When I pulled up into the parking lot of the studio, I saw Priscilla pulling stuff out of her trunk. Quickly, I hopped out, making extra noise so she’d know I was here. I ain’t even know why I was doing all this bullshit, because there were too many obstacles in the way of us becoming any damn thing.
“Hey.” I heard her voice, and when I looked, she was walking up to me yet glancing over her shoulder occasionally.
“What’s up? I ain’t even see you.” I kept taking my equipment from the trunk.
“Dionne’s already inside, so I wanted to talk to you before we went in.”
“About?” I stopped to look down into her pretty face.
“Well, she expressed to me that she thinks you’re sleeping with other women, and she seemed pretty broken up about it.”
“I don’t think she’s that broken up. She’s got her own shit to worry about, and I haven’t been the apple of her eye exactly.”
“Yeah, she told me about her thing with Belly, but you should really try to work things out with her. I mean, are you cheating on her?”
“I’m sorry. I’m a bit confused on what this has to do with you, Priscilla. I get that she told you this shit, in confidence I’m sure, but you’re a little too invested, don’t you think?”
“No, I don’t think! I’m simply trying to help her out, so I wanted information. But I see you’re too ignorant.”
“Nah, you wanna know for yourself, don’t you?”
“Excuse me?”
“You don’t even know Dionne enough to care about her like that, Priscilla.” Moving closer, I lowered my voice. “Because we had our little incident, you’re wondering if I did the same with someone else.”
“No, nigga. What is wrong with you? I have a boyfriend that I am in love with, so why the fuck would I care who you cheat with?”
“Then what are we talking about?”
“You… you and Dionne. This has nothing to do with me. I’m in a relationship already!”
“Yeah, with a nigga that everybody and their mama knows is single but you!” I barked. I was annoyed with the fact that she said she had a man every two seconds. Every damn time I talked to her, she had to mention that she had a man.
Priscilla just gaped up at me, almost like she was about to cry.
“You know what? Fuck this and you.” She abruptly turned around and switched off.
I wasn’t sure if what I was saying about her feeling me was true, but it seemed like it. I knew Dionne and Priscilla had gotten cool, but Priscilla and Blaise were closer. I highly doubted that after finding out Dionne had a thing for Belly, that Priscilla still saw her as a friend; a friend good enough to make her investigate on her behalf. Nah, Priscilla was asking for herself and only a little for Dionne.
After calming down and taking a few deep breaths, I went inside of the studio to do my job. It took a couple hours, and I left right after to go home for a shower.
Tonight I was meeting the homies at the club, and even though I’d much rather be with Swan or at the brothel period, I needed to show my face.
I crept down the block (down the block)… Made a right (yeah, right)… Cut the lights, (yeah, what) paid the price (yeah)
“Sicko Mode” by Travis Scott was spilling through the club speakers as I made my way to the section the homies were in. When Belly and I made eye contact, I nodded my head to say what’s up, and he returned the gesture. Going over, I dapped everyone up then took a seat next to him.
“My bad for the shit I said about Blaise. And I appreciate you for not fucking Dionne when I was with her.”
“You good.” He inhaled on the blunt. “Blaise is my girl, and disrespecting her is disrespecting me. So I had to crack yo’ shit.”
Laughing, I replied, “I wouldn’t respect you if you didn’t.”
He nodded then added, “And when you get a girl that ain’t on some bullshit, I’ll respect her ass as well. But if she a skeezer like Dionne, don’t expect it.”
“I hear you.” Pulling my phone out, I went to Priscilla’s Instagram then scrolled to a picture of her in some little ass shorts. “Between me and you, would this have you ready to… you know?” I showed Belly.
He glanced down at it and replied, “That’s my girl’s friend. But I’ll put it like this, I love to fuck, so them white bitches in three-piece suits on the front of them Macy’s brochures be having me ready to smash.”
I burst into laughter, despite me not liking his answer, because now I knew something was really wrong with my ass.
