by Nako
Juice.
The “Love Drought” Series
Book 2
Written By: NAKO
Copyright 2019 by Nako. Published by NakoEXPO Presents.
All rights reserved nakoexpo.com
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales or, is entirely coincidental. No portion of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the writer’s permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
What a waste of love, you were my wasted love.
-Jhene Aiko
I jammed out something serious while writing this book. I tried my hardest to make this a cute little playlist with only a few songs, but the truth is that I can’t write without some good music playing in my ear. I’ll try to include my playlist for each book since every book truly does have a soundtrack. I found the playlists for “Stranger In My Eyes”, “Orange Moon” and a few other books that I’ll drop in Nako’s Reading Group on Facebook this week…so join us! Hope you enjoy! Sorry, I’m a Tidal user lol
(apple music people, don’t be mad at me.)
Juice’s Playlist.
Dedication.
To the girls that give their all.
Repeatedly.
To the girls that have loved more than you’ve been loved.
To the girls that have compromised their happiness, peace of mind, and sanity.
To the girls who stayed when they knew the time expired.
To the girls that grew comfortable in dark places because he was your light.
To the girls that constantly pushed themselves to the back burner to ensure his happiness.
To the girls who cried through the night, praying that God would take the heartache away.
To the girls who woke up and still felt that pain.
To the girls who spent Valentine’s Day alone and every other holiday.
To the girls that had to watch him smile with someone else.
To the girls who had to repair their own broken hearts.
IT GETS BETTER.
I dedicate this story to you,
NAKO.
P R O L O G U E
“What brings you in today?” Dr. Mighty-Moore asked the couple that sat before her.
Juice looked at his wife, who was visibly uneasy. He wasn’t a stranger to therapy, but she was. However, this was her idea. This was her “bright light bulb” moment that would somehow “reconnect” them. He wasn’t aware that they were ever disconnected, but for the sake of wanting his peace back, he told her okay when she sent the text message suggesting therapy.
“Who would like to answer the question? Perhaps you, Mr. Shahid?” she picked him, as if he was the kid in the back of the classroom that was hoping you didn’t call on his name to read out loud.
Juice took a deep breath and smoothed out his pants by use of his sweaty palms.
“Well umm, we are newlyweds.”
“Congratulations.” Dr. Mighty-Moore gave them a pleasant smile, although, she wondered why they needed therapy so early on if they were still… a new union.
“Thanks,” he muttered under his breath.
Before he could continue with explaining their sole purpose of being there today, his wife blurted out, “He called me his ex’s name during our wedding vows…”
She then added in a low, embarrassed, exhausted and sadly, distraught tone, “In front of all our family and friends.”
Dr. Mighty-Moore nodded her head. “I can only imagine how that made you feel. Mr. Shahid, was it a simple mistake?” she tried to reason, if she could.
“How do you make a mistake like that?” his wife spat. She was emotional.
Juice seemed agitated and tight. This was a disaster in the making.
“How about we let your husband answer the question?”
They both looked at him and he was stumped.
“I don’t…know. I really don’t.”
That wasn’t enough to make his wife feel better. It was a loud ass mistake. Everyone heard him. A deep gasp came from her father’s mouth. Her family turned their noses up. His side of the room, who was all quite familiar with the name he mentioned, were in disbelief.
His best friend and former artist, Mahogany Bavay, leaned over to her husband. “Did he just say…Tia?” she whispered.
Porter was stumped.
“Is the nigga still drunk?” he questioned.
Juice was tripping and what was supposed to be this oh so magical day ended up being the worst moment of her life. They didn’t go on their honeymoon, a voyage to Greece. She was looking forward to going to Santorini, Tripoli and Veria. Nor did she take any pictures with her husband at the reception. The newly married couple stayed on opposite ends of the ballroom. Once the night ended she went to her parents’ house, leaving her man to enjoy the presidential suite by his lonesome.
Here they were a month later, barely saying two words to each other.
Juice was speechless and his wife, Faaizah, was jumbled. She was heavily tangled in her emotions and wanted to climb out of the web.
For years, she had been under the impression that he was madly in love with her. Yet, on the day that she’d been planning for what seemed like an eternity, the first word that comes out of his mouth was, “TIA.”
No, she needed answers. She wanted to know…everything.
“Mr. Shahid-”
“Juice...call me Juice, please.” He preferred his nickname.
She nodded her head to show him that she got it. “Is it okay to ask you about your previous relationship so that maybe your wife can understand what led you to saying your ex’s name on what was supposed to be the beginning of a lifelong happiness with her?”
Damn, Dr. Mighty-Moore sure knew how to make a nigga feel bad about some shit, he thought to himself.
Juice took a deep breath. “Are we going to be together though?”
He looked at his wife. “I’m just saying.”
“You know good and damn well I am not divorcing you. Don’t insult me!”
