Drunk In Love 4: An Original Love Story

by Tiece

  “Well, apparently this week was Mark’s week to get the kids, but he canceled and said that he’d get them later if that was okay with Mrs. Tolver. Strangely, he even asked the time prior to that if he could just take the boys and leave Monae’.”

  Zoe frowned. “What kind of creepy shit is that? If he’s to spend time with his kids, because he’s gotten the custody rights to be able to do so then why does he want to leave one of them behind. Hell, that’s what Angel is there for. I would’ve thought that she’d fallen in love with his daughter by now, anyway.”

  “Weeeeeeeell,” Olivia dragged like she was really about to share some really good gossip. “So that’s the thing, because I actually thought the same thing. However, we’re starting to think that she has gotten a little too attached to Monae’. And of course I believe that Mark isn’t feeling it. Shay even told me that she’d noticed her a few times overlook Marcus to tend to Monae’ and Monae’ wouldn’t even be the one that needs the attention.”

  “Wow, she is a lil looney isn’t she?” Zoe asked with a perplexed expression on her face.

  “She’s sick is what I call it. Zay and I was just talking about this with Shay a few weeks ago and both of felt that being around those kids might become a bit much for her. And, we’re right. Even Lil Romeo told me last weekend when I went to visit him that Angel always says, ‘hey Mommy’s baby’ when she refers to Monae’.”

  Zoe frowned. “Like she’s actually her mother?”

  “Yes, like she’s actually her mother. Trust me; I had to even clarify that.”

  “Wow, maybe she is sick. I kind of feel bad for her.” Zoe said.

  “I think you’re just being mushy, because of the moment. I don’t think you ever feel bad for anyone.” Olivia responded.

  “No, I’m serious, Sis. What Mark need to do is stop taking those kids around her. She’s not going to be any good to them. She can’t even control her own emotions.”

  Olivia nodded her head. “I can agree with that. I honestly think that she needs to get help first before she’s allowed around anybody’s kids.”

  “Tuh, especially baby girls.” Zoe added.

  “I know one thing.” Olivia said as she glanced up to see Mrs. Jackson parking her car in front of the Bridal Boutique to join them. “Mark better get his shit together and he better do it fast. Felisha is on the road to recovery and if I know her as well as I think I do, then she’s never going to let her children go back around Angel if she gets wind this.”

  “Well, Lil Romeo is going to tell it anyway.”

  “And that’s why Angel goes out of her way to make sure that Lil Romeo happy. However, she doesn’t realize how smart he is. He told me that she’s nice and he likes the things she buys him, but he doesn’t like how she’s trying to be his mama all the time.”

  “Shut up, Sis. He said that?”

  “He sure did,” Olivia responded.

  “Yeah well, he better fix this or his visitations might be over before they even get started good.”

  ***

  “So, what’s the problem?” Angel shouted.

  Mark regrettably shook his head. “There isn’t a problem. However, you do have a problem which is a big difference in what I’m trying to say.”

  “What problem? I don’t have a problem. I just want to spend time with the children.”

  “No, you want to spend time with Monae’.” Mark shot her way. “You need to seek help, babe.”

  “Don’t tell me what the hell I need to seek. You act like I’m sick or crazy or something.” She spat.

  “Well, I wouldn’t exactly call it any of that, but whatever it is I’m sure there’s a name for it.” Mark truthfully told her.

  “Don’t talk to me like that.” Angel said with disgust in her eyes.

  “Talk to you like what?” Mark questioned as he continued. “Because I’ve been trying to talk to since the kids started coming over. The first week we had them you did great. The week after that you were chipper and just fine while waiting for the next week we’d get to keep them. However, that’s when I really started noticing the change. You spend most of your time with Monae’. You really don’t care about anyone else in the house if she’s around. Lil Romeo is silenced with video games and cookies so he can stay out of your way.”

  “That’s not true,” she cut in with teary eyes.

  “It is true. You overlook Marcus for Monae’ like he’s not there. Don’t you get it? He’s a baby, too and he needs attention just like Monae’ does.”

