What's His Is Mine

“You won’t have to. What will it take for you to keep the baby?”

  “I’m not keeping the baby.”

  “Adrienne, you can have the baby and I’ll take custody, and you can do whatever you want. It won’t be a burden on you.”

  “No, our kids deserve a family, DeCarious. A real family. Asia already has to go through security checks and plane rides to be with her family. I won’t do that to another child. I’m not going to bring another baby into this world without us being married.”

  “So what are you trying to say, Adrienne?”

  “I’m saying I’m getting an abortion. I’m not going to be a single mom again, and that’s it. There is nothing left to discuss.” I got up and walked out to the bathroom, and just for pure drama I left and went home, and let DeCarious marinate on my pregnancy.

  Chapter 43

  Cherise

  This morning I woke up not thinking, but knowing that this is a man’s world. They run it. People can say women secretly run the world, but I know we don’t. We are the weaker, dumber, and loyal sex. Men are the faster, smarter, no-emotions-feeling species. They are hunters. They prey on us, take us down, rip out our hearts, and then leave us for dead. At least that’s how I felt today. I hated men—all men. At my job, I hated Paul, I hated sports. I wished I could go back to the news. They needed to hurry up and get someone in this position.

  Every day at work was a constant reminder that I was involved with an athlete. And DeCarious had been so distant. He had not been calling me. We hadn’t spent any time together in a week, and something just didn’t feel right. A bunch of crazy thoughts flooded my mind. Maybe he met someone—but he was in love with me. Maybe he met someone prettier, more successful—but he was always telling me how perfect I am. I could hear it in his voice right now. Cherise, you are perfect. You are the best thing that ever happened to me. I thought, If this is true, where are you, DeCarious? Maybe I was overanalyzing. Maybe he had a good reason not to call or be in touch. I don’t know, something had changed in my relationship with DeCarious. I wasn’t sure what it was, but it didn’t feel right. I felt like we were stable, and now the lines were blurred. Honestly, right now I didn’t know if I was taken, or available. And I didn’t feel this way a few weeks ago. But what I was sure of was that he hadn’t spent any real time with me in weeks. This was ridiculous; I called his phone, texted him, and left several messages. No response. I was so concerned.

  I’m so confused. What did I do? Maybe he’s really upset. Maybe he thinks I’m just like Toni. It is all Toni’s fault. How did I fall for this man so quickly?

  I’ve called him and got his voice mail several times. It even seemed like he was intentionally not answering my calls.

  I couldn’t concentrate at all, going over what I did wrong in our relationship. This was so juvenile. Waiting for him to call me to find out what was going on with him. I was tired of calling Toni, but she was the only person who understood.

  “Yes, sistah?” she answered.

  “Toni, I’m still so confused. Last night I had a dream that he came to me and told me that he had to break up with me because he wanted to have sex with another man.”

  “Maybe that’s it. He’s a gay football player. Makes sense.”

  “Do you think so?” I asked Toni.

  “Maybe. I mean, he is around all those men all the time.”

  I thought about DeCarious being gay—no, that wasn’t it.

  “You know what I think? I think his baby mom’s probably smelled another woman on him,” Toni said.

  “No, I doubt it. He introduced me to his daughter’s mother. She doesn’t care anything about him.”

  “Well, just think positive. You will find out what’s going on.”

  Chapter 44

  Zakiya

  I was going to go visit Jabril. We had been keeping in touch. I was so nervous. I changed my clothes several times; I had to make sure I looked perfect. I was wearing this cute royal blue silk dress and black peep-toe pumps Adrienne gave me. She was going to drop me off at the airport. She came in the room and asked me if I was ready.

  “Almost,” I said.

  “Let me see what you have on.” She looked me up and down and said, “Take those shoes and that dress off and put on some flats and jeans.”

  “Why? I thought you said always look good. I’m confused.”

  “Zakiya, let him think you are not trying to impress him. You just look too dressed up for the airport.”

