*
The day finally arrived. It was the grand opening of The Fade Shop out in the St. Johns Town-Center. To see all my ideas come together finally felt amazing. A nigga felt like Jay-Z or some shit!
Kimora was right by my side as I cut the bright red ribbon. Hundreds of folks quickly flocked inside the shop as photographers snapped pictures left and right. I felt like the man. I was giving out free haircuts from 10pm until 2pm today. The DJ was playing some of the latest hits and there were even refreshments for everyone.
I mingled around my shop, talking and interacting with everyone when I spotted Gabriela. Not Today Satan. Not today!
I quickly scurried towards Gaby to keep a scene from happening. Kimora must’ve been somewhere in the back because as I frantically looked around, I couldn’t see her. I lightly grabbed Gaby’s arm and ushered her outside in a casual manner so people wouldn’t be alarmed.
“What are you doing here?” I asked through clenched teeth.
Gabriela stood there holding the small of her back and smiling as if I was supposed to be happy to see her ass. Her stomach looked like it had three babies inside, instead of one. She was carrying it well though because she hadn’t gained any weight anywhere else but her stomach. Her nose had spread too, but, for the most part, she looked the same besides having a bigger stomach of course.
“I’ve let you off the hook for too long. I need some money,” she said rubbing her thumb repeatedly across her other four fingers. “These doctor bills aren’t cheap and by the looks of your shop, I see you’re doing pretty well. So, I need you to cut me a check baby daddyyyy,” she sang. She was now rubbing her belly and looking around, I guess trying to spot Kimora.
“Man, I told you that I didn’t want anything to do with you until after we have the DNA test. You ain’t getting shit from me. You better get on Medicaid or some shit because I ain’t giving you a dime,” I mumbled. I was really trying to maintain my cool, but this chick was pissing me off.
“I didn’t lie down and fuck myself! You helped make this baby,” she replied, putting her hands on her hips.
“WHAT! You might as well say you damn near lied down and made this baby by yourself because I was sleeping! You know if I was conscious and in my right mind, that shit would’ve never went down,” I said getting agitated being in her presence.
“Whatever,” she said waving her hand back and forth, obviously disagreeing with what I was saying. “Look, you haven’t even asked me what we were having. Your daughter is hungry Neron. I see y’all serving food, let your baby mama get a plate,” she said looking around.
Daughter? Wow, I get another chance to have a princess. Hearing Gabriela say that she was having another girl really excited me, but I couldn’t get too wound up until I found out if that little girl were mine.
“Gabriela, this is my place of business. I need you to leave,” I said snapping out of my thoughts.
“Don’t threaten me, Neron, because I will turn this shit out, for real,” she countered, raising her voice.
“I’m the mother of your kids and you treat me like shit. You didn’t even invite me to your little grand opening. I only found out because I just happened to see people promoting your shit on Facebook,” she said getting vibrant.
“Stop it! Stop this shit, right now,” I replied as I saw Kimora walk out of the building, maybe searching for me. Oh Lord, why did Kimora bring her behind outside?
I saw Gabriela follow my eyes and I knew she had spotted Kimora. Fuck!
“What the fuck Neron,” Gabriela shouted.
“Calm down,” I said through gritted teeth as customers started to stare.
“She’s pregnant too! You got her pregnant Neron! So, what, you were planning to dismiss and ignore my baby and ride off into the sunset with this bitch right here?” Gaby asked, pointing in Kimora’s direction.
She tried to run up on Kimora, but I grabbed her arm and held her back. Kimora rubbed her belly and stuck her tongue out at Gaby. That only infuriated her more because Gaby was thrashing around like a manic.
“Kimora quit it! Go inside baby, please,” I said as I tried to calm down Gabriela.
Kimora ignored my request and stood there as the DJ came over to try and help me calm down Gabriela as people whispered and stared.
