by K. C. Mills
“I think you can do better than that.” Theory made sure his lips brushed mine as he waited, so I roped my arms around his neck and then provided him with a proper good morning. When I released our kiss, I pulled away and grabbed the orange juice off the counter.
Theory just grinned and returned to his seat at the kitchen table. I watched him out the corner of my eye, dressed in jeans that hung low around his waist, exposing a charcoal gray waistband that belonged to his boxer briefs. He wasn’t wearing a shirt so of course, his nicely carved chest and arms had my attention, but my focus was on my name across his left shoulder blade.
I walked over to him and let my fingers glide across it before I traced the letters with my index finger.
“When did you get this?” I asked.
“A week after they took you.”
“Took me?” I set my glass on the table and sat down across form him.
“From the hotel. I searched for you for days, and finally a lady at the precinct told me that some lady from the state came and got you. I was pissed but there wasn’t shit I could do about it, so I went to Creations and got your name inked.”
I looked him right in the eyes and it was like I could see the frustration he felt back then. I always wondered if he looked for me. I knew he had to, but there was always a small part of me that thought that maybe he just forgot.
“I hope you didn’t think I just let it go, let you go. That shit wasn’t happening.”
“I didn’t know what to think, so I just didn’t,” I said honestly. The first few days I cried, and then I was depressed; after that, I just missed him. Every day got a little easier, but it never went away. I always felt like a piece of me was missing and that piece was Theory.
He chuckled. “When did you get his?” Theory reached for my wrist and turned it so that my tattoo was visible. His thumb glided across it as he looked down at it.
“After I graduated, and my parents were pissed.” I laughed remembering when my mother first noticed it.
“Oh yeah, why is that?”
“Because they knew you, they knew all about you and wanted me to forget, ‘to move on’ as they put it. But I couldn’t do that. Even if I never saw you again, I wanted to always remember that part of my life.”
“Did he know?” I knew he was talking about Mel and I didn’t know why it mattered, but I answered anyway.
“I think he did, but he never really said. It doesn’t matter anyway.”
“You right,” Theory let out a cocky laugh. “I need to make a few calls and then I have to head out. You working today?”
“Um, yeah, but I need to call Diamond,” I said looking around, realizing that I still hadn’t found my phone.
Theory stood and reached in his pocket. He pulled out my phone and handed it to me.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Why do you have my phone?”
“Cause that shit kept going off and it woke me up. You worried, you got something to hide?”
His arrogant ass just smiled as he stood there looking at me.
“No, you’re the one with secrets,” I said referring to his intruder last night.
“I’m not even going to entertain that shit.” He smiled and then turned to leave the kitchen with his phone to his ear, but he stopped and looked at me. “Do I have to get you a new phone or are you gonna block that nigga’s number?”
He didn’t wait for a response, he just left the kitchen as I heard him talking to whoever he called.
I turned my phone back on and realized I had several messages from Diamond and three from Mel, begging me to meet him so that we could talk. I hit delete, blocked Mel’s number and called Diamond.
“Where are you?” Diamond asked the second she heard my voice.
“At Theory’s, why, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing, but damn. You do realize you left me extremely drunk and vulnerable at a stranger’s house, a fine ass stranger at that. I could be dead or pregnant for all you know,” Diamond said and then laughed.
“Well, you’re talking to me now, so you’re not dead. As for the pregnant thing, I don’t think I want to know about that.”
Diamond burst out laughing. “Nah boo, he strapped up, but trust me when I say he had me so dickmatized that I would have ten of his babies if he asked me to.”
“Did your dumb ass just say dickmatized? I should disown you just for that and what happened to ‘I’m sure I can find a guest room’?” I said mocking her.
“Shit I did, but his ass found one too and I was in it.” Again Diamond was laughing.
“I’m not messing with you. What time you heading in?” I asked.
“I just got home, about to shower and get dressed, so in like an hour.”
“Okay, I’ll meet you there. I need to tell you about my crazy ass night.”
“Oh Lord, do I even want to know?”
“Trust me, you do.”
“Aight boo. I’ll see you at the office.”
I ended the call and headed back upstairs to pack up. Since we didn’t have an assignment today, I planned on going in dressed like I was. I planned on having Theory drop me off, and then riding home with Diamond. I was tired, but luckily our job was flexible, so I planned on being home in a few hours and jumping into a mean ass nap.
“Can you drop me off at my job? I can ride home with Diamond later,” I asked, after I sat on the bed and watched Theory move around his room getting dressed.
“Yeah, I can do that. You staying with me tonight?” he asked without looking at me, because he was securing his watch on his wrist.
“You don’t have plans?” I asked which made him turn to look at me with a smirk.
“I got shit to do, if that’s what you’re asking but when I’m done, I want you here.”
“I just moved in with Diamond, I don’t want to bail on her.”
Theory chuckled. “Y’all can chill and shit, but you’re sleeping in my bed tonight and besides, I talked to Frank this morning and I’m pretty sure Diamond will be by later. In fact, you might as well pack your shit and just bring it with you ‘cause you’ll be spending a lot of time here.”