  “Okay, why am I not trying to impress him? I thought I was supposed to look cute all the time.” Adrienne had so many rules it was hard for me to keep up and follow.

  “You are, Zakiya, but you have to make it look effortless. And right now you look like a first-time flyer, all dressed up in the airport. And you don’t need two suitcases. You are only staying the weekend.”

  I went and changed my clothes as I was instructed. As I took off my cute dress and put on jeans and put everything I needed into one bag, Adrienne ran off some more do’s and don’ts. “I want you to compliment him, not his stuff—okay? Men like for you to appreciate them, not what they have to offer. You have to show him that you are not a dumb young girl who is easily impressed. Okay? Also, whatever you do, do not give him any. If you give him some, or act all excited because he paid for your flight, this will be your last visit. When he tries to show you his house, act like his house is just okay. His car is all right and you’ve seen much better. Just act nonchalant all weekend.”

  I shook my head yeah and took a mental note of all the things I was supposed to do and not do.

  Once I was inside the Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, five texts came through from Jabril. He said he was outside circling the airport and to call him as soon as I was ready.

  I’m glad I packed light, like Adrienne said. I didn’t have to wait to get my luggage. I called him and said, “I’m at baggage claim, level one.”

  “Okay, give me a minute. I’ll be right there.” I sat and called Adrienne to tell her I had made it. She didn’t answer. I just sat and watched the people get picked up as I waited and waited. Then I saw a car pull up. Jabril had sunglasses on. He got out of his car and gave me a hug. He looked so handsome. I handed him my bag like Adrienne said, and he took it.

  I wanted to take a picture of Jabril’s house, but I had to act mature and unimpressed, like Adrienne said. He pulled around back where there was a huge pool and a brown and redbrick deck. Across from the deck were tennis and basketball courts. Inside he had trophies everywhere and pictures of him when he was a kid.

  We went to his game against the Golden State Warriors at the Oklahoma Ford Center. It was the first live basketball game I’d ever been to. His friends were texting during the entire game like it was no big deal. It was a big deal for me. I was taking pictures and sending them to Lisa. Everything was so exciting and noisy.

  After the game LJ, Chris, and I waited for Jabril to change. Then we went out to eat and a strange man came out of nowhere and pulled up a chair to our table. It was so rude. I was ready to tell him to get up but before I could he reached out his hand to Jabril and said, “Jabril, my man, how you doing? My name is Sam.”

  Jabril didn’t shake his hand and said, “What can I do for you, Sam?”

  “Well, I called your manager a few weeks ago because I have a great opportunity for you. I can triple your worth in six months. I want to talk to you about investing in my company. I have a few guys from the Browns, the Saints, and the Nuggets on board. This is a chance of a lifetime.”

  “Sounds good. You got a card?” Jabril asked. “I don’t have a manager, but I can have my uncle call and talk to you.”

  The man hesitated a little bit and said, “I wanted to talk to you, but okay, have your uncle call me.” He then got up from the table.

  As soon as he left Jabril ripped up his card and said, “Wendell already told me they have these pyramid schemes they try to get you involved in and take all your money. I’m not falling for it.”<
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  When we got back to the house LJ had some girl, and me and Jabril went downstairs to watch a movie. When it was time to go to bed I was so tired, scared, and a little nervous. I didn’t want him to get the wrong idea. I liked him a lot. We had fun—I was enjoying myself, but he wasn’t getting any.

  “Where am I going to sleep?”

  “Right here with me,” he said, patting the space next to him. I got in the bed and lay as far away as possible.

  “You are going to sleep in your jeans?”

  “Yeah.”

  “That’s uncomfortable.”

  “I’m fine—it’s okay. I sleep in my clothes all the time,” I replied quickly.

  “Um, I don’t allow any jeans in my bed.”

