Love- a Forgotten Art

by Ivy Symone

  As he turns to leave, I reach out for him. “Hold up, Reese. What is it?”

  “It’s nothing. You right, lil mama. I’m trippin’; it ain’t shit.”

  “Really?” I ask offended.

  Reese scoffs with a smirk. “Yeah, besides, I heard about how you showed your ass for P the other night anyway. You ain’t serious about me like that. Your loyalty switch up too quick. And I brought Rico just to see what you’d do.”

  My mouth drops open in shock. I want to laugh because he has no idea that this isn’t the first time I sampled Rico’s dick, but I play my part.

  “Are you serious? So that’s what you’re doing now? Testing a bitch?”

  “Yeah, and you failed,” he says with a disapproving shake of his head. “But that’s what’s up, lil mama.”

  “Reese!” I call after him.

  He turns to look at me before exiting the room. “Your bae is on her way.”

  Damn! I forgot about my friend that quick. I pick up my phone and shoot him a text asking him to give me thirty more minutes.

  I follow Reese as he joins Rico in the rotunda. I ask quietly, “What do you want me to do, Reese?”

  “Just show me a lil more loyalty,” he says before walking out of the condo with Rico.

  Loyalty? Reese has never been concerned with loyalty, but now that my baby daddy is in the city again, he wants to bring up loyalty? I see what this is. Reese is afraid I won’t be available to him anymore. To top it off, he refuses to admit how he feels about me. I know the nigga loves me, but if he wants loyalty, I need some of it too.

  ~~~~~~~~~~

  I tried calling Deuce to see what she’s up to and when she plan to come home but she didn’t answer. I sent her a short text, and surprisingly she still hadn’t responded.

  Fuck her. And I’m not stupid.

  I got Ari from my mama and made it back home just in time for my friend’s arrival.

  Gooch coolly walks down the short hall from the front door and into the rotunda space. He nods with approval as he twirls a wooden toothpick in his mouth. He takes in the poshness of the way I’m living.

  “This place is dope. Not sure if it’s suitable for kids, but it’s a bad lil pad you got here, Cam,” he says.

  I smile, “Thanks.”

  “Where’s Ari?” he asks.

  “She’s in her bedroom,” I tell him, then motion for him to follow me.

  I lead him down the hall until we get to Ari’s room. I stand by the doorframe and gesture inside.

  Gooch steps inside the room and continues to look around. When Ari notices his presence, she just stares.

  Gooch smiles. “Hey babygirl.”

  Ari goes back to playing with her dolls and their imaginary personalities.

  Gooch walks further into the room and take a seat on one of the little chairs at her little table. “Do you know who I am?”

  Ari smiles coyly but refuse to give Gooch eye contact.

  “Damn, she’s gotten big,” he remarks as he looks at her with adoration. “Look at all this hair. Hey, Babygirl, how old are you now?”

  Ari hold up four meek fingers.

  “Four? Damn!” he says surprisingly. “Where have the time gone?”

  I scoff in disdain.

  “Don’t start that shit,” he says, cutting his eyes at me. He rubs Ari atop her head and says, “Hey Babygirl, I’ll be right back. I gotta have a talk with your mommy, okay?”

  Ari nods as he hops up from the chair. I follow Gooch out of the room, but before I leave, I turn back to Ari. “Don’t come bothering us until I come back in here. You hear me?”

  Ari nods her understanding again.

  I follow Gooch as he walks around to the great room continuing to inspect the place.

  “So, this where you and Deuce lives?” he mentions.

  “Yeah,” I tell him. “We’re supposed to be looking into a house after we get married.”

  “Married?” he questions.

  I smile and sit on the arm of the sofa. “Yep. Deuce is marrying me.”

  Gooch looks at me with question, narrowing his already thin almond shaped slits for eyes. “Why I think you on some bullshit?”

  I shrug wearing a smirk. “I don’t know.”

  “You ain’t the marrying type, Cam. I know you.”

  I’m flabbergasted. “Why everybody think they know me?”

  “You have a reputation that proceeds you.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “It means you act accordingly,” he says as he moves in closer to me.

