14. Chapter Fourteen
14
Chapter Fourteen
Nic
sometime later…
E ver since the night Buck slept in the bed with me, things with us have been…interesting. He actually seems to care about how I’m feeling. To my knowledge, he hasn’t been staying at the condo downstairs, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t sleeping with these hoes. We’re talking about Buck DeLuca here. One thing he was gone do was fuck on these hoes. I was off today and so was Mel, so we were going to spend the day together before going to our mom’s house. I was almost four months pregnant and although I wasn’t huge; I was starting to show. I still wore my crop tops, so my lil’ pudge was always on display unless I was at work. I tried to conceal it as much as I could to keep shit down, but that didn’t stop Buck from checking on me and making sure Kasha knew to make sure I was good and that the cook knew how to cook anything that I asked for. Everybody seemed to be cool except for Armani’s ass. Outside of Kasha, they just figured I was his ‘favorite’ at the moment. I was cool with that as long as they didn’t come at me sideways. I took my braids out a while ago and now my curly honey blonde tresses were up in a messy bun. I was applying my lip gloss when Buck walked into my room. He let his eyes run amuck over my body, causing my skin to flush. We’ve gotten closer but we haven’t had sex again, or done anything intimate outside of sharing a bed when I got sick.
“Where you going?” he asked as he stood in the doorway with his hands stuffed in his jeans.
“Going out with Mel. We’re going to have a girl’s day.” It has been a minute since I’ve been able to spend time with my sister. She tried to avoid the topic of discussion when I asked her about Kilo, but I was on her ass today. She was gone tell me something.
“Oh, aight. Here, take this.” he pulled a card out of his wallet and handed it over to me. I gave him a blank look because I was confused as to why he was giving me his card when I had my own money.
“Uhm, no thank you. I don’t need it.”
“I wasn’t asking you, Goldie. Take the card and do whatever you need to do with it. Get you some shit…on me,” he instructed.
I squinted my eyes, trying to see if I could see what his angle was. “Why are you being so nice?” I questioned because it was hard for me to believe that he was genuinely being nice, even though things have been cordial between us.
Scoffing, he came closer and peered down at me. “I don’t know why you think I’m this bad nigga, Goldie. Am I perfect? Absolutely not, but I’m me. I told you I treat people accordingly and right now; I’m trying to treat me baby mama to some nice shit. Can you let me do that without all the other speculations?” He was staring down at me so intensely as he spoke that my voice was caught in my throat. I was glad to hear my phone ring, breaking me out of the trance that Buck currently had me in.
I cleared my throat as I backed up to put some space between us before I picked up my phone. I saw it was Mel, so I answered immediately.
“Hello?”
“I’m here,” she responded.
“Okay. I’m on my way down.”
I hung up and grabbed my crossbody and threw over my head.
“I’m about to head out, so I’ll walk you out.” Still taken aback by his gentle demeanor, I simply nodded and followed him out of my room. He stopped by his room before joining me by the door. He pressed the button on the elevator, and we boarded. The ride down was silent, with him looking at his phone the entire time. When we got to the lobby, he motioned for me to get off, with him trailing closely behind. After opening the lobby door that led outside, he walked to Mel’s car and opened the door for me.
“Wassup, sis?” He leaned down and smirked at her as I got in.
“Boy, leave me alone,” she countered with a smirk.
“Hit me up if you need me,” were his parting words before he closed the door and we pulled off.
No sooner than the door was shut, Mel started her shit. “Bitch, what was that? You fuckin’ yo baby daddy?” she rambled. Leave it to her to make something out of nothing.
“No, I’m not fuckin’ him, Mel.” I sighed at the thought, because it’s not because I didn’t want to. I don’t know why I thought he would eventually come around, but he’s sticking true to his word by not fucking the same pussy twice. I don’t know how much longer I could hold out with his sexy ass under the same roof without jumping on his dick…literally.
“You sound disappointed.” She glanced over at me before putting her eyes back on the road.