“I’m not moving in with you.”
“I didn’t say shit about moving in, did I? I said spending a lot of time here, and don’t tell me what you’re not going to do. Shit, your ass left me for six years. You owe me that time and then some, so if I want you to move in that’s what he fuck you’re gonna do, now act like you don’t hear me.” Theory winked at me and then walked into his closet. He returned a few minutes later wearing a shirt and sliding a gun in his jeans.
“You ready?” he asked as he lifted his keys and wallet off the dresser.
“Yeah.” I slid off the bed and grabbed a pair of Nikes and no-show socks out my bag. I sat on the floor and put them on before I collected the rest of my things and put them back in my bag. After I was done, I lifted it, pulling the strap over my shoulder, and Theory walked up to me and took it from me, tossing it on the bed.
“You can leave that shit here. I already told you.”
I didn’t feel like arguing with him so I left it alone, grabbed my purse and followed him out the room. He drove me to my job and parked along the curb when we got here.
“I have a few things to take care of today, but just head to my place whenever you get ready. If I’m not there, just let yourself in,” he said, not looking at me because someone was sending him a message. Once he read it, his eyes met mien.
“Stop looking like that damn, let that shit go,” he said like he could read my mind. The first thought that popped in my head was that I didn’t know how to let myself in, but that bitch does. I guess she could meet me there and help a sister out.
“I set it to your birthday. Enter it, wait for the light to flash green and then open the door. Set it back once your inside with the one that’s on the wall. Now stop looking like somebody stole your damn bike and kiss me so I can go.” Theory gave me that addictive smile of his and all I could do was ret
urn one.
He leaned towards me, waiting until I didn’t the same. After a deep passionate kiss that had me regretting the fact that I was actually in his truck, I let out a sigh and reached for the handle to let myself out.
“Stop pouting, I got you later,” he said, picking up on my vibe.
“You better,” I said just before I got out. He waited for me to be in the building before he pulled off. It had literally only been about thirty seconds and I was missing him already. Damn, I was in trouble.
-16-
Lani
I was tired as hell because I had been up all night. I couldn’t believe that Theory had some bitch in his house, in our bed, and of all people, the ghost that I had been competing with for years. I really wanted to snatch her ass out the bed and beat the smirk off her face. All this time he would never really just give in and make things official because of that hoe, and now I finally had the chance to lay eyes on her.
I mean, she was cute… fuck, who was I kidding. She was fucking beautiful, and in a way that was just natural. Even I was horny as I stood there watching her with Theory’s sheet wrapped around her, but where the fuck did she come from? She hadn’t been around, or I know his ass would have dropped me a long time ago. I mean, he had the bitch’s name tattooed on his body, so I knew he cared about her.
Whoever the fuck this Rain was, had another thing coming if she thought she was about to take Theory from me. I worked too hard to get him for that to happen. Yeah, true indeed I could have any man I wanted. I wasn’t trying to have any man, I wanted Theory, and I knew I could have him if I could just get that bitch out the way. I wasn’t anything to play with, which is why I could give that bitch here props. I definitely wouldn’t be issuing out compliments if I wasn’t secure in my own shit, and I was; but at this point, it wasn’t even about looks. They had history; she shared something with him that I couldn’t replace, but if she wasn’t around then he could focus on me.
I followed behind Theory and his bitch as they left his house. I noticed that his cars were the only ones there, so that meant he had to take her home. I needed to scope out my competition to know what I was dealing with. The more I knew about her, the easier it would be for me to figure out how to get rid of her. Theory wasn’t to be messed with, so I knew I couldn’t just run up on the hoe and beat her ass, or he would likely beat my ass. She was sacred to him for some reason. He made it very clear that she would be the only person to have his heart and as much as it hurt me, I dealt with it because I wanted him.
I never planned on falling for him and in fact, I thought it would just be some good dick and then goodbye, especially since my father hated the fact that I was messing with him. But Theory was that guy. Even without the good dick I fell for him. He made you want him without even trying; I just didn’t get it. My father constantly complained about my street thug, but I didn’t care. I wanted Theory and I was going to have him.
I kept a safe distance behind them until he pulled up in front of one of the buildings my father had a business in. I thought that was strange, but I prayed that it was what I thought it was. My father owned so much shit that it would be a sign from God if she actually worked for the magazine company he owned in this building. Everything else in there was corporate, and she was dressed in leggings and a hoodie, so I knew she wasn’t about to walk up in Jenson and Golden.
It broke me when I watched from across the street, as Theory kissed her and then the two of them smiled and talked like they were in their own little world. Shortly after, she got out and he left. Now it was time for me to make my move.
“Urban Style, how may I direct your call?”
“Has Rain made it in yet?” I asked taking a chance and praying that I got the answer I was looking for.
“She’s walking in now; may I ask who’s calling?”
I hung up. “Hell no, nosy bitch. I found out what I needed to know.”
“My next call was to my father.”