“Fuck you Neron! I swear that I’m going to take you for everything you got bitch! This shop will be mine when I’m done with you! Just watch and see!” She shouted as she snatched away from the DJ and me. She shot me the bird as she wobbled out into the parking lot. She got into her car and sped off erratically, almost hitting a parked car. Not even five minutes after Gabriela sped off, my parents had arrived. Gabriela was lucky my father wasn’t here to witness her behavior because she definitely would’ve got arrested.
I wiped the sweat from my forehead as I stared at Kimora and my customers. This was a damn scene from a movie. I definitely had the baby mama from hell.
“Okay, everyone, let’s keep the party going. Grab some refreshments. DJ, spin something real quick for us. This is supposed to be a party y’all,” said Kimora clapping her hands and trying to get everyone back into the swing of things. Slowly but surely, folks started to mingle and eventually Gabriela was a distant memory for my customers.
I grabbed Kimora’s hand as we smiled and thanked people for coming out as we strolled towards my office. Inside my private office, I sat down at my oak wood desk and put my head into my hands.
“What was that all about Neron?” Kimora asked as she stood by the door, staring me down.
I knew she was mad about all the shit that just popped off, but I was glad my baby girl knew not to make a scene. It was sexy when a woman knew when to wear her ratchet hat, freak hat, and business hat. My baby was a jack-of-all-trades. I was glad she kept her business hat on and didn’t get ratchet at my grand opening and try and get at Gaby. I blew air out of my lips though because I knew it wouldn’t take her long to ask what Gaby was doing here.
“She just showed up. She was asking for money and freaked out when she saw that you were pregnant. It set her off,” I said, inhaling and exhaling.
“If this baby turns out to be yours then you need to petition for full custody because we cannot be tied to her for life Neron. We will never be fully happy if she turns out to be the mother of this kid,” Kimora said.
I prayed to God that I wasn’t the father of the baby she was carrying. I knew I was a possibility, but I hoped like hell I wasn’t the baby daddy. I pulled a bottle of Amsterdam peach from out of my desk and poured me a drink. I needed to settle my nerves before I went back out there and mingle with my guests.
Chapter 15
Gabriela
“I can’t believe that motherfucker got Kimora pregnant and from the looks of her, we’re due weeks, maybe days apart. I wanted to be the only one to have his kids. Why was Kimora always trying to compete with me? I hated the way I showed my ass at Neron’s grand opening because he was my man and I’m supposed to ride for him. I need to apologize to him. I just wanted him to acknowledge me. I bet you that he stays rubbing her feet, massaging her back and catering to her while I’m stuck single, lonely, caring for my brothers and depressed. It isn’t fair,” I said venting to Renee on the phone while I lied on my left side, across my bed.
“Shit. Fuck him! You sound crazy as hell. Y’all aren’t together. You did the right thing by showing your ass. I would pop up on his ass every chance I get if I were pregnant with his baby. He needs to run you your money and quit playing. Fuck him! Terrorize his ass every day, but you need to find a new dick and hope off his. Don’t go apologizing to him! His ass is straight disrespectful and I hate how you allow him to treat you,” Renee yelled coughing in between her words.
“Shit, I need to be over there smoking one with chu right now. My mind is everywhere because I feel everything you’re saying, but I still love him,” I said trying to get comfortable on the bed.
“Shit, I know plenty of women that smoked weed during the
ir pregnancies. You should come over and smoke one with cha girl so you can forget about all your problems,” said Renee.
“Well, I don’t want to take the chance of anything happening to this baby, so I can’t. I will come chill with chu though, so let me get my ass up and get dressed,” I replied as we hung up.
I tossed my phone next to me on the bed as I sat up. It was getting harder and harder to do normal every day activities. I was so over this pregnancy. As I was struggling to find the motivation to get up and get dressed to go to Renee’s, the ringing of my cell phone halted my plans.
“Hello,” I said.
“Gabriela?” I knew that voice from anywhere. My heart right away skipped a beat.
“Speaking,” I replied while still playing dumb.
“It’s Paul. How you been?”
“Oh, hey,” I said dryly. “I’m Fine,” I lied but felt excited on the inside to hear his voice. My heart fluttered at every word he spoke.
