I Can't Let Go

by Chenell Parker

  “I’m trying to drop some dick off in you. Let me know what’s good.”

  “The fuck?” Zoe mumbled when she read it.

  “What the hell are you doing with my phone?” Venus yelled when she walked into the room. She snatched her phone from Zoe’s hand to see what she was looking at.

  “Please tell me that you’re not fucking Franco,” Zoe begged.

  “Don’t ask questions that you really don’t want the answers to. I’m sure you read the message, so you already know what’s up,” Venus replied.

  “Oh, my God Venus! We were just hanging out with Amari and her cousins last weekend. We went to her damn house. How could you do that to her?”

  “Me? You need to be asking her husband that question. I didn’t take vows with the bitch,” Venus replied.

  “But you’re her friend,” Zoe noted.

  “No, you’re her friend and I’m yours. I only hung out with her by default,” Venus pointed out.

  “All this just to be with a Lopez man. He’s married Venus and he’d not leaving Amari, if that’s what you expect,” Zoe assured her.

  “I don’t want him to leave her. The shit ain’t even that deep.”

  “I can’t believe you right now. What is it about these men that makes you feel like you just have to have one?” Zoe asked.

  “You act like I’m fucking Miguel. Be happy that you’re really my friend,” Venus smirked.

  “Bitch, my husband wouldn’t touch you with a dildo. No matter how many times I try to convince them otherwise, you’re trash to him and his entire family. I don’t even know why I waste my time defending you when you keep proving them right,” Zoe snapped.

  “Girl, fuck you. You’re doing the absolute most behind another bitch’s husband. Am I the only one who’s fucking Franco?” Venus questioned.

  “Fuck you bitch. Get the fuck out of my house and lose my number. I see why Tino chose Kimora over you. She’s clearly the better woman. I know he’s happy as hell that he didn’t have babies with your hoe ass,” Zoe said, hurting Venus’ feelings.

  Tears pricked her eyes, but she would never let them fall. She and Zoe had fallouts in the past, but it never resorted to name calling. Usually, Venus would repeat something that Zoe inadvertently said, and she would stop speaking to her for a few days. Zoe was too kindhearted to stay mad at her, so it never lasted very long.

  “Well, I guess Miguel is no longer off limits since we’re not friends anymore,” Venus smirked as she walked out of the house.

  “I hope Amari drags your slut ass when she finds out,” Zoe fumed as she slammed the door in her face.

  “Sensitive ass bitch,” Venus mumbled as she sauntered to her car.

  As soon as she got in, she replied to Franco’s message, agreeing to meet up with him later. Before she sat her phone down, she went to her Instagram page right as Tino started a live video. The tears that Venus had been holding in fell as she watched Tino holding a sign that said “SOLD” in front of a huge three-story house. Val, Ced and their daughter were all smiles as Kimora filmed them walking through the massive home. Ced kept saying that their house was bigger and better than his, and Val happily agreed. Tino’s parents’ house was nothing short of amazing and topping that was hard to do. Santina yelled for her mother to come out back where the huge swimming pool was located.

  They were talking about putting things back there for her and the new baby, and Venus had heard enough. She logged off and buried her face in her hands as she cried. She couldn’t believe that Tino was giving another bitch everything that she begged him to give her. Venus could understand if they had history, but she was in his life for years before he even met Kimora. In her mind, Kimora was the problem and she wanted her eliminated. With a heavy heart, she pulled away from Zoe’s house, feeling like she’d taken two losses in a matter of minutes. She hated getting into it with Zoe, but she was in her feelings about something that had nothing to do with her. Venus knew that all she had to do was give her a few days and she would get over it, just like always.

  Miguel pulled into his driveway right as Venus was pulling off. He didn’t see his wife in the car with her, so he knew that she was inside. He didn’t know why Venus left but he wasn’t complaining. His brother Mateo had just informed him that he was in town and was coming over.

  “I got way too much seafood. I saw that your friend just left and there’s no way that you can eat all this by yourself,” Miguel said when he walked into the house.

  “Fuck her,” Zoe snapped angrily.

  Miguel knew that his wife rarely cursed, and she had to be really pissed off if she ever did. Her anger was never geared towards Venus, so he knew that it had to be serious.

  “What happened baby?” Miguel asked her.

  “You were right about everything that you said but I was too dumb to see it,” Zoe replied.

  “You’re not dumb. You’re just a good friend to a bad person. What did she do?” Miguel questioned.

  “That dirty bitch is fucking Franco,” Zoe spat angrily.

  “Do you know that for sure or is that a rumor?” he questioned.

  “I saw the proof with my very own eyes and she didn’t try to deny it,” Zoe assured him.

  “That asshole.” Miguel frowned as he typed a message on his phone.

  “I just can’t believe Venus. Is having a Lopez man that important to her?” Zoe inquired while shaking her head in disgust.

