Chapter 5
Five
Taylor
One day, I’m going to understand this new place we’re living in finally.
It has a rooftop park with a swimming pool, panoramic views of Atlanta, and even a wet bar. It also has a spa, yoga classes, and a kiddie gym for Mia and her friends. And conveniently, it’s less than a ten-minute drive to Fresh Espresso.
Yet, I always seem to get lost.
It’s not like my condo is on the top floor, and it’s just a straight shot. I have to turn a couple of corners before I can get to it once I leave the elevator. I’m glad I don’t need to lug Mia’s car seat everywhere like I used to, or this would suck.
The fun part about co-parenting with a good partner is that whatever I have here at home for Mia, Cameron makes sure he has the same at his home. I don’t have to pack extra diapers, clothing, or even breast milk. Everything is the same.
Of course, everything is different as well. I haven’t physically seen Cameron since the wedding, and I’m not sure if I want to. We talk often, and he always sends me videos of how Mia is doing when she’s in his care.
It’s the other thing – I think he’s starting to date again.
He follows Makayla on social media and he’s been on a liking spree of her pictures – beach days, getting fro-yo with friends, and going to farmer’s markets where she’s sniffing sunflowers (they don’t even have a smell, like the fuck?).
Makayla, in return, has been leaving likes and comments on Cameron’s pictures, complete with smiley faces and heart emojis. She’s made slick ‘I can’t wait to see what you have in store!’ comments that I know are more than just well-wishes.
Plus, she just fits with the prototype that is typically Page – blonde, white, skinny, and maybe a little on the conservative side.
She would be a better cover for him than I would on any given day.
I don’t know if they’re dating, but Cameron is making it clear he’s available, and well, I fall into the unfortunate category of being baby mama.
It’s what my Granny warned me about. It’s what I low-key warned myself about.
I was never going to be Taylor Page, no matter how many promises Cameron’s made to me.
I fell for the trap hook, line, and sinker.
Cameron wasn’t going to stray that far from his parents and their beliefs – he was going to marry someone who would fit right in line with their family.
I have to remember I broke up with him, and it’s not a choice I regret, given the circumstances. But I guess a part of me thought Cameron would wait for me and not do anything (or anyone, for that matter).
I also know this might be a part of his revenge tour, but I don’t know. I didn’t think spreading it low and wide to get back at his enemies had anything to do with it. But I’ll deal with those emotions later.
I’m heading out to the cafes so I can keep distracted.
Jamie should be coming back today, fresh off her honeymoon, and I’m sure she’s going to want to talk to me about what happened at the wedding.
She still follows me on social media, and surprisingly, she follows Cameron and the rest of her family.
Smoke and mirrors. Business as usual.
I get into the elevator and press the button for the garage. Just when the doors were about to close, a pale hand stops them and steps inside. Ugh, I hate it when people do that. Just get the next damn car, will you?
The person steps inside and is about to press the button to the garage, but then notices it was already pressed. The door closes, and we’re in our respective corners and listening to what is now considered elevator music – 80’s pop.
While 80’s R&B will always have a chokehold on my heart, the entire 80’s music collection was just full of gems. Pop, rock, R&B, rap, jazz...you name it, and there was room for everyone on the charts. I’m hard-pressed to name a horrible song from back then. Even Milli Vanilli had jams.
Right now, the elevator is serenading us with “There’s Something About You.” It’s a song that is just funky enough to be played on urban radio that the aunties and unc’s would enjoy but still very pop-friendly for the white folks. Win-win for everyone.
“I can never tell the difference between Level 42 and Human League,” a deep, male voice says from my left.
“They do sound very similar, but Human League also has a female singer, so that separates them,” I reply.
Silence then agreement. “True, true.” He clears his voice. “Who’s your favorite artist from the 80’s?”
“The same as just about everyone – Michael Jackson,” I turn to the voice, and I feel my voice suddenly become lodged in my throat. A tall, muscular Asian man with sharp cheekbones and kissable lips looked back at me. His jet-black hair was but a few long strands framing his face.
And he smelled absolutely fucking delicious, like woodsy, musk, sex...one of those, a combination, all of the above...it really doesn’t matter.
The moment reminded me of one of those 90’s rom-coms when the girl and guy finally lock eyes and a pop song naturally plays overhead. Suddenly, I have Jody Watley in my head and she’s singing how she’s looking for a new love. Yeah, it’s an 80’s song, and it fits right now.
