by Lucinda John
THAT EAST SIDE LOVE 2
BY: LUCINDA JOHN
Acknowledgments
Wow, this is my twelfth published book! I am so happy that God has blessed me with the opportunity to do something that I absolutely love. When I first published Fallin’ For A Boss, I was a nervous wreck. Although I still am a nervous wreck, it’s time for me to admit I was a real mess. It was my first time publishing a book and I didn’t know how you guys would feel about it. When my first book hit that number one spot, I cried tears of joy. I remember a day after my book release I had readers inboxing me, telling me how much they loved my work. Now I’m on book number twelve and I still have those same nerves, but now they’re not that bad because I have my loyal readers’ support.
I just want to thank all my friends and family that stood by my side and even the ones that discouraged my dreams of being a writer. Every bit of support, whether it’s good or negative, is always a good push to do better. To my kids, I go so hard for y’all. I hear you guys running around playing and I want to join y’all so badly, but I’m busy behind this computer screen making our dreams a reality. I love y’all with all my heart and as long as I have my three trophies, I will continue to do my best and aim for success.
To my pen sisters, I love each and every one of you. The support I receive from you guys is amazing. It feels good to be able to talk to you guys, ask for advice, and share feelings and laughs without being judged.
Shan, you are one amazing woman. Thank you for pursuing your dreams as a publisher, giving us ladies the room to become successful writers. I couldn’t ask for a better publisher, role model, and friend. Whenever I’m down you cheer me up, when I’m stressed you soothe me, when I need title help, you rack your brain and always come with the most creative titles. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
To anyone out there with a dream, don’t listen to anyone that says it’s not possible. God is the only one that has your life story written out; therefore no one is in position to put your down. Keep your faith in God always and pursue whatever it is that you wish to pursue. You only get one life, don’t waste it living in regret.
“I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.”
― Marilyn Monroe
ENJOY!!!!
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Prologue
Diamond
“I had so much fun DeeDee, I don’t want to go back home,” Kay said as I dropped her off home.
Her wicked ass grandmother allowed me to take her to Disney for the weekend and I’m glad she did because we had a blast.
“I know, but you’re coming with me next weekend and we’re gonna have a sleepover.”
“Yay, can Bria come too?”
“I‘ll see what I can do.”
“Okay Dee, love you, see you later.” She kissed me and dashed to the door.
I watched her hug and kiss her grandma then run into the house. The old bitch stood there mugging me looking like a sack of potatoes. Flipping her the bird, I floored it and headed home.
Lately I’ve been feeling really nauseous. My breasts have been tender and I missed my period. The pregnancy test that I bought was burning a hole through my hand as I carried it in the house. I was happy Star and Sky was gone. I wasn’t really trying to have an entourage while I peed on a stick.
After peeing on the stick, I set my phone timer and sat on the bathroom floor. After sleeping with Bobby I started avoiding both of their asses. I was in love with Zoe and I wanted to be with him, but I was too ashamed of myself for allowing Bobby between my legs.
I wasn’t going to lie and say I didn’t enjoy it, because I did. I didn’t regret it either; I just felt dirty slinging my pussy around. I was now confused. I knew for sure that I loved and wanted to be with Zoe, but a part of me was still team Bobby.
DING!!
The buzzer rang; I was feeling so nervous that I threw up the corndogs Kay and I had for lunch. Finally gaining my composure, I pulled myself up, rinsed out my mouth and splashed water on my face. Glancing over to the pregnancy test, my heart dropped.
The cross symbol that appeared in the result window let me know that I was with child. Tears started to fall down my face and onto the tile floor. Just like my mother, I was pregnant and did not know who fathered my child.
“OMG Diamond, we have to hurry up and get to Sunland Park.” Sky rushed into the bathroom. “Dee you’re crying, are you okay?”
“I’m pregnant.”
“Aww shit, who’s the father?”
“I don’t know,” I cried.
“Well you need to get to the park before your child ends up fatherless.”
“What are you talking about?” I was puzzled.
“Long story short, Zoe found out Bobby was planning on robbing him and Zoe and his crew is going to shoot up a meeting Bobby is having at the park.”
“OMG!!” I began to panic.
“Dee let’s go.” She dragged me out of the bathroom and into the car.
The whole car ride to the park my mind was in a frenzy. I loved both Zoe and Bobby and it would hurt to the core if I lost one of them. I knew I couldn’t have them both, but I needed them both to be alive. In nine months, I was going to bring a child into this world and I did not want it growing up like me, not knowing its real father.
The car came to a stop and before Sky could park, I was running towards the football field. That was Bobby spot where he conducted the majority of his important meetings. I knew what Sky was telling me was the truth because he only met here if he planned on getting back at somebody.