  “And what’s that, Gooch?”

  “You love giving up that pussy,” he jokes sexily.

  “Not anymore,” I lie, but I can’t contain my sneaky grin.

  Gooch walks up on the sofa arm and positions himself between my legs. “I bet I can still get it.”

  Damn, he’s so fine with his ugly self. Gooch isn’t the best-looking nigga by many standards, but his swag and confidence is sexy as fuck. I love everything about this man from his locs, his dark walnut complexion, tall muscular body, and devilish golden smile.

  To be honest, I’m not sure if his black ass is Ari’s father or if it’s P; either way, both think they are, and I have yet to correct the situation.

  “Let’s see,” I tease as I widen my legs.

  His fingers slide around the leg of my shorts, and he rubs my pussy. Immediately, I feel my heartbeat in my clit. My nipples start to ache, and I want dick right now.

  He begins fingering me, stirring up my juices. “Remember that shit we talked about?”

  I nod as I rock on his finger.

  “You still down with it?”

  “You still wanna be the One, right?”

  “I am the One,” he says huskily, easing another finger inside me. “I’m just ready to take out all of the competition. Jewel City is mine.”

  “If I help you get the throne, you gotta let me be by your side,” I tell him.

  “What about Deuce?”

  “If you keep your word, you won’t have to worry about Deuce. Besides, Walt got her covered.”

  “And Prime?” His brow goes up.

  “Fuck Prime,” I hiss.

  Gooch smiles and says, “You know, those are some very tough words. You sure you got this?”

  I nod.

  “You know you might have to share being by my side though,” he says.

  “As long as I’m there I don’t care. We can be one big family. Shit, I’ll fuck her too; I love pussy.”

  Gooch smiles and leans in to kiss me aggressively while he continues to finger fuck me.

  “Give me this dick,” I whisper desperately as I grope his hardness through his pants.

  “I need you to kiss it first,” he whispers back.

  I fumble to release him. Once he springs out, I begin to stroke him, and he seems to grow thicker and longer with each stroke. I give him a knowing look before I hop off the arm of the sofa and lower before him.

  Gooch better not betray me on this. I’m putting a lot on the line. My life could be at stake fucking with the wrong people. But if all goes well, no one will ever suspect a thing.

  I give Gooch the best head to show him I’m devoted and down for him. I plan to ride him like there’s no tomorrow as well. I need him to know, I’m his better choice, and he better not fuck me over.

  Chapter 10: Prime

  I stayed in Jewel City another week before I had to handle business in Miami. And I missed Dasani every minute. Before I left, she and I had spent a few more nights together, but I could sense it was becoming a problem for her. Yes, I was being selfish with her time knowing she belonged to someone else, but that’s about to change.

  “Prime.” Her voice is full of impatience and irritation. I’m a little offended that I haven’t won her completely over yet.

  “Dasani, I don’t want to hear any complaints.” I try to diffuse any argument before it can start.

  She releases a sigh and goes silent on the o
ther end of the phone.

  “Can I FaceTime you?” I ask.

  “Yes, you can, so you can see this shit!” she exclaims annoyed.

  I try not to laugh but I tap my phone to call her via FaceTime. She answers right away, but the view isn’t on her. Instead, she’s showcasing her office that’s full of various floral arrangements.

  “Wow,” I tease. “You must be really special to someone. Who sent you all—”

  “Prime!” she yells. She changes the view to her beautiful cocoa face. “You can’t keep doing this. How do I explain this to people?”

  “First, I can do whatever I want to do. Secondly, you don’t have to explain shit to anyone.”

  She releases another frustrated breath.

  “Dasani, I miss you and I’m not there. I just want to remind you that you’re special to me and that I’m always thinking of you. Always.”

  “I know.” She averts her eyes from the phone.

  “Then let me do what I do.”

  She looks back at the screen and side-eyes me. “It seems like I have no choice.”

