Excerpt from Livin’ Just Enough

They both treated her like a princess but only one of them made her his Queen. Alonzo is a gentleman but that won’t stop him from doing everything he can to keep Rachael’s ex and childhood sweetheart Aaron away from their love! If the only difference is Love vs. Money, when you love two men, who do you choose?!

The day after my birthday was the day that Aaron had requested to see me. However, I didn’t intend to see him when I arrived at Big Mama’s house. Just as I had promised Alonzo, I went to Big Mama’s to return Aaron’s money. That was my only intention of going there.

Unfortunately, someone else had other plans for me.

When I arrived, there were several cars in front of the house. I assumed the house would be full of Aaron’s family and friends celebrating his homecoming but when I went inside the house, the mood was far from cheerful. There were enough members of the Jones family in Big Mama’s house to have a mini family reunion, but from the looks on everyone’s faces, you would’ve thought they were gathered for a wake.

You don’t know how close to the truth I was with that thought.

I looked around to see if Big Mama was available so that I could drop off the money and be on my way. I went up to Aaron’s Aunt Erica and asked where Big Mama was. My question brought her to tears! As I apologized for upsetting her, she stammered out, “Sh-sh-she’s in h-h-her ro-oo-oo-oom…”

Big Mama’s bedroom was toward the back of the house, which meant that I had to wade through a hallway full of family members. Some of them hugged me and kissed me, saying how good I looked and how Aaron always talked about me. I, in turn, hugged and kissed my way to Big Mama.

When I reached the door, it was ajar. Aaron was having a private conversation with his grandmother. Although I tried not to eavesdrop, I couldn’t help hearing what was said.

“Aaron, you know you love that girl. You should’ve helped her out while you were in that awful place!” I heard Big Mama say.

“I know, Big Mama, but I didn’t think she’d wait for me to get out,” said Aaron. The sound of his voice sent unexpected tingles through my body. I couldn’t believe that he still had that effect on me!

“You didn’t believe she loved you enough to wait for you?” Big Mama coughed harshly.

“No, not really,” Aaron replied softly.

With a raspy voice, Big Mama asked, “Why not, Aaron?”

“Big Mama… ever since my Mama died, you’re the only one I’ve ever depended on for anything,” he explained.

“Has Rachael ever let you down before?” Big Mama asked.

There was a pause before Aaron responded. “No.”

“So what made you think she wouldn’t be there for you while you were in jail?” Big Mama coughed again making me almost enter the room to give her a glass of water.

“Honestly, I didn’t want Rachael to get tied down to me,” Aaron said, barely above a whisper. “I’m no good for her. She deserves better.”

What?! Aaron, I loved you! Why would you think you weren’t good enough for me???

“While I was out here, I took care of everything for her. I loved her and protected her, Big Mama! How in the hell could I do that from behind bars?!” As quickly as Aaron’s voice rose, it dropped almost to a whisper. “I just hope she doesn’t think she found someone better.”

“No one is better for her than my grandbaby!” coughed Big Mama, more violently than before. It was a rough smoker’s cough. Sounded like she was hocking up a lung.

I peeked in the doorway and saw Big Mama and Aaron’s reflections in her dresser mirror. Aaron reached over to Big Mama’s nightstand and poured her a glass of water. After he helped her sit up, she took a few sips.

Damn, he still looks good!

It had been a week since I’d last seen Big Mama, but I didn’t think she was this sick. I didn’t want to interrupt but if she was in her final moments, I wanted to say my last good-byes. I knocked lightly on the door.

“Who is it?” Big Mama asked weakly.

Timidly, I replied, “Rachael.”

What am I scared of? It’s just Aaron on the other side of this door.

“Come in, Rachael!” said Big Mama enthusiastically.

I opened the door enough to get a full view of Big Mama lying on her bed under the covers with Aaron sitting beside her. Aaron smiled and stood up when he saw me.

“Hi, Rachael. I see you got my letter.”

“Kris caught up with me last night,” I said while smiling at Big Mama.

“Belated Happy Birthday, Rachael,” said Big Mama with all the strength she had. “Come here and give me a hug.”

