A Trillion to One

by Chenell Parker

  Just then, she felt foolish for beefing with her newborn baby. She didn’t know what was wrong with her but she had to get it together. People kept saying that postpartum depression was real but Amore refused to let it take over her life. Her baby was an innocent blessing and it was time that she treated her as such.

  “Let’s try this again okay Trinity. Today is a new day and we’re starting off fresh. Besides, we’re stuck with each other, whether we like it or not,” Amore said, making her baby girl smile once again.

  “See, she’s being nice.” Tristyn smiled.

  “That’s because she is nice. Y’all are both so perfect.” Amore smiled as she kissed Trinity’s cheek.

  “So are you,” Trillion replied from the doorway of the kitchen.

  He heard Trinity crying over the monitor in their room and he got up to get her. He stopped when he saw Amore and Tristyn walking down the hall to her room. He got back in the bed and waited for Amore to bring the baby to him. When she never did, he crept into the kitchen and smiled when he heard her and Tristyn talking.

  “Daddy! Can we go buy our house now?” Tristyn asked excitedly.

  “We’re not buying a house today,” Trillion laughed.

  “Why aren’t you sleeping? I know you’re tired,” Amore said.

  “I’m good. I need to shower and get dressed so we can meet the realtor,” Trillion replied.

  “I hope this house is the one,” Amore said.

  “Trust me, it is.” Trillion winked before walking away.

  Amore finished cooking and they all sat down and ate. Once Trillion showered and they got the girls together, he called the realtor and told him that they were ready to meet him. When he pulled up to a gated area, Amore looked around in confusion. She only saw a handful of houses but they all looked to be occupied. The area was nice and ducked off and it seemed to be well guarded, just like the penthouse.

  “What is this place? Where are the rest of the houses?” Amore asked as she looked around.

  “They’re not built yet,” Trillion replied.

  “What!?” Amore yelled.

  “I’m stressing Love. We’ve looked at over thirty houses and you didn’t like any of them. I’m never gonna find a house with everything that you and Tristyn want, so I’m getting the bitch built from the ground up. That way, everybody can get what they want and we can all be happy,” Trillion replied.

  “I’m so sorry baby. I lived in a two-bedroom matchbox back in Mississippi and then the projects when we moved to New Orleans. I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful but I’m sure I did. We saw some beautiful houses and I don’t mind picking from one of those. I’m acting like a spoiled brat and that’s not even me,” Amore said.

  “Don’t ever apologize for wanting the best. That’s what you deserve and it’s my job as your husband to provide it. You are spoiled and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Trillion noted.

  “But, isn’t doing it this way more expensive?” Amore asked.

  “Not really. Depending on what we want, it might be cheaper than some of the houses that we looked at,” Trillion answered.

  “How long will it take?” Amore asked.

  “That too depends on all that we want done. Most times, it’s three to four months from start to finish,” Trillion replied.

  He’d done his research and he felt like building their dream home was the best thing for them to do. Their realtor had found a nice subdivision that had a few vacant lots for sale. They were meeting with him, along with a contractor and architect to get started on their vision.

  “I’m so excited,” Amore squealed in delight.

  “That’s all that matters. Maybe we can finally go on a honeymoon when we get settled in,” Trillion replied. He and Amore didn’t do anything after their wedding and he felt bad. Trinity was too young for them to leave her for too long, so they decided to postpone until later.

  When they pulled up to the back of the subdivision, Amore immediately recognized the realtor’s car. There were two other cars parked out there as well, but she didn’t know who they belonged to. Trillion got out of the car first and talked to them for a few minutes. When he got back in and pulled off, she was confused about what was going on.

  “What happened?” Amore asked.

  “They’re coming back to the house. I thought they had an office or some shit. I’m not trying to have you and my kids out here in this heat,” Trillion replied, making her smile. He was always thinking about her and that only made her love him more.

