Chapter 13
Thirteen
Jovanis sat on top of his Chevy, pulling at the hairs on his chins.
He was in Havenwood—his old stomping ground, posted up with some of the members from TLM.
As frustrated as he was, he couldn’t go home and sulk.
That would propel him into a tailspin, and he didn’t feel like crashing out.
Irish had been MIA for days. He called, texted, and even checked her location to no avail.
Jovanis wouldn’t have been worried if he didn’t learn that Noble was off the grid, leaving Rio and Zayd in charge.
That meant she was with him, and he couldn’t understand why she insisted on disrespecting him.
“Aye bruh, let me see your phone,” he asked one of the younger TLM members.
After passing him the unlocked phone, Jovanis dialed Irish only to be greeted by the voicemail. He then dialed Ivory, hoping he would have luck with her.
“Who is this?” she answered with much sass.
“It’s me, Jovanis.”
Smacking her lips. “What do you want?”
He hated the rift between him and Ivory, but it was his burden. He shouldn’t have been aggressive to Irish, knowing how much Ivory loved her sister.
“Why you still mad at me, Iv? I apologized and you still giving me hell.”
“Because you tried to hurt Irish.”
“No, I didn’t. I was a little bit rough, but I didn’t mean that shit.”
“And what about the living room, huh? It took us days to clean it up.”
“I know.” His voice fell somber. “I know, sis. I was fucked up for doing that. I promised you I would never do that again. Since when am I not good on my promises?”
Jovanis had been present for Ivory since she was two years old, attached to Irish’s hip.
He made sure to do for her whenever he did for Irish.
She had become his little sister over the years.
When they moved out of Havenwood, Ivory came with them.
It had always been the three of them, and Jovanis regretted the interruption in their relationship.
“Since you tried to choke my sister. I don't know why you're mad at her when you two have an open relationship.”
“Who told you that?”
“She did, of course. Which is weird because why would you let someone date your wife and how could she let someone date you?”
Her young mind wouldn’t comprehend the bond he and Irish had.
“What else did she tell you?” he questioned, hoping Irish hadn’t betrayed him again.
“That’s it. She said you had an open marriage. So, I don't understand why you were so mad that you had to yoke her up.”
“Because… of the person she decided to fuck with.”
“Noble?”
He shook his head, hating the sound of that man’s name. “She told you that too, huh?”
“Yeah, but she didn’t mean to do it, Van.” Her voice had softened, eliminating the wrath she possessed minutes ago. “Sometimes, you can’t control who you fall for. It just happens organically.”
He was the ambassador for falling for the wrong person.
“I ain't mad about it,” he halfway lied. “I need to know if you talked to her.”
“Yeah, she finally responded to my text yesterday. She said she’s okay but didn’t tell me where she was.”
“You keeping it a buck, Iv?”
She chuckled. “Yes, even though I don't owe you anything since you're the opp. She didn’t tell me. Is she okay? Should I worry?”
“No, don't worry. I’m sure she’s good. You know how I am. I just need to make sure she’s safe.”
“Oh, okay. Well, if I hear from her, I’ll let you know.”
“A’ight and Iv, I’m really sorry. Don't hate me, okay?”
“I guess I can stop but only if you get me those Prada loafers.”
He snorted. “Yo’ begging ass.”
She tittered. “What? If you want my forgiveness, then you gotta pay for it.”
“Send me the link.”
“It’s on the way. Bye, Van. You're the best big brother ever.”
He smirked before hanging up and passing the phone back to his guy. “Good looking out.”
Ol’ boy nodded just as Jakai walked over to him. In his hand was a bottle of Hennessy and a blunt wedged between his fingers. He had been in TLM for a while, working closely with Tuck and Douglas before they made their departures.
“Aye, Jovanis, what’s up with Rio?” he asked him.
“What you mean?”
“He’s been lowkey as hell. I thought after the accident that he would hit the ground running but I ain't seen much of him, lately. Shit good with him?”
Jovanis couldn’t stand this gossiping-ass nigga who was always asking questions about someone’s business.
“Nigga, what’s up with you?” he retorted. “Why you ain't making no moves on Doughtry?”
Jakai’s brows lowered before he smiled. “I am making moves. Who told you I wasn’t?”
“Nigga, the money telling me you ain't moving shit. Even the jits on Edgeston bringing in more than you.”
“Man, that’s cap.” He lifted his double cup and took a sip. Jovanis looked at his wrist, spotting a diamond watch that looked familiar. A Rolex Datejust with a diamond bezel and red strap. The same one that he donned on his wrist.
