Please excuse any errors.

February 16, 1999

~Tia's P.O.V~

"Imma go get us some drinks. Water for you, right?" Donald spoke directly in my ear because the venue is loud.

"Yes, sir," I nodded. "Thank you."

Donald left me with Jax. Creed walked away with Donald. The show has yet to begin. We actually arrived early because we wanted to avoid as many people as possible. Although, there is old-school music playing on the speakers, it just isn't at a high volume.

"You excited?" Jax asked, smiling at me.

"Yes," I spoke while grinning ear to ear.

"Figures. You listen to this nigga all the damn time," Jax chuckled. "I knew you would be when De mentioned it to me. Front row, center seats? C'mon, that man be on his shit."

"Donald?"

"Yeah. Who else?" Jax replied.

"When you speak about two people, Donald and Luther in one statement, it's hard to tell whom you're referring to, Jax," I bat my eyelashes.

"A'ight, smart Allec," he laughed. "You right, though. Damn! You old as shit!"

I'm trying to hold back my laughter, but I combusted into a fit of giggles. I don't want to laugh loudly.

"And how old are you?" I asked him.

"Eighteen," Jax winked.

"You look young for your age, but you CAN'T pass for eighteen, Jax. Impossible. I'll believe you're eighteen when my twenty-first birthday rolls back around."

"Damn? I don't know how to feel about that. Am I offended?" Jax asked himself out loud.

"Those weren't my intentions. Just the truth," I replied.

"Damn!" He shouted. "Psych nah. I feel what you mean. You look nice by the way," Jax complimented.

"Why, thank you," I smiled with my mouth closed. "It's my birthday, so I had to go all out."

"Well at least you ain't givin' me anxiety by jumpin' off planes and whatnot, but that's because you gave him full control of your birthday. Thank GOD!" Jax said laughing.

"Listen, that was a one-time thing. I'm never skydiving again, Jax," I slowly shook my head at him.

"Please don't. You scared the hell out of me. I prayed though," he told me.

"Trust and believe that I did too. Before, during, and afterward MULTIPLE times during each phase," I chuckled. "It definitely was an experience. Believe it or not, while I was falling through the air, there was a few seconds of calmness. You should try it."

"Nah, I'm GOOD," Jax emphasized. "Black people don't do that shit."

"Then what color am I?" I smiled.

"Shit..." He jerked his head back looking me over. "Green... Yeah, I'd say you're green."

"Fungus?"

"For sure," he nodded.

I deeply rolled my eyes, "whatever." Then I realized, "wait a minute... Green is also money. If I don't do anything else, I'm out there making something a name for myself."

"And you've accomplished that too," Jax nodded.

"Is being a bodyguard all you've ever imagined doing?" I asked out of the blue. All of these years and questions, I've never asked him about it.

"You know? Yeah, it's very sustainable, especially depending on who I work for. I've been with you for a long time now, so... Yeah. I figured that there's always someone who needs protecting," the corners of Jax's lips turned down as he nodded his head. With no further questions, I slowly nodded to let him know that I was listening. "That was like my job since I was a kid. I guess it stuck with me. I enjoy it too. That's first and foremost."

"That's beautiful," I smiled.

Reading between the lines, I'm sensing childhood trauma over his words.

"Babe, that line was long as shit," my future husband plopped down in his chair, taking off his coat. Donald sat back, shaking his head. "Not only that, but..." He leaned in, "I ain't want to be rude to nobody, so I interacted with the fans and supporters. I'm just here to have a good ass time like them, not to be pulled on and called on. It was ridiculous out there. Then I had to walk out of this room to another. I should've brought more security because I'm tellin' you..." He rambled on with me listening carefully to his words.

"Well, you made it back," I mustered up something to respond with.

"Nobody came to bother you?" He asked me, folding his shades on the collar of his turtleneck shirt.

"Nope," then I raised my voice, "nobody but Jax." I turned my head to look at him and he laughed.

"What about Jax?" Jax asked, caught in a conundrum.

"You're the only person that came to bother me while Donald was away," I chuckled.

"Yeah, I sure was the only one to bother your little knucklehead," Jax spoke to Donald.

"Who's opening up for Luther?" I asked my papi.

He cheesed, "someone you like. We've also been listenin' to a lot of his ass too. I'm workin' with him in the near future."

I small gasp excaped my lips, "Joe?"

"Yup. That nigga gon' be here."

"Wait, they're both R&B, but Joe is moreso bedroom music, while Luther is more classic. This is different," I raised my eyebrows.

"I think Luther is also bedroom music too. His shit is more romantic, while Joe's music is when a couple of whoever is goin' at it hard," he smirked. "Like-"

I pushed his arm, tilting my head forward. "Donald..."

"I'm whispering, but I wasn't gon' say that shit out loud. I just wanted your ass to think so," he cackled one good time, then clicked his tongue. "You think I'm gon' say that shit out loud, so everyone could know? Pshh, fuck that shit. That's between the two of us and the two of us ONLY."

"Anyhow, that wasn't me that night," I folded my arms under my breasts, uncrossing my legs, then crossed them with the other leg on top. "I keep havin' to remind you that."

Donald placed his hand on my thigh, wrapping his hand around all that he could. "I don't give a fuck what yo ass talkin' 'bout, but the truth shall prevail."

"Mm, are you calling me a liar DeGrate?" I placed my hand on top of his, playing with his large fingers.

He sharply inhaled, then calmly exhaled as he crossed his legs with his ankle against his thigh. His free arm went across the top of the backrest of my chair. "I AM callin' your ass delusional," he whispered lowly in my ear. Three words: oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine," he listed off.

"The body never forgets..." I trailed off, staring off into the dark stage with people walking around it, adding to his statement. I turned my head to look him over again to see him staring at me.

"I love the effort that you put into everything, but especially the effort you put into dressing up. You know... So many guys have lost that trait. The women are almost always dressed up, but the men are dressed in street clothes on dates."

"That's false," Donald shook his head. "Men haven't forgotten how to dress. The truth of the matter is men only put effort into looking good for women who demand that they look good- whether that is with actions, verbally expressed, or their aura. THEN we also don't dress up for women who we really don't care for. Women who are deemed as undeserving of such effort," he shrugged. "Was that your experience?"

"Heh, NO," my head jerked back. "They knew better than to do that mess to me. You know that when I step out, I'm on my I'm Coming Out, Diana Ross style type ish. Hey, you knew off the bat..." I trailed off. "Although, you are the same way when it comes to leaving the house most times."

He clicked his tongue, "exactly." He began to rub his nose and lips against my neck, sending chills up and down my spine. "Don't settle for less. Even minuscule things like that. I'm for sure reachin' our daughters that."

"I think it also has to do with fathers not being in the home to teach their children such things," I moved my neck. "Them not wanting to be inside of the homes for their children. They think child support is all a kid needs. Those twenty dollars a month measure up to no time."