Tears burned my eyes and clouded my vision as I frantically searched the massive field for the fellas. I spotted a group of guys and took off full speed towards them.
“So you thought it was okay to plan on robbing me?” Zoe asked with his gun trained on Bobby.
“Who said I planned on robbing you?” Bobby laughed with his gun pointed at Zoe.
“Look around, the snake is no longer with us, may God bless his deceitful soul.”
Bobby scanned his guys then nodded his head. Looking through the men myself I noticed Tommy was missing. Damn.
“Okay, so now what pussy nigga?” Bobby Spat.
“I kill you,” Zoe shrugged.
“You think it’s that simple.”
“Yes, allow me to show you.”
Zoe was inches away from pulling the trigger before he was interrupted by my screams.
“Stop Zoe, baby, don’t do this please, I’m pregnant,” I pleaded.
I felt Zoe’s body relax until Bobby spoke.
“Is the baby mine?” Bobby asked.
Zoe gave me a looked of disgust. He smiled then clicked his tongue. I was three minutes from shitting in my pants. I didn’t expect Bobby’s ass to be bold enough to say anything. All I wanted to do was diffuse the situation, but I ended up in hot lava.
“Keep it real with your dawg no matter what (Preach)
Same bitch that claim she love you she'll set you up (Preach)
Out here in these streets it ain't no such thing as love (Preach)
The only thing I trust is this pistol and these slugs (Preach)
Real nigga shit, only what I do and speak, if that nigga don't work he a fuckin' leech (Preach)
I ain't got shit for a nigga, ain't nothing in this muthafuckin' world free (Preach)”
Zoe recited the lyrics of “Preach” by Young Dolph. Pushing me towards Bobby, he aimed his gun and b
ullets began to fly everywhere.
“Lanmò anvan wont.” (Death before dishonor.)
Chapter 1
Diamond
I was snatched up by one of Zoe's goon and thrown into a car. I started kicking the door and screaming to be let out, but the driver ignored me and kept driving. Star and Sky tried to calm me down, but it was to no avail. I had to be there to stop the madness before one of them or worse, both of them lost their life behind this foolishness.
The thought of losing Bobby, or Zoe made me so sick to my stomach that I started throwing up all over the back seat. I couldn't fathom having to raise a baby alone. Yes, I was there for Kay and I practically raised her but a baby was something different. Besides, how was I going to look my child in the face every day knowing that I was the reason his or her father died?
"Diamond, you have to stop your making yourself sick," Star said rubbing my back.
"Oh God, what am I going to do? I can't lose them," I cried.
It's funny how I went from no dudes really wanting me because I dress liked a boy, carried bricks in my mouth, and bust licks, to having two of the finest men willing to kill each other over me. I was torn between the two men. Yes I loved Bobby and I waited forever for him to confess his love for me, but I was also now in love with Zoe. Although Bobby was always there for me, Zoe came into my life and changed everything for the better. He taught me how to embrace and love myself as a woman. He also showed me how it really felt to be loved by a man.
When we arrived to Zoe's house, the driver opened the door for us and led us inside the house. As soon as I heard the car start and drive away, I figured I could steal one of Zoe's cars and make it back to the park, but I was wrong. There were two big men standing guard at the front door when I opened it. Closing the door I felt helpless as I dropped to the floor and continued to cry.
"Drink this," Sky said bringing me a bottle of ice-cold water. “Stop crying so much, that’s not good for the baby.”
Taking a few sips of the water I just sat there on the floor staring off into space. I was praying for the best, but preparing myself for the worst. The urge to use the restroom came over me, so I got up and walked to the bathroom, leaving Star and Sky in the family room.
Looking around the bedroom, everything was the way I left it. My school books and laptop sat neatly on Zoe's desk. The dirty clothes that I remember leaving in the hamper were washed, and neatly folded in the closet. I really admire how neat and organized Zoe was. He was the type of guy that couldn't stand to live in a messy house. I had to laugh, remembering the times he would fuss at me because I would leave my papers scattered all over the room.
Removing my shoes, I got in the bed and decided to lie down. My head was killing me, but now that I was pregnant I wasn't sure if I could take anything to relieve the pain. This was my first pregnancy and before I did anything, I wanted to wait for my doctor's appointment and discuss everything with a doctor first. My eyelids began to get heavy so I allowed them to close with thoughts of Zoe and Bobby invading my mind.
Stirring in my sleep, I felt someone staring at me. My eyes fluttered open and Zoe was standing at the door looking at me. His face was blank so I couldn't tell how he was feeling at the moment. My heart dropped when I noticed his chest was bandaged up. My mind then wandered off to Bobby. I needed to know if he was alive or dead.