  I looked at him and I took off my jeans, folded them, and placed them on the nightstand at the side of his bed. I didn’t know if I should tell him now or later that he was not getting any. I decided to wait. He didn’t attack, but he did start kissing me on my lips and neck, and I let him. Then his hands began caressing my breasts while they were still in my bra. Everything he was doing felt good, but I didn’t want him to get the wrong idea.

  I sat up and said, “Jabril, we can’t have sex because I’m a virgin.”

  “Are you serious? A real virgin—so you never had sex before?” he asked, shocked, and began sitting up.

  “No, I never had sex before, and I don’t want you to get the wrong idea. So if you want me to, I can sleep in the other room or downstairs.”

  “No, you don’t have to do that. Lie back down. I’m going to put the television back on and we are just going to relax. I understand. I’m not in a rush.”

  I sighed in relief.

  I think me telling Jabril I was a virgin made him try harder to get some from me. All night he kissed me and sucked on my breasts and neck. But at the end, several times he pulled his ruler-length penis out and whispered, “Please, can I feel it just a little? I’m going to use a condom.”

  “It’s not that. I’m just not ready,” I said as I got out of the bed, letting him know that I really meant it.

  After several more attempts, he finally stopped. I thought he would get mad, but he didn’t. I was safe for now, at least.

  Chapter 45

  Tanisha

  I was watching The Young and the Restless when I heard a loud diesel engine. I looked out the window and saw a UPS truck was in front of the house. I opened the door and a man dressed in all brown said, “I have a delivery for Tanisha Butler.”

  “Tanisha Butler—you sure?” I asked. “What is it?”

  He looked at the side of the box. “I think it is a treadmill.”

  “A treadmill?” I repeated as the driver began unloading it off the truck. It was a nice big gym-size one. I looked around the living room. I had no idea where I was going to place it. There was hardly any room, I thought as I moved everything out of the way.

  I dialed Kevin. “Thank you, that was really sweet.”

  “I wanted to thank you for watching Jarell.”

  “No problem. He is my son. I miss him. I wish I could spend every day with him.”

  “I’ll try to bring him over more often. My flight gets in after midnight. I’ll pick him up.”

  “It’s no rush. I can just keep him over the weekend. He can stay until after your game.”

  The first thing Tyrone noticed when he came home was the treadmill.

  “Where did you get that thing from?” he asked.

  “Kevin bought it.”

  He twisted lips and said, “I’ll try to set it up for you.” I could tell he was angry. “So he’s buying you gifts now?”

  “It’s a gift for watching Jarell.”

  “I knew he was going to want you back sooner or later.”

  “Tyrone, it is not like that. Trust me, he has girlfriends and my only concern is being a good mom and putting my life together.” I thought I convinced him. I was really trying to convince myself. I wondered if there was any hope for me and Kevin. I didn’t want to read into anything.

  Chapter 46

  Zakiya

  Jabril was in town and I went to visit him at his house in New Jersey. He introduced me to his mother, Claudette. She was really pretty with big bright chestnut eyes like Jabril. She was thirty-eight and looked like her midtwenties. I would have easily thought she was Jabril’s sister. She was wearing Gucci high heels with a Baby Phat sweat suit. I’m not really into fashion, but I don’t think Baby Phat and Gucci are two designers that should be worn together. I don’t know. She had a bunch of expensive things on, but she didn’t really look real cute like Adrienne and her girlfriends. She didn’t really have too much to say. She asked Jabril for his car keys and for money. He happily gave her both.

  When she left, Jabril’s jeweler came over. He had these black velvet displays with all these diamond chains and platinum bracelets. Jabril pointed to a bracelet chain and said, “I want that butterfly chain for my girl.”

  “For me?” I said, shocked. “How much is this?” It was nice, but I didn’t want him spending a bunch of money on me.

  “Eight thousand.”

  I looked at him and said, “Don’t buy me nothing this expensive.”

  He said, “Man, put that necklace on.”

  The jeweler’s assistant came over and put it around my neck.

