I left my bedroom and went to the living room where I knew Charmaine was because that was her favorite spot: in front of the TV.
“Aight.” I plopped down on the couch next to her. “You know this whole time we’ve been kicking it, I’ve always been honest with you. From day one, I let you know that I wasn’t really looking for anything too serious, and you were cool with that.”
“Okay?” She raised her brow, giving me that look Black women always gave when they were waiting for you to say some foul shit so they could knock yo’ head off.
“Just making sure we’re on the same page.” I cleared my throat, stalling. “I want you to know that it’s been fun and shit, but now that I got this record deal and I’m about to be doing a lot of shit, I don’t really have time for what we got. Not to mention, I’m gon’ be on the road a lot, and shit happens on the road.”
“Jason, what the fuck are you trying to say?”
“What I’m trying to say is that, this between us has got to end.”
“Why?”
“I just told you why. I’m about to be busy as hell, and shit is gon’ happen, you know that. And even though you say you’re cool with our arrangement, you know if I fuck another girl, I’m gon’ hear ya mouth. And right now, I don’t have the time for all the shit that comes with a relationship.”
“Jason, you can’t do this. Where am I going to go?”
“Go to Colorado Springs where ya son is at. I told you I would front you some money until you figured shit out.”
“No! I like my life and job here, so I am not gonna do that. Look, what if we go on a break but you let me stay here still.”
“Uh … nah, Charmaine, because if I bring company home—”
“Why would you be bringing a groupie here?”
“Look, you gotta go.” I stood up. “I can help you with a spot for a little bit, or help you out in some way, but you can’t stay here with me.”
“Fuck you, Jason.” She pouted.
Shaking my head, I left out the house. I was just happy I’d gotten my point across, and let her ass know that it wasn’t gon’ be no more us. If only her ass would go to Colorado where she belonged.
***
Later that evening …
“Just try the cake, V.” I laughed.
Virginia and I were out at this restaurant named Houston’s in Manhattan Beach. It was a pretty good steakhouse, with the pretty high prices to match. But now that I was gon’ be making way more money, shit like this was nothing for me.
“I told you I’m stuffed. I may not be on the Hollywood scene, but I need to have somewhat of a shape.” She smiled.
“You got a shape, most definitely.” I put the last piece of chocolate cake into my mouth. “I wanna talk to you about something.”
“Go ahead.” She yawned since it was pretty late and we’d pigged the fuck out.
“So when you and I first started doing this, I had a little something named Charmaine who was staying with me.” I watched Virginia’s face change. “But that’s over with, I promise. And it was never anything serious or official. Me and Charmaine—”
“You rang?” I heard Charmaine’s voice, and turned slowly as fuck to see her standing next to our table. “Hi, you must be his new shiny toy.”
“Actually, my name is Virginia, and I’m his girlfriend, unlike you,” Virginia snapped.
“Charmaine, what the fuck you doing here?”
“I knew your ass was lying about all the bullshit you kicked to me earlier! I’ve been watching your stupid ass all damn day, and of course, I was right; you got a new bitch!”
The restaurant was pretty quiet, so everyone could hear what the hell Charmaine was saying right now.
Standing up, I said, “Charmaine, stop it. You knew from the get-go that we weren’t serious like that—”
“I let my son move to another state for you!” she roared loudly as fuck.
“Okay, if you guys don’t quiet down, you are going to have to leave the premises.” Some guy who I assumed was the manager stepped up.
“Sorry about that, she’s just an ex bothering me and my girlfriend here,” I replied.
“No, it’s fine, I will leave!” Charmaine barked at the manager. “You got me fucked up, Jason,” was all she said before turning around and walking out.
I sat back down across from Virginia who was staring at me. I couldn’t really read her expression though.
“Baby, I’m sorry about—”
“Let me tell you something, Jason. Do whatever you need to do to make sure that shit does not happen again.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I smirked as I got up and went to sit next to her. Putting my arm around her shoulders, I cupped her chin and brought her lips to mine. “That’s the last time, I swear.”
