“You got a minute? I wanted to talk to you about something,” Deuce said as he took a seat right next to her.
“Yeah, I got time. You want something to drink?” Zina offered.
“Nah, I’m good,” he replied.
“Okay, so what’s up?” she asked him.
It was hard for Deuce to say what he was about to say. He also knew that it was going to be even harder for Zina to hear. He wasn’t trying to keep Lyric’s pregnancy a secret, but he had a lot of things to consider before he came clean with his wife.
“I found out last week that Lyric is pregnant,” Deuce said as he looked her in the eyes.
“Wow,” Zina replied with a sarcastic chuckle. She was shaking her head and sipping her liquor like what he’d just said didn’t even faze her. She turned her head and stared out into the yard as she continued to puff on her blunt. Deuce waited for her to say more but she never did.
“Is that all you have to say?” he asked as he looked over at her.
“What do you want me to say Deuce? Shit, I’m not even surprised. It ain’t like I’ve never been through this before. Her having your baby is only gonna make it easier for you to continue messing around with her. You’ll have a reason to go around her now,” Zina replied.
“What are you even talking about Zina?” Deuce questioned in confusion.
“Cheating, side bitches, and outside babies; all of that is a part of the game.” Zina shrugged.
“That’s just it though Zina, this is not a game. This is our life that we’re talking about here,” Deuce pointed out.
“My door is always open to your child. He or she will be loved and treated just like Baby Blue and Armani. Just keep whatever you do with Lyric away from me and my house and we’re all good.”
“The fuck! So, you’re giving me your blessing to be with another woman?” Deuce asked her in shock.
“Yeah, I am. You love her, so you’re gonna do it anyway. As long as you respect me and our marriage, I won’t interfere,” Zina replied like what she said was normal.
“How is being with another woman not disrespecting you and our marriage?” Deuce questioned.
“Because I’ll already know about it. It’s not cheating if you got permission,” Zina noted.
“Are you even listening to yourself right now Zina? Ain’t nothing about what you just said normal or healthy. Why would you even want a nigga who you can’t have all to yourself?” Deuce asked her.
“Because it’s unrealistic,” Zina noted as she sipped her liquor.
“No, what’s unrealistic is you being okay with your husband having another woman. That says a lot about the state of our marriage. As a man, I’m not even okay with doing some shit like that.”
“All men cheat Deuce,” Zina said.
“That’s bullshit and you know it. I took my marriage serious and I honored my vows until you stop giving a fuck,” Deuce argued.
“Yeah, you did for a while. I thought you were the exception, but you proved me wrong,” Zina said.
“For years I was the exception and all I wanted was you,” Deuce acknowledged.
“What about now? What do you want now?” Zina asked as she looked over at him expectantly.
“Right about now, all I want is for you to sign by the x,” Deuce replied as he pulled some papers out of his back pocket and handed them to her.
Zina unfolded the papers and read them thoroughly. She had no more tears left to cry or no more fucks left to give. He wanted out and she was letting him go.
“You’re free,” Zina said as she signed the divorce papers and handed them back to him.
“I’ll still make sure that all of the bills get paid and I’ll give you money for whatever you and the kids need,” Deuce offered.
The house belonged to Zina and he moved in with her. Armani’s father purchased it, but he got killed before they had a chance to move in. Zina was about to put it up for sale again until she met and married Deuce. He furnished the home from front to back and paid all the bills from day one.
“Thanks Deuce, but I’m no longer your responsibility. I have some money saved up and we’ll be okay,” Zina said after being silent for a while.
She was no fool and she knew how it went when dealing with a nigga who sold dope. She kept her a nice little stash account to insure that she and her kids would be straight for a while.
“Don’t feel like that Zina. I’ll always be here for you and the kids. Don’t hesitate to call me if y’all need anything,” Deuce replied.
“Are you going to live with Lyric?” Zina asked him.