  “And, I give them both the same attention.” Angel responded.

  “Must be in your head, because I’ve seen it myself a couple of times. That’s why I opted out of getting them this week. I think that you need to start back seeing your doctor.”

  “I don’t need to see no doctor. I’m fine. I just want to see the kids. You know that I planned a nice lil picnic for us on Thursday and now you’re telling me that they aren’t coming.”

  “I’m sorry baby, but it has to be this way. I hate that I’m missing them this week, too but I can’t sit back and watch you destroy yourself like this. It’s not fair to you and it’s definitely not fair to the kids.”

  “You can’t be serious right now,” Angel sadly said.

  “I’m very serious about this,” Mark told her as he dropped his head. He hated hurting her in this way, but he’d seen the recent changes in her behavior. Each day that passed he’d see something new that was off about her. Like the prior week he walked in on her having a full blown conversation with herself. The day after that, he caught her rocking Monae’s pillow in her arms while singing a lullaby. And disturbingly, she’d also referred to Monae’ as her baby, but she’d be so deep in the conversation that she didn’t realize it. It was just too much going on with her that Mark couldn’t turn a blind eye to. Plus, Felisha was slowly coming around and if he knew her like he thought he did, she’d never allow Angel around their kids again if she caught wind of it.

  ***

  Logan sat next to Felisha’s bed. This was the first time that he’d actually visited her, even though he stayed updated on her condition. He was only there for one reason and that reason was to walk away. It was already complicated enough as to how they met and why. However, for some reason with Angel’s latest behavioral scare he felt it only right to fall back. With the way she’d been acting it was just a matter of time before she blew everything up.

  As Felisha lay there resting, Logan gently grabbed her hand. He sat there watching her as she slept peacefully. Patrice had told him that she’d been bruised badly; but by it being six weeks later, she had healed exceptionally well. She was naturally pretty and he couldn’t stop gazing at her. It was just something about her that had him drawn in. It was nothing for him to have more than one woman, but no one gave him that feeling that he longed for. However, meeting Felisha turned all of that around.

  As he sat there he wanted nothing more than for her to wake up and tell him that she felt the same way as he did. But, who was he fooling? They hadn’t known each other that long before the accident happened. There couldn’t have been enough time for her to possibly be feeling the same way about him as he did about her. He sighed while clearing his throat and attempting to talk.

  “H-hey,” he whispered while clearing his throat again to try and get it right. “Hey,” he said, but this time just a little louder. “It’s Logan just in case you forgot my voice. I’m sorry I haven’t visited you, but that doesn’t mean that I’ve not thought about you.” He said in a sincere tone as he rubbed the back of her hand. “I call your cousin every day to ask how you’re doing. If you don’t believe me just ask her.” He added with a handsome smile as he leaned forward to push Felisha’s bangs out of her face. “You are so beautiful to me.” He complimented her. At that moment, he leaned in closer and softly kissed her lips. They were sweet to the touch and smelled peachy. “Damn,” he whispered as he sat back down in his seat and continued talking.

  “I know when y
ou get out of here you’re going to make sure that your kids are good. They need you more than ever.” He said as he leaned back in the chair contemplating what he was going to say next. “I want to get some of things off of my chest, but it’s easier said than done. It’s so much that I want to tell you, but I don’t know how you’ll take it. It’s just hard to even explain it. However, a friend needs me right now and I can’t just turn my back on her. Even though we’ve never physically gone on a date, I’ve dreamed of just being able to tell you that I had a wonderful time. Now, under these circumstances that may never happen.” He said with a disappointed shake of the head. “Man, what am I doing here?” He said now thinking that he looked quite crazy talking to someone that probably didn’t even know that he was there. “I should go.” He uttered as he stood up to leave.

  “Heeeeyyy,” Patrice said as she walked in. “I didn’t know that you were stopping by.”

  “Yeah, I couldn’t hold out any longer.” Logan responded with a smile. “I’m glad I ran into you. I want to thank you for keeping me updated on Felisha’s progress. I know you didn’t have to, but you did and I appreciate it.” He said.