I left the club about two hours later and went straight to Woodland Hills where the brothel house was. I couldn’t get inside fast enough, and it amazed me how I was already hardening below my waist at the thought of Swan.
“Hello, Mr. Dade.” Geena grinned.
“Sup. I’m here for Swan.”
“Swan is busy, but we have some new ladies here that I think you may like.” She led me to the room where all the girls were. She waved one over with long brown hair and a round face. She looked innocent, which I liked. “This is Carrie.”
“Hi.” Carrie smiled, adjusting her robe, flashing me a little bit.
“Nice to meet you.”
Carrie took my hand and guided me up the stairs, down the long hall, and to a bedroom I’d never been in before.
“I’m new here, so I don’t know what you like. I’m still getting to know everyone. So what are you in to?”
“Making love.” I smirked, removing my shirt.
“Okay.” She nodded, grinning. She was pretty as hell, so if she performed well, she would be my back up. “I just need half now.”
“Oh shit, right.”
I peeled off some cash then handed it over. After counting, she slipped it into the same silk bag Swan used, then set it on the vanity.
“Dom or sub?”
“Sub for right now.” I fell back, so she straddled me, unbuckling my jeans.
“Whatever you want to do, I’m willing to do it for you, okay?” She gave me a soft smile. “You’re so handsome. Ooh.” She licked her lips once she released my dick.
Sitting up, I helped her undress while kissing on her neck then flipped her onto her back. Once we were both naked, she grabbed a condom from the drawer next to us then handed it to me. After sliding it down, I entered Carrie and almost nutted immediately. Yeah, she would for sure be my Plan B.
The next morning…
I’d slept peacefully at the brothel, and Carrie was right with me. She charged a little more than Swan to lay up, but it was cool. When I opened my eyes though, she was gone, so I hopped up to get dressed so I could bounce. Grabbing my phone from the dresser, I saw I had a text from Nichole.
Nichole: Seeing me today?
Me: Yeah, ready for breakfast? I’ll come get you in like an hour and a half.
Nichole: Okay.
I smiled to myself, slipping my iPhone into my pocket as I left the bedroom. In the hallway, I spotted Swan leaving the bathroom in a towel, and when we made eye contact, she tried to rush into her room, but I grabbed her.
“Aye, you can’t speak?” I cocked my head to make eye contact since she refused to look at me.
“Sorry, I didn’t see you.”
“I saw you see me, Swan. And why have you been busy every time I come here lately?”
“You just come at the wrong times. Can you let me go? This hurts.”
I did as she asked then exhaled heavily.
“You know I can see you outside of here. You’ll make the same amount of money.”
“I can’t. It’s against Geena’s rules.”
“Fuck Geena,” I shouted in a whisper, frowning. “Imagine keeping all your profit and only having to fuck with me.”
“I… I don’t know, Will.”
“Let’s try for a week. Figure a way to get out of here for just a couple hours a day, make some extra cash. If you like our arrangement, we can keep it up.”
“Okay.” She nodded, half smiling.
“Put y
our number in, and I’ll text you this evening.” I kissed her lips, sliding my phone into her hand.
I felt good walking out, but on the way home, that usual guilt began to fall over me. I felt like shit was getting worse by the month. The fact that I was willing to blow cash on Swan just to let me fuck was wild. Not to mention I was thinking of giving Carrie the same offer, just for the days I couldn’t get Swan. This shit was getting beyond just a couple visits a week.
After getting home for a shower and to brush my teeth, I got dressed then went to pick Nichole up. Since she felt like she was my secret and wanted to stop fucking with me, I had to put in some effort. She was the only woman in my life that I could sleep with and feel normal afterwards, so I couldn’t quite let her go yet. She was the only thing keeping me sane.
“Thank you.” Nichole smiled when I pulled her chair out. “So chivalrous.”
“Of course.” I sat across from her. “So does that Ian dude know about me or what?”
“No, why would he? I thought we were just, you know, friends, working on getting serious.”