I hadn’t talked to Paul in months. I tried texting him and calling him a few times after the restaurant incident, but he never answered or returned any of my text messages.
“You were just on my mind. I heard about what went down with ole boy. I just wanted to see how you were holding up,” he said.
I felt like a can of biscuits that was just popped open because I immediately broke down. I couldn’t hold the tears in anymore.
“Damn, what’s wrong?” Paul asked.
“Everything! Everything is wrong. Nothing is going right. I’m due any day now and have no support or help,” I shrieked.
“I’m on my way to your house. Is your address still the same?”
“Yesssss,” I said through tears and snot.
Paul said he would be at my house within fifteen minutes. I got off the bed, wobbled to the bathroom, and preceded to clean myself up. I grabbed a hair tie, put my hair in a ponytail, and then brushed my teeth. I texted Renee letting her know that something came up and I would text her later. As I slipped on my house slippers, my door bell rang.
I shuffled to the living room and looked out the front door peephole. Paul stood behind the door, looking so handsome. I opened the door and smiled. You could tell I had been crying because my eyes were bloodshot red and swollen. I stepped aside and allowed him to enter.
“I brought you some ice-cream. I know it’s your favorite,” he said.
“Thank you! That’s the most thoughtful gesture anyone has done for me in a while,” I said grabbing the pint size rocky road ice cream.
“Make yourself comfortable,” I said walking into the kitchen to get a spoon.
I came back into the living room and sat next to Paul. He grabbed the spoon from out of my hand, scooped up a nice amount of ice cream, and fed me. It felt nice to have some attention. We talked for hours.
“What do you like to do?” He asked.
He was sitting so close to me that I was getting horny and wanted to blurt out, “fucking,” but I kept it cute and put that answer on mute.
“I like to draw,” I said shyly. Nobody knew about my passion for drawing except Kimora, but fuck that bitch. She didn’t count.
“Word? You can draw? Damn, that’s sexy,” he said licking his lips.
“You think so? I always felt nerdy,” I replied, eating more ice cream from my spoon. I was licking the creamy ice cream slowly to entice him. I knew it was working.
“Umm, yeah,” he said clearing his voice. “Nah that’s not nerdy at all. You got talent. Use it,” he replied staring at me and watching me eat my ice cream.
He was so intrigued on how I felt, what my goals were and how I was doing, that those old feelings I had for him started to come back. We definitely picked up where we left off.
After Paul had left, I decided that I was going to drop by Renee’s house because sitting in the house, pregnant with so many emotions isn’t what’s up. The boys were spending the night at a friend’s house, so it definitely would be nice to see my girl.
Chapter 16
Kimora
It’s been about a week since Gabriela showed her ass at my man’s grand opening. I was getting real tired of her. I felt like Neron wasn’t putting her in her place. I didn’t know if it was because she lost their first child, so he was trying not to stress her out, but I was pregnant too. I hadn’t really expressed how I felt to Neron, but I think he was picking up on it because after I had taken my shower, I noticed he had a gift for me on the bed. I wobbled towards our bed and opened up the bag. Inside, there was a beautiful yellow chiffon maternity dress and a pair of three-inch pink, open toe, ankle strap heels. Instantly my lips curled into a smile. He was so thoughtful.
“Neron,” I shouted.
“Yeah baby,” he said walking into our bedroom.
“Oh babe, I love it! Thank you,” I replied as I held up the dress and shoes, admiring everything.
“You know you don’t have to thank me. I know things have been difficult since we’ve got back together, but I just wanted to tell you thank you for rocking with me. The shop is doing well and soon our baby will be here. Everything is falling into place baby and I love you so much. I want you to enjoy your day,” said Neron smiling. He walked up to me and kissed me with such intensity.
“You trying to get some booty before the shower, stop it!” I said playfully as I lightly shoved him away. Neron laughed as he sat down on the bed and watched me get dressed.
