The Best Part of Me

by A'zayler

  “Bitch, look at him,” Yummy tried to whisper.

  Jerrico chuckled at her and turned his back to cut the stove off.

  “I don’t have time for this. That nigga obviously wants somebody to beg his ass. He turned around, knowing we were looking at him. I’m about to go.”

  Jerrico heard one set of heels tap down the hallway before the other grew closer to him. He looked to the side once Eternity stopped next to him.

  “Why you turn around? I was trying to get her to see that it was you.”

  “And why were you doing that?”

  “Because y’all would be cute together.”

  Jerrico really laughed then. “No, thank you, sweetheart. I’m good.”

  Eternity crossed her arms over her chest. “You must got a girlfriend?”

  “I do not.”

  “Well, she does not either,” Eternity mocked his tone. Jerrico laughed. “She’s just mean.”

  “That’s apparent.” Jerrico washed his hands, removed his vest, and began cleaning up around himself.

  She stood there, watching long enough for him to clean the island before leaving. Jerrico wasn’t sure what she was trying to imply, but until that girl got her life together, he wasn’t going down that road. Although he’d always been doubly attracted to the mean ones, he liked mean ones who could possibly like him back. Slim Goody wasn’t one of those girls. She made that clear in every performance and song.

  That night after her show, he’d stayed up for hours watching her on YouTube, checking her social media and blogs, and she had not one good thing to say about men. Whatever man had messed her up did a damn good job because li’l baby was scarred, and he wasn’t up for the fight. Not because he couldn’t handle it, but because she was disrespectful.

  Jerrico could and would do a lot of things but being disrespected by a female wasn’t it. Slim Goody made a living off disrespecting dudes, and he wouldn’t dare be added to that barrel.

  “Almost show time. You good?” Marcellus rounded the corner dressed nicely in slacks and a dress shirt.

  “Money Mars.” Jerrico held his hand out for a dap.

  Marcellus took it and pulled him into a brotherly hug.

  Marcellus ran his hand down the fabric covering his broad chest. “You know how I do.”

  Jerrico smiled because Marcellus was right. He had money, and it showed. He never dressed down, much like Jerrico, but Marcellus went up a notch. He dripped money without talking. Even the smell of his cologne held girth.

  “I just finished up. I’m about to get up out of here.”

  “What? You ain’t gon’ stay and hang out?”

  Jerrico put his culinary vest into the large bag that housed his cookware. “Nope, I’m tired. I’m going home to lay in my bed.”

  “You tripping. It’s about to be plenty of women out there.”

  “What do you care?”

  Marcellus grinned. He was too cool for women. Never really paying them much attention, and surely never holding full conversations. He said they were too immature and under-traveled for him. Whatever that meant. He’d been single for as long as Jerrico could remember.

  Sure, he banged some here and there, but he was so lowkey on that; not even Jerrico or Calvary had seen any of them. Only evidence was the lustful things Marcellus said occasionally, and the sex stories that were too good to keep to himself.

  “I’m talking about for you, not me.”

  “Definitely no to that.” Jerrico pulled the bag from the counter and tossed it over his shoulder just as Slim Goody and Eternity re-entered the kitchen.

  Eternity looked at him. “Do you mind if we start putting this stuff out?”

  Jerrico hated to sound rude, but he had to be what he had to be. “Uh, yeah, I kind of do. Just give me a minute, and I’ll do it myself.”

  “We’re not going to mess up your li’l food,” Slim Goody spoke rudely.

  Jerrico’s eyes went to her while Marcellus’ went to him. Marcellus knew that he didn’t tolerate disrespect, which was probably why he tried to intervene on her behalf. Jerrico wasn’t going to curse her out or anything, but she’d think twice the next time she came at him rudely.

  “Chill, Goody. He’s just a perfectionist.”

  She looked at Marcellus. “What are you? His bodyguard?” The joking tone she used with Marcellus was much better than the one she’d shot his way, but they worked together, so whatever.

