by Mia Madison
“Well, be careful. Birds of a feather. I don’t trust any man anymore,” I spat. Nick seemed to be even more of a player than Kenny, who had clearly fooled me with his debonair appearance.
“Girl, chill.” She looked at the girl. “Have you seen her Instagram?” She had already passed my phone back to me, and unlocked hers. She pressed a few buttons. “I’m tagging you in a few posts.”
I opened my phone to check the alerts. @MiamisAngel305 was full of pictures, all of them seemed to be of her partying, swimming and schmoozing with celebrities.
“How is she pregnant and all over a different athlete or actor in every picture?”
“Does it matter?” I said. “Those could be old pictures.”
“Uh uh. You’re missing the point. Wait.” She held up a finger. “I found something. Look at this.”
She tagged me under the photo of Kenny and Angela that was all over the blogs.
“Look at the date,” she said. “That picture is five or six months ago. They don’t have any pictures since then. And that’s pretty much the only picture she has. She’s a groupie bitch, girl.”
I started to argue but she shushed me. “Girl, stop fighting and just look. Look at all her pictures. She doesn’t have a case. This is reaching.”
“But when she said she was with him last night, he looked dumbfounded. Like she was right and there wasn’t anything he could say to counter it.”
Dilayla held up a finger, and left the room. While she was gone, my face burned and my mind went wild. A flash of jealousy pushed itself through me, and I thought of all the things they must have done last night.
I felt foolish as tears streamed from my eyes. I could see Kenny continuing to call and leave messages, but I wouldn’t read them. What could he say?
And why was I so damn emotional? I couldn’t believe I cared this much, seeing as I’d just met him, but I did. I cared, and I was angry at how much I actually cared for him.
Dilayla returned with a NOS in her hand, determined to caffeinate herself for the long conversations we’d have all day.
“Look,” she said. “One thing you’ve got to know is that men are in short supply these days. Women are desperate creatures, especially when it comes to ballers like Kenny. He’s like Brian. They’ll have their pick, and you have to figure out whether or not you’re strong enough to deal with it.”
“Why should I have to deal with any of this?” I shot back. “I’m not a celebrity, but I’m quite the catch myself. And I’m always getting blindsided with the woman a guy’s been with, not the other way around.”
“Look, Alex wasn’t shit from the beginning and you knew this!” Dilayla expressed, eyebrows arched. “That’s exactly why he had to chase you the way he did. He wanted to add you to the collection. Have you spoken to Kenny?”
“Not since this morning. He keeps calling and texting but I don’t want to talk to him. It’s too fresh.”
Dilayla chose her words carefully, and spoke slowly. “I think you should give him an opportunity to explain himself. The evidence is convincing at first, but something just… she’s a groupie. It’s all over her.” She wrinkled her nose in disgust as she looked over Angela’s Instagram profile again. “Like seriously? A pic from six months ago, and we’re supposed to believe there was something serious?”
I had to admit she had a point. “But what about last night?”
“I’m sure if you gave him a chance, he will tell you about last night, and it’s probably nothing serious either.”
“What do you mean, nothing serious? It’s very serious to imply they slept together!” My voice was shrill. Dammit, I couldn’t control myself.
“She probably just sucked his dick.” She waved dismissively. “You’re going to let a mouthful of cum in her mouth stop you from a man who’s opening doors for you?” She pointed to her brain. “Best friend, you’ve got to think strategically. He’s about to put you on in the real estate game, and pay you. He’s opening a whole new world for you, and all you have to do is play along. Let her keep taking Ls while you collect and win.”
“I can’t sleep with him and know he’s sleeping with her.”
“Bitch, you’re not even sleeping with him! It’s been one week and he’s spoiled you with time, affection, and opportunity.” She lowered her eyes suspiciously. “I bet he doesn’t even know.”
I was silent, because I refused to acknowledge that accusation.
“Hello, chiquita… I know you heard me.” She rolled her eyes and giggled.
