by Harris, K
“Barron where are you going?” Mya questioned trying to pull him back. Because of her large stomach she couldn’t run and jump in front of me. “You have worked so hard to build your career to where you are, don’t let those idiots break you.”
“To kill that two faced bitch.”
“No Barron that’s not going to solve anything.” Mya tried to convince him to rethink that and he didn’t want her to continue to strain herself to restrain him.
“She’s right B.A., you need to hit them where it hurts instead.”
“Really Taj? I’m trying to stop the payback not devise new plans.”
“Sorry but they need to pay. You need to stop being so damn nice. Even though I was in on it to a certain point, they destroyed your relationship with him.” Barron had to agree with what Taj was saying but before he could say anything, Mya cut in.
“If they would have paid enough attention they would have known we weren’t in a relationship. I’m just the mother of his child.” Mya said with little conviction. Barron was speechless at the quiver in her voice.
“Oh well… uhh…” Barron wasn’t the only one speechless as Taj fumbled for words looking between the two of them. He shook his head.
“It’s alright there’s nothing to say so you can save it.” Barron had long stopped trying to resist and was silently watching.
“What were you getting out of this Taj?” Barron asked curiously.
“It was all about the money for me. I’m so sorry B.A. It was twice as much money than I have made doing a single show out of state.”
“Will you be willing to issue a statement if the need arises?”
“Of course anything I can do to make this better for you and to get back at them in the process.”
“Bet. Thanks for fessing up.”
“No problem. I’m really sorry again guys.” Barron and Mya nodded their heads as Taj showed herself out.
Barron looked at Mya for a few minutes with his hands balled into fists and stuffed into his pockets to keep from reaching out to her. So much to do, so much to think about and yet the only thing that plagued him was how much he wanted to make love to Mya. Breathing in through his nose and slowly letting it out of his mouth he got himself under control.
“I didn’t expect you so soon.”
“I came early thinking that you might want to grab some lunch before we went. Time has gotten away from us though so maybe we can go after.”
“Yeah that’s fine. Let me just grab my purse and we can go.”
“Alright.”
Chapter Seventeen
Barron and Mya went to see Dr. Jacobs for their monthly check-up, she was now seven months and beautiful as ever in Barron’s eyes. They went to lunch after the appointment, plenty of times they got how cute of a couple they were from the other patrons. The haters would just roll their eyes and keep it moving. Some fans would bombard them with questions but over all they had a peaceful day together. He found himself not being able to resist touching her in some form or fashion. If it wasn’t his hand on her lower back, he would grasp just under her elbow, and even held her hand a few times. The touch that made her gasp in surprise was when he brushed some hair out of her face that the wind had blew. His ringing phone broke the trance they seemed to be in.
“What up bruh?” Barron answered for Thomas.
“I have some good news.”
“Okay let’s hear it.”
“Well actually I have quite a bit of news. First we have a meeting with the guy that owns the strip club that the scandal happened at. He is getting some flack behind this blow up as we figured as well but he says he has some information that he thinks we will be interested in hearing. Second you have been requested to do a photo shoot for Urbanesque magazine’s most eligible and successful bachelors. Third, this is sort of for Mya but I will tell you because it involves you as we all know. Sistahood magazine is interested in doing a photo shoot with sister-in-law and they only plan to ask her questions about herself. We think it would be a good look.”
“I will have to speak with her about the third to see if she is interested. As for the first two, I’m down. When is all of this taking place?”
“Tomorrow early morning for Urbanesque first and then noon for Sistahood. I was thinking it best that Mya comes along for everything throughout the day if you think she is up to it. The illusion of keeping up a united front even if it’s not true will look good for us. You can afford to miss one day of training.”
“What about the owner of the club?”
“He said if we could meet up for dinner tomorrow night before his rush came through would be great. I told him it shouldn’t be a problem but I will get back to him for sure.”
“That’s fine with me.”
“Alright, kiss my sis for me and I will see you two in the morning.”
“Screw you, holla.” By the time they hung up they had arrived at their destination where they were having dinner. “You want the usual.”
“Yeah, please.”
“Alright I will be right back, lock the door.” Barron walked into the wing shack where they had the best soul food to remind them of Arkansas. He didn’t even have to really ask what she wanted anymore. It was as if her cravings had somehow soaked into his body through hers. He could taste what she wanted.
“Thank you for today.” Mya said as they sat in the family room watching television.
“No problem. I do need to talk to you about something though.”
“Okay shoot.”
“When Thomas called earlier he informed me that I’ve been asked to do a photo shoot for Urbanesque’s most eligible bachelors.”
“Oh my god, congratulations!”
“Thank you. That’s not all though. Sistahood magazine wants to do a photo shoot as well just not with me.”
“Okay, with who then?”
“You.”
“Who?”
“You ain’t no damn owl.” Barron chuckled. “You.”
“Why? I’m nobody special.”
“You are very special Mya.” The way she diverted her gaze let him know she felt the fondness in his voice that he didn’t even try to hide. “We all think it would be cool.”
