Star_Lee Johnson_To Be Great Series

by Blue Saffire

  I think Lee saw it. When he and Jamie returned to me he wrapped his arms around me, holding me tightly. He kissed the top of my head, rubbing up and down my arm. He pressed his face to the side of my temple as Jamie talked more about the unit.

  We moved to the next one allowing me to regain my composure. We walked in and I looked up once again to check Lee’s reaction. He smiled again scanning the space.

  “This one will be the service salon and my first official teaching location. Karen is working on the process for me,” I chimed.

  “This place is huge,” Lee crooned.

  “Yup and this is going to be full service. There’s room for a washer and dryer for the towels. Over there will be the nails and in the back there will be a mud room, lashes and brows, full range of wax treatments and I’m looking into bringing in this girl that does stuff like chemical peels. You know?”

  “That’s hot.”

  Lee looked around like he could see everything I explained. Jamie sold her heart out, giving Lee the grand tour and benefits of the location. I just stood, watching him take it all in. I’d even settled into holding onto the baby. It was funny how comfortable I’d gotten so fast.

  Jamie wrapped up with showing Lee the back room and the outdoor loading area. We left out for the next unit, which I was excited to show him. It would be the unit I wanted Lee to consider for his barbershop.

  We walked in and my eyes were glued on him. His eyes were scanning again, as he nodded to himself. I felt like I was busting at the seams. I wanted him to like the place. I wanted to help him get it running. Craig had work for the next year with all the plans I had.

  “This is the unit I was thinking of for you. I thought you could have your chairs on this wall and set up flat screens on this wall. Maybe a few overhead, facing this way for those waiting or you can go with the larger mirrors that will reflect them. There’s a nice office in the back of this suite,” I started.

  “Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. This spot is golden, baby. Man, I’m feeling this.”

  His determination was back. I could see my Lee, the ambitious one. I stood quietly for a minute to let him think and soak it all in.

  “Do you like it?”

  “Yeah, I have mad ideas.”

  His face was so intense. I could see the calculating and planning in his eyes. This was the man I’d first met, the one with a plan for his life and future.

  “I want to put a gym and a clothing store in the other two units. My brother Henry’s wife is launching her line and I think it’s going to take off. We were talking about her doing a boutique. I know I can drive the right traffic here.”

  “I’m with it. I mean I know you just want me to pay for the barbershop, but I want to put in more.” He shrugged his shoulders, turning to look into my eyes. “I want to go in half, if that’s cool with you.”

  “I guess. I mean, if you’re sure you’re ready for that. I was planning to make an offer this week.”

  Taking a small mental step back. I thought about what he was truly asking me. I was okay with starting a business with Lee. I knew he was smart and we totally thought a lot alike when it came to business. I could handle that.

  “I’m ready. I need this right now. I need to get back on track.”

  “Okay, Jamie, do you have the paperwork we were talking about? I would like to show Lee what I am willing to offer.”

  “You know I am always ready for you, girl,” Jamie sang.

  “Okay, let’s go see the last two units and we can talk.”

  My business hat was on now that Lee wanted to get serious about this. I knew it and was used to it. When it came time to get things done, I zone in on the task.

  We looked at the last two units. Lee flipped over the size of the unit for the gym. I could see the excitement coursing through him. It was a great location and we would be able to work the area for maximum traffic and flow.

  We discussed the numbers back outside. Lee was floored by the steal we were getting, the owner was extremely motivated. I still wasn’t going to offer asking price, but I was sure we would close for what I wanted. If I know anything as well as I know hair and salons, it’s real estate and how to strike while the iron is hot.

  We wrapped up with Jamie officially putting the offer on the table. Starting for the cars, I realized I was still holding the baby. He started to get a little heavy as I looked down into his sleeping face, but I didn’t want to disturb his nap by handing him to Lee. When we got to the car, Lee reached for his son hugging him to his chest. I watched as he pressed his face to the baby’s head, staring at me over the wooly locks on top of his son’s crown.