“He doesn’t even know, does he?”
“Know what?”
“That you’re a virgin.”
My answer wasn’t verbal, but a flush of embarrassment spread over my face. I looked guiltily at my best friend as she cackled into a fit of laughs.
“Girl… you’re going crazy for no reason. He’s giving you all this and you haven’t even given up the draws. He’s blowing up your phone right now, not hers. She’s not the threat. You are, and that’s why this is happening.”
“I don’t see what my virginity has to do with this,” I said, defensively. “I won’t have sex with someone after a week.”
“You won’t have sex, period.” Dilayla rolled her eyes. “Just play it cool. Calm down, and read the text messages.”
I sighed and listened to her. My phone was full of apologies.
Raquel, please talk to me. Please answer the phone. I can explain. You have to hear my side. This isn’t what it seems. She may be pregnant, but I promise you she’s not pregnant by me. Raquel… Raquel please. Can you at least give me a chance to explain my side?
My heart ached as I read them aloud. “Girl, this is too much.”
She convinced me to call him on speaker.
“Hello?” He sounded stressed and worn.
“Hey,” I said, flatly.
“I need to apologize, first and foremost,” he said. “What happened this morning was unnecessary, and you shouldn’t have been pulled into that.”
“Thanks.”
“I just need to clear the air with you.”
I held my breath as I waited for it. The moment of truth.
“Angela is someone I used to deal with.”
Evidently.
“…But her allegations are bogus.”
“A positive pregnancy test isn’t bogus, Kenny. It’s evidence.”
“That’s the thing.” He released a heavy exhale. “That’s not my child.”
“Then whose is it?”
“I have no idea, but I know it’s not mine. We messed around but not to that extent,” he said. “All we did was—”
“Stop. Stop.” I squeezed my eyes shut. “I don’t want the details.”
To be honest, the idea of him touching another woman fucked with me.
“I’m sorry. I just want you to know that nothing’s happened, especially not the way she’s put it.”
“So, she’s lying about last night?”
“I kicked her out before anything happened.” He sounded exasperated. “She popped up at my house because I stopped taking her calls. The last time I was supposed to see her, I ended up seeing you instead. That was the night we met.”
Memories of his phone going off in the parking lot returned to me. “She was the one calling you when you were walking me to the car.”
“Yes,” he said. “We had been out of contact, and I made arrangements to see her after the club, but I ended up skipping the club. I spent my night with you, having dinner instead. And I went straight home afterward. She’s been trying to see me since… and I haven’t wanted anything to do with her. My attention is focused on you.”
I melted against his words; they sounded sincere. Everything about Kenny seemed genuine until Angela showed up. My heart strained against my chest, and I fought the desire to give into him.
“I know this is a lot—Angela did a fucking number this morning,” Kenny said. “But ever since I’ve met you, I haven’t had any interest in getting back in touch w
ith her. I want to invest my time with you.”
“I don’t know,” I said, bracing myself. “There’s still the fact that she’s pregnant. She’s claiming it’s yours, and she seems determined to make the world see it.”
“It’s not mine. I can prove it.”
Dilayla’s ears perked at the news and she leapt forward. I muzzled my hand over her mouth. She gestured wildly, convincing me to get him to spill the beans.
“How?” I couldn’t resist the curiosity I felt as well.
“Can’t talk now. I’m about to speak with my attorney. Will you be free for dinner later tonight?”
Dilayla nodded wildly.
“…Yes,” I said, unsure of what he was getting at.
“Excellent. Tonight, I’ll tell you everything you need to know.”
“I’m not sure if I can wait… or if that’s a good idea.”
“Please,” he begged. “Just give me the chance to show you everything. I’ll lay it all out on the table. If you want to leave me alone after that, I won’t get in your way. But I’d really love it if you gave me a chance to show you the truth.”
“Fine. Talk to you later.” I hung up the phone and sighed, full of exasperation. This was too much.
