11. Creed
Chapter 11
Creed
“ W ell it’s about time you come and visit your brother.” My mom scoffed when she lifted her head and laid eyes on me when I stepped inside the hospital room. Ignoring her, I looked around, noticing my dad was nowhere to be found. Rome lay in the bed, still unconscious. I noticed the bruising he had when I first got here was barely present. The wrap on his head was also gone.
“If you’re looking for your father, he isn’t here. He’s at the office.”
I glanced at the woman who birthed me. While she was my mother, I felt no maternal bond with her. Growing up she never treated me like her child. I was more of a burden to her and my father. The two left me with nannies most of the time while Rome got all of their attention. Even now, as she looked at me, I saw no warmth that other kids received from their parents. It was something I had grown accustomed to, however. Her cold demeanor was something I didn’t take personally anymore.
“Are they saying when he’ll wake up?” I stepped further in the room and approached the bed. A tube was down Rome’s throat. His chest rose and fell slowly.
“It’s been a month and you’re just now coming to visit your brother. Why is that, Creed? Do you not care that your brother is unwell?” Lifting my head, I twisted my neck and faced my mom. Her lips were pressed tightly together and tension radiated off her body. My mom was a beautiful woman. The Botox I knew she got kept her face looking youthful and wrinkle free. Her hair was pinned up in a tight bun and not a hair was out of place. Her makeup was done lightly, just like I remembered. Never too much, but enough to notice it.
“I’ve been busy, Mother. You know I do have my own company to run.” My head cocked to the side while her eyes tightened.
“Even so, your brother is the reason why you stayed, is it not?”
I shrugged. “That among other things. It’s not like he can go anywhere right now.” What Mom didn’t know was I had been by the hospital when I knew she or my dad weren’t here so I didn’t run into them.
Her frown deepened. “Watch your mouth, Creed. Your brother doesn’t need any negativity.”
I slid my eyes to Rome, the heir to my dad’s company and fortune, the golden child. “You know Nakyra is worried about him. Why would you two ban her from coming up here?”
My mom lifted her nose and scrunched her face as much as the Botox would allow. “Rome doesn’t need all those outside germs around him right now. She signed off on a surgery neither me nor your father were aware of and she had no right. That overstepping could have cost us my son’s life.”
“But that’s his fiancée. Don’t you think she has the right to be here?”
Mom flicked her wrist. “She’s fine. Right now there’s nothing she can do for Rome anyway. Which reminds me, I heard you’re staying at her and Rome’s house.”
I nodded. “I am.”
“Do you think that’s appropriate?”
Furrowing my brows, I crossed my arms over my chest and squared my shoulders. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“A single man living with an engaged woman he has no blood ties with is not a good look, Creed. Do you think your brother would approve of that?”
“Do you think he would approve of his parents banning his fiancée from his room?”
Her eyes fell on Rome and saddened. “Your brother knows we know what’s best for him, that’s why he has us listed to be over his care. Nakyra has to learn that sometimes decisions will be made that she doesn’t agree with but will have to accept.”
I shook my head. “One day you two are gonna have to stop babying him and let him grow up.”
Mom whipped her head toward me and glared. “If you’re going to keep being negative then you can leave. As I said, your brother needs positivity around him right now.” She turned and ran her hand over my brother’s head.
“Do they think he’s going to wake up soon?” I asked again, ignoring her last statement.
“They’re hopeful he’ll be up soon.” Her face fell. “Rome’s a strong boy. I have no doubt he’ll wake up and be better than ever.”
I glanced at my older brother. We might not have been close growing up, but that didn’t mean I ever wished him unwell.
“What exactly is wrong with him?”
Mom slowly turned to face me. Her eyes bored into me with intensity. She always had the skill to stare into someone as if she was looking through them. She must have noticed I was serious because she began explaining Rome’s condition. It was clear my brother still being in a coma was weighing heavily on her. Her skin was dull, eyes sunken with dark circles under them and her voice lacked its normal firmness. It was no surprise, she always catered to and babied Rome.
“And the accident, what happened that night to cause all this?”
“Just what you said, Creed, an accident.” Her face and voice were void of emotion. There was more to the story, I was sure of it, I just couldn’t say what it was. For some reason my parents felt they had to hide the truth about that night and I was curious as to why.
I stayed a little longer before announcing my leave, which barely caused her to bat an eye. On the way out I made sure to text Nakyra letting her know what I learned. I wasn’t sure what issue my parents had with Nakyra. My mom’s reasoning didn’t make sense to me. Hopefully Rome would be up soon and reverse the order that banned her from the hospital, because if not, I didn’t see my parents allowing her near him anytime soon.
____
“Email me the reports and I’ll look them over when I get back to the office,” I told Ken, stepping into the coffee shop not too far from my warehouse in West Valley, close to the marina.
