Chapter 23
I was locked in.
Already preparing for Gianna to be in our lives and what that would look like. From mundane daily shit like:
Was she a morning or night person?
Did she like to sleep in on weekends or was she an early riser?
What side of bed did she prefer?
To deeper:
Should we get a new house, or would she be okay with the one I had?
Was she interested in being a stay-at-home mom and wife, or was she looking to seek out a new career.
I was open to whatever made her happy.
Even saying that let me know that this shit was real. I wanted her to be happy. With me. With Melo. With my family and all the other ways in life that gave her happiness. I wanted to witness the joy, peace, and love that I had been blessed to experience every time I saw her face.
I loved the way her eyes would light up when she saw me. The way her nose wrinkled just so when she gave me one of those smiles. And her laughter—it was the purest sound I've ever heard next to my son's. I couldn't even hide how happy I was even if I tried.
And not to mention the sex. Lord have mercy…the sex was incredible. I ran my tongue over my teeth shaking my head slightly as I layered the last bit of cheese over the lasagna. Maybe the length of time it had been for me played a part—but nah—that wasn't all of it.
Gianna was different.
Everything about her felt…intoxicating. Addictive.
The way she fit against me. The way she responded. The way she gave without holding back. Her smell, her taste…shit. Just thinking about her had my body reacting before my mind could catch up.
However…that was unfortunately the part of the problem. Because I knew what she had to offer and now that she was officially mine, that feeling of possessiveness would creep in when I thought about her with other men.
I didn't like that shit. Didn't like sharing something that was mine. But I knew what I signed up for so I couldn’t force her hand. So for now, I was just forced to sit with it and make sure I kept my mind busy when the thoughts of her with other men slid into the corners of my mind.
Especially at night—nights were the worst. I exhaled slowly pushing those thoughts aside as I slid the lasagna in the oven. One step at a time, that's what I kept telling myself.
My family had been bugging me for the last couple of weeks to bring her around. Well—mostly my mama and Angel. Pops was cool and letting me move at my own pace just like he always did.
And then there was my son…he had been asking as well. I thought he may have forgotten about her already, but she had made quite an impression on him. He kept asking me about "The pretty lady who makes chocolate chip pancakes."
That made this feel even more real.
But I wasn't about to throw her in the middle of my family without giving everybody a heads up first. That wouldn't be fair to her or them. And I damn sure wasn't about to let her walk into any bias or judgement blind. I wanted to make sure her feelings and boundaries were protected.
So, I decided the best course of action was dinner at my place and an honest conversation with my people. Let the cards fall where they may. But regardless of how they felt…I was going to continue moving forward with Gianna. I just hoped they got on board.
Melo was watching cartoons while I put the finishing touches on dinner. I was pulling the lasagna out the oven when I saw my parent's car pull into the driveway.
"Mee-Mee and Pop-Pop are here, Daddy!" he announced, jumping up from couch.
"I see, buddy," I smiled.
By the time I made it to the door, he was already waiting like he hadn't seen them in months. My mama scooped him up, covering his face with kisses while Pops laughed behind her rubbing his head. Angel stepped in after him with a grin.
"Hey, baby," Mama said pulling me into a hug.
"Hey, Ma." I kissed her and my sister forehead’s before giving Pops a hug.
Moments later, we were all sitting down to dinner. It started out light and relaxed. Conversing about our day-to-day life. Angel was launching into one of her spiels about the patriarchy—the usual. No Gianna conversation yet, but I was prepping mentally for the shift.
And then it came—
"Does Gianna go to school or have a degree, Remy?" Mama asked.
My heart kicked up. Wiping my mouth, I shook my head. "Almost. She was in school for Communications but decided not to continue on."
"Oh—" she raised her brow. "So what does she do now?"
Such an innocent question in normal circumstances, but it felt like a bomb now. Taking a deep breath, I looked over at my son. "Son, Dad needs to have grown up talk for a minute. You can take your dinner to the living room to eat, okay? Just be careful."
He grinned and hopped down. I saw the confusion flicker on my parent's face. I watched as Angel helped him with his plate and get situated at his little table and chair in the living room.
She returned and took her seat again eyes locked on me. "Okay—I feel like you're about to drop some heavy stuff on us, bro."
How the hell was I supposed to say this?
Taking another deep breath, I nodded. "Before I say this…
I need each of you to take a moment and pause before you respond, alright?
" I said slowly, my eyes moving between them.
"The only reason I'm even telling you is because I see a future with this woman.
I want to make sure that when I bring her around, she feels safe. "
"Okay—" Mama dragged out brows furrowing even further. "You're scaring us."
"Just don't respond right away, Ma. Please," I replied seriously. "Just…let it settle. And be open."
Pops leaned back in his chair. "We're ready, son. We'll be mindful."
One final nod from me, then— "Gianna is…" I swallowed deeply. "Gianna is a sex worker."
The silence was deafening. Slow blinks. Mouths parted open in shock. Angel's eyes were wide as hell as she leaned forward. But as requested, they stayed silent—processing.
"So…she's…a prostitute?" Mama whispered the word blinking rapidly.
I exhaled slowly because now hearing how harsh that word sounded coming out someone's mouth, upset me. "She doesn't like that word." I shook my head. "And neither do I, Ma."
"But—" her mouth opened and closed at a loss for words.
Angel placed her hand on top of hers. "Sex worker is a more acceptable term, Ma. Okay?" she responded gently.
"Mmhm." Mama nodded, lips pressed together tightly.
"How did you meet her?" my father asked hesitatingly. "You weren't—?"
"No." I shook my head quickly. "Nothing like that, Pops.
I saw her at the club and then a few weeks later at the restaurant.
I was inspired. Made the dessert." A small smile crossed my lips as I remembered the look on her face when she tasted it.
