by Shantay
“Me and your son had a fight.”
“Oh lord between the two of you I will be in the hospital for stress sooner or later.”
“Don’t say that ma!”
“Well come in here and tell me about it. Amber and I are cooking dinner in the kitchen.”
Amber is Ice’s sister and she’s the same age as Natasha. Amber and Natasha are almost like best friends and Ice always hated that. He always had to remind Amber that her loyalty should be with him and not Natasha but it never went that way. Amber was quick to tell Ice how wrong he was while his mom always tried to figure out why he couldn’t just be the man she raised him to be.
“Amberrrrrr,” Natasha cooed walking into the kitchen sitting her purse down on the table.
“Damn who did you get into a fight with and they do they look as bad as you?” Amber asked turning around from the pot to focus her attention on Natasha.
“I am so done with your brother and this time I’m serious,” Natasha said for the hundredth time.
“Girl bye you’re done with him every week,” Amber said waving her off.
“No this time I’m for real. I swear he doesn’t love me anymore. Once upon a time that man loved me and he was the only man that I ever loved. Even though I still love him so much I am done with his ass. He think that it’s okay for him to run around in the streets with these girls then come back to me whenever he wants.”
“Now Natasha I thought Zi said you two weren’t together anymore,” his mom said.
“I don’t take anything he says serious. He knows where home is at.”
“Come here and help me peel this corn,” his mom said giving her a few corn to peel then she continued to talk, “Zion is my son but he’s also a grown ass man. We can’t make up for his mistakes. Baby you are my daughter no matter what Zion says and just because of that you will always be on my good side. It’s time for you to let him go. You come over here every other week crying over his black ass.”
“I know ma it’s just that I really love him. I’ve always thought that we would be married by now and ever since the miscarriage he hasn’t been right,” Natasha started to cry.
“Now you know the only reason you lost my grandbaby is because you was crying and chasing after his ass to come home all of the time. I need you to love yourself more and to take care of you. I tell this to Amber all of the time and I will tell you. You’re twenty-four years old and God doesn’t make any mistakes. If he wanted you and Zion to be together like how you wanted it to happen then it would have happened. Love isn’t supposed to hurt baby. You’re too beautiful to be crying and stressing over a man. Let it go and give it to God,” she said preaching something into Natasha’s life that she needed to hear.
“You’re right ma,” Natasha said in the midst of her tears.
Chapter 9
The first twenty-four hours were bad for Kaylen because Ice called every other minute. She never answered any of his phone calls because she didn’t need to. She was so willing to give them a try then the true him came out. In a way she was happy that he was exposed before they went any further.
Kaylen was in bed trying to enjoy the remainder of her night as she caught up on her ratchet television shows but her phone kept ringing off of the hook. She didn’t recognize the number who was calling. She let the call go to voicemail then she went back to watching her show. Not even a full minute later her phone rang again with the same caller.
“Who is this?” Kaylen asked when she answered.
“Who is this?” the unknown woman asked.
“Bitch you’re calling my phone what the fuck do you want?” Kaylen asked sitting up on the bed.
“Bitch I’m not the one and you don’t want it with me. I called to see if you’re the one who’s talking to Ice,” the woman said.
“Bitch mind your motherfucking business you’re calling my phone and want to be disrespectful?”
“Look I know I came off wrong so I apologize. I just wanted to know who you are to Ice?”
“Who are you?” Kaylen asked for the last time.
“Natasha.”
“Well Natasha I am nothing to Ice and since you’re calling my phone you must be his woman.”
“No I was his woman. Aren’t you the same girl he was on the phone with yesterday when he came back home?” Natasha asked.
Natasha was a little crazy when it came to Ice. She knew all of the tricks and games to find out information she needed on him when he didn’t want to tell her the truth. Last night she logged on to his Verizon account and checked his call log from yesterday to see who the caller was. He had seen that Ice and Kaylen were talking for a very long time and she wanted answers.
“Yes so you’re the one who was beating his ass yesterday right?” Kaylen said putting two and two together.
“Yes that would be me,” Natasha said slightly giggling.
“So what is it that you’re calling my phone for? If you’re looking for your man I don’t have him so keep on looking.”
“I’m not looking for him you can have him. I am calling because woman to woman I wanted to talk to you. I know that I’m not going to get the answers I want from Ice so I have to ask you.”
“What can I help you with?”
“How do you know Ice?”
“Through my brothers.”
“How long have you known him?”
“A year and a half.”
“Wow so you guys have been fucking around for that long?” Natasha said lost for words.
“We have never fucked. Ice was cool. He’s been there for me at some tough times when I needed him to be there. We just came back from a vacation last weekend and I’m just finding out he had a girl back home.”
“A vacation? Wow Ice ain’t shit,” Natasha said feeling the tears well up in her eyes.
“Yes we were in Cabo with my family this weekend but who are you to him?” Kaylen asked. She knew she was being a little extra giving Natasha extra information that she didn’t need to know but she didn’t care.
“I don’t even know who I am to him anymore,” she sighed.
