Page 178 of Anything Necessary for Her
“Dr. Ferris told me I could dance while pregnant since it is something I’vebeendoing. The rule is not to start anythingnewwhile pregnant. I’m going to confirm with my OB, but I doubt he pulled that statement out of his ass. I, of course, will have to take a break in the last few months and then when I have the baby, but I won’t be as out of commission.”
“Who else you tell first?” I questioned.
“Just him, because I wanted to figure out what my plan was before I told you about it. That’s the only reason. Also, another dancer got pregnant last year, and I remembered her saying Dr. Ferris eased her worries.”
“That dancer ever return to ballet?” I cocked my head.
“No, but she’s not me. She also wasn’t at my level within Prolific. I’ve been moved up to a principal dancer after my performance in Giselle.” She beamed, and that announcement made me feel even fucking worse.
I wasn’t trying to be seen as the dope boy who ruined the pretty, promising dancer by knocking her ass up.
“Peep.” I shook my head, exasperated. “I knew I was fucking you too much.”
“No it wasn’t too much. I will take a break and then slowly but surely get back to it. You don’t plan to abandon me or anything, right?” she quizzed, smirking when I cut my eyes at her.
“I just don’t want you missing out and giving up on shit. Same time, if you got an abortion, I don’t know how I’d feel, but I’d have to deal with that shit,” I professed.
“I won’t be giving up my dreams, just deferring one while I live out the other. I love ballet, so I will go back, and I will be the best, but being married to you and having children is also a dream of mine. I love you, I love ballet, and I love the baby. My father raised me, telling me I could have it all, and I plan to.”
“I want you to. I wanna make sure you do, even if I have to get in that bitch and be yo’ dance partner.”
She chortled, tossing her head back briefly.
“I would actually like to see that, but your dick would be too distracting in them tights.”
I snickered subtly, still feeling a way.
“You sure, Peep? Don’t do this shit thinking it’s gon’ run me off. I’m gon’ feel some type of way if you get rid of it, I’ll keep it real with you, but it’s gon take more than that for me to let this shit we got go.”
“I’m sure. I do wish you were happier though.”
Kissing her neck, I said, “Don’t misunderstand me or my reaction, Peep. I’m elated. You the only woman I would ever want kids with, and I do want ’em with you. I just want it to be some shit we both excited about. I don’t want you to feel forced or like you have to choose between me and whatever else you want in life. I’m always on yo’ fucking team.”
“Well then get prepared to become a daddy.” She smiled brightly, causing me to study her for a bit in an attempt to read her. “Are you ready?”
I didn’t detect any sadness or like she was faking it for my sake, so I had no choice but to believe her words.
“I can’t wait, low-key,” I confessed, grinning freely.
“What do you think we’ll have?”
“Boys dominate in ya family, but I can’t be sure. A little version of you would be perfect though.”
“I think so too, but I wouldn’t mind a little Willow either.” Her hand gravitated toward my face before she pressed her forehead to mine. “I love you.”
“I love you more, Peep.”
“Nigga, did I mistake some shit?” Free looked me up and down as I entered the warehouse.
“Nah, I’m going somewhere after this.” I shook my head at his grinning ass as he took in my outfit.
Usually when we handled business of any kind, we both dressed down—especially me—but currently, I was in Loewe jeans, low top Chucks, a wife beater, and a black silk Gucci button up that I left open.
“Must be somewhere with Banks’ ass.” He shook his head with a smirk. “I still can’t believe that’s you. Had I known she was up for the taking?—”
“Shut up, nigga. Mitch here?” I checked the time on my AP.
“Yep. Wouldn’t have you waiting, massa.” Free opened the door for me to the secluded room.
