“I don't think I lost her. I’m just gonna give her some time to cool off. Cash loves me. She ain’t goin’ nowhere,” he smiled cockily at his mother.
“If you say so, son.” She leaned over, kissing his cheek. “I’m about to make somethin’ to eat and don't tell me you ain’t hungry. I know you ain’t been eatin’ and ya ass gonna eat somethin’ today,” she stated getting up from the bed.
“Aight, ma.”
Renee opened the blinds before she left the room and Ramsey turned on the TV so Cassi could watch Sesame Street. They watched TV together until his mom called to him that the food was ready. He grabbed his phone before carrying Cassi into the kitchen. Placing her in the high chair, he sat down at the table. Renee placed a plate of food in front of him and he dug into his food on sight. The waffles, cheese grits and eggs hit the spot for him and he thanked his mom for breakfast by doing the dishes.
After the last dish was placed in the dish rack, his phone began to ring. Grabbing his phone off the table, he answered because he knew it was his brother.
“Wassup, man?”
“Where the fuck you been at, nigga? Nick told me you got him runnin’ shit for a while. What the fuck is goin’ on?”
“I been home chillin’ thinkin’ about how I’m gonna fix things with Cash. I broke up with Baylynn and she told me I’m not Brandi’s father.”
“Damn, bro! I happy that you broke up with Baylynn but as far you fixin’ shit with Cash, I don't think that’s gonna happen no time soon my nigga.”
“What the fuck you talkin’ about?”
“Tiffany and Ryan went over to Cash house to check on her because she wasn't answerin’ her phone. Ryan called me not too long ago and told me that Cash is gone.”
“What the fuck you mean she’s gone!”
“She packed her shit and left.”
“Meet me over there. I’m leavin’ out in thirty minutes.”
“Aight.”
Taking Cassi out of the high chair, he quickly carried her to the nursery. He made sure she had a clean diaper before he gave Cassi to his mother telling her that he was about to go see Cash. Ramsey took a shower, threw on a pair of ball shorts, white tee, socks and Jordan slippers. He snatched up his keys, wallet and phone before he darted out the door, jumped in his and pulled off. He was in denial that Cashmere would up and move without telling him. Becoming angry at the thought, he knew he had no one to blame but himself.
Ramsey pulled up and saw Tiffany, Ryan and Randall standing on the porch. He parked his car, killed the engine and slammed the door behind him. All eyes were him as he walked up the steps and onto the porch but no one spoke.
“Waasup?”
“Go see for yourself.” Ryan rolled her eyes at her brother.
He opened the door walking inside with Randall right behind him. He couldn’t believe that he was staring at an empty living room. He ran up the stairs and saw that Cassi’s room was empty as well. The next room he went to was the bedroom where he saw that all of his clothes and belongings were still there along with the bed they shared. Looking on the bed, he saw a note that was addressed to him. He sat on the bed, opened the note and read it.
Ramsey, as you can see I packed my shit and left. After you left me in Aruba and chose that bitch over me again, I decided that it was time for me to move on. I love you so much, Ramsey but I’m not going to let you hurt me again. I will be back to pick Cassi up on Sunday after I get settled in my new place. I will drop Cassi off at Renee or Ryan’s house every other Friday and will pick her up from one of them every Sunday at 5pm. I changed my number and if you need to get in touch with me, have Ryan or Renee call me. I’m out.
A sharp pain hit his heart when he was finished reading the letter. He wanted to call Cash and beg her not to do this but she changed her number. He yelled loudly as a way to release his anger and frustration but it didn't help. The woman he loved had moved away and he couldn't do a damn thing about it because it was his fault. Without knowing where she lived or how to get in touch with her, Ramsey didn't know how he was going to win Cash back but that wasn't going to stop him from trying.