“Is it bad that I am?” I looked at her side profile, waiting for her to respond. She gave me a soft expression before she spoke again.
“It’s not a bad thing, Nic. It’s perfectly normal to want to have sex with him again, but we all know what that could come with. I’m not saying that he’s incapable of being monogamous but did y’all even talk about a relationship or co-parenting for that matter? What are your expectations after the baby is born? Are you going to continue to stay with him after the baby gets here? Is he going to be there for the two of y’all? I understand the feelings you have for him, but it’s bigger than that now. Y’all are about to be parents. It’s time to face the music and stop tip-toeing around the issue. This baby is clearly going to be here in a few months so y’all need to get whatever this is y’all are doing under control.”
I listened to Mel, and she was right. We needed clarity on our situation. I just didn’t know how to go about talking to him about it.
“You’re right. I never brought it up because he hasn’t. Besides, we’re still waiting for the results from the paternity test to get back.”
“Are you worried that it’s not his?”
Frowning, I responded, “Absolutely not. I know this is Buck’s baby. I know he has his doubts, and I don’t want to pressure him into anything until he has his results.” She nodded in agreement. Now it was my turn to interrogate his ass.
“Why didn’t you tell me about Kilo?” I asked with a raised brow. “How long have y’all been dealing with each other?” I sat back and waited patiently for her to answer my questions. I was surprised when she said they messed around a few times before he went in. It wasn’t a coincidence that she got the job she had. She was always in contact with him and he needed someone on the inside so that he could still operate as usual. The only reason his brothers didn’t know who she was is because she wanted to keep it that way. She had to protect her job and didn’t want anyone to connect her to him or his brothers.
“Oh wow, Mel. I still feel some kind of way for you not telling me, but I get it. You’ve been getting DeLuca dick all this time, while I was fantasizing about it.” We laughed. “I honestly thought you were some old ass man’s sugar baby because you live too good to be living off of a prison salary.”
“Girl what?” she laughed. “You thought I was fuckin’ some old ass man?” She screwed her face like what I said was so outlandish.
“I did. Shit, you didn’t give me anything to go off of, so I had to use my imagination.” I shrugged.
Ignoring me with a laugh, we pulled up to our destination at the nail salon, where she found a park before we went inside. “Bring your ass on. Sitting here talking about I’m fuckin’ some old nigga. Bitch, does it look like I want worms?” Laughing at her choice of words, we went inside the salon and got seated right away.
We were seated in the pedicure chairs after getting our nails done when I heard that annoying ass voice.
“She thinks she’s special because she fucked Buck. Bitch is just like every other bitch he fucked.” I looked up when I heard Armani’s annoying ass. This hoe was a pain in my ass. I don’t know why she was so concerned about my pussy and what I did with it.
“Who is that hoe?” Mel asked, staring a hole in Armani and her sidekick.
“A mad ass hoe,” I responded.
“I know you ain’t talking to me? Don’t let the dick get you embarrassed in here. Everybody knows Buck doesn’t wife hoes.” She laughed right along with her friend.
“And don’t you let it get you fucked up in here,” Mel responded before I could. “Bitch, you got me, and my sister fucked up,” she snarled.
“Scared to fight your own battles?” Armani smirked as she cocked her head to the side.
“Bitch, don’t play with me. You tryna act bad because you got your hoe ass friend with you, but you know better.” I warned, and that was my last one.
“Bitch, please. I’ll have Buck’s dick down my throat tonight if I wanted to,” she blabbed.
“Good for you. And while you’re doing that, I’ll be in his bed. Hoe, we are not the same.” I winked at her and tuned back into what Mel was saying. Armani sat in her seat fuming, and the shit was hilarious. Once me and Mel were done, we left but not before I left Armani with one last gem. Turning in her direction, I rubbed my small bump and winked. I bet that left her world in shambles.
“That was the lil’ bitch from work?” Mel asked as we got back into her car.
