Three Is A Crowd

by Chenell Parker

  “Hey baby. I’ve been missing you,” he said as soon as he answered.

  “Yeah and your wife is missing a few screws,” Jersi replied.

  “What do you mean?” he asked.

  “That crazy bitch just tried to fight me at Tabby’s house. She claims that she smells the same perfume on me or some shit,” Jersi replied, not bothering to tell him that she really started it.

  “I don’t know what’s wrong with her but I’ll deal with it. When can I see you again? I have something for you,” Blake said.

  “You always have something for me,” Jersi replied as she rolled her eyes.

  Blake was always buying her expensive shoes, purses, and jewelry but she didn’t need any of it. She had given Ariel a brand new pair of red bottoms and a Gucci purse. Jersi was very familiar with labels so that didn’t impress her.

  “I know, I like to spoil you. When can I see you again?” he asked again.

  “I’ll let you know,” Jersi replied.

  “A friend of mine is having a gathering in a few weeks. I want you to come with me,” Blake said.

  “Are you trying to get busted Blake. I’m sure this friend knows Mariah too,” Jersi replied as if she cared.

  She wanted somebody to tell Mariah about her just like somebody had to tell her about Mariah. She needed to know that her actions had consequences.

  “Let me worry about that. I’ll let you know when and where when I find out,” he noted.

  “I’ll see, but I have to go. We’ll talk later,” Jersi said.

  “Okay baby, I love you,” Blake replied right before Jersi hung up,

  She would die a slow death before she lied and told him that she loved him too. He didn’t deserve her love and he would never get it again.

  Jersi pulled up the address that Memphis gave her and let her GPS lead the way. She called him when she got there to let him know that she was outside. The house was a nice size and they had lots of parking in the area. There were lots of cars out front already and she was a nervous wreck. She was happy when she saw his truck because he needed to come outside to get her. Besides Blake, Jersi had never met another man’s family before. Blake really didn’t count because they had been around each other their entire life. Meeting Memphis’ family was a big step to her. That was something that would either make or break what they were trying to build.

  “S top being so scary girl,” Memphis said as he grabbed Jersi’s hand and led her up the stairs.

  She called and told him to come outside but that was twenty minutes ago. They stood out front talking but he knew that she was stalling. Jersi looked good as fuck and he was ready to show her off to everybody.

  “Don’t leave me Memphis. I don’t care if you have to go to the bathroom. I’m coming with you,” Jersi replied.

  “Girl you ain’t ready to see this python,” he joked.

  “Boy bye. Shit might be an earth worm,” she laughed.

  “Don’t make me pull this big muthafucker out to show you,” he threatened.

  “I’ll pass,” Jersi replied as a woman and man walked out the front door.

  “This is my youngest brother, Vance, and his wife Zora. Y’all, this is my friend, Jersi,” Memphis said as he introduced everyone.

  “It’s nice to meet y’all,” Jersi smiled as she shook their hands.

  “Same here,” Vance replied with a sincere smile.

  “I know you ain’t leaving lil bro,” Memphis said.

  “Nah, we’re going get some more ice,” Vance replied as he and his wife continued down the stairs.

  When they walked into the house, Jersi squeezed his hand tighter. There were people everywhere and Memphis said that wasn’t all of them. He took Jersi around and introduced her to everyone. His entire family was nice and they were very welcoming. After a while, Jersi relaxed and was talking to a few of his female cousins. The game was on and the men were all into it. Once Memphis saw that she was okay, he left her alone for a little while. He checked on her occasionally but she was good.

  “Where is the bathroom?” Jersi asked one of the older ladies in the kitchen.

  “Down the hall, last door on the left,” she replied as she pointed.

  “Thank you,” Jersi smiled as she walked away.

  She was happy to see that the spacious bathroom was clean and smelled fresh. After relieving herself, she washed her hands and checked herself in the huge circular mirror. Once she was satisfied with her appearance, she opened the door right as some one was about to knock. Jersi jumped when she saw the man and held her chest.

  “My fault sweetheart. I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said flashing a beautiful smile.

  “That’s okay,” Jersi smiled back as she moved to the side to let him enter.

  “I know you’re not related to me. I would have remembered a cousin as beautiful as you,” he flirted using a lame ass pick up line.

  “No, I’m not related to anyone here. I came with a friend,” Jersi replied.

  “What’s your name beautiful?” he asked.

  Jersi didn’t know who he was but he gave off a bad vibe. He had sneaky eyes and she didn’t trust him already. He had to be related to Memphis but she didn’t know how.

  “My name is Jersi,” she replied.

  “You got a man Jersi?” he asked as he licked his lips lustfully.

  “Yep, so back the fuck up,” Memphis replied as he walked up and grabbed her by the waist.

  “You don’t listen. I told you not to leave me,” Jersi said as she punched his arm.

  “You were talking to my people so I thought you were good,” Memphis replied.

