by Tosha Damaya
"What's wrong? Did something happen?" she asked quickly.
Sierra sighed. "Calm your ass down. It’s your phone. We've been getting messages all day. That little girl had me rolling. I started texting her ass back just for laughs."
"What did the messages say?"
Sierra grabbed Ethan's phone and started reading the messages.
"Are you kidding me?"
"I'm not. She’s sending them to your contacts.”
Johari rushed across the hall to Destiny's room. She opened the door so hard that it slammed against the wall. Destiny jumped in shocked and dropped Johari's phone on the floor.
Johari was fuming. She literally felt like she was going to explode with anger. "I'm giving you five seconds to run because if I catch you I'm going to beat you like the woman you think you are. One," she started counting.
Destiny got off the bed and moved towards the door.
"Two."
She eased towards Johari and made it to the hallway before Johari snatched her back.
"Three. You really thought I was going to let you go? You really are stupid." Johari pushed Destiny against the door and slapped her. "You have no clue what type of damage you've created." Johari slapped her again and Destiny fell to the ground.
"Jo stop! Stop!" he yelled pulling her back. "She's a child."
"She needs a good ass whooping.”
"Stop!" he yelled again.
Johari took a deep breath. "Okay."
Sean helped Destiny off the floor and observed her busted lip. "What in the hell happened?"
Destiny started to cry. "She attacked me, Daddy.”
Johari rolled her eyes. "That’s not how it started.”
Sean was disgusted with Johari. "Are you serious? She's a child, Jo. You hurt my child."
“She's been nothing but disrespectful since I arrived. She put a snake in my bed, stole my phone and has been sending disgusting messages to my friends and family. She's lucky that I didn't get the chance to do worse."
"Destiny, is that true?" Sean asked.
She sighed. "Yes, it’s true Daddy, but only because I don't think she cares for you. She has another boyfriend and was talking to him last night on the phone. His name is Jonathan."
Sean looked back to Johari. "Is that true? Did you call Jonathan on my phone?"
Johari couldn’t believe Destiny was listening to her call. "Yes, but we're just friends, nothing more. Nothing has happened between us. I promise you that. She had no right to invade my privacy."
Sean felt like he was in a horrible position. He didn't know who to side with. His daughter or his new love? He cared for both, but his daughter was his life, despite her reckless behavior. "It's late. Let's get to bed and forget this happened," he compromised.
“Okay Daddy," Destiny quickly stated. For a second, she thought he was going to punish her.
Sean looked to Johari and expected her to agree. He could tell by the look on her face that it wasn't going to happen.
“You know what, I apologize for hitting you, Destiny. It was out of character. I can promise that it will never happen again, because I refuse to be around you any longer. Sean, I think you're amazing and I hope that you're able to find someone that's able to put up with your daughter. She's the reason you're still single after so many years. She wants to be the only woman in your life."
With that said, Johari picked her cell phone up and went to her room and packed her things. Sean tried to get her to stay, but she wasn't hearing it. She was tired and wanted to go home.
↔
Jonathan came home after spending time with his parents. His parents still owned the farm he and his sisters were raised on, and his father was repairing a broken fence and needed an extra hand. If it didn't get completed tonight, the cattle would've gotten out of the property again.
The fence wasn't completed until the middle of the night, and afterwards Jonathan dragged his exhausted body home. It was a pleasant surprise to see Johari's car in the driveway. She wasn't supposed to be home for a few days. Going inside, he walked towards her bedroom and knocked on the door before walking in. She wasn't there. He was confused until he walked across to his own room and found Johari asleep in his bed.
She was on her side, on the left of the bed with one hand tucked under head. Dark hair cascaded across the pillow. He tried to be quiet when he entered the room, but she heard the door shut behind him and stirred. Her eyes opened, and she looked towards the doorway. It took her a minute to remember that she was in Jonathan's bed.
"You're on my side of the bed."