Kaylen and Natasha continued to talk on the phone for over an hour. Surprisingly Kaylen didn’t mind but she did get a clear understanding of their relationship. From what she heard they weren’t in a relationship she was just an ex who was still in love. Kaylen out of all people knew and understood where Natasha was coming from. She had her fair share of relationships to know that these niggas aren’t shit.
Ice didn’t lie to Kaylen at all. He said he didn’t have a girl and he didn’t. The only thing he didn’t tell Kaylen was that his ex was still in his life heavily. He felt like that wasn’t something he should have told her since they were trying to figure out if they were going to be together or not. Kaylen knows that if she still gives Ice a try that Natasha will be around.
When you’ve been with someone for years you can’t break that bond. Even though Natasha and Ice weren’t together for a long time they have so much history together. They are still family in a lot of ways even though Ice was through with Natasha for the way she acted the day before.
Chapter 10
Kaylen was days away from her grand opening and she was more than excited. It wasn’t normal for someone as young as her to be making boss moves. She had to hustle legal or not to get where she wanted to be. Even though her brothers did her a huge favor and sped up the process with or without them it was going to get done.
Kaylen’s stylist Elizabeth was at her house going over different outfits for the grand opening. The theme was grown and sexy and of course Kaylen had to out do everyone. Her shop was on Melrose so it had to be an upscale event. Kaylen was turning her grand opening into a must be event for the year. She was having catering, different venders selling a few things, an open bar, and many bloggers with the media to help spread the word of her salon.
“I like this one too,” Kaylen said.
Every outfit she tried on fit her like a glove. She couldn’t d
ecide which one to wear since all of her outfits were beautiful. She took a picture in the dress and sent in a group chat along with her other outfits to the ladies so they could help her come to a decision.
“You look astonishing in every one of them Ms. Carter,” Elizabeth said.
“Thank you I don’t know which one to pick,” she fussed.
“I think the white and gold Alexander McQueen topped it off.”
“I might have to agree with you on that one,” Kaylen said as she strutted back and forth like she was on a runway.
***
Everyone that was important in Kaylen’s life road with her in the limo to her grand opening. The only person that was missing was Ice and Kaylen was so sure that even though they weren’t on speaking terms he would still make it. Everyone in the limo expressed how proud of Kaylen they were. For Jared and Donte watching their baby sister grow and mature made them feel good. Even though they weren’t in her life since she was a baby it still meant a lot to them. From the first time they meant Kaylen she was a hothead and the path she was running on was scary but since then she calmed down that she’s almost a different person now.
Kaylen’s nana was proud of her baby. She was more than happy to see Kaylen finally doing something positive with her life. Many nights she prayed and cried to God that Kaylen would get her life together because she was running the streets too hard.
“I’m proud of you Kay tonight we’re gonna turn up,” Jasmine said dancing in her seat.
“No the hell y’all not,” Jared said intervening as always.
“Shut up,” Kaylen said mushing him in the head.
“Are you nervous?” Mariah asked.
“A little bit this is so different,” she said.
“It looks turnt up, it’s all over Instagram and Twitter already,” Kandi said checking social media sites.
“Ayeee,” Kaylen happily said.
When the limo came to a stop Kaylen’s heart felt like it came to a full stop as well. Looking out of the tinted windows inside of the salon looked packed to capacity and the street was packed as well. So far it was a great turn out. After everyone exited out of the limo they all walked down the red carpet and snapped pictures as Kaylen was giving speeches about her salon.
For it to be a grand open Kaylen has never seen anything like it. Inside was decorated in full gold it was a great fit for a queen like Kaylen. All of her guests looked happy and seemed to be enjoying their selves. The salon was two stories and was the best on the market. When you came to Kay’s Tresses you were in for an experience of a lifetime. You weren’t only getting your hair done you could get your nails done upstairs, facials, and your makeup done. It was like a woman’s sanctuary.
“This place is popping!” Kandi said by her best friend’s side.
“It is I can’t believe it.”
“Is Ice still coming tonight?”
“I don’t know I think he will but I have no idea.”
“He’ll show up sooner or later, you know he’s your boo.”
“Girllll,” Kaylen said rolling her eyes.
“Stop fronting you know that you love you some Ice.”
“I’m not even thinking about him,” she said rolling her eyes lying straight through her teeth.
“Why the fuck you lying? Oohh my Godd,” Kandi sang imitating a meme on Instagram causing them both to burst out in laughter.
“You’re a fucking fool!” Kaylen said still laughing.
“I swear when you stop lying to yourself then you’ll be better off.”
“I’m not lying that’s the problem.”
“Keep telling that shit to someone who’ll believe you.”
“Man whatever Kandi,” Kaylen said waving her off.
“I’ll catch up with you later I’m about to take someone’s nigga,” Kandi said walking off laughing.
“Hoe ass,” Kaylen said messing with her.
Kaylen was left alone for a minute just observing everyone. She kept a smile on her face the whole night. Many different investors came up to her talk about her business and possible investments. She listened to every proposal but she wasn’t going to partner with anyone. Kaylen loved her freedom and didn’t want to partner up with anybody. She did this by herself they could keep their money.