“Will do, sir. Do you have an estimated time when you’ll be back?” he asked.
“I got a few things here I need to take care of, businesswise. I’m hoping within the next month everything will be squared away.” I stepped to the counter and looked up to take the menu in.
“Well you rest assured that everything is running smoothly on this end. I’ll also send over the latest maintenance reports on the trucks for you to sign off on as well.”
We spoke for a little longer before hanging up. Once settled on what I wanted to drink, I stepped to the counter.
“Hi. Name for the order?” the young girl questioned.
“Creed.”
She typed something on the screen. “And what can I get started for you?”
“Let me get an iced white mocha with an extra shot of espresso and a piece of cinnamon crumb cake.” She tapped the tablet a couple times before revealing the total. Using my phone I tapped the small white square then went into my pocket to grab cash to tip.
“Thank you. We’ll have that out right away.”
I nodded at her then stepped away with my phone still in hand. After leaving the hospital I went to the warehouse and spent the rest of the morning upstairs in my office, handling business for my New Haven location. Thankfully I had Ken who was more than capable of handling things while I was here. Business was expanding on the on both coast, so I made the right choice to stay in town since the home office was here.
“Hey, you,” I heard behind me, causing my head to lift and me to look over my shoulder.
I squinted at the woman grinning at me. “Dee, right?” My tongue dragged over my bottom lip and I looked her over. She was in a long dress today, which easily showed off her thick shape, with a peacoat over it.
Her smile grew. “Good memory. I didn’t expect to see you any time soon.”
“My office is close to here so I stopped by to grab something while I had a minute to breathe.”
“Same here.” Her eyes scanned me and she licked her lips.
The night we hooked up at Onyx we didn’t have sex. I did a scene with her, got her off, then left. She was tempting, but that night I wasn’t looking to fuck.
“Creed!” My name was called behind the counter.
I glanced over then walked to where another young girl was with my order. “Have a good day.”
“You too.” I took a drink of the iced mocha and walked back to where Dee was. She was texting on her phone then looked up when she noticed my return.
“So Creed is your name?” At the club I normally went by Cree, so most people didn’t know my real name. “My client is on her way, but I was wondering if you wanted to meet up outside the club sometimes and possibly do more than just a scene?”
She batted her lashes and tucked her bottom lip into her mouth. Her look became sultry. One thing I noticed right away was how bold Dee was. Even at the club she didn’t hesitate to approach me and let me know she wanted me. That was a turn on if I was being honest. I loved being in control, but I also loved a woman who knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to ask for it.
“Let me see your phone,” I told her.
I slid my phone into my pocket before reaching for hers. Inserting my number, I called myself so I could lock her in later.
“Here you go. We can make that happen when we’re both free.”
She grinned. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Saying my goodbye, I turned and headed for the door. There were a couple more things I needed to take care of at the warehouse before going home.
My phone vibrated as I was getting into my car. Once inside I put my drink and cake down then checked the screen.
Nakyra
Any requests for dinner tonight?
I thought about it. Since I’d been here Nakyra had been cooking for us without complaining. Sometimes I joined her, other times I got home and the food was already finished, so we would eat together. I wasn’t used to eating homecooked meals all the time so it was nice. While I could cook some things, I was nowhere near a pro in the kitchen. Most of the time I ate out; this was a nice change of speed.
Me
Let’s go out to eat instead. My treat.
Nakyra had done a lot by letting me stay at her house and cooking for me. Taking her out for dinner was the least I could do to show my gratitude.
I’m not one of those girls who only orders salad. I like to eat.
A chuckle left my mouth and I pressed on the brake and pushed the button to start the truck.
That’s cool with me. I hate that shit anyway. Pick a place and let me know. Be ready by eight.
I can’t wait
Locking the phone, I tossed it on the passenger seat, then grabbed my cake, opening the bag and taking a bite.
After talking to her when I left the hospital earlier, I was sure she would go back to the zombie state she was in the previous week, but it seemed like she was doing okay if she agreed to go out to eat with me. The month I’d been here I’d enjoyed learning more about Nakyra. I wasn’t used to being around women platonically. Not that it wasn’t possible, but I was a busy man, so casually hanging out wasn’t an option.
Pulling out of my parking spot, I turned onto the street in the direction of the warehouse, now looking forward to completing my work day and heading home.
____
“Wassup, Moneybags.” Dylan slid into the booth across from me with Camilla at his side. Before heading home I stopped by Bank Shot. I needed to speak with Dylan, hoping he could help me with something that had been nagging me for a while now.
I nodded at him then at Camilla while sipping from my beer bottle.
“Why didn’t you bring my friend with you?” Camilla asked.
“Who yo’ friend?”
She rolled her eyes and released an exasperated breath. “Nakyra, fool.”
“How that’s yo’ friend and you’ve only met her once?” Dylan cut in and asked.