23
Cashmere didn't waste any time packing up everything in her old house and moving into a new apartment in West Chester, Pennsylvania. While she looked for a place to stay, she stayed at a hotel for a night or two. Searching nonstop for a new place to live, she jumped on the first apartment that became available. Quickly signing the lease to her new place, she spent the entire weekend moving into her new home still managing to pick Cassi up from Renee’s house by five. She didn't have too much to say to Renee. She just wanted to get her daughter and leave.
When Cash wasn’t crying, she spent her time getting everything in order for her grand opening that weekend for her bookstore. She invited over fifty people to the grand opening and even though she was hoping that everyone she invited showed up, she had a feeling most of them wouldn’t but she was cool with that. As long as her family and friends were there, Cash could care less if anyone else came.
Her and Cassi were sitting in crib watching TV when she remembered that her sister wanted to meet up with her. Since she wasn't doing anything, Cash figured they should meet up that day. Picking her phone up from the coffee table, she found her sisters’ number and called. Tamia answered on the third ring.
“Hello?” she answered sleepily.
“Hello Tamia. It’s Cashmere.”
“Hey Cashmere. I didn't recognize the number.”
“Yeah. I had to change it. It’s a long story,” she sighed.
“Oh wow. Do you want to talk about it?”
“Okay. How about we meet up for lunch or something?”
“That’s a great idea. I live in West Chester. I know that’s a long drive from Philly. So, how about I come see you?” Tamia suggested.
“Actually, I just moved to West Chester. Just pick the place and we’ll be there?”
“We? I wasn't expecting you to bring company. I thought that this was going to be a one on one meeting?”
“I meant me and my daughter, Cassi, Tamia,” Cash chuckled.
“Oh my goodness,” she laughed nervously. “I’m embarrassed.”
“No need to be. You didn't know I had a daughter but I would love for you to meet her.”
“I would love to meet her as well. Uh, we can meet up at the Market Street Grill at eleven.”
“That’s cool. See you soon.”
After washing for the day, she dressed Cassi before getting herself together. Cashmere decided to match her daughter with a teal colored hi-low flowy tank top, a pair of white leggings and a pair of teal and silver sandals. Throwing on her sunglasses, she filled her Chanel bag with everything she needed before she left her apartment with her daughter on her hip. She took the steps to the main floor exiting the building and walking out to the parking lot. After she got Cassi settled in her car seat, she closed the door taking her place behind the wheel. Before pulling out of the parking lot, her phone began to ring. Reaching in her bag and grabbing the phone, when she saw it was Ryan calling, she screened the call. Cash typed in the address to the restaurant on her GPS before she drove off.
While she drove to her destination, Ryan called her two more times and again, she didn't answer. Cashmere felt bad for not answering the phone for her best friend but she needed sometime to clear her head. She was so hurt by Ramsey that she didn't want to be bothered with anyone that was affiliated with him. Knowing that her bestie wasn’t the blame for the problems that she had with Ramsey but if it wasn't for Ryan, she probably wouldn’t have never met Ramsey and she wouldn't be hurting at the moment.
She pulled up at the restaurant minutes later pulling into a parking spot not too far away. Popping the trunk to get the stroller for Cassi, she placed her inside after unstrapping her from the car seat. Cash secured the car before pushing the stroller into the restaurant. She took a seat right in front so her sister wouldn't miss her. That’s when she realized that she didn't kn
ow what Tamia looked like. So, she pulled out her phone and went to her Facebook page. Finding Tamia’s pictures, Cash was surprised at how much they resembled each other. They both had long, jet-black hair, smooth brown skin with light brown eyes and they looked like they were the same age.
“Cashmere?” A female’s voice said.
“Yes, and you must be Tamia.”
“Yes I am.”
Cash stood up and gave her sister a quick hug then they both sat down at the table.
“And this must be Cassi.” Tamia smiled at the baby.
“Yeah. That’s my baby girl. She’ll be eight months in a few weeks,” Cash beamed.
“She is too adorable.”
“Thank you.”