She was talking to an older man who was boring her to death. He has been in the hair industry for years as a silent partner and was trying his hardest to make a point to Kaylen about a future business plan. Kaylen felt like she was falling asleep with a smile on her face. She was looking around for someone to save her but she didn’t see anyone at all.
“Within two years we could expand to another location and within five years we could expand out of state,” the man said drowning Kaylen in his words.
“Please excuse my wife,” Ice walked up on Kaylen holding her around her waist. He saw the annoyed look on Kaylen’s face so he knew what to do. They have learned each other so much over the year to know good enough when to step in and help.
“Hey baby,” Kaylen said playing her role well.
“I’ll excuse you,” the man said backing off and leaving Kaylen to handle her business.
“Thank you he was getting on my fucking nerves,” Kaylen said loud enough for Ice to hear.
“You know I got you,” Ice said.
He was an hour late to her grand opening but he still made it. His hand was a little tied up back in Oakland and he was running out of time. He missed his flight that he was supposed to catch earlier so he had to take next the plane flying out. He was dressed in a Tom Ford linen suit with a pair of matching loafers. He came straight from the airport to support Kaylen.
“You look nice,” Kaylen said fixing his tie.
“You look beautiful,” he said pulling her closer to him.
Ice originally thought that when he showed his face at the party Kaylen would be ready to fight with him but he was happy that she wasn’t on any extra bullshit. She seemed like she was cool but he knew they needed to talk later on since her party wasn’t the place for it. He missed her and her sweet scent so much. It has been three long weeks and was even worse since she wasn’t accepting any of his calls. Ice kissed her lips and was expecting her to back away but instead she accepted it and kissed back.
“Congratulations Kaylen,” Ice said. He was actually very proud of her.
“Thank you Ice. Come on let me show you around,” she said walking away with him hand in hand.
She showed him every inch of the salon. She wouldn’t pass up a moment to show off her establishment. When they walked into her office Ice sat at her chair behind the desk and pulled her on his lap. Kaylen wanted to fight him off a little but there was no denying that she missed him tremendously. It has been her and Ice against the world for over a year so not talking to him was killing her inside.
“I missed you,” he said biting her bottom lip.
“I find that hard to believe,” she said.
“Fuck, why you gotta act like that?” he knew it was coming sooner or later.
“Why you trynna play me?” she asked. Even though she heard Natasha’s side to the story she knew that there was always three sides to a story.
“Who the fuck trynna play you Kaylen? You getting mad over something you don’t know anything about!” Ice said defending himself.
“Well I know more than you think Ice. Your girl called my phone not too long ago,” Kaylen said putting him up on game.
“What?” Ice asked.
“You heard me!”
“What the fuck she called you for?”
“To get information on you!”
Ice was quiet. He didn’t know what to say. Natasha took it to another level calling Kaylen. On the strength of their history he tried to still be good to her and have her back but because she continues to tarnish his relationship with Kaylen he’s gonna have to cut her off completely.
“Are you guys in a relationship Ice?” Kaylen asked.
“No.”
“Are you still fucking her because that must be why she has the balls to question me about you.”
“I haven’t touched in her like two years.”
“I find that hard to believe,” Kaylen said.
Something wasn’t adding up to her. Ice and Natasha’s relationship had to be deeper than what they were admitting to because there was no way in hell Natasha was still hanging on that tough if Ice wasn’t leading her on. Ice just wanted Kaylen to believe him. He felt like they built a strong enough bond for Kaylen to trust him over anyone else.
“I’m trynna tell you that I haven’t fucked her, touched her, or even tried to get close to her in any kind of way. She was my baby mama before we lost our baby so I still respect her but if she’s gonna sit up here and call you on some messy shit I can’t have her around me,” Ice said straight up.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Kaylen said. She knew what it felt like to lose a child even if you weren’t ready for it.
“I’m not gonna keep explaining myself over and over for some shit I didn’t do. I’ma tell you what it is and how it’s going to be. It’s up to you to make that decision if you’re gonna fuck with me,” Ice said. He was fed up with the games and tired of proving himself. He had to put his foot down at some point.
Kaylen was quiet with thoughts running through her mind. Ice looked defeated for the first time since she met him. He looked like he had given up on them. Kaylen knew that Natasha and Ice’s relationship was tricky and being that she was his new girl was going to be even trickier. When a woman doesn’t want to let go it could get dangerous.
Ice waited for her to say something but she didn’t. He understood that she didn’t want to be apart of his life with Natasha but he didn’t mean any harm. He honestly hasn’t dealt with Natasha on that personal level in two years. Maybe he was just stuck with her. Ice was no longer needed so he got up out of the seat and left. Kaylen didn’t utter a word when he walked out of the room.
Kaylen’s heart broke all over again. It was like a repeat of when Alonzo walked out on her. In a way she understood where Ice was coming from because it was once her in the same position explaining herself to Alonzo. When Ice walked out of the door she wanted to let him go but she knew she couldn’t let a good man walk away that easy. She left from out of her office trying to find Ice. The party was so pack that she couldn’t find him until he was walking out of the same door he came in.