  I walked over to Jabril and said thank you. He smiled and said it was nothing.

  “Do you have anything else? Not as flashy. My unc don’t like flashy stuff, but I want to get him a nice ring.”

  After the jeweler left Jabril said, “I want to show you something.” We walked into the garage where he had a red Lamborghini.

  We went for a ride.

  “Why would you buy this fast little car, Jabril? You are too tall for this car.”

  “I saw one on television.”

  “You don’t want to listen to anyone, Jabril.”

  We were going down the highway so fast. I looked at the gauge and it read 105 m.p.h.

  “Jabril, slow down,” I yelled, but he didn’t listen. We were weaving in and out of traffic until the red and blue lights were flashing behind us.

  “Can I have your license and registration?” the tall police officer said as he approached the car and began looking in at us.

  “Here is my license. I don’t have my registration. I just bought this,” Jabril said.

  “Okay, let me see your license.” Jabril handed it to him.

  The officer looked at the license then back at him and said, “Nice car. Listen, man, take this car home and get your paperwork together. And make sure you make Camden proud.”

  “I’m going to try.”

  “That was nice. He didn’t give you a ticket.”

  “Yeah, it was,” Jabril said as the light turned green and he sped off in front of the cop.

  We had done everything that we weren’t supposed to do. It was like no one knew how to say no to Jabril except for his uncle Wendell. I was in Jersey with him the entire weekend and was about to head home, because Jabril had to go back to Oklahoma.

  Just as we were leaving, Wendell came in. He looked mean. He had his Bluetooth in his ear. “Your accountant called me, Jabril.”

  “And.”

  “And do you know how much money you spent in the last week?”

  “I don’t care. It’s my money. I buy what I want.”

  Wendell wasn’t half as tall as Jabril, but still walked over to him and said, “I know whose money it is. Just because you have it don’t mean you have to blow it. Nobody is going back with you. LJ and Chris just be sitting here chilling. They need to go get their own jobs and to be in college somewhere, making their own way. And you can’t be missing practice.

  “People who have had millions have lost it all. It is easy. I didn’t bring you all this way to get you here to let you fail. That’s not going to happen. The party stops now. The girl can come back, but you’re not bringing any of them hoodlums to Oklahoma with you. You have a job to d
o.”

  Wendell left and I was scared to move, but what he was saying was right. “You should probably listen to your uncle.”

  “I do, but he thinks he’s my father. Let me get ready to get out of here. I’ll have LJ take you home. You going to come and visit?”

  I told him I would and gave him a kiss good-bye.

  I came in the house and Adrienne’s eyes widened as she looked down at my chain.

  “This is nice. He bought you that?” she asked as she flipped the chain back and forth.

  “Yeah, he had his jeweler come to his house.”

  “Wow, this is beautiful. He bought you that. Oh, you are going to give him some.” She laughed.

  “That’s why I came home. I can’t give him any, Adrienne. I’m a virgin.”

  “You are? He will probably marry you. There aren’t many of them left.”

  Chapter 47

  Adrienne

  Home sweet home, I thought as soon as I touched down again in Atlanta. I was getting tired of flying back and forth. I was going to have to somehow get DeCarious to get rid of his girlfriend and get back with me permanently. He’d been calling me nonstop, begging me to come back down and discuss what I was going to do about the baby. I somehow, some way had to get him to marry me. When he married me I would have my family and security, and then I could really get pregnant with his baby.

  When DeCarious picked us up, he grabbed my bags from me and surprisingly gave me and Asia a kiss.

  “You all right, babe?” he asked, concerned.

  “Yes.”

  “You hungry?” he asked as he opened my car door.

  “No. You can stop and get Asia something, but I keep having morning sickness and I don’t want to throw up again.”

  Instead of going out, DeCarious was all about Asia and me. He took care of me and my pretend sickness all weekend. I sent him to the store to get me a bunch of things that I didn’t need, like saltines and ginger ale.