Nobody Can Love You Like Them Roughnecks Do 3

by Shvonne Latrice

  My show with Romelo had been going great, so great that I was promoted to series regular for season three and on. The show had also been renewed for two more seasons. My manager even negotiated a hefty pay increase, so anything that may get in the way of Streets was a slight problem.

  “I’ve already talked with the producers of Streets and we have the schedule down. You’ll film the movie while season 2 is airing, and by the time it’s off, the movie will be done.”

  “Okay, Ivory, but I’m pregnant. I have to have the baby and spend time with him. I don’t want to just dump him off to get back to work.”

  “Blaise, then you need to figure it out. This is a major motion picture, and they want you. This is not some random audition where you have to hope you get the role. The writer and director had you in mind when the role was created. Do you know what that means? Let me tell you what it means. It’s an offer for you to walk on that lot, sign your name on the dotted line, and make six hundred fifty thousand dollars.

  Now I know that’s nothing to some of the big guns, but this is just the beginning. The more movies you book, which you will because this will catapult you, the bigger those checks will be. This is more than just a film, Blaise; this is what’s going to make you even more known than Streets has, while showing your versatility.”

  “Okay. Okay. And they know I’m pregnant, right?”

  “They do. I made them sign an NDA so they won’t leak it. But you’ll be rehearsing for a while, so by the time filming starts, your baby might be here. We’ll just need to get you in the gym as soon as you’re able to.” She began shuffling through papers as I swallowed the lump in my throat.

  I was starting to get nervous just thinking about handling all of what was about to come. The thought of having to get my body back as quickly as possible after giving birth was scary, especially because it seemed like forever had gone by before I would even post a full body picture on the Internet after Island.

  “Yeah, it’s fine.”

  “Alright, so tomorrow morning, I will send a car to come pick you up. They’ll drive you to the company lot, and I will meet you there so we can connect with the team and your lawyer to sign.” Ivory smiled at me, closing her folder up. “Trust me, Blaise, you’re going to be it, honey. You’re only one of my five clients, but I’m putting my all into you because I see it.”

  I gave Ivory a smile back, just as we rose up then hugged.

  I left Ivory’s office and called Belly to see how he was doing watching Island by himself. A couple hours had passed, so I wanted to check on them.

  He thought everything she did was cute, even the bad shit that I wanted to spank her for. And I think she caught onto the fact that he was protective of her, because now when I threatened to pop her little ass, she would cry, looking right at him, and he’d pick her up.

  Since they were good, I continued on my route to Five-Star’s house. I wanted to hopefully have a civilized talk with him if possible.

  When I got to his place, I was happy to see there weren’t four hundred cars parked outside, because that usually meant his freeloading ass homies were over. The driveway was in fact clear, so hopefully, he was alone.

  I straightened my dress as I got out, then locked my car before walking up. I wore a long coat so I could conceal my belly.

  Five-Star had already texted me and said the door would be unlocked, so I waltzed right in, shutting and locking it behind me.

  “Jelani?” I called out. “Jel—”

  “Come back in here.” He emerged from the den shirtless with only basketball shorts on.

  I sucked my teeth at him being half dressed.

  “How are you?” I tried to be nice as I stepped into the large room, eyeing all of the expensive furniture and electronics.

  “About as good as you look. Damn.” He nibbled on his bottom lip, watching me closely as I passed him to sit down adjacent to him. I didn’t want to be on the same couch.

  “Jelani, don’t even start. Worry about Sybil.”

  He laughed, wiping down his face.

  “How you know her?”

  “Because she found me in the club at the celebration for my man’s win.” I set my purse on the table next to me.

  Five-Star smacked his lips, and I wasn’t sure if that was for Sybil or Belly.

  “Yeah, I saw yo’ ass front row on the TV. You were never like that for me.”

  “What the hell would I be front row for, for you? You’re a music producer, Jelani.”

  “Shit, I don’t know.” He shrugged, muting the TV. “I ain’t even wanna watch that shit, but the homies paid for the fight, so we saw it all, including that proposal.”