  When they got home, Amore and Trillion sat in the living room with the three men for hours telling them exactly what they wanted their house to look like. They laughed when Tristyn gave her input, but she was dead ass serious about her doghouse. Amore was excited to know that they could provide everything that she was asking for and more. Technology was something serious. They had a tablet showing her exactly where everything would go and how it would look once it was done. The covered patio design that was drawn up literally took her breath away. It was huge and the steps that would be built onto it would lead directly into an endless pool. They would be able to fit at least sixty people underneath and that was perfect for entertaining guests. Amore was impressed and she couldn’t wait. She was ready to move into a house that wasn’t even built yet.

  “I can’t wait to see the finished product,” Amore said once their guests were gone.

  “I’m just ready to get some more space. I used to think this house was huge when I lived here alone. Now, it feels too small and cramped,” Trillion noted.

  “It’s still huge. We just have a lot of shit,” Amore noted.

  “Aww man, we don’t have no more ice cream,” Tristyn complained.

  “You ate the last of it last night but we can go to the store and get some more,” Amore said.

  “I can bring her Love,” Trillion offered with a yawn.

  “No baby, you need to get some more rest. I’ll go and take them with me,” Amore said.

  “You can leave Trinity here, I’m good,” Trillion assured her.

  A few minutes later, Amore and Tristyn were on their way to the store. She talked on the phone with Chanell while Tristyn played on her tablet. Chanell was pissed that Cathy’s husband hadn’t been arrested for breaking the windows at her bakery. She knew that it was because he was a lawyer but she didn’t give a fuck. He paid for the damages and sent her an apology letter. That was a slap on the wrist and she was pissed that nothing more had happened. Then, to make matters worse, his wife had turned into a stalker. She sent flowers and gifts to the shop for Dallas every day and kept depositing money into her account. Dallas was annoyed and Chanell was over it. She was thinking about moving locations and getting a bigger place. She was tired of working in the strip mall anyway because parking was horrible.

  When they pulled up to the store, Amore got off the phone right before she and Tristyn went inside. She grabbed a basket because she knew that ice cream wasn’t going to be the only thing that they walked out of there with.

  “Ooh, mama, look, they have Disney cookies. Can we get some, please?” Tristyn begged.

  “Okay Tristyn but you can’t have cookies and ice cream tonight. You can have one or the other,” Amore replied.

  “Okay.” Tristyn smiled as she put the box of cookies in their basket.

  Amore grabbed Trinity a few more gallons of nursery water and picked up a few snacks for Trillion. She decided to get the ice cream last so that it didn’t melt while they shopped. As soon as they stepped onto the freezer aisle, Amore cringed when she saw Viper standing there. He was always an ice cream lover and he always kept several gallons in the freezer when they lived together. She glanced at his basket briefly and saw that not much had changed. Amore ignored him as she and Tristyn looked through the clear glass cases for what they wanted.

  “Mama look, they got the Disney princess ice cream too!” Tristyn shouted excitedly.

  “Mama? Nah, I know that can’t be true,” Viper said as he wa
lked over to them. He’d stalked her and Trillion’s pages long enough to know that the little girl was Amore’s stepdaughter, but he just needed a reason to talk to her.

  “Keep it moving Vaughn,” Amore said, never even bothering to look at him.

  “Hello.” Tristyn waved and smiled as Amore inwardly groaned. Now was not the time for her overly friendly personality to shine through but that was just the way that she was. Tristyn was a sweet little girl and Amore couldn’t be mad at her for that. Unfortunately, she was being sweet to the wrong person.

  “Hey beautiful. What’s your name?” Viper asked her.

  “My name is Tristyn, what’s yours?” she countered.

  “I’m uncle Viper,” he replied while winking at Amore.

  “Come on baby. Let’s get our ice cream so we can go,” Amore said as she grabbed Tristyn’s hand.

  “I want the Disney princess ice cream,” Tristyn replied.

  “No baby, you already got the cookies. Let’s get some vanilla so everybody can have some,” Amore suggested.

  “Okay,” Tristyn conceded.

  “I guess vanilla is your favorite flavor now,” Viper smirked as he looked over at her.