“So, how are you feeling about your parents seeing each other, after all these years? Not to mention, your stepmother Adrienne will be there too,” said Neron.
“I’m anxious to see everyone, so I hope everyone is on their best behavior. I can’t wait to see Quan and Mama P too,” I said, attempting to put on my heels but was struggling.
Neron noticed, got on bended knee, slipped on my heels and buckled them for me. He was the sweetest and most thoughtful man, ever. The pregnancy has definitely brought out his sensitive side. I guess he’s really nervous about me doing anything on my own because of what happened to Mia. He stood up and held out his hand. I placed my hand into his and he slowly pulled me up from the bed.
“You look beautiful baby. Your skin is so radiant and glowing. You’re the most beautiful pregnant woman I’ve ever seen,” he said sincerely. I blushed.
“Thank you handsome, you don’t look too bad yourself,” I replied while I eyed Neron from head to toe.
You could tell the barbershop was making some coins only after a week of opening because Neron was wearing a red, white and black striped Polo shirt with a pair of black Levi denim jeans, with some white, grey and black Polo shoes. My baby was dressed to impress.
After we had done the once over in the mirror, we left to attend our co-ed baby shower. I couldn’t wait to see everyone, but I hoped everyone was going to get along. My mother and I were still working on our relationship, so I was really excited to see her.
*
Neron and I pulled up to a gated community center out at the beach. It was a beautiful day and the sun was shining bright and not a cloud in sight. I wasn’t allowed to help with any planning so I couldn’t wait to see how everything looked.
The only thing I knew was that, my father and Neron’s parents paid for everything. My stepmother Adrienne and Neron’s mother, Lisa, helped plan and put everything together. My mother wasn’t good at throwing parties and helping decorate, so she opted not to help plan the shower, but she was happy to even get invited. Mama Pam was in charge of food and refreshments, so I was dying to taste some of her cooking.
Neron parked the car and jumped out, quickly helping me out of the car. As we approached the front community door, I was damn near out of breath. Neron held the door open for me and we walked inside the building. Everyone stood up, clapped and shouted. The love was amazing! Tears swiftly welled up in my eyes as I saw everyone.
The place looked amazing! Since I didn’t want to know the sex of the baby, the theme was, “Bun in the Oven.” There were about twenty assigned tables seated fo
r four placed strategically throughout the room. Placed in the center of each table were baskets filled with four hot buns with a frame next to it that read, “Bun in the Oven Bakery.” It was the cutest thing. Mama Pam did the damn thing with my cake. It was awesome. It was a yummy six layers, cinnamon bun cake. Placed on the back of each chair was a cute russet sign that read, “She’s got a bun in the oven!” My family and friends certainly outdid themselves on the decorations. I was truly grateful.
My father, Dewayne, Adrienne and Kennard rushed over towards me and hugged me. They looked really good.
“How’s daddy’s baby girl feeling,” asked my father as he hugged me.
“I’m doing good daddy! I’m just ready to drop this load,” I said smiling at my brother Kennard. He looked tall as me. Dang, he’s growing fast.
“Oh my goodness, the baby kicked,” shrieked Adrienne, who looked stunning as ever as she rubbed my belly. I smiled at her and we embraced.
“Hey, sis! Do you know what you’re having yet?” Kennard asked. He had facial hair everywhere. My little brother was definitely growing up.
“Nope, I told you guys I didn’t want to know,” I said playfully.
“Where’s mom?” I said looking around for her face.
“I don’t know baby doll. I guess she hasn’t made it yet,” said my Daddy.
Neron noticed my expression and quickly grabbed my hand. I hurriedly replaced my frown with a smile as his parents approached us. His mother, Lisa, was beautiful. She looked just like Vivica A Fox and had the personality to match. Neron’s father, Angel, was Dominican so every time he saw me, he would literally speak half-English and Spanish sentences to me. He was hilarious!
“Oh boy! Look at that gran barriga! I know that’s a chico in there! It has to be because our Lopez genes are fuerte,” said Neron’s father.
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