“Don’t be a hater, bae.” She nudged him with her shoulder.
I chuckled. “She was at home when I left. You got her number, right? Call her.”
“Don’t even worry about it. We already planned to hang out.”
“You see the shit I deal with; don’t let that girl around her crazy ass.”
“Stop playing with me!” Camilla slapped his arm.
Dylan grabbed her and yanked her into him. “I done told you about putting yo’ hands on me.” He moved his head closer to hers and bit her bottom lip.
“Ow, stop,” she whined and attempted to pull away from him, causing him to laugh.
I shook my head. The two of them been like this since they first got together. The only thing I could do was enjoy the show.
“Now, before she started talking shit, what brings you to this side of town?” Dylan asked.
“I need a favor.” I set my beer bottle on the table. “You still talk to your cousin on the police force right?”
“Aiden? Yeah. What about him?”
My fingers tapped on the beer bottle. “I need you to ask him if he can look something up for me.”
“What?”
“My brother’s accident?”
His face twisted. “Why?”
“Something about it isn’t sitting right with me. I think my parents are hiding something and I want to know what it is.” Something in my gut was telling me there was more to the story of that night and I planned on finding out what it was.
“I got you. I’ll hit him right now.” He pulled his phone out.
“Appreciate it.” Dylan’s lifestyle might not be on the up and up but he was more of my brother than my biological one. I faced Camilla. “And I need a favor from you too.”
“Wassup?” she asked.
I started explaining to her what I had planned and how I needed her to help me. Camilla might be crazy and impulsive but I did consider her a sister. She was one of the most loyal people I knew. I made sure to let Dylan know he needed to keep her because she would go to war over him. I knew she would be down to help me and she was the perfect person for what I needed.
____
“I’ve been trying to get Rome to bring me here for forever, but he isn’t a fan of red meat,” Nakyra gushed, looking over the menu.
She requested we go to a steakhouse down on The Shore. I looked around.
“It looks like a popular spot,” I noted, seeing the full tables.
“Oh yeah, the wait times are always crazy. From what I heard they have some of the best food in the city though. I’m shocked you were able to get a reservation on such short notice.”
“Money talks.” I flashed her a crooked grin and winked.
“Oh how nice it must be to live privileged.”
“You should know. You’re getting married to a man that knows all about it.”
Her face fell slightly. “I guess, but I don’t really feed into all that. Me and Rome are a lot different in that aspect. He’s used to using money to get his way and I didn’t grow up like that so it’s not something I’m accustomed to.”
I nodded in understanding. “Trust me, I get it. While most times I attempt to remain humble, I can admit growing up privileged wasn’t always so bad.”
“Here are your drinks. Would you two like to start off with some appetizers?” the server asked, setting Nakyra’s strawberry margarita and my rum and coke on the table.
“Can we do an order of crab cakes please?” Nakyra asked, reaching for her glass. “And can you bring a water with lemon too?”
“Make that two and that’s it for now.”
“I’ll put that in and be back shortly.” He turned and walked off.
A comfortable silence passed between us while I looked over the menu.
“So, I have to ask… Nakyra started after a while, gaining my attention.
“Wassup?” I reached for my glass and brought it to my mouth.
“I know you and your parents aren’t close, but what about you and Rome? Growing up, were you two closer than you are now?”
I licked the remaining liquid from my lips then set the glass back down. “We could have been closer, but we never hated each other. Our parents created a silent beef between us early on. They never hid their favoritism for Rome and when I was younger that caused me to resent my brother. The older I got, the more I grew out of it. Eventually I stopped trying to compete for my parents’ love and started doing my own thing. That’s around the time I met Dylan and started hanging out with him and his crew. From that point it didn’t matter to me. Rome had his crowd and I had mine.”
She gave me a sympathetic look. “I bet it had to be rough being in a house with parents who basically ignored you but showered your brother with love and affection.”
My shoulders lifted. “At first yeah, but the older I got I realized my parents were stuck in their ways. I was the oops baby and truthfully shouldn’t even be here.”
“Creed,” she interrupted but I cut her off. I didn’t need the sympathy I knew she was about to express.
“It’s all good, I learned that a long time ago. My parents got their heir with Rome. I’m not sure why neither of them never took the measures not to have any more kids, but I was born and was more of an afterthought.”
She tapped the table with her fingers. “I get it. I mean I’m an only child and my parents didn’t ignore me for another kid, but I wasn’t really a priority to them either.”
The server had returned, letting us know the crab cakes would be out soon and to take our orders. Nakyra got the garlic and herb lamb chops with loaded mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. While I got the Jack Daniels New York strip with loaded mashed potatoes and shrimp.
Once we were alone again, I spoke. “I know you mentioned you don’t speak to your parents anymore, is them ignoring you why?”
