Nobody Can Love You Like Them Roughnecks Do 4

by Shvonne Latrice

  “That’s fine. I was just paranoid, trying to lock you down before you ran back to her.”

  “Well I ain’t gon’ be running back to her. Our shit is a wrap. Even if I wanted it not to be, some shit can’t be reversed.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “She’s having a baby by her new man.” I shrugged as if I ain’t care. “But look,” I brought Nandy into me, “even if she wasn’t, I wouldn’t wanna be with her. Her being pregnant by him is just God’s way of letting me know, entertaining anything with her is the wrong move.”

  “You swear you’re done with her?”

  “I swear.”

  “Great. Can I meet your son now?”

  “I have to discuss that with his mother. So maybe next time.”

  Nandy nodded, so I kissed her before going inside of my house.

  I peered out of the wide window to see her still standing there hugging herself. About two whole minutes passed before she finally walked off to her car to leave.

  A few days later…

  Even though I was done with Alivia, I still felt like shit for the way that I’d talked to her the other day. I wanted her to know the shit I said wasn’t true, and apologize. I had no intention on being back with her ass though, because as much as I loved her, which was a lot, I knew I wouldn’t be able to deal with her having another man’s child. It may have been immature, but I loved Alivia too much to see her give something to another nigga that I felt should have and could have been mine. Our relationship just wouldn’t work.

  And looking back, I’m realizing that it was never meant to be. Every time we got our shit together and became one, something happened to break us up.

  I got out of my car and went inside the building where Alivia’s luxury apartment was. The nice scent in the lobby reminded me of the good old days already.

  I hoped she was here because she had no idea that I was coming over. I’d tried calling and texting her, but she didn’t answer my calls and never replied. I didn’t expect her to after the shit I’d said, but it was worth a try.

  Approaching her door after stepping off of the elevator, I knocked lightly. When no one answered, I knocked a little harder, until I heard footsteps approaching.

  “Are you serious?” She opened the door wearing a big white t-shirt and nothing else. Her hair was down, slightly disheveled, and her face was free of makeup. She looked good though, which I expected, but just a little sick.

  “You okay?”

  “Yes, I’m okay. I’m also confused as to why you’re popping up over my place like we’re cool.”

  “Can I come inside?”

  “For what?”

  “To talk to you. I won’t take too long. I also will be much calmer than the last time we spoke.”

  Twisting her full lips up in anger, she tapped her foot as if she were thinking before stepping back to allow me inside.

  “You have about five minutes. I don’t feel well, and I really have no interest in seeing or talking to you.”

  “Damn. But aight, five minutes is more than enough.” I sat down, so she did the same but left a huge gap in between us. “I pretty much just wanted to apologize for what I said to you last time.”

  “No need to. It’s good to be honest, even if you have to be rude about it,” she spat.

  “Alivia, I wasn’t being honest. I said all that shit because I was angry and hurt, still am. But I did love you for real. Everything I said to you, while with you, I meant it.”

  She was still glaring at me, but I could see it slowly ceasing.

  “I appreciate the apology.”

  “You’re welcome.” I looked her over. “How you been? I mean, I know you’re sick and shit, but other than that?”

  “Pretty great. My career and personal life are finally aligned.” She chuckled nervously, caressing her bare knees. Seeing her sexy legs gave me some thoughts. “You?”

  “Doing okay; personally and professionally as well.”

  “Nice. I see you and Nandy broke up, or were you cheating that time I dropped by?”

  “Nah, we were broken up, but we got back together.”

  “Oh… well good then.”

  “Yep. As long as she doesn’t get pregnant, things will be smooth. But I’m making sure I take all the right precautions to prevent that shit.” I stared off, peeping how she rearranged her living room.

  “Why? Don’t you like her more than Jasmine?”

  “I mean, that’s two different types of relationships. I just don’t want another kid right now.”

  Alivia was quiet, so it made me glance at her. A strange look had taken over her face.