“No, I’ll be by my grandmother for a while until I can get a place of my own. I’ll be here to get all my stuff in the next few days. I’ll let you know before I come,” he replied as he stood to his feet.
“Okay,” she replied with a nod.
Deuce pulled Zina up from her chair and gave her a tight hug that took her breath away. He didn’t want their divorce to be a bitter one and he didn’t want them to hate each other either. It was both their first time being married and they both made mistakes that caused it to end.
“Don’t stop them from calling me, Zina. They can still come chill with me whenever they want to,” Deuce said when they finally pulled away from each other.
“Okay. I’ll be sure to let them know,” Zina replied as she watched him walk away.
Although she agreed to it, she knew that it would never happen. Eventually, she would get into another relationship and she couldn’t let her kids having a relationship with her ex-husband jeopardize that.
Zina walked into the house a short time later and watched as Deuce backed out of her driveway. She thought that she was fresh out of tears but she was obviously mistaken. She did a great job of being strong in front of him, but she dropped down to her knees and cried as soon as he was gone. Zina didn’t miss the date at the top of the divorce decree. Deuce had the papers drawn up almost a year ago, so that was something that he had been thinking about for a while. He hadn’t even been with Lyric that long so their relationship did nothing to influence his decision. It was easier for her to place the blame on the other woman, but she was the only one at fault. Her marriage had been over for a while and she was finally ready to admit it. As much as it hurt to let go, holding on was hurting her even more.
Chapter 29
“My poor cousin. You looked so drained,” Nova said as she looked over at Lyric as they ate lunch in the break room.
“Girl, this baby is fucking over me already. I’m happy that I don’t have no morning sickness, but I can never get enough sleep. My appetite is stupid too,” Lyric replied.
“Did you tell Mr. Malone yet?” Nova asked.
“No girl. His ass is never here. I’ll catch him one day next week,” Lyric replied.
“I see Jena is starting to show. That’s fucked up how Spencer is doing her,” Nova said.
“It is, but that’s all on them. They’re both getting what they deserve. I got my own drama to worry about,” Lyric pointed out.
“You sure do. Your baby daddy is not wrapped too tight, but I appreciate this good ole lunch that he drops off every day,” Nova replied.
Since the day he found out that Lyric was pregnant, Bronx had been a pain in her ass. She made a mistake when she unblocked his number because he called her all throughout the day. He popped up at the job with lunch and anything else that he thought Lyric might have wanted.
“Don’t even remind me. Nigga act like he ain’t even married.” Lyric frowned.
“He’s not,” Nova spoke up.
“Bitch please! Since when?” Lyric questioned angrily.
“Don’t repeat this, but Kierra said that he filed for divorce and moved out. I think him and Zina were having problems long before y’all met though,” Nova said.
“It don’t even matter Nova. The nigga cheated on his wife with me and I’m sure he would have done the same thing to me with the next bitch. That girl is probably divorcing his lying, cheating
ass,” Lyric fumed.
“She didn’t even want the divorce. He’s the one that filed,” Nova reiterated.
“He’s still a dog. And my stupid ass just had to go get pregnant. I can’t say shit about Jena because I’m in the same predicament,” Lyric said.
“You and Jena’s situations are nothing alike. Bronx wants your baby and you too,” Nova reminded her.
“Fuck him. I’m at a good place in my life right now and I don’t want to talk about or see Bronx,” Lyric replied.
Her days and nights had gotten better and she was finally ready to go back home. If it weren’t for her parents catering to her like she was an invalid, she would have left a long time ago. Lyric didn’t have to lift a finger when she was at their house and she was spoiled now. She craved anything that was grilled and her father always made it happen. She was definitely going to hit the gym throughout her entire pregnancy because she would be big as a house if she didn’t.
“You never told me how the meeting with Bronx’s family went,” Nova said.