  “That’s his brother,” Eternity told her.

  Goody’s eyes looked between the two of them before stopping on Jerrico. “Do your thing then, but she’ll be here in about twenty minutes, so can you make it snappy?”

  Jerrico looked her up and down slowly before looking back at Marcellus. “Let me slide out right quick. I’ll be right back.”

  Marcellus nodded while Eternity smiled, and Goody looked like she had something rude just waiting to slip out. Exhausted beyond belief, Jerrico had no energy for her little spoiled antics. He rushed to put all his things in the trunk of his midnight blue Audi before going back inside.

  When he entered the kitchen, everyone except Marcellus was gone. He was chewing something that Jerrico didn’t even bother to acknowledge.

  “Goody doesn’t mean any harm. She’s just tough.”

  “No, that hoe is just rude.”

  As always, Marcellus laughed at him. “She got you that upset? You’re calling her out of her name?”

  Jerrico frowned and scratched behind his ear. “It’s just no need for all of that.”

  “I feel you. If it helps, she told me that all the energy in her music comes from the pain she’s lived.” Marcellus patted Jerrico’s shoulder as he headed to the door. “If nothing else, take that into account the next time she’s rude.”

  “I ain’t trying to hear that. She talks to you like she has some sense. That means she can do the same to me.”

  “See, she and I get money together. There’s nothing personal about that.”

  “I barely know her, ain’t nothing personal about that either.”

  “Maybe she wants to keep it that way.” Marcellus walked out of the kitchen, saying nothing else.

  Jerrico was in no mood for riddles or anything else, so he busied himself setting the food up in the appointed places and prepared to leave. He was just about to head out when a loud outpour of noise came from the room where everyone had been.

  “SURPRISE!”

  A feminine shriek made him smile. Their plan had worked. From the little squeal she’d released and the laughter that followed, she had known absolutely nothing about the party. Jerrico hurried to gather his trash and leave. He was almost to the door when Eternity caught his hand.

  “Come here for a minute, please.”

  Jerrico followed her until he noticed they were headed into the room where the party was. He stopped and pulled his arm away.

  “What you doing?”

  “I want to let everyone know who to thank for this delicious food.”

  Jerrico’s head immediately began to shake. “It’s cool. I don’t need any accolades.”

  “Don’t be like that. At least meet my cousin Forever, she’ll want to thank everybody who had something to do with this party. She’s that kind of person.” Eternity rolled her eyes. “She’s nothing like Paradise.”

  “Who is Paradise?”

  Eternity raised her eyebrows at him. “Goody.”

  “Oh.” Jerrico nodded. “What’s up with y’all names? Forever, Paradise, and Eternity.”

  Eternity shrugged. “I don’t know. Our moms are heavy into church and being in touch with their energy revolutions around the sun, and all of that other mess. Maybe that’s where it comes from.”

  They shared a quick laugh before she was pulling him again. Jerrico stopped her once more. “I don’t want to do this for real.”

  She stopped and sighed while looking around the room. “Can I at least get Forever, so she can see you?”

  Though he really didn’t want to, Jerri
co nodded anyway. He watched her walk to the slim, dark-skinned beauty with skin the color of coal. She was so dark that she looked fake, like a mannequin. A bright, white smile with big but cute teeth covered her face. Her hair was straight and shoulder-length black. Jerrico’s eyes followed her across the floor.

  The grace and elegance in her walk made her look like a model. She was so effortless yet intriguing, like a mystery. Gorgeous. He momentarily wondered what their mothers looked like because the three of them were some of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen.

  They all looked different but breathtaking, to say the least. Forever having freckles dancing across her nose and cheeks added to her sex appeal as if the extra dose of melanin she was sporting wasn’t doing enough on its own.

  “Forever, this is Jerrico. He’s the chef in charge of all this goodness we’re indulging in.”

  Forever paused in front of him and stretched her arm out toward him. He took it and kissed her hand. “Congratulations, sweetheart. I’m so very proud of you.”

