Jaylin

by Brenda Hampton

  “What’s up, Scorpio?” He looked me up and down in my pink pajama pants and sheer top. The jacket I wore covered my top, since I wasn’t wearing a bra. “Is Jaylin expecting you?”

  “No, he’s not. I called him a few times, but he didn’t answer his phone.”

  “We were playing ball on the court. I think he’s still down there.”

  “Okay. Thanks. And good seeing you, Shane.”

  “Likewise.”

  As he walked off to get in his car, I had to take another look. If I wasn’t married, he could get it again for sure. I fanned myself, before going inside, locking the door behind me.

  The moment I reached the stairs to the lower level, I could hear a basketball bouncing. Still tired from earlier, I hit the elevator button, allowing it to take me to the basement area. As soon as I got off, I walked to the court where Jaylin was. I stood in the doorway, watching him shoot the ball into the basket. His shirt was off, body had a glowing tan, and sweaty hair was wet. The speedo compression shorts he wore hugged his big muscle that sat real pretty on his right thigh. My dirty mind wandered just from looking at it, and when he missed the next shot, I laughed. He quickly pivoted to see who I was.

  “Maybe you should call Lebron James to come over here and help you with that.”

  His eyes scanned me. “No need for Lebron to be here, but maybe I should call his wife over here so she can give you some lessons on what it means to be one hundred with the man you’re married to.”

  I walked on the court, and catching Jaylin off guard, I snatched the ball from his hand. “I am one hundred, and one night with you doesn’t change that.”

  “From the look of your hard nipples, it looks like you’re shooting for another night. I’m not in the mood for fucking, so check back with me another time.”

  I rolled the ball on the floor, making sure I had his attention. “I didn’t come here for that, so please don’t flatter yourself. I came here because I may have a little problem. I need you to do something for me.”

  Jaylin crossed his arms in front of him. “Let me guess. You’re pregnant, too. It’s my baby and you don’t know how to tell Mario.”

  I rolled my eyes at his foolishness. “No, I’m not pregnant, and if I was, it wouldn’t be yours.”

  Jaylin shrugged. “Could be, because I put a whole lot of my goodness in that pussy. That shit probably still swimming, who knows?”

  “I know it’s not sooo,” I paused, thinking about something he’d said. “Pregnant? You said I’m pregnant, too. Who is pregnant that you know?”

  Jaylin jogged away to get the ball. He bounced it while coming my way. “Nokea,” he said.

  My eyes shot wide open. “Is the baby yours? I mean, I didn’t think the two of you—”

  “We’re not. If she’s pregnant, the baby is Travis’.”

  “This shouldn’t be a surprise, but for real? How do you feel about that?”

  “I don’t care to discuss my feelings with you, but tell me why you’re here again. My babies are okay, aren’t they?” Jaylin shot the ball. This time, it went in. He boasted and pointed to himself. “Lebron needs me on his team. Championships would come every time.”

  “I don’t know about that, but the kids are fine. The reason why I’m here is, Mario asked me why I left my bachelorette party. I told him I came over here, but I mentioned that you and I discussed Mackenzie going to another school. If he happens to ask you, please tell him the same thing. You can understand why I don’t want him to know the truth, don’t you?”

  Jaylin shook his head. “How long have you been officially married? Between twenty-four and forty-eight hours, and your ass lying already. I tried to stop you from throwing that hot coochie at me. But you refused to accept no for an answer. Now you want me to lie for you. That’s fucked up, Scorpio. Real fucked up.”

  “You did not try to stop me, so quit lying. If anything, you were happy that I was here, giving that boring room of yours some action. Your bed was happy to be squeaking again.”

  He laughed. “If only you knew. And when you don’t know, you say silly shit that makes no sense. As you did with your lie to Mario that sounds like bull. That man ain’t stupid. He knows the truth. His ass probably had somebody watching us, but that’s your problem, not mine. I can’t promise you that I’m going to stick to your lie. It depends on if, when or how he approaches me. After all, you do know how I am.”

  “I do know how you are, but please do it for me. That’s all I ask, because I don’t want any trouble.”

  I heard Jaylin’s cell phone ring. He walked over to it, removing it from the floor. He took one glance, but didn’t answer.

  “If I make this shot, her bed will be squeaking tonight, not mine. Mine don’t squeak anyway, but I’m sure yours does.” Jaylin shot the ball; it was all net. He smiled and winked at me. “Sorry, but she wins. Gotta go, alright?”

  He walked off, taking the stairs to the upper level. I took the elevator. By the time I got to the main floor, he was already on the second floor, heading into his bedroom. I assumed he was about to take a shower and leave. I left as well, and the second I got back home, I went upstairs to check on the kids. They were still asleep. I then headed back to my bedroom. The moment I cracked the door to go inside, I felt someone reaching for my arm. Nearly jumping out of my skin, I quickly turned around, seeing Mario.

  “Where did you go?” he asked in a groggy tone. “I got up looking all around for you.”

  “I couldn’t sleep, so I went back to the penthouse to grab a few boxes I needed.”

