I do a dance in my seat. This is going to be amazing. Oh, I can help her pick a wedding gown.
“So much to do, Kaye. We’ll get it done.”
Chapter 44
Family Time
Kaye
It’s as if the sun has come out just to warm this day for us. My palms behind my back, as my face is turned up towards the sky. I’m basking in its rays, taking in the beauty of the day. My own little slice of heaven.
We left our laptops in the house, vowing not to work today. Since the families returned home to the States and it’s just us, we wanted to enjoy some down time. It has been bliss.
Dae-Dae couldn’t be happier to have his Lix here with him and I couldn’t be happier to have my Felix. We’ve laughed more than ever and life has been so simple in the last few weeks. We’ll be leaving soon, hopefully, but it’s been great to have Felix here with us.
Dae-Dae’s giggle pulls my attention. I lower my head. My smile stretches impossibly wide. Felix is chasing after him, the two looking like they’re having the time of their lives.
Dae-Dae’s beanie bounces as he runs. He looks so much like Danny. His dimples pop just like his father’s used to.
I feel a ping in my chest as I think of my brother. I miss Danny, but I couldn’t imagine life without Dashawn. I strive to better every day for him.
Felix scoops Dae-Dae up into his arms and tosses him in the air. Dae-Dae’s squeal pierces the air. It’s a sound that warms my heart. I love these two with all of me.
I watch as Felix spins him around. The love Felix is pouring onto Dashawn is so real. It is written all over his face—my man loves my son as much as he loves me.
“Mama, Mama,” Dae-Dae calls out for my help as Felix tickles him.
Felix rushes them both over to flop down on the blanket beside me. Felix leans to kiss my cheek. Dae-Dae dives for my phone.
“Let’s take a selfie,” he sings.
“You have the best ideas,” Felix coos.
“I know,” Dae-Dae says with a sage nod.
Wrapping an arm around me, Felix drags me into his side. He settles Dae-Dae halfway on his lap, halfway on mine. Plucking the phone from my son’s small hand, he holds the phone up and snaps a few pictures.
We all start to make silly faces for the last couple. I take the phone, laughing as I swipe through the pics we’ve just taken. Our happiness shines in our faces.
“Now that’s one gorgeous family,” Felix says.
“Yup! My mommy is so pretty and my daddy is handsome,” Dae-Dae chimes.
I freeze, looking up at Dashawn. I’ve thought of him as mine for so long. He has called me his mama since he started talking. However, hearing him call Felix his daddy brings tears to my eyes.
I’ve never thought about how he sees Felix. I know how much Felix loves him. Hearing Dashawn’s words just make this engagement so much more a reality.
“Not the first time,” Felix chokes out. “Slays me every time. You know I want you both, right? He becomes a Black too.”
I swallow hard. I can’t speak so I nod. I’m so full. What more could I ask for?
Dae-Dae takes off running to play some more. Felix takes the chance to pull me between his legs, my back to his front. I melt into him as his arms wrap around me.
“Have you thought about where you want to get married or when?” He murmurs.
“A little. I want my dad to marry us. I just haven’t decided if I want to do it in his church or somewhere else. Not sure what kind of wedding I want. Your brother’s wedding was amazing,” I muse.
“We can do whatever you want,” he replies.
“I think I want to go for the big wedding. I know it will take a long time to plan, but in the end it’ll be worth it,” I say.
“Yeah, it will be. Let’s make it home and then you can talk with our mothers to see what you want to do. I heard them planning it on their own already. You might want to rein that in,” he chuckles.
I turn my face up to look at him and he pecks my lips. I almost forget what I was about to say. The soft press of his mouth is so intoxicating.
“I love you,” I murmur.
“I love you too,” he smiles. “I can’t wait for you to see the new house.”
I sit up and turn to him. My brows knit in confusion. My eyes widen. He did it again.
“You did not buy another house,” I gasp.
“It’s your engagement gift. I was going to wait until we got back to tell you. I’ve been holding it in for too long,” he says sheepishly.
“Too long? Seriously?” I say incredulously.
“I bought it almost a year ago,” he says, sucking his lip into his mouth.
My mouth falls open. My mind races. He can’t be saying what I think he’s saying.
“You were going to propose before I got the news about the movie, weren’t you?”
“Yeah, that weekend actually,” he replies.
“You’ve waited that long?”
“I’ve waited a lot longer than you know,” he says, his cheeks turning pink.
“What?”
“I was going to ask you to marry me that night your family came to our place for the party.”
“Are you serious? Why didn’t you?”
“Do you not remember being so pissed off at me you didn’t talk to me for weeks?” He snorts.
I tuck my chin into my chest and whisper. “Yes.”
He lifts my head with his hand. His eyes locking on mine. A gentle smile is resting on his lips.
“I’d wait a million years for you. It wasn’t the right time. Now is. We’re not going to dwell on the past. I have you and we have our son. I’d say the world is perfect,” he winks at me.
“I’d say so too,” I reply, leaning in to kiss his lips.
“Daddy, come on,” Dae-Dae calls making my heart squeeze.