  Forever’s smile grew, as did Eternity’s. “Thank you so much. I really appreciate that, and all of this.” She motioned toward the food. “The set-up is so beautiful, and everything tastes amazing. I’m going to have to keep you on retainer.” Forever leaned in for a hug, and he squeezed her tightly before releasing her again.

  “You deserve it, queen. Enjoy.” He looked between both of the smiling women. “It was very nice to meet you both, but my bed is calling my name.”

  Forever faked a pout. “You’re not staying?”

  “No can do. I’ve had a long day.”

  “Really?” she continued to beg.

  “Yep, he’s for real. I’ve already begged.” Eternity smiled, and Jerrico playfully wrapped his arm around her neck.

  The baby sister vibe her from her was easy and strong. It was comfortable that his friendly affection came naturally. “I guess y’all want me to fall asleep up in here, huh?”

  “You can.” Eternity giggled while shrugging.

  “We’ll catch up some other time. Y’all go enjoy.”

  They both gave him fake pouty lips that had him laughing and almost feeling bad for leaving. Once they bid their goodbyes, he looked for Marcellus. He was in the corner listening to some man in a suit talk, so Jerrico decided to text him his departure instead. His mother and Mr. Clarence had gone home before everyone got there, so with no one else to alert. He could leave peacefully.

  The clouds had picked up, and the sky had darkened, warning him of rain. He took big steps getting to his car. He’d opened the door and had one leg in when he heard his name called. Jerrico’s brow furrowed when he spotted Goody stepping sexily toward him. He was so caught up in her legs and walk that he ended up spilling out his thoughts the moment she was close enough.

  “I’m a fan of these heels, baby. They’re doing all kinds of good shit for your frame.”

  The stuck look on her face made him smile. Laugh, even. Jerrico looked away, trying to gather himself. He’d allowed his mouth to open before he’d had time to think about what was going to come out of it. The only thing that eased his mind was the sly smile on her face.

  “Thank you. That fitted hat is doing all kinds of good shit for your smile too.”

  Jerrico got out of his car and leaned back on it with a smile. “So, you do know how to be nice?”

  “Please, don’t start.” She held her hand up and waved him off.

  Jerrico took it and held it loosely in his. “Don’t start what? You came out here.”

  Goody’s eyes went down to their clasped hands. She bit her bottom lip and looked at him. “I was coming to say thank you for the impromptu arrangements, and to pay you.” She held a crisp, white envelope out between them.

  He’d totally missed that at first.

  “Keep that. Send yourself some roses from me.”

  When she smiled, he knew he had her.

  “I see you like little clothes and changing your hair, so go get you a new style and another li’l outfit like that for our date on Friday.”

  “Date? I don’t date?”

  “You’re about to start.”

  She twisted her mouth to the side before giving him the once over. “You ain’t slick. You want me to do all of this with my own money and act like you’re doing something for me.” She shook her head. “Typical nigga.”

  Jerrico’s whole mood soured at the word nigga. He didn’t gripe at people who used it because it was their prerogative, but he wasn’t a fan of it. Nor was he cool with the way she’d just misinterpreted his flirting. If anything, he would have sent her flowers himself and had Marcellus holler at her cousin about some hair shit, but she had him mixed all up with that typical nigga stuff.

  “Please, don’t refer to me as a nigga… and I’m the furthest thing from typical. Goodnight, beautiful. Your sister already thanked me. Keep your money.”

  Jerrico got into his car and pulled off without looking back. She was so confused that it was sad. He simmered privately during his entire drive home. When he finally pulled up and let himself in, he almost fell to the floor. He was just that tired. Hopefully, after a good, long shower and some sleep, he’d be ready for the next day and whatever it brought.

  Chapter Three

  Sometimes I’m in my Feelings

  Hours later, and the party was still going. People were dancing, eating, and enjoying themselves. Forever was in the middle of the floor, dancing with Yummy. Even with her moves being much more conservative than Yummy’s, she was still cutting up. The happiness all over her was just what Goody had been hoping for.