Dilayla squealed. “What are you gonna wear?”
“All black because that’s the death of us.”
“Oh God, you’re so dramatic sometimes,” she said. “Wear something sexy that will make him feel horrible and make him want to eat your pussy.”
“Dilayla!”
“What?” She shrugged. “There’s nothing wrong with getting some apology head. Cum on his fucking chin and walk out if you don’t like what he says. I promise he’ll fucking marry you after.”
We shared a rueful laugh at the circumstances. My best friend was crazy, but she sure knew how to help me see the humor in any situation.
Much to Dilayla’s delight, I decided to listen to her idea. I was exhausted so I took a nap in her bed while she channel surfed. We ended up ordering takeout via UberEats and then planned the evening.
She pulled out a mauve-colored bandage dress, and paired it with Valentino heels and some Kendra Scott jewelry. Once the outfit was chosen, we went out for pedicures.
After six p.m., it was time to get ready. She drove me over to my place, where I showered. Once I was dressed, she turned me into a live Barbie doll and did my hair and makeup.
I had to admit, Dilayla made me look fucking stunning. My cheeks were rosy, my lips were plump and kissable, and my eyes were smoked to perfection.
“You look totally fuckable,” she said. She squealed as she looked over my outfit.
We took a few pictures in my backyard. I felt like a model, gorgeous and svelte, as I stepped into the luxury vehicle Kenny sent to pick me up. There was a huge bouquet of gold and red roses on the backseat next to me. I’d seen these roses on Instagram and totally loved them. To see a bouquet just for me melted my heart.
I pulled the small gold envelope attached to the package and opened it.
Million-dollar roses for a million-dollar woman.—KK
I smiled and my heart skipped a beat. I sent a picture of the flowers and a note to Dilayla. If Kenny Kenton wanted to win me back, he was off to a great start.
Kenny
Dom’s teenage niece and nephew had just put the finishing touches on my condo when I received an alert. The driver was about to pull up with Raquel in the backseat.
“Hey, guys,” I said. “That’s enough. I’ve got it from here.”
We left for the elevator. I was going to escort them out, and escort Raquel in. I pulled out my wallet, peeled off a couple hundred dollars and paid them for their assistance.
“Thanks, Uncle K!”
“No problem. Tell your uncle I’ll call him later.”
After the day I’d had, spending four hundred dollars to have them help me light candles, scatter rosebuds, and make sure the food was delicious, was worth every penny. I hired the best Italian chef I could find to prepare a pasta dinner, complete with steak and red wine.
My heart sped up when I approached the vehicle, and it completely stopped when I opened the door. She looked exquisite, even more beautiful than she had earlier today. Those curves filled out her dress, which had branded itself around her. My dick stirred watching the way her ass moved beneath the dress.
Angela… She’d better hope that she hadn’t ruined my chances with this woman.
“Good evening, beautiful,” I said, giving her hand a kiss. “How are you?”
“I’m well and yourself?” She smiled, warmly, the coldness in her eyes melting as she looked into mine. She gestured toward the bouquet and waved the card in her hand. “The flowers… they’re a beautiful gesture.”
“I’m honored you love them,” I said, planting a kiss on her forehead. “That’s the least you deserve.”
She blushed and reached for them, but I waved her away. “I’ll have the driver bring them up, or bring them to your house. Whichever you prefer.”
“They can wait.” She rubbed her tummy. “Right now, I’m starving.”
Small talk was minimal on the way to the elevator. As silence settled in, there was tension in the air. I wanted to grab her, kiss her, push her against the wall, and take her then and there. But I knew the dramatic stunt Angela pulled had removed any possibility of me getting away with such an act. She was off limits until she knew the truth. Thankfully, it was only a matter of time.
“It smells great in here,” she exclaimed when we entered. “Your place is beautiful.” She walked to the balcony, taking in the view of Miami. “This view… it’s to die for.”