  “No it’s all good,” Patrice responded. “I knew that she liked you a lot and if anybody could take her mind off of that baby daddy then I’m all for it.” She said causing Logan to grin. “How is she today, anyway?”

  “I wouldn’t really know. She just looks like she’s sleeping peacefully.”

  “I can agree,” Patrice said as she glanced over at her cousin. “Well, what brings you by after all this time? I see you finally built up the courage.”

  “Yeah, I just wanted to see her, that’s all.” He said as he looked down at his Gucci watch. “Tell her that I asked about her and when she’s gotten back settled to hit me up. It is some things that I want to talk to her about.”

  Patrice frowned. “Sounds serious.”

  “Well, it just depends on how you look at it.” He told her. “Anyway, I’ll wait for her call and I guess I’ll see you around.”

  “I’m sure you will.” Patrice said with a smile.

  As he exited the room, Patrice made her way over to Felisha’s bedside. She gently grabbed her hand. “I didn’t know that you would be having company.” She said with a smile. “I’m glad I did your hair before I left to go to lunch.”

  Felisha’s eyes popped open. “I’m glad you put that peach lip gloss on my lips!” she excitedly whispered as she thought about Logan’s soft lips being pressed against hers.

  Patrice jumped. “Girl, what I tell you ‘bout doing that shit?”

  Felisha laughed a little. “I get you every time. I be scaring the hell out of mama, too.” She laughed.

  Patrice grinned a little. “I’m glad to see you in better spirits today. Could that be because of the kiss you just said you got.”

  Felisha blushed. “I believe so.”

  “Don’t be talking about no, I believe so. You know it is, bitch.” Patrice teased her.

  “You ain’t lying. It is!” Felisha said.

  “So, when are we going to stop this charade? You’ve been fully responding for the past week and a half. I’m surprised the therapist haven’t sent you home yet.”

  “Speaking of sending me home. They are discharging me on tomorrow.”

  “Well that’s good news.” Patrice said with a smile. “The kids are gonna be so happy to see you.”

  “I know and I’m gonna be so happy to see them. I hate that for the past week and a half I’ve had to act like I was still in a deep sleep. Especially knowing how much Lil Romeo missed me,” she added.

  “Don’t beat yourself up about it. You couldn’t risk him telling Mark that you were awake. No one ever has to know that, but me, you, and your mom.”

  Felisha nodded her head. “I agree.” She said. “So, what’s up with baby daddy, anyway? From what mama told me it seems that he’s gotten in over his head.”

  “I would certainly think so.”

  “See, that’s why I didn’t want him to know that I had awakened. I wanted to see if he was going to step up and be the father that he stooped so low to be. Apparently, he must really love the kids or he would’ve turned a blind eye to the shit that his psycho ass fiancé is trying to pull. I would’ve hated killing that muthafucka about mine, but I will if I have to.”

  Patrice nodded her head. “I feel you.”

  “The only question now is if he’s gonna stay with her.”

  “Maybe he’ll stand by her if she gets some help.” Patrice said.

  “Maybe,” Felisha responded. “But, I don’t care. I honestly don’t want Mark anymore. I just wanted to make sure that he had his head on half way decent to be around my kids and with good intentions. So far so good.”

  “What if he decides that he wants to be with you now? Especially since he’s had the chance to start bonding with the kids. The minute he talks to you he’s gonna know that you’re aware of the shady shit that his fiancé has been doing. Of course he’s no fool. He knows that you’ll fight tooth and nail before you let them go stay with him again.”

  “You’re absolutely right about that.” Felisha chimed in.

  “So, what if he all of a sudden feels that he has come to his senses and wants to settle down with you?”

  “I don’t want Mark anymore. I’ve realized that life short. I mean, my goodness I’ve been out like a light for four and a half weeks. I could’ve been dead. See, God has given me another chance and I’m not wasting it on Mark. I want to learn more about Logan. From what I can tell he really likes me, but the way he was talking today sounded a bit sketchy. I didn’t know what to make out of it.”