The women took their focus off the baby staring at each other for a moment. Nervous as hell, she didn't know what to say to her sister. Cash was happy that her and Tamia had met up but now she was starting to feel like it was a mistake.
“Damn,” Cash said aloud.
“Let me guess. You’re starting to feel like this was a mistake. Am I right?”
“How did you know?”
“Because I’m starting to feel the same way.”
They both chuckled.
“It’s not that I don't want to get to know you. It’s just that I know that sooner or later, we’re going to have to talk about the past,” Tamia confessed.
“Well, how about this? We get to know each other first and avoid talking about the past for now.”
“Sounds good to me.” Tamia smiled. “I’ll start.”
They talked for hours and learned that they both had a lot in common. They were both college graduates, liked the same foods and both had careers in communications. Tamia worked for an up and coming urban magazine company as a writer. Cashmere learned that Tamia worked on the college newspaper and magazine at West Chester University for three years. She also learned that Tamia was two years older than her. Cashmere shared stories about her college experience at Temple, her friends back in Philly and the drama with Ramsey where she found out that Tamia was going through problems in her relationship as well.
She enjoyed talking to her sister and was upset when it was time for Tamia to leave. They hugged each other goodbye promising to call each other soon. After Tamia left, she ordered some food to take home before leaving the restaurant and returning to her apartment where she chilled for the rest of the day. She couldn't get over her meeting with Tamia and how well it went. It also reminded her of Ryan and how she needed to stop screening her calls. So, she picked up the phone and called her friend to patch things up.
24
Four Months Later….
Baylynn sat in her car nervously and anxiously waiting for her time to come so she could go inside the prison to see Manny. She looked in the backseat to check on Brandi who was chewing on her teething ring. Smiling at her baby, she returned her focus back to the prison. Bay had been writing letters to Manny and talking to him on the phone for the past two months. She told herself that no matter how many times Manny begged her to come see him, she wasn't going to give in but when he had one of his workers drop off a duffle bag full of money along with a bouquet of red roses and the latest Chanel bag, she couldn't stay away.
Taking a deep breath as she doubled checked her attire, she checked to make sure she had everything she needed to gain access into the prison. She got out of the car unstrapping Brandi from the car seat. Placing Brandi on her hip, she walked towards the entrance of the prison. Baylynn waited in the short line to check in with the correctional officer. The officer checked her identification and her outfit thoroughly before giving her directions to the visiting area.
She opened the door to the visiting area sat at the first table she saw. Her heart raced in her chest as she waited for Manny to come down. Suddenly feeling uncomfortable being in a prison, she instantly started to second-guess herself but before her thoughts had a chance to settle in her head, Manny entered the visiting room. Bay watched him as he walked towards her and all the feelings that she once had for him came rushing back. She stood up with Brandi on her hip hugging him tightly.
“Damn girl. You look better than I remember.” He broke their embrace.
“You still sexy as ever. Even in this ugly ass jumpsuit.” They both laughed.
Manny pointed to the table and they both sat down.
“And who is this pretty little girl?” He gently grabbed Brandi’s hand. “This your daughter?”
“This is our daughter, Manny. Her name is Brandi.”
“Are you serious? I mean are you sure she’s mine?”
“Yeah, I’m sure. I knew she was yours the moment she born, Manny. I just couldn’t bring myself to tell my man at the time.”
“So, I guess you told him the truth, huh?” he inquired, folding his hands on the table.
“We told each other the truth. He told me he cheated on me and had a baby by another woman and I told him that Brandi wasn't his daughter. He broke up with me and told me I had to find somewhere else to stay.”
“Damn. How both of y’all cheatin’?” He shook his head.
“Tell me about it.”
They stared at each other for a moment before Manny spoke.
“I didn't think you were gonna show up today. I thought you were gonna change ya mind.”
“I was gonna change my mind but I figured I needed to see you face to face so we could talk.” She handed Brandi over to him.