  “You don’t want a kid with Nandy or period?”

  “Period.” I snickered. She joined me but it was delayed.

  I ain’t want another baby right now unless it was with Alivia, but I wasn’t about to say that shit because, for one, it was no point. Secondly, I didn’t want to fall back into her web, knowing that most likely she was going to end up with Yono since she was pregnant by him.

  “Well, I’m happy life is going so well for you, Manuel.”

  “Thanks. Is Yono happy about y’all’s baby?”

  “Yep. Pretty happy.” She got up. “I’m tired and not feeling well though, so I’m going to go to bed.”

  “Right. My bad. That five minutes don’ been passed, huh?”

  “Yes.”

  I stood up, and we had an awkward stutter trying to get around one another. I paused before leaving, turning around to hug her body. As we pulled away slowly, our lips were damn near gravitating like magnets, but she looked away.

  “Goodnight, Alivia.” I let her go, pulling her door open.

  “Goodnight, Manuel.”

  I thought that talk would lift the heavy weight I was carrying, but deep down, I still didn’t feel right.

  Isabella

  Around the same time the next evening…

  My phone went off to let me know I had a cash app notification, and it was from Judd. He wanted me to take an Uber to the gym, and then I would ride to his home with him, where he would cook for me.

  I was excited to go on one hand, but on the other, nervous. As I said before, I wasn’t used to men like Judd, and the fact that he had a baby kind of bothered me. I didn’t want to face any baby mama drama or bitches popping up on me. I was just used to dealing with simpler men.

  I ordered the Uber after putting in my earrings then threw on my jacket so I could leave. My mama had been sleeping over Nichole’s to help with my baby niece, so instead of stopping by her room, I left straight out.

  On the way to the gym in the Uber, I just stared out the window, feeling more nervous the closer we got to the place. Maybe I should have him turn around, and maybe I should find another guy to talk to, one I’d feel more comfortable dating.

  By the time those thoughts had flowed through my mind, the Uber driver was pulling over to let me out.

  “Thanks,” I said, hopping onto the sidewalk and fixing my top. I wore jeans, boots, and a sexy top because I felt a dress would’ve been too much for a dinner at home.

  And what was his place like? Was it dirty? Did his baby mama ever do random pop ups? Ugh. I was wondering all the shit I should’ve been asking him when we talked. And speaking of talking, we texted minimally because he always wanted to FaceTime. I was just not used to this!

  “Wow, baby, you look good!” Herman approached me as soon as I stepped in. Lowering his voice, he moved closer to me and said, “And aye, I wanna talk to you about what happened the night you came through?”

  “Oh, you mean almost a month ago? You wanna talk now?”

  “Yeah, and explain everything. Traci is not who you think she is. But we can talk later as soon as I get my shit. How you know I was here?”

  “I didn’t, asshole. I’m here for Judd.”

  As soon as I said that, Judd emerged from the back locker room area with his Adidas duffle bag. The look on his face was of confusion, and I was sure he t
hought I was ditching him for Herman. He was wrong though.

  “Hey, babe.” I smiled tenderly at him, moving around Herman.

  “’Sup.” Judd slipped his arms around my body, pulling me into a hug.

  “Wait.” Herman cackled heavily. “Is this a prank?” He pointed back and forth between Judd and me.

  “Nah, it ain’t no prank.” Judd tossed his arm around my shoulders. I simply smiled, placing my hand against his abdomen, which was hard.

  “Oh… cool.” Herman nodded before finally walking off toward the back.

  “You okay?” Judd inquired.

  “Yes, why wouldn’t I be?”

  “No reason. Just checking. Come on.” He took my hand and led me outside to his car. It was a Toyota 4Runner.

  He helped me inside, and I waited as he put his things in the back seat before coming to get in the car. It was nice on the inside, and I liked that he kept it clean.

  “How much was this? It’s nice.”

  “A little over thirty thousand dollars, nothing too expensive. And yes, I make payments.” He cranked it up and reversed. “Once I start making that good money, I’ll upgrade though, so don’t worry.”