Barely acknowledging Aaron’s presence, I walked over to Big Mama and did as she asked. She patted the space beside her. “Sit down, child. I haven’t seen you in a while.”

Big Mama and I shared a laugh because she said that every week when I came to visit her.

Before I sat down, I opened my purse and handed Aaron the envelope with the $3,000 still in it. As I expected, Aaron looked puzzled.

“What’s this?”

“There’s a note inside that explains everything,” I replied politely. “I just want a moment with Big Mama, if you don’t mind.”

“Actually, Rachael, I want to talk to the both of you,” said Big Mama. Once again, she patted the bed. “Sit down, please.”

Slowly, I sat down beside Big Mama. Aaron put the envelope in the nightstand drawer before he sat behind me and slid his arms around my waist. Not one to put on a show for anyone, I immediately removed his hands before shooting him a dirty look.

“Aaron, please! You dropped me when you were locked up, remember?” I said to refresh his memory. “Don’t even try to act like you can just pick up where you left off!”

“Rachael… Aaron…”

Immediately, we focused our attention on Big Mama. “I wanted to make a last request of the two of you.”

“Whatever you want, Big Mama, it’s yours,” said Aaron as he once again eased his arms around my waist. I tactfully pinched his left arm to remind him to stop. He didn’t move, flinch or scream. He just kept his arms around my waist. He went so far as to put his head on my shoulder while Big Mama continued talking.

“Babies, I know how much you two love each other. You’ve known each other since you were kids. Grew up together. Fell in love…” Big Mama’s coughs were getting harder and rougher. “Babies… I wanted to see you two get married.”

MARRIED?!

“MARRIED?!” I exclaimed. “Big Mama… You want us to get married?!”

“We’ll do it,” replied Aaron.

I whipped around to look him in the face. “I know I didn’t just hear you tell your grandmother that we’d get married!”

“Yes, you did. Baby, I promised you that the next time I gave you a ring box, it will be what you’re expecting.” Aaron reached inside his pants pocket, knelt down to the floor and pulled out a burgundy ring box. “Rachael, will you…”

Before he finished, I jumped up and shouted, “Aww, HELL NAW!!!” Realizing that I’d said that in front of Big Mama, I quickly apologized. “I’m sorry, Big Mama, but I can’t marry Aaron!”

She simply said, “You still love him, don’t you?”

I looked at Aaron before responding. “Yes, Big Mama, I still love Aaron, but not enough to forgive him, let alone marry him.”

Big Mama reached for my hand. As she gently squeezed it, she said, “But you still love him, right?”

I hesitated before responding. I looked from Aaron to Big Mama. From his baby face to her grandmotherly grin. From his beautiful hazel eyes to hers.

“I do.”

“Then you can do this for me, right?” Big Mama reached up for my hand. I took hers and sat back down beside her. “There is nothing you two can’t get through as long as you love each other.”

My mind raced with thoughts of a wedding. Me coming down the aisle with a mile long train. My groom standing at the altar with his back to me. I step up to the altar. The minister asks that the bride and groom face each other but, instead of Aaron, I see Alonzo.

“Big Mama, I’m sorry, but I can’t marry Aaron,” I apologized. “I love someone else.”

Aaron dropped the ring box. “You love him? You barely know him!”

Big Mama squeezed my hand. “Rachael… please. I just want to see my grandbaby happy. You make him happy. You are the best thing to ever happen in his life. He loves you!”

I looked directly at Aaron. “Love doesn’t make you fend for yourself. Love doesn’t say ‘Your problem, not mine.’ Love stands behind you no matter what!” I looked back at Big Mama. “I was willing to do anything for Aaron until he showed me that I wasn’t shit!”

Aaron picked up the ring box and started to walk out of the room. Before his hand could reach the doorknob, Big Mama clutched at her chest, gasping for air!

“Aaron!”

“Big Mama!” Aaron exclaimed in horror. Immediately, Aaron was at her side while I checked to see if she was breathing. She was… Barely.