“I mean, yeah, we are.” I nodded. “I just, I mean… what are yo’ plans with him? You act like you love him on social media, but you’re spending time with me and sleeping with me, asking me to take you seriously.”
I was a little salty, but I wasn’t gon’ admit it.
“Look, Will, I do love Ian, but Ian is a very busy NFL player who makes time for me when he can. Sometimes I go a whole week without seeing him, and I need attention, so I get it elsewhere.”
“From me.”
“Yes, from you.”
“Just me?”
“Yes, just you. Despite what you think, I’m not sleeping with every man who looks my way.”
“I don’t think that. You do what you gotta do to get by or to get what you want though.”
“So.”
“I like it.”
Nichole’s odd expression turned to a wide grin after hearing my statement. I smiled back at her, but it faded when I saw Priscilla coming out of one of the establishments next door. Her eyes went from me to Nichole. I told myself she didn’t know her, even though I was sure she probably did since Nichole was cool with Blaise.
“Oh, hello.” Priscilla came over.
“Oh, hi, Priscilla.” Nichole gave a quick smile.
“I didn’t know you two knew each other.” Priscilla looked me in the eyes.
“Yeah, we do; just friends though,” I assured her. The look Priscilla gave me let me know that I was right about what I’d said at the dance studio; she was feeling me.
“Right. Well, have a nice lunch or whatever this is.”
I turned to watch her rush off before letting out an exasperated breath. I didn’t know what the fuck I was doing.
Nichole
I picked out my outfit for the night, just a pair of jeans, a cute top, and some Gucci heels to go along. I wasn’t in the mood to go out because I wasn’t feeling well, but I needed the fresh air and female company.
Once I had my outfit laid on my big California King bed, I tapped my iPhone to see the time. When I saw I had a missed call from Ian, I snatched it up to return it. I’d been wanting to talk to him about my newfound pregnancy, but I was afraid to.
Not only was I unsure of who the father was between he and Will, but I didn’t get the vibe that Ian wanted a baby. Also, I surely didn’t want a baby by Will. Yes, he was cool, far from broke, and fine, but he wasn’t my type. I loved ballers and niggas with names that rang bells like Ian and Belly. And speaking of Belly, that was the only reason I was even fucking Will.
“Hey, baby,” Ian cooed into the phone with his raspy voice.
“Hi.” I sat down at my large vanity. I was in my robe, preparing to do my makeup for the night.
“How you been? I miss you.”
“I’ve been okay, just a little lonely. I miss you too. When are you coming back to LA?”
“Top of next week. I can fly you out here, baby.”
“I umm, I have a job I have to do, so I can’t. But if things change, I will let you know so you can buy my ticket.”
“Aight, fasho. But other than that, you’re good?”
“Yes. I did see a new Celine bag I wanted, but other that, I’m fine.” I chuckled along with him as I spread lotion on my legs.
“Alright, I got you. I’ll transfer some shopping money tomorrow morning.”
It got quiet for a little bit as I contemplated telling him about the possible baby we were having.
“Hey, so I have to tell you something. It’s not a big deal, but I just want to keep you up to date,” I half lied. Me, Nichole Carriage, being pregnant, was a huge fucking deal. This would throw a wrench in my lifestyle.
“What’s up, baby?”
“So my period is pretty late, and I think I may be pregnant. It’s not for sure, but I’m mentioning it because my period is usually right on time.”
I couldn’t bring myself to tell him I was 100 percent pregnant and had been for a little minute. I wanted to drop a tiny bit just to see his reaction so I’d be able to gauge how he’d take the news of me telling him I in fact was pregnant down the line.
“Uh…” It sounded like he was sitting up. “Nichole, you know right now I’m busy as hell, traveling for games, endorsements, and shit. I can’t…” He sighed. “I can’t focus on a baby at the moment.”
His response hurt my feelings; I’d be lying if I said it didn’t.
“Right, yeah. But I’m probably not pregnant anyways, so it should be fine.” He was silent which scared me. “Ian, relax. I highly doubt I’m pregnant. Forget I even said anything, okay?”