End scene.
The man stares back at me, and I see the faintest of sighs leave his lips. “Same. Your favorite MJ song?”
“Oh, so many!” I smile. “But I have to go with “Pretty Young Thing.” You have to dance to it no matter where you are.”
He nods. “I agree.”
“What’s yours?” I ask.
He holds my attention, and I see a small smile forming on his lips. “Butterflies.”
I meet his challenge and shake my head. “That’s from Invincible.”
He turns to me, and the energy shifts in the elevator. There’s a tension between us? Not sexual, but flirtatious. “You said my favorite MJ song, not from one from way back then.”
My stance softens. “So, what’s your favorite one from back then?”
“Lady in My Life. I say it fits for this occasion.” The elevator dings and the doors open. Ugh, technology is such a ball-buster. He holds the door open and nods. “After you, milady.”
“Thank you.” I walk out and head straight to my Beemer while he goes to his Rolls-Royce Ghost. “See you later, neighbor.”
He smiles at me. “See you later, neighbor.”
I don’t know why that small interaction made me giggle like some nerdy girl who just found out the popular jock liked her back. I need to focus on raising Mia, keeping us safe from Cameron and his bullshit, and make sure my shops run smoothly.
And who cares that I listened to “Butterflies” on repeat on the way to Fresh Espresso? It’s a great song!
~~~~
“HEYYYYYYY GIRL!” HAYLEY greets me as I walk into Fresh Espresso. People turn around to offer their head nods and various hellos as I make my way to the back.
No matter how hard it is to run a business and be a new mom at the same time, I wouldn’t trade either. Mia keeps me grounded and gives me that extra push every day, even when I feel like giving up. Fresh Espresso is how I give back to the community.
And I’ve come to love everyone who comes through. Like Miss Alice who always changes up her drink order, but always orders the same biscuit with peach jam.
Or when the Masons come through with a catering order for their monthly meetings.
And now with our sister shop, Earth, Wind, and Flour, is quickly becoming an East Atlanta favorite, it feels like I’m on top of the world. And of course, since I feel that way, it only means things are about to come crashing down hard, because why wouldn’t they?
Hayley follows me to the office and closes the door behind her.
No matter the occasion, she’s always dressed fresh to def.
Distressed shorts, a cute purple top, Jordans, and bangles in her ears.
Her face is beat to the gods, and she’s wearing a shoulder-length pink wig.
I have to admit, being around Hayley made me step up my style.
I lost more of the baby weight, so now I’m rocking boy jeans, a tank that covers my midriff, and a jean jacket.
I’m covered enough but still stylish, so I don’t look like I’ll be driving a grocery-getter (read: minivan) and cutting up orange slices on Friday nights for Saturday morning soccer games.
“How’s it going, Tay?” Hayley asks. “I haven’t heard from you in a couple of days. Everything cool?”
“Yeah. I’ve just been...” Trying not to stalk my ex’s social media and wait a minute, why did he like that picture?! “...busy.”
Hayley knows me too well. She knows when I’m genuinely happy. She also knows when I’m full of shit. It’s no question what side I’m on currently. “What’s really going on, Tay?”
I blew out a harsh breath and sighed. “I think Cam is dating again.”
Hayley shrugs. “So? Anything else going on?”
I stare at her incredulously. “Um, hello? My child’s father is dating again after we spent the wedding weekend together.”
“And hello?” Hayley shrugs again. “You told him plenty of times – and made it very clear to everyone who cared – you were single.”
“I had no choice,” I defend my decision, “he put our lives in danger.”
“And he’s in the process of fixing that now.” Hayley dismisses everything. “You wanted this, Taylor.”
“I didn’t think he would actually do it.” I pause as my heart flounders. “But it’s not him being single that worries me. It’s what he’s planning to do. I still haven’t spoken to Jamie about everything.”
“Well, Ms. Not All Cops needs to stay out of it, and I suggest you do the same.” Hayley advises, “This is between Finesse and whoever else he’s dealing with.”
It’s always when Hayley refers to Cameron by his street name, and not his government, that the conversation takes a different turn. This is no longer bestie, sister talk about guys and relationship problems. No, this was about problems that can only be solved with bullets.