I take full notice that there’s so much joy in his voice as he calls Felix by that name. Felix kisses me quickly before getting up to run and join our son.
Wow, Danny. You manage to give me the world. Thanks, big bro.
Chapter 45
Rumors
Kaye
Three months later…
I give myself a mental hug. I’m still crazy busy, but it’s so good to be back home. Dashawn got to spend his fifth birthday with his entire family.
I wanted to take a break, but this signing was a great opportunity. I’ve been away from my fans for an entire year. I figured I’d do this one, then I could slow down a bit. I haven’t had a chance to think about planning the wedding yet.
I was offered a four book deal while in Ireland. My mind was blown by the offer. I’m pulling in more than I thought would ever be possible with only five books out. I slowed down publishing while I was away.
My books were doing well, which gave me some time to plan my next step. I decided to take the time to build up a few books. Two of which are a part of the ones I sold to a publisher.
“Hey, superstar,” I hear sung behind me.
I turn to find Kia beaming at me. We both squeal, pulling each other into a tight hug, rocking side to side. It’s been too long since I’ve seen Kia.
“Ugh, I missed you,” I say.
“I missed you too. I thought that was you. You want some help?” she asks pointing to my boxes of books and the retractable.
“No, no, I’m fine. Felix just went to grab a few things I forgot in the room. He’ll be back to help me set up,” I reply, waving her off.
“Oh my God, it’s bigger in person,” she gushes, grabbing my hand.
“Insane right?”
“Gorgeous. I told you a long time ago that man was in love with you. Honey, a ring like this is a lot more than friendship,” she says pointedly.
“Yeah, yeah,” I grumble teasingly.
“Hey Lakia,” Felix says as he walks up behind her.
“Hi, Felix,” she sings giving him a hug.
“Where is your table?” I ask looking around for her banners.
“I’m clear across the room,” she purses her lips. “Wish I was closer to you.”
“We’re going to catch up after this,” I insist.
“Of course, have you heard from that crazy ass Dean?”
“Nope, I don’t know what she’s up to. Last time we spoke was when she let me know she made it back home safely,” I grumble.
“Yeah, that chick is up to something. I see her. I’m going to give her some space for now, but not for long,” Kia says.
“Don’t I know it,” I laugh.
“Baby,” Felix calls for my attention. I turn to face him. “You have a bit of time before things start. You guys want to go for a coffee or something. Text me where you are and I’ll find you. I got this.”
I beam at him. He is totally focused on setting my area up. He already has books on the table and my banner up.
“Thanks,” I chime.
“No problem,” he murmurs, his focus on his task.
“You hit the jackpot. I can only wish,” Lakia says, with a sigh.
“Your time is coming. I can feel it,” I say, wrapping an arm around hers.
“From your mouth to God’s ears. Tony has been working my last damn nerve. How can such an asshole be the one that gave me such a beautiful son?”
“God works in mysterious ways,” I laugh.
“Umm,” she murmurs. “Forget all that. I wanted to talk to you about something.”
The change in her voice has my attention. We’re walking out of the meeting room when she leans into me. I find myself leaning back in to listen.
“What’s up with this Bonnie chick? At first, I heard her name in some bullshit and I was like whatever not my business. Then, I started hearing your name dragged into the shit,” Kia informs me.
My head whips back. My face compressing. Gossip is always rampant within this industry when you tune in. I tend not to tune in because I’m not for all of that mess.
“What? I haven’t talked to that woman since before I left for Ireland,” I hiss out.
“I told you about these folks. She has your name in all kinds of mess. What pissed me off were the rumors that Felix beats your ass,” Kia fumes.
“What?”
“Yeah,” Kia nods. “I’ve met that man on a number of occasions. He is as sweet as can be. This chick is out here making it seem like you’ve been crying to her because he’s fucking you up and shit. I don’t like it.
“She has your name in author drama, when you’re the nicest person in the world. Authors I know you have met, but none of the shit they are saying sounds like you. Authors that gave her money for that event you were promoting or some shit.
“First of all, when do you have time for that messy shit when all you do is work and take care of your baby? And you never ask for shit or need to. I can’t stand when messy folks try to drag good people into some nonsense. You know I’m the last one to get into some shit, but her ass can come up missing. I promise you we can ship her to my brother in pieces for him to scatter in the dessert.”
My head is spinning. How the hell did all of this happen. Felix has never lifted a hand to harm me. Why on earth would anyone try to start a crazy rumor like that?
I knew something wasn’t right with that woman. I start to play back conversations. It dawns on me that all she does is talk about people’s business. I never gave it much mind. I was either working or dealing with things in the house when she called.
Never in my life did I think she would start telling rumors about me. I mean, she doesn’t know a thing about me. This is so unreal.
“Come on, this can’t be serious,” I breathe out to Kia.
“Girl, we can get Vanity on the phone if you like. That Lisa chick that was supposed to be Bonnie’s partner called her and spilled everything. Apparently, Felix came home cursing you out one day while you were on the phone with Bonnie or something,” Kia says, lifting a questioning brow at me.
