died, losing the baby I was having with Supreme.”
“Daddy shot you?”
“Oh gosh, I figured you knew, Aaliyah. It was so many years ago, before you were even born. I’m sorry,” my mom said, putting her hand over her mouth, as if wishing she could take back what she said.
“That must’ve been what Supreme was talking about, after you got shot and he said he had been through this before. My family is something else,” I sulked. I stood up, so I could go to the kitchen. I had to pour myself a glass of wine. “I need a drink. Can I get you one, too?”
“Sure. Aaliyah, I didn’t mean to upset you,” I heard my mom say, while I was reaching for the wine glasses. That was the last thing I was expecting my mother to tell me. Some secrets were better left untold.
“How do you feel about rekindling your relationship with Nico, after finding that out?” I asked, handing my mother her wine.
“It doesn’t change my feelings. We’ve become even closer.”
“I’m not even going to pretend to understand that type of love.”
“Is that a photo album?” my mom questioned, reaching on the table to pick it up.
“Yeah. I was going through it the other day.”
“These are pictures of my wedding to Supreme.”
“Aren’t they beautiful? You were a gorgeous bride and you still look exactly the same. How crazy is that.”
“I seem so happy in these pictures.”
“You always looked happy when you were with Supreme. You all did have some tough times, but the love was undeniable, and when you were pregnant with Xavier, daddy gave you the world. He went out of his way to spoil me, too, because he didn’t want me to feel left out. He is such an amazing man and father.”
“I know this must be hard for you. Seeing all these pictures with us as a family, we were happy.”
“I would give anything for you to remember. These are some of the best memories of my life and I should be sharing them with you.”
“I know, but I’m alive and here with you, now. Maybe I’ll get my memory back, maybe I won’t, but it won’t change the love I have for you and Xavier. Your little brother is so special. I’m grateful to be blessed with two incredible kids.”
I put my head down as sorrow swept over me. I didn’t want to let go of the mother I knew before, but in a lot of ways she was gone. This was a new Precious Cummings, and I had to start accepting that.
“You’re right. I have you now and I love you, so much,” I said, hugging my mother.
“I love you, too. Now, I’ma let you get back to packing, so you can catch your flight. I want to meet this boyfriend of yours very soon.”
“You will…I promise. Where are you off to, now? Are you going to do some shopping while you’re in the city?”
“No, I’m having dinner with your grandfather and Maya.”
“Maya, ahhh, don’t make me vomit.”
“Be nice,” my mom laughed.
“Besides, you and Supreme getting back together, if I could have one wish come true, it would be you remembering how much you detest your sister.”
“If I can forgive Nico for shooting me and killing my unborn child, then I think I should at least attempt to make amends with my sister.”
“When you put it like that, you have a valid point, but be careful. I’m not convinced Maya can be rehabilitated.”
“I’ll keep both eyes open. I love you.” My mother gave me a kiss on the cheek. “Call me when you get to Miami.”
“Will do.”
I loathed Maya, but for my mother’s sake, I wanted her to change. It was apparent my mother had every intention on building a relationship with her sister and with all she had been through, I wanted it to work; but if Maya hurt my mother one more time, I would make it my business to personally blow her brains out.
Precious
I had so much on my mind, as I strolled through the lobby, exiting the apartment building. Instead of looking ahead, I was focused on the marble floor, lost in my thoughts. It wasn’t until I bumped into someone, that I started paying attention.
“I apologize,” I said to a teenager girl, who was on her iPhone. She graciously smiled and waved me off.
“Precious, how are you?” it took me a few seconds to zero in on the well dressed man, but once I did, I instantly recognized him.
“I’m good. How are you, Supreme?”
“Maintaining.”
“I guess you’re here to see Aaliyah.”
“Yes. She told me you were doing very well. You certainly look the part.” I glanced down at my blue knit Alexander McQueen crop top and matching pencil skirt, teamed with some studded Jimmy Choo pumps, as if I didn’t remember what I walked out the house wearing.
“Thank you.”
“How are things progressing with you and Nico?”
Supreme questioning me about Nico caught me off guard. “Are you sure you want to know?”
“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t”
“We’re in a good place.”
“With everything Nico put us through, he’s the one you remember loving. The irony in that.”
“He told me some of the things that happened and in the past.”
“Did he tell you about our baby?”
“Yes, he did.”
“But yet you stay with him. Why am I surprised? You forgave Nico before, why wouldn’t you forgive him again. Maybe the two of you really are meant for each other.”
“Do I hear cynicism in your voice?”
“Maybe you do. I would’ve rather you woke up remembering being in love with Lorenzo, than Nico. There is no love lost between us.”