“Yeah. That hoe makes my ass itch. I never laid hands on her because I never saw her outside of work, and I obviously can’t do it now because I’m pregnant. I promise she has an ass whooping on reserve no sooner than I drop.”
My damn blood was boiling just thinking about beating that hoe’s ass. Our next stop was the mall to do a little shopping. Since my stomach was starting to show, I decided I would get more clothes, so I’d be prepared.
“You like this, Nic?” I heard Mel ask. I turned to look at what she was talking about, but my vision was blurry, and my head started spinning.
“Nic!” I heard her yell, but I had succumbed to darkness before I could respond.
***
Beep…Beep…Beep
I slowly opened my eyes, trying to adjust them to the bright ass light that was shining in my face.
“Me—Mel,” I called out for my sister. She was the last person I remembered being with right before I passed out.
“She stepped outside to take a call.” I looked up and saw my mama standing beside my bed. She had a worried expression on her face.
“What happened?” I didn’t know why I was here. I remember being out with Mel and the next minute, I was dizzy, and now I’m here.
“The doctor said your blood pressure spiked, and you were dehydrated.” I couldn’t respond because I heard the door open, and I saw Buck walk in with Stacks and his parents on his heels. His expression was unreadable, and that had me wondering if he really cared or not.
“Hey. You must be Nicari’s mother?” Mrs. Shaunie said as she walked closer and extended her hand out to greet my mama. “I’m Lincoln’s mother, Shaunie, and this is my husband, Grant, and one of my sons, Jackson.” She introduced everyone, and Buck still had said nothing.
“I’m Keena. Sorry we had to meet under these circumstances,” my mama responded.
“You okay, sweetheart?” his mama asked.
“Yes, ma’am. Thank you.”
“I’m glad you’re okay, Nicari,” his father spoke. “Let’s step out and give these two some privacy.” I looked on as his father gathered everyone and stepped outside, while Buck still stood stoic. We stared at each other for what felt like forever until I finally spoke up.
“How did you know I was here?”
He finally moved from the spot he was in and came to sit in the chair by my bed. “Your sister called my brother since she didn’t have my number,” he stated. “You straight?” I nodded. “And the baby?” When he asked about the baby, I whipped my head in his direction because he has never asked about this baby before. Never.
“Uhm, I haven’t talked to a doctor yet. I just woke up right before y’all got here, but from the sounds of this machine, I’m going to assume that everything is okay.” When I mentioned the machine, it was like he was just realizing that I was hooked up to one.
“What happened?” He looked at me intensely, and it made me a little nervous. I didn’t know if he was going to blame me for what happened, and I didn’t have the energy to argue with him. I told him what happened, including the run-in I had with Armani. When I mentioned her name, I saw the darkness take over his eyes.
“So, your blood pressure elevated after you saw that bitch?” he quizzed.
Shrugging, I responded. “I guess so.” He nodded, sitting back in the chair.
“They say how long you have to be here?” The doctor came in along with Mel before I could tell him I didn’t know.
“I’m glad you’re up, Ms. Sanders. How are you feeling?” The doctor asked.
“I’m fine. I have a slight headache, but that’s it.” I notice Buck frown.
“You don’t have a concussion, so it’s more than likely because of the fall,” he explained. “Are you having any other pains?”
“No.”
“Is my baby straight?” Buck asked the doctor. I looked at him and was surprised at his choice of words or that he even cared.
“The baby is fine. They weren’t impacted by the fall at all,” he informed. “Ms. Sanders, I’m going to keep you overnight just to be on the safe side. If everything is fine in the morning, you’ll be free to go home.” I nodded and thanked him and watched his back as he left.
“Bitch, if you ever pull some shit like that with me again, I’m gone beat your ass then your baby daddy’s,” Mel fussed.
“You ain’t gone do shit. I had every right to ask you what the fuck happened when she was left in your care.” The two engaged in a stare-off before Mel smirked.
