I hadn't leftJah’s house in three days. Every time he left the house and came back, he was coming with bags and dropping them at my feet. The man knew everything about me. From pant size, what sanitary products I liked to use, and scents I liked.
“Jah, why you keep spending all this money? I told you I was going to get some stuff in a few days.”
“Because my love language is taking care of the people I love. I don’t want you spending money on stuff you need. I’d rather you spend on shit you want. Can you do that for me?”
“I can.” I pulled the stuff out of the bags.
“Now, I want you to get up and get dressed. I got a few things to do today, and I want you to ride with me.”
“Do I need to wear anything in particular?”
“No, the first stop is to check on the twins. They are asking for my presence since I haven’t seen them in a few days. After that, I’m spoiling you, so I say dress comfortably.”
“What are the twins going to think when we walk in the house together? I don’t want to confuse them.”
“That’s why I’m taking you with me. Can you let me worry about that, please? Go get dressed.” He slapped my ass.
It was funny how I ended up right back at the house where I first met Jah. He was a little rude that day, but I had tobe honest, he turned out completely different than our first encounter. Now, his sister was nice, but for some reason, today she was being rude. I hadn’t been here fifteen minutes and she was hadn’t said one word to me. The twins were excited to see me and I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss them too.
“Tatiyonna, can I talk you for a minute?” Lonni asked.
“Lonni,” Jah warned.
“I’m not about to do anything to this girl, Jah. Let girls talk, sir,” Lonni told him.
I got up and followed Lonni outside around the firepit. She looked at me for a little bit before she opened her mouth. I didn’t want her to think she was intimidating me, so I stared back at her.
“I know how my brother feels about you. Just like he’s protective of all of us, I’m like that about him. He’s never been in love with a woman before. At least not that I know of. You’re the first that he has ever did for. His focus has always been family. I watched my brother have a heart attack because of you. I want you to sit here right now and tell me you will not break my brother’s damn heart. I’ve lost my mama and sister. I can’t lose my damn brother. He’s my backbone, and who the hell is going to help me with these kids?” she laughed. “No, but seriously. I don’t know if he told you, but he was sick as hell when you left him. He can’t take that kind of back-and-forth shit.”
“Lonni, I love your brother. I have from the beginning of what we had. I picked my husband because I was afraid of what people would think. I thought it was the right thing to do. As soon as I left Jah, I knew I had made a mistake. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Well, welcome to the family, Tatiyonna.”
Jah wasn’t lying when he said he was going to spoil me today. I had already picked out the furniture and appliances for myhouse. By the time we were done, I was exhausted and ready to lay down, but Jah was driving towards the studio.
“Why are you going this way?”
“Because someone told me you were doing the work in the studio with little to no help.”
“I’m content with doing a little at a time. It’s no rush at all.”
“Well, I got some people that willing to help while they are free. What, you’re going to keep doing a little at a time until a year goes by and you’re still doing what you don’t want to do for a living?”
“No…I mean, I didn’t think about it like that. It’s just me, Casi, and my dad. I don’t want to take up all their time on my dream.”
“Did they tell you that?” He looked at me.
“No.”
“Aight, then.”
He pulled up, and I noticed Casi’s car, my dad’s car, and a few white trucks. He opened the car door for me and helped me out. I looked confused as we walked around to the front of the building. I had given Casi a key and her ass had let everyone in. The walls and everything were painted. The extra poles I had bought were up, and the aerial silks were connected as well.
“What else do you need done?” Jah asked.
“Who are these men?”
“A few men that I work with me. The best thing about being in the concrete business is being connected to contractors, brick masons, and electricians.”