  “Having a Lopez man was only a small part of it all. Keeping up with you is her goal. I told you a long time ago that she was in competition with you, but you don’t see it,” Miguel replied.

  He tolerated Venus for the sake of his wife, but he saw right through her the very first time they met. Venus was used to Zoe being the underdog and she didn’t feel like she deserved Miguel and all that he had to offer. She used to always tell Zoe that she should have been happy that she wasn’t at the club the night she met Miguel, as if her presence would have changed anything. There were lots of beautiful women in the club the night he met his wife but none of them were more beautiful than Zoe to him. Miguel could tell that the club scene wasn’t the norm for her, and she looked out of place. Several women tried throwing themselves at him, but Zoe had all of his attention. Miguel asked her out to dinner the following night and the rest was history. Zoe was a beautiful caramel complexioned woman with almond shaped eyes and full, luscious lips. She had always been self-conscious about her shape and it only got worse when she had their kids. Zoe had hips and breasts, but she had a small gut and her butt wasn’t as big as she wanted it to be. Thousands of dollars and a few trips to Miami fixed that and Miguel was happy, just as long as his wife was satisfied.

  “You were right. I definitely saw it today,” Zoe said, pulling Miguel from his thoughts.

  When the doorbell rang, he told his wife that it was probably Mateo and he was right.

  “Is he here?” Mateo asked when he walked into the kitchen and greeted Zoe.

  “Who?” Zoe questioned, right as the doorbell rang again.

  “Eat your food baby. We’re going to the basement to talk,” Miguel said before he kissed her and walked away.

  When he opened the door and she saw Franco walk in, Zoe already knew what was up. She didn’t even know that Mateo was in town, but she knew what they were about to discuss. Like Val, he wasn’t too fond of Venus but he wasn’t as vocal about it. He knew that she was all about a dollar but he didn’t get involved if he didn’t have to.

  “I didn’t know that you were in town Unc,” Franco said when they all walked into the basement and took a seat.

  Mateo was like the head of the family since their father died and they all respected him as such. It was always a pleasure when he flew in and he was always welcomed.

  “Yeah, I flew in this morning but having this discussion was not a part of my traveling plans,” Mateo replied as he crossed his leg at the ankle and steepled his hands.

  As the oldest male in his immediate family, it was his
responsibility to keep the younger ones in line. His father entrusted him with the task of keeping the family together after his demise and he took his job very seriously. Tino was the favorite out of his nephews and Franco was the one who annoyed him the most. He did stupid shit all the time and making good decisions was not one of his strong points.

  “What discussion?” Franco asked.

  “Do you remember the conversation that we had the last time that Amari caught you cheating and left you?” Mateo asked him.

  “Yeah. You said that if I wasn’t ready to commit to only her to let her stay gone,” he replied.

  “And what did you do?” Mateo questioned.

  “I went and got my wife,” Franco replied.

  He almost lost his mind when Amari left him and moved in with one of her cousins. She wasn’t dumb and she knew that he was out there messing with other women, but she didn’t have any proof. That was, until she went to a baby shower in a hotel ballroom and caught him getting off the elevator with another woman. After beating both their asses and going to jail, Franco bailed his wife out and she left him as soon as he did. That was the worst three months of his life and he felt like he was going crazy. His uncle gave it to him real and Franco took his advice. That was over three years ago, and he had chilled out for a while. For the past few months, he was back to his old tricks, but he was better at keeping his dirt away from home.

  “Why did you go back for her when you knew that you weren’t ready?” Mateo asked.

  “I am ready,” Franco swore.

  “What is it that I hate more than anything else Franco?” Mateo asked while giving him a stern look.

  “Wasted time,” Franco sighed, knowing the answer just like everyone else.

  “Okay, well stop the bullshit. You know damn well that I didn’t call you over here for nothing. This extra shit that you got going on, end it, now. You’ve had your fun but it’s over. This is our first and last conversation about this. Don’t make me have to bring it up again. Are we clear?” Mateo asked.

  “Yeah, we’re clear,” Franco replied respectfully.

  “You’re dismissed. We’ll hook up to discuss business before I fly out,” Mateo said.

  “Okay,” Franco replied before walking away.

  He didn’t even have to ask what his uncle was talking about because he already knew. He’d obviously found out about him fucking with Venus, but it wasn’t even that deep. Venus allowed him to live out some of his fantasies, but he would never risk losing his wife over her. He would bury her alive before he ever let that happen. Franco was supposed to hook up with her later that night but that was a wrap. He would never disobey his uncle, so he had to chill on Venus and all the other hoes. He would die without Amari and he had to stop being stupid. His wife was the perfect woman and he didn’t even have a reason to cheat.

  “I usually don’t even give a shit about nothing like this, but I’ve had enough of this whore being passed around to every male in the family like a blunt,” Mateo hissed once he and his brother were alone.

  “That’s what happens when you’re a pass around,” Miguel joked.