  “Damn cousin, that’s you?” the other man asked.

  “Stop being so thirsty nigga. This is my cousin Juan, just in case you’re wondering,” Memphis said as he pecked Jersi’s lips and walked away.

  He and Jersi didn’t have a title but his cousin didn’t need to know that. Juan watched as his cousin left with one of the most beautiful women that he’d probably ever seen. He didn’t understand how the nigga did it. Memphis was ugly as fuck to him but he always pulled the baddest bitches. Juan wasn’t a slacker in the looks department but his cousin had him beat.

  “What is she doing here?” Jersi whispered when they walked into the kitchen and saw Lila standing there talking to some of his cousins.

  “I’ll tell you about it later,” Memphis replied.

  Lila looked over at them and frowned in disgust. She didn’t know what happened between the two of them not too long ago but she knew that Memphis was done with Jersi. He handled her like she was a nobody when she came to the gym but he was all in her face now. He kept kissing on her before he took a seat and pulled her on his lap. They looked like a couple but Lila wasn’t sure. She had been around their family for years but that was her first time seeing Memphis bring a woman around. He must have really liked Jersi and that made Lila despise her even more.

  “Stop acting like you can’t speak Memphis,” Lila said when she walked over to him.

  “What’s up?” he spoke, never even looking up at her.

  “Where the beer at?” someone yelled when they entered the kitchen.

  Jersi looked up and was shocked to see the same man who was outside of the car wash begging for money the day before. He was dressed in Saints gear with a plate of food in his hand.

  “Isn’t that the man that was by the car wash yesterday?” Jersi whispered.

  “Yeah, that’s that nigga,” Memphis replied bitterly.

  “How do you know him?” Jersi questioned.

  “That’s my deadbeat ass daddy,” he replied like it was nothing.

  “What!” Jersi shrieked in shock.

  Although his father did them dirty, they were still close with his side of the family. His aunties were the ones who helped Valerie pay bills and put food on the table when Jonah left. They didn’t really fuck with their brother either but they tolerated him. Some of them even gave him a place to sleep until he pissed them off. Other
than that, nobody knew where he actually lived and they didn’t seem to care. The way Memphis and his brother handled him made it seem like he was a bum on the streets. Jersi would have never guessed that he was even related to them.

  “Yeah, that’s something else that we’ll talk about later,” he replied.

  When Juan walked into the room, he acted as if he couldn’t keep his eyes off Jersi. She and Memphis were whispering to each other, having their own private conversation. He was a hater and that was why he decided to interrupt.

  “Say cousin, when you gon’ put me on? Nigga been trying to get a job with you for the longest,” Juan said.

  “Man, get the fuck outta here. I’ve offered you several jobs but your ass is just lazy,” Memphis replied in disgust.

  When Memphis used to talk about opening a business, Juan was all for it. He swore that he was saving his money to invest but when the time came, that proved to be a lie. He was lazy and always looking for a handout. He was a ladies man who felt that everything should be given to him. He wanted Memphis to put up all the money while he reaped the benefits but that wasn’t happening. He was pissed when Memphis let his two brothers run the car washes instead of him. He wanted a manager’s spot but Memphis was trying to play him. Juan would rather chase pussy instead of a bag and Memphis didn’t respect that. He always found women to take care of him and Lila was one of them. Juan wore top of the line clothes and drove a Bentley truck like he was a boss. He had all that but still lived with his mama whenever Lila put him out of her house. Juan hung around the car wash with JJ all day like he was getting paid to do it. The nigga was a scrub who JJ had to feed every time he got food for himself. Juan felt like they were obligated to look out for him because his mother did the same for them when their father left. Juanita could get anything from her nephews but her son had the game fucked up.

  “Man, you wanted a nigga to wash cars. You even put your frat brothers on before me. We’re blood. I deserved something better than that,” Juan replied like he was entitled to something.

  “Blood don’t mean nothing to them niggas. Ask me, I can tell you that. Vance is the only one who got a heart,” Memphis’ father chimed in.

  “You ready to go beautiful?” Memphis asked as he looked at Jersi.

  “Yeah,” Jersi replied as she stood up.

  The game was almost over and his team was winning by more than twenty points. It was still early but he wasn’t in the mood to deal with the bullshit. His temper wasn’t the best and everybody knew that. The way his attitude was set up, he would lay Juan and his father out in his auntie’s kitchen. Memphis told everyone that he was leaving and he and Jersi made their exit. He wasn’t ready for their night to end but he wanted to see how she felt about it.

  “What you got going on for the rest of the night?” Memphis asked as they stood in front of her car.

  “Nothing, I thought I was hanging with you for the day,” she replied.

  “That was the plan but I’m not trying to be around them niggas. I’ll fuck around and go to jail,” Memphis replied.

  “We can go to my house if you want to,” Jersi offered to his surprise.