"I killed that nigga," he smirked, pulling a blunt from behind his ear and firing it up. "Why did you lie to me? I asked you if you and that nigga had anything going on and you told me no. Did you really love me? Or were you tryna get close to me for that pussy nigga?" he asked, before taking another pull of the blunt.
I was happy that he was smoking. By the smell of the weed he was puffing on, that good shit that would keep his ass mellow. I didn't want him spazzing out on me so I figured I'd wait until he was nice and high before I responded.
"You don't hear me talking to you?"
"I'm sorry," was all I managed to say.
"Sorry Diamond, sorry? What the fuck is a sorry supposed to fix ma? You tell me you're pregnant only for that nigga to basically say that the baby you're carrying could be his!"
"It was a mistake."
"How is allowing another nigga between your legs a mistake?"
Before I could answer his question, his phone began to ring. I let out a sigh of relief when he decided to leave the room and take the phone call. I had some time to get my emotions in check and put everything out on the table. Now that Bobby basically dry snitched on me, it was time for me to be completely honest with Zoe. I had to assure him that our relationship was authentic. I needed him know that I am genuinely in love with him and nothing was a game or set up.
Zoe yelling startled me, so I got up and pressed my ear to the door to eavesdrop.
"What do you mean that nigga ain't dead?" I heard him say.
My heart began to pound out of my chest. I thought Zoe was fucking with me when he said he killed Bobby.
"Set that motherfucking hospital on fire if you have to. I want him dead now!" he roared causing me to jump back from the door.
I had to hurry up and get out of here to save Bobby. If there was a chance that he was alive, I had to protect him from Zoe. I was very much in love with Bobby just as much as was with Zoe and I didn't want nothing bad to happen to neither of them. I sat back down on the bed and tried to figure out how to get out of here without alarming Zoe.
Pulling out my phone, I came across a text from Sky letting me know that Zoe sent her and Star home. I replied to her asking her to meet me at the park that was around the corner from Zoe's house. I had to hurry up and find which hospital Bobby was in and get to him.
When I heard the shower in the bathroom turn on, I figured it was now or never. Slipping my Jordans on my feet, I ran to the front door and peaked out of the window to see if the men were still guarding the door. Noticing that their big asses was still there I went to the back room and decided to climb out of the window, I was on the second floor, but that would be the only way I could leave the house without Zoe finding out.
I lifted the window up and stepped out on the ledge. It wasn't a far way down, but I was pregnant and I didn't want to fall wrong and harm my baby. Playing it on the safe side, I decided to use the tree to help me climb down. I was skilled at jumping fences so it was nothing for me to hop over the one that separated Zoe's house from the road. As soon as I was safely on the other side of the gate, I ran as fast as my legs would allow me until I got to the park.
As I was waiting for Sky to come, Zoe began to burn up my phone. When I saw Sky's car pull up, I turned my phone off and jumped in the car. Star was sitting in the front seat so I took a seat in the back.
"Zoe is going to kill you," Star said.
"I will worry about that later; my main concern is getting to Bobby," I said trying to fight back the tears that threatened to fall.
The worst-case scenario, Zoe's goons getting to Bobby before I could save him. Turning my phone back on I decided to call Lona.
"You have some nerves calling me when it's your boyfriend that got my brother in the hospital fighting for his life!" she answered.
"Lona listen to me, I need you to call the police and tell them that you fear for your brother’s life. I need you to have them put around the clock security on his room please."
"Mmm... whatever."
"What hospital is he in?"
"Are you crazy? You must be a fool if you think I'm gonna set my brother up like that."
"Please Lona, you of all people should know how much I love and care for you brother. I would never intentionally hurt him or put him in harm’s way. Bobby is still my best friend.
"News flash, you don't fuck your best friend," she said hanging up the phone.
I knew Lona would do as I say, and make sure her brother was protected so I wasn't worried about that. I just needed to be by his side. Picking up my phone I called Cray and hoped she wasn't on no fuck shit. When she answered and told me everything
I needed to know, I gave the information to Sky and we headed to the hospital.
It took us an hour to get to the hospital and when we finally got there, I was relieved to see two armed cops securing Bobby's room door. I was about to go in when I heard Cray crying and asking Bobby to pull through for their baby. Guilt began to sink in as I thought of the intimate night Bobby and I shared together that could result in him possibly fathering my child. The way Cray held on to him told me that the love she had for him was the real deal. Now I was starting to feel like shit for even thinking about being in a relationship with Bobby.
My phone vibrated, and text from Zoe popped up.
ZOE: I see you where you want to be. You got that, but you won't be able to protect him forever.