  “You shouldn’t be out this late. The movers will get all of that stuff. Be patient and everything will come together soon.”

  “I know. I just want this place to feel like home. I need to get comfortable. With all these people running around every day, it’s starting to work me. I’ll be glad when they’re done. I’m eager to see the finished product.”

  “Soon enough, sweetheart. Now, go get in bed and let me massage you all over. I can help with some of the stress you’re feeling, you know.”

  “You always do. That’s why I love you so much.”

  For the moment, Mario massaged my stress away. I laid on my stomach with my eyes closed, in deep thought. I hoped he would never find out the truth, and I had faith that Jaylin would do as I’d asked. Then again, when it came to him, who knows what he would say or do?

  NOKEA

  I had been a nervous wreck. Felt kind of bad after what I’d done to Jaylin, but after saying what he did to me, he deserved it. I don’t know why I thought I could tell him about the baby, and he would provide me with some comforting words. Yet again, he made it all about him, but this baby had nothing to do with him. It was about me and Travis. While I definitely saw a future with him, I just wasn’t ready to have another child and do all of that marriage stuff again. When the doctor told me it would be difficult for me to conceive another child, and I’d terminated one pregnancy, I surely thought that was it. I hadn’t been taking any kinds of birth control, and when I missed my period last month, I could’ve died. Then, I started feeling sick. My doctor confirmed my pregnancy a few weeks ago. I wanted to be happy, but I was so disappointed that I’d found myself in this situation again. That was one of the reasons why I had been so moody.

  The situation with Jaylin and Scorpio didn’t help either. I started thinking about our failed marriage. I blamed him for putting me in the predicament I was in. Had he gotten it right, there would be no Travis and there would be no baby. I wasn’t about to have an abortion, so I had to come to grips and face my reality. The next thing I needed to do was tell Travis. I wasn’t sure how he was going to react, but since he was coming over this evening, I made plans to tell him. I decided to cook a small meal and see what was on Netflix so we could watch a movie. While waiting for him to arrive, I called Scorpio to see what the kids were up to.

  “They’re fine,” she said. “Keeping me real busy over here. We’re about to sit down and have dinner.”
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br />   “If you want them to come over here, that’s fine. I know you’re busy, trying to get the house together and everything.”

  “Actually, they’re helping me out a lot. They’re having a good time, so no worries.”

  “Okay. And as soon as I have time, I’m going to stop by to see your place. I’ve been so busy lately, but maybe next weekend.”

  “Whenever you’re ready. I know you have a lot on your plate, especially with the baby on the way.”

  I paused, and was slightly taken aback by what she’d said. Had Jaylin told her about the baby already? He had to. How else would she know?

  “I guess Jaylin told you. It’s just like him to run his mouth. But, yes, I am pregnant. I’m not ready to tell the kids yet so please keep this between us.”

  “Will do, and congrats to you and Travis.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Hold on for a minute because Jaylene said when you called she wanted to speak to you.”

  Jaylene came to the phone, telling me what a good time they were having. I spoke to LJ for a few minutes, even Justin who just wanted to say hi. After I spoke to Scorpio about an outfit she wanted at my shop, we ended the call. I started to call Jaylin to see if he was okay, but then I changed my mind. I didn’t want to hear any negativity right now. I couldn’t talk to Nanny B because she always sided with him, so I called my mother to check on her and my father. Her diabetes had been giving her trouble, but she’d started to feel better. Now, my father had something going on. That was why he couldn’t make Jaylene’s competition with my mother. Then again, I figured he just didn’t want to be around Jaylin. My father still liked him, but I don’t think he was happy with Jaylin, due to our divorce. He never said much else to Jaylin about it, but deep down I knew how my father felt.

  “Hi, Mom,” I said as she answered the phone. “What are you and Dad up to?”

  “I’m watching TV, but your father is in the room lying down. Where are my grandbabies at?”

  “They’re with Scorpio. She moved into a new house and they kids are helping her.”

  “That’s nice. How was the wedding? I wanted to stay, but I didn’t want to be away from your father for too long. Was the wedding everything it was hyped up to be?”

  “Actually, it was. Probably one of the most extravagant weddings I’d ever been to. The kids enjoyed themselves, and I’m going to send you some pictures when I can.”

  “Please do. I showed your father those pictures of Jaylene during her competition. He started crying, because we really don’t get a chance to see our grandbabies that much. I wish we could travel more, but we don’t like getting on those planes and flying all the time. It would be nice if you all would come here more often. I don’t know why you don’t, especially since y’all have that big ol’ house in The Bluffs. I get lost in that house, but your father likes to go there all the time to show off with his friends from the church.”

  “That’s Jaylin’s house, not mine. It is nice, but I think it’s a waste of money.”

  “What’s Jaylin’s is yours. He’s the one who told me that. I don’t think it’s a waste. It’s an asset, a huge asset.”

  I had my opinion, she had hers. My mother was always team Jaylin, too, so deciding not to say much else, I hurried to end our conversation, without telling her about the baby.