  I grinned, thinking about Belly asking me to marry him in such an elaborate way.

  “Yep. It was nice.” I tried to play it cool.

  “Don’t blush over another nigga in front of me.”

  Five-Star’s comment surprised me because I thought I was on chill, but clearly, my thoughts and feelings had spilled out onto my face.

  “Anyway, I came to talk to you because, even though we’re not together and I don’t care what you think, we share a baby, and a lot of changes in my life involve her.

  I told you I was moving, and as I’m sure you may have guessed, that means Island moved too. We live with Cortez now.”

  “What?” Five-Star sat up, elbows pressed into his thighs. “You got my daughter living with that nigga?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “That ain’t gon’ fucking work for me, nah. You need to take yo’ ass back to that fucking condo I bought you!”

  “No, I’m going to live in the new house, and so is Island; she loves her room. Additionally, you need to spend more time with her because she’s at an impressionable age, so it’s not wise on your end for another man to be around her more than you.”

  “Nigga don’t spend more fucking time. What is you even talking about? And if he does, it’s because she’s been living in the same house as his psycho ass.”

  “Even before, Jelani. He takes care of her as if she is his own, and even though it makes me feel good to have an actual father figure for Island, I still believe she needs to know her actual dad.”

  “She does.”

  “No. She’s quiet around you, and your mother said she cries when you carry her out of the room.”

  I could physically see him getting angrier.

  “That’s yo’ damn fault! You got another nigga around my fucking daughter like some hoe!”

  “I’m the hoe, but you have four kids with four different women. Okay, nigga.”

  “Blaise, I want my daughter out of that nigga’s house.”

  “No, Jelani. And when he and I are married, she’s going to live with him anyway, so—”

  “Married? You think that nigga is gon’ marry you?” He laughed maniacally. “That nigga is taking you for a ride, just like all his other bitches. In a couple months, you gon’ be fucked up in the head like all these other hoes. So nah, you ain’t dragging my daughter into that fake ass relationship!”

  “I’m sure you want me to believe what you’re saying, but try again. I think I know my man a little better than the rest of the world. Island will continue to live with us, now and after we are married, right along with our son.”

  “So you really are pregnant by this nig—”

  “Take my advice on Island or leave it, but don’t call me crying when she starts thinking my fiancé is her daddy.”

  I ignored the tantrum he started to throw, even when I heard him shatter a bottle against the wall. I got right in my car and drove home, feeling just fine.

  When I got there, I saw Five-Star was throwing shots on his social media story like a little baby. He kept them subliminal though, because whether he wanted to admit it or not, he was scared as hell of Belly.

  A few nights later…

  Oh, you pissed pissed?… ‘Cause I'm rich, bitch… Is you mad, 'cause I’m on your nigga's wish list?

  “Pissed�
� by Saweetie was currently playing over the well-lit room of the party. Belly’s manager Carson wanted to throw him a little get together to celebrate his win against Mason.

  Belly had won plenty of matches, actually every match, considering he was undefeated, but the fact that he’d KO’d Mason Strauss, the champ of all champs, was a huge deal. So of course, Carson wanted to show his appreciation. Hell, my baby’s face was everywhere now, so his percentage cut was about to be very large.

  The get together wasn’t anything too big or ratchet; just a room full of people, food, and drinks. Most of the guests here were boxers, their girlfriends or wives, managers, and some CEO’s. Belly explained to me that a more formal event was coming up later, so this was really nothing in comparison.

  “Loosen up.” I smiled, dancing against Izzy, Nichole’s little sister.

  I’d decided to bring Izzy, because the strip club last time seemed to be a bit much for her. So since this was more of an upscale kickback, I thought it’d be a perfect starter.

  “I can’t do too much in this dress.” She laughed, stepping back to show me.

  “I don’t mean physically, I mean your demeanor. You’re very rigid right now and stilted.”

  “Oh. Okay. I guess I’m nervous because of the crowd here. I’ve been around a lot of men before, but not these types.”