“Hey Daddy, I need a favor.”
“I’m busy Lani, what is it?” he asked, sounding irritated.
“I need you to fire someone,” I said, a little put off by the fact that my father didn’t sound happy to talk to me.
He chuckled, “Fire who Lani and why? Who pissed you off this time?”
“She works for Urban Style; her name is Rain.”
“I don’t even know who that is. I rarely ever deal with Urban Style.”
“Even better, so just make some calls and fire her.”
“And why would I do that? Urban Style is making money and basically runs itself, so why would I fire someone who is apparently helping make that happen?”
“Because I asked you to. I’m sure whatever she does, it will be nothing to find a replacement. Please Daddy?”
“Fine Lani, I’m busy baby, I have to go, but I’ll make some calls.”
“Thank you, Daddy, I love you.”
Mission accomplished. That bitch fucked with the wrong man. I pulled off feeling satisfied, and prayed that Theory didn’t find out what I was up to. I knew for sure he wouldn’t be happy about it, but oh well; all is fair in love.
-17-
Rain
“You know we can wait, I can wait.” Theory stood by the door of our hotel room watching me as I undressed. He had basically spent our last to get this room for us, and I wasn’t about to back out now and besides, it was time. I was only sixteen, but I wanted Theory to be my first. The man in the basement didn’t count; I blocked it so he didn’t exist to me. I wanted Theory to be my first and besides, I got jealous every time I knew he was with someone else, giving them what I felt belonged to me.
I mean, we weren’t really together so I couldn’t be upset, but I knew he cared about me and hell, I was I love with him, but I just didn’t want to complicate things, so we stayed friends but I needed more than that. I wanted more than that.
“I know we can wait, but I don’t want to. I think it’s time for me to see what all the hype is about. See why all these females are always hanging around, begging for your attention,” I said trying to lighten the mood while masking my jealous feelings.
He walked over to me and his hands touched the side of my face. “Don’t do that. They don’t mean anything to me, and it won’t be the same, not even close.”
“What won’t be the same?” I asked confused.
“Me being with you.”
“Yeah, I’m sure,” I said and laughed nervously because of the intensity in the way he looked at me.
“It’s not the same Rain. The way I feel about you changes everything.” He moved closer.
“And how do you feel?”
Theory laughed and then kissed me in a way that said more than his words ever could. I knew then that everything about us was about to change, but I didn’t care.
“Aye boo, you ready to head to lunch?” I heard Diamond’s voice behind me as I stared out the window. I had been doing that for literally an hour. My mind was on Theory; hell, how could it not be. It was like I could still feel him. His lips on me, the way he moved inside me. A lot had changed since our first time and I wasn’t complaining one bit.
“Yeah, I’m about to starve,” I said as I turned in my chair to face Diamond.
“Mm hmm, I bet, you all zoned out over there. He got you like that, huh?”
I just laughed, and grabbed my purse. “Let’s go. We’ll talk when we get there.”
Diamond drove and he headed to a café downtown to grab lunch. After we had our food and drinks, she went in with the questions.
“So, you leaving me?” she asked.
“Girl no, I just left one man, I’m not about to move right in with another one.” I looked down at my salad before loading one of the oversized shrimp on my fork and stuck it in my mouth. When I finally looked up, Diamond was looking at me like I had just told the biggest lie in the world.
“I’m not,” I said and burst out laughing. “I mean I’ll probably be there a lot, but I’m not moving i
n with him this soon.”
“Hoe please, you stopping by one a week to get clean draws, don’t classify as you still living with me,” Diamond said and then lifted her burger to take a bite.
Now I was really laughing. “First of all, I don’t wear draws and trust me, I’m not moving out. I told Theory that this morning.”
“See, your ass is already tripping. If you had to tell him that, then he already made it clear that’s what he wants, and I’m pretty sure what Theory wants, Theory gets,” Diamond said before she paced her lips on her straw and took a long pull.
“Um, not this time and besides, I need him to get all his women in check before I even consider that.” I rolled my eyes like Lani was sitting in front of me and not Diamond.
She raised her eyebrows and frowned at me. “Spill hoe, don’t just throw that out there and then sit there like you just told me what the temperature was.”
“Why you so extra damn?” I said and laughed.
“Why you want me to slap your yellow ass for holding out?” Diamond followed with.
“So, we were asleep last night and I hear a female’s voice going off about why some bitch was in his bed.”
“Wait, so some bitch just walked in his house? She got keys and shit?”
“Exactly, not keys, but the security codes.”
“Same damn thing. So what did you do, what did he do? I hope you checked that hoe. Damn I wish I would have been there.”
“Shut up and let me finish and besides, you were a little busy getting pregnant, remember,” I said with smirk.
“So anyway, I didn’t get a chance to check the hoe because he did. He grabbed her by her hair and cussed her out and then made her leave. After that, he changed the security codes and get this, got back in the damn bed like it never happened.”
Diamond looked at me for a second and then burst out laughing, “What the fuck? Are you serious?”