11. Merci
MERCI
For some reason, I thought Hammer was playing when he said he wanted us to have a pre-date, but that certainly wasn’t the case.
This morning, we went to the clinic and got our STD/HIV tests done together.
On the ride to the mall, we talked about marriage, kids, and if I was on birth control.
I told him that I wasn’t, and I wasn’t going to get on it, so he was definitely going to have to wear a condom and pull out.
I realized just how serious Hammer was about me when he took me ring shopping.
And he didn’t just let me window shop. He actually paid for my ring today.
I didn’t know which one he picked out of the top three I liked, and a part of me was excited to know there might come a day he’d propose, and I’d remember this moment.
Remember the ring I chose. As hopeful as I was that things would work between us, I never put too much hope in the future.
Marriage and babies were a desire of mine, but I started praying in my twenties that God removed the desires of my heart that I didn’t truly have control over.
I didn’t have control over whether I’d get married or not, and since I didn’t plan to have a baby alone, I didn’t have control over that either.
If those things happened, great. If they didn’t, it wouldn’t be the end of the world.
I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to wanting to experience things on this Earth that I wouldn’t be able to when I died, but whatever happened, fate would decide.
“Who is he?” Ma asked, gaining my attention.
I’d stopped by my parents’ house after leaving Hammer’s office.
I loved that he gave me a tour and let me into that part of his life.
He shared with me a little information about his past in the streets, so knowing him wanting to learn the law to break it had turned into a legit, profitable career was a true success story.
I hadn’t planned to spend one of my rare off days hopping around the city, doing random stuff with Hammer, but it turned out to be very fun, and I couldn’t wait to see him for our first real date tomorrow.
Since my weekends were usually filled with parties and hosting, I appreciated him adjusting his schedule and getting off a little earlier throughout the week so we could spend some time together.
My schedule wouldn’t be as packed once the summer was over, and I could always learn a man’s true level of patience and his temperament and commitment by how he handled my busy seasons, which were summer and winter because of the corporate events I hosted.
“Who is who?” I asked, casually setting my phone on the bed. She’d had a long day, changing her music store around because she refused to let the team Daddy hired do it by themselves, so she was resting in bed for the rest of the night.
“The man that’s had you smiling and giggling since you’ve been over here.”
I couldn’t deny that, because even with Hammer being locked in at work, he still did things to make sure I knew he was thinking about me.
I’d received a quick voice memo shortly after I arrived from him letting me know I looked beautiful today and that he appreciated being able to spend the afternoon with me.
And just now, I’d gotten a notification that I had a delivery from him at home waiting for me.
As happy as I was with what was happening between us, I wanted to keep Hammer to myself for a little while longer.
So, instead of giving her details, I simply said, “I don’t want to jinx it, Ma.
He’s putting in a lot of effort, and we do have a solid connection.
It’s just very early, sooo I don’t know.
I want to be very careful with this one. ”
“There’s nothing wrong with that. Enjoy the good, and if things go bad, leave his ass.”
I chuckled because I knew she was serious, and that was exactly what I’d do.
When David’s true shenanigans first came to light, I was serious about not dating anymore.
That changed when Hammer came for me. I wasn’t going to deny myself of a better man because of David’s actions.
I would, however, be smart and alert. The moment Hammer proved he was no longer worthy of my trust, I’d cut him off, too, regardless of how great things were between us.
I wasn’t supposed to be out tonight, but when my old friend from school told me his promoter and host ditched him and ran off with his payment, I had to cover his event and show him love.
The crowd was ready to rage because the promised performers weren’t there, yet the whole time, the promoter had never paid the deposit.
I told Aaron something looked suspicious when I never saw his scheduled performers promoting the event.
He was going to have to not only have signed contracts in place but ensure someone outside of the promoters handled the payments and scheduling going forward.
When Aaron tried to hand me a bag of money, I declined initially. As far as I was concerned, I was looking out for an old friend.
“Take that shit, sis,” Cujo insisted, grabbing the bag and handing it to Hammer on my behalf.
Last we talked, I told Hammer about the situation, not expecting him and his brother to show up. When he arrived, he told me that he’d heard some bad things about the promoter, and though Aaron and I didn’t expect him to show up, Hammer wanted to make sure I’d be okay.
“You good, Aaron?” I checked, ready to leave. It was a weekday, and my body knew it was past time for me to sleep.
“Yeah, I’m good, Merci. I appreciate you so much for pulling up. You saved me, girl. For real.”
He gave me a hug but quickly released me when Hammer said, “Not too long,” making me laugh.
I locked eyes with the DJ, and he gave me a thumbs up, letting me know he’d received the playlist I’d sent him.
It was a mix of songs from the performers that were supposed to be here tonight.
As we headed out, my steps were short and slow because of my heels.
I’d been running around the club all night, on top of dancing and having a good time.
Now, I couldn’t wait to go home, shower, and go to sleep.
Once we made it outside, I thanked Cujo for coming before Hammer led me over to his car. He opened the door of his SUV and helped me get inside. As soon as he pulled into traffic, my eyes grew heavy. There was no doubt in my mind that I’d fall asleep before we made it to my house.
The sinister laugh that escaped Hammer caused my eyes to flutter open. He pulled a gun from under his seat, causing me to sit up in mine. Heart racing, I looked back for what he’d perceived to be a threat.
“I knew that nigga was gon’ be on some bullshit. That’s why I’m glad I listened to my intuition and pulled up,” he said, more to himself than to me.
“What’s going on?” I asked, sitting back in my seat and pulling my phone out. While I trusted Hammer, I’d call my daddy in a minute if there was any type of trouble. Hammer had already proven that he’d protect me, but still.