“Well, okay then. I see you in daddy mode. I ain’t mad at you, but watch that shit.” She looked at me. “I’ll be back in a minute, Nic.” When she left, there was an awkward silence between the two of us.
“You sure you’re good?” I gave him my attention because this behavior he was showing was new, and if I’m being honest, kind of weird.
“Uhm, yeah,” I responded.
He sat back in his seat and closed his eyes.
“Buck,” I called out.
He peered at me through half opened lids before sitting up and giving me his attention. “Wassup?”
“Why are you so concerned now? I mean, you have shown no interest in this baby since I told you. Outside of making sure I eat and occasionally comforting me when I’m sick, you never mention the baby. Why now?” I know I should’ve been okay with him finally showing concern, but I had to know why.
“Because I know it’s mine now,” was his response.
“Excuse you?” I was about to curse him the fuck out until he tossed his phone on my bed. When I picked it up, I saw it was the results of the paternity test, and it showed that Buck was indeed my child’s father. I looked at him and he was staring straight at me.
“I didn’t want to get attached, and it wasn’t mine. Not only would that had fucked me up, I would’ve killed you for playing with me like that. So, to play it safe, I didn’t allow myself to feel anything or show emotion because, in my own way, I was protecting my feelings,” he explained. His reasoning had me softening my expression some.
“So, what now?” I asked. This was definitely a conversation we need to have.
“We figure this shit out…together. I’m going to always be there for my kid, and you, too. My pops told me that the two of you are my family and responsibility now, and I’ma make sure that y’all are straight. We can figure the rest out along the way, but going forward, the two of you are my main priority.” I listened to him, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t jumping for joy on the inside. But a part of me wanted to know what all of that means.
“What does that even mean?”
“It means that we’re going to be this baby’s parents whether it was planned or not,” was his response. He laid his head back and closed his eyes. Moments later, our family came back in.
“You good, sis?” Stacks asked.
“I’m fine. Thanks for asking.”
“Good. I thought I was gone have to beat this nigga’s ass on the way over here with all that damn whining and shit.” He laughed.
“Nigga, you wish you could beat my ass,” Buck snapped back.
“I know y’all better stop cursing in front of me like I didn’t raise you right. Don’t embarrass me in front of our new family. I would hate to act like a product of my environment.”
“Ma, he started it, though.” He frowned.
“Be quiet, Lincoln. That won’t work anymore now that I got my grandbaby on the way, so you might as well stop it now,” she fussed, causing his frown to deepen.
“Yeah, Lincoln. Be quiet.” Stacks smirked. He got a kick out of annoying his brother.
“You need me to stay with you?” my mama asked. I looked over at Buck and he answered for me.
“Nah. You don’t have to. I’ll stay. I just need to go grab her something to wear home tomorrow. Y’all can stay until I get back.” Surprisingly, she didn’t put up a fight.
“I’m about to go grab that stuff. I’ll be back in a bit.” He stood with Stacks in tow and left, along with his parents. My mama left too since she left Keenan home by his self to come check on me. Mel stayed until Buck came back, and during that time, I got to talk to Kilo, per his request. He seemed more laid back than the other two, but that meant nothing. Buck rarely talked and you would think he was laid back until he opened that mouth of his.
“Let me know if you need anything. Even if it’s to get on that ignorant brother of mine.” I simpered at his choice of words. “You’re family, so that means I have to look out for you too,” he stated.
“That’s what I’m for,” Mel input.
“Correction, baby. That’s what we’re for.” He corrected her and, surprisingly, she had nothing smart to say.
“I appreciate that, and I’ll definitely tell you if I need help with your brother.” We said our goodbyes, and I handed the phone back to Mel so they could finish their conversation.
It was about two hours before Buck came back, but when he did, he had changed clothes. In one hand, he had a food bag from Linc’s and the other held my overnight bag.
“I got some wings and tator skins from the bar. Your stuff is in the bag. I think I got everything,” he explained.
“You changed clothes.”
