Page 22 of It's Love I'm After

Say less, Germayne.

“Sorry, but I gotta go. Thanks for the dance,” I say to the man hovering despite Gina’s warning. “Come on, cousin. Pushing this man any further isn’t wise.” Grabbing Gina’s hand, I lead us toward the club’s exit.

“You almost had me worried that you were about to become one of those irritating women who can’t see the forest for the trees, cousin. If you have a man at home, why the hell are you in this club acting single?” Gina asks once we’re in my ride less than ten minutes later.

“My dumb ass had a momentary lapse in judgment, but I’m burying the idiot who foolishly walks into situations reminiscent of this one. Hopefully, it won’t cause a setback in this budding relationship. I really like this one, cousin.”

“Then act like it, because this isn’t even the kind of woman you are.”

The music playing from the radio becomes background noise, allowing me to exit the spot I’m in and head back to Nana’s to grab Caleb to take my ass home.

10

GERMAYNE

“Check it . . . Never let another woman cause you to stoop to bird brain status, especially when there’s no context to the bullshit they release from their mouth. From the beginning, I’ve been trying to be about you. Therefore, you shouldn’t place me in a predicament that forces me to place you in every category but the one I prefer you to be in.”

Staring into Chaniya’s eyes, I can only hope she’s picking up what I’m putting down because there won’t be a next time. Respect is a two-way street, and I don’t play about getting what I effortlessly provide.

“I’m sorry. I should have called you and not reacted without thinking. It was petty and totally uncommon for how I handle things. It’s just that I have been blindsided be?—”

“I’m not the nigga that played with your heart, so don’t hold his mishandle against me. Until and unless I show you something foul, give me and us a fighting chance. I’m not here to fuck you over, Chaniya.”

“Okay. I’ll trust you until I have a reason not to.” Fear and uncertainty flash in Chaniya’s eyes, which makes my blood boil because it’s a sign of her relationship trauma.

The encounter between her and her ex resurfaces, which causes a renewed passion to show Chaniya that I can be a man worthy of her heart. Convincing a woman who’s dealt with trash men in the past to judge you based on what you show her can be challenging. Yet, I’m planning to allow my actions to be the loudest thing in the room between Chaniya and me, so she has no choice but to acknowledge my differences.

“Now that we have that out of the way, I still need you to be my plus one at my little sister’s wedding. Unless you want the Facebook poster to have a mi?—”

“We’re working through our brief disagreement. Don’t piss me off. When is the wedding?”

“I see your mad ass only took away the cliff notes of old girl’s post. Next weekend. Do you have prior plans?”

“Mommy! I had a nightmare. Can I sleep with you?” A squeaky voice interrupts the conversation, preventing Chaniya from responding.

Her face leaves the camera, and ruffling sounds hit the line before a little boy’s curious face stares into the camera.

“Hi,” he says sheepishly.

“What’s up, man?” I return the greeting for the little boy with identical eyes to his mother, but his complexion is a shade lighter.

“Who are you?” he says with a slight frown.

“You need to mind the business that pays you, Caleb Trevon. Ain’t nobody talking to you. Either get on your side and go to sleep or go back to your room.” Chaniya interjects before I can respond, which I appreciate because I’m not sure what to say to a kid this young about adult affairs.

“Okay, Mommy. I want to stay here, so I’m going to sleep.”

A grin slides into place because I don’t blame little man for wanting to sleep with his mom after a nightmare. As a kid, I hada few nights of sleeping at the foot of my parents’ bed after a bad dream or two.

“Can I call you after he goes back to sleep?”

“How about we follow his lead and get some rest too?” I suggest.

“I’m not ready to be done with you.”

“Say less, Chaniya. Call me when you can.”

“Do you think proposing during E’s wedding would be inappropriate?” Desi asks the next day.

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