  “Call you later?” Lee asked looking like someone stole his best friend.

  My brows knotted in confusion. I searched his face to figure out what he was thinking. The sadness in his eyes twisted at my heart.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I don’t know when she’s coming back for him. When she does this, she disappears for days or weeks at a time. I want to call you later and talk,” he explained.

  “You’re not coming home?” I almost whispered, disappointment lacing my words.

  “I didn’t think you wanted me there with him. I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “If you’re staying with me he’s welcome in my home. He belongs where you are. He’s yours. I want him there if I want you there. I want you to come home.”

  “Are you sure?” he said with a slight smile pressing at the corners of his mouth.

  “Yes. Let’s get him home.”

  Lee stepped toward me, dipping his head to kiss me. It was a tender kiss. One that spoke of appreciation and care.

  “I love you.”

  I looked into his eyes and there it was. The love that was meant for me, the look that said what I didn’t need words to hear. It was what I always wanted from the man in my life.

  “I love you too.”

  Lee placed the baby in his car seat and strapped him in as I stood watching. When he finished he got in his car and waited for me to get in mine. We were off to my place once I pulled out of the spot. I hoped that Kim and Kenny got some of the stuff put together.

  When we arrived at my house, I pulled in and let Lee park behind me. I noticed Kenny and Kim had parked out front. I rushed out of my car to go help Lee with the baby. He looked so stressed out all over again. I couldn’t help wondering if Rachael had called him with some more mess.

  “Everything okay?” I asked as I reached for the diaper bag.

  “I need to run and get a playpen or something for him to sleep in and some food and stuff,” he thought out loud. “I don’t want to ask you to watch him. I should have just gone before we got here.”

  “Lee, don’t worry about that,” I beamed. “I can run to get him some food.”

  “I can’t ask you to share your bed with both of us.”

  “Lee, it’s me. Let me take care of you. I got this.”

  I couldn’t wait to show him what I’d done. I wanted him to see that I thought of him and his son. I could do this.

  I took him by the hand, leading him into the house. Kim and Kenny sat in the living room opening toys and other things I’d bought. They were placing them all in organizers. It was clear that Kim stopped to do more shopping.

  I looked up at Lee to gauge his reaction. Shock was written all over his face. Baby stuff littered my home covering every surface.

  Understanding registered on Lee’s face, he now knew what I had done, how I’d taken care of him and his son. He turned to look at me. For the first time since I’ve known him I saw tears gather in his eyes. I thought for sure he might cry. I reached up on my toes to kiss him. His hand locked on the back of my neck to hold me tightly as he returned the kiss.

  When he pulled back, my cheeks heated as I looked up at him through my lashes. I was happy to see the stress melt away from his shoulders. Lee tries hard, I hated to see him weighed down when he was trying his best to do the right thing.

&n
bsp; “Your girl held you down,” Kim bubbled as she came over, pushing Lee and I toward the room I’d given to the baby. “I had my brother in here sweating,”

  When we got to the room it was lit with the door opened. I stood in the door amazed myself. They had gotten so much done. I owed Kenny.

  The crib was up, the dressers were in place, the rocking chair was together and in the corner. They had placed little stars on the ceiling and walls. I could see some of the clothes I’d bought folded in a laundry basket and more waiting to be folded. It looked like Kim had washed them all.

  “You did all this for my baby?” Lee choked out.

  “Yeah,” I answered as I turned to look up at him. “I wanted him to have a place to stay. I didn’t have baby things. I was worried.”

  “Yo, baby, you don’t understand what this means to me. Lee has never had a room of his own,” he said with a ton of emotion in his voice. “You did in a day what I couldn’t get Rachael to do in month’s. Lee’s her son. Seriously Crystal, I love you for this. I know how much I hurt you, I didn’t expect this.”

  “Don’t I always take care of you?” I smiled up at him. “Baby, Lee’s a part of you. I have to take care of him too.”