  “What do you mean, don’t worry?” I stared at him as he drove.

  “Don’t worry about me driving this forever. I’ll be picking you up in something nice soon.”

  “This is nice. But when you pull up in a Bentley, I will like that too.”

  We both cackled as he shook his head.

  During the drive, we talked about his boxing career and the plans he had for it. Since there was no traffic tonight, that conversation lasted us until we got to his place. It was a nice condo, with just one bedroom, a living room, dining area, bathroom, and then the kitchen. It was perfect for someone who lived alone, and like his car, he kept it clean.

  “You can put your shit in my bedroom. I’m gonna shower. I’ll turn the TV on for you here in the living room,” he told me, locking the door.

  “Okay.” I went to the bedroom to leave my stuff and spotted a small bed in the corner. It was pink, with a purple cover that had a unicorn on it. I could tell this was for his daughter. His room was very large and seemingly split for him and his baby girl.

  I listened as he turned the shower on then looked around the bedroom some more for pictures of his baby mama. I found nothing, so I went to the living room to survey for some. Again, I came up empty handed, so I took a seat on the comfy couch to begin surfing through the channels before switching the input to watch Netflix.

  My phone buzzed as soon as I began to look through the app, and I picked it up to see it was Herman texting me.

  Herman: You serious?

  Me: About what?

  Herman: Judd.

  Herman: How you gon’ stop fucking with me to fuck with the homie? That’s not a good look.

  Me: I don’t care. And had you not lied to me about a girlfriend, who you lived with, and a kid, this wouldn’t be happening.

  Herman: End ya night early with him and come see me. I know you’d rather be laid up with me over him.

  Scoffing and rolling my eyes, I locked my phone before dropping it down onto the couch. Herman was more of my type; I just wished he hadn’t have lied. I really liked Judd, but I felt like Herman matched me more. He was less serious, not personality wise, but within his life. Judd had a child, his own place, a car he financed himself, could cook; he was just mature as hell. I knew most women liked that, but it was scary to me for some reason.

  I was deep in my thoughts until Judd came from the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. His chest and abs were so chiseled and dripping with water. Good Lord.

  “Aye, let me put on some clothes, and I’ll be out there in a second, aight?” He half smiled, and I could barely close my mouth.

  “Yeah, sure.”

  It didn’t take long for Judd to slip into a wife beater, sweats, and socks, before he treaded right to the kitchen.

  “Isabella, you wanna help?” he called out to me.

  Getting up, I went to the kitchen slowly, hoping he wasn’t about to ask me to do any hard labor. I came here to be served.

  “Sure, but I thought you were cooking for me.” I leaned up against the counter, watching him take out all the things he needed.

  “I am cooking for you, but I thought you’d wanna be in here with me.” He looked me in the eyes as he placed a few things down.

  “Right, okay.”

  “Take ya shoes off. I don’t want you to waste some shit on it. They look expensive.”

  “They are. I would be very upset if you messed my shoes up.” I left the kitchen to remove my boots.

  I returned to help Judd out, and eventually, it was just him doing all the work as I sipped on a glass of wine he’d poured me. We talked a little bit more, and before I knew it, the food was done, and we were sitting down at his table to eat. We prayed, which I liked because I wasn’t sure if he was God fearing.

  “What you think?” he asked.

  “It’s good. A little spicy, but I like it.”

  Once we finished the food, we went to sit down on his couch to see if we could find a movie to watch. He put his arm around me, while the other rubbed up and down my thigh, making me lose my concentration.

  “I want you to know I had no idea Herman was gonna be at the gym today. I wouldn’t have invited you there, because I’m sure it was awkward.” He squeezed my thigh.

  “It was awkward, but it’s okay. I knew you didn’t do that purposely.”

  “You still like him?”

  I turned to look Judd in the face to see if he was serious. I did still kind of like Herman, but I wasn’t sure why.

