Page 21 of Finessed By A Hood White Boy

“What’s wrong?” She questioned.

I pushed her backward, so we both could step outside. I never liked to have grown folk conversations in front of our daughter. Whenever a conversation was needed, it had to be in private. Neither of us wanted to expose Zoie to any type of toxicity.

“You have muthafuckas spending the night at the house while my daughter is home?”

“What?” She laughed nervously.

I stared at her with a blank face.

“Um, I thought my business was my business, and your business is yours.” She folded her arms.

“Nah, don’t play with me, Ze. Unless you want to start paying all the bills at that muthafuckin house, the understanding we have needs to remain the same. I don’t give a damn what you do when Zo ain’t there. You know what’s up, so don’t stand here and play in my face. Is that understood?”

“Yes, EJ.” She smacked her lips.

“If I hear some shit again about random dudes around my kid, I’m cuttin’ you off. Stick to the fuckin script, and there won’t be any problems.” I warned her.

“The guy I’m talking to is not some random person. We’ve been talking on the low for almost a year now.”

“Yet I haven’t met the muthafucka, and you have him sleeping under the same roof as my daughter.”

Zenobia let out a deep breath and rolled her eyes.

“What? Is it a problem that I’m speaking on this shit?”

“No, it’s not a problem, EJ. It won’t happen again, okay? Damn. It’s not even that serious.”

I was just about to walk back in the house until she said that shit.

“The fuck you mean it aint that serious? My daughter, our daughter’s safety is serious. Yo, you got me hot right now.” I glared at her.

“I’m sorry.” She looked up into my eyes.

My baby momma was a pretty little red bone. A mixed chick who I met back in high school. We used to kick it heavy back then, but we lost contact when she moved away. Years later, she resurfaced, and I knew I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to make her mine. Our relationship was straight. She was loyal and committed. The problem came in when I wasn’t ready to fully commit. I was discreet about my shit because I respected her enough not to have her out here looking crazy.

When she found out I was fuckin’ around, it caused a lot of chaos between us. She no longer wanted to be with me, and I was cool with that. I knew what type of person I was at the time, so I wasn’t trying to hold up her love life. Zenobia had dudes checking for her all the time, and not once had I ever been jealous. Shit, it wasn’t too long ago since we’d been able to get back on track. For the sake of our daughter, we had to find common ground and make shit work out for the best. I bought her a house and chose to pay all her bills on the strength of Zoie. Plus, every once in a while, I might come through and stay the night upon Zoie’s request. Most of those nights when I came through, Zenobia and I would find ourselves having our own fun. It was rare, but I still broke her off with some dick when those sleepovers took place. She knew me better than any female I’d been with. She knew how my personality could switch up right before her eyes with no warning. Gripping her chin, I placed a kiss on her forehead.

“Don’t let the shit happen again. But we can go ahead and continue this conversation in the play house.” My eyes penetrated hers.

“Yes, maitre.” Her voice was low.

She already knew what time it was.

CHAPTER 7

Ava Gray

Ameeting was being held in the conference room, but only half the board was in attendance. Apparently, Mrs. Whitmore wanted to go over the details of an annual charity event they were hosting. I could only imagine going to an event with a room full of millionaires. I stood in the corner as usual, taking notes on the conversation. I knew I would have to schedule everyone for a fitting for their attire. I also had to make sure appointments were squared away for makeup, hair, and whatever else was necessary for them to prepare for that night. I was so focused on the scheduling that I didn’t hear Ethan call me.

“Ava?”

“Yes?” My head popped up.

“I would like it if you accompanied us Friday night to the art exhibition,” he spoke.

“Oh…uh⁠—”

“She would have no business attending this event, Ethan. We’ve never had anyone outside of our family attend these events with us.” Trenton scoffed.