  “What types are these?”

  “I don’t know, so… so manly. Like Belly; I could never date a man like that.” She shook her head, moving her long hair from one side to the other. She’d dyed it brown, and it went well with her light complexion.

  “Why?” I chuckled. “He’s not cute to you?”

  She gave me a look that said ‘yeah right’.

  “No, he’s extremely handsome; nice height and body too. But I meant the way he is, he seems hard to please, and I’m afraid of him.”

  I chortled, almost dropping the piece of chicken on my fork.

  “I guess. I mean, I like how rough he is. He can be sweet too. He’s a good mixture, at least for me. I think he’s perfect. And he may be hard to please, but I’m pretty pleasurable.”

  “Well you’re supposed to think he’s perfect. And every woman isn’t you, Blaise. I’m sure he’s a piece of cake to you. I just feel like he’d think I was a horrible lay and kick me out of his bedroom in the middle of sex.”

  Again, I cracked up.

  Bringing Izzy was a good idea because she surely gave me some much-needed entertainment. When we’d gone out before, it was always with another person as well, so this was kind of the first time it’d just been the two of us. I actually liked her.

  As we ate some more food, I noticed Belly and some guy way shorter than him walking up to our table. They both sat down, along with another man who was right in the middle of the two men as far as height.

  “Blaise, this is Judd, and this is Herman.” Belly introduced the short one and then the normal height one respectively.

  “Hi. Oh, and this is my friend, Isabella,” I responded once the men spoke to me.

  Isabella “Izzy” Carriage

  “Nice to meet you, Isabella.” Judd reached his hand across the table to shake mine. I gave him a smile before locking my eyes back on Herman.

  Herman was more of my type. He was tall, fine, and looked like a thug. I liked my men to look like thugs but not actually be about that life like Belly was. He was out here getting shot like it was nothing, and hopping back into the ring to fight. Not to mention it was no secret that he was a gangbanger from Inglewood. I liked to fantasize about a hood nigga, not actually be with one.

  On top of that, he could only be tamed by women like Blaise, who were confident not only in themselves but in the bedroom. I could definitely make my way around a bed, but I was sure I’d have to pull out all the stops to appease a man like Belly, so I’d pass.

  “So, Herman, you box?” I grinned, admiring his chocolate skin. I was pretty sure he was a boxer, but I wanted to make conversation.

  “I do.” He nodded, giving me a smile.

  “Are you guys both professional fighters?” Blaise inquired.

  “They are. Herman has been professional for like a year or some shit, and Judd just became pro a few months ago. Carson is managing ’em and want them to shadow a nigga.” Belly adjusted his tie, smiling. He was fine.

  “Nice, okay.” Blaise nodded.

  “Blaise, would you mind coming to the bathroom with me?” I got up from the table.

  “Sure.”

  I waited for her to rise up as well, and then we headed off, going down a nice long hallway.

  As soon as we were inside, I turned to her and said, “I like him.”

  “Which one?”

  “Umm, Herman, who else? Judd is short.”

  She chuckled, checking out her reflection in the mirror. She looked so nice in the orange dress she was wearing, and with her long hair in body waves. Her pregnant stomach didn’t take away from her fit either.

  “He’s not short. I mean, maybe for a man, but he’s taller than us. And he was walking next to Cortez, who is six feet four, so of course he’s going to look tiny in comparison.”

  “Either way, I want Herman. He’s so sexy, and I like that he’s a boxer like Belly.”

  “Okay, and you know he doesn’t make much money, right? He and Belly are on totally different levels.”

  “It’s okay. He’s fine enough to be broke.”

  “Alright.” She nodded as we giggled. “So then when we go back out there, just flirt a little bit with him to let him know you like him but without coming right out and saying it. Once he catches on, if he’s interested, he’ll take the lead.”

  “Right. So like bat my eyelashes and toss my hair?”