  “Why you not dancing?” Messiah questioned her when he walked up, sipping his beer.

  “I don’t feel like it. I’m kind of sleepy.”

  “Go home then. The party about to start winding down in a minute anyway. We can clean this shit up tomorrow.”

  Goody smirked at Messiah. He didn’t care about nothing. “No, nigga.” She chuckled, and he shrugged.

  “Suit yourself, but I’m about to go get up on some of y’all fine ass friends.” He walked away without even waiting for a response.

  Goody shook her head and yawned. Messiah was such a character. Always had been and probably would be forever. A basketball phenomenon, Messiah graduated high school with hopes of going pro but ended up in an overseas league instead. He was bad as hell on the court and had been show-stopping since he’d touched down in Canada.

  It was a rarity that he was home, so to have him and Forever there together had Goody on cloud nine. That was half the reason she was fighting as hard as she could to stay at the party. She missed her siblings. Even though she’d been running all day, trying to get ready for Forever’s party, she was glad it was almost over.

  “Thank you, Goody. For all of this.” Forever walked up and took Messiah’s place on the wall next to her sister and motioned toward the dwindling party.

  “You’re welcome. You deserve it. You’ve worked so hard.”

  “You know who else told me that, and that they were proud of me?”

  Goody looked at her with her perfectly arched eyebrows raised.

  “Chef cutie.”

  Goody rolled her eyes so hard that Yummy could have seen them, and she was way across the room.

  “You mean Chef Leprechaun, his li’l short ass.”

  “That man is not that short.”

  “The hell he ain’t. That nigga is the same height as me.”

  Forever sucked her teeth. “Goody, you act like you’re not a tall woman.”

  “Which is why I need a tall man. Leprechaun ain’t it, sis. Midget ass.” Goody’s irritation with Jerrico rose at each thought of him.

  “Eww, Goody, why you got to do all of that?”

  “Because he’s annoying. He thinks he’s all that. Gon’ try to check me for calling him on his weak ass game.”

  “You really need to stop.”

  “Stop what?”

  “You don’t have to be mean to every ma
n you meet, Goody. You are so hard on these dudes.”

  “Because they’re all the same.”

  “No, they’re not. You had one bad, ungrateful apple, but that doesn’t rot the rest of them.”

  Goody rolled her eyes while nonchalantly looking at her nails. “The hell it doesn’t.”

  “He might really be nice.”

  “Kayson was nice, and you see how that turned out. He was nice enough to make me believe he was something that his lying ass wasn’t.”

  Forever’s small arm wrapped around Goody’s neck. “Sis, you’ve got to heal from that, or else you’ll never move on.”

  “I have moved on.”

  Forever stood upright and looked at her. “Goody?”

  “Rabbit?”

  “Bitch,” Forever snickered. “I’m a whole lawyer out here, and you still calling me that barefoot, running around Grandma’s back porch nickname.”

  Goody giggled and shrugged. “My bad, I’ll try to stop.”

  “Try to stop being mean to every man you meet, and that’ll be good enough for me.”

  Goody looked away because that wasn’t happening. There was nothing a nigga could tell her. They were all the same, and that was all there was to it.

  “Starting with Jerrico. He is really nice. Look how he came through for you today.”

  “Not me, his brother.”

  “Any man who loves his family enough to do all of this for a complete and rude stranger must be some kind of guy. Go talk to him.” Forever squinted and pointed in Goody’s face. “I’m not playing with you.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  Forever shook her head and sashayed away. Goody watched her while recollecting her moments with Jerrico. He was a cutie and seemed nice, and he really wasn’t that short, but that didn’t mean anything at all. He could be all of that and still be a lying, cheating dog. She’d been there, done that. Goody sucked her teeth when she thought about Jerrico trying to run game on her. Hadn’t given her a dime but wanted to take it all and pretend like he’d done something for her.

  “Tuh. Short bastard.” Goody exhaled roughly and closed her eyes. “Won’t get me.”