Chapter 12
The first few days with Khiya on my crew went off without a hitch. Aria and June welcomed her, and the three of them worked well together. Obviously, we had jobs to do, so while we worked, that was our focus, but knowing she was close did my heart good.
We were leaving New York, headed back to Chicago.
Today was our last day in the air after five consecutive days.
Last night was our only overnight stay, and we had the next three days off.
The days didn’t drag like they did before Khiya joined my crew because I was able to spend time with her when we weren’t flying.
I stood at the plane’s entrance with Khiya and my second in command, First Officer Marshall, greeting the passengers as they boarded.
It was hard to keep my eyes off Khiya as she smiled and handed out individually packaged disinfectant wipes.
Her smooth, rich voice elicited bright smiles as she welcomed everyone.
“Good morning. Welcome—”
“Khiya?”
One of the male passengers boarding had interrupted her.
“Harlan. Good morning. Welcome aboard.”
He looked her up and down.
“It’s been a while. A flight attendant, huh?”
I did my best not to frown at this Pointdexter looking ass nigga.
“Sir, you’re holding up the line. Can you move forward, please?” I asked.
He looked at me and nodded, then returned his attention to Khiya.
“I’ll catch up with you once we’re in the air,” he told her with a wink.
She didn’t respond to him, but she looked at me and offered an uncomfortable smile.
Ten minutes later, all passengers were aboard, and we prepared for our flight.
I wanted to say something to Khiya about the exchange with her ex, but it was important that I kept things professional.
I shook the encounter off and focused on what was most important right now, . . . a safe flight.
A little over three hours later, we wished everyone well as they deplaned. Once the plane was empty aside from the cleaning crew, my crew and I headed out as well.
“You didn’t tell me Harlan was a clone of Steve Urkel,” I teased as we headed up the ramp.
She covered her mouth as she laughed before responding.
“You got something against nerds?”
“Hell nah. I’m one of the biggest nerds you can find, but I’m cool as fuck. He’s as lame as they come.”
“You have a point.”
“Did he try to talk to you during the flight?”
She nodded. “It should’ve been obvious, but I had to tell him I was working and couldn’t talk. I’m pretty sure he’ll be waiting for me at the gate. I don’t know what he could possibly want to talk about, because I have nothing to say to him.”
Sure enough, Harlan’s uptight looking ass was waiting for her and made a beeline toward us as soon as we appeared from the tunnel. Khiya kept her head forward and didn’t slow her pace, forcing him to keep up with us.
“Khiya, hold on a second,” he said.
“What do you want, Harlan?”
“Just a minute of your time.”
“If you can talk and walk, you got it.”
He grabbed her arm, forcing her to stop walking, but she immediately snatched it away from him. I stepped between them protectively
“Aye, bruh. Keep your hands to yourself,” I warned.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean any harm. There was a time when I thought she would be my wife, but things didn’t work out. I just wanted to see what she’s been up to.”
“If it helps any, she’ll be my wife soon. Have a good day.”
I took Khiya’s hand, and we continued moving swiftly through the airport, neither of us speaking until we were in my truck.
“That was weirdly uncomfortable,” she said.
“Now you know how I felt when Livvy tried to show her ass, and she was never my woman.”
“Yeah. I don’t know what’s up with him. I haven’t seen or heard from him since I left his apartment when he broke up with me.”
“He saw you and realized what he’s been missing. I hope he can take a hint because you’re mine, and I don’t play about what’s mine.”
“Yours, huh?”
“Every inch of you, and I won’t hesitate to eliminate any obstacle that comes between us, regardless of what or who it is.”
“Eliminate? That sounds dangerous.”
I glanced at her for a moment before returning my attention to the road.
“Where did I tell you I was from?”
“The southside of Chicago.”
“Don’t let this pilot shit fool you.”
“I’ll be sure to remember that. Umm, what was that you said about me being your wife soon?”
I smiled because I knew she’d heard me and would bring it up eventually.
“I meant what I said.”
“Has anyone ever told you that you’re presumptuous?”
“You did on the day we met.”
“I see nothing has changed.”
“I told you then, I’m just honest. I’ll always be honest. I love you. I want a future with you. I want to marry you.”
She whined, dragging my name out. “Sylas, you’re such a sweetheart.”
“Only for you, beautiful.”
“You’re making me cry.”