"She loved it. I ended up fumbling trying to get her attention, but she was so sweet.
And warm. Told her about Dri. Melo. Gave her my card.
Didn't hear from her until I posted the tutorial online. "
I exhaled, continuing as they all watched and listened intently.
"Our first date was the gym. Her and that trainer damn near killed me.
I had to literally sweat to get her to accept a dinner invite," I chuckled lightly.
"In the parking lot, some guy she used to deal with pulled up.
" I omitted the threat, not wanting to concern them further.
"Anyway…that’s how I found out. We parted ways that day, but I couldn't get her off of my mind.
" Shaking my head again, I folded my arms over my chest. "Trust me, I tried. And now…here we are."
More silence followed. I waited—heart racing, stomach knotting.
Angel spoke first. "You know what, Rem—hell yeah." She nodded as a smile spread across her face.
Our eyes shot to her in surprise.
"Yeah, I said it." She shrugged. "Hell. Yeah. Women are having sex for free every day and receiving nothing for their time and labor." She pointed to Pops. "And Dad—you always told me when I lay down with a man I should be getting more than a wet ass, right?"
Pops cut his eyes at her. "That's not what I meant, and you know it," he replied voice low and tight.
Angel continued, "Regardless—Gianna is taking control over her own body. The only reason sex work is frowned upon is because of the patriarchy. Men don't want to pay for something they feel entitled to. A woman who bucks the system is a woman I can stand behind."
She reached over and gave me an encouraging smile. I thanked her silently, relief flooding my body at having a little sister so open-minded. She may have been heavy handed with her views sometimes, but this was one time I was grateful for it.
"Besides—" she went on. "It's not like she's selling it on the corner for loose bills." Her eyes flicked back to me, voice dropping. "Not that I'm judging…but she's not selling it on the corner, is she?" Her eyes narrowed.
I smirked, shaking my head. "No. She works at an exclusive brothel with a bunch of rich white-collar types."
"See," Angel threw up her hands in triumph. "A businesswoman."
Mama sighed softly. "A businesswoman…" she repeated slowly. She looked at me. "Remy…" she spoke softly. "Baby…"
I braced myself.
"Does she have to do this?"
I shook my head. "No. Not forever," I responded quietly. "She's working towards something else. It's a means to an end for her."
"And you believe that?" she asked.
"I do," I said without hesitation.
Pops shifted in his chair, his fork tapping lightly against his plate before he set it down. "You said you see a future with her," he said, voice steady. "What does that look like, son?"
I leaned forward resting my forearms on the table. "It looks like something real with her. A family. Stability. A life together."
"And her works fits into that how?" he asked.
"It doesn't," I replied honestly. "Not long-term."
Angel nodded in understanding.
Mama… .not so much. "So you're expecting her to just stop?" she asked carefully.
"Eventually…yeah, she will. We've already talked about this," I explained.
"But right now, I'm not forcing anything on her.
That's her decision. Her timeline. I just…
" I paused, choosing my words carefully.
"I want to be able to put her in a position where she doesn't have to do it anymore.
I want her to trust me enough to do that. We're getting there—I can feel it."
Mama's eyes softened but the worry didn't leave. "And in the meantime…you're okay with that?" she pressed gently.
I felt the impact in my chest of that question. "No," I admitted quietly. "I'm not okay with it," I continued. "But I understand it. And I'm not about to punish her for where she is right now especially when I'm choosing to still be here." I shook my head firmly. "My hand isn't forced."
Angel snapped her fingers softly. "Proud of you, big bro. It takes a lot of maturity to take this on."
"Thank you, lil' sis." I smiled over at her.
Pops shoulders dropped slowly. "You're a special kind of man, son. I'll tell you that."
I flashed a smile at him.
"He is," Mama agreed. "But this is a lot."
"I know." I nodded. "But's she's a good woman. And I believe she's worth it."
Angel smiled. "So what's she like? We got a glimpse, but now I'm intrigued."
That questioned softened the energy.
I was already smiling. "She's warm," I began. "Sweet. Funny as hell. Smart. She pays attention to everything. You can't get anything past her."
Angel smirked. "I knew I liked her."
Mama shook her head slightly, but a small smile was pulling at her lips. "What about Melo?"
I exhaled. "He's always asking about her now. And she's always asking about him. His likes and dislikes. School. Favorite things. She's invested in him, Ma. I wouldn't do this if I thought she wouldn't be good to him. I want to bring her around him…slowly."
"Well…" she said after a moment folding her hands. "I can't say this is what I imagined for you…" she paused. "But, if she treats you right…if she respects you…if she's good to my grandbaby…then I'm willing to try."
Relief hit me in waves. I stood and walked around the table, wrapping my arms around her tightly. "Thank you, Ma."
She held my arms. "You welcome, baby."
"Pops—?" I looked over at him
He smiled and nodded. "I trust the man that I raised. If you say she's good people…I believe you." Resting my hand on his shoulder, he patted it softly.
Letting go of my mama, I turned to my little sister. "Bring it in." I opened my arms.
She grinned and stood up, falling into my arms. I hugged her so tight, she squeaked and laughed. Placing a big kiss to her forehead I looked down at her in gratitude. "Your approval means the world to me, Angel. Thank you."
She beamed up at me. "You know I got your back. Now make sure you bring her around us because I'm dying to talk to her. She would be an incredible subject for my upcoming paper."
Letting her go with a chuckle, I shook my head. "Don't be trying to use my lady as a test subject."
Her brows shot up. "We're assigning labels now, are we?" She smiled.
Shrugging with a smile, I sat down. "Melo—you can come back over if you want, buddy."
"Later, Daddy!" he called out.
We resumed dinner but the weight on my shoulders had lifted.