“You been on a plane all day. I’m sure you just want to shower and relax for a minute. I know Daisy too. She gon’ want you to stay for dinner at least. Might as well get comfortable for the time being. I’ll have you to the Ritz before the party.”
“You better,” she said stretching her arms. She was ready to be ushered.
I was able to bring her from the car to the house smoothly. The ladies didn’t bother her like I knew they wouldn’t, but I needed those precautions in place just in case. She clung to me tightly letting me know she trusted me to protect her. As soon as we walked inside, the smell of baked goods filled me up. Shutting the door behind me, I placed her on her feet.
“Thank you for that, but please explain to me why the hell do you have two predators walking around freely. Bentley, that’s not safe,” she complained.
“I’ve had them since they were cubs. They won’t hurt you baby. If anything, they behave like puppies. I’ll introduce you to them later.”
“No the hell you ain’t. I’m not even supposed to be here right now. I had a hotel that didn’t house lions for pets set up and ready to go. I would’ve been at peace by now,” she snapped.
“And, who’s this?” Daisy asked slowly making her way downstairs.
Heidi straightened up and stepped closer to me. She was behaving like a shy kid. I reached down and intertwined our hands. When she didn’t notice the physical touch, she allowed it. I walked her to the kitchen knowing Daisy was two feet behind us. She wanted the details, but I figured I’d let them go over whatever she just made and a drink.
“Baby boy, I know you heard me,” Daisy spat.
“I did Ma. Give me a minute to sit her down.”
“You playing with me and you know I’m not one for games. You know what… Hey baby, I’m Daisy. Who are you?” she questioned Heidi like I knew she would.
I smirked and said, “So impatient.”
“You damn right. Now, who is this beautiful child in my home? I’m not asking again.”
“I’m Heidi, Bentley’s?—”
I cut her off before she could throw that friend bullshit on the end. “Wife,” I said looking her dead in the eyes. We wasn’t no goddamn friends and never would be. Whatever she thought was gon’ go down between us wasn’t gon’ happen. Me and that woman wasn’t gon’ have shit platonic.
“Bentley!” Heidi shouted.
“Mrs. Atkins,” I threw back.
Daisy’s focus shifted between us several times wearing an uncertain look. Bless her lil’ heart. She was just as confused as she wanted to be. I found it quite amusing. All she had to do was be a nigga wingman. I brought her home a daughter-in-law.
“Clearly, I’m missing something, so stay for dinner and tell me how you and my son came to be. I’m not taking no for an answer either. I’m making shrimp étouffée. Are you okay with that?” Daisy asked already heading to retrieve the pits and pans.
“Yes ma’am,” Heidi replied. As soon as Daisy turned her back, she delivered me a hell of a glare. I winked at her knowing I schemed all this shit.
“So, are you from here Heidi?” Daisy inquired.
“Nah, she from Sage Springs. She’s Royce best friend.”
Daisy stopped what she was doing and gave us a second set of awkward looks. I knew what she was thinking, but Royce was all of platonic. He never had and never would have Heidi like me. Daisy ain’t have shit to worry about.
“Okay. Well, where are you staying? Did you bring any bags? Do you want to freshen up? There’s loads of space here. Bentley, show her to a room so she can wash that traveling off her,” Daisy ordered.
“Oh, no ma’am. I’m fine. I have a room booked at the Ritz downtown. I’m okay,” Heidi said denying the invitation.
“Bentley, I know you didn’t let this girl get a room when we have all this space. Heidi, cancel that room and choose from the many ones we have here. It’s just me and that knuckleheaded boy walking around this big house. It’ll feel good having company for once. He never brings anyone home. I’m quite tired of it being just us.” Daisy wasn’t doing shit but running her mouth and playing into the plan I had set up. I knew what she would do to begin with.
Heidi looked to me for help, but I refused to help her when this was working out in my favor. I shrugged my shoulders as if I ain’t know what was happening. If she wanted to decline the offer, she was gon’ have to do it on her own. I wasn’t speaking up on shit.
I watched her go back and forth in her head. I tried not to laugh in her face. She was really struggling. Sighing deeply, she said, “Yes ma’am. Bentley, can you show me where I’ll be staying?”
My smile couldn’t be contained. She shook her head and walked pass me. I grabbed her by the hand and led her to the stairwell. I let go long enough to grab up her bags. She was back in a nigga grasp within seconds. I rested to the left of the house, so we headed in that direction. We had plenty of space, that wasn’t a lie. However, I needed my woman next to me by the end of the night.
Entering the bedroom, I pointed to the sofa on the back wall and said, “Put yo’ stuff over there baby. You really ain’t gon’ need nothing in that muthafucka.”
