Don't Hate the Player

by Brandie

  I just wanted the New Year to bring brightness to my life. I didn’t know if me and Chinoe were going to make it.

  I was torn between love and lust. Cartel gave me the kind of affection that Chinoe could never give. And Chinoe gave me the kind of love and passion that Cartel didn’t possess.

  Hunt and Sean were out of the picture completely. And after the New Year I would have everything on the right track.

  Ring . . . Ring . . . Ring. “Chinoe, catch the phone. I’m in the bathroom.”

  “All right.”

  Two minutes later he came in the bathroom, “Hey beautiful, sleep good?”

  “Yes. Luvly has been driving me crazy. But hanging out with Sap is cool.”

  He sat down by the tub and started rubbing my back, “Umm that feels good.”

  “Brandie,” he said in a serious tone.

  Oh, Lord, here we go. Whenever we were having a nice quite moment he brought up bullshit. I can tell by how he said my name, “Yes.”

  “Are you sure you love me?”

  I turned and looked into his handsome face, into his hopeful eyes, “Yes, I’m sure I love you, I’m here with you.”

  “Why do or why did you feel like you had to see Cartel?”

  This was my chance to explain my position.

  “I don’t know, Chinoe. I met him before I met you and then I saw you and I forgot life existed. Once reality hit, all my obligations were still there. Then I thought you were seeing someone else, I’m sorry. I let my assumptions take over my good judgment.”

  He hugged me tight. It seemed like that question was really for him, but pushing the guilt on me.

  Ring . . . Ring . . . Ring. “Let it ring.”

  “Who keeps calling and hanging up?”

  “Don’t know. Probably some kids.”

  Yeah, right. Probably somebody he was fucking. See, shit just keep going against us.

  “Hungry?”

  “Nope.”

  “So are you ready?”

  “Ready for what, Chinoe?”

  “To get married, have kids?”

  Usually the man was the one who cringed and tensed up when asked that question, because he was unsure or not ready, but today the shoe was on the other foot.

  Ring . . . Ring . . . Ring. “Chinoe, go answer the phone. It could be Luvly about Sap. She was sick last night.”

  Ring. Ring. “Hello.”

  “Put her on the phone, Chinoe.”

  “Bitch, stop calling my damn house!”

  I yelled from the bathroom, “Chinoe, who is it?”

  “Yeah, Chinoe, who am I. Tell her I’m the woman you were fucking in New York.”

  “I told her.”

  “Who are you kidding? I know you wouldn’t tell her. You don’t want to lose her, but you aren’t going to play on my emotions. I’ve been the clean up woman in two of your relationships. Not anymore. If I have to hurt, you and she will too. Shit, she probably still fucking Cartel anyway. But hey that’s not my concern.” Screaming “Put that ho on the phone!”

  “You are in Italy, do your job, and leave me alone.”

  “Chinoe, who is that, Babe?” Brandie kissed my neck.

  “Thank you, Miss Colier I will come down to the agency tomorrow and pick up the assignment.” Click.

  “You have to leave?” she said with a sad face.

  “No, something for next week.”

  I wanted to make love to Chinoe. Show him that he still had claim on me. Make myself believe it too.

  Chapter Seventy-Five

  Brandie

  “Ma, are you bringing that good pasta salad.”

  “I told you I would, Luvly,” Mrs. Starr said, agitated, rubbing her temples.

  “Sorry I asked.”

  “Don’t be sorry, just be careful.” Realizing that she’d hurt Luvly’s feelings, she added, “I just have a little headache is all. Brandie, bring me those two bags on the sofa please.”

  Grabbing the two bags from the sofa, taking them to Mrs. Starr, I took a second look at Joi. Her hair color had been tamed down, nails cut at to a moderate length and the tight outfit replaced with a cute navy blue and cream velour-jogging suit.

  Me, Joi and Luvly were helping Mrs. Starr prepare food for Money’s birthday party. Mrs. Starr was making everything from potato salad and fish, to Lobster, ribs, Hawaiian chicken and squash casserole—Chocolate’s favorite.