  Amore knew that he was only trying to get a reaction out of her but she didn’t give him the satisfaction. She grabbed two gallons of vanilla ice cream and made her way to the register. Once her transaction was complete, she and Tristyn walked out of the store.

  “Can Trinity eat ice cream too?” Tristyn asked as Amore put the bags in the trunk.

  “Not yet baby. She’s too young right now. She can only have milk,” Amore noted.

  “Tristyn!” a man called out in the distance. Amore was fuming when she saw that Viper was headed their way. He handed her a bag and Tristyn’s face lit up like a Christmas tree.

  “Mama look! My princess ice cream!” Tristyn squealed in delight.

  “Okay baby. Put it in the car and watch a movie on your tablet,” Amore instructed.

  “Okay. Thanks for my ice cream,” Tristyn said as she looked at Viper and smiled.

  “You’re welcome beautiful,” Viper replied, right before she got into the car and put her headphones on.

  “You going too muthafucking far now nigga,” Amore snapped as she closed her trunk and turned her angry glare on Viper.

  “You know I love the kids. She’s cute,” Viper smirked.

  “Fuck off and leave me alone Vaughn,” Amore gritted.

  “I’ll leave you alone as soon as you give me what you owe me,” Viper replied.

  “I don’t owe you shit. I went through hell with you for four whole years. That was payment enough,” Amore said as she tried to walk away.

  “Don’t walk away while I’m talking to you! Maybe you need to be reminded about what these hands can do!” he yelled while grabbing her arm.

  Amore turned around with her Taser in hand and zapped him. He was quickly immobilized and that was her goal. Viper didn’t see it coming and he was caught off guard. He yelped before he hit the ground and shook like he was having a seizure. He didn’t see when Amore discreetly reached into her purse and pulled it out but he wasn’t surprised. He was on the ground drooling from the mouth when Amore jumped into her car and sped away. She looked in her rearview mirror and saw that he had never gotten up. Viper had her fucked up if he thought that he was about to lay hands on her again. Trillion had never even tried it and he was her husband. Amore was happy that Tristyn was preoccupied and didn’t see anything. She wouldn’t have wanted her to be asking a bunch of questions that were hard for her to answer.

  When they got home, Amore left the water in the car. It was too heavy for her to carry, so Trillion would have to get it later. As soon as they walked into the house, Tristyn ran into the living room where her father and baby sister were. Trillion was on the sofa watching tv while Trinity laid on his chest.

  “Daddy look, I got Disney princess ice cream,” Tristyn said as he held it up for him to see.

  “Okay, go put it in the freezer,” he replied as he put the baby in her swing and followed Amore to the kitchen.

  “My uncle Viper got it for me,” Tristyn said, making him snap his head around to look at her.

  “Viper?” he asked while looking over at Amore.

  “Yeah, me and my mama saw him at the store,” Tristyn answered innocently.

  “I can explain,” Amore hurriedly interrupted.

  “Yeah, I damn sure hope you can,” Trillion fumed with a frown.

  “Are you mad daddy?” Tristyn asked.

  “No baby, I’m not mad. I’m pissed the fuck off,” he gritted, whispering the last part in Amore’s ear before he walked off.

  Amore wanted to explain everything to him but she needed him to calm down first. She put the items that they got from the store away before giving Tristyn a bath. When Trinity got up, she gave her a bath too and put them both to bed. Amore grabbed the baby monitor and fixed herself a glass of wine. She found Trillion on the balcony smoking so she went outside to join him.

  “I’m listening,” Trillion said as he blew smoke out of his nose and mouth. He never even turned around but he sensed Amore’s presence behind him. Amore walked over and sat on his lap before releasing a sigh.

  “First off, you should know me better than to think that I was on some bullshit, with Viper, of all people,” Amore replied.

  “You’re right and I apologize. What happened?” he asked.

  “We saw him at the store and he started up with his foolishness,” Amore replied as she told him the entire story.

  “You tased him?” Trillion asked with an amused grin.

