Page 39 of Wifey
“And this is why we can’t take you anywhere!” I tsked. I wish I was kidding. Motherhood calmed Hayley down just a little bit.
“Anyway, back to your Handmaid’s Tale headass!” She turned towards me. “You’re dead serious about not marrying Cam? You know he’s protecting you, right? No one will dare to mess with you knowing he’s with you, his First Lady.”
“Okay, and if Cameron dies?” I roll my neck. “Then what? A dead man can’t protect me. Once he dies, the fear dies with him. No one is going to be scared of a coffee shop owner! These fools out here know I don’t deal with guns and all that crap! My father owned guns and never shot any of them. If he saw someone he knew that was bangin’, he could sit down with him and have a conversation. He wasn’t about that life and guess what? Neither is my Black ass!
“And you’re asking me to become First Lady of what?” I stared down at her. “You might have not no issue picking up where Que left off but I do! My father built a legacy in this community and there are people who are counting on me to carry it. Can you imagine how that will look?Oh, you heard about Lamont’s girl? Yeah, she’s gangbanging now! Stay away from that area!” I mock the obvious future gossip. “So, excuse me if I say I have reservations about being Mrs….” I can’t even bring myself to say his full name. “…Finesse.”
Hayley’s shoulders drop and a somber look appeared on her face. She was quiet for a long moment before she started speaking again. “Tay, I’m going to keep it all the way one hundred with you, okay? No bullshit.” She sets down the champagne glass. Meadow and I follow her lead. The assistant takes the cue and leaves. “Jackie has been after that property for quite some time. I don’t know when she realized how valuable it was, but the moment she did and especially that Cameron owns the surrounding businesses, it became open season.
“Cam may have known about the property for quite some time and probably long before you two met. I can assure you he doesn’t want it. He has no use for it. The fact Jackie wants it makes Cameron hungry to ensure she won’t get it.” She shrugs. “Now, I don’t know what the score is between Jackie and Cam is. I’ve heard whispers they used to be together in some way. I heard a rather interesting rumor she fucked a member of Cam’s family before moving onto him.” Hayley shrugs.
“That’s gross.” I roll my eyes.
“Whatever the case may be, Jackie and Cam fell out a long time ago. Some say she involved herself with his family other than the family member. Que has suggested she stole money from Cam.” Hayley shrugs. She knows just as much as I do. “There’s a lot bad blood between them and only the two of them know the reasons why.
“The thing is, she’s not going to mess with you now. It’ll be too dangerous for her to do it now that the APD is involved. She would be a straight-up fool to try anything right now and bring attention to herself. Cameron has loyal people who would never betray him but I can’t say the same for Jackie. That kid gave her up rather quickly. He’s only alive because Cameron has he and the family under his protection.”
Cameron followed through with his promises. Not only did the teen make a full recovery, he’s apparently a straight-A student now. He’s applying to different colleges and Cameron told him he’ll give him a full ride to any of them that accepts him.
It’s the contradiction about Cameron that confuses me. He can be a cold and ruthless killer but generous with the biggest heart. It’s really impossible to hate him unless it was something mad personal.
I’ve seen Cameron upset, but never angry. I’m almost scared to think of how he would react. “And if she does mess with me?”
Hayley whistled and shook her head. “Hell hath no fury like Cameron scorned. Not even Jesus would be able to save that woman.”
Seventeen
“New Edition or New Kids on the Block?”
Cameron stops eating his moo shu pork and blankly stares at me as I laugh. “I’m sorry? Is this a trick question?”
“No!” I dig into my cashew chicken. After hanging out with Meadow and Hayley, I returned home where Cameron gave the chef a night off so we could order in Chinese takeout.
We’re sitting in the proclaimed “sitting room” and it’s very much that. Situated on the top floor of the mansion, the room overlooks all of Atlanta, and is full of sofas, oversized pillows, and blankets.
Surround sound speakers are playing “Hanging On a String” by Loose Ends. Free vending machines and a popcorn maker are stacked along the walls. A giant movie theater screen hangs down in front. It’s like a humongous sleepover room.
In the corner is a wet bar and multiple bathrooms so no one would be waiting very long. It’s part kids’ playground and part very fancy man cave. The Lifestyles of the Rich and Shameless.
“New Edition or New Kids on the Block?” I take bite of my food. “I’m dead serious.”
“I…” He laughs and shakes his head. “…I think you’re on that good shit.” He points to me. “Did you find my supply?”
“Answer the question!” I nudge and he laughs again. “You wanted to have a serious discussion about music, right?”
“A serious discussion would be like which family group was better – Debarge or The Jets? Another discussion would be like choosing between Anita Baker and Sade?” Cameron pointed his chopsticks at me. “Asking me who is better between New Edition or New Kids on the Block is breaking the Ten Commandments.”
I chew my orange chicken and blankly stare at him. “So, your answer is…”
“New Edition and what the hell?” Cameron defends himself and I fall over laughing. “Trick question, man! Trick question.”
“Okay, okay…” I hold up my hands and sit back up. “Your turn.”
“I got something for you.” Cameron takes a swig of his beer and wipes his mouth. “Whitney or Janet?”
“What?” I shake my head. “Not fair, man. Not fair.”
“Oh, it’s very much fair.” Cameron nods. “Very much so. Not a trick question, neither. They both dominated the 80’s and were mad successful. Which one are you rocking with? Greatest Love of All? Or Ms. Jackson if you’re nasty?”