“Yeah, we definitely do need to talk. I don't like the fact that I had to basically bribe ya ass just to get you to come see me. You got me feelin’ like that’s the only reason you wanna fuck with me.” His tone changed from a pleasant tone to a harsh one.
“I could be sayin’ the same thing about ya ass, Manny. All we did was fuck when you were home and that’s all we were to each other. When I couldn't get in touch with you, I thought you didn't want to fuck with me anymore but later I found out you were locked up. Then you started writing me letters saying that you caught feelings for me and me shit. So, what am I supposed to think?
“I feel where you’re comin’ from, Baylynn and I know that niggas in prison use chicks and feed em’ false promises and shit but I’m not like those niggas. I reached out to you because you were on my mind somethin’ heavy and I wanted a rider in my corner to help me get through this bid. I know that you’re gonna need help on the outside with bills and everyday expenses and I can help with that. We got a baby together and I want to be there for y’all. Just let me prove it to you.”
“Damn, Manny. I appreciate you wantin’ to be there for us but I don't know if I can ride for you the way you want me to. I’m not cut out for this prison shit. I’m not the woman you think I am, honey.”
“Look, all I’m askin’ is that you write me when you can, send me some pics, answer ya phone for a nigga and bring my daughter to see me. If you can do that, I’ll take care of everythin’ else.” He grabbed her hand.
“Let me think about it, aight?”
“That’s fair enough.”
For the rest of the hour, Baylynn told him all about his daughter and that her first birthday was coming up in a few weeks. When it was time for them to go, she hugged and kissed Manny goodbye reminding him that he would think about his offer. Walking out of the prison, she placed Brandi in her car seat before she jumped behind the wheel. She started the car and pulled out of the parking and headed to her new home in New Castle, Delaware. Driving in silence all the way home, she thought about Manny’s offer. She loved her freedom and being able to do her own thing and after being in a five-year relationship, she wasn't about to commit to a prison bid no matter how long it was.
Bay pulled into her driveway, parked and got Brandi out of the car. She walked up the steps, onto the porch unlocking the front door. Placing her little one down on the fully carpeted floor, she stretched out on the couch. She sighed as she thought about Ramsey and how much she missed him. She blew his phone up for a month after he kicked her out but he n
ever answered any of her calls. She often thought about Ramsey being with his baby mom and cursed herself for not being faithful long enough to get knocked up like that bitch did. Bay would be set for life and not have to look for a job like she had been doing. Baylynn wondered if Ramsey was living happily ever with his family and the thought alone had her steaming.
Even though she shouldn’t have cared about what Ramsey was up because they weren’t together anymore, Baylynn couldn't just let that nigga live happily while she struggled. She wanted to make him and his little bitch suffer because she was suffering. She went from being the girlfriend of a drug dealer to being a basic chick and somebody had to pay and that person was Ramsey.
25
After a night of tossing and turning, Ramsey decided to give up on trying to find sleep. He tossed the covers off him, got out of bed and walked down to the nursery to check on Cassi. It was his weekend to keep her and spending time with her was the only bright spot in his life. When he got to her room, he smiled when he saw her standing up trying to get out of her crib. He was in disbelief that his baby girl was turning one soon. He didn't like that his baby girl was growing up so fast but there was nothing he could do about.
“Da-da!” she cooed as she lifted her arms for him to pick her up.
“Hey Princess. What you doin’ up, huh?” he asked picking her up and kissing her cheek.
Placing her on the changing table to change Cassi’s diaper, he wasn’t prepared for the surprise he got.
“Damn girl. Now I know why you can’t sleep,” he chuckled.
Ramsey frowned his face up from the smell of the poopy diaper as he wiped her clean and put on a fresh diaper. When he was finished, he carried Cassi into his room, finding something age appropriate for her to watch. Admiring Cassi as she tuned into the TV, he couldn't get over how much she resembled Cashmere.
My Other Baby Mama Box Set Page 11
