What About Us: A Crazy Love Story

by Kim Kaye

  “That man don’t give a fuck about you and Imanie! He is saying whatever it takes, in order to keep your legs in the air! Don’t lose out on a good thing because this nigga is fucking your damn brains out!” Men think that new pussy is better than old pussy. Well hell, it ain’t nothing like some new dick to fuck up your mind.

  “Calm down, Mommy. You don’t know Jabari like I do. Once you meet him, then you will see why I love him so much.”

  “I don’t wanna be wrapped up in your mess, Ja’nelle. I love Hasaan, just like he is my own son. I will not condone you cheating on him.”

  “Jabari is on his way over here, Mommy. I want for you to meet him. I guarantee that you will agree; he is the man for me, just wait and see.”

  “I don’t see nothing good coming out of this young lady. And now you’re trying to get me mixed up in your web of deception.”

  I sit down and then I light me a joint. This girl done made my damn blood pressure rise.

  “I do need to leave my car in your driveway. It’s just in case Hasaan comes by. You can just tell him that I left with Tiphanie.”

  “Uhn-uhn, I’m not going to be a part of this bullshit, Ja’nelle! I will not lie to Hasaan for you.”

  The doorbell rings. I go to answer it, thinking that it is my tenderoni at the door.

  “Who are you?” I ask the sexy specimen at the door. He is younger than me, but that is just the way that I like my men.

  “I’m Jabari, Ja’nelle told me to meet her here. You must be her sister.”

  He kisses my hand.

  Mm-mm-mm, now I see why my daughter has lost her damn mind!

  “Flattery will get you everywhere, young man. I’m Ja’nelle’s mother. But I’m sure that you already know that. Why don’t you come in the house, so that we all can talk?”

  I leave him to close the door.

  “Fat asses must run in the family,” I hear him say under his breath from behind me.

  I turn around and look him in the eye, to let him know that I heard what he said. Then I roll my eyes at his ass.

  He isn’t lying; I still look extremely good for my age. Even in my early forties, I have the body of someone half my age. I work hard to keep it this way, by spending at least 20 hours a week in the gym.

  That’s not even including my spin class and yoga classes that I take during the week, as well. I have an addiction to young men with big dicks and deep pockets. Therefore, I have to keep up my body to attract and catch their attention.

  “Mommy, this is Jabari. Jabari this is my Mommy,” Ja’nelle introduces us, all giddy like. It is making me sick to my stomach; seeing her act like this over a nigga that isn’t her damn husband.

  “We met at the door already. Ja’nelle sit yo happy ass down, while I get to know Jabari. It takes a lot of balls showing up to my house, especially knowing that my daughter is a married woman. Don’t you think, Jabari?”

  “I was just following her lead, ma’am. If I knew that it would’ve been a problem, then I wouldn’t have showed up. Sorry for the intrusion. I’ll be on my way,” He says, giving Ja’nelle the evil eye as he gets up.

  “Ma! Why are you being so rude?” Ja’nelle fusses at me, while going after that sexy nigga Jabari.

  “Jabari?!” I call after his dramatic ass. Why he is leaving is beyond me. I haven’t even got to interrogate his ass yet.

  “Yes, ma’am?” He says, walking back into my dining room.

  “Whatchu leaving for? You thought that you were gonna come in here with your smooth ass and win me over, by complementing me? You know what I think? I think you’re just using my baby for pleasure. You’re gonna throw her away in the wind, once you get your rocks off. That’s what I think!”

  “I do have feelings for Ja’nelle, ma’am. In the last six months she has made me a happier man.”

  I can tell that he is full of shit. I’ve been dealing with niggas like him my whole life.

  “You do realize that she is a married woman with a child, don’t you? What do you plan on doing once shit hits the fan and her husband finds out about her fucking you behind his back? Because he will find out! And Hasaan ain’t shit to play with, Mr. Jabari!”

  “With all due respect ma’am, I ain’t ever been scared of the next nigga. He bleeds red, just like me. As for me and your daughter’s relationship, it’s not that serious to me. She is a married woman, so I won’t allow my feelings to get wrapped up in it.”