Johari yawned and stretched her arms. "You don't have a side. You like to be balled up in the center of the bed while holding your pillow."
Jonathan squinted his eyes towards her. "Have you been watching me sleep?"
She shook her head. "I came into your room one morning because I ran out of toothpaste. That poor pillow was being strangled by you."
"I like to cuddle, and my pillow is all I have for now." He walked further into the room and laid on the bed beside her. He was tired and needed to get some rest. "Why are you home, Jo?" He rolled over on his side to face her and noticed that her eyes were puffy and red. "Were you crying?"
"I was earlier." She rubbed her eyes as if would rub away the evidence. "I got into it with Destiny and ended things with Sean," she said with a shrug of her shoulders.
"I'm sure there's more to the story. You can tell me the rest later, if you don't want to talk about it now."
She sighed and contemplated not saying a word about the incident but decided to let it out. There was no point in holding it in. Jonathan didn't say a word and listened to all the drama that led up to the explosive fight and why she left Sean's house.
"I feel below low," she admitted after she finished. "I sunk down to her level, and she got exactly what she wanted. And I didn't expect Sean to take up for me, but I expected him to do something."
"I'm not taking up for him, but you have to know that he was in a tough situation." He wasn't present to witness what happened, but Jo was an honest person, so he knew what she said was true. "But I agree that after everything his daughter pulled she should've been punished." Jonathan removed the hair from her face and tucked it around her ear. His hand lingered at the base of her neck. "I don't like you upset."
"I'm home with you, so I'm good now."
Jonathan felt the warmth fill his body. He wanted to tell her how he felt but held it in. It wasn't the right time. "I would've been here sooner, but Dad needed help on the farm. Why didn't you call me?"
"I thought you were still on your date." She noticed the surprised look his face, so she explained. "I called you and then Sierra; she told me about your date with Avery. I heard she's something to look at."
Was that jealously he sensed? He wasn't sure. "She is. I had a good time with her. She made me realize some things tonight that I've been blind to."
"So, you're seeing her again?"
"Most likely but only as friends. There isn't a romantic connection there," he said honestly.
Johari was pleased to hear that. She was a little selfish when it came to Jonathan. She knew that when the time came, and he got a girlfriend, she would struggle with sharing him.
She yawned again. She was going to attempt going to work tomorrow but decided to stay home instead. Syd wasn't expecting her until later in the week anyway. She was exhausted. "I'm sorry, but I'm too tired to leave your bed. You'll have to suffer tonight."
"That's fine, but when I grab you instead of my pillow I don't want any complaints."
She wasn't planning on it. "Just don't smother me in my sleep."
"I can't promise that my hands won’t wander while I'm asleep."
Johari laughed and grabbed the pillow to hit him with it. "Just keep the touching to a minimum, you perv."
They shared a quick laugh and then she buried herself deeper into the bed and closed her eyes and slowly fell asleep.
Jonathan stayed awake for th
e next few minutes and watched her. He cared for Johari, but he wasn't sure if it was love yet. He wanted to explore his feelings for her before revealing them. He didn't want to ruin the friendship they had established over the last few months. He stroked her cheek once more and placed a kiss to her forehead before falling asleep as well.
Chapter 10
Music was playing through the house as Sierra was setting up the outside bar area. She was excited for tonight's party. Her dad had the chicken and ribs on the grill and the rest of the family was bringing side dishes over.
Ethan wanted to have a formal party, but she axed the idea and convinced him to have something laid back where everyone could just have a good time. She already had a few drinks in her system and was feeling the effects.
She walked back into the house and went to the pantry to grab plates and silverware when she felt familiar hands creep around her waist. She slapped them away.
"No touching for another three weeks."
Ethan groaned. "Baby, I'm allowed to touch you."
She turned from the pantry to face him. "No," she said shaking her head. "I know what you're trying to do, and you can't do that for another three weeks. Doctor's orders." She walked back outside and placed the items on the table. He followed her.
"This isn't fair."