  I smile. “You’re finally getting it.”

  “Doesn’t mean I like it.”

  I grimace at her statement. “What woman wouldn’t want to be showered with gifts and flowers?”

  “It’s something I’m not used to.”

  “Get used to it. And stop looking like that.” The scowl on her face makes me laugh. She doesn’t realize how adorable she is even when she’s trying to be resistant.

  “When are you returning to Jewel City?” she asks.

  “Well, that’s what I was calling you for. After I leave Miami, I need to take a trip to Gardenia on Orchid Island, and guess what?”

  “What?”

  I grin knowingly.

  She shakes her head. “No Prime.”

  “So, you’re saying you’re going to turn down an invite to join me on a beautiful island?”

  “Yes. I can’t just up and go like that.”

  “Why not? You’re the boss, right?”

  “Yeah, but my household. You’re aware of my situation.”

  Why she has to throw that up?

  “Okay, but I won’t be back in Jewel City until next week.”

  “I have a function to tend to next weekend. It’s a community celebration thing.”

  “Will your family be with you?”

  “I’d hope so.”

  This girl is beginning to infuriate me. I want her to want me just as much as I want her. I want her to want to be in my presence every wakened moment of her life.

  “Okay,” I concede. “I guess I’ll see you whenever you can make time for me.”

  Her face softens and she offers me an apologetic smile. “Don’t sound like that, bae.”

  I don’t want her to see how vulnerable I can be; that I can be human and have needs. I don’t want her to know she has a chance to hold a power over me that I don’t allow to be overtaken by others.

  “Enjoy the rest of your day, Dasani,” I tell her before ending the call.

  I place my phone down next to me and refuse to acknowledge the pair of eyes boring a hole in me.

  She clears her throat in an exaggerated manner and do a little chuckle.

  “What Bea?” I finally ask flatly.

  “Brother dear, don’t you think you’re coming on a little too strong for Dasani?” she asks.

  “Too strong?” I question.

  Bea eases over to my desk. “Yeah. You don’t want to run her off.”

  “Bea, get away from me with that nonsense.” I wave her off.

  “Seriously. Dasani isn’t a typical thirst bucket. You have to win her over differently.”

  I look at Bea with curiosity. “And how do you suppose I do that?”

  “I don’t know,” she shrugs. “Give her space and allow her time to come to you. Don’t overbear her.”

  “Overbear her?” That sounds ludicrous.

  “When I look at Dasani, I see someone that’s troubled. She doesn’t need you adding to her troubles.”

  “But I want a chance to remove those troubles,” I argue.

  “Yeah but let her decide if she wants you to.”

  “And if she decides she doesn’t?”

  “Then she’s not the one. Simple as that.”

  I don’t’ want to accept that as a possible truth. Dasani is the one. I feel it. I just need to figure out the best way to get to her heart.

  “I need you to do some digging and find out everything you can about Dasani Withers.”

  Bea smiles. “I knew that was coming. I’ll get on it. In the meantime, you need to get ready. We have a meeting with the realtor in an hour. And call your child, please. She’s having a fit cause she hasn’t heard from you since we left.”

  Before Bea can exit the room, I place the call to Beanie.

  “What’s up, Dad?”

  “Hey baby, Auntie Bea says you’ve been having a fit. I meant to call you sooner.”

  “Mmm hmm,” she hums with skepticism. “Where are you? Are you coming back? I thought you said I could live with you.”

  “Of course, you can live with me; it’s just I’m not there right now. I got a lot to handle before I can just settle down for a minute. Besides, I got to hire staff and you a nanny to—”

  “A nanny?” she giggles. “Dad, I’m in high school. I don’t need a nanny; I can take care of myself.”

  “Beanie, how many times I got to tell you that you’re damn near royalty, and you will be cared for as such. Although I haven’t been there for you physically, I’ve never not made sure you and your mother were protected and cared for. You should be used to it by now.”

  “Yeah, I am…but sometimes it’s a bit much. I mean, I’m just a kid.”