"Hmm, that too. But some dudes still know that shit because some have grandparents, uncles, and possibly older cousins who put effort into themselves. It still boils down to what I stated though."

"I'm not disagreeing, I'm just adding more to it," I smiled.

"I knew that, love," he replied and I reached up, massaging the roots of his goatee.

He closed his eyes, resting his head on his arm that was on my chair's backrest. "Are you tired?"

"I'll be a'ight," he whispered with his eyes still closed. "Just a little bit though."

"Awww," I cooed, pecking his lips twice, still playing with his goatee.

"When they get on stage, my adrenaline will definitely increase due to the loud ass speakers and us being in the front row," he spoke, rubbing his thumb against my thigh.

I was going to mention the oils and grease from his scalp getting onto his clothing, but he's wearing black and I couldn't see anything when he lifted up a few seconds ago. I silently listened to the music playing, while watching everyone walk past, looking for their seats. Even if I was tired, I couldn't nod off or even rest my eyes at any public event. During a more intimate, family gathering, I'd be a little more okay with nodding off.

"Damn..." He whispered in my ear making me turn my head to him and my cool breath hit his face. His hazel eyes are now open. "I'm just imaginin' you on our wedding day," he chuckled. "I don't know what's your design, but I know you'll look beautiful."

The same dress that I started making after my ex, Taimak, proposed to me, is the same dress I've been continuing. It's a long process because it's bejeweled. They aren't real because I'm not some idiot who'll waste so much money on real diamonds for a dress that I'll only wear once. However, the diamonds have that REAL effect and sparkle just how I like. The only thing I had to do was make some measurement alterations, which left me with more fabric and jewels than before. It's absolutely gorgeous. I just hope the nude portion of the dress matches my summer skin tone. My summer and winter skin is drastically different. So much so that some may think I bleach.

"Words can't describe how beautiful I will look in my dress. You're going to love it," I smiled at him. "I've been meaning to ask you, do you still want wine at the wedding?"

Donald lifted his head, "I don't see why not. It's our weddin', but I want everyone else to enjoy themselves, but not get too carried away. Some folks don't know a limit."

It's K-Ci and JoJo mostly. However, Dalvin has his ways too. The thing is that Dalvin knows when and where to compose himself in certain settings. The other two? Oh, it's rare that they do. Courtney can also be a heavy drinker, but it's not that bad.

"Who's going to do a wine tasting?" He asked me. "Neither of us drinks."

"Courtney or Elijah on my half... Derek maybe?" I poked my lips out to the side. "Derek and Dalvin?"

"I'll have to ask them," he sighed. "If not, we'll just stick with sparkling cider, juice, soda, and water. They gon' have options for sure. I'm a bit hesitant about even having alcohol because we know so many alcoholics. I don't want anyone acting out because of it."

"Definitely. No alcohol then. Same with the food. They'll have plenty of options. Some may call me ghetto, but I want people to eat food that they enjoy. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese etc. People don't mind coming to events, but it'll be one hundred percent more worth it if the food is delicious. I've been to some nice weddings, but left hungry because the food was too trash," I pursed my lips. "However, I'm conflicted because I want everyone dressed up. They may look at the food and think who eats fried chicken, mashed potatoes, etc. in dressy attire?"

"Fuck that. I want to have some good ass food like you said," he shook his head at me.

"We've got until the middle of April, so we have enough time to figure those things out. That way, we'd know exactly who to go to with our needs," I responded.

My future husband twisted the cap from his soda, then took a long swig. "God damn, this shit is strong as fuck."

"You haven't had pop in a while is why. It's just been water and juice," I chuckled.

"My nose burns," he said while pinching his nose. "Ain't this 'bout a bitch? I ain't never experienced this shit," he opened his eyes which happened to be watery.

I laughed, "see? I told you. You would talk about me all day and night about me not being able to take it, and here you are... Doing the same EXACT thing."

"This is comin' from an ex-heavy drinker though. This ain't right," he shook his head. "What did they put in this?" He asked, then turned the bottle to the ingredients side.

Amongst my laughter, I replied, "babe, it's the same ingredients as always!"

"Nu-uhn... It can't be," he shook his head, dismissing what I just said, still reading over the ingredients.

"You said that wasn't right, but it is. We shouldn't be consuming a lot of those ingredients... Like, point blank, period," I gestured. "Nothing is new, it's just the acidity."

"Nothin' is new, it's just the acidity," he mocked, opening it again to drink more, but this time he didn't keel over and die. He was prepared. "Ahhh," he sucked his tongue. "Damn, that shit is good."

"My goodness," I looked down in disbelief and amusement. "Unhinged."

"Listen, you don't know good shit until you've had good shit. Taste this here GOOD SHIT," he held the bottle up and spoke as if he was advertising the soda. Then he held it in front of me.

I held my hand up "I, Tia Nakia Andrews, announced that my mother has raised a bitch. No, sir. Keep that to yourself," I pushed his hand away with my lips poked out.

"You missing out big time," Donald drank more, throwing his head back just to take a small swig.

I chuckled even more, folding my hand on my lap. "I'm definitely rubbing off on you, DeGrate."

"You think?" He smirked and the lights dimmed.

I looked around the room as it became dark and the stage lights came on. Sookie Sookie now! The crowd began to cheer, excited for the show to be starting.

"Babygirl," Joe sang into the mic, walking onto the stage from the side opening. "Alright..." Joe trailed on in a note. "I've got to find me a girl. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Alright now!" He stood in the middle of the stage with the spotlight on him looking at his audience.

The band kicked in. Oh, this is different! I stood on my feet.

"Sunshine," he hit another note. "From the first time that we met. Helpless... You took my heart, I must confess. Deep in your eyes, there seemed to be a look that said," Joe sang.

I stood up swaying and singing to the music, "hello. Is it me you're searching for?" I sang with him very lowly.

I can't hear myself due to how loud the music is, but I know I'm singing. I'm not trying to lose my voice which has almost always happened after a concert. Being so lost in the music and performance, I didn't even know Donald got up, wrapping his arms around me, swaying behind me, and singing. Donald's voice is deep and he's against my backside, in my ear with his arms wrapped around my waist, I can clearly hear him singing. For me, deep voices tend to be louder when they do speak loud.

(Is it me or does it seem like deep voices are louder no matter how quiet the man is typically?)

"Why are all the good girls taken every time? Why do I keep falling for someone else's dime? Every time I say hello then they say goodbye."

I turned to Donald and this man is looking deep into my soul. My heart skipped a beat as I shit him a smile, then I turned back to face the stage. He sang his few hit songs, before he finally got to I Wanna Know that Donald wrote, which IS still a hit. When he finished that song, he looked down in Donald and I's direction.