“It was okay. His mama was happy since this will be her first grandchild too. I like his grandmother on his mama’s side more than the other one. His daddy’s side of the family seems messy. I’m sure they couldn’t wait to call and tell Zina that they met her husband’s pregnant side bitch. I can’t stand his ass.” Lyric frowned.
“That’s just the pregnancy hormones talking,” Nova giggled.
“Why can’t feelings be like edges? Go away and never come back,” Lyric said seriously.
“Bitch! You are too stupid,” Nova said as she laughed loudly.
“I’m serious though,” Lyric replied.
“When do you go to the doctor? I’m sure he’s gonna want to be there,” Nova said after being silent for a while.
“I go next week, but I’m not telling him nothing. I made it for noon, so I can take my lunch break and go,” Lyric replied.
“I’ll go with you. I don’t want you to be alone,” Nova said.
“Thanks cousin.” Lyric smiled.
“I’ll even drive and buy lunch,” Nova offered.
“Bitch, if I had known that getting pregnant gets you the royal treatment, I would have done this a long time ago,” Lyric laughed.
“Shut up,” Nova said while laughing with her.
They talked while eating their lunch before going their separate ways. Lyric didn’t have much to do for the rest of the day, so she surfed the internet for a while. She was looking at baby stuff online and found herself hoping that she had a girl. They had cute stuff for boys too, but the baby girl stuff was adorable. Lyric fell in love with some of the baby furniture and she was ready to start shopping. She knew that it was too soon for all that, so she didn’t even bother. Once five o’clock came, Lyric packed up her personal belongings and hurried out to her car. She needed a nap and she couldn’t wait to get out of her work clothes and hop in the bed. Traffic was light and she was happy that she was almost to her destination. That happiness didn’t last very long when she pulled up to her parents’ house and saw Bronx’s truck parked out front.
“No, the hell they don’t have this nigga in their house,” Lyric argued as he got out of her car.
The smell of her father’s grill was the first thing she smelled as she walked up to their front door. Melody’s music greeted her when she walked into the house and found her mother stirring a pot that was on the stove.
“Hey mommy’s baby.” Melody smiled when Lyric walked into the kitchen.
“What is he doing here?” Lyric questioned while pointing outside where Bronx’s truck was parked.
“He came to talk to your daddy,” Melody replied.
“About what? Y’all shouldn’t have nothing to tell him after the way he did me,” Lyric fumed.
“Who is y’all? I still ain’t said shit to his ass,” Melody replied.
“Why did you even let him in?” Lyric questioned.
“You daddy let him. This is his house too you know,” Melody reminded her.
“Fuck him! Let him go by his wife’s family,” Lyric snapped.
“You can be mad all you want to, but you better watch your mouth. Besides, he filed for divorce. He’s living with his grandmother,” Melody whispered.
“I thought you didn’t talk to him,” Lyric said, calling her out.
“That’s my grandbaby’s father Lyric. He needs help buying a house and I agreed to help him,” Melody replied.
“Are you serious right now? I can’t believe you of all people. You were just threatening to shoot him when he called my phone the other day. Did anybody ever stop to think about how this would make me feel?” Lyric asked.
“Your feelings will always come first and you know that. If you don’t want me to help him, all you have to do is say the word,” Melody assured her.
“Whatever ma,” Lyric said as she tried to walk away.
“Listen Lyric, you’re hurt and I understand that. If you never want to be with Bronx again, I’ll understand that too. But, like it or not, he is the father of your unborn child. Me helping him secure a place to stay is to benefit my grandbaby as well. I’m happy that he cares enough to even think that way. This is nothing personal,” Melody swore.
“Yeah, well, tell that to your husband who’s in the backyard passing a blunt back and forth with him,” Lyric replied.
“I love you baby, but you need to stop holding grudges,” Melody had the nerve to say.
“What! You still roll your eyes at women that you graduated from high school with twenty years ago. And don’t even get me started on the way you feel about Hillary. If I am holding a grudge, I learned from the best.”