She drank her margarita and seemed to be lost in deep thought for a second. “That plays a part in it. I’ve always been good in school. I was able to get emancipated at sixteen and graduated high school that same year. The last time I spoke to my parents was when I called to invite them to my college graduation and they declined to come.”
My eyes widened. “Damn. I wasn’t expecting that.” My head tilted. Hearing that had me looking at Nakyra in a new light.
“It was a process, but truthfully I had been raising myself for the majority of my life. Once I lost my hearing, my parents didn’t want the burden of raising a kid with a disability. They never bothered to learn ASL; they forced me to always wear my hearing aids so I could communicate with them. They refused to make any accommodations for me. Basically they felt like I shouldn’t have ‘special treatment’ just because I was now deaf, as if it was my fault.” Her voice came out sarcastically, but I couldn’t miss the hurt within her words. Her eyes zoned out again as she continued.
“Anyway, they never came to my tennis matches, never really bothered with anything I had going on. As long as I had the essentials, that was it. Most of the time at home I was in my room with my aids off embracing the silence. I had grown to enjoy it. When I learned I could graduate early, I knew college would be a fresh start for me, so I did what I needed to prove to the courts I could support myself. My parents didn’t put up a fight, so the process wasn’t too hard.”
I thought about it for a second. “You and my brother met in college, right? How old were you?”
Rome was four years older than me and Nakyra was a year younger than me if I remembered correctly.
“I was seventeen. I met him during the middle of my freshman year.” I did the math. That would have made my brother twenty-two at the time. Once I turned eighteen, I distanced myself from my family and the boss I inherited Steel Freight from helped me get my own place so I wasn’t around when the two started dating. I stayed locally for college while my brother went away.
“Here you are.” The server was back this time with the waters and crab cakes.
“Thank you,” we both said.
We quickly blessed the food then each grabbed one.
“I honestly was shocked when your brother showed interest in me. I had dated some in high school, but it was never anything serious. Most guys treated me like a fetish they were satisfying so it never worked out. Your brother was the first one to show actual interest, but the two of us were from different worlds. So when he approached me I thought it was a joke, but here we are, months away from getting married.”
“So you don’t think the accident will affect the wedding.”
She scraped her bottom lip with her teeth and looked off to the side. “I’m trying to stay hopeful. Honestly Rome has been super busy with preparing to take over for your dad so we haven’t spent a lot of time together. I was looking forward to getting married and our honeymoon, but now.” She sighed and downed more of her drink before coughing.
“Don’t die on me now.” I chuckled.
She attempted to talk while tapping on her chest. My eyes dropped to where her hand was. The sweater she had on was v cut, showing the top of her cleavage. While her breasts weren’t big, they fit her frame and sat up nicely behind the shirt. For a second I became curious if her nipples matched the color of her skin. I sank my teeth into my bottom lip and snatched my eyes back to her face. I shouldn’t be looking at my future sister-in-law in that way.
I grabbed my glass and finished my drink.
“So I got a question for you.” I lifted my hand when I saw our server, to get his attention for another drink. “You’ve mentioned only Summer knows sign language, but what about Rome? He never learned it?”
Nakyra shifted in her seat and her hand lifted as she touched her right ear, slightly flinching. My brows furrowed.
“No. I mean, he learned some things when we first started dating, but he’s not fluent in it. He prefers to speak over signing.”
I squinted. “And you’re okay with that?”
She shrugged. “I can’t expect everyone around me to accommodate me. My parents taught me that early. They made sure I got my aids so I could hear and still communicate like everyone else.”
“But you prefer ASL, right?”
Her tongue swiped over her lips. “Sometimes. Being lost in the silence sometimes is comforting. Maybe it’s because I grew up spending a lot of time surrounded by nothing but my sketchbooks. Summer was my outlet honestly. Besides her, it was always just me and my thoughts.”
Her explanation didn’t sit right with me. She shouldn’t feel like her loss of hearing was a burden or that she shouldn’t be adapted to.
“If I was marrying someone and knew they were hard of hearing, blind, whatever, I would make sure to do whatever I could to make them comfortable if we’re gonna spend our lives together. I don’t know a lot about how it works, but what if you ever lost your hearing to the point your aids didn’t work, then how would that work for you two? He should be willing to learn how to communicate with you through his hands too. But Rome’s always been selfish in that way, so it doesn’t shock me that he’s not willing to compromise and learn your second language.”
She went to speak but snapped her mouth closed when the server came back with my drink and our food on the tray.
The conversation halted while we ate. I hoped I didn’t offend Nakyra, but I was never one to bite my tongue. The more I learned about her and my brother’s relationship, the more it made me wonder how the two had lasted as long as they did. It wasn’t any of my business and I would be headed back home soon, but still, even being here for the short amount of time I had been I could tell Nakyra deserved more than what Rome was clearly giving her.