Chapter 20
Quis was a spitting image of me. When my eyes locked on him, it was like I’d seen a younger version of myself. I was at a loss for words for only a moment before I blinked out of my stupor and had the first conversation with my child. He was so well-mannered, something I never was as a child.
I didn’t need Honey to confirm to me Quis was mine. I could feel it in my soul. We made Quis with our love… a distant memory now.
I missed six years of my child’s life because I went to prison without a clue about his existence. What could I do to be a present father? What could I do to make up for lost time? A couple of toys and an outfit weren’t shit in the grand scheme of things.
“Marquise, don’t start your shit.”
“What do you mean, don’t start my shit? You’re about to snatch my son away from me again, and I’m not letting that shit happen. You got the game fucked up if you think I’m not about to be present in his life now.”
She sighed. “That’s not what I’m saying at all.”
“Then what are you saying? Make it clear to me because I’m not understanding.”
“All I’m saying is, we’re going to figure something out, but I do not have the bandwidth to handle all of that right now. Between the funeral, my parents, and my career, I can’t think clearly enough to create a plan with you right now. I thought I had fifteen years to prepare, and right now, I’m overextended.”
I nodded. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll figure some shit out and get back to you. You know where I work and where I live, so I’ll see you both around.”
“Okay.”
I gave her one final look before I shook my head and walked across the grass to my uncle and aunt’s house. I walked in and slammed the door.
“What’s going on?” Aunt Dee walked out of the kitchen with concern on her aged features.
“Did you know Honey had my kid?” I asked.
Her features softened into one of guilt as she reluctantly nodded. She reached for my hand, but I moved it out of the way. Everyone knew about my child, and no one thought to tell me. The betrayal was real.
“Y’all knew I had a kid out here in the world, and nobody told me anything?” The volume of my voice rose in anger. My uncle walked around the corner to see what all the commotion was.
“We respected Honey’s decision and figured she’d tell you when the time was right.” Aunt Dee stepped closer to me and tried to hold my hand.
“Watch out.” I stepped away from her. I didn’t have a right to be upset, but I was.
“Calm down, nephew. You got misguided anger, and you need to check that shit right the fuck now.” Uncle Cee cleared his throat as he stepped beside his wife and wrapped a protective arm around her shoulder.
It was commendable to see him step for his lady. I was once the same way with Honey. I no longer had that type of connection. Shit sucked.
“Look, I’m not trying to fuck up my early release. It’s just frustrating as hell to feel left out on something as big as the existence of my child. I ain’t have no family. The streets raised me. I want to give my offspring a better life than what I had, and I’m already at a disadvantage. This shit sucks.”
“We’re sorry, Marquise. We wanted to tell you. We really did.” Aunt Dee sighed.
“Whatever. I’ll be back.”
“Where are you going?” Uncle Cee quizzed.
“Out.”
I turned on my heels and left the house. I climbed into my Camaro and brought it to life. I backed out of the driveway and revved my engine loud down the main street. It was a signal to warn all the people in my area to get the fuck out of my way.
When I pulled out onto the main street, I pulled my phone out of my pocket and tapped Aliza’s contact. She answered after the second ring.
“Hey, sexy.”
“What you on right now?”
“Not a damn thing.”
“Send me yo’ lo.”
“Sent. You got condoms?”
“Nah, but I’ll pick up a pack on the way. You got a preference of brand? I know different brands can irritate women.”
“What a gentleman. I don’t really get irritated. Whatever brand you like, just get that one.”
“Fa sho. I’ll see you shortly.”
I hung up and tapped the notification from Aliza. The location popped up and connected to my maps app. I put in the fastest route and sped down the road. The only thing on my mind was getting lost in some pussy to remedy my anger.
* * *
“Hey.”
Aliza opened the door, and I stepped in. I toed off my shoes and set them by the door. When I got a good look at her, I noticed the lacy lingerie in a bright pink color. It contrasted well against her brown skin.
“What’s good?”
“I was sure you’d never cash in on the full experience, but I’m glad you did. Do you want something to drink?”
“Nah, I’m good.” I looked around the apartment. It was nice. It had wooden floors and off-white walls. She had a mismatched furniture theme. Nothing really complemented anything in the room.
“Are you okay? You seem a little tense.”
“I’m cool.”
“Well, let’s get comfortable. What do you like to do to set the mood? I can play some tunes, or we can get acquainted.”
“Are you nervous?” I asked as a smirk tugged on my lips.
“Hell naw… Well, maybe a little.”
“What are you nervous about?” I asked as I placed my hands on her hips.
“I’ve taken plenty of dicks, but never one like yours.”
“I’m not gon’ hurt you. I’ve fucked my fair share of women, and I’m not one of those lame ass niggas who only care about his nut. Your pleasure is important to me.”
“Wow. How are you still single?”
I shook my head. “Let’s not get into that.”
“Fair.”