  “Give Daddy a kiss for me, and I hope to see you two soon. Maybe the kids and I will come to St. Louis in a few more weeks or so.”

  “That would be nice. Tell Travis I said hello. Will he be coming with you?”

  “I’m not sure. His schedule at the hospital is hectic. But I’ll let you know for sure.”

  Right then, there was a knock at the door so I said goodbye to my mother. I was sure it was Travis. When I opened it, he stood with a bundle of roses in his hand. He was still in his green scrubs, looking tired as ever. His eyes were real glassy looking—I could tell he had been drinking. The good thing was, there was a smile on his face. He was happy to see me.

  “Seeing you is like a breath of fresh air.” He kissed me on the lips. I forced my tongue in his mouth, just to give him a little something extra to help lift his spirits. “I needed that, more than you know.”

  I smiled and removed the roses from his hand. “Thank you. I needed these too.”

  Travis followed me to the kitchen. As he washed his hands, I found a vase for my roses. The kitchen was lit up with the smell of baked chicken and rice. I had steamed some broccoli, and dessert was a surprise.

  “Take a load off,” I said, inviting Travis to have a seat. “From the look on your face, I can tell it wasn’t a good day.”

  He cocked his tense neck from side-to-side. “It was a horrible day. I lost two patients today, and a thirteen-year-old boy lost his life to gun violence. Telling his mother was tough. Real tough and I’ll never get used to that.”

  I stood behind him, raising his shirt over his head and massaging his broad, stiff shoulders. “I’m sure it doesn’t get easy. But maybe it will, when you’ve been at this for twenty or thirty more years. You’re the new kid on the block. I know a lot of this is very new to you.”

  “It is, but no matter how long I stay in this profession, I can’t ever see it getting easier.”

  I felt horrible for Travis. There was no question in my mind that the stress from his job was causing him to drink more. I wished he was in a better mood, but maybe my news about the baby would help to perk him up. I started to prepare his plate, and after I piled it high with food, I prepared mine. We sat at the table, holding hands as we prayed. Afterward, we dove right in.

  “How’s business?” he asked.

  “Business is good. We’re still trying to fill orders from the fashion show. I’m glad I decided to keep the shop closed on Sundays because I need one day to rest. But as of tomorrow, it’s back to work for me.”

  “Must be nice to get one day off. You know I’m always on call. I try to get in a nap every now and then at work, but things have been on a roll lately.”

  Travis was really feeling beat. We continued to make small talk that didn’t revolve around the baby. I wasn’t sure if this was the right time to spill the beans or not, but when I got up to get his ice cream, that was when I went for it. I placed the bowl of Black Walnut ice cream, his favorite, in front of him. He stirred it around, I watched as he put a scoop in his mouth. Seconds later, he stirred the ice cream again. When he saw something in it, wrinkles appeared on his forehead. He reached in the ice cream, pulling out a miniature pacifier with the word congratulations on it. Travis raised his head, looking at me with wide eyes.

  “Did you . . . are you having a baby?”

  I slowly nodded. “Yes. I’m pregnant, soooo what do you have to say about that?”

  He reached out to grab me, holding me tightly in his arms. “Oh my God, baby. This is . . . this is wonderful. I can’t believe you’re having a baby. I love you sooo much—no words can express how much I love you.” After he released me, he pounded his fist against his hand. “Yes, yes, yes!”

  His reaction made me feel a whole lot better. He kept kissing and praising me.

  “You’re amazing. Completely amazing, and I can’t wait for you to be my wife. We have to get married. I want to get married and we need to do it soon.”

  Just that fast, my mood had changed again. I didn’t know how to say this, without raining on his parade. “I love you too, Travis, but when it comes to getting married, I’m not so sure about that yet.”

  He inched away from me. Obviously, my words were not what he wanted to hear.

  “Why not, Nokea? What’s so wrong with us getting married? I thought we had a great relationship—tell me if I’m wrong?”

  I placed my hand on the side of his scrunched face, moving in closer to him. “It is great. It’s wonderful and I have never been this happy or at peace in any relationship I’ve been in. But that’s the problem. I’ve been married, twice, and I came so close to being married three times. I can’t keep rushing in
to marriages. This time, I just want to take my time. I know you think two years should be enough, but Jaylin and I knew each other for many years and it still wasn’t enough to save our marriage.”

  “That’s because he’s a jerk. I’m nothing like him and you know it. I appreciate you. I respect everything about you, and I would never do to you what he did. So what you’ve been married twice? Those marriages were never meant to be. You were too good for Jaylin, you didn’t really love Collins, and that crap with Stephon was a big mistake. But that mess is in the past. It’s done. I don’t want you to use that as an excuse to not marry me.”

  I took a deep breath, backing away from him. I really thought he would understand why I didn’t want to rush into this.

  “All that you’re saying is true, but the facts remain. I’ve had two failed marriages. I have to be one hundred percent sure that if I go there again, it’s a done deal.”

  Surprisingly, Travis started to throw a fit. His fist pounded the table and his voice went up several notches.