“Fuck them hoes,” Melody said while waving her off.
“My point exactly,” Lyric replied as she walked down the hall to the room where she slept.
Getting over Bronx was going to be harder than she thought if her parents were going to have him around all the time. As much as she liked to be pampered, Lyric had to go back to her own house. After stripping out of her clothes, she climbed into the bed and tried to forget about the man who still held her heart in his hands.
***
“I’m so sorry cousin. Mr. Malone got me working for my money today,” Nova said as she apologized to Lyric once again.
“Stop apologizing Nova, it’s okay. Your man is being my chauffeur today,” Lyric replied.
“And tell him to feed you too because that was a part of the deal,” Nova said.
“He can hear you,” Lyric laughed.
“I got it baby. I’ll bring her greedy ass to get something to eat after her appointment,” Jared spoke up.
“Nigga, I didn’t ask for food. But, since your woman offered, I’ll take it,” Lyric replied.
“I’ll bring you something back too,” Jared said to Nova.
“Okay, I’ll see y’all later. I gotta go,” Nova said before she hung up.
“Now, explain to me again why the nigga who got you pregnant is not taking you to your appointment?” Jared wanted to know.
“I could have driven myself to my appointment, but your girlfriend is the one who offered. Even if she couldn’t make it, I didn’t mind going alone,” Lyric noted.
“Get out your feelings Lyric. I didn’t mean it like that. You know I never did mind doing anything for you, even before Nova came along. You were my friend before she was my girl,” Jared pointed out.
“I’m sorry Jared. My attitude hasn’t been the best lately,” Lyric admitted.
“I was only asking why he wasn’t here. I know you said that this is his first kid. I wouldn’t want to miss anything with any of mine, especially my first,” Jared said.
“I didn’t tell him,” Lyric replied.
“That’s fucked up Lyric. That dude don’t deserve that,” Jared scolded.
“And I didn’t deserved to get played by his dog ass either,” Lyric snapped.
Just like she’d done with her cousins, she finally came clean with Jared about everyt
hing that had been going on in her life. He wasn’t as surprised as they were because he always did think that she and Javier were crushing on each other. Lyric always denied it, but he peeped it out a long time ago.
“I understand that he hurt you, Lyric, but you can’t shut him out of his kid’s life like that.”
“I can if I’m still carrying it,” Lyric retorted.
“Don’t be that woman Lyric. Don’t use your baby as a pawn to make him suffer for what he did to you. That’s an innocent child,” Jared said.
“I’m just scared Jared. I’m not strong enough yet and I’m scared to be around him. I haven’t even known him that long and I swear I love him more than anybody else that I’ve ever been with. The feelings that I have for him have the potential to destroy me emotionally and that shit scares the hell out of me,” Lyric confessed as tears fell from her eyes.
“You can’t punish him just because you love him, Lyric. Good people sometimes make bad decisions. It doesn’t make him a bad person though. We all make mistakes or will make a mistake eventually. Pencils have erasers for a reason.”
“Is it bad when you want to hate somebody for breaking your heart, but you just can’t do it?” Lyric asked.
“It’s not bad at all. It’s called love,” Jared answered as he pulled up to Lyric’s doctor’s office.
Jared was wise beyond his years and he always gave it to her straight. His advice was always good but, more than that, it was genuine. He gave Lyric a lot to think about and she felt better when they got out of his car and walked into the building. The waiting area was crowded and Lyric was disgusted already. There was more than one doctor in the office and she was hoping that all of the people there weren’t waiting for the same one.
“You can go back to work if you want to Jared. It’s crowded as hell in here,” Lyric said once she signed in and sat down.
“Sit your nervous ass down and relax. We just got here,” Jared replied.
“I know but look at all these people in here,” Lyric said as she looked around the room.
“I’m with my boss, so I’m good.” Jared smiled.
Heartbreak And Past Mistakes Page 29