Chapter Nine: Bia
I was in my office working on my proposal for a new account we were trying to obtain, when I heard Marjorie’s loud country laughter. Guinevere was in Paris with her husband this week, so everyone was a bit more lax than usual. I ignored her chortling until I realized she was conversing with Kito. I paused for a moment, pen to paper, and tried to listen in on what exactly they were discussing. They never worked together, at least thus far, so what the fuck did he need to converse with her about?
Finally deciding I would go see for myself, I got up and stormed over to his office, just waltzing in. I saw Marjorie was leaning on his desk across from him, and he was just relaxing a little bit in his office chair. Upon entering, I spotted his wide beautiful smile, as Marjorie ran off at the mouth about her home front stories.
“What’s going on?” I smiled, even though I was irritated.
“Oh nothing. Marjorie was just telling me about her crazy uncle, who hunts his food and won’t buy shit from the grocery store.” Kito and Marjorie chuckled, so I did the same, even though I didn’t find shit funny about this bitch Marjorie being all in Kito’s face.
“Well I better get back to work. I have a meeting later, and Guinevere will murder me in cold blood if I don’t get to it,” Marjorie sighed. “See y’all a little bit later. Maybe we can have drinks tonight.”
“Maybe,” I mocked her accent, and Kito bucked his eyes at me with a smile. “She likes you.” I closed his door and leaned up on it.
“She’s married, Bia, and even if she did want me, she’s not really my type. I like good girls, but she’s a bit too good for my taste.” He stood up, and my eyes cascaded all over his body under that white button up, and spiffy gray slacks. His cologne traveled through the air as he brushed his fade down some with a brush, giving me a glimpse of his gold-faced watch.
“Too good?” I raised a brow, snapping out of my trance.
“Yeah, like I wouldn’t be able to fuck her how I wanted to,” he replied, grabbing his matching gray suit jacket and throwing it on. “Did you need something, baby? I have to go.”
“Go? Where are you going?”
“To a lunch meeting really quickly.” He scratched his beard and then dropped his hands into his pockets.
“With a woman?”
“Yes, it’s a woman, but it’s strictly business. You can come if you’d like, but it’d be awkward unless you talk a little.” He stared down at me, as I stared up at him. “You seem a bit jealous for a girl who goes out on dates with her ex.” He laughed as he neared me, getting too close and making me horny.
“Yeah, well I told you about it before it even happened so that you’d know it wasn’t some big secret.”
“What you do that for?” He bit his lip and I shrugged. “Tell me what you want so we can make that happen. I already told you what I wanted, for you to be mine exclusively, now it’s your turn.” He leaned down and kissed me on my neck.
“You’re already mine exclusively.”
“Oh, I am?” He smiled and I nodded with a raised brow. “Aight then, so it’s set. And that means if I catch Qamar at ya crib, I’m gon’ beat his ass since I have the right.” He opened his office door for us so we cou
ld walk out.
“He won’t be around, but yes, do what you need to do.”
“Cool.” He kissed me a few times, placing his big hands on my waist. “I’ll see you in a little bit, unless you wanna roll.”
“I’m fine.” I shook my head and then watched him walk off, before placing his iPhone to his ear. “Oh my gosh,” I gasped lowly, and then gathered myself before going back to my office.
I wasn’t sure what took me so long to stake my claim, but I was glad I had done so.
***`
I pulled up to my house because I needed to go inside and pack a bag. I was spending the night with Kito, and then we’d be getting on his boat and chilling tomorrow morning. He said my sister and mother could come and I knew they’d be excited for that.
“I hate you!” Taya yelled as I entered the house. “Why would you do this to me!”
“Taya, who the hell are you talking to like that!” my mother shouted back as I rushed to Taya’s room.
