Chapter 3 #2
Mama was always in the moment, but Daddy always looked for the bigger picture.
He was always a step ahead. I took a deep breath and said, “A year ago, she broke into Asad’s house while I was there.
She called me a slut and said some other shit about me, and I slammed her ass headfirst into the wall and knocked her out.
The only thing that saved me was that she had literally broken into Asad’s house and could get arrested.
I would get away scot-free because of that.
After that, I told him I couldn’t risk my life that way.
I might black out on her ass next time and end up in jail. ”
Daddy slowly shook his head. “Hotheaded just like your rowdy ass mama.”
Mama’s head turned to him so quick she should’ve gotten whiplash. I chuckled as she said, “If that ain’t the pot calling the kettle black! Nigga, you pulled a gun out on Shameka’s ass . . . or whatever her name was. You was ready to beat a woman’s ass. Remember that shit?”
“Sounds like I get it honest then. I was trying to avoid bullshit. Our family was already going through enough after Grandpa got killed. It was a lot. So, I let go. He wouldn’t stay out of my face though.
He wasn’t being forceful or anything. He just said he wanted to be in my presence so I wouldn’t forget about him.
After he told me he was basically done waiting at graduation, I knew I had to do something.
I didn’t want to lose out on the man that could be my forever over a stupid ass ho. ”
“I know that’s right, baby. Don’t let nobody get in the way of your happiness. You need help with that ho, let me know.”
“See what I’m saying?” Daddy said.
I giggled as Mama slapped his arm. He put his arm around my shoulders. “I’m happy for you, Shani. Just know, you my baby, and anybody can get it. I’ll kill a muthafucka behind you. I don’t care how close they are to us. You feel me?”
I nodded as I laid my head against him. He continued. “I really don’t think I’ll have a problem with Asad. He’s always been respectful. Now that Red Squared? He with the right one. If Noni let’s Storm in their business, he gon’ fuck that boy up. His mouth is reckless just like Storm’s.”
I slowly shook my head. “He better not be fucking with my girl. Noni and Bali get on my nerves, but I feel like we the only ones that can say that. We will all fuck him up. Mister Red better school his ass.”
My dad chuckled. “Hell yeah. That was how I was with Storm in school when we were younger. That nigga mouth was always signing a check his ass couldn’t cash.
I had to come to the rescue a lot when he was younger.
When he got of age, though, he would do the same for me, whether I needed him to or not.
I’m glad y’all are close. It’s too many muthafuckas tryna take us out as it is. What’s that bitch’s name?”
“Mila Albright.”
“Jasper, what are you going to do?” Mama asked.
“I’m just gon’ check her out. Might get Ali ’nem to watch her ass if I don’t find nothing.”
My mama nodded. “Well, I’m going to bed. I’m tired as hell.”
“Where’s Royal and Crew?” I asked.
“They’re at Ace’s house. Those Henderson hoodlums always up to something, though, so I probably need to call and see what they doing,” Daddy responded.
I slowly shook my head, then kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Daddy. I love you.”
“I love you, too, baby.”
I headed up the stairs to go to my bedroom.
Besides my parents’ bedroom, my room was the only one with an en suite bathroom.
When I stepped inside, I immediately began disrobing.
Looking into the mirror, I could see where Asad had bitten my shoulder.
I smiled slightly, letting my mind play back all the freaky shit we did this evening.
I dug inside my bag and got my phone from it. I had a missed call from Maui.
I needed to talk to her ass. I saw her sitting with Mythic.
That nigga made me uneasy. Maui was way too innocent for a nigga like that.
Mr. Legend was cool peeps and so was Carter Legend and Mrs. Harper.
Their daughters were nice and so was their other son, Epic.
I didn’t know where they went wrong with his ass, but he was truly misguided.
He’d already did a year behind bars for fighting dogs.
I didn’t know what she saw in his ass. I mean, he was nice looking, but that was about it.
He didn’t have a choice but be handsome with a father like Legend Semien and a mother like Harper Richardson.
They were both gorgeous representations of Black and beautiful.
Maybe Mythic was just spoiled and maybe had spent too much time around Uncle Philly in his younger years.
I didn’t know what it was. Nevertheless, I needed to see what the deal was. It just wouldn’t be tonight.
Before getting in the shower, I called Asad. He should have been home by now.
“Hey, baby. I just walked through the door. I had to stop and get gas.”
“Hey. Okay. I wanted to call before I got in the shower.”
“Mm. I wish you would have come and stayed with me tonight. Monday, we’ll both be hard at work.”
“Yeah, but we’ll have plenty of time for that. In a couple of months, my house will be built. Then you can stay whenever you want, since you work in Beaumont. You would be closer.”
“That’s true. I guess I’m just in disbelief that this is finally happening. I didn’t want to let you go tonight. I miss you already.”
I had to be blushing. After we danced, Asad and I were inseparable.
We sat with Ferris and Milana until everybody decided to call it a night.
It had been a long day. Then we stood outside and talked for nearly an hour after everyone left.
Asad was the perfect gentleman. I’d always known he was a good guy, even before he paid any attention to me.
He was cute, but he was eight years older than me.
I knew whoever he ended up with would be a blessed woman.
I just never in a million years thought that woman would be me.
“I miss you too. Why don’t you come to dinner tomorrow? My mama always cooks on Sunday. Then you can officially meet my brothers, since you didn’t get to tonight.”
“I would love to, baby. Go shower and call me back when you’re done.”
“Okay. Talk to you in a little while.”
“Mm-hmm. I’ll be waiting.”
I ended the call and took a deep breath, feeling happy that I made the decision to be with Asad. I just hoped this shit didn’t blow up in my face.