  “No, I don’t. Not at all.”

  “Just making sure, because I definitely don’t want the girl I like to be liking another nigga.”

  “You like me?” I played stupid, smiling as he chuckled.

  “You know I do.” He touched my hair.

  “Your baby mama is okay with you dating? Like, she doesn’t bother you when you do, right?”

  “I told you she bounced.”

  “Right, but I thought you meant she just moved onto another man.”

  “Nah, Isabella, she left. I think she moved to Nevada, and we haven’t talked to one another since.”

  As bad as it sounded, I was happy her ass wasn’t around anymore. But it’d only been two years, maybe less, looking at how old he said his baby was, so she could still possibly come back.

  “You sure?”

  “Yes, woman.” He laughed. “That nigga Herman got you paranoid, huh?”

  “Yeah, I guess so. I’ve never experienced that in my life.” I looked down at my fresh manicured nails. “It was just horrible because here I was upping him to my sister, and he turned out to be exactly what she said he was.”

  “He’s a cool dude, just immature as fuck.”

  “Is that his baby, the one Traci has?”

  “It is.” Judd nodded, looking me up and down with his eyes before asking, “You sure you don’t like him?”

  “I am, I promise.” I touched his hand before he brought my arms around his neck to kiss me. “I like you though, a lot.”

  “That’s what I wanted to hear.” He ran his hands down my back until they were grasping my ass.

  Our lips crashed together before they parted, allowing our tongues to dance around one another. When it started to get heated, I backed away some.

  “I don’t…” I shook my head, scooting further away from him.

  “It’s fine.” He straightened up some.

  Fuck. I did it again. I ruined something the same way I did with Herman when I wouldn’t fuck him in his car.

  “Are you upset? It’s not you; it’s just, I had a bad experience recently, and I don’t want to do the same thing again.”

  “Why would I be upset?”

  “I don’t know, because we aren’t fucking right now.” I giggled when he started cheesing.

  “I mean, I
like sex, but it’s not to the point where I’m gon’ be pissed. Now if you had me ass naked with my dick out, condom on and shit, I may get mad.”

  We guffawed in unison as I scooted back closer to him.

  “Have you ever cheated?”

  “Nah.” He shook his head, surfing Netflix with the remote.

  “Really? You must’ve only had one girlfriend.”

  “I’ve had three, and I just don’t see the point in cheating. If I wanna have sex with another woman, it means I don’t wanna be with the one I have.” He looked to me. There it was again, his maturity, making me nervous.

  “That makes sense.”

  “You’ve cheated before?”

  “No, never. I’m not the cheating type, like you.”

  He smirked before kissing my lips then went back to looking for something to watch. The movie selection was garbage, so we decided on a TV show instead.

  Before it started, he needed to pee, so he left me to relieve himself. I heard my phone buzzing in my purse, so I sat up to get it. It was pretty late, making me curious to know who it was. It probably was Nichole, which worried me since she’d just had a baby.

  When I saw Herman’s name on the screen, I checked to make sure the bathroom door was still closed, and then answered.

  “What? It’s after midnight, Herman,” I whispered.

  “So. How you gon’ do me like that, Izzy? I thought we was together.”

  “How would we be together if you’re with Traci? Also, you have a baby you didn’t mention, who in my opinion looks pretty new.”

  “Look, Traci and I were together, and when she got pregnant, we moved in together because I wanted to do the right thing. But a month before my son was born, we broke up. I’m a professional fighter, but I don’t make that much, not enough to move out and be on child support. So yeah, I still live there, and yes, she acts up on any female I’m with.”

  I paused, wondering if what he was saying to me was true.

  “Why did you give me her necklace? And why didn’t you call me or come to my aid when it all went down?” My tone was softer now.

  “It wasn’t her necklace, she’s just crazy. And I tried to calm her down first because she’s my son’s mother and she’s spiteful. Any mistake I make, she threatens to take my son away from me. I handled it wrong, and I apologize.”