  “Maybe that just tells you that you need to take your time before you go getting in a relationship. Weigh your options. Hell, do a little window shopping first.”

  “Felisha laughed. “I think I just might, but Logan will never be far from my thoughts.”

  Patrice smiled. “I already know.”

  Chapter 11

  Two weeks had quickly passed as time continued to wind down for the big day. Everybody was excited, but for some reason Zoe seemed to be the happiest of them all. Dillon was certainly enjoying the good mood it kept her in. They’d been on really good terms and not a thought whatsoever was being spent on Rihanna or Delia. Well, at least not on Zoe’s mind. For some reason, Dillon just couldn’t quite shake it, but he definitely wasn’t letting Zoe know.

  He smiled as she entered the bedroom wearing nothing but a short T-shirt that barely covered her curvaceous hips. “Damn, I swear you look good in anything that you put on.”

  “Is that right?” Zoe questioned as she climbed up in the bed next to him.

  “Yep,” he said leaning over to softly kiss her. “I love seeing you all giddy about this wedding. I don’t know what it is, but it makes me smile.”

  “Can you believe that it’s in eight days?” She asked. “I’m just excited to be a part of it. Plus, I’m really happy for my sister. I think just seeing her in such a vibrant and giddy mood lately has had me feeling the same way. After all, I am her maid of honor. It’s only right that I be just as happy as her so we can fully share the moment together.”

  “Un-huh, I hear you,” Dillon chimed in. “I think that somebody else is ready to get married.”

  Zoe frowned. “You think what now?”

  Dillon grinned. “You heard me.”

  “Weeeeeeeeeeell,” Zoe playfully dragged. “Could that somebody be you, because it’s certainly not me. I’m taking my dear time before I make any major moves like that again. I gotta be for sure, for sure.” She said.

  “You love acting all hard, but I don’t know why. You’re already my lady so I’m sure if I asked you to marry me you’d say yes.”

  Zoe smirked while teasingly rolling her eyes. “You might be handsome and sexy, and cute, and lovable, and charming, and great in bed.” She softly teased. “But, don’t flatter yourself.”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah,” he grinned as he playf
ully pounced on top of her. “You know you’ll marry me.”

  “No I won’t.” she laughed.

  “Yes, you will.” Dillon laughed as he tickled her. For the next few minutes they played around on the big, plush King sized bed, just enjoying the moment. Zoe loved everything about Dillon just as much as he loved her. And truth be told, if he asked her to marry him, she would definitely say yes.

  As they kissed and fondled each other his cell phone began to ring. “I’m not answering that.” He said while still kissing around Zoe’s neck.

  “It might be your brother calling you about the guest list again. You know he ain’t playing about that invitation only.”

  “Well, if I was spending over two-hundred bands on my wedding then I’d have an invitation only event, too.” Dillon grinned as he reached over on the nightstand for his cell phone. “Hello,” he answered.

  “Hey Dillon,” the soft spoken voice said on the other end of the phone.

  Instantly he knew who it was as he responded. “What’s up, Rihanna.”

  Zoe’s eyes widened as she unpleasantly frowned. “Rihanna?” she whispered while pointing at his phone.

  Dillon sat up on the side of the bed. The only thing he could do was shrug his shoulders as he waited to hear what Rihanna was calling for. “You there?” he asked her.

  “I’m here,” she softly responded.

  “What’s up? Is everything good with you?”

  “Yeah, everything’s good.” Rihanna said. “I know this call must come as a surprise.”

  You think? Dillon quickly thought with a perplexed expression on his face.

  “I’m sorry for not keeping it real with you the last time we spoke. But, since that call I’ve not been able to shake the feeling that what’s going on is wrong.” She said with a slight sigh. “And, all I wanna do is make things right.”

  “So, what are you trying to tell me?” He questioned as he glanced back over his shoulder. Zoe was staring right in his face while impatiently biting her nails. She was just wishing that she could hear exactly what was being said on that call.