"Ehh," Joe pointed to Donald. "Shout-out to my boy, DeVanté- DeVanté Swing in the front row everybody!" He shouted pointing at him. "Thanks for comin' to the show!"

Donald raised his arm, lifting his head from my shoulder. "Wassup!" He shouted back at Joe, matching his energy.

Joe dismissed himself, eventually walking off of the stage. The stage went dark again and Donald whispered in my ear.

"I really wish he wouldn't have done that. I'm just tryin' to enjoy the concert with my lady," he shook his head, rubbing his hands in a circular motion on my hips and waist. We then took a seat, waiting for Luther Vandross to make his appearance onstage. "Got enough people comin' up to me and my energy isn't high enough to be interacting with so many people at the moment."

"You want to leave so you could get some z's in?" I asked him, grabbing his hand.

"Babe..." He trailed off with low eyes. "Hell nah," he waved his other hand at me in dismissal, laughing. "I'm good. When the music starts up again, my energy gon' be hyped. Luther got more upbeat songs than Joe at the moment, so yeah..." He brought my hand up, kissing the back of it. 

"Okay," I spoke, an octave below a whisper.

~DeVanté's P.O.V~

The concert ended and we eventually made it outside after a few stops inside of the building and Redd pulled up in our vehicle. Opening the door, while checking her out, I helped my future wife into the car, followed by myself. I didn't drive to the Arena, and I'm damn sure not driving to our next destination due to my exhaustion. The rest of our security is trailing behind us in an identical truck. One thing about me is that I always make sure to rent out a car with a partition. I rolled the partition up.

"Are you about to get some sleep? It's a long drive back home, so you might as well," Tia spoke while sanitizing her hands.

I chuckled, taking off my coat, "yeah. Yup, I'll sleep for a little bit until we make it to our destination," I replied, laying my head on her jacket that sat on her lap.

"I was starting to cramp in there, so I think I'm starting my menstrual," she told me.

Lifting my head, I opened an eye, "okay... Do we need to stop somewhere?" I asked her.

"No, that's why I went to the bathroom to freshen up in the middle. Also because I already put on a panty loner before we left the house. I didn't spot anything, but I also don't bleed heavily in the beginning," she chuckled. "I feel fine though, so it'll probably be late."

"Oh, okay," I laid my head on her lap, and closed my eyes, listening to the low music.

Initially, I was rolling up the partition for other reasons. Tia has been dancing against me all night, but I am tired as hell. All I need is a good fifteen minutes of shut-eye and I'll be just like Mary J Blige, Just Fine.

"Can we turn the music off? I'm not trying to see music notes in my head right now. Is that okay with you?"

"That's fine," Tia replied. "Redd, can you please turn the music down?" She asked through the speaker.

"A'ight, will do," he replied and the car became quiet.

"Thank you," I replied covering my face and body with my coat. "Just to let you know, we ain't goin' back to the rental until later," I mumbled, sleepily, so she probably didn't hear me.

Tia quietly stared out the window as Redd drove the truck. I placed my shades over my eyes. My eyes closed and it didn't take me long to fall into a deep slumber. Twenty minutes later, I woke up to the heavy L.A. traffic and the honking of horns. It will be hell when my future wife and I move to L.A. because of this heavy ass traffic. This will teach me patience and I'll have to get less sleep, so I could get up early and avoid as much traffic as possible. I'm definitely rethinking this, especially with me being an impatient man.

"Babe... Are you SURE that you want to live here?" Tia asked, looking down at me.

"Get out of my head," I laughed, then sat up. "I was literally just thinking that and I don't know..."

"L.A. stays extremely busy, BUT we will be closer to work and won't have to fly as much. Most events are set someplace in Los Angeles," she replied.

"Well, we'll see tomorrow because remember we have some house hunting to do, so we'll see. We'll get used to it though," I shrugged.

"I mean, we'd have to if we're going to be living here, Donald. It's a lot. We'll have to wake up even earlier to avoid heavy traffic. That's less than we already get. Then it may affect our relationship due to the lack of intimate time," she glanced at me and then out of the window. "We're busy people."

"You see this? I made time for you just as you did for me on my birthday. We can make this shit right here work. It'll take more work, but it's not impossible," I chuckled. "Shit, we even sometimes bring lunch to each other's workplace and eat together on lunch break."

"Not only that, but it's EASY to get caught up in everything. There's too much of everything here and easy access to people and things..." She spoke, trailing her words as she shifted her entire body at an angle to mine. "It's scary. Almost everyone is dribbling and dabbling into everyone and everything and getting away with it."

"Baby," I brought her feet up to my lap, taking off her heels. "That's literally everywhere we go. Hollywood isn't just a place, it's a personality."

"Donald, I'm well aware of THAT, but it's more prevalent him L.A.- shoot, California as a whole." She replied as I messaged her feet. "Being in this business and then living here, we're going to see a lot more."

"Leave the party before the Devil arrives. At the end of the day, ANY party could turn into something it wasn't early. You know, something it shouldn't become," I chuckled. "We just have to always leave early and not be on no late shit. If we end up leaving too late, don't go at all. As I've mentioned last night, there isn't a thing that I haven't seen. I didn't want to see it then and I damn sure don't want to see that shit in the future. Leave early because every party has the potential of ending in many different ways."

"I haven't and I want to avoid it as much as possible," she shook her head.

"Well, that's because you followed your morals and intuition," I smiled. "Thank God that nobody took that option away from you as an adult. Considering where you are financially, that shit is RARE. So there is PROOF that not everyone goes against their morals to make it this far."

"I surrounded myself with strictly business people. Used those parties for my advantage, which everyone should. That is to network, not sleep around or do this, that, and the third," she flailed her hands.

"Who's to say that those specific people weren't or aren't that way? You just haven't seen that side," I shrugged.

"True. Babe, I apologize for making you feel as if you did something wrong last night. You did nothing wrong. It was just triggering for me. That's strictly a ME problem, not you. You were genuinely asking a question which led to a deeper conversation."

A long exasperated sigh left my lips, "Tia?" She looked up at me as I paused the foot massage. "Babe, please- and I mean this with every fiber in my being, PLEASE, don't ever tell me that it's a YOU problem when it comes to something as serious as last night's topic. We haven't signed our names in the fitted lines, but we are one. I want to be considerate of your feelings and vice versa as we have been. I hope you understand what I just said?"

"Completely understand, but-"

"No buts, you understand, so end of story," I cut my hands at her, then started massaging her feet again. "That's like you bringin' alcohol home so we could try knowing I can't drink."

Tia snickered, "End of story?" She raised her eyebrows. "And Donald, that is NOT the same. That would be me intentionally sabotaging your sobriety. That's like comparing fruits such as strawberries to carrots. That is NOT the same thing."

"Yeah, I rewinded what I said in my mind and that shit ain't make no type of sense, but you know the point I was TRYIN' to make," I smiled at her. "Your feet are a little crusty. Where's the lotion?"

