I asked her about herself too. I wanted to know how she came up and what her people were like. I felt a little bad about bringing the shit up after she explained how things with her parents turned out, and how that led to her sister’s current state, but she assured me that she was fine. I did switch it up to ask how things with her and baby girl were and about her best friend. That seemed to lighten the mood for us.
We shared dessert, chocolate fondu for two, with strawberries, marshmallows, shortbread cookies, and bits of brownies to dip. The server poured us a sweet sparkling Moscato to wash it down with. When we went over the menu, I didn’t account for niggas getting up low key fucked up from the different drinks we’d have over dinner.
I stood and reached for her hand once we were done eating. She was a little shocked, probably wondering where we were going since the train was still going, but she took my hand and allowed me to lead her to the front where there was a glass observation deck. We stood there, taking in the scenery—well,she was, I was busy admiring her. She caught me seconds later, and blushed.
“Why are you staring at me?”
“It’s hard not to. You’re beautiful, Diamond.” I confessed.
She tore her gaze from mine, smiling and tucking her hair behind her ear.
“Thank you.”
I forced her to look at me, brushing my thumb across her freckled cheek. They added to her beauty and were easily one of my favorite things about her.
“I almost canceled our date.” I confessed causing her smile to fade. “Not that you did shit wrong,” I hurried to clarify. “I was just… thinking.”
“About what?” Her big browns eyes sparkled under the starlit sky. I had to fight hard not to kiss her pretty ass in that moment, even though that was the only thing that I wanted to do.
“My homeboy asked me some shit earlier that really made the gears in my head turn.” I answered.
“What did he ask, Makhai?”
“If I’d be ready to step into a paternal role for your niece when the time came.”
“You don’t?—”
My thumb moved to her lips to stop her from talking.
“I know you don’t have any expectations of me right now, but I was thinking long term,” I clarified. “Pursuing you means I have to do so knowing that you come with another person I’d have to care for as well. Not that I don’t want to or no shit like that. I was trying to figure out if I actually could. I never looked to be a role model or anyone that a child could lean on or look up to.” I chuckled. “But on the flight over, while I was listening to my music, I decided that I was gon’ do the shit. My uncle told me that it wasn’t whether Icoulddo it or not, it was more so if I would, so I decided that Iamwhenever the time comes. I ain’tperfect and I never will be, but I want to try to get as close to the shit as I can for you and baby girl.”
“Makhai…” she whispered and I smiled.
“I ain’t askin’ you to be my girl just yet. I need some time to plan the shit out and make it memorable since it’s the first and only time I’m gon’ do it, and the last time a nigga gon’ be asking you.”
Her smile grew wider. “You say that like you’re sure that I’ll say yes.”
“I ain’t took no for an answer from you yet, have I?”
“Touché.” She chuckled. “That was very sweet of you, Makhai, really,” she nodded. “Regardless of if we do move further in the future, I don’t have any expectations of you taking care of Keona. She’s my responsibility.”
“And if you my girl, she gon’ be mine too. Both of you. My pops ain’t raise me to be no hoe ass nigga.” I countered.
“I know.” She smiled.
Not able to resist anymore, I leaned down and kissed her lips. I could have sworn that fireworks began in that moment. At least that’s what it felt like. I’d kissed plenty of women before, but none that made fucking sparks fly or my insides tingle. I felt like one of those women in the movies that had gotten kissed for the first fucking time.
What kind of hoe ass shit is this?
When we finally pulled back, we just stared into each other’s eyes for a few seconds before smiling. I knew in that moment that I was going to enjoy earning her ass.
TWELVE
Diamond.
“I’ll only be gone for about an hour, Ms. Joyce.” I said as I sat Keona’s seat down.
I was finally going to look for my sister and confront her. I’d given it some time so I could calm down and I finally felt like I’d be able to talk to her without punching her in the face right off top.