With her last breath, she said, “He loves you, Rachael. Marry him.”

Just hours after my meeting with Aaron and Big Mama, I was sitting at my dining room table with Alonzo, Chico and Meeka.

“You what?!” Alonzo looked like he could spit nails!

“I told Aaron’s grandmother that I would marry him,” I said as I dabbed a tissue at my eyes.

“WHY?!” Alonzo asked.

I couldn’t face Alonzo. Instead, I stared at my hand that wore the engagement ring Aaron had given me before Big Mama passed away. I was remembering the smile on Big Mama’s beautiful face as Aaron slipped the ring on my finger. Her late husband had given the same engagement ring to her.

“It was her dying wish,” I said in explanation.

“Is she dead?” my boyfriend asked seriously.

How could you be so insensitive?!

“Alonzo!” cried Meeka.

After a brief pause, Alonzo asked in all seriousness, “Well, is she?”

“She died at the hospital about an hour ago,” I said as tears streamed down my face. “I left her house after the ambulance took her away but Aaron called just before y’all got here to tell me she was gone.”

“Aww, girl,” said Meeka as she took me into her arms. “I know how much you loved her and I know you’ll miss her, but we’re here for you.”

Alonzo stood up from the table. “I don’t believe this shit!”

He walked over to my patio doors and slammed his fist against the glass. Chico got up to settle him down, but Alonzo pushed him away.

“How the fuck she supposed to be my girl when she accepted his marriage proposal?!”

“Zo, man, she ain’t gotta marry him,” Chico reasoned. “Baby Girl only promised the old bird that she’d do it so she could die peacefully.”

Alonzo’s face brightened. “Yeah… Chico, you’re right. Ain’t nuthin to worry about.” My now calmer boyfriend walked over to me and knelt in front of me. “Baby, let’s go take him his ring back.”

“Zo,” said Meeka. “Ron just lost his grandmother. You want to break his heart further by making him take the ring back?”

Alonzo stood up and looked at my friend. “I don’t give a fuck about his feelings, Meeka,” he said seriously. “He used his dying grandmother to propose to my lady!”

“Boo, she’s right,” I reminded Alonzo as I stood in front of him. “This can wait until later. At least until after the funeral.”

“So you’re gonna wear the ring until then?!” Alonzo asked in disbelief.

Not seeing any reason why I should wear the ring right then, I slipped it off my finger before putting it in my jewelry box in my bedroom.

“I’ll put it away until the funeral. I’ll give it back to him at the repast.”

“Speaking of the funeral,” said Alonzo as he took my hands in his. “I’m going with you.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Boo,” I stated.

Alonzo’s hands tensed up. “Why not?”

“The last thing that family needs is a confrontation between you and Aaron at the funeral,” I explained. “I’ll take Meeka with me for support. Besides, how would it look with me walking in there with you on my arm?”

“It’ll look like you came with your man,” Alonzo said matter-of-factly.

“But Zo, she’s supposed to be engaged to Ron,” said Meeka. “His family would find it a bit suspicious that Ron’s fiancée is at the funeral all lovey dovey with you.”

“I’ll come straight home after the funeral and you will have me for the rest of… well, you’ll have me all to yourself.” I didn’t want to assume that Alonzo was ready for a serious commitment. Although I was, I also didn’t want to scare him away.

Alonzo must have noticed my hesitation. “I want you for the rest of my life, Rachael. And when the time is right, I’ll give you a proper proposal.” He sealed his promise with a kiss.

“Oooo, Girl. We gotta hurry if we want to get to the mall before it closes!” squealed Meeka.

“The mall?” asked Chico. “You always at the mall, Meeka. Whatchu need now?!”

“Me and Baby Girl gotta find some fly gear to wear to the funeral,” explained Meeka. “I want Ron to know what a good woman he gave up and she gon’ look so tight he’ll wish he was Zo!”

“I like that idea, Meeka,” said Alonzo as he pulled me closer to him. “I’m sure you’ve got plenty of stuff to wear but Meeka’s right. You can go get something new for the funeral. Get something you don’t want to wear again cuz it’s going to Goodwill after this shit is over.”