  Lee stood speechless. He cupped my cheek, gazing down at me. After a little while, he leaned to kiss my forehead, pulling me onto a hug. The baby started to rustle between us as Lee held him in his arms. It only took a few seconds for him to wake and start to whimper.

  Kim rushed to Lee’s side, pulling the baby from his arms. She rocked him, cooing at him to quiet him. Lee’s hold on me tightened as soon as the baby was out of his arms. I let him rock me side to side while I peeked at his little one in Kim’s arms.

  His little face was so adorable as he cried. I figured he must have been hungry which reminded me that I needed to go shopping. I needed to get something for Lee to eat as well.

  “I need to run to the store. I got everything but baby food.”

  “I got it. Kim you got little man for me?” he called after her as she headed out of the room.

  “Yeah, I got him. You both can go,” she replied.

  “Thanks Kim,” I chimed and looked up at Lee. “I need to get some things for you too.”

  “Come on, I’ll take you.” He said, a smile on those full gorgeous lips. “I love you, Crystal.”

  “I love you, too.”

  We rode to the grocery store so I could stock the house. I was a little low on everything. I wasn’t expecting anyone at the house and my schedule was always so busy. The grocery store wasn’t a priority. I had no idea what the baby needed, but Lee was great. I watched him place everything little Lee needed into the cart. I took mental notes so I would know for next time. I asked questions so I would know if the baby didn’t like something or had allergies. Lee smiled more and more as I showed continued interest in his son. He eagerly answered all of my questions.

  When it came to Lee I knew everything I needed to know. I filled up the cart with enough food and supplies to last at least two weeks. I thought about seeing if Manny would come back to work for Lee now that he was staying with me. I didn’t mind cooking for Lee, but when Manny was around it was easier on my schedule and the both of us. We both have so much more on our plates now.

  Once at the register, I reached into my bag to pay for the groceries. Lee pushed my bag away and swiped his card. I looked at him to wrinkle my nose at him. He leaned to kiss me on the cheek.

  “And I’m going to need those receipts for the things you bought for little man,” he said with a grin.

  “Sure, I’ll get that right to you,” I teased.

  I’d have to hide my receipt when I got home. Lee has been known for looking for my receipts to try to give me money back or pay my bills for me. I wouldn’t have it this time.

  “Yeah, I see that look. You didn’t have to do that.”

  “Don’t know what you’re talking about. We went through this already, I take care of my man. Nothing else to talk about.”

  He chuckled as we loaded our bags into the cart. It was nice to see him look so happy. This was the most like himself I’d seen him since he showed up to the party.

  When we got back to the house, Kim and Kenny had finished putting away all the baby things. The living room was back to normal, except for the baby swing I had purchased and a few toys Kim used to play with the baby. As soon as the baby saw me enter the house, he reached out his little arms for me. I looked at Lee and he beamed at me. Kenny took the bags I was carrying from my hands. I moved to take the baby from Kim.

  Kenny and Lee went to get the rest of the things from the car. Kim followed me and the baby to the kitchen to unpack the bags and get dinner started for everyone. I unpacked with one arm as I balance the little guy in the other.

  Baby Lee was so adorable. As I moved around unpacking things, he babbled as if having an entire conversation with me. He seemed a bit advanced for his age. If I was correct he should’ve been five months old. His ability to balance himself in my arms and the focused expression of his face as I talked to him was amazing.

  He’d watch me say something, then try out his own his own little sentences. I chuckled listening to him intently as if I could understand his every word. He sucked in a breath and blew it out like a little man that had a long day at work.

  “Okay, little man,” I said. “We need to feed you and your daddy. I think I am going to call you LJ. You like that?”

  He smiled and cooed at my words, bouncing in my embrace. His little chubby cheeks swelling with his smile. I laughed as his little gums came into view.

  “You like it? Good, ‘cause I like that too. LJ, I’m Crystal and this is your daddy’s new home. I want you to know you’re welcome anytime. And your new room will be yours no matter how old you get.”