  Joi prepared the mac and cheese and baked beans, as I fumbled around with the candied yams, dropping sweet potatoes and brown sugar on the floor.

  Luvly seasoned and floured the wings, along with making a green bean casserole—Money’s favorite dish. “Is this going to be enough food, Ma?” Luvly inquired.

  “If it’s not, you always got KFC.”

  We all laughed.

  “I know ya’ll need my help in here.” Grandma Loane told us as she sashayed through the kitchen. She was getting sicker. She had Systemic Lupus and it was tearing her body apart.

  “Noooo, Grandma Loane. We old ladies can handle it.” Mrs. Starr said as she gently grabbed her shoulders, trying to direct her back into the den. “Go sit down and be youthful and gorgeous.”

  Tapping Mrs. Starr on the hand, “Seal you let me be.” She sat down at the table and started cutting up celery, “I might be a little ill, but I’m not handicap.”

  I wondered when Luvly was going to tell us she was pregnant. She thought I didn’t know, but I was around her every day, and she’d been putting on weight in her butt and face. She had that pregnancy glow too.

  “Brandie, when are you and Chocolate getting married?” Mrs. Starr asked, smiling.

  Smiling, cutting my eyes back to the table, “I don’t know, sooner than later. We’re talking about it.”

  “The question is, when is Luvly and Money getting married?” Joi asked in a sneaky voice.

  “Yes. Now that’s what I wanna know.” Grandma Loane spoke up.

  “Is Mr. Starr coming to the party?” Luvly asked, shying away from the question.

  Mrs. Starr blushed, “Yes he is.”

  “Mrs. Starr may I ask why ya’ll are not together, but are together?”

  “Brandie, you will understand once you fall so deep in love that you forget that life is proceeding and it leaves you breathless, standing still.”

  I sat down next to Mrs. Starr and opened my ears, eyes, and heart.

  “I have loved Moe for a long time. He was good to me, but he was just whorish like most young men. I had a time with him, but I let him go. Tried to start over with my life, I dated for a while, but he got jealous, then I got jealous and a whole lot of fights came after that. But no matter what, he has always been there for Chinoe.

  Baby, people fall in and out of love everyday. Nobody will blame you for falling out of love, but the games played while doing it is where the blame takes place. You have to experience and grow to understand. The secret to everlasting love is both of you can not fall out of love at the same time.”

  “Well, I just want this New Year to bring prosperity in love, health for all and caring for and from everyone. I’ve been through to much lately.” Joi expressed.

  “Joi, how long have you and Taeko been together?” I asked.

  “Forever, since we were going to the ninth grade.”

  “Oooooh wee. That’s a long time.”

  “A hard time.”

  “Luvly, how long have you and Money been together?” Joi asked, trying to take the heat off herself.

  Everyone cleared their throats and sniffed.

  “A long time.” She wiped the tips of her fingers on a flower printed towel. “I met all of them when I was in the ninth grade. If I knew then what I know now, I would have ran in the opposite direction. I met Diamond and Money the same day, at Mosely gym.”

  “A woman is the strongest blade in the world.”

  “Grandma Loane, what you talking about?” Luvly playfully asked her.

  “A woman can split a family, a man’s heart, and a nation all in
one stroke. Women are strong as steel. You young women have a strength and power that you don’t even know how to use yet. Your smile can break a man’s pockets and make him leave his home. And your hips can start a war between two brothers or a father and son. But the thing you have to remember is the gift is from God. It’s to be used for the love of your husband, not to thrown around like loose change in any man’s pocket. It’s God sent and not to be used on lust.”

  We were all stunned. Grandma Loane got deep.

  The men walked through the door with growling tummies. “Hey Ma, what’s to eat?” Taeko asked, rubbing his stomach.

  “Dang. Hungry, boy? Can you speak first?”

  “Hey, Ma, what you cooking?” Chinoe was looking so damn cute. His crème-cranberry turtleneck Girbaud sweater with large billowy sleeves made him look like the super model he was. He looked at me with a sexy, boyish look, “Hey, beautiful, how are you today?”

  I blushed and kept washing the dishes, “What did you buy at the mall?”

  “None of your business.” The smile on his face soothed me from snapping on him.