I gave Alonzo a sideways glance. “Why would I get something that I wouldn’t want to wear again?”

“It’s not that you wouldn’t want to wear it,” said Alonzo. “I know I won’t want to see it on you because at some point during the funeral, he’s gonna touch you while he’s fronting like you’re his woman.”

“I’ll be keeping that to a minimum, trust me,” I assured Alonzo.

“That’s my Baby.” Alonzo kissed me on my neck.

“You ready to go, Baby Girl?” said Meeka anxiously.

“Yeah. I just need to get my purse and keys,” I said as I began looking for them.

“Here…” Alonzo handed me his Platinum Visa card and the keys to the Escalade. I looked at the card and keys then up at Alonzo. Before I could say anything, Alonzo said, “Nothing but the best for my Baby. Have fun. Dinner will be ready when you get back.”

Meeka looked from Alonzo to Chico. “How come you don’t do stuff like that for me?”

“Cuz I ain’t rollin’ like dat!” Chico smiled.

Meeka gave Chico a teasing punch before we grabbed our coats and walked out of the apartment. The elevator doors were barely closed before she started dishing dirt.

“Girrrrl, remember when I told you that I had some shit to tell you?” she gushed.

“Mm-hmm,” I replied as I put Alonzo’s credit card into my wallet.

“Baby Girl, I knew about Ron getting out but since we both started working, I hardly had any time to just chill and talk with you,” Meeka explained. “I wanted to warn you that Ron was coming back early but whenever I saw you, we were with our men. I thought Ron was going down for some years but apparently the police illegally stopped and searched him so the judge threw the case out. Ron and Kris called me a few times trying to find you but you had moved out and didn’t give me your new number or tell me where you moved to. And I fa damn sho wasn’t gonna give him Zo’s number. I did tell him that you had a new man but Ron wasn’t trying to hear that!”

The elevator hit the first floor. As the doors opened, we were blinded by the glare of the sun off the glossy lobby floor. Immediately, we put on our sunglasses and headed for the Escalade.

“Thanks for looking out, Meeka,” I said. “I’m sorry I didn’t give you my new number, but…”

“Girl, don’t apologize. I wouldn’t give you my new number either if I was trying to hide from my ex,” Meeka stated.

“I wasn’t hiding, Meeka,” I said defensively.

“Nah, Girl. I mean I understand why you didn’t tell me. I know I gossip too much and I probably would’ve told Ron your number, address and the security code if I knew the information.” Meeka laughed nervously.

Her laugh made me uneasy, but I quickly brushed off my doubt. We hopped into the Escalade and headed for the Saint Louis Galleria for some serious shopping.

Minutes later, we pulled into the mall’s parking garage. We were barely inside when three youngens walked up to us trying to mack. The oldest one looked like he might be seventeen.

“Excuse me, but can I talk to you?” asked the shortest of the group. I would guess he was the spokesperson. Unfortunately, he spoke to the wrong person: Meeka. And she didn’t waste any time cutting them all down.

“Look, little boy,” she said damn near pushing her 38D’s into his mouth. “I don’t have time to babysit right now so why don’t you and your little friends run along and find the game store so you can play with the new video games.”

“Oooo, Shorty, man, she got you!” said the tallest one.

“Dayum! Cutie got chu, man!” said the oldest looking one.

Meeka looked at the other two boys. “I was talking about all of y’all. Now step before I call ya mama to come and pick you up.”

“Whateva, man. Come on, y’all,” said Shorty. “We don’t want yo old ass pussy no way!”

“Boy, I’ll…” I had to grab Meeka who was in the process of preparing to beat those boys as they ran away, laughing and joking with each other.

“Meeka, let them go. They’re just kids,” I said, suppressing a giggle.

“Disrespectful little bastards. Ain’t got no home training!” she shouted at the now absent teenagers.

“Meeka?!”

“I know…” Meeka took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “That’s not what we’re here for. Ah’ight. Forget them. Let’s shop!”