Faaizah very rarely raised her voice, there were only a few things that could cause her to come out of character. Omission, questioning her character, and disrespecting her religion were the few. His wife was a devout Muslim, she made him a better man. Through their God, he met her. She was his good thing. He could never deny that and wouldn’t even try.
Dr. Mighty-Moore asked to be sure, “Faaizah, are you against divorce?”
She nodded her head as her body shook and tears ran down her face.
“For many reasons I am against divorce, but the most important one right now is that I am with child.”
She’d held on to the secret for weeks. Her plan was ruined. She was looking forward to presenting his wedding gift. Faaizah had struggled with fertility and she now believed that it was because God wanted things to be done right. There was a point in their relationship where she felt as is if she had to have a baby to lock him down. However, he proposed instead, killing all her insecurities. Juice loved her with or without a baby. Faaizah was growing a blessing in her womb.
Juice’s eyes widened as he zeroed in on her flat stomach.
“You’re pregnant?” his voice held worry and disbelief.
She told him, “Yes, we have been blessed.” Tears filled her warm eyes.
This was the first time she had smiled since her wedding day.
Dr. Mighty-Moore decided to remain silent as the young couple shared what was truly a beautiful moment full of joy and enlightenment.
Juice scooted over, kissed the side of her face, then he slow
ly dropped to his knees and laid his head on her stomach as tears filled his eyes.
Faaizah rubbed his waves as she began to pray for hope, restoration and most importantly, forgiveness.
Faaizah turned to the therapist and told her, “Sorry to have wasted your time.” She was happy as shit right now. Nothing else mattered.
“What do you guys do now?”
Dr. Mighty-Moore figured they’ll go home and make love. It could have been a simple mistake. Surely, he didn’t mean to say that name…
Juice seemed hesitant as he stood up and stuffed his hands into his pockets. Something was gnawing at him. Dr. Mighty-Moore was a professional. She could read body language better than the lies that fell from most of her client’s lips until they could fully trust her and cut the shit.
“We’re going to be good, baby,” his wife reassured him.
Juice was contemplating a few things, mentally. There were a few things running through his mind; she was pregnant.
This was what she had always wanted. He would be an ass to leave her now.
They were married, millions of dollars were involved. He wasn’t a regular nigga. Juice was a wealthy man. Self-made at that. Things could get messy. He needed to let the past be the past. He had to. His entire life he’d made poor decisions and foolish mistakes when it came to the women that loved him.
He took a deep breath and placed a cool smile on his face, one that Dr. Mighty-Moore could tell he was used to wearing as a mask.
“Yep, we surely are. Thanks Doc, again, we apologize for wasting your time.”
As the couple left her office. The only thought she had was, “One of them will be back.”
With years of experience, she already knew which one it would be.
Relationships are like seasons. They’re constantly changing...
The Good
2/4/15
Juice – Good morning. I have a busy day today, but I wanted you to know that I woke up with you on my mind and I hope that your Monday is as beautiful as you are.
Tia – Wow, I’m smiling. This message found me in good spirits. Hope you have a good day as well. FT me when you’re free.
5/7/15
Tia – Okay, so is it weird that last night is still on my mind…
Juice – Nah, I was gon’ beat my meat when I got back to the hotel...lol, I miss you already. When can you come back out?
Tia – I don’t know. I don’t want to make it a habit to keep calling off work...when will y’all be back in NYC?
Juice – I have no idea. We’ll make it work. love u. phone going dead.
Tia – okay, love you more. Call me before you go to sleep.
10/8/16
Juice – I hate not waking up to you. Our time is coming baby. One day we’re going to lay in bed and talk shit all day. Making love every other hour and smoking trees.
Tia – Good morning baby, I just woke up. I know right I was so sad to feel your side of the bed empty. Did y’all land yet? And I can’t wait until that day. Fingers crossed.
Juice – It’s coming. Everything I’m doing is for me and you.
Tia – that sounds good to me. I’m with you forever.
*****
The Bad
12/24/16
Tia – Are you going to make it home for Christmas?
Tia – Did you get the pictures I sent of the tree?
Tia – Hello?????? Will you be home in time for us to open our gifts?
Tia – JAMARI! I woke up, no text or call back…Merry Christmas to you…
Tia – Wow… I haven’t heard from you in days and do you really think that I’m going to let this shit fly? You know I don’t have any family. I’ve been home alone. All week. What was the point of you having me move out of my apartment if you’re never fucking home? This is so unfair.
Tia – I had to go check Mahogany’s page just to make sure your ass wasn’t dead and she’s enjoying the holidays with her family. SO, WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU?
12/29/16
Juice – We will talk when I get back…. love you. Please don’t be mad. Got you some dope gifts baby.
Tia – You respond to me days later and the first thing you gon' say is you got some dope gifts? Do I look like a bitch you can buy? Don’t worry about it. When you get here, I won’t be here. Happy Holidays bitch.
Juice – I can’t do this with you right now.
*****
2/13/17
Juice – LeBron booked Mahogany as a surprise for his wife on Valentine’s Day.