"Donald," she drew her feet back, touching them. "Don't play with me. My feet are still moisturized," she pushed my shoulder, laughing.

"Ouch!" I grabbed my shoulder. "Fuck! What you gon' stop doin' is abusin' me. You gave me like two black eyes before, broke both of my legs and now you tryin' to break an arm? How low can you get? I wouldn't be able to play an instrument or write a song. How the fuck a nigga gon' make his money."

"Boy, bye..." Tia rolled her eyes at me with her smiling cheeks. "I already told you that I'm sorry and I'll never do it again. I just lost my cool. You know?" She spoke, playing into my accusations.

"Just what an abuser would say."

"Besides, you'd still have one good arm to work with. Be ambidextrous."

My mouth dropped then I started cracking the hell up. "What?" I coughed out.

"I said what I said," Tia shrugged. "You're so lame for that. These feet stay moisturized, but I don't want the bottom half to be extremely moist or I'd slide and bust my behind in these heels. Just the illusion."

"Psych, nah," I chuckled, massaging her feet again. "So is that why you fell into my arms all of those times?" I questioned staring down at her with my hands going to work on her feet.

"The first time, yes. That second time? I guess I was just clumsy." She replied.

"OR I'm irresistible," I winked.

"The first time, I had no idea who you were. The second time, I couldn't stand you fine ass," she chuckled.

"Aye see? I still was fine."

"At the time? Heck no," she chuckled. "Do you remember our argument?"

"Buts and pieces. A nigga was fucked up, remember?" I raise my eyebrows. "I remember how good your ass looked though. You put that shit on as ALWAYS. That made me even more upset with you. That shit made it harder for me to come up with a comeback. I was just saying anything."

"Because I'm the irresistible one to you. That was just you projecting," she wiggled her toes.

I laughed, "ehh... I was pissed at you too for your attempt of trying to help me. Although, I couldn't understand it at the time. Ego was big."

"Still is," Tia smiled with her mouth open and her tongue flat against the roof of her mouth.

"Large ego, but not egotistical," I told her.

"Exactly and I look at it as a positive thing. Just as long as long as you don't get beside yourself. I'm the same," Tia replied.

"Fine ass. Took you long enough though. Confident, but not entirely."

"And you could tell?"

"I'm a man baby. We see that shit in women from a mile away. That makes most women even more easy if you catch my drift. Although, you were different."

"Yeah. I wasn't completely confident, but I had my morals in place. Even though they did shift around you," Tia chuckled. "I grew up around the boys in my family. I recognize the game from a mile away. You sir? You were rubbing a whole lot of game."

"And was. THAT was egotistical."

"So where are we going?" She fluttered her eyes at me.

"Dinner," I responded coyly.

"Oh, yeah? Where to?"

"We are in L.A. and all, right?" I glanced at her from the top of my eyes to see her, waiting for me to continue. "In and Out," I replied with squinted eyes. "Now I know- I know you don't eat burgers, BUT you DO like the condiments, lettuce, tomatoes, onions- ah, am I missing something else?"

"The bread," Tia added with a smirk.

"You should know me by now... I ain't tellin' you SHIIiiiT," I laughed. "I like the surprise effect. I can't keep you guessing about too many things except things like this, because your ass always seems to know every damn thing. I start with my right foot and you know that my left foot is coming next."

"Loud and wrong! Because your wrong foot comes after your right foot," she poked her lips out.

"See? I wouldn't have never known that for myself if you hadn't told me," I shook my head at her. We're always on dumb shit together.

"If people hear some of our conversations, they would think we have some sort of mental illness," she laughed. "Technically, I do, but you get what I mean."

"Mhm," I nodded.

"Do you ever think about it?"

"Think about what?"

"My mental illness?" She asked me being direct this time.

"Of course. It pops up when you're in one of your moods. Whether it's extreme sadness or when you're excited. You become VERY excited or feel like you're in the depths of despair and want to be locked away in a room alone. However, you've always been that way. You just gave me a title to it is all that has changed," I shrugged. "I'd rather you KNOW when you're feeling down and be alone than just be around me and spaz out."

"Oh, okay," she nodded. I grabbed my beeping beeper, glancing at it before, clipping it on my pants again. "Who is it?" Tia asked me.

I glanced at her, then clipped my beeper on my belt. "Nobody."

"You're lying. Is Donald DeGrate really your birth name?" Tia raised her eyebrows. "I'm joking. I know that you're-" she cut herself off, folding her lips into her face.

"I'm what?" I squinted.

"I- I lost my train of thought," she replied with a smile.

"Did you? Is Tia your real name?" I squinted.

"Actually, no..." Tia trailed off looking at the ceiling. "My name is Bruce," she spoke in her best manly voice, then started coughing from deepening her voice.

"See? That's what your ass gets," I shook my head, laughing.

"Listen, I was going to tell you before," she spoke to me in a deep ass voice, "but I was afraid of your reaction."

"I wish somebody would do some shit like that to me," I shook my head. "That would be fucked up. Although, I do know of some people who that has happened to."

"It happens pretty often," she replied in her normal voice. "Has it ever happened to you?"

"I'm aware," I nodded in agreement to her first statement. "Actually, yes! Some years ago while in Vegas and another at a party, but I knew straight away. Most of those niggas you see that claimed they were tricked when the media is spot on, they didn't care. They were never straight to begin with. Curious and shit."

"Exactly," Tia laughed. "The problem lies when those men aren't open with the woman they're with and are cheating. Leaving your lady in the dark about who you are WHILE you explore is sick as heck. Some women are open to men who swing that way too, but they don't give women options. Instead, they're just mean to them because they aren't comfortable in their skin. Other than that, they should do whatever want. Explore."

"You said a mouthful," I chuckled. "I agree though."

The car came to a halt and Tia attempted to look past my shoulder, out of the window, but I'm way too tall for her to see. The name of the place isn't even in our view because we're so close to the door. Besides, the restaurant isn't even a surprise... Our door opened and I slid out of the car. Once I was standing outside of the car, I grabbed Tia's hand as she had already slid near me. I helped her out of the car.

"Before we eat anything, we definitely need to wash our hands," Tia chuckled. "I know they're my feet, but still..." She whispered.

"Yeah, I wasn't goin' to say shit, but them thangs were KICKIN'!" I told her laughing.

"Yeah, okay... Keep playing with me, DeGrate. I'm gon' turn into Karate Chops," she told me, then started laughing.

"And I'll tell you to kiss my Converse like they told him in the movie," I told her, laughing as we entered the establishment.

Tia burst out laughing. "That's cold, DeGrate!" She wagged a finger at me.

"That shit was funny as fuck," I snickered.

"You sound like a fan of-"

"Baby, don't play with me."

"Donald, I was going to say the film. Gosh," she playfully rolled her eyes.