“As long as they're happy tears, baby. I should probably warn you. Once I get the okay from your parents, a proposal could happen at any time, so keep those nails done.”
“You’re talking about this so casually, but something tells me today isn’t the first time you’ve thought about this.”
“Making you my wife has been on my mind since the moment we met.”
“I love how you’re so decisive and matter-of-fact about it.”
“Isn’t that the way I should be? I’ve always pictured myself married with a couple of kids, but I was never in a rush for it to happen.”
“Don’t you think we’re rushing?”
We’d made it to my condo and were parked in my parking spot in the garage. I turned to face her, and she was already looking at me.
“Let me clarify what I mean. I’m almost thirty-eight, baby.
I’m not trying to sound cocky, but I’ve dated many women who would’ve jumped at the opportunity to be my wife.
They were beautiful, nice, intelligent, and successful, and probably are or will be amazing wives to somebody, .
. . but that somebody wasn’t me because you are my wife.
So, now that I’ve found you, hell yeah, I’m in a rush to marry you. Do you understand the difference?”
Tears fell from her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. I reached up with both hands, cupped her face, and used my thumbs to wipe them away.
“I do, and I can’t believe how lucky I am to have crossed paths with you. You’ve been nothing but intentional since you asked me to have dinner with you, and I love that about you. I love you.”
“I love you, beautiful. Let’s go upstairs, take a bath together, order dinner, and spend the rest of the night trying to get in each other’s skin.”
“That sounds amazing.”
I leaned across the console and kissed her pretty lips. Eventually, we made it to my condo, and we spent the rest of the night doing exactly what I’d suggested.
Sunday morning, Khiya headed home early to go grocery shopping with her mother and help prepare dinner. I’d meet her later at her place, and we would drive to her parents’ house together. I spent the day on the couch with my laptop, online looking for engagement rings.
After an hour, I became frustrated because I didn’t see anything I liked, then realized engagement ring shopping was probably something I should do in person. I called Maison for advice since he’d done this before.
“Wassup?” he answered.
“Where’d you get Tay’s ring from?”
“A custom jeweler that one of my boys recommended. You want his number?”
“Hell yeah. I’ve been looking online—”
“That’s your first mistake. I’m glad you realized that’s not the route to go.”
“After wasting an hour.”
“At least you figured it out. I just sent his number. His name is Benson. Tell him I connected you.”
“Bet. I appreciate you looking out.”
“You’re really ready to take the plunge?”
“I am.”
“When love comes, it comes at you fast. There’s no sense in fighting it, because you’ll mess around and lose who God meant for you.”
“I’m well aware, which is why I’m not taking any chances. Khiya was mine the first time I laid eyes on her, and the way my soul reacted when I heard her voice, only God could’ve made me believe she wasn’t mine, and I might’ve given Him the side-eye.”
“Yeah. You definitely sound like a man in love, ready to square up with God and shit.”
We laughed, but he wasn’t far off.
“I’m meeting her parents tonight. I told Khiya once that’s done, a proposal could happen at any moment, and to keep her nails done.”
“Oh shit. How did she respond?”
“We ended up having a great conversation. She was a little concerned about the pace I’m moving, so I had to break a few things down.”
“Most men play in women’s faces so much that women don’t recognize when a man is serious about them.”
“Exactly.”
“Aye, keep me posted on everything. Tay’s calling me from the other room. I’m sure she needs me to get something for her.”
I laughed because my sister’s due date was close, and her stomach had seemingly doubled in size overnight.
“You go take care of baby sis. I’ll hit you up in a few days.”
The call ended, and I looked at the time. I had a few hours to pick up the fresh bouquets I’d ordered for Khiya, Mrs. Reid, Yandy, and Mena. I’d gotten some cigars for Mr. Reid and Blaine after Khiya shared that they liked to indulge on occasion.
I showered and dressed in black jeans, a short-sleeved black crewneck shirt, and my black and red Jordan 11s. After spraying myself down with Khiya’s favorite cologne, I grabbed the cigars and left.
After picking up the flowers, I texted Khiya to let her know I was on my way and hopped on the highway. With my favorite early 2000’s hip hop and R&B playlist blasting, the drive went by quickly.
I lowered my music when I turned into Khiya’s apartment complex.
As I neared her building, I spotted her near her car, attempting to walk around a tall male figure.
Based on her mannerisms, she appeared to be shouting.
I turned the music off completely, but I still couldn’t understand what was being said.