Meeka tried to get me to buy some hoochie wear but I reminded her that we were going to a funeral, not the club. Finally, we compromised and settled on two simple yet slightly revealing black dresses.

As we walked out of the clothing store after purchasing our dresses, Meeka lamented, “I wish we wore the same size, Baby Girl, cuz then I could have your dress before Zo throws it away.”

“Now why would anyone throw away such a beautiful dress for such a beautiful lady?” came a mellow voice from behind us.

I shook my head praying that it was not who I thought it was. When I turned around, I found myself face to face with Aaron and his boys. Kris, Devin and Jay said a collective “Hi”.

“Hey, Baby Girl.” Aaron said with a seductive grin.

Usually, I addressed Aaron by his given name in return. This time, I just looked at him.

“Don’t my fiancée look beautiful, y’all. She’s so happy, she’s glowing!” Aaron took my hands in his. I kept my eyes locked on his, waiting for his expression to change when he realized that I wasn’t wearing his ring. I was disappointed that he didn’t react in front of our audience. “Excuse us, for a second, Meeka. I need to speak to Baby Girl in private.”

“Girl?” Meeka asked, looking at me.

“I’ll be alright. Just give me a minute,” I assured her as Aaron took my hand and led me away from our friends.

Aaron stopped at a bench and asked me to have a seat. Not wanting to cause a scene, I sat down. Aaron sat close and held up my hands. After he kissed each one, he looked into my eyes. “Rachael, where’s your ring?”

“At home, Aaron,” I replied simply.

“Baby, how’s everybody gonna know we’re engaged if you don’t wear my ring?” he asked, smiling at me.

“Aaron, we’re not engaged. I told Big Mama that I would marry you so she could rest in peace.”

“No, you didn’t. You said yes because you love me.” He attempted to kiss me, but I leaned back. “Don’t do that. They’re watching,” he warned.

I took a sideways glance at Meeka and Aaron’s boys. Sure enough, they were all up in our grills. Reluctantly, I let Aaron kiss me. If I hadn’t stopped him, he would’ve kissed me until the mall closed.

Butterflies… I still feel butterflies…

As our lips parted, Aaron said, “You told Big Mama you still love me, Rachael.”

“Your point?”

“My point is that we can make this work,” he replied.

I tried to scoot away from Aaron but that just made him pull me closer to him. “This can’t work because I already have someone else in my life,” I pointed out.

“He’s the rebound man, Sweetheart. It won’t last. Besides…” Aaron leaned close to my ear. “I’m your first. You never get over your first.”

“I’m not marrying you, Aaron.” I attempted to get up but Aaron pulled me down onto his lap.

“I don’t want to fight although I wouldn’t mind making up.” Aaron went straight for my tickle spots. I couldn’t help laughing. To the outside eye, it may have looked like Aaron and I were your typical happy couple proudly displaying their affection for each other.

Realizing who was making me smile, I quickly got off Aaron’s lap and changed the subject.

“Why did you send the money, Aaron?”

“I thought the letter was self-explanatory,” he said as he stood, quickly tugging me into a bear hug.

“You mentioned that you were looking for an apartment,” I stated, failing at pushing him away from me. “Why didn’t you go back to your good buddy, Mr. Napoli?”

“He found somebody to take our apartment and his wife prefers the money over the favors,” said Aaron with a chuckle. “He said that if something comes up that we’re more than welcome to come back.”

“There is no we, Aaron,” I reminded him.

Halting his hug, he held my chin in his hand. “You will be mine again, Rachael.”

Just then, Meeka’s nervous laughter came to my mind.

Suspiciously, I asked, “Aaron, why are you in the mall? Big Mama just died today and you’re out shopping? Did Meeka tell you where we were going?”

“Meeka and I don’t hang like that. I see her occasionally but unless you’re there, I don’t speak to her. Besides, I could say the same about you being up in the mall.” Aaron grinned revealing the little dimple in his right cheek.

Not as deep as Alonzo’s.

“I had to find something to wear for Big Mama’s funeral,” I explained.

Looking puzzled, Aaron asked, “Out of all the clothes I bought you, you didn’t have anything to wear?”