"The movie was cool. He let ol' dude punk him throughout the entire movie except at the end when the nigga earned his glow. Shit looked fake as fuck. They definitely could've done better with that shit," I slowly shook my head.

"No, for real. That mess looked so fake at the end. You know that film was low budget, but then again, looking back at the times, technology wasn't as advanced as today," she chuckled.

"Hello, table for... Five?" The man looked at the two of us with our security.

"Table for two then three nearby," I responded although, I had reservations, but Tia didn't know that. I'd like to keep it that way for a while. With that being said, the man is also aware.

"Okay, right this way," a waiter led us further into the restaurant.

Glancing over at Tia, I noticed that she a look of concern spread across her face.

"Where the heck is everyone? Where is he taking us?" She sharply whispered, grabbing my arm. "I think this is a sign to leave before we BECOME the food. Hollyweird be trippin'."

I let out a small chortle, "you ain't seem to mind this mornin'."

"I also didn't get chopped up and served into tiny pieces," she whispered. "Babe, I'm feeling anxious and it's not always a good sign. Come on," she pulled my arm.

"If you don't calm your ass down..." I trailed off, and grabbed her hand again, pulling her with me, but she wouldn't budge, so I stopped walking. Turning to her, I sighed. "Why are you being so difficult?"

"I'm not," she whispered. "But maybe we should go?"

"Why'd we stop?"

"Because dark meat tastes better to most people," Tia said aloud.

"What?" Jax snickered. "What the hell does that supposed mean?"

"Sir? Ma'am?" The waiter had walked so far ahead that he didn't notice us stop.

"Yes?" I spoke up as Tia stared at me, sending me a message with her eyes. "I'm sorry. My shoes were untied." I looked at Tia, "c'mon."

She took a step back, then turned around. Before she could take a step, I grabbed her hand and picked her up in bridal style and she let out a shrieking sound.

"We have security. Armed ones too. Calm your ass down. Ain't shit finna happen. It's empty because I rented it out for the two of us," I said being half truthful.

Tia exhaled, "okay. I'm still feeling uneasy."

"Maybe it's your menses," I suggested as we walked.

"Why'd you rent it out for just the two of us?" Tia asked me, looking ahead of us.

Deciding to ignore her question, I kept speaking about the previous topic. "Look, you know I'm not finna put you in harm's way. I'd feel funny as well, but I'm fine. I feel fine and so does our security."

The door was opened for us, then I placed my future wife on her feet. She immediately looked down while adjusting her dress.

"Surprise!" Everyone shouted in unison, startling Tia, and making her body jump.

I placed my hand around her waist while pressing my body against hers, "Happy birthday. Again." I leaned down to kiss the side of her neck.

"Thank you," Tia breathed out what seemed like she's been holding. "Thank you, everyone!" She spoke louder.

The room has so many people. There are some people she has worked with and kept in touch with from the past, her two best friends, and some associates. There's also Dalvin and JoJo here. Although K-Ci lives near, I didn't bother to invite K-Ci this time. I ain't got time for his bullshit tonight. Everyone came flooding out of the room and out in the open, some giving her hugs, handshakes, and air kisses. I don't know why they were in the room in the first place. I thought they'd be in the open room in the first place, so I was confused too, but Dalvin paged me.

"You were so anxious that you didn't even recognize the decorated room," I whispered to her.

"No, I didn't-" Tia was pulled away and my attention was directed towards one of my boys. I'm surprised he actually showed up.

"Mannnn!" William (Flava Flav) stood there with his arms out and palms facing up, below his waist. His standing position is just as exaggerated as his voice.

"What's up, Flav? Long time, no see," I pulled him into a one-armed hug, dapping his up with my other. "You look better." I stood back. "Healthier than before."

"I'm hangin' in there, man," he shrugged.

Me and Flava Flav have been rocking with each other for years. This my boy. We were even tighter when I was spiraling, but he said that he's been clean, so that's good. I was a drug addict, but I didn't have shit on Flava. This nigga did some of everything. From the hardest of drugs to the most controversial, not to mention alcohol. This dude has energy that is unmatched. Shit, not even Tia can match with how jolly her ass becomes. I turned on my heel and Flav walked beside me.

"Me too. Me too..." I chuckled. "I ain't seen your ass in a long ass time."

"I know. I was surprised yo ass hit me up, man!" He spoke extremely loud.

"I know I ain't hit you up in a little minute, but I'm a busy ass man. The producing alone is tearing my ass up. Not to mention all the other shit. I've just been focusing mostly on that and making time for off time like this," I nodded towards Tia.

"Nigga, you ain't gon' introduce a nigga? Your future wife as you have been sayin'..." He told me. "I hear shit and see photos of her, but I ain't ever seen her ass around."

"She doesn't really hang around the people I hang with or did for that matter. It's relieving to be honest. It makes it less easy to get sucked back in," I replied.

"Man, everybody wasn't bad," Flav waved his hand at me.

"It's not what I said," I chuckled. "But imma let your ass interpret that shit how you want."

Dalvin came, wrapping his arm around my neck, and weighing me down. "What's up, De?"

"I cool, Dalvin. I'd be much better if you didn't weigh me down," I grabbed his arm, removing it from around my shoulder.

"I hardly know anybody up in here, so I'm hangin' onto you until a honey catches my eye," Dalvin shrugged.

"It's hella women in here and it's equal parts ugly to beautiful women in here. I'm sure one will catch your eyes, regardless of which part of the spectrum they fall under," I replied to my brother. "That or you'll settle."

"Settle?" Dalvin asked me.

"It ain't like you didn't do that shit before," I chortled.

"A'ight, I have, BUT..." Dalvin trailed off and I stopped to really listen to him. "Nigga, it is what the hell it is."

"I'm a witness to both of y'all settling. Dalvin always pulled some of the most beautiful women, you seem more like the settle type," Flav spoke up.

"Nigga, you ARE what people settle for!" Dalvin shouted then burst out laughing.

"Fuck you," Flav laughed it off.

"Ain't that the cat callin' the kettle black?" I looked at Flav. "I done SEEN the women you've dated or ended up takin' home. Looking like Mr. Ed and Freddy Krueger."

"You damn right!" He shouted out, laughing. "I'm not ashamed. Shit, some of my baby mamas are what I settled for and slipped up. Damn, that's where I fucked up. I love my kids though," Flav nodded.

"How you know they ain't settle too?" Dalvin asked him and I turned to him.

"How're your kids?" I asked Flav.

"They good, man," Flav smiled. "I love my kids as bad as they are."

"They damn near my age. Like two of them, right?" Dalvin asked.

"My oldest son is twenty-three now. He doin' the music thing," Flav told us.

"Damn, I be forgettin' how much older yo ass is- excuse me," Dalvin changed his tone, "Mr. Drayton Junior. Our parents ALWAYS told us to respect our elders."