“What is going—”
“She told the police about Flow getting me pregnant!” Taya screamed. “And now they’ve arrested him! I told her I got the abortion already!”
“Okay, calm down, calm down. How did you get the abortion, Taya? No one gave you money.”
“He gave it to me. We both decided it was best, so I went out and got it! But now she fucked it all up!” Taya pointed to my mother.
“When the hell did you become so disrespectful? You will not talk that way to me in my house, Taya George!”
“Yeah, Taya, you need to stop all that. Flow had no right sleeping with you knowing you were sixteen at the time, so oh well. He’s clearly a pedophile.” I shrugged.
“No he’s not!” Taya yelled, just as my mom fell to the floor. “Mama?”
“Ma!” I yelled, dropping down and tapping her face. “Mama, get up, get up!” I chanted, tapping her face. “Call 911, Taya, she still has a pulse!”
“Okay, okay!” Taya grabbed up her iPhone and dialed. “Mama, I’m sorry,” she cried as the operator answered.
I prayed silently as I sat there on the floor next to my mom, hoping like hell that she would be okay.
The ambulance showed up pretty quickly, and as they placed my mom on the stretcher and wheeled her out, Taya and I rushed out after them. I know I hadn’t been the best, but I prayed that God came through for me tonight.
Chapter Ten: Micah
The next morning …
After Kattlyn went to the hospital, the doctor confirmed that she had in fact miscarried. And ever since that happened, she’d been pretty depressed about the shit. I’d never experienced something like this, so I really didn’t know what to say or do to make her feel better at all. I was used to her being upbeat and wild, but now, all she did was watch TV and give me short answers when I tried to talk to her. So for now, I guess we’d just be chilling in silence.
“Where you going?” I asked her when I saw she was dressed and walking down the stairs into the foyer. I was just about to bring her some damn food, plus, she hadn’t left the house in a few days.
“I have to go to class, Micah,” she replied, clicking across the foyer in her heels.
“I thought your professor said you could have the rest of the week off, and come back next Wednesday.”
“Yes, but I don’t like to miss Saturday morning labs. I need something to cheer me up and this would be best.”
“Umm, aight, don’t you wanna eat something first?” I offered.
She stared at the food blankly for a brief moment, and then she smiled softly before nodding. Taking her hand into mine, I led her to my large kitchen, and once she sat down, I placed the food in front of her. For a good five minutes, she stabbed at the food, shoving the pancakes, eggs, and sausage into her mouth. I knew she was hungry as hell because she’d skipped dinner last night.
After swallowing what was in her mouth, she gulped some orange juice down and then placed the glass on the table.
“Did you only love me because I was pregnant?” she inquired, dropping her fork onto the plate.
“What?” I frowned. “No. I don’t even operate like that. I love you because I just do, baby or not.”
“Oh … okay.” She cheesed. “I should be getting my Visa soon.”
“Damn.” I frowned. “You’ve been on it. How did you get into cooking school without it? I’d been meaning to ask that.”
I remembered Kattlyn hiring some lawyer while we were still together, and I was happy she kept up with the shit. The last thing I needed was for her to be getting shipped off back to Cuba.
“Funny enough, there is no law saying immigrants can’t attend college. It varies by school, however. My cooking college doesn’t require you to prove citizenship. Thank God for my lawyer because I didn’t know that.” She grinned happily before drinking her juice.
“Well I’m glad you’re getting that shit. I don’t like being worried about you.” I grabbed her hand and kissed it, making her smirk. “I love you.”
“You better.” She giggled before finishing her food.
We talked for a little bit about what she was learning in school and shit, and then she left. Hearing Kattlyn moved forward with her whole Visa shit had me thinking about my son, Michael. I didn’t give a fuck if he was that nigga Don’s biologically; I was the one who raised him. I took care of him and did all the fucking work, not that nigga. And even though I wanted nothing to do with Isla, I just couldn’t turn my back on Michael and act like the last four years didn’t happen. I wasn’t sure of what rights I had, but I was about to find out.