“Lamar is following us. I ain’t saying ya boy is involved, but when you mentioned Lamar running out with the money, I figured he’d show up here and try to collect more. That’s been his scheme for the last few years.”
“Wait, what? How is he still booking shows if he’s scamming people and stealing?”
“He does just enough real shows for people to believe he’s legit.
I think he did like four shows last year but had around ten booked, so yeah.
” He changed lanes, watching as the car that was behind us did the same.
“At the last event he promoted, he waited until it was over, popped out, and robbed the artist and the host. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s been waiting outside for you to take the payment he knew Aaron was going to give you.
He just ain’t know you was gon’ be with me. ”
Before I could respond, he was calling Cujo and telling him to turn around.
“Are you sure y’all can handle this? I can call my daddy or my brothers,” I offered softly, not wanting to offend him, but also not wanting to risk it.
Hammer sucked his teeth and cut his eyes at me before returning his attention to the road. “Don’t insult me, Merci.”
“I’m not. I just—”
“I’m sure your people are the only protectors you’ve known and needed to have, but you with me now. You’ll never have to call them to protect you again.”
Hammer probably hadn’t meant for it to, but that made him a little sexier in my eyes.
Cujo called and told him that he had pulled behind the car.
At the sound of that, Hammer abruptly hit the brakes on his SUV, causing Lamar to run right into it, and I was so glad he hadn’t driven his Porsche tonight.
Pushing the door open, Hammer said, “Keep the doors locked, and don’t get out this car. ”
“O-okay,” I agreed, watching as he hopped out and didn’t hesitate to pull Lamar out of his car.
Before Lamar could shoot, Hammer lifted his hand with the gun, firing rounds into the air that had the cars around us scattering.
Cujo rushed to the passenger door, sending his large foot into the masked man’s face before he could get out of the car completely.
I watched as they mercilessly pummeled both men, blood soaking their masks from the damage being done to their faces behind them.
It was the most animalistic thing I’d ever seen in my life.
They beat them so badly I felt bad for Lamar and his friend.
Even with it being clear he was about to try and rob me, goddamn.
Letting the window down, I yelled, “That’s enough!” Neither of them heard me or cared enough to let my voice register in their ears. I rushed out of the SUV and ran over to Hammer.
“Bae, stop! You’re going to kill him!”
It wasn’t until I reached for his arm that Hammer snapped out of it. He looked down at me, hand wrapped around my neck. I gasped for breath as he pushed me against the car. Quickly, he released me, body softening when he realized who I was.
“Damn, sweetheart. I’m so sorry. I told your ass not to get out the fucking car.”
“We have to go. Now! You’re about to kill him. Get your crazy-ass brother and come on!”
Sirens grew louder, closer. Hammer had to physically pull Cujo off the guy who was in the passenger seat, but he was able to get him off.
We all ran back to our cars, and Hammer swerved and took a hard right just as two police cars pulled up.
I looked back as Cujo made a quick left, heart racing as the weight of what had just happened settled within me.
The ride to my place was silent. I’d seen people get their asses beat, and I’d beaten a few asses myself, but what I’d just witnessed…
that was on another level. Hammer came to open the door for me, ever the gentleman, like he hadn’t just bashed a man’s face in for trying to steal from me.
Under the lighting on my porch, I saw the blood on his shirt and hands.
“You wanna come in and clean up?” I asked quietly, staring at his bruised and swollen hands.
“Nah. I’ll handle it when I get home.”
“Sorry about this. And your truck. Hopefully he didn’t do too much damage. I can pay for it if your insurance—”
“Merci, stop,” he said with a relaxed chuckle. “You don’t have to pay for shit, sweetheart. I’ll take care of it.”
I wanted to hug him, but I didn’t want to get Lamar’s blood on me. “Come take a shower,” I demanded, not waiting for him to agree. Hammer complied, pulling his vibrating phone out of his pocket in the process.
“Whadup, JoJo? You made it home, big brother?” I couldn’t hear what Cujo said, but he must have said yes because Hammer nodded as his shoulders relaxed. “Aight, bet. I ’preciate you circling back and looking out for my lady.” He chuckled. “I know, but still. Yeah. I’ll hit you up in the morning.”
“Thank you, Cujo!” I yelled, making Hammer laugh.
“He said you’re welcome.”
“Y’all split that money,” I said as soon as he ended the call. “I don’t want it anymore.”
“Nah. You earned that. Keep it.”
“Thank you, bae. That could have gone horribly wrong if I was by myself. Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome, but you don’t have to thank me for that. It’s my job to protect you.”
I certainly wasn’t going to argue with him about that.
Once we made it to the bathroom, Hammer undressed, and I took his clothes and immediately put them in the washer.
Him casually telling me to wash them in cold water and add hydrogen peroxide reminded me that this man had a past that was probably far bloodier than this.
He’d told me about his days in the streets, but Hammer downplayed it so much I didn’t think it was worth looking into or giving a second thought.
Now, I was even more curious about who he was… who he used to be.
Once his shower was over, I gave him a long, warm hug and kiss before grabbing ice for his hands.
I took a shower, head shaking constantly over what had just transpired.
A part of me wanted to reach out to Aaron and let him know what happened, but after the damage the brothers had done, I felt it was best if no one knew they were involved in this.
Hammer’s lower half stayed wrapped in a towel as we lay in bed, and it was taking everything inside of me not to ride him until he fell asleep.
Honestly, the only thing that stopped me was the fact that I was tired, and I was sure he was tired, too, because as soon as I finished posting the pictures from the party to my Instagram, Hammer pulled me onto his chest. Less than a minute later, he was sound asleep, and it didn’t take long for me to join him.