I started cracking up. "Y'all stupid as hell!"

"Nah, this nigga- Mr. Drayton will soon be forty years old. That's like twenty-two years older than me," Dalvin shook his head.

I squinted ahead of me, "Dalvin that's twelve almost thirteen years older than you. I don't know what fucked up math problem you conjured inside of your head," I laughed aloud. "Dumb ass, I tell you."

"Yeah... I think I've been hangin' around you fools too long," Dalvin agreed with me.

"Nigga, you haven't," I laughed again. "Aye, look at JoJo tryin' to pretend like he's amiable and shit," I pointed with my thumb with one corner of my mouth turned up.

"You know that nigga be fakin' that shit all the damn time. We've all been there," Flav responded to me.

"Man, I ain't ever faked shit. I was just always De. Never was on no bullshit," I gestured to JoJo as an example.

"De, man... You faked that shit with Tia. Your ass did a lot of stutterin' and shit at the beginnin'. You don't e- e- ev- ever do that sh- sh- shhh- shit, man," Dalvin stuttered and started laughing hard soon after.

"That shit wasn't an act. I was for real stutterin'. I couldn't help that shit, which is mind-boggling as fuck," I told my brother.

Dalvin smacked his lips at me, "yeah, a'ight," he waved me off.

"So where she at, man? I yelled out, "Surprise," with everyone else and couldn't even see your woman," Flav chuckled. "I immediately saw your big-headed ass though. You big as fuck compared to last time."

"Yeah, it's good that you said that last part because in his head, he's buff as fuck," Dalvin chuckled. "Don't big up his head like other people. Lyin' and shit. De is just lean."

"A'ight, nigga. We get it," I replied to him. "Damn..."

"Yeah, your weight just looks better for your height," Flav told me. "Much like-"

"Like you, nigga," Dalvin told him.

"Damn, you did me dirty comparing me to this scrawny ass mothafucka," I gestured to Flav.

"Aye, don't get your ass fucked up now..." Flav chuckled, pointing at me.

"Yeah, you may be bigger than him now, but that nigga always had crackhead strength," Dalvin raised his eyebrows at me. "You can't beat that shit." That's because he was or is on crack. Listen, Flav's body movements are those of a crackhead at the moment. Not to mention this man's eyes.

"I brought a lady friend and kind of figured that you wouldn't mind. Is that okay?" Flav asked me.

"As long as she doesn't bring drama, it's cool," I told him.

"Man, she's a firecracker, but she hadn't complained about anyone here so far. She knows some of these people," Flav told me.

"You ain't got to introduce me, but you could point her out."

"She sticks out like a sore thumb." Dalvin stared at me as he spoke. "She's the only white woman here."

"Oh, okay," I nodded, immediately spotting her.

She's not too far away, but she does look familiar. However, it isn't familiar in a sexual manner or anything like that. I do remember her face though.

"What's her name? She looks familiar," I looked over at Flav.

"I met her at a party years ago. One with your exes. They sisters," Flav told me. "They both cool as shit."

"What ex?" Dalvin asked Flav the question I was intending on asking.

"The one before the black one," Flav told us.

"Lady?" Dalvin asked. "My brother claims that was never his woman."

"Yes, Lady."

"You're acting as if a nigga ain't standin' right here," I chuckled. I looked in her direction again and she is staring darts into me. I looked away. "Oh, okay. I think I only met her a few times, but she starin' me down like I fucked up HER life."

"From what I've heard, you fucked up her sisters life," Flav chuckled. "Don't worry about it though. She ain't gon' do shit to you."

My head jerked back, "worry? Fucked her sisters life up? And you said she ain't gon' do shit to me? I know that shit. I got security here for a reason, plus the restaurant security. I'm not worried about a damn thing, Flav. As for the fucking up of lives part, it was equal parts on both ends."

"Yeah, he trippin'," Dalvin guffawed, pointing to Flav.

I clicking of heels caught my attention and I looked up to see Flav's girl approaching us. This is Lady's older sister who always butted in her and my business. That shit pisses me off all the damn time.

"Nice to meet you again," she spoke.

"Oh, okay," I nodded in agreement to her statement because the feeling isn't mutual at all. Some may say that I'm stuck in my ways, but I don't give a single fuck. I can sense the rudeness oozing from her. "My fiancée is around here somewhere," I told Flav while scanning the room for my lady.

"He means the one with the big hair. She seems a little too friendly too," she sipped her drink while rolling her eyes.

My eyes landed on Tia and she's just with her younger cousin, Rick. The reason she's being so friendly is because that man is literally family. Rick is Tia's favorite male cousin whom she hasn't seen in a while. Shit, I haven't either. The last time was Tia's graduation. This kid is an NBA player, now representing the Los Angeles Clippers. Between training and his career, he's a busy man too.

"What's your name?" Dalvin asked.

"Signora (Señora)," she squinted at him, then turned back to me, staring me down.

"Damn, y'all cursed with those God-forsaken names. Well, at least you got ya papa's money and connections because you probably wouldn't have gotten a job with that name," Dalvin jokingly spoke, though the joke held the truth.

"Secretly, she one of us," Flav replied.

"Us?" Dalvin asked him, confused.

"White on the outside and black on the inside," Flav joked.

"And you're the black on the inside," Dalvin replied, then started cackling like a hen.

I walked away from the conversation and walked in my lady's direction.

"What's up, kid?" I shook Rick up.

"Life is good," he replied, placing his left hand in his pocket. "I can't complain."

"The last time I saw you, you were like this high," I said with my hand on the side of my waist.

Rick waved me off, "Man whatever. More like-" he put his hand above my head, "here. I was taller than your ass when I was three."

"Yeah, shorty," Tia replied to me, then laughed at her own joke.

"You ass has always been tall as hell. Now you're even taller," I shook my head at him. "Damn, time flies."

"Ain't nothin' but the truth. I'm a man of my word. I told you before that I'd become an NBA player and here I am. I'm surprised at how surprised you are by my height. I'm all on TV," Rick replied.

"Listen, I do not watch sports unless I bet on somebody or ain't nothin' else on when I turn in the TV," I said, speaking the truth.

"Damn, no support?" Rick asked me.

"Sorry, but no," I shrugged. "Some people like what they like. Oh, or I tune in sometimes when your little cousin here is watchin' you," I gestured towards Tia.

"BIG cousin," Tia playfully rolled her eyes at me. "You know I'm older."

"But I look older," Rick pointed to himself.

"Congratulations, that felt like a compliment," Tia replied.

"Well, everyone always thought he was older due to his height," I smiled. "The same thing still applies."

"This is she," Dalvin stopped walking, standing beside me.

"Oh! Tia this is my boy, Will. Will, this is my lady-" I was cut off by a snicker from Signora, "my fiancée," I corrected myself, "Tia. Tia this is Flav also known as Will or William."