  He told his brother about what his wife had said, and Mateo was pissed. He was big on family and even bigger on marriage. He had been married for almost thirty years and hadn’t stepped out on his wife once. Truthfully, Franco was the only man in the family who did. Having multiple girlfriends was one thing but marriage was supposed to be sacred.

  “Maybe if she stops trying to walk a mile in your wife’s shoes, she wouldn’t be. I can spot a gold digger from a mile away. Getting pregnant was supposed to be her way in. I’m just thankful that it never happened,” Mateo replied in his thick accent.

  “I don’t know what she said to piss my wife off but I’m happy that she’s gone. That slut was like a flea on a dog. I didn’t think I would ever get rid of her,” Miguel said, making his brother laugh.

  “Let’s take a ride. I want to see my sister,” Mateo replied as he stood to his feet.

  Val didn’t know that he was in town and he wanted to surprise her. He actually flew in to see Tino about business and congratulate him on buying his home. His nephew was doing it the right way and he was proud of him. He was marrying the love of his life and mother of his kids. Happiness was all that he wanted for his family and he would go to his grave trying to make it happen.

  “Where do you want this vase to go ma?” Kimora asked her mother.

  She and Autumn were at Nita’s house helping her get things together. It took a few months but Nita finally had the entire place furnished. Kimora’s insurance check came for her house and car, so she helped her out. Now, they were putting the finishing touches on the bathrooms and dining area. Dirty got her two bedroom sets and Tino got her a living room set and a few tv’s. Nita still worked but she appreciated all their help.

  “You can put it on that table over there,” Nita pointed.

  “Everything looks so nice,” Autumn complimented.

  “It sure does,” Kimora replied.

  “I’m so happy to be back home with all my family and friends.” Nita smiled.

  “I’m just happy to see you genuinely happy again,” Kimora noted.

  It felt good having her mother back in New Orleans, especially since she had moved back there too. She and Tino had closed on a beautiful home but they hadn’t moved in yet. They were having the entire place professionally decorated and they were staying by Val until it was complete. He didn’t want Kimora stressing over it, and she was happy for that. Tino’s uncle, Corey, now lived in the house that he used to live in since he and his girlfriend broke up. The lease was paid up for a few months and Tino left all the furniture inside.

  “When do I start my new job?” Nita asked.

  “Hopefully next week,” Kimora replied.

  She had a lot on her plate and getting her office together was one of them. The place was complete, but she still didn’t have a phone. There was something going on with the wiring and that was the only holdup. They were working on it but not fast enough. Kimora had already picked up three new clients and she was hoping to get many more.

  “Do you need us to do anything else auntie?” Autumn asked.

  “No, that’s it. Everything is in its place. All I have to do now is put some food in here,” Nita replied.

  “Well, it’s only you so that shouldn’t be hard,” Kimora said.

  “Girl, you know Al will be bringing his hungry ass over here every day. He might try to move back in,” Nita laughed.

  “I forgot all about his greedy ass,” Kimora replied, right as someone rang the doorbell.

  “Who can that be?” Nita wondered out loud.

  “Probably Tino coming to make sure his unborn baby is okay,” Autumn joked.

  “I’m in his car, so I know that’s not him,” Kimora noted. She and Tino were sharing a car since hers got damaged and she wasn’t in a hurry to buy another one.

  “Maybe it’s Dirty or Al,” Nita said as she got up to answer the door.

  She didn’t even ask who it was before she opened it. She was shocked to see her soon to be ex-husband standing there staring back at her. She hadn’t talked to him since she filed for divorce and she had nothing to say to him now. If he wanted to fight for the house, Nita was ready to put on the gloves. Truthfully, half of it still belonged to him.

  “Hey. Can I come in?” Alvin asked.

  “For what?” Nita questioned.

  “Please Renita, just give me five minutes of your time and I’ll leave,” Alvin begged.

  Instead of letting him in, Nita stepped onto the porch and closed the door behind her.

  “I’m listening,” Nita said while folding her arms across her chest.

  “I’m moving back to New Orleans,” Alvin informed her.

  “Why? Don’t you hate it here?” Nita reminded him.

  “Yeah but I miss my family, especially you. I haven’t seen my granddaughter in months. I just want us to put the past behind us and try
to make this work. I know that I’m the problem and I’m willing to fix it. I got a job offer to teach a math class at the high school where I used to work. I’ll do anything to be closer to the ones I love. I don’t want a divorce,” Alvin said.

  “Well, that’s too damn bad. You can’t fuck up for years and suddenly decide that you want a do over. That’s not how life works. I tried to keep my family together, but you kept pulling us further apart. It’s time for me to finally be happy and that’ll never happen as long as I’m with you. Besides, I’m not dumb enough to buy the bullshit that you’re spitting. You would rather die before you move back here. I’m sure your change of heart has a lot to do with Kimora’s breakup with Hassan,” Nita replied.