“Niggas trying to be like me and shit,” Jovanis joked, holding up his watch.
Jakai looked at his wrist then back at Jovanis. “Nah, that’s you biting me.”
“You don’t know shit about a custom Rolex watch. Stop playing with me.”
“You right. I don't but that nigga, Tuck, do. He gave me this.” Jakai leaned against the car, taking another sip.
Jovanis froze for a split second as the words penetrated his mind. He then looked at the watch again before he shook his head.
“You said, Tuck gave you that?”
He nodded, gazing at the bracelet as lines formed on his forehead.
The fuck?
“Why he give you that?” Jovanis interrogated him, praying that what he thought was just a stupid notion.
Jakai shrugged. “Shit, I guess a nigga was doing a good job. Who knows.”
Jovanis twisted his lips with doubt. “Man, Tuck ain't generous like that. He don't give away shit without something in return.”
Jakai stood up straight, turning toward Jovanis and giving him direct eye contact.
“Why the fuck you care what Tuck gives me?”
Jovanis jumped off the car, standing in front of him. “Why I care? I asked you a simple question. Why you trying to throw me off with more questions, nigga? You must be fucking him.”
His eyes gawked before looking around to make sure no one heard what he’d said. It was at that moment that Jovanis had gotten his confirmation. Tuck didn’t give gifts if he didn’t care. He’d throw money in the air, present opportunities to get money, but he rarely gave gifts to people.
“Bruh, I ain't gay. Fuck I look like fucking with a man? I like pussy only. The fuck is you saying,” Jakai huffed, nostrils flaring. “Don't ever disrespect me like that.”
Jovanis chuckled in disbelief. Jakai’s reaction was one of a typical down low nigga. He knew because that used to be his favorite line to use.
“Yeah, a’ight.”
Jovanis got inside his car and drove off. While driving, he dialed Tuck’s burner phone. When he didn’t answer, he smashed his fist against the steering wheel.
“Fuck!”
Jovanis was livid. He foolishly thought he was Tuck’s only one. To know that he had made his rounds through TLM left him sick. Jovanis assumed their bond was one that belonged to only them. Tuck made it seem as if he didn’t dabble with men often. He’d lied and Jovanis was sick.
“Lying-ass nigga!”
He needed to talk to his person. Irish would know what to say.
He was ready to lay it all out on the table; reveal who his true love was so that they didn’t have any more secrets between them.
When he called and got the voicemail, he threw his phone against the dashboard.
A large dent surfaced, instantly making Jovanis regret his tantrum.
“Got damn. Why I do that?” he groaned.
That was a loaded question. One that wasn’t only for the dented dashboard but for him as well.
Why did he have to fall in love with Tuck?
Why was he gay? Why couldn’t he be attracted to women like normal men?
Jovanis hated this position he was in and a part of him loathed himself.
It had been years since he’d come to terms with his sexuality.
No matter how many women he’d forced himself to be with or the love he found in Tuck, Jovanis still struggled, internally.
He envied so many men that lived out loud.
They were comfortable in their sexual orientation and dared anyone to shame them.
Yet, Jovanis had been running from what was a part of him.
He’d been hiding his essence for so long that actually coming out provoked a fear that he couldn’t part ways with.
Still, he was tired of this. The hiding, back and forth, and now heartbreak.
Tuck had fucked him over, and Jovanis didn’t think he would ever be the same after this.
Pure perfection.
That’s what Irish thought as she sat across from Noble.
It was nighttime as they sat in their sanctuary after being served from the private chef.
Beyonce’s Be With You played softly from the Bluetooth speaker.
The view was magical as the moon reflected against the subtle ocean waves.
If Irish could’ve stayed there forever, she would’ve signed the lease, immediately.
Her life was in so much disarray but in Noble’s presence, her worries ceased.
He donned a pinstriped Prada collar shirt that was unbuttoned, showcasing his single diamond chain and his inky milk chocolate skin.
Noble’s haircut was immaculately trimmed along with his closely shaven beard.
She watched him as he sipped on his drink and tapped on his phone.
Despite them being on an island, Noble never parted ways with the device.
“I feel so neglected right now.” She sighed, dramatically.
His molten chocolate orbs met hers, immediately causing her to laugh. “Why you gotta be extra?”
“Because I’ve been watching you tap on your phone instead of enjoying your company. I know you didn’t kidnap me to ignore me.”
“Ignore you? I’ve been up your ass all day. Literally.”