“I don’t have those clothes. I bought a whole new wardrobe,” I replied proudly, thinking back to the day that Alonzo and I packed up everything Aaron bought for me and dropped them off at Goodwill. Never one to turn down a good hand-me-down, it felt great to give something back to the community.

“Mmm…,” Aaron purred while licking his lips. “You rollin’ like that now?”

“Yes. Now if you’ll excuse me,” I said as I turned to leave.

Aaron grabbed me and wrapped his arms around my waist. “Rachael, I love you. You love me. We’ll be happy. I promise.”

“Why are you here, Aaron?” I asked as I pushed him away.

“I couldn’t stand to be away from you another minute,” said Aaron as he pulled me back into his arms. “No sense in waiting until after the funeral. Why don’t you come home tonight?”

“Home? I have a place of my own, thank you,” I said as I pushed myself away again. “Why can’t you understand that it is over between us? Or did you forget that that was your decision?”

Aaron put a finger to my lips. “Shh, someone might hear you and think you’re serious.”

“I am serious, Aaron!” Shaking my head, I looked over at Meeka who was tapping her watch. “Did Meeka call you and tell you we’d be here?”

“NO!” Pulling me back to him, Aaron nodded his head at his boys. “Look, a couple weeks back, Devin saw you riding down Delmar in a silver Escalade. I told him that you didn’t have a car but when we rolled past an apartment building earlier today and saw you and Meeka get in it, we decided to follow you. Now here we are. Lovers reunited.” Aaron leaned in for a kiss, but I turned my head sideways. “That’s cool. We’ll have plenty of time to pick up where we left off when you come back home.”

Tired of arguing my point with Aaron, I broke free from his hold and stalked past Meeka. “Let’s go!” I snapped in her direction.

“O-OK?” Meeka had to run to keep up with me. “Is everything alright, Baby Girl?”

“It will be when I get back home to Alonzo.”

“I LOVE YOU, RACHAEL!” Aaron was at the opposite end of the tunnel that Meeka and I were taking to get to the truck. His words echoed off the walls. “I’LL SEE YOU TONIGHT! YOUR PLACE AT EIGHT! AH’IGHT!”

I stopped dead in my tracks.

Bravely, I turned around and said, “That’ll be a bit impossible since you don’t know where I live, Aaron.” As I continued walking, I stopped suddenly when Aaron said my building’s address. The only thing he didn’t say was the apartment number. I looked at Meeka in horror.

“I don’t know the exact apartment number but if I have to go to each and every door until I find you, I will!” Aaron said as he walked down the tunnel toward us.

“JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!” I screamed. Just as I reached the door to the garage, I heard Aaron’s parting words:

“TIL DEATH DO US PART, RACHAEL. TIL DEATH DO US PART!”

I won’t front and act like I’m a perfect angel because I’m far from that, but I would do anything to make my Baby Girl happy. Rachael never asked me for much, which made it easier to give her anything she asked for. And if she couldn’t give me what I needed, I didn’t hold it against her. Instead, I made myself happy when she couldn’t. Although I was her first lover, Rachael wasn’t mine. And rather than admit that I was cheating on her, I let her think that I sold drugs to explain why I couldn’t see her. The closest I came to drugs was smokin’ blunts with my boys. Partly out of guilt from cheating on her, I bought gifts for my Baby Girl to make it seem like I was ballin’. In fact, I was living off the allowance I was getting from my grandmother and tips from working at my boy’s barbershop.

After my mom died, when I wasn’t at school, hustling out in the streets or spending time with Rachael, I was messing around with my girl Angela DeVille. She and I kept it on the low because she was dating my boy Devin Lawson. I didn’t want to lose Rachael but my Baby Girl wasn’t ready to lose her virginity and I was ready to fuck. Luckily for me, Angela was having issues with Devin so we were able to help each other out. I didn’t care that Angela was using me to get back at Devin and until Rachael was ready, I had no problem getting my needs met by Angela.