  “Jabari, I love you. I want to be with you and only you. Remember, we talked about me leaving my husband?”

  I can see the happiness fade from my baby’s eyes, and I don’t like it one bit. However, she is playing in the big league now. She’d better not cry over this nigga.

  “Yeah, we mentioned it a time or two, but nothing has been etched in stone. The life that I lead ain’t fit for no family and you know it, Ja’nelle. I ain’t the family type of dude. With that being said, it doesn’t mean that I don’t want that in the future. Let’s just go with the flow, like we talked about.”

  “Sounds to me like y’all are on different pages, as far as this so-called relationship is concerned. I wish that I could be of some assistance, but I already have plans for tonight. So y’all are gone have to figure this shit out somewhere else.

  You don’t gotta go home, but you’ve gotta get the hell up outta here with this soap opera mess.”

  I am now ushering them towards my front door. I haven’t had sex in a week, so mama needs to get broke off. And these two niggas ain’t about to block my blessing.

  “It was nice to finally meet you, Ms. Sims,” Jabari says, kissing my hand once again.

  This time I can feel his tongue swirl on my skin. I snatch my hand back from him, giving him the evil eye. He just smiles a sexy ass smile at me.

  “I’m leaving my car here still, Ma. Please lookout for me,” Ja’nelle says, running behind Jabari like a lost puppy.

  “I’m not making any promises,” I say, after closing my door behind their messy asses.

  I just hope and pray that Ja’nelle gets her damn mind right, before she ends up losing her damn husband!

  ***

  “I must’ve dozed off on the couch, because I wake up to a bunch of noise outside of my damn house.

  I wonder what happened to my tenderoni.

  I open my front door to see Ja’nelle all in Jabari’s face, while he is steadily trying to walk away.

  She looks like a damn fool!!

  “What in the hell is going on outside my damn door, Ja’nelle?” I ask, stepping onto the porch. I light my Newport and then I watch as my oldest child makes a complete fool of herself.

  “This nigga is disrespectful. He’s been looking at bitches asses, while he is out with me. I’m not about to be disrespected like that!”

  “Girl, if you don’t get your ass in the car and go home to your damn husband, you better! Out here making a fool outta yourself in front of my damn neighbors! This nigga has already made it perfectly clear that he ain’t ready for the type of relationship that you want!

  You’re making yourself look real dumb out here, Ja’nelle!”

  I walk off the porch, while pulling her towards her car. I didn’t raise either of my girls to be needy or clingy to a man; especially a smooth talking ass nigga like Jabari.

  “I can’t believe he is acting like this, Ma. He has done a complete 360°. We were talking about a future together,” she says, putting her head on the steering wheel crying.

  My poor, poor gullible child.

  Doesn’t she know that niggas say whatever, to get in women’s heads and into their panties?

  “Baby, I know you are feeling really confused right now. But trust me, this is for the best. That man over there is selling you dreams,” I say, pointing towards Jabari. “He told you what you wanted to hear. Niggas prey on women, when they sense that we aren’t happy.

  What you need to do is go home and put the same effort into your marriage that you are putting into yelling at Jabari�
�s no good ass.”

  “You really think that I should leave him alone?”

  “Baby, I believe he has proven to you the kind of man that he is today. You need to go home and love on your husband and leave that man alone.”

  “Maybe you’re right, Ma. Thanks for the advice.”

  “That is what I’m here for, Baby. Now go on home, while I get rid of Mr. Jabari. I love you.”

  I lean inside of the car and I give her a kiss on the cheek.

  “I love you too, Ma,” she says, as she backs out of the driveway.

  I look over at Jabari. He is talking away on his cell phone, like he doesn’t have a care in the world. I should go get my pink pearl handle .22 and bust a cap in his ass for breaking my baby’s heart.

  “Excuse me Sir, you can leave now!” I say, tapping him on his shoulder to get his attention away from the conversation that he is having on his cell.