"You wanted him. Don't get mad because your big-headed baby ripped me to shreds," she replied playfully. In all honesty she loved Sammie, just as much as Ethan. Maybe she would have another baby later in life, maybe.
She went back inside the house and Ethan was following her like a little puppy. "You have other openings."
Sierra stopped moving and turned to face him. Oh Hell No. "I'll let you do it, only if I can do it to you."
Ethan shivered. "Never mind."
Sierra laughed. "Yeah, just like I thought. Three weeks Mr. Coleman before you can get the pussy again. I got you some more lotion to help you out.”
Just then Sydney and Zeke came through the front door. "Your son is going to have such a dirty mouth," Sydney chastised. She had overheard the last part of the conversation.
Sierra chuckled. "And he's going to corrupt your son."
Sydney had a sleeping Teddy in her arms and Zeke was following behind her with food. "Where should I put it?" he asked.
Sierra pointed to the patio doors. "Outside."
"There's more in the car," Zeke stated before walking out. Ethan went in the opposite direction to get the rest of the food.
Sydney and Sierra were left inside alone. "Where's Sammie?" Sydney asked.
"Upstairs with Mama. She's watching him during the party."
"That's not right, Sierra."
"Mama wanted to do it, and I wasn't going to argue with her. If that woman wants to spend time with her grandchild I'm going to let her. You should take Teddy to her too and have a good time tonight. I plan on getting loose."
"Are you still breast feeding?"
"Sammie likes the taste of vodka," Sierra said with a straight face.
"Sierra!" Sydney chastised.
Ethan walked back in the house with some food in his hands. "She's bullshitting you, Syd. Sammie has breast milk stored in the fridge and we have formula in the cabinets."
Sierra laughed, but Sydney didn't think it was funny.
Jonathan and Johari were next to arrive. They walked into the house together with more food and drinks. "Hey, party people!" Johari yelled causing a sleeping Teddy to jump. "Oh, I'm sorry," she apologized.
Sydney started bouncing him in her arms and he fell back asleep. "He's okay."
Sierra wasn’t liking the situation. "Give me this baby. I refuse to be quiet tonight," Sierra grabbed Teddy and took him to their mother upstairs.
Zeke came back inside and saw Jonathan and Johari together. He smiled big and was already daydreaming about being on the boat next summer. He walked over and wrapped his arms around them. "How are my two favorite J's?"
"We're great," Jonathan answered for them. He had no complaints about life.
"Same here," Johari agreed.
"Let's take a shot!" Sierra said coming back downstairs.
They went outside, and Sierra handed everyone a shot of Patron.
The group of six held their shots up. "To an unforgettable night!" Sierra stated.
"To an unforgettable night," they agreed before taking their shots.
“E, did you invite Demetrius over?” Zeke asked Ethan. “He needs to be around family.”
Ethan nodded. “I doubt he’s coming. His life is falling apart.”
Nina’s condition worsened, and baby girl Rice was delivered prematurely. Demetrius was happy to meet his daughter but later found out there was a possibility that he might not be the father. He couldn’t talk to Nina about it. She was injured in the hospital and was in a coma. The police suspected foul play and were investigating.
"Are we interrupting?"
The group turned to see Avery and Sean standing on the back patio.
Avery could feel all the curiosity radiating from the group. She knew everyone except for Johari and Sydney. She walked down from the patio to where they were located.
“I ran into Sean at Sydney’s store and we came over together.” She gave Sierra the flowers and greeted Ethan with a wave of her hand. Zeke introduced her to Sydney.
"Avery, this is my wife Sydney,"
They shook hands. "It's nice to meet you."
"You too," Sydney stated.
When she got to Jonathan, she hugged him. "I haven't heard from you in a minute," she said afterwards.
"I know. I'm sorry. I’ve been busy." He pointed to Johari. "This is Jo."
Avery shook her hand. "I've heard a lot about you."
"Likewise." Avery wanted to ask her if they were good or bad things because Johari was throwing a lot of negative energy her way.