On her 16th birthday, Rachael and I made love for the first time. From that point forward, I was hooked on her love and I decided to end my affair with Angela. I couldn’t risk losing Rachael over a piece of ass! Once I got all the lovin’ I needed from my Baby Girl, I had no need to go back to Angela. But that didn’t mean she didn’t want me. Givin’ it up anytime Rachael wouldn’t or couldn’t, Angela was the perfect side chick. Unfortunately for my lover, my heart wanted Rachael and it was about time I became the man she needed.

“So that’s it?! We just stop cuz she’s fucking you now?!” Angela snapped when I told her we were over.

“You’ve got Devin! If you put this much effort into fucking him, you wouldn’t need me!” I exclaimed as I nervously looked out of my living room window, anticipating Rachael’s arrival.

“And you KNOW Devin is fucking around on me!” Angela exclaimed loudly, causing me to look in her direction.

“Will you just shut the fuck up?! Damn girl! You TRYNNA make sure the neighbors know you’re here?!” I exclaimed before I went back to looking out of the window. “Look Angela. You and I are done. I told you what this was and I never lied to you. Now that Baby Girl is givin’ it up, I don’t need you anymore.”

“What about our baby?” Angela asked quietly.

Thinking that I hadn’t heard her correctly, I looked at Angela. “What the fuck did you just say?!”

“Aaron, I’m pregnant,” Angela said, looking directly into my eyes.

Smirking, I laughed at Angela. “Bitch, please! If you ARE pregnant, it ain’t mine cuz I strapped up EVERY time I fucked you! You sure it ain’t Devin’s?!”

Dropping her head, she replied, “No, I’m not sure.”

“Well, Sweetheart, until you prove it’s mine, don’t say it’s mine!” I said as I spotted Rachael walking down the street toward my apartment building. “FUCK! She’s here! You gotta go!”

Reluctantly, Angela prepared to leave. “Aaron, I won’t be a problem for you anymore. I’m moving to New York to go to school there. You don’t want me. Devin doesn’t want me. And if she finds out about you and me, Baby Girl will kill me!”

“Yeah, New York. Good idea. Gon’ and start over. Best of luck,” I said as I ushered Angela out of my apartment, praying that Rachael wouldn’t see Angela on her way in.

Coming so close to losing Rachael was too close for comfort! I had already practically begged Rachael to move in every day after I moved into my apartment. I never fucked Angela there because I wanted to christen every inch of my apartment with Rachael’s and my love. That night, I convinced Rachael to move in with me to put an end to my extracurricular activities with Angela.

People like to mistake my confidence with cockiness. If I want something, I go after it. It’s not my fault I usually get what I want! I’ve been blessed to work smarter not harder and getting Rachael Wallace was no exception.

As fine as she was, standing in my club line looking sexy as hell, I didn’t assume it would be easy to get Rachael to be mine. Once she told me how lame her ex-boyfriend was, I knew I didn’t have any competition. I simply did what I do best: make my lady know she’s the ONLY one in my world. Rachael was mine from the minute our eyes met and I wasn’t letting anyone or anything tear us apart.

My plan was to focus our time together outside the bedroom but, for real, that was a challenge for me considering how sexy Rachael is. First, she caught my attention with her smile, then those beautiful legs and sexy eyes hooked me in but I soon started to love everything about Rachael. Her gentle voice and ladylike demeanor were a welcome change from all of the hoochies that ran in and out of my clubs. I finally found a decent woman I could bring home to my family.

Growing up bouncing from one foster home to the next, it was hard for me to get attached to a family just to be pulled away to be placed with another one. It wasn’t until I discovered my father and his family did I allow myself to love someone. And I gave in just in time to meet the love of my life, Rachael Lee Wallace.

Had I taken the time to learn more about Rachael’s history with Aaron, I would’ve handled things differently. It’s hard to forget your first love and for me to expect Rachael to simply erase the memory of Aaron was a bit much to ask. Instead, I allowed her to dissolve their relationship on her own to give her the closure she needed. Unfortunately, Aaron mistook Rachael’s kindness for love and he thought he could worm his way back into her life.

Not with me around, he wasn’t!