  “Just a kid!” I exclaim incredulously. “Not the young lady I had the pleasure of spending time with last week. Besides Beanie, you’re my child. Once people catch on to that, you can become a target for evil people with ill intentions.”

  “I get that, Dad. I know the whole run down; it’s why I don’t go around telling people that Prime is my father.”

  Her use of my street name took me by surprise. I wasn’t aware that she even had knowledge of it.

  “How do you know that’s my name and how long have you known it?” I ask.

  “I’ve been knowing it for a few years, Dad. And Mom didn’t tell me directly; I heard her and Cam talking about you one day—well, it was more like arguing.”

  The sound of her name angers me. I swear that girl gets under my skin.

  “Do me a favor, Beanie…Please stay away from that crazy ass girl.”

  “But Dad, she’s—”

  I interrupt her. “I don’t care. She’s no good and I don’t need you associated with her in any way.”

  Beanie’s voice softens as she tries to plea with me. “But Dad…I mean…I wouldn’t mind getting to know her and Ari; she’s hilarious and so cute.”

  I hate being the bad guy, but Camryn is not the type of person I really want around my teenage daughter. It’s why I’ve been adamant about keeping the two lives separate. I’ll deal with her how I see fit, but I don’t want Beanie dealing directly with her.

  “Beanie, I meant what I said. But in the meantime, I’ll try to have Auntie Bea look into what I can do to get visitation with Ari. That way we don’t need Camryn in order to spend time with her.”

  She concedes with a hint of disappointment. “Okay Dad.”

  “Trust me, it’s for the best; Camryn will be alright.”

  Changing the subject, and changing her tone to a more upbeat vibe, she asks, “So who is the new lady?”

  “What new lady?”

  “C’mon Dad, Auntie Bea already told me about her. She said you’re in love.”

  I chuckle. “Auntie Bea needs to keep her mouth closed.”

  “When do I get to meet her?”

  “I’m not sure yet.”

  “Oh!” she teases excitedly. “So, there is a new
lady. What’s her name?”

  “Her name is Dasani. Have you heard of Mother Pearl hair products and Khandi Kosmetics makeup?”

  “Oh yeah! I know of her. She’s become like a local celebrity around here. My friend Nevaeh’s mom had her come to the school and speak at one of our entrepreneurship programs. She’s cool. Mom and I use her products.”

  “That’s awesome. Well, you’ve met your dad’s new love interest.”

  “Really! Oh wow…And she’s so pretty. Her hair is amazing. Oh wow! I can’t believe—Hey, can I tell Nevaeh?”

  “No!”

  She laughs hysterically.

  “Just give it a little more time until I know for sure it’s official,” I tell her.

  “When will you have her over so we can officially meet then?”

  “Maybe when I return to Jewel City.”

  “That sounds great. I can’t wait to meet her up close and personal.”

  I’m happy to know that Beanie is open to the idea of me dating seriously, but I’m curious to know how she feels about me and her mother.

  “Beanie, how is your mother?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Like, is she dating seriously? Does she get out? Is she involved in anything? Is she happy?”

  “Ask her yourself, Dad,” she giggles.

  “I’ve tried. She doesn’t really go into details.”

  “Mom is okay, I guess. She goes out with her friends a lot. If she’s dating, she hasn’t introduced me to anyone. She’s kinda secretive.”

  “Yeah, that’s what I gather. So, how do you feel about me and your mother not being together?”

  Beanie laughs. “That’s such a weird question. Dad, I’m used to it. I just want the two of your to be happy. And I want to see you more. That’s all.”

  I smile. I’m blessed to have such a loving, joyful, and understanding daughter. Lord knows I lucked up with this one.

  “Okay, well, Daddy gotta get back to business. As soon as I get back to Jewel City, I will send for you.”

  “Okay,” she says.

  “Love you, my sweet.”

  “Love you too, Dad.”

  My mind wanders back to Dasani. It would be nice to have her over so that she can meet Beanie. I think the two of them would hit it off which would be great for me.

  My phone rings and take note of who’s calling. It’s just the person I’ve been waiting on.