Tia – Oh, wow…so I’m meeting LeBron tomorrow? Yayyy! And when are you going to send me the flight itinerary. At the hair salon, can’t’ wait to see you.
Juice – I didn’t get it yet…you don’t want to go to Miami next weekend? I’ll be free then.
Juice – Now, you about to do this not texting back shit…. man, it was a last-minute call. She’s doing it as a favor to P. Tia, I can’t control her bookings.
Juice – Called you this morning to wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day, did you get the roses? I put some money on your card, please go enjoy your day baby. I’ll be home in a few days and we can go wherever you want to go.
Juice – Tia, it’s been three days…if I come home and you not there, I swear to God…
*****
5/5/18
Tia – I can’t do this anymore…I’m so tired of you cancelling OUR plans but if it was anybody else you’ll be there with a bow on.
Juice – I don’t have time for this. We got a busy day today and Mahogany is sick which slows everything down.
Tia- When do you ever? What’s new? Something is always wrong with her.
Juice – You’re never happy. like damn, I’m one nigga Tia. What do you want me to do? I can’t be in two places at one time.
Tia – Exactly, but it’s fuck me, right?
Tia – It’s fuck me? The woman that has been by your side since the beginning…. I pray that another nigga takes me from you.
Juice – He gon’ give you back…all that fucking nagging. Bye. I’ll talk to you later.
*****
The Ugly
9/4/18
Juice – The results are back.
Tia -?
Juice – It’s mine…
Juice - Baby… you promised that you wouldn’t shut me out. Talk to me? I’m about to FT you.
Tia – I need a second. Cutting my phone off.
Juice – TIA!
Juice – I’m worried about you, call me back please.
Juice – If you don’t check in with me in the next hour, I’m flying home. We are going to get through this. I told shorty to put me on child support, I don’t want nothing to do with her. I’m not about to lose you baby.
Tia – you’d rather go on child support than be in your kid’s life? what the fuck is wrong with you? I grew up without my dad I know the affect it has a on child, especially a girl. It’s a generational curse!
Juice – WELL WTF YOU WANT ME TO DO?
Tia – I don’t know but that’s not the answer.
11/14/18
Tia – And this baby…. this bitch is lying too? 2 kids 2 baby mamas AND a girlfriend? Juice, I am speechless right now. Why are you doing this to me?
Juice – Tia, I keep fucking up…
Tia – Why are you taking me through this? you do know that I don’t live under a rock.
Juice – I’m sorry.
Tia –What’s crazy is that I don’t even believe you…I hate that I love you. I fucking hate it.
Juice – don’t leave me. I’m about to get my shit together.
*****
12/1/18
Tia – I got in…
Juice – CONGRATS BABY! WE GOTTA CELEBRATE, WHAT YOU WANNA DO? WHERE YOU WANNA GO?
Tia – I’m good, you’re going to pay the tuition, right?
Juice – of course, anything for my queen.
Tia – cool
Juice – I feel like you want to leave me…do you?
>
Tia – do better then.
Juice – I’m trying. But if you’re not going to give me a fair chance then I rather let you go and be happy.
Tia – I’m cool, you told me to focus on school and that’s what I’m about to do.
Juice – Tia, I didn’t suggest you go to school and forget about me…that’s not what I said.
Tia – Oh really? Thought you were tired of me “bothering” you about not being home to spend time with me. either way, it worked. I start school next month. Have a good day.
Relationships are like seasons. They’re constantly changing...
C H A P T E R 1
You got me so weak, it hurts me to breathe in. – Jhene Aiko
Jamari “Juice” McAfee stood in the kitchen of his humble abode, something in the fridge was spoiled but he couldn’t locate where the awful smell was coming from and it was driving him crazy.
Chinese? Nope. Wasn’t that.
Pizza? Not that either.
The entire fridge needed to be cleaned out and if he had more time he would handle the task, but he didn’t, so until then he wanted the awful smell to leave his place. He damn near gagged when he walked in the kitchen this morning to take his daily dose of Vitamin C, E, & D. Lately, he had been on a health kick, trying to get his life together. Knowing that it started with his body, he was increasing his vitamin intake.
Juice bent down on his knees to search the drawers in the stainless-steel refrigerator still trying his hardest to locate whatever needed to be discarded.
“Fuck is this?”
It looked to be a head of cabbage or perhaps, lettuce. Honestly, he wasn’t sure, but it was now discolored and molded.
He held his nose with one hand and with his free one, he opened the trash can and threw the thing out. After tying the bag tight, he washed his hands, threw back his vitamins with a swig of Essentia water and was now prepared to head out. Thirty minutes behind schedule, but he wasn’t tripping. Today was sort of an off day anyway.
“Where are you going?” his long-time girlfriend asked him. He missed the days where she cheerfully greeted him with a smile, hug or kiss.
“To the gym and then I have a few errands I need to run,” he matched her tone. Smug and dry.