Sean finally got enough balls and approached the group. He said hello to everyone and then directed his attention to Johari. "Can we talk? Please?"
Johari wasn't sure if she wanted to say anything to him, so she remained quiet.
It was an awkward situation. Everyone was trying to be discrete but wanted to hear what Sean had to say, especially Jonathan. For three weeks, Sean hadn't contacted Johari and here he was. Jonathan felt like his night was ruined.
Everyone continued to remain quiet except for Sierra.
"Sean, I'm trying to have a good night; please tell me you didn't bring your daughter?"
"No, she's home," he said a little embarrassed.
"Good. I didn't need her bad ass ruining my party. That little girl needed that ass—"
Ethan placed his hand over Sierra's mouth to shut her up. "How about you and Jo go inside of the house to talk."
Sean followed Johari inside for privacy.
↔
Johari took him to Ethan's office. They walked into the room and stood on opposite ends. She refused to say anything and waited for him to talk.
"These are for you," Sean stated holding up the roses. He walked over and gave them to her.
Johari took the flowers and put them on Ethan's desk. "I'm around flowers all day," she said simply.
Sean rubbed the back of his neck nervously. Johari wasn't going to make this an easy process. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a case displaying a diamond bracelet. "Is this better?"
It was an exquisite piece of jewelry, but she'd seen plenty of jewelry. "You think I’m a gold digger?”
“Jo, I’m trying. I miss you, and I've been thinking about you nonstop since you left my home."
"But you haven't called."
"I'm a stubborn man. It's something I'm working on," he admitted. "I shouldn't have let you leave. I was in unfamiliar territory that night, but I should have handled things differently. I'm so sorry."
Johari could see the sincerity in his eyes, but it wasn't enough. "I've been thinking about you too, but Sean I don't think we can work out as a couple."
"Why not? Everything was fine up
until that night."
Johari pulled away from Sean. She didn't want to hurt his feelings but wasn't going to lie. "It wasn't. We could never work because of Destiny. Your daughter is a huge factor in your life, and there isn't any room for me. She would repeatedly try to break us up. I don't have time—”
"Destiny isn't home," Sean said interrupting her. "She ran away. I reported her missing, but since she's almost eighteen, the cops aren't doing much. I've tried calling her, but she isn't answering."
"I'm sorry you’re dealing with this."
"It's my fault. I should've been stricter with her when she was younger and now she's out of control. I've made many mistakes and the most recent one was letting you go. Please give me another chance. We can continue going at a slow pace. I need you in my life. Can you please give us another shot?”
“Honestly, I need time to think," she responded, still not feeling 100% about being in a relationship with Sean. “Let’s try to enjoy tonight, and I’ll give you an answer in a few days.”
Chapter 11
As the sky darkened, people started piling into the house and backyard. Most were dancing and talking. Some were warming up near the bonfire while others were resting their feet in the new pool that was installed.
The turnout was amazing, and Sierra loved it, because everyone was giving her presents as housewarming gifts. This was the first big event they held at the home.
"Baby, we should do this again," she said to Ethan as she handed him a $50 gift card.
Ethan stuck the card in his pocket. "Sierra, you can't have two housewarming parties."
"Why not?" she asked surprised. "We can invite a whole new set of people and get more gifts. The house can be decorated for free! I think it's brilliant!"
"I think you're drunk."
Sierra giggled. "Only a little bit."
One of their neighbors walked up to her and gave her a clock shaped like a pig. Sierra thanked the woman and gave the clock to Ethan after she walked away. "You can throw that shit away."
Ethan laughed. "I love you girl." There was never a dull moment when Sierra was around. He gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Tonight is going to be a good night. I can feel it."
Sierra looked around the backyard at all the people she cared about. Maybe it was all the alcohol she consumed earlier, but she felt like tonight something amazing was going to happen. If not to her, maybe someone in her family. "It's going to be a great night. Come dance with your baby momma."