"Nice to meet you. Which should I call you? Will or Flav?" Tia softly spoke.

"This your lady?" Flav asked me with a shocked tone and it wasn't a good shock either. It was more of a rude and unimpressed statement.

"Why did you say that shit like you just did- as like you're offended for him?" Rick's head jerked back as he spoke, speaking before either could even say anything.

"Thanks," I patted Rick's shoulder. "Because I was about to say the same fuckin' thing. Don't disrespect me and my lady like that, nigga."

"Everyone has different opinions and tastes," Tia spoke up as if she was taking up for this nigga.

"Babe, I know this nigga. It ain't got shit to do with that. It's the principle," I looked at Flav. "Nigga, you rude as fuck. Even though you feel what you feel, you could've kept that shit to your damn self," I told him. "I could've said a mouthful about your-" I gestured to Signora, "but I didn't."

"It wasn't how I meant for it to come out. It just did," Flav replied to all of us.

"Nah, you meant exactly how it was said, but you should be the LAST person to say that shit like you just did. I'm not just basing this on your looks, but everything else too. I've seen you multiple times, Free Base. I agree with my cousin, but I still highly disagree with your fuckin' tone," Rick replied with a small, but unamused chuckle.

"Okay. Okay. Okay," Tia chuckled. "Um... Let's- I'm Tia," Tia introduced herself to Signora with a small wave.

"I know," Signora replied with a forced smile. "You just said that. I've been seeing you everywhere."

"Actually, I DIDN'T just say that. DeVanté, here is who spoke on my behalf," Tia gave a tight-lipped smile. "The two of you are together?" Tia asked them.

"Yeah. This right here is my girl, Signora," Flav pulled Signora by her waist.

"You two compliment each other very well," Tia smiled, then walked away.

Rick shortly followed after her. I turned to Flav.

"Man, I ain't even mean it like that," Flav gave me a look.

I soon silently walked away and told my security to escort them out. I, good and well, could've told them myself, but I seriously don't have time for this shit today.

I meant that, but that was my mistake trying to invite people that I left in the past. Not only that, but he's a man that was or still is on the shit he's been on. I mean that in a metaphorical and literal sense. I'm not going back to that shit or becoming even worse than before and it's easier when you're around those type of people and the environment too often. Shit, I thought he looked a little out of it and ignored that shit.

Deciding to take a seat at a table, I scanned the room for nothing in particular. Dalvin is chopping it up with a woman and it seems to be going well for him. They seem to be enjoying one another. Then Jermaine Cole came and sat in front of me.

"Finally!" He exhaled. "I've been tryin' to get to your ass all damn day- PAUSE."

"What for?" I squinted.

"I got some music that I think would love your touch. Nigga, you could turn this shit around," Cole stated.

"Oh, okay. I will, but I'm not tryin' to have my mind in work right now. It's always on work. My brain needs to rest from work, which is part of the reason we're away from home," I told him.

"Oh, a'ight. I got you. Hit me up when you get back home. When y'all goin' back?"

"We're leaving on the nineteenth," I replied. "YOU need to call me the mornin' of the twentieth because when I make it back home I got some shit to handle and I need to unpack and shit. Settled in," I nodded at my own words, looking over at Tia, then Woody.

"Nineteenth? A'ight, got you," he snapped his fingers, then turned around to see what I'm looking at. "Woody..." Cole trailed off, then turned back around to me with a small chuckle, sitting back in his seat.

I picked up my cup, taking a sip of my water. "What about him?" I inquired.

"You tell me..." Cole replied, tapping his fingertips against the table.

"You've known him longer. Shit, I ain't known him too long. Actually, I don't know that nigga at all. Whenever I'm around he isn't," I replied, watching him stand behind her, staring her down. It's quite hilarious.

"We went to school together and he told me he had a thing for her," Cole spoke to me and I squinted at him with a smirk.

"Really, now?" I raised my eyebrows.

"BUT that was a long time ago. We're all grown as hell now and... Things change," Cole shrugged.

"But feelings can remain the same," I hinted, folding my arms.

"Ehh," he shrugged once again.

I leaned forward with a chuckle. "From what I can see, that nigga still feels the same."

Cole's eyebrows raised, "possibly..."

"Man, ain't no possibly." I waved my hand at Cole. "I've already came to that conclusion, but the way he's staring her down is confirmation. It's cute. Shit, I stare her down every day, so I see what he sees, but I ain't worried," I sat back in my chair again.

"You ain't?" Cole raised his eyebrows. "That's my girl-" he held his hands up, "my friend," he corrected himself, "but didn't you get your foot back in the door through friendship whilst she was in a relationship?"

"ONLY as a friend. We never crossed that line," I told him.

"Never?"

"Not when she was with Tai."

"Damn, this the first time I heard your ass call him by his name- or nickname for that matter," Cole laughed, with his fist to his mouth. "BUT since you said that, that nigga, Woody, is what I would call obsessed. He just knows how to hide that shit very well. It's not in a stalkin' type of obsession, but obsession nevertheless."

"Obsessed?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Not like, "sneak into her home and steal her personal belongings," type obsessed. I just mean in love," Cole replied. "I just ain't want you to feel some type of way. Listen, this is a hard position for me. I'm cool with each and every one of y'all, but these past few years I've been closer to you due to us both workin' in the music business."

"I understand. Again, I feel no type of way," I held my hands up. "Just as long as he doesn't act on that shit. There is when the problem arrives."

"I mean... How long before he does? You gon' wait for that shit to happen? All of these years he's been in the friend zone and I told his ass that. Not to mention the two of you bein' engaged," he gestured towards me. "Shit, y'all gettin' married this damn year."

I inhaled and exhaled through my nose, then folded my hands together, looking in their direction. Tia pushed Woody back because he was too fucking close for her comfort, sending him stumbling back, but he caught himself. Damn, she pushed his ass hard and I snickered. Woody's head turned towards me and I gave him a chin-up nod. An odd look spread across his face and I smiled, before he looked away, drinking his alcoholic beverage. You know that look that a person makes when they've just been caught? Well, that's the expression that Woody has in his face. The entire thing is quite comical.

"Damn, she can be so oblivious," Cole chuckled.

I agree, but that's neither here nor there. I've had this conversation time and time again with my future wife, but this was way before the proposal. Now that I know what I know, Tia and I DO need to have a conversation. Some may wonder, why didn't I get up? Well, sometimes I like to see how my woman can handle herself. Now if a nigga wants to buck wild, then I got some shit for him. Buck wild, such as talking to her like they ain't got no business or touching her. Shit even if they even LOOK like they want to touch or talk to her like that, which Woody was getting close to, but he didn't.

"When you're used to something bein' a certain way, sometimes people get used to it," I replied to Cole. "He'll get over that shit," I chuckled, "especially because he's dating."