“When can you find out for sure?”
“Well, I can take a pregnancy test, and I’ll FaceTime you with the results.” Why the fuck did I offer that?
“Yeah, do that. I’ll talk to you soon, aight?”
“Okay, and Ian, don’t worry about this, okay? I love you.”
“Love you too.” He hung up instantly, and when I pulled the phone away, I just stared down at it.
After crying for a good five minutes, I washed my face again then put on my makeup. I was dressed to go about an hour later, so I left out to the restaurant.
I’d only been seated long enough to order a glass of wine, before Blaise walked up to the table. She looked pretty in her jeans and top, with her hair flowing down. I took a very small sip of the wine for show, because I didn’t want it to be alarming, seeing me not drink. And I’d heard wine was okay for pregnant people.
“I’m glad you came.” I smiled.
“I was hungry.” She gave a soft smile to the waitress who approached to take her drink order. When I saw Blaise ask for a non-alcoholic drink, I felt foolish for having wine, I didn’t want, for appearances.
“Well, regardless of why you’re here, I’m happy you are. I know we’ve had some issues these past few months, but I really do miss you, Blaise. And I mean, give me some credit; I was right about what I saw Belly doing.”
“If we’re going to be around one another, Nichole, I can’t have you mentioning Cortez. Every time you mention him, I’m going to punch you, so just remember that before you open your mouth.”
“Okay, well, that shouldn’t be a problem.” I looked up at the waitress who’d set down Blaise’s drink. “Can I have some water please?”
“Sure thing.” She pranced off.
“I see you’ve been cutting back on the drinks. Any reason why?” I tilted my head.
“Nope. I just haven’t been in the mood for a drink. I don’t like the way it makes me feel.”
“Oh, okay. I thought you were pregnant for a second.” I laughed.
“No, I’m not pregnant.” I noticed she kept her attention on the menu.
A part of me felt like she was lying, but then again, I knew Blaise. She’d been with a few men since Five-Star and didn’t get pregnant as promised. Belly wasn’t any different, so I doubted she was knocked up by him.
We
ordered our food once I got my water and made small talk as we waited.
“So Blaise, you mentioned earlier that you weren’t pregnant, and because of that, I was wondering if maybe you could help me with something.”
“Like what?”
“I’m going to tell you something, but I want you to keep it a secret. That means don’t tell anyone, not even your bestie Priscilla.”
I didn’t like Priscilla at all. I felt like she’d stolen Blaise from me, despite us still hanging out a lot before our fall out. Also, Priscilla was just so boring, and I honestly didn’t see why Blaise kicked it with her. Blaise and I were the same types, and then there was vanilla Priscilla. I mean, she could barely go anywhere that we wanted to go. I also felt she was a little dumb, or at least playing dumb, because the Three Blind Mice could see that Rafi was doing dirt and wanted to appear single for the hoes.
“I won’t tell, Nichole. Now what is it.”
Under my breath, I mumbled, “I’m pregnant.”
“What? By who?” Blaise’s eyes bucked. I made a face, so she chuckled. “Sorry. I mean, it’s not like you don’t act single occasionally. So are you keeping it?”
“I don’t want to, but I can’t kill it.”
“I’m not understanding what favor you need from me.”
“I need you to come home with me, get my stainless-steel tongs, spread my legs, and pull this thing out.” Blaise stared me down for what seemed like forever before I burst into laughter.
“Bitch, you are insane.” She snickered.
“No, but I told Ian that I might be pregnant, and he didn’t respond well. So to calm him, I explained that I was sure I wasn’t and would pee on a test to prove it.”
“Okay, but how the hell are you gonna do that if you’re… pregnant. No, Nichole, I am not taking the test for you.”
“Please, Blaise. What harm can it do? It’s just until he returns home, and when he does, I will be honest with him.”
Nobody Can Love You Like Them Roughnecks Do 2 Page 19