I walked up behind her and wrapped my arms around her. “Quite a beautiful view, but never as lovely as you.”
She giggled and moaned ever so lightly as she pressed herself against me. The ribbons of her dark hair shone like silk and smelled heavenly. I inhaled her fragrance and enjoyed the moment.
She had me going crazy. I wanted to feel her melt against me, skin to skin, beg me to take every inch of her, but I knew I needed to brace myself and relax. So, I gently kissed her hand again and led her toward the dinner table.
“So what happened?”
Raquel was well into her shrimp fra diavolo when she asked the question. She took a sip of her wine, and looked at me with an arched eyebrow, her expression piqued with curiosity as she awaited an answer.
I cleared my throat. “How honest can I be?”
“You need to be completely honest.”
I felt a chill in response to her severe tone. I knew then and there I needed to tell the truth, the whole truth, and allow her to make a firm decision from there.
“Angela and I met a long time ago, like six to seven months ago. We hung out, got to know each other, but things didn’t work out.”
“Why?”
“I couldn’t trust her,” I explained, unsmiling. “She wanted too much, too fast. She went through my phone. And the one time we slept together, I caught her trying to poke holes in the condom.”
“That’s freakin’ insane. What did you do?” She leaned forward, her eyes inquisitive.
I pounded a fist into my palm with displeasure as I set my elbows on the table. “I cut her off. I don’t need a woman I can’t trust, especially when she doesn’t trust me.”
Her pupils dilated as she drank me in. “And last night?”
I sighed. “Babe, I have to be honest. She was here.”
Her breath hitched. I paused, and she shook her head. “I asked for the truth… I can take it.”
“But it’s not what you think,” I said. Our eyes met and I saw her lip tremble. Every hope and fear rode in her eyes, in what she thought, but didn’t say. And I’d never been so scared to be honest, but I had to give her the real.
“I mean, she was here late last night, right? If it’s not what I think, then what was it?”
“She texted me after I’d gotten out of the shower. She asked when I would be home, and I
said I was home already. You know I was tired. Before I knew it, and without being invited, she was knocking at the door, saying she needed to talk.” Guilt spread over my spirit as I revealed, “I let her in because I felt slightly bad for standing her up, but that changed when she came on to me. I kicked her out because I realized I just wasn’t interested in her anymore. That’s when I texted you.”
Raquel’s pessimistic expression melted into adoration. She softened as she reached across the table. “Seriously?”
“Seriously, babe. She wants what you have.”
“And what’s that?”
“Me. My attention. And we’re just getting started.” I shrugged as if it were obvious. “Why else would she act the way she’s acting?”
“I don’t know,” Raquel shrugged. “I didn’t know what to think. She was just… the pregnancy test. Whose baby is it?”
I smiled. “This is where it gets good, love. Real good.” I rose from my seat and held out my hand. “Come with me.”
Raquel
I took Kenny’s hand and gently rose. His dark eyes met mine, and pierced my armor. I came in wanting to hate him tonight, wanting to hurt him, make him realize that I wasn’t the one to play with.
But the more he spoke, the more I could hear Dilayla’s voice telling me that Angela was just like the other desperate groupies in Miami.
He led me toward the living room and turned on the TV. He browsed to a file in his email account, from an attorney’s office and clicked play. Angela filled the screen. She was teary-eyed as she faced the camera.
“I, Angela Maxwell, confirm that I am not pregnant nor in a relationship with Kenny Kenton.” She sobbed before continuing. “I admit that I created the rumor because I was being selfish and seeking personal gain. Kenny and I haven’t been anything but friends, and I deeply regret using him to get attention.”
The video ended.
“How did you get her to confess?”
“Let’s just say… my attorney does a great job. Instead of fighting her directly, he approached her as legal counsel and required her to take a pregnancy test in order to sit down and meet with me over paternity. She crumbled under pressure and admitted that she wasn’t pregnant. She purchased that test in order to win me back.”