“Who is we?”
“Thomas, Ebony, and me.”
“Really?”
“Ebony will style you and they will direct you through the rest. The questions they ask will be more of let’s get to know the famous person’s baby mama a little better. That’s it.”
“Okay if you think it will be alright. I will do it.”
“Cool.”
“What time do I need to do all of that?”
“Oh yeah I almost forgot about that. Thomas thinks it would be wise if we were together on each other’s photo shoot and things of that nature. Basically to create a united front.”
“Okay that’s fine with me. I will feel a lot more comfortable with you there honestly. I don’t think I could go through with it if I was in a room full of strangers.”
“Cool.”
“Oh shit what about my hair? I haven’t felt like straightening it myself for obvious reasons and I doubt if I can get to the chick that does my hair before time.”
“Don’t worry there will be a make-up artist and someone to do your hair there. Ebony texted me the details earlier. She handled all of that already.” Barron smoothly held her hand in his. “Now sit back and put your feet in my lap.” He demanded leaving no room for argument. Mya did as she was told.
“Mmm that feels so damn good.” Mya moaned from the exquisite feel of his strong hands massaging her feet. They were kind of swollen from walking around so much early in the day.
“I knew it would.”
“Thank you Barron.”
“For what?”
“For being here. You could have bailed at any given moment but instead you stayed. Even if I’m not giving up the goods.” She added the last part lowly but Barron heard her loud and clear.
“Of course, I
told you from the beginning that you wouldn’t be in this all by yourself. Maybe I didn’t say it right in order to relieve any doubts you had about me.” Barron said. “And as for the giving of the goods. Yes I heard you before you ask or get all embarrassed. I apologize if it seemed that I was trying to take advantage of you being pregnant with my kid by getting all the goodies with no commitment of anything permanent. That wasn’t my intentions.”
“It wasn’t your fault so there’s no need to apologize. We were in bed together enjoying the perks of this pregnancy.” Mya finished what she had to say. Barron was focused on rubbing her feet and less on his horny hormones trying to surface just thinking about all the sex they were having. How her… He cleared his throat to shake up his thoughts. He noticed she was laying back on the couch successfully relaxed.
“Come on now baby, you can’t fall asleep down here. Come on.” Barron said forcing Mya to get up. It was nearing eleven at night so it was time she went to bed anyway if they were going to be out of the house on time in the morning to make it to the first photo shoot.
“It’s your fault making me all relaxed and stuff.” She joked waddling to the stairs.
“Come on let daddy help you with that.” Barron scooped her up bridal style carrying her the rest of the way to her bedroom. No matter how bad he wanted her in his bed he still respected her wishes of nothing more. Or at least for now anyway.
“Thank you Barron. I could have just as well walked myself up here.” Mya giggled.
“Just would have took you a little longer.”
“So not funny. I can’t help it. I feel freaking huge thanks to you.”
“Oh it was only me now. I see you lil’ mama.”
“You know what I mean.”
“Can’t say that I do because if memory serves me right it was you screaming, oh Barron, then locked your legs around me to keep me from moving.” Barron teased and the look of horror on her face caused him to laugh harder.
“I don’t remember you complaining.”
“You right, I wasn’t.” Barron licked his lips unconsciously. Mya shivered snapping him out of his wayward thoughts. “Good night daddy’s little princess, I can’t wait to meet you. Daddy loves you.” He said to her stomach showering it with kisses. He felt in his spirit he wanted to say more but kept his mouth shut instead.
“She loves to hear you talk.” Mya admitted and he in turn nodded his head.
“Good night.” Barron needed to feel some sort of contact with her so he went to kiss her on the cheek and her head turned just in time for their lips to connect. Even though it was just a quick peck, it was enough to linger on his lips.
“Good night.”
“Do you want me to wake you up in the morning?”
“No, I think I will be okay. What time do I need to set my alarm for?”
“I say no later than five because we need to be out of here by six. That cool?”
“I guess I don’t have a choice.”
“You always have a choice.”
“I want to be there for you so I will be up and ready.”
“Cool, I’ll let you get to your beauty sleep then.” Barron felt like he had a hundred pound weight on each of his ankles he couldn’t make himself leave.
“Lord knows I’m going to need all I can get.”
“Says you. Your beauty is natural.”
“Thanks.” She blushed and Barron knew it was time to leave then.
“No problem. See you in the morning.”
“Okay…”
The holidays were drastically approaching. Barron asked everyone if they would just be able to stay for two weeks after the baby shower since they will already be down here anyway. Everyone agreed to stay until after Thanksgiving so that Mya wouldn’t have to do too much traveling since the time was coming up rather quickly that she would be on travel restrictions. He had two fights between now and the time his little one would make her grand appearance. December thirty-first is the day he has the biggest fight in his career that will determine if he becomes the champion or not. Yet and still that wasn’t the date that constantly ran through his mind. January tenth will be the day his little girl is expected to be born. Yes, he was grateful that his career is going in the direction that he always dreamed of but his daughter’s birth was surpassing that by a long shot.