  I started pulling out pots and pans to get dinner started. Lee came to wrap his arms around me from behind, playing peekaboo with LJ. The baby squealed with excitement, bouncing up and down with a jerky clap of his hands.

  “Little man, you trying to steal my lady,” Lee teased, as the baby got so excited he leaned in to place his mouth to my face, drooling down my cheek.

  “Scared of a little competition,” I jeered.

  Lee laughed reaching to take the baby so I could use both of my hands. I missed LJ’s presence instantly. He giggled in his father’s arms trying to turn to find me.

  I smiled before turning to focus on getting dinner ready. I had large T-bone steaks, cabbage, broccoli, and potatoes. I also wanted to make corn bread, knowing how much Lee likes the way I make it.

  Once I had the onions and potatoes cut and thrown into the pans with the seasoned steaks, I placed them into the oven. Next, I worked on cutting the cabbage to steam it and tossed the broccoli in a pot. I saved the corn bread for last.

  I worked as quickly as I could. I knew everyone had a full day tomorrow. Kim was a great help. She prepared the baby’s food while Lee played with LJ on the couch. I could hear him giggling away.

  “Thank you so much, Kim,” I said as she stood in the kitchen with me. “I really appreciate this.”

  “Girl, please. Lee needs you more than you know. I’m just happy to see him happy.”

  “I’m so annoyed with her, Kim. How is she stressing him so much? I mean if she’s after the money, doesn’t she know if he gets hurt and can’t play then the money is gone?”

  I’d been thinking this over since last night. I didn’t want to talk to Lee about it, but I needed to vent to someone. I mean, it made no sense to me.

  “Crystal, that girl is stupid. She doesn’t care a thing about either of them,” Kim said in a low growl.

  “I don’t want to talk about it,” I sighed.

  I had changed my mind. Her not caring about Lee was one thing, but not caring about that sweet little baby was too much. That LJ was so cute. I wasn’t ready to hear such selfishness.

  “So you remember you have two heads tomorrow,” Kim changed the subject. “I’m going to do Ni
chelle and Tammy’s color and you got their cuts. We’re training two new girls.”

  “I got you. I’ll be in after going to the new place. I have one cut to do in Westchester in the morning, but I’ll be in on time.”

  My words got me to thinking. Lee had practice in the morning. He’d need to get the baby to a sitter.

  “Baby,” I called into the living room. “Do you need me to drop LJ off somewhere in the morning?”

  “Nah Ma, Kim is busy and my mom had plans already. She has some business to handle. I can’t go to practice.”

  I frowned at his words. He’s the quarterback. What was he talking about? From where I stood I could see the sadness on his face. My brows drew in as I worried how often this happened. This was getting more ridiculous by the minute.

  “How often do you miss practice to babysit?” I asked trying to sound calm.

  Kim snorted beside me. The sound sent ice through my veins. I knew Kim and Kenny never left Lee’s life. They just never talked about him to me. They know everything that’s been going on with him.

  “This month four times so far. This will make five. So I’m about to be benched.” He shrugged.

  My heart crumbled. I could see the sag of his shoulders as his own words sank in. He looked broken all over again.

  “Are you kidding me?” I said, throwing down the knife in my hand. “You’re going to practice. I can handle the baby.”

  “Crystal, you’re crazy busy. I can’t ask you to do that.”

  “You’re not asking. I’m telling you. Why are you missing practice? I mean, why haven’t you gotten a nanny? This has to be costing you crazy money. I know you’re being fined left and right.”

  I was fuming. All I could see was red. I wanted to put my hands on someone and that’s not even me.

  “I don’t just want anybody with my son. I haven’t had time to seriously interview all the people I was recommended.”

  I sighed, bracing myself against the sink. I tried to regain my composure. My thoughts raced as I formulated a plan. This made no sense. This time last year, Lee was a star player now he was one practice away from being benched.