"Some niggas don't care that a woman has a man, they're still proceed to do some fuck shit, De," Cole replied.

Nodding, I replied with an, "I know," I then clicked my tongue.

"It has happened plenty of times before."

"Ain't he your boy?" I asked with confusion.

"Nigga, nothin' I'm sayin' to you, I haven't said to him," Cole stated and I nodded understanding.

"Well, you know your boy better than I do." So maybe I should listen to him.

Tia's been standing there quietly listening to some people around her speak for a while now, even when she pushed her associate, Woody, away and I can definitely tell that she's growing bored of the conversation. Her eyes discreetly scanned the room then she focused on them again. Tia can be- how can I put it? Socially challenged? Yeah, I think that's the word. Not to mention that she gets bored with people's yapping. Woody slowly moved forward again, laughing with the rest of the crowd, and I stood up, walking in her direction.

With the back of my hand, I pushed him back by his chest, "that liquor got you actin' differently," I told him, patting his back. Tia directed her attention towards me. I grabbed her hand. "Would you like to dance?" I asked her with a smile.

"Excuse me," Tia excused herself from the conversation, walking away with me. "Thank you," she sighed. "I wanted to pull my hair and scream. Some were repeating themselves and you KNOW how much I hate that mess."

I pulled her close, kissing the back of her hand with my other hand around her waist. "Mmhm, that's why I do it, especially when you make me mad," I leaned my forehead against hers, laughing.

"And you wonder why I do the things I do..." She sang then pursed her lips at me.

"You're wrong. I don't wonder about shit, love. It's called frustration. Not to mention it's the only thing that you know HIGHLY upsets me."

"Aht, see? Upset..." She trailed off as we swayed to the music. "That word holds so much meaning which you usually deny," she clicked her tongue at me with a wink.

"Mmm," I nodded, staring into her eyes. "Touché. I'm sorry about Flav," I apologized.

"It wasn't your fault. Donald, you can't control another man's actions," she replied. "He's older than you are. He could be your dad."

"My dad? Now that shit is hilarious!" I guffawed. "That nigga is only a good ten years older than me," I told her. "But, ummm... I shouldn't have invited him. This is YOUR birthday party."

"That's true, but again, you didn't know. Besides, it wasn't too bad. My mood isn't ruined. He and his lady friend are just rude people," she spoke, holding onto me tighter.

Those ankles are probably begging for mercy now...

"I promise you that he isn't or wasn't always like that. I don't even know what's gotten into him," I shook my head. "That nigga is usually down to earth as fuck."

"According to Rick, that man is on drugs. That's the big difference. It changes people. Rick attends events and he's seen some things. He's a ball player. Rappers, R&B singers, ball players- all of the elites, if you will, all hang around each other," she replied. "I'm just glad that he doesn't participate and leave early enough like we've told him. He can be hardheaded, but he is grounded. His morals and beliefs are still intact and I love that."

"That's good, but sometimes the environment can suck you in."

"I got all off-topic, throwing me ALL off. Some of it has to do with how odd beat you ARE," her eyes widened as she spoke.

"Damn, it's like that?" I asked her, fake taken aback.

"Positive," she laughed. "Anyways he's seen things and I do mean recently, which is why he mentioned it. Although, I don't think addiction should be thrown in someone's face, but ehh..."

"As a former addict, I will say that it needed to happen. Flav still got to be hangin' around so many people that think that shit is okay and someone needs to tell his ass the truth. Maybe, just MAYBE it'll help him with recovery. His eyes did look dilated as fuck, but I ignored that shit, but they left, so there's nothing to worry about," I told her.

"There isn't," she agreed, then directed her hungry eyes away from my eyes and towards my lips.

I licked my lips with a smile, "you know your ass looks good. Center of attention. Everybody's watchin'. It's not just because it's your birthday either."

"Yeah, and I felt eyes on me every which way all dang day," she replied and I chuckled, specifically with Woody in mind. "I was starting to feel nervous. I hate being stared down."

"I mean... I would say that you should've been used to it, but in reality, that's never the case. I hate when mothafuckas stare at me too. It doesn't make me nervous, but it sure does piss me off," I rubbed her hips and waist in a circular motion as I spoke.

She tilted her head back, slowly but hungrily kissing my lips, which was crazy because she's always hated public displays of affection, but she was initiating it in front of all of these people. Our lips moved in sync, somehow getting our feet to match the beat of the music. I had to pull away, breathing my own oxygen.

"Look at them freaks gettin' busy on the dancefloor!" Elijah screamed and I turned to see he was cupping his mouth to appear louder. Not that he needs to do it and louder with his loud ass...

"That wasn't no regular ass kiss," I voiced and she grabbed my bottom lip, pulling it between her lips, giving it a suck. "Oh, you horny horny," I spoke and my lips popped back to their original position. "So this morin' wasn't enough for you, huh?"

"What? I can't kiss you without being horny?" She whispered.

"Not like that, you can't. AND we are in front of hella people. I feel some starin'," I chuckled. "Let them."

"I do not care either," she chortled lowly, then pecked my lips. "Let us be the freaks farting busy on the dancefloor.

"I see," I chuckled. "Just relax because you're why people here and I'm not trying to pull you out of your own event. You know once I get there, I'm there for a while, so relax in front of all these folks."

"Donald, babe, I'm relaxed," she chuckled, seemingly trying to convince herself.

Then I thought about it, "You not crampin'?" I asked her.

"No, I think they were just hunger pangs because I ate a little something and I feel better. I took a little trip to the restroom and didn't see anything either."

"Oh, okay," I nodded. Good. "Your ass got lipgloss and shit on my lips. Sticky as fuck too," I said feeling it on my lips as I speak.

"I'm sorry," she spoke.

"You good," I told her, then Tia reached into my pocket, making my body jerk back.

"Nah, see? Don't do that," I said, then composed myself by standing up straight again, whilst her hand was still in my pocket. Tia took her hand from my pocket, pulling out a Kleenex. "When did that get in there? I didn't do it."

Tia wiped my lips with the Kleenex. "I folded up a few and put them in there."

"Why didn't you just put them in my coat pocket?" I inquired.

"Um, because I didn't want it to fall out," she said in an obvious tone.

"You- whatever," I let out a chuckle, nodding my head and she just raised her eyebrows at me.

"Your expressions are telling me otherwise, DeGrate..." She trailed off with hesitation.

I dipped her, then whispered in her ear. "Don't worry about it sweetheart. You good, baby," then I lifted her up again.

Eventually, we ate dinner and got around to singing Happy Birthday to Tia. Tia opened gifts, and she and I gave a little speech. Elijah did too. Everyone conversed for a while, then it was time to leave. We both took a restroom visit because we sure do have a long ass ride home.

"Aye, slide that 112 joint in," I told Redd as Tia slid into the backseat.

"A'ight," Redd nodded.

Word Count: 11,430

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