We rented the same Airbnb every weekend and slept in separate rooms, but old feelings quickly resurfaced, and I ended up giving in to temptation, intertwining my soul with Rashawn. For a fleeting moment, I felt like we were entering the next phase of our lives together. Before I could get used to the idea of forever with Rashawn, things went awry again, and I was forced to put our budding relationship on ice. That year changed Essex, but it changed me, too. I grew even closer to God and had not missed a Sunday service since. I stopped drinking altogether and reverted to only letting Rashawn give me oral pleasure here and there.
“Elise, who got you smiling at your phone like that? I know it better not be a nigga,” Rashawn’s voice serenaded me. Everytime Rashawn spoke, it felt like a siren’s call, and I had to fight tooth and nail to keep the lust from dragging me under his spell. Quick jabs were the best way for me to mask the fact that I fought to keep my feelings at bay over the years.
“Rashawn, don’t you have some streets to run or something? You in here hogging the baby and minding my business,” I badgered, washing my hands in the sink because it was time for him to give up my Niecey Pooh.
“What? Are you jealous that she’s the apple of my eye now? She definitely knocked you down a few pegs, but there is room for both of y’all in my heart,” Rashawn teased, glancing over at me.
“Yeah, man, I told him that twice already. He has been holding my sister all day and needs to put her down. Nova better not come home spoiled either. I’mma have Essex drop her right off at your house if she does all that crying when we try to put her down,” Nash chimed in.
“Boy, please, you will go stay with Rashawn before the baby. I remember you used to keep me up with all that crying. I was so stressed out. You better hope she isn’t here to pay you back for what you put me through,” Nariyah snickered.
“Lil sis, you not here to terrorize me, are you?” Nash joked, rubbing Nova’s back.
I glanced over at Nariyah and noticed the low droop of her eyes and the fullness of her breasts beneath the hospital gown. She looked absolutely ethereal, leaning her head on Essex’s shoulder with her knotless braids pulled into a high bun. After pushing Nova out of her vagina au naturale, Nariyah was still talking and joking like she didn’t just bless us with the newest addition to our family a few hours prior. Nariyah’s labor was swift. One minute we were walking around the school parking lot, waiting for Nash to get out of track practice, and the next thing I knew, Nariyah’s water broke, and I had to rush her tothe hospital. Nova almost came out before Essex arrived at the hospital, but he made it right as Nariyah started pushing.
“Come on, Rashawn. For real. I have to leave soon. Let me hold the baby,” I whined.
“I’m only giving Nova up because it’s you, beautiful, and I want to get on your good side,” Rashawn replied, slowly passing Nova to me.
Accepting Nova’s tiny body in my arms, I couldn’t fight the smile that crept on my face if I tried. Nova was gorgeous, and the baby fever was instantaneous. She looked just like our baby pictures, and I couldn’t get enough of her cute face. Nova’s eyes were closed, but her lips gently smacked while her tongue thrust forward. Niecey Pooh was hungry. I slowly stood from the couch and gently rocked Nova in my arms as she emitted low whimpers. Even Nova’s cries were adorable. My phone vibrated in my back pocket, and I knew that was my ride.
“I know you’re hungry. I’m taking you to the source of your food. I have to get home because I have to be up early in the morning, but I will be back as soon as I get off work,” I cooed.
“You handling Nova like a pro,” Rashawn noted.
“Well, I used to work in the church nursery growing up. I guess it’s muscle memory,” I bubbled, leaning down to place Nova in Nariyah’s arms. “Nariyah, I left my purse in your truck during the pandemonium. I’ll text you and Essex when I get to your car so someone can unlock the doors for me. Rashawn, where did you say you moved her truck to?” I turned to face him.
“Third floor, right by the elevator,” he notified me, giving me an unreadable expression.
“How are you getting back to my house to grab your truck?” Essex inquired, placing the nursing cover over his wife. I’m sure that’s what Rashawn was wondering, but he wouldn’t dare ask in front of everyone.
“I have a ride that will get me back to my truck safely. Don’t worry,” I assured him before pecking his cheek.
“Who is picking you up, Ms. Thang?” Nariyah questioned while she focused on helping Nova latch.
“Oh goodness, you guys are nosey,” I chuckled.
I heard movement behind me, and Rashawn was off the couch and headed towards the door when I turned around. Ignoring his exit, I turned back around to face the new parents. “Are you guys sure you don’t want me to grab the hospital bag and bring it up here?”
“Nah, Rashawn is keeping Nash tonight, so he’s going to shoot him over to the crib to pack a bag, then he’ll bring it back before he heads home. We straight. Text me when you get home. I love you.”
“I love you all. Nariyah, make sure you get some good rest, and Essex, make sure you get her the best meal for dinner.”
“Oh fa sho. Her favorite lamb chops are already on the way,” he grinned.
“Thank you, mi amor,” Nariyah beamed.
“Of course, beautiful.”
Essex leaned in to peck Nariyah’s lips, and I turned to leave. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow.” I exited the hospital room and headed towards the elevator.
When I stepped on the elevator, I texted Reginald to let him know where to meet me. I’d been on a few dates with Reginald and, so far, things were progressing at a pace I was comfortable with, but it was still new, so there was no way I’d introduce him to my family just yet. Traveling through the maze of the hospital, I got turned around in the confusing hallway before finally reaching the pedestrian overpass that led to the parking garage. When I opened the door that led to the garage, I immediately spotted Nariyah’s Suburban next to the elevator as Rashawn had noted.
The winter weather finally decided to grace Florida with its presence during the second week in January. My oversized brown sweater with the black teddy bear in the center and black leggings were no longer enough to keep me comfortable without the sun’s warmth. I rubbed my hands up and down my arms to help keep them warm. Reginald’s black Kia Soul was parked next to the elevator, and he stepped out when I sauntered through the door.
“Hey Elise, congratulations on the new niece,” he grinned, holding a bouquet of flowers in his hand.
A giddy smile spread across my face, and I lifted both my hands to cover my face. “Reginald, you didn’t have to,” I blushed for a moment.