  He holds up his finger, signaling me to wait until he finishes his conversation.

  Who does this fine muthafucka think he is?

  “I’m sorry about that, Ms. Sims. I had to get that call. What were you saying?”

  He licks his full lips and then he smiles at me.

  “I said that you are no longer welcome on my property. You can leave now.

  And I would appreciate you leaving my damn daughter alone. She is a married woman! She doesn’t need you all up in her head, selling her a bunch of bull shit ass fantasies.”

  I hate seeing Ja’nelle hurt. Even though she is a grown woman, she will always be my baby. Therefore, I will do anything to keep her from hurting.

  “Has anyone ever told you how sexy you are, when you get pissed off?” He questions, while taking a seat on the hood of his black 2012 Audi A8L. I definitely know my cars and this car is at least $45,000; and that’s not including the custom rims on this bad boy.

  I’m impressed...

  “Have a nice evening, Jabari.”

  I walk away from his cocky ass.

  Who does this nigga think he is, flirting with me?

  “Why are you walking away from me, Ms. Sims? You are sexy, when you get angry. I was just giving you a compliment.”

  “Thanks for the compliment,” I say over my shoulder, while climbing the stairs.

  “Would you mind me coming inside to use the bathroom, Ms. Sims?”

  “You’re a man, so piss on the side of the house,” I suggest to him.

  Now we are face to face.

  “I have to do number two, Ms. Sims. I’m sure that you don’t want me shitting on the side of your house.”

  “Isn’t that where dogs shit at; On the side of the house?” I laugh nice and hard after that joke.

  “That was cold, Ms. Sims. I’m not a bad guy at all. If you would let me explain the reason why I was so cold towards Ja’nelle earlier, then you might be more understanding.”

  “Fine, you can come in and handle your business, Jabari. But your explanation is not wanted or needed. I already know plenty about men like you.”

  “What is it that you think you know about me, Ms. Sims?”

  After closing and locking the door behind himself, he makes himself comfortable on my couch.

  “I know that you probably have women throwing themselves at you, left and right. I know that you say whatever it is to get what you want. And I know that you ain’t shit. I think that about sums it all up.”

  I take a seat next to him on the couch, crossing my legs. I dare him to say that I am wrong.

  “You have me all wrong. It is true that I have a few women, who want my attention. But I don’t say anything to get what I want. As far as me not being shit, I beg to differ. I am the shit, Ms. Sims.

  That’s the reason why you’re over there wondering what has your daughter so sprung. Now tell me that I’m lying?”

  He moves closer to me on the couch.

  “I will admit that Ja’nelle being head over hills in love with you has thrown me for a loop. That’s because she has never mentioned you until today. Then to top that off, I’ve never seen her so crazy about a man; not since she met her husband, Hasaan.”

  “I want to let you know, my intentions are not to hurt or harm your daughter. What started off as two people getting know each other has turned into much more. I won’t lie and say that I don’t have feelings for Ja’nelle, because that’ll be a lie.

  I might actually love your daughter, but I’m no fool either. This can all change at a blink if an eye. She could decide that she wants to work it out with her husband. Then I’ll be the one who is hurting.”

  “I get what you are saying to me, Jabari. However, you already knew going into this that she was a married woman. I believe that you may have some feelings for her, but please know my allegiance lies with my son-in-law. He is a standup guy, who I know for a fact loves my daughter.

  They may be going through something right now, but what couple doesn’t? I want you to stay away from Ja’nelle. If she leaves her husband, then I wouldn’t see a problem with the two of you being together.

  She seems to really be feeling you and I can see why. But the fact still remains that she is married.”

  I begin to roll up another joint. This isn’t my mess, but doing damage control has caused my damn head to start hurting.

  “I can stay away from Ja’nelle, Ms. Sims; the question is, can she stay away from me?”

  “What do I have to do for you to leave my baby alone?”

  “How about getting a brother some of that good food that you were cooking earlier for starters?”

  “I can do that. Why don’t you go and freshen up in the bathroom, while I make your plate?”