My phone buzzing hard against the kitchen table pulled me from my thoughts, and when I looked down, I saw it was Diana. She’d been texting me here and there, and I’d only reply sometimes because a nigga felt bad for using her. However, I needed to cease all contact before Kattlyn murdered the both of us with her Kung Fu Panda ass.
D: Hey did you forget about me? I hope not.
I didn’t need this shit right now.
***
Later that day …
I’d gotten an appointment with my lawyer because I wanted her to give me a little bit of advice on how I could get some parental rights with Michael. There had to be something. I mean, there is no way Isla could just ride off into the sunset with my kid like that.
“How are you today, Mr. Gaines?” my lawyer Amanda, stood up to greet me when I entered her office. “I was surprised that you needed to speak with me today. You rarely have any legal troubles.”
Laughing, I replied, “Yeah, I know.” I sat down. “You know my son, Michael?” I asked, and she nodded. “Well, I found out that he’s not really my son biologically. And after finding that out, his mother took him and basically told me that she doesn’t want me in his life. Just recently, she gave me an hour with him, but me going from raising him to getting an hour out of a week, is killing me.”
“Wow, alright.” She grabbed a pen and pad. “I have some questions for you. Does she know where the actual father is?”
“Yeah, she does.”
“And is she sure?” Amanda giggled. “I don’t mean to laugh, but I’m honestly wondering if she knows that he’s actually the father.”
“Yeah, she brought the police to my house with a DNA test proving that this other guy was my son’s biological father.”
“Okay.” Amanda jotted something down. “And she’s currently in a relationship with him?”
“Truthfully, I have no idea. I thought she was, but then I found out she’s pregnant by this other cat that’s signed to the same label as me; or was. And was giving him my money, basically funding his lifestyle with my bread. So it’s all confusing. She could be with the both of them muthafuckas.”
Amanda and I laughed in unison.
“Hmm, okay.” She wrote some more things down. “So we need to figure out what’s going on with her personally because it doesn’t sound like she’s too stable. Also, we do need to see if the biological father is even in the child’
s life and doing what he needs to do. I will be honest and let you know, this will be hard because she has proven you not to be the blood father, but I think we can actually pull something off.”
“Okay, all I need is hope.”
“Yes. Now, question, did you sign the birth certificate?”
“I did, and I raised him from birth.”
Grinning, Amanda replied, “I think we have something then.”
Chapter Ten: Draylah
Ricky’s grandmother wanted to spend time with the twins today, so I took that opportunity to go into work. I’d booked a few appointments, but not too many because I knew I would be having some separation anxiety and I didn’t want that. Largely because Lily had ‘died’ when I wasn’t with her.
As hard as having twins was, I loved both of my babies so much and wouldn’t give them back for anything. They were so adorable, and usually well behaved. And thankfully, I had a baby daddy that did his part; well, fiancé.
“Okay, take a look,” I said to one of my clients, Maria, and pointed to the vanity mirror in my workstation.
“Draylah, oh my gosh, thank you. And thank you for filling them in and everything. My lashes are bomb too. I love it! When are you gonna sell your own shit, girl?”
“Soon. I’m working on that. I just gave birth, so I have to get my home life in order and everything else before adding more to my plate.”
“I forgot you just had your twins. Girl, you look good.” Maria got up. “But yes, please let me know when you come out with something because you have magic hands.” Maria grabbed her wallet from her purse as I led her to the front where my secondary receptionist, Channie, was.
“Well thanks, girl. Channie will go ahead and check you out. So I should see you in a few weeks?”
“Yes, and here you go.” She gave me a twenty-five-dollar tip.
“Thank you.” We hugged and then I went back to my office to place an order for supplies before my next appointment.
She Got It Bad for a Heartless Gangsta Page 28