My brows draw to the center of my forehead. I scrape my mind for what in the world she could be talking about. Felix has a foul mouth, he cures all the time. You’re not a Black if you don’t curse like a sailor.
However, I can’t think of a time in my life that he has ever cursed me out. Our little fights don’t last long enough to be fights. Neither of us can stay mad at the other long. At least, Felix doesn’t let me stay mad for long. I think our longest fight was when my dad crushed the party Felix threw for me when I returned to Cali.
Kia and I enter a restaurant and sit at a table, as I try to think of what in the world that crazy woman has been spreading around. I shoot Felix a text to let him know where we are. It’s in the moment that I place my phone down on the table that it clicks.
“Oh my God. You have to be kidding me,” I gasp.
Kia looks at me with concern in her eyes. This is so crazy. I remember the one time Bonnie has to be talking about. I’m so pissed I start to see red.
“What?” Kia asks.
“It was so long ago, I forgot. She called me while I was writing. I tried to get off the phone with her, but she just kept going. She mentioned something about my book reviews and I couldn’t help myself. I went to look.
“Felix walked in and found me crying over what I’d read. All he said was, ‘What the fuck?’ He wasn’t cursing at me. He was reacting to me crying and the reviews being up on my screen.
“That heifer has lost her mind. How are you going to take something so small and turn it into my man beating on me? Like, seriously. If she has that much time on her hands, maybe she should be the one writing books. This is insane,” I grunt.
“That’s what Vanity said. That the chick takes little conversations and turns them into elaborate tales. There’s one more thing I haven’t told you,” Kia replies.
“Do I even want to hear it?”
“Hear what?” Felix’s voice rumbles as he sits beside me.
I turn to see his eyes searching my face. I can tell he’s picking up on the change in my mood. That calculating mind is working overtime to find the problem, it’s source, and a solution.
When I turn to Kia she’s biting her lips, looking at me nervously. I nod for her to continue. I won’t hide something like this from Felix. Especially with him being involved.
“Bonnie, the one that invited Kaye to that bogus event, she’s been starting a lot of shit with Kaye’s name mixed up in it. She’s also been telling people she’s your PA. Bragging about how close y’all are and that she works with you to hash out your books and she’s apparently your editor to boot,” Kia adds.
“The fuck?”
“The Hell?”
Felix and I bark in unison. Kia gives me a look, which I know means she thinks I should fill Felix in on the rest. I huff, turning to him to get him up to speed.
Felix’s ears are so red when I finish, I know he’s pissed. His knee is bouncing under the table. I want for him to say something when I’m done. It takes him a few seconds while his jaw works under the skin.
“I looked into her before,” his eyes narrow. “I didn’t find a Bonnie whatever her last name was supposed to be. I only left it alone because you left and didn’t plan to do her event. I wanted to ask you more questions, but you had so much on your plate while the movie was being made. So I dropped it.
“I want everything. I want her number, access to everything she’s ever sent you. Just give me your laptop,” Felix fumes.
“Okay,” I nod.
I know if anyone can deal with this, it’s Felix. I’m not about to stress myself out about that nut. I can’t believe the mess she’s made. Worse is the fact that some of the authors that believed her mess know me enough to come to me and ask.
None of them have. If not for Kia, I would never have known about any of this. Unbelievable!
Chapter 46
Cutoff
A Fan
“You bitch!”
I toss my tablet across the room. Kaye has blocked me from all of her social media. Does she not know what I
’ve done for her? I’ve moved here to be closer to her, to help her.
“Why did you block me?”
I start to pace the hardwood floors of my new apartment. I’ve been here for a month. I moved into this neighborhood with its overpriced apartments just for her.
Does she understand the things I had to do to get this place? Does she know how hard I had to work to make this happen? She doesn’t know, she doesn’t understand.
I’ve just been waiting for Kaye to come back and get settled. I was calling her today so we could get started on planning her wedding. Now, this! She has blocked me!
“I’ll show her,” I mutter, going to open my laptop.
I log into my other account, under my real name. I go straight to Kaye’s profile. Scrolling through, I read all of her recent posts. I stop and rage fills me when a long post grabs my attention.
I normally wouldn’t address something like this. However, I’m saddened that someone would drag my name into so many things I have been totally unaware of. I have not had a PA taking care of things for me while I was away in Ireland.
If you have heard that I made comments or had discussions about you, please come to me and ask me. I wasn’t raised to sit around talking folks. In fact, I automatically tune out when other people start that mess. If you know me, you know I’m a loving person.
I have a family to take care of and that’s my focus every day. Social Media is just that, social media. I’ve been told that some of my posts were turned into drama by folks claiming I’m talking about this one or that one.
How? Was your name mentioned? I’m a direct person. I would say your name. It’s a shame that people would mislead you this way. Most times my posts are about my personal life without me mentioning my son or fiancé. Those are the times that I chose not to mention names. To protect their privacy. Which shows you I’m not about to invade anyone else’s privacy.
Brothers Black 5: Felix the Watch Page 29
