We stayed there for a minute, catching our breaths, sand stuck to our skin, until a tide came and washed over us. We were wet and sandy as fuck.
When we ran back to the house, we were laughing. Yummi talked about how we were gonna need a damn shovel to get all the sand off. I got in the shower with her and washed her down slowly. Her body was soft and warm under my hands.
Yeah, the streets would always call. That was the life I chose, but I had a woman who understood. A woman who could handle it, even if she wasn’t in the game anymore.
And that?
That was everything.
ONE YEAR LATER: SUMMER WITH BAE
I was finallyon my cruise with my family, and I felt like a new woman. After locking down, moving into my new house, and continuing my life under the radar, I was free from my demons. Now I was on my dream vacation, not wanting it to end.
I stood at the pool deck where there were waterslides, an infinity pool, a wave pool, and a kids’ water area where I had been playing with Coast, Solace, and her kids. He was sleeping in his Dior wagon after a long day in the water, while I sipped my lime Casamigos margarita as the sun went down. I had a little time to myself with my son before I handed him off to the babysitter we had on board. I couldn’t believe my little preemie was two years old now.
“What you doing over here by yourself?” Mula asked from behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.
His moist lips planted a kiss on my neck. I turned to face him and smiled. He removed a piece of my hair that stuck to my glossy lips.
“Just enjoying the sunset, reflecting. This view proves I’ve come a long way. I’m content where I am with you, the baby, and my day ones.” I smiled faintly.
“I’m glad you’re feeling good and moving ahead in life, but I want you to come inside with me.”
“Okay, but before we do, I want to say something.”
“What is it?” He looked at me with urgency.
I sighed. “I know you said you never wanted the results, but I can’t keep it to myself. Coast is biologically yours. I felt like you should know because I don’t want you to ever doubt him, even though you said you didn’t want to know.”
“I knew he was mine, Yummi. He looks just like me. Now, let’s go inside to the ballroom. It's urgent.” He grabbed the wagon handle and walked off, so I followed him.
“What’s going on? Are we having dinner early or something?” I asked when we made it to the ballroom hallway.
“Yeah, after I show you this.” He smirked and then pushed the doors open.
When we walked in, I was stunned, but still didn’t know what was going on. There was a runway stage, people were sitting around dressed fashionably, and there was a camera crew.
“What is this?” I asked nervously.
“What it look like? We’re about to have a fashion show, but it’s for your swim line. Yummi Tan Lines is about to take off, and I’ma help you like I promised.”
“This is so nice, Lameek. When did you plan this?” I asked, tearing up.
“When I paid for the trip last year. I found your inventory in the garage and then invited a crew of models and videographers aboard to make this happen. You need a visual of your brand to make it come to life. You wanna go backstage to help out? Ya mom is back there doing makeup. Solace and Kehlani are walkin’ down the runway, too.”
I beamed. “Of course!”
The runway stage split the ballroom into two, so behind it was set up with hair and makeup. Girls were walking around in my brand, and when they spotted me, they started complimenting my work. I was so filled with joy, but I sucked up my crying and helped out. Once they were suited up, I sat in the front row with my son and my man and watched the girls strut the runway. I took so many pictures that my phone memory was full.
Once it was over, the crowd cheered for me as I walked the stage with the girls and said thank you. A lot of the attendees on the cruise wanted to make orders, and I sold what I had on hand. I was ready to start my website and promote myself again, like before my brother died.
“That was dope as hell, baby. Thank you for everything.” I wrapped my arms around Mula and kissed him while the cameras still went on.
“It was, and when we get back on land, I’ve got some stores that want you in there too. I’ve been pitchin’ yo’ brand on the low when I’m out doing business. Now let's give Coast to the sitter so we can celebrate your launch and new beginnings.”
I did what Mula told me.
After we left the baby in the kids’ cabin, we went to our luxurious cabin and put on our nightlife clothes. It was a beautiful night, so I put on a white, strapless mini dress with one of my bathing suits under it because I was going to end up in the pool, night swimming. We headed to the outdoor nightclub on the deck. Mula and I were relaxing in VIP, getting intoxicated while patiently waiting for our nightcap after the party was over.
