Page 64 of Loving a Libra
The owners at Devyn’s were looking to stay open later and add some entertainment. Although I was a silent partner, they asked for some ideas. If they chose to do what I suggested, they would need security and cooks.
I picked up my phone and scrolled through my contacts. By the time my phone call was over, I’d set some things in motion that would fuck up Maurice’s world.
“I didn’t know I married a genius,” Devyn said after listening to my phone conversation.
“I told you I’d take care of it. Now, it’s our last full day on the island. Do you want to spend it talking about your ex or riding my dick with this beautiful view as the backdrop?”
“Hmm.” She pretended to ponder as she straddled my waist. “I think I’ll pick door number two.”
Sex on the beach had a whole new meaning by the time we made it back to our villa.
“He should’ve left well enough alone,” I told my father.
It had been a month and a half since Devyn and I returned from our honeymoon. As soon as we returned, I met with the owners ofDevyn’s Soul Food, and they agreed to do a trial run of a few of my ideas. Tonight was the first night ofSoulful Jazz and Lit Vibes, where up-and-coming jazz musicians, poets, and authors would come to showcase their work.
A condensed and alternative menu featuring smaller versions of customer favorites would be available, along with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Those attending had to RSVP, and every available spot was filled within thirty minutes of the announcement on social media.
With referrals from me, Tony, Ricky, Timothy, and Sandra were able to find jobs at other lounges in the city, while also working atDevyn’s Soul Fooda few times a week. From what they shared, Maurice crashed out when they quit because they didn’t give any notice. He had to closeERLfor a week to find replacements for them.
“You took his woman, and now his livelihood might be at risk. That’s what I call hitting him where it hurts,” Pops replied.
“Devyn’s heart never belonged to him, so I wouldn’t say I took his woman. As far as his business goes, if he doesn’t pivot and change how he treats his employees, he’ll ruin everything he’s built on his own.”
“We’re ready!” my mother announced as she and Devyn exited our bedroom.
“Damn, baby. You look beautiful,” I exclaimed.
She smiled as she caressed her stomach, a far cry from the attitude she had just two hours ago. I was nowhere near prepared for the meltdown Devyn had when she couldn’t fit the dress she’d chosen for tonight. I had to call my mother for backup.
“Do I? Are you just saying that because I’m your wife?”
“No, baby. I wouldn’t lie to you. Haven’t I always told you how beautiful you are?”
I approached her, and when I was close enough, I put my hands on her stomach.
“Yeah, but that was?—”
“Devyn, you’re carrying my legacy. You’ve never been more beautiful than you are right now. I love you.”
Her smile became brighter, and I leaned down to kiss her forehead.
“Let’s go,” Devyn said, as if we hadn’t been waiting for her for the past hour.
The first night ofSoulful Jazz and Lit Vibeswas a huge success. The owners ofDevyn’s Soul Foodasked if I was interested in being a not-so-silent partner. It sounded appealing, but I asked for time to think about it. I went to bed that night grateful for all of God’s blessings and looking forward to all He had in store.
Six MonthsLater
“Niggas will be niggas, but the truth always prevails,” Ginae said as she waved the results of the DNA test in the air.
“I wasn’t ever worried, but I was pissed. I don’t think there’s a soul walking this earth with more audacity than Maurice.”
Four months ago, I gave birth to a ten-pound baby boy named Tariq Vincent Thompson Jr. A month ago, we were subpoenaed and forced to have a DNA test to prove that Tariq Jr. was not Maurice’s child. There were no words to explain how pissed I was, but we had no choice and had to follow through.
While Ginae was visiting, the DNA results had arrived in the mail, even though we’d already been notified through emaila few days prior. Her petty ass snapped a picture and was planning to make an elaborate post on Flikstagram about bitch ass niggas.
“They must be selling audacity somewhere because there is no way in hell he was born with that much. Has he posted anything since the email with the results came?”
“Nope! He’s been quiet as a church mouse.”
