Page 10

GERMAYNE

“ C heck 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 had a 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.

“Propose what? Commitment? Cohabitation? What are you talking about?” I ask, adjusting the suit jacket I’m checking out with the tailor.

Essence’s man either doesn’t have family and friends that like or tolerate him, or he’s a yes man who is willing to relinquish complete control of his wedding to Essence.

Either way, I think he’s trying too hard because not only am I one of his groomsmen, but so are Jarrod and Desi.

I understand including me, but my future brother-in-law doesn’t know Desi or Jarrod from a can of paint to have them standing with him on his big day.

“Better than that, what about Chardonnay makes you believe she’s ready or open to saying yes to a proposal?” Jarrod adds.

“Don’t. Me and Chardonnay are on better terms, so I want to ask her to marry me,” Desi tells us.

“You’re about to lose more than the cost of this suit if you ask that girl to marry you. You’re lucky she agreed to fake dating your ass. Don’t push it.” Jarrod looks Desi up and down before shaking his head while walking away.

“Isn’t my love enough, though?” Desi asks dejectedly while staring at Jarrod’s retreating back.

“This ain’t that, and I don’t want to see you go out bad. Give Chardonnay more time, bro.” Patting Desi on the shoulder, I follow Jarrod's direction, feeling bad for my friend.

My cousin has him in and out of his feelings like she’s in a game of double Dutch, and I hate it for him.

I have done my best to steer him away from Chardonnay, but his no-listening wannabe in-love ass refuses to hear anything but Chardonnay’s rants, so it's above me at this point. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I dial my woman’s number, chuckling lightly because she could have me strung out like Desi if I’m not careful.

“Hello, handsome. To what do I owe this pleasure?”

“I’m wondering what you plan to wear to the wedding. I can’t have you not matching my fly and shit.”

“Tuh. You’re reaching, but what are the wedding colors? I’ll find something to blend in,” Chaniya informs me.

“Hold on a second,” I say when another call hits my line, instantly piquing my interest upon seeing the hospital’s number flashing on the screen. “Hello.”

“Hi, Germayne. Dr. Carpenter asked me to call you. There’s a few mothers in active labor, and she needs your assistance,” the scheduling assistant provides after my greeting.

“Okay. I’m on my way.” I speak again when the call ends, resuming the connection with Chaniya. “I’m back. I gotta head to work. If it's not too late and you’re free, I’d like to cook for you again. We can discuss the wedding details then.”

“Ooh. I have Caleb, so tonight isn’t good for me, but call me when you’re able to talk.”

“Say less.”

Dating a single mother comes with challenges, yet those obstacles won’t be the reason Chaniya and I don’t work out. Meeting her made me consider my future and settle down in hopes of finding a woman to commit myself to for a lifetime.

“What’s your relationship with your son’s father like? Y’all get along and shit?”

No matter how often Chaniya and I talk, it’s never enough for me, so I’m always down to sit on the phone with her whenever and however long the opportunity arises.

It’s weird because I’m not a man who likes sitting on the phone, talking about everything and nothing.

Yet, being with Chaniya makes me cherish every phone conversation and time I get in her presence.

“Nonexistent. Caleb’s father isn’t present.

I’m taking care of him by myself with some help from my mom, grandmother, and family.

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I, for one, can attest to the truth within that statement.

Without my family, I don’t know what I would do.

They’ve never turned their backs on me and are always willing to spend time with Caleb. ”

An immediate and deep frown slides into place upon hearing Chaniya’s words because, as a man raised by both parents, I don’t respect any man who doesn’t take care of their child.

Having an amazing father, I can value and appreciate what it means to have one, which irks me to know Caleb’s father didn’t step up to help raise him.

“Where is he at? Maybe he needs a little motivation because although his sperm was free, his responsibility isn’t.”

Silence becomes a backdrop after I make my statement, causing my brows to wrinkle when Chaniya doesn’t respond.

“Why are you so quiet, Chaniya?”

“I’m to blame for doing this shit on my own.” Chaniya whispers so low I almost didn’t hear what she said.

“Nah, you did?—”

“I was drunk and slept with three men, and they vanished into thin air, making it impossible for me to track them down for a paternity test.” Chaniya’s spiel is aggressive, with a hint of hurt and sadness that pinches my heart.

I don’t know which makes me madder: Chaniya blaming herself or the careless men who didn’t strap up despite the risky behavior.

“Man, fuck that. You didn’t fuck yourself, no matter how many people you entertained. Those niggas had a responsibility to, at minimum, cover their dick that night. This ain’t all on you, so stop blaming yourself. There has only been one virgin capable of delivering a baby, Chaniya.”

My heavy, deadpan, and aggressive tone can’t be helped due to the fire flowing through my bloodstream.

“Owning my mistake, that soon became my blessing, has been something I’ve done since the morning after the escapade with those men.”

“Hm. Well, it's time for you to stop that shit. Listen, we’ve all done some reckless shit in our lives. While yours resulted in you getting pregnant, mine resulted in the need for a double restraining order. We?—”

“Hold up. You’re not about to push past that like it didn’t cause some questions. Spill the tea.”

“In my early twenties, I went to a party and wound up sticking dick to two cousins and one of their best friends. It's another reason I can’t attempt to condemn or judge you for your behavior. We all have a past, Chaniya. As long as you still aren’t moving the same way, all is well.”

“Nope. Definitely learned my lesson, and after dealing with my ex, I’m scared to let you meet Caleb.

That's why I quickly shut down his inquiry into who you are. I don’t want my son to feel backlash if things don't work out. I also don’t want him to think his mother is okay with parading random men around him. ”

“Listen, you never have to explain being a mother to your son. I’ll respect your wishes, and whenever you feel like it's time, I’ll be ready. I ain’t going anywhere.”

“Thank you, Germayne. I appreciate that. It’s been so hard trying to maneuver what we’re starting to build and not failing Caleb.”

“Take the pressure off, Chaniya. I promise I’m not on any bullshit. We’re doing things organically minus your pretty ass escorting me to Essence’s wedding,” I say, chuckling.

“No worries. I have my babysitter lined up, so I’m yours for the weekend if need be.”

My dick stands at attention at Chaniya’s words, causing me to close my eyes to control the rapid beating within my chest.

“Hell yeah, there’s a need for you to be with me. All weekend is a bonus I should have gotten after delivering six babies back-to-back.”

“Then you got me, Mr. Malone. Where are the festivities anyway? Oh, shoot, what are the colors? I need to make sure I have my ensemble together.”

“It’ll be at some resort-style place about two hours away, so you staying with me for the weekend will be clutch. Purple and white are her colors. Do you have something? If not, we can hit up the mall to get you together. It’s last minute, so I’ll expense whatever you need.”

“Oh no. I got something in both of those colors. I’m good, but thanks for offering. Are we going to be leaving on Friday? I need to determine if I need to leave work early.”

“Yes, we’re leaving on Friday. What time do you get off?”

“We close at two on Fridays.”

“That’s perfect. Take your stuff with you, and come to my house when you leave work.”

“Okay. This is gonna be so much fun. I love weddings.”

“Say less, Chaniya.”