Ava Gray #4
The table was laid out with all kinds of delicious food.
My plate was loaded with fried whiting, mac and cheese, baked beans with meat, a chicken leg, string beans and a fresh roll.
There were other options to choose from, but hell, I didn’t want to come off as greedy, walking around with two full plates.
You would think we were hanging out for Thanksgiving dinner the way his grandma had the food set up.
“Dang, this mac & cheese is amazing. If this wasn’t my first time meeting your grandma, I would think she’s trying to go toe to toe with me.”
“Your mac & cheese go hard like that?”
“Mhmm, next time we eat, it’s on me.” I licked my fork.
“I’ma hold you to it too.” He winked.
I sat enjoying myself while laughing at Ethan, his uncles and cousin, as they talked shit to each other.
His entire family was a vibe and he was right, I fit right in.
The DJ had a good mix going, and it wasn’t until “Essence” by WizKid and Tems started thumping through the speakers that I wanted to get up and dance. I love me some Tems.
“Come dance with me.” I pulled Ethan up.
He didn’t hesitate to follow my lead. I didn’t think he would actually dance with me because most guys act too shy or too good to get down.
We cut up, and it was as if we were the only people in the yard dancing to the music.
With my back turned to him, I pressed my body into his as his arm wrapped around my waist. We rocked and grinded in sync.
The way his hand gently rubbed against my belly and down my thighs gave me butterflies.
When Justin Bieber’s part came on, he started singing in my ear, making me smile.
“The way you pushin’ up on me, I can tell that you want me,” he sang and held me a little tighter.
“You want me, Ava?” He kissed my neck.
In one quick motion, his hand found its way between my legs as he stroked my kitty through my jeans. If we weren’t around so many people, I would’ve entertained his slick ass, but instead, I turned to face him. When our eyes met, I could sense we were on the same page.
“You better behave, Mr. Whitmore.” I smirked.
“Yes, please do, Mr. Whitmore.” A voice caught our attention.
A pretty light skinned girl stood with her arms folded and a smirk lining her lips.
“What’s up Zenobia?” Ethan nodded nonchalantly.
“Nothing. I came by to get a plate, of course. Are you going to introduce me to your girlfriend? She’s not the same girl I heard talking all that shit over the phone, is she?”
“First of all, don’t come over here with that fuck shit. The way you actin right now aint even you, so cut the act. But since you asked, Zenobia, this is Ava. Ava, this is Zenobia, Zoie’s mom.”
“Oh, okay, it’s nice to meet you,” I extended my hand.
“Yea, you too. Now that I think about it, Zoie talks about you all the time. It’s nice to finally put a face to the name. I just thought Mr. Whitmore here would’ve introduced us a lot sooner before having you around our daughter. At least that was a part of our co-parenting agreement.”
“Did you already fix your plate?” Ethan asked her.
“Yep. Big Momma just finished wrapping it up.”
“Alright, cool. Take your ass on.”
The glare he gave her, I witnessed his eyes yet again change colors. Zenobia didn’t bother to say anything else. Instead, she turned to walk away without so much as a goodbye.
“I apologize about that.” Ethan watched as she disappeared into the house.
“It’s okay,”
“No, it’s not. Zenobia knows I don’t play that shit. My business doesn’t concern her and vice versa. Whether you my girl or not, she had no business walking up on you with that bullshit.”
I could tell he was angry but trying his best to remain calm.
“Ethan…it’s okay. Trust, I’m not bothered by the way she popped off. Now it would be a different story if I was your girl.” I smiled with a wink.
I wanted to ease the tension that I could feel building up. His daughter’s mother was the least of my worries. After that little interaction, Ethan’s entire vibe changed. I could tell he no longer wanted to be in the mix of his family, so we went to say our goodbyes.
“Have you seen Zoie?” he asked his grandmother.
“She went home with Zenobia,” she responded. “Ava, it was a joy to have you join our family tonight. EJ brought you over here, don’t become no stranger, ya hear.”
“Yes, ma’am. Thank you again for having me.” I hugged her.
“Anytime, baby, anytime. EJ, bring yo’ big head ass back over here tomorrow and see me.”
“I got you, momma.” He chuckled as he gave her a tight hug and kiss on the cheek.
“Yall drive safe.” She waved as we made our way out.
Once we got into his truck, he made a phone call.
“Is Zoie with you?...Why you take her, knowing I was supposed to keep her tonight?...Nah, you on some bullshit, Ze, but it’s all good.” He ended the call.
I sat quietly because it wasn’t my business to get involved.
“What time are you supposed to pick baby girl up from your parents?”
“Anytime I’m ready.” I shrugged.
“Stay the night with me.” He glanced my way.
“Umm, are you sure about that?” I raised my eyebrow.
“If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t be asking. Now would I?”
“Ethan…I don’t know.” I hesitated.
“What is it you don’t know about?” He kissed the back of my hand and then my finger tips.
“I need my spend-the-night bag.” I bit my lip.
“Good girl.” He reached over to give my thigh a gentle squeeze.