She slid her hands up my shirt and traced the lines of my abs. She bit down on her bottom lip and batted her lashes at me. I gripped her waist and kissed along the length of her neck.
“Your lips are so soft. Let’s go to my bedroom.” She held my hand and led me to the bedroom.
Yellow and white accents decorated the room. She had candles burning and a towel laid across the neatly made bed.
The sun set, and the room grew darker and darker. The flicker of the candlelight illuminated her body. She slowly removed my clothes and massaged my body as she did so. I licked my lips as she pulled my dick out and stroked me. I closed my eyes, and visions of Honey in the same position filled my mind. It was Aliza’s physical body, but Honey’s image overtook her at the moment. It was as if my woman was the star of the show.
“Fuck,” I moaned in a deep voice.
“You like that?” Aliza asked.
I nodded and moved us to the bed. I made sure she was on the towel before I started playing with her pussy. I stretched her and massaged her clit.
“Mmm,” Aliza moaned as she pinched her nipples.
“Play with this mothafucka while I go put the condom on.”
She nodded and took over the task. She pumped two fingers inside of herself while I stepped away from the bed and grabbed my pants. I pulled out the four-pack of condoms and opened one quickly. It had been a while since I’d fucked with a condom. Honey and I had been going raw since she was seventeen.
Damn, Aliza would be the first woman to get my dick since my relationship with Honey. I hope she takes dick as good as she sucks it.
I slowly made my way back over to Aliza and spread her legs. I pulled her to the edge of the bed and positioned my dick at her entrance. I used her juices to coat the condom before I slowly inched inside of her.
My first taste of pussy in six years. I almost thought I’d nut right after the entry, but I held it together. I waited until she adjusted to my size before I finally had some fun. I fucked her like the slut she was. She clawed at my back and begged me not to stop.
“Fuck… Marquise this is…ooo… this is too much dick. I can’t take no more.” She tried to run from me, so I folded her legs and pressed them against her chest.
“Nah. You don’t get to run. Take all this shit like the slut you are, Honey.”
“Mmm,” Aliza moaned.
I buried my face in the crook of her neck and stroked her until her juices poured all over my dick. I see why she put the towel down. The power of her orgasm made me follow shortly after.
When we came down from the high, Aliza rubbed my back and looked into my eyes. “Wanna do it again?” she asked.
“Nah, baby. I can’t. I got to get back to my folks.”
She poked out her bottom lip. “Fine. If you want to come back, anytime… Please don’t hesitate to hit my line.”
“Fa sho.”
She rubbed my chest. “I like the nickname you gave me… Honey… Like my pussy is so sweet, huh?”
“Right.” I chuckled as I rubbed my hand down my face.
“I’ll see you later.”
I didn’t respond as I stood up and stretched. I went into the bathroom and flushed the condom before I washed my face and gargled some of the mouthwash near the sink. I stared at my reflection and shook my head at what I saw: a dumb ass nigga who was playing a dumb ass game. I needed to talk to someone who wouldn’t sugarcoat anything.
* * *
“What’s up, Marq?” Mouse asked when the call connected.
TK joined the group call a few seconds later. His camera cleared to reveal him in motion in his car. “What’s going on?”
I leaned back and lit my blunt. I sat in the backyard of my folks’ house, with my blunt and the stars to keep me company.
“I got a kid,” I blurted out.
“Marq, you been out a day. How the fuck you got a baby on the way already?” Mouse asked with a chuckle.
“No, dummy. I got a six-year-old kid. Honey had my son while I was locked up.”
“Damn…” TK shook his head in disbelief.
“What are you gon’ do?” Mouse asked.
“I don’t know. I was so frustrated, I went and fucked my coworker. During the sex, I called her Honey… Now she thinks she got a cute nickname and shit.”
The call went silent for a few seconds before a harmony of laughter filled the air. I took a long pull from my blunt, letting the high-grade weed fill my lungs. I exhaled and glared at my friends, who were still cracking up at my situation.
“Are y’all done?” I asked with tight lips.
“You can’t make shit up like that. This nigga Marq always in some shit.” Mouse wiped a stray tear from the corner of his eye as the laughter finally died down.
“This shit is not funny.” I blew smoke from my nose and placed the roach of my blunt in the ashtray. I rubbed my hands down my face and let out a frustrated breath.
“It is funny, and you know you’d be laughing at one of us, too, if we were in the situation. Look, you know we’ve always kept it real with you.” TK chuckled.
“What am I supposed to do?”
“Stop fuckin’ your coworker if you want to make shit right with Honey. The last thing you need is a ho making shit more complicated than it already is,” Mouse commented.
“You’re not wrong.”
I closed my eyes and exhaled a deep breath.
“Keep yo’ head up. It’ll all work out in your favor. Just keep yo’ dick away from that ho.” TK coughed to hide his amusement.
“Man, whatever. Y’all be safe.”
I hung up the phone and groaned. I already had so much shit on my plate and added another potential obstacle that could keep me from my happily ever after with Honey.
Get your shit together, Marquise.