  Money came in two minutes later, yelling, “Money in da the house!” He looked around at all of us, “Ya’ll suppose to be yelling.”

  “Boy, please. Let Blair Underwood, Denzel, or R. Kelly walk through that door and then we will yell and fall out,” Luvly joked with him.

  Everyone hugged Money and gave him early birthday licks, “Hey, hey, my birthday isn’t until twelve a.m. with twenty additional seconds.” Money told everyone as they whooped him around the table.

  He hugged Luvly and kissed her like it’s the most important thing for him to do.”

  Sap and Trinket came running in, straight to their grandmother.

  Showing no favoritism Mrs. Starr gave each one an arm, “How are my sweet girls.” Patting them both on the bottom.

  “Why didn’t you bring Trey?” Joi asked.

  “He was gone with your brother.”

  “Damn, Luvly, you getting thick ain’t chu baby.”

  So many conversations were going on that Taeko’s question went unheard.

  “I’ve been eating a lot lately. You know when I’m depressed or sick I eat.

  “I’m sleepy, Mommie.” Sap wallowed her head on Luvly’s thigh, looking feverish and sick.

  “I’ll put her to bed,” I volunteered. She was such a gorgeous little girl.

  Burying her head into my neck, “Auntie Brandie, you smell good.” She layed her head on my shoulder.

  “She’s not too heavy for you?”

  “I’m a big girl.” I turned to walk away, poking out my butt on purpose.

  Chinoe licked his lips. “I’ll help you tuck her in. Trinket, you sleepy too?”

  With her chin resting in her hand, she said, “No, I’m hungry.”

  We layed Sap down and I rubbed her hair like Chinoe had done me so many nights and mornings.

  “She’s so beautiful, Chinoe. She could be yours with her skin color and hair.” I turned my lips up and slighted my eyes at him.

  “Naw, she’s her daddy’s child. She looks just like his mother.”

  Looking into my eyes, she said, “You are beautiful. When do you think you’ll be ready to have our first child?”

  I wanted to say we could go home and start trying now, but who would I be kidding? We weren’t strong enough in our relationship.

  “When we are ready.” He didn’t argue or disagree. He kissed my hand, and I continued rubbing Sap’s hair until she fell asleep.

  * * *

  Lord, please bless me with fruitful gifts. Provide me with enough love and strength to give it back. I’m waiting with open arms to receive your gifts.

  Amen.

  Chapter Seventy-Six

  Chocolate

  Everyone was looking nice. I was pimping a cream and tan pin stripe Gibaud jean suit. Brandie was matching me with a crème and tan linen Encye pinstripe suit. The top had no back and the wide legs pants fell nicely on her hips.

  Money had on a Phat Farm platinum jean outfit and Luvly had on a baby blue platinum Encye dress. She looked a little on the thick side, but it looked good on her. And Sap matched Money’s Phat Farm outfit except with a jean shirt.

  It was one hour before the new year and everyone had smiles on their faces.

  “Hey, sexy, why are you over here alone?”

  “Wishing you were with me.” I grabbed Brandie, touching her bare silky back, “You look so beautiful tonight.”

  “So do you Babe.”

  She gave me a sweet kiss. “I love you, Chinoe Chocolate Starr.”

  “I love you more.”

  She walked back to the crowd of people. I scanned the room to see all the familiar and unfamiliar faces.

  “So, I see you on the prowl again.”

  I turned around and met eye to eye with the devil herself. Tightening my grip around my glass, I said in an even voice, “Why are you here? How did you get past the front door?”

  “I told you that I would be seeing you soon.” Rubbing her hand over her ass, she said, “I got my ways.” She reached her hand out to touch my chest. “You should know better than anyone.” I walked away from her, closing my eyes, hoping I was just delusional.

  She stood at the top of the steps smiling and gloating. She spotted Money and walked over to him. I was trying to place my eyes on Brandie, but she was nowhere in sight.

  “What the hell?” Diamond was standing at the door. I knew I needed to go over there and straighten it, but the bodyguards were checking the list; they’d handle it.

  “Chinoe, this is a nice party.”