  “Lead the way and I’ll follow you,” Memphis replied.

  Jersi waited until he got into his car before she pulled off. She was a little nervous about having company at her house. Besides Carter, she had never entertained another man there. Still, she led the way and Memphis was right behind her. When they pulled through the gate, Jersi parked in her assigned spot before directing Memphis to one of the visitor’s spots. She waited until he got of his car before they walked up the stairs to her house.

  “Damn, this is nice,” Memphis complimented when they walked inside.

  Jersi’s living room was decorated in soft pink and gray. Memphis had never seen a pink leather sofa set but he liked it. It was feminine just like her.

  “Thanks. Do you want something to drink?” Jersi asked.

  “Nah, I know you probably got some fruity wine that’ll fuck my stomach up,” Memphis laughed.

  “I have Heinekens too. I keep them here for when my brother and father come over,” Jersi replied.

  “I’ll take one of those,” Memphis replied as he sat on the sofa.

  “Okay, make yourself at home. Here’s the remote,” Jersi said as she walked away.

  She handed Memphis a beer before disappearing down the hall to her bedroom. She stripped out of her clothes and took a quick shower. After throwing on a sun dress, she grabbed bottle of wine and a glass and joined him on the sofa.

  “I didn’t know you smoked,” Memphis said as he gestured to the half smoked blunt that was in the astray on her table.

  “Yeah and my mother hates it. I have my brother to thank for such a bad habit,” Jersi replied.

  “It’s not all that bad. Me and my frat brothers do a little puffing every now and then,” he shrugged.

  “Okay, so tell me about your father,” Jersi pried.

  “It’s not much to tell. The nigga left my mama for a younger woman knowing that she didn’t have a job. She had been a housewife all her life and that was all that she knew. He used her moving Lila and her sister in with us as an excuse but he had been cheating for years. If it weren’t for my aunties, I don’t know how we would have made it. I had to sell dope to put myself through college and help pay bills. I stacked my money for four years straight and that’s how I was able to get the car washes,” Memphis noted.

  “Damn. I’m guessing he’s not with the other woman anymore,” Jersi said.

  “That bitch drained his accounts and left his ass for another man. He lost his house, cars and his businesses. That’s how I got the car washes. His shit went into foreclosure and I stepped up and bought it. Stupid ass nigga had the nerve to think I was doing it to help him out. Crazy thing is, my mama was willing to take the nigga back. She probably would have if me and my brother didn’t threaten to cut her off financially,” Memphis rambled before he gulped down the rest of his beer.

  “Damn,” Jersi replied for lack of anything better to say.

  “What about you? What’s your story?” Memphis asked.

  He gave Jersi his undivided attention as she told him her family drama. She told him about her siblings and unfortunately, Tabby too.

  “So, the woman that you were with is really your step mother?” he asked just to be clear.

  “No, she’s my mother. Her not giving birth to me doesn’t make her anything less. She raised me and gave me the best childhood ever. She’s the only mother I know and the only one I ever want to know,” Jersi replied.

  “I understand,” Memphis nodded.

  “Now tell me about that thirst bucket Lila. The bitch that wants you to stick dick to her,” Jersi said.

  “Look at you all jealous and shit,” Memphis laugh.

  “Stop trying to change the subject. Did y’all mess around before or something?” Jersi asked.

  “Fuck no! I wouldn’t even go there with her. She’s been off and on with my cousin Juan for years. Even if she wasn’t, she’s off limits to me,” Memphis said.

  “Why, because your mother helped to raise her?” Jersi questioned.

  “No, that has nothing to do with it. We’re not related by blood. It’s just a complicated situation. But I think your jealousy is sexy,” he smirked as she pulled Jersi onto his lap.

  Jersi initiated the kiss first and Memphis followed her lead. She used her tongue to part his lips and he willingly opened up for her. The kiss started out slow until he started rubbing his hands up and down her body. After a while, the kiss became more intense but no one was complaining. When Jersi pulled at his shirt, Memphis raised his arms so that she could pull it off. Jersi gasped when she saw his bare chest for the first time. He was sexy as fuck and she couldn’t stop herself from kissing it. Her soft lips felt good on his chest and Memphis didn’t want her to stop. Jersi had him ready to do some damage and he hoped she was ready.

  “Where’s your bedroom?” Memphis wh
ispered.

  “First door to the left,” Jersi replied in a voice filled with lust.

  He didn’t wait to be invited. He picked Jersi up and carried her down the hall. He briefly took in the beauty of her room before he laid her down on the huge bed. Jersi lifted her hips and assisted him with removing her underwear. She didn’t have on a bra, so she was completely naked once he removed her dress. Jersi looked like a chocolate goddess laid out in the bed with her wild, curly hair. She looked kind of nervous for some reason and that gave him pause. He didn’t want to proceed if she wasn’t feeling it. They needed to be on the same page and he didn’t mind waiting.