  “I sure did. He got me fucked up if he thought he was going to put his hands on me again. Those days are long gone and they’re not coming back,” Amore noted.

  “You got that shit right,” Trillion agreed. “Where does he live?”

  “Why? I don’t want you getting yourself in trouble over Vaughn. We have too much to lose and he’s not even worth it. Maybe I can get Skip’s number from Abe. If anybody can talk some sense into him, Skip can,” Amore said.

  “Dudes like that don’t just go away Love,” Trillion pointed out.

  Trillion was never on no street shit and he never pretended like he was. He and Jordon were never on it like Blue and Rod were and they never had a reason to be. Trillion was proud to say that he made his money legally and had never gone to jail. He knew without a doubt in his mind that his brothers would handle Viper if he needed them to though.

  “I know baby but maybe I can get a restraining order or something,” Amore said, pulling him out of his thoughts.

  “You know how many women are in their graves behind that bullshit ass piece of paper, Amore,” Trillion commented.

  “I need you to understand something Trillion. This is the happiest that I’ve ever been in my entire life. I’ll be damned if I let a nothing ass nigga like Viper take that away from me. Fuck that!” Amore fumed angrily as her leg bounced.

  “Relax Love. Your ex is only one man. His blood is the same shade of red as everybody else’s,” Trillion noted.

  “Fuck him!” Amore spat angrily.

  “Fuck me,” Trillion replied as he gripped her ass and squeezed it.

  Amore smiled but he didn’t have to repeat his command. She downed the rest of her wine and started taking off her clothes. That was one of the things that she loved about Trillion’s private balcony. She couldn’t wait until they moved into their house because the patio would be just as secluded.

  “B itch, all three of us are convicted felons. We’re not even supposed to be around other people who have guns. I damn sure can’t get one of my own,” Amore said as she talked to Dallas and Chanell.

  They had gone out to lunch since they were all free for a few hours. Chanell had some orders to prep for the following day and they were headed back to her shop.

  “That nigga is a fucking pain. You know they said that he’s the one who killed Lo. AJ said that he was shot eight times in the
face and head. They said his mama couldn’t even open his casket. People were saying that Lo was a snitch so you never know,” Chanell said, repeating what her man had told her.

  “Yeah and that Ciara bitch had him locked up. Meadow said that she gave up her apartment and moved back in with her parents. That nigga got her shook after he beat her ass. Meadow said that she’s done with her and she regrets ever getting involved,” Dallas said, repeating what their sister had told her.

  “This nigga got out of jail and is making everybody’s life miserable. I don’t know why Ciara thought she would be exempt. Viper got mommy issues and I seriously think he hates women. Ms. Ruby used to always say that and I believe her,” Amore replied, right as Trillion called her on facetime. He was at home with the girls, but she was going with him to promote a party later that night. When Amore answered, Tristyn’s face popped up on the screen.

  “Hey bestie!” Chanell yelled when she saw her.

  “Hey bestie,” Tristyn replied with a big smile.

  “Hey my baby. What are you doing?” Amore asked her.

  “Nothing but daddy wants to talk to you,” Tristyn replied.

  “What’s good Love?” Trillion asked as his and Trinity’s faces came into view.

  “Nothing much. We just left from the restaurant a few minutes ago. Hey Trinity. I miss you boo,” Amore said as she cooed into the phone at her baby girl.

  “The contractors want us to pick out a few things for the kitchen and bathrooms. We need to let him know as soon as possible,” Trillion informed her.

  “Okay. I’m heading back to Chanell’s shop to get my car. I’ll be there in a little while,” Amore replied.

  “Alright Love. We’ll see you soon,” Trillion replied before he hung up.

  “Bitch, if I ever decide to get me a man, I’m making sure that he’s white,” Dallas said.

  “AJ better step his game up before I start looking for me one too. This bitch came home way after me and she got a husband, a baby and a house. That nigga AJ is slacking,” Chanell fussed.

  “Y’all sound dumb as hell. Fuck boys come in all colors. It all depends on the man, not his race,” Amore pointed out.