  “Thank you, Caymin.” She had cut her hair into a swinging bob that complimented her sweet face. “Where is your other half?” I asked, referring to her new lover Dun. I quickly turned my attention away from her beauty.

  She rolled her eyes and smacked her lips, “He’s in the bathroom.”

  “He don’t let you out of his site does he?”

  “Maybe it’s the other way around.”

  She twisted off. I had to admit, she was still fine. Looking at her reminded me so much of Brandie. Brandie. I have to find Brandie.

  My heart was beating ninety miles per hour, my hands were sweaty, nerves jumping.

  “Nice party, Chinoe.” “This mug is off the chain.” Different people were patting me on the back. “Tight gig Dawg.” I gave everyone dap and head nods.

  I spotted Luvly standing by the cake, talking to some guests, “Excuse me, Luvly I need your help please.”

  “What’s up?” she asked, smacking on pineapples.

  “Where is Precious?”

  “On the dance floor.”

  “Look, when I went to New York I slept with Chaise and told her that I was leaving Brandie. And that me and her could get back together.”

  “Slow down. You slept with Chaise, Chinoe, how could you? After you almost committed murder on Brandie for the same thing.”

  “I know, but now is not the time for a lecture. She’s here and she’s looking for Brandie.”

  “Where is she?”

  “I don’t know and don’t care as long as she’s not near Brandie. The good thing is she has never seen her before.”

  “With all the magazines ya’ll have been on?”

  “She’s been overseas, and besides it always said friend, not Brandie. I’ve had many pictures taken with other models from the company, so she don’t know.”

  “So you want Precious to be Brandie?”

  “You got it.”

  We both got on a mission to find Precious.

  After a few moments of panic, Luvly said, “There she is, Chinoe.”

  She was all smiles, thinking I wanted to dance with her. “Come on, Chinoe. Show me what you got.”

  “Precious, come here, please.” She stopped dancing and stood close to me.

  Any other time I would have pushed her back. “I need a huge favor.”

  “You’ve finally come to your senses.”
>
  “Yeah, kind of. I need you to be my girlfriend.”

  She almost knocked me over with hugs and kisses. I spotted Chaise looking at Precious load me down with love. I smiled at her and placed my arms around Precious. “Right now, Precious. I need you to be Brandie.”

  Chaise walked up with revenge on her mind, “So you are Brandie?”

  She looked confused, but caught on quickly. “And you are?”

  She licked her lips and dropped her fake smile. “So you haven’t mentioned me to her, Chinoe?”

  I stood back because I knew the ghetto Precious was going to surface any moment.

  “No, so I’m asking you.”

  “I’m his ex-girlfriend who fucked him a few days ago.”

  Precious turned and looked at me. She slapped the shit out me.

  “So you knew about me and you still fucked him?”

  “He wasn’t my dog to keep on a leash.”

  “Bitch, please tell it to somebody whose listening.” Precious threw her drink on Chaise’s white suit.

  “You ghetto ass bitch. I thought Chinoe had better taste in women, but obviously I was wrong.”

  “You’re right, if he chose to be with you.” Precious grabbed me by the hand and we walked off.

  “Why did you slap me?”

  “Because if you were going to cheat, you should have come to me. Chinoe, you know I’ve been wanting a piece of you ever since junior high. But I like Brandie and know she would have been proud of me.”

  Brandie walked up on us. “Hey, Babe, let’s take pictures. Hey Precious. Babe, they are taking pictures out on the balcony come on.”

  * * *

  As we rapped up the pictures, Money came on the mic. “Can I have everyone’s attention? Could everyone please come around the platform?” People were still laughing and staggering behind.

  “Could ya’ll please move your asses before twelve hits. We have thirty minutes before count down.” Everyone came to the platform. “First I would like to have my best friends and their ladies come up here. Next, could my extended family join us?”

  My mother and father looked so in love. Grandma Loane was too sick to make it. And Luvly’s mother and father were in Italy, celebrating their thirty-second anniversary. Tae and Joi stood with Trinket and Trey by their side, hand in hand. Me and Brandie were hugged up like two high school kids. And Luvly was holding Sap in her arms.