Becoming someone’s father is one of those euphoric feelings he has heard other’s speak of. Sadly he still felt something was missing and he knew exactly what it was. The fact that Mya wasn’t his wife was missing. They didn’t express any words of love and forever but he knew his heart was singing those words every time they were within eye shot. With every thought of her, he came to realize he had started to fall in love with her more and more just from her being herself. She never tried to be something she wasn’t. No matter what people said about her, she never wavered and showed anything of what they said. Her heart is big, the natural beauty that seeps through her pores makes his heart skip a beat, and her spirit is humbled with everything around her. She can catch an attitude with the best of them but she doesn’t let that drive her life.
A smile the size of Texas formed on his face as an idea came to his head. He knew he had to win her over somehow. His mother, sister, and soon to be mother in law will be all too happy to help him come up with a plan. Asking her father for permission would probably be first because he wanted Mya as his wife, damn girlfriend and all that other stuff. They were grown people, done grown things, and he wanted them to gravitate to a grown folk’s future. He still needed to deal with the backstabber’s in his crew first, the fact that they had been treated with a long handled spoon should have been a warning to them but they still came around. Still tried to make plans with him he would just tell them he wasn’t in the mood. They thought he was just upset because Mya wasn’t fooling with him on that level anymore. He overheard them practically bragging that they were finally getting somewhere with getting her out of the picture. Sadly they couldn’t be more wrong.
“Barron…” Mya mumbled groggily.
“Yeah it’s me.”
“What’s wrong? I know it’s not time to get up yet.” She pouted her lips with her eyes still closed making him chuckle at the sight.
“No… shh go back to sleep.” He picked her up bridal style for the second time in one night. Thinking about it he wouldn’t mind doing as much for the rest of his life.
“But Barron…” She tried to argue but he shut that down.
“Shut up Mya and sleep.” He demanded when he laid her in his bed.
“Fine…” She mumbled something about him being so damned demanding. When he wrapped her up in his arms she didn’t fight him, she just snuggled into his side. With a smile on his face he was able to go to sleep more at ease than he had in almost a month.
~
“You ready?” Barron asked Mya as she walked down the stairs in some maternity jeans, a scowl neck sweater, and some flats with colorful socks. “Really the socks?”
“They are comfortable and warm. Shut it…” He held up his hands in surrender.
“I got you a breakfast bar and a bottle water. We can send them to get us something to eat at the shoot.” He helped Mya get settled in his car before driving them to the spot.
“Okay that’s fine.” She said in a carefree mood. He was so happy they moved around this morning after waking up side by side with no awkwardness whatsoever.
“Good morning beautiful.” Thomas embraced Mya in a hug. “How are you this morning sis?”
“Good morning. I’m getting along pretty good to be waddling around here.”
“Good morning sis.” Ebony greeted with a hug of her own. That put a smile on Barron’s face. He had heard them both referring to her as sis or sister in law but it still made him happy to know they all embraced her so warmly. Everyone obviously knew what this was before him.
“What’s up baby boy? You seem awfully chipper this morning. I haven’t seen you like this in a little while.” Thomas gr
eeted with a brotherly hug.
“Yeah, what gives?” Ebony asked. “Don’t get me wrong I’m happy to see you happy again but I can’t help but be a little curious as to why.” Mya was now looking at the trio in confusion.
“I’m just loving life. Is that okay?”
“Of course it is. I would be too if I was approaching another championship in this division.” A foreign voice interrupted their conversation. “Mr. B.A. Anderson. I’m glad we could get you in today on such short notice. It’s so hard to find good help these days. The request for a photo shoot should have been submitted to your people months ago.”
“It’s a pleasure in itself just to be considered.” Barron said.
“Barron this is Annette, the creative director.” Thomas made introductions.
“Nice to meet you.”
“Same here.” Annette smiled. He decided to slide his hand around Mya’s waist sending a silent message. “Hello… oh wow, you look like you’re about to pop.” Annette diverted her gaze to a very pregnant Mya with wide eyes as if she didn’t see her there at first.
“Uh… not quite. I still have two months left.”
“We…” Barron inserted sternly.
“Forgive me, we have about two months left.” Mya corrected.
“Oh so the rumors were accurate. You know you can’t be so sure these days of what is true and what’s not.” Before anyone could respond she excused herself to answer her ringing phone. She returned with a frustrated expression on blast for the world to see.
“Is everything alright?” Thomas was the first to ask.
“Ugh, some people are so damn unreliable. The person that, I guess should remain nameless, reneged on the main article of this issue. I know no one else will be available at this short of notice. Nothing interesting that is…” She stopped as she looked at Barron and Mya. They both looked behind them like Siamese cats trying to see who she was looking at. “Thomas can I speak with you for a moment?”
“Sure.” He followed her to the side to hear what exactly she had in mind.
“What was that about?” Mya asked. Barron and Ebony shared a look because they peeped game on the look she gave them.