  I go to make both of us a plate, since I didn’t get to eat earlier. I made fried chicken wings, cheesy potatoes, collard greens and hot water corn bread.

  I head to check my phone to see if my young tenderoni cancelled on me, after I dosed off. And sho’ nuff I had a missed call and text from him letting me know that something came up.

  “It sure smells good up in here, Ms. Sims. I haven’t had a good home cooked meal in a while.”

  “I try to cook every day. But now that I’m here by myself, the food just goes to waste. Ja’nelle has her own family to cook for and my youngest is away at college.”

  “I never cook. I usually eat out or get a plate from a friend,” he says in between bites.

  “Female friends, I’m sure.”

  “I’m not going to lie; females do hook a brother up every now and then. But I mostly eat out.”

  “That has to be expensive. You should learn how to cook. Ain’t nothing like a man that can throw down in the kitchen. My ex-husband showed me how to cook and I’ve been throwing down in the kitchen ever since.”

  I smile at the memories of me and Donald in the kitchen of our first apartment. Him teaching me how to cook . . . . Me soaking up all of his knowledge . . . . I do miss those days.

  “You still love your ex, don’t you?” Jabari asks, while taking a drink of my homemade lemonade.

  “I never stopped loving him, actually. I just made some mistakes, while I was young. But you live and you learn.”

  I pick the plates up from the table and then I take them into the kitchen.

  “I don’t wanna overstep my boundaries, but what happened between you two that it ended up in divorce?”

  I go on to tell him how Donald was trying to build an empire. He was spending less and less time at home, so I found someone to fill the void; only to find out that he wasn’t sincere.

  “That is why I want Ja’nelle to leave you alone. I see so much of myself in her. Her husband is a good man. He is starting a business. He isn’t home like he used to be, but it will be worth it in the end.

  I just wish that I would’ve been more patient and understanding with my ex. Now he is remarried and his new wife is living the life that I should be living. However, it’s my own fault.”

  I go to fix me a drink. Every time I think about how I fucked up things wit
h Donald, I get sad and lonely.

  “I see where you are coming from, Ms. Sims. I will back off of Ja’nelle and let her sort things out with her marriage. Can I get a drink?”

  “Whatchu want? I got Henn, 1800, Ciroc, Don Julio.”

  “I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

  I fix us both a double of 1800.

  “So what is your story, Jabari? You seem like a nice enough guy.”

  We end up talking for hours. It is good getting to know him. I learn that he is a jack of all trades. He has his hand in a little bit of everything. I also find out that he has had his heart broken, and he hasn’t been in a serious relationship since.

  I am on my third round and feeling a little tipsy.

  “It was nice getting to know you, Jabari. I can see why my daughter is so into you.”

  I go to make another drink and I stumble a little. Jabari attempts to catch me and we both end up falling in between the couch and the coffee table.

  “I think that we both have had enough 1800 tonight, Ms. Sims.”

  “Baby, I guess you are right. I get so sad and depressed talking about my ex. I guess that made me drink too damn much. I’ll just smoke me a joint to balance things out.”

  I try to stand, when Jabari catches me off guard with a kiss. Had I been in my right frame of mind, I would’ve stopped the kiss. But instead, I welcomed it and kissed him back passionately.

  That little voice in the back of my head is telling me to stop. So I break our kiss by placing my hand on his chest and pushing him feebly away.

  That kiss was magical. It ignited something in me...I haven’t felt that spark since Henry. That isn’t a good sign. I know at this very moment that the unthinkable is about to happen.

  “I’m sorry if I overstepped my boundaries, but I’ve wanted to feel your lips all night.”

  “I think that it’s time for you to go home, Jabari.”

  “Go home?! You can’t tell me that you didn’t feel that spark, Ms. Sims. That doesn’t happen all the time. Besides, I know that pussy is blazing hot for me right now. Let me put out that fire.”

  And then the unimaginable happened. I welcomed Jabari’s touch.

  I can’t believe that I’m doing this to my baby Ja’nelle!