“I had no control over who I woke up loving.”
“I know this. What makes it so hard is that you almost lost your life trying to save mine. You must’ve truly loved me, even more than I realized. But that no longer matters, because you don’t love me anymore.”
I watched as Supreme headed to the elevator and I remained frozen in my tracks for a few minutes. He was the man I almost died for and he meant nothing to me now. I couldn’t shed a tear for Supreme, even if I wanted to.
* * *
“There’s my girl,” Quentin said, greeting me when I sat down at the table.
“Precious, you look beautiful.”
“Thank you, Maya. You look beautiful, too.”
“My two daughters complimenting each other; this dinner is off to a good start.”
“I told you I wanted to give this a try and I meant it.”
“I’m sure everybody has warned you to stay away from me, so I appreciate you trying. I will admit we have a very rocky history and most of it is all my fault, but I have changed.” Quentin squeezed Maya’s hand, as if confirming her words were the truth.
“From what I can gather, a lot of people made mistakes, including me. I’m on a forgiveness tour and you, Maya, are one of the stops. Unfortunately, there are other people I can’t make things right with.”
“Are you speaking of Supreme?” Quentin asked.
“Yes. I ran into him after visiting Aaliyah. I can’t understand how a man that I loved so much, I now feel absolutely nothing for.”
“I always thought Supreme was your soulmate and that the two of you would find your way back to each other, no matter what. This goes to show you really don’t have control over your destiny.”
“I hate to leave right when things were getting good, but can you ladies excuse me for a moment? I see an associate of mine over at that table I need to speak to. I’ll be back shortly.”
“Who doesn’t daddy know? Everywhere we go, he has to stop and talk to somebody.”
“From what I’ve noticed, Quentin is definitely a people person.”
“He is and I think people love him so much, because he tries to see the best in everybody.”
“Especially his kids.”
“I guess you’re referring to me.”
“It’s no secret that everybody in my life has warned me to stay away from you. No one has had one decent word to say on your behalf, except for Quentin.”
“That’s because our father has taken the time to get to understand me. He knows what I’ve been through and that I’ve changed.”
“Have you really changed or is it all smoke and mirrors? Having Quentin on your side puts you in an excellent position. He yields a lot of power and influence. I would hate for you to be taking advantage of him.”
“Precious, I promise that I’m not. Like I said before, I made a ton of mistakes and there was a period in my life I wasn’t a good person, but that’s all changed. Finally meeting my father and having somebody in my life that genuinely loves me unconditionally has made me want to be a better person. I just hope you give me a chance, so you can see for yourself.”
“I want to believe you, not only for our father’s sake, but for my own.”
Maya reached her hand across the table and placed it on top of mine. “We’re sisters. That’s a special bond and we shouldn’t let anyone come between it.”
“If you are who you claim to be and the change has been made, the
n no one will be able to come between us. For your sake, you better be telling the truth.”
Aaliyah
Being in Miami, if only for a few days, was exactly what I needed to rejuvenate. Lying by the mosaic infinity pool, with underwater seating, this new home Dale bought was definitely the Crown Jewel of Sunset Island. The sun cascaded down on my body, taking my mind to a peaceful place.
“I could stand here and stare at you all day,” Dale said, lusting after me. But I couldn’t blame him. With my skin glistening in this black floral print Fendi monokini, I was ready to lust after myself.
“No need to stare, you can touch…it’s all yours,” I teased, and then took a sip of my mango daiquiri.
“Don’t tempt me. I would love to slip you out of that bathing suit right now.”
“So, what’s stopping you?” I asked, tilting down my sunglasses so I could make direct eye contact with Dale.
“The front gate called to let me know we’re having company.”
“Who? I thought since I was only going to be here for a few days, we were going to relax and just enjoy each other’s company.”
“And we are, but Emory needed to come over and speak to us about some things. He said it wouldn’t take long.”
“Leave it up to your brother to interrupt my mini vacay.”
“You said yourself you also came to handle some business.”
“True, but I thought I would be able to handle it with you. I didn’t think I needed to see Emory in order to do so.”
“Play nice…for me,” Dale said, giving me a kiss. “I promise I’m gonna make sure the next couple of days are perfect.”
“If you put it like that, I guess I can be nice to Emory. Plus, I do owe you. You were so understanding about me accusing you and your brother of putting that hit on my family. Especially, since I turned out to be wrong.”
“To be honest with you, I was more hurt than angry. I want you to trust me.” Before I could respond to Dale, we saw Emory walking up.
“What up brother,” Emory said, as the brothers knocked fist. “Aaliyah, good to see you. How’s your family?”
“Everything is coming along,” I smiled.