“I took a shower.”
Silence.
“I took a shower because I’ve been out all day, and I wanted to freshen up. Stop stressing over shit that doesn’t matter, Goldie,” he said sternly.
I declined to respond because I indeed was thinking he was out fucking another bitch while I was in the hospital. I had to shake those thoughts from my head because he wasn’t my man, and he could do as he pleased. It didn’t mean I had to like it.
***
After I was released from the hospital on yesterday, Buck took me back to his penthouse at the displeasure of my mama. He was adamant that he needed to be accessible to me and the baby at all times, and he couldn’t do that if I stayed under her roof. I was surprised when she bowed out, but only after he assured her she was welcome to stop by and check on me…. as long as she called first. Today was my first night back at work and I was glad to be out of that damn house. Buck made sure I was comfortable since I got released. He even had James drive me around instead of me catching rideshares or driving my sister’s car. James let me know he was ready and waiting for me downstairs, so I grabbed my bag and headed out. Per usual, we were packed, and I got right into work mode.
“You okay over here?” Kasha asked as she approached the bar. It wasn’t unusual for her to check up on me, but I knew she was going to be doing it more often after my fainting episode.
“I’m good. I got some rest while I was off, so I’ll be okay. Especially if hoes learn to mind their business.” I looked dead at Armani when I said that because I wanted her to hear me.
“You got something you wanna say to me?”
Scoffing, I ignored this bitch. Otherwise, I would drag her ass up and down this bar.
“Oh, I get it. You think you’re special. Bitch, I’m here to tell you that you’re not. I can still suck that nigga’s dick if I wanted to,” she yelled to my back. I had to laugh because she really thought that shit was a flex.
“Armani, you need to chill out. You’re still at work,” Kasha chastised.
“Let her live, Kasha. Clearly, that’s all she has to go off of. Let her have that.” I walked past the duo on the way to the bathroom. This baby wasn’t letting up off of my bladder. As soon as I passed Armani, she purposely bumped into me, wasting an entire tray of drinks on me.
“Ahh!” I yelled in frustration.
Before I knew it, I knocked that hoe in the face.
“I. Told. You. To. Stop. Playing. Wit. Me.” I hit her ass with every word that came out my mouth. Kasha and Jazz were trying to break us apart, but I wasn’t letting this bitch go until I felt like it. It wasn’t until I felt Buck’s muscular arms wrap around me and pulled me away from Armani. I still had a good grip on her hair, and I wasn’t letting go.
“Goldie, turn that bitch loose!” he growled. I let her hair go but not before kicking her in the damn face. “Chill yo’ ass out, man. The fuck you fighting for? You forgot yo’ ass pregnant!” He was mad, and I didn’t care. I was sick of that bitch. “I swear on my mama if y’all hurt my baby, y’all ain’t gone like me.”
“Wait. Your baby?” Armani voiced. “Sh-she’s pregnant with your baby?” She had tears in her eyes like she was really hurt by the news.
“Yeah, hoe. While you’re busy swallowing his kids, I’m birthing ’em, bitch,” I spat.
“Chill yo’ ass out, man,” Buck warned before turning back to Armani. “Armani, you need to pack your shit up and go.”
“You’re sending me home? Because of her?” She acted as if she was really hurt.
“Nah. I’m firing you because you don’t know how to do your job and stay out your fuckin’ feelings. Had you done any harm to my kid tonight, your body would’ve been unidentifiable. I already let you have a pass for the shit you pulled the other day that sent Goldie to the hospital. That was the last one. So, instead of killing you like I want, I’m giving you a pass. Take it.” He gave her a deadly look that had me scared to speak, and he wasn’t even talking to me. I guess she knew better than to say anything else because she left with her tail tucked between her legs.
“You can get your shit, too. James is outside waiting for you.” He said nothing else before he walked off, leaving me, Kasha, and Jazz standing there. I know what. I wasn’t about to kiss his ass either. Fuck him and that bitch.