The setting suncast a beautiful golden glow across the land. I sat on the porch of the big house with a notepad and pen in my hand. My headphones were plugged in as I listened to the beat my producer had sent to me. The piano notes had really transformed the beat into something else, something that shifted things around inside of me.
“Damn, nigga, I thought I was never going to see your face around here again!” Jah hollered after snatching my headphones out and pushing me.
I chuckled. “Man, chill out.”
“Nah, fakin’ ass nigga. Getting married and shit just to disappear like you’re not needed.” He folded his arms across his chest. “I’on like that shit.”
Jah was really over there, pouting, looking like his eight-year-old self at twenty-six. Back then, he was mad because I wouldn’t let him run the streets with me. Today, it was because I’d gone and gotten married, which required a little distance.
“Aww. If you miss me, you could just say that, pussy,” I teased as I stood up. “I am about to head out of here though. It’s getting late, and I need to get back to the estate. Nuri doesn’t like to be there alone.” She never had to say it either. I could just tell.
He eyed me suspiciously. “What is that girl doing to you over there? You don’t even want to leave her fucking side. You fucking her in the ass or something? She got pussy that molds around you like gorilla glue?”
I didn’t mean to, but I cackled at the fool. “Shut the fuck up. It’s not like that with us. She just trusts me.”
“Mmhm. I bet she do if you fuckin’ the living daylights out of her. I can’t even be mad ’cause y’all married.” He shook his head disappointedly.
I knew Jah had reservations about my decision, but he was my brother. He was going to ride for me despite any differences we may have.
After we dapped up, I walked down the steps. Turning around, I glanced back up at the house I’d revered for so long. I remember feeling so proud the day I was able to buy it with my cash advance. Our home was lived in and cared for, but it was far from perfect. I’d built a beautiful home for me and my siblings because even though all of us had our own shit going on, when you were in the big house, you never went to bed hungry or had to be alone if you didn’t want to be.
As I looked at the crooked door and hand-painted sign, I was proud. It wasn’t as picturesque as the St. James estate, but it was my own version of building a legacy. Where I came from, if you lived on Prosper Ave, then you’d made it in life. Meeting Nurihelped me see I hadn’t truly made it yet, but I had faith that one day I would.
“Hey, hubby,” Nuri greeted me with the most genuine smile as she maneuvered around the kitchen.
Even though she was joking, the way she greeted me damn near made my heart stop. I’d never felt so proud to have a title in my life. I couldn’t understand how something so simple made me lift my head a little higher.
I hadn’t spoken to her since the day she confessed how much she loved my music, and I stumbled on my words. I was too embarrassed to let her see me like that. It was childish, but I didn’t want her to see me as damaged. To understand why I stuttered in the first place, I would have to share my darkness. So far, I’d only been able to do that in my music. I didn’t know if I could handle telling Nuri everything to find pity in her eyes. I didn’t need that shit because I was good.
“Wassup, wifey,” I replied, walking deeper into the kitchen. I watched her create a wine pasta sauce with expertise. Judging from how amazing it smelled, I knew it had to taste twice as good.
I couldn’t stop my eyes from admiring Nuri’s shapely frame. She wore a crop top, leaving her rolls on display, and they looked more appetizing than a hot, fresh batch of rolls from Texas Roadhouse. I licked my lips, wishing I were the cotton of her leggings so I could cling to her legs like a second skin. Nuri didn’t have the fattest ass I’d ever seen, but it was poking. AndI’d noticed on more than one occasion that when she bent over, it doubled in size.
She blushed, trailing her sweet fragrance from one area in the kitchen to another. “You’re right on time. Dinner is ready.”
I rubbed the back of my neck. Although my stomach rumbled, I said, “You know you don’t have to cook for me, right?”
She waved me off as she went about fixing two plates of her pasta. “I’m going to do what I want, and if I want to cook for you, then that’s what I’m going to do.” She nodded toward the island. “Sit down.”
The tone in her voice made me feel like I didn’t have a choice. I mean, she’d already put in all this effort, and that pasta damn near had my mouth watering, so without another word, I sat my ass down. I felt little bursts of happiness while I waited for her to slide my food in front of me. As a Cancer, nurturing was second nature for Nuri, and she was good at it. I hadn’t noticed the way I looked forward to coming home to her. The serene environment she’d created in the estate was my peace. My own little sanctuary away from the world and a demanding career in the public’s eye.
She placed the plate down with a can of Old Soul ginger ale. She had already noticed it was my favorite beverage. It wasn’t like those trendy carbonated brands at all. This ginger ale burned a little, which I liked.
Nuri took a seat beside me with a glass of white wine. “Let’s eat.”
She seemed satisfied with herself and my presence beside her. That settled me in place as we prayed, then began to dig in.
“How was your day?” I asked, breaking the silence.
We both knew that was not something I usually did. She always did all the talking and engaging. I wanted to try something a little different tonight though.
Nuri nearly choked on her food in surprise. I couldn’t stop the corners of my mouth from lifting a little. She patted her chest and then smiled sheepishly.
“I had a beautiful day. I have two moms who will be giving birth any day now, so I always get excited when it’s almost time.”
I could see the joy in her eyes as she spoke about her work. It was the same light I felt when music was the topic. It was clear Nuri was walking in her purpose.
“How did you get into doing that kind of work?”