  “Umm, no. This is not a Bugs Bunny cartoon, Izzy. Maybe ask him something like, where his girlfriend is, and shouldn’t she be at the party. Or you can do the silent flirting, like dropping something strategically, and picking it up slowly so that he can see down the top of your dress.”

  I guess my face said it all because Blaise threw her head back in laughter.

  “Okay, I think I understand.”

  “Whatever you do, just make sure that when you guys start to converse, you keep strong eye contact. And if you smile, show your teeth. Men love a pretty smile.”

  We left the bathroom to head back to the table, and thankfully, the men were still there.

  “Herman, did you come here alone? Or…?” Just as I asked, I noticed Belly helping Blaise up before leading her off somewhere. She was like my crutch, so at the moment, I felt wobbly.

  “I did actually.” Herman smirked.

  “Oh okay. Me too. I mean, I came with Blaise, but she’s not a real date, just a friend.”

  “Would you like something to drink from the bar, Isabella? Or are you alright?” Judd started getting up.

  “Nope. I’m fine. Thanks.” I gave him a quick, closed mouth smile, and then focused back on Herman.

  “You’re fine, you know that?” Herman licked his supple lips.

  “Thank you. You’re not too bad looking yourself. It’s going to be hurtful seeing you in a ring, because I don’t want anyone to mess up that face.”

  “Oh, they won’t; at least I hope. Speaking of me fighting, you should come to my next match.”

  “That’d be fun! Maybe we should exchange numbers so you can remind me to be there.”

  “Aight.” Herman nodded, taking his iPhone out. I read my number off, and he texted me right after. I was so excited to talk to his fine ass.

  He and I chatted for a little while longer, until Blaise and Belly came back to the table. Blaise looked a little different, so I guess wherever she and Belly had gone, they had sex.

  “You ready to go?” she asked me, as Belly hugged her from behind, kissing down her neck, caressing her belly, and making her simper.

  “Sure.” I got up then looked down at Herman, “Don’t forget to text me, okay?”

  “I couldn’t forget.” He licked his lips
again, letting his eyes run down my body.

  “Have a nice night, beautiful.” Judd sipped his drink.

  “Same to you,” I hurriedly replied before rushing off behind Blaise and Belly.

  When I got into the back seat of Belly’s car, my phone buzzed inside of my purse, so I retrieved it.

  Grace: How is the party? Any cuties besides my man?

  Me: Yes so many! I wish you could have come! And I told you if you want to be around Blaise, you have to stop calling Belly your man.

  Grace: I’m kidding.

  I locked my phone and looked up to see Blaise directing Belly to my mom’s place. It was far too late for me to go there though. My mother wasn’t super strict; it’s just she didn’t allow you to walk into her home after midnight. She always said, ‘stay wherever the hell you are until the morning’. So since I had a key to Nichole’s place, I was going to go there.

  “Oh, can you drop me off at Nichole’s? You know my mama and her front door rules, Blaise.”

  “Oh, right.” She got quiet. “Your sister is home to let you in?”

  The way she asked was strange, and I watched Belly glance at her then chuckle. I knew Blaise wanted to pulverize my sister, and although I liked Blaise more, I still loved Nichole. Not to mention she was carrying my niece or nephew, so I didn’t want her getting beat up.

  “No, I have a key. She’s out of town right now with Ian. Ever since they got engaged, they’ve been attached at the hip.”

  Blaise said nothing, so I sat back, idly looking through my phone. When we pulled up to Nichole’s place, I unbuckled and fished through my purse for my keys. As I did so, I saw Belly take Blaise’s hand to kiss it. She blushed, making him smile before he nibbled on his lip. When he leaned over and they began kissing, I searched even faster until I found them at the very bottom of my Gucci bag.

  “Okay, thanks for the ride! I’ll text you, Blaise!” I hopped out, interrupting their kiss session.

  I didn’t know much about love, the emotion at least, but they surely looked to be deep in it. That’s what I wanted but with Herman.

  I let myself into Nichole’s home, inhaling the nice scent that was always present in the air. I tiptoed to the guest bedroom to set my things down then went to take a hot shower before returning.