Anari in MM

C H A P T E R
T W E N T Y

"Is it just me or do you guys hate it when the guys go out? Like I know they let us all go out and do our thang but its different with them." Alisha pouted as the girls who sat around her agreed.

"Its not just you, Ahmad left the house lookin' too damn good and I lowkey just wanted to trip and suck his dick to make his ass stay." She joked causing all the girls to laugh.

"But we actually lucked up and got good dudes. They know better than to cheat .. I mean going from all of this to what? We the best they'll ever have." Kamry boosted while rubbing her hand over her small baby bump.

"Damn right, if Shaun was to ever cheat its gon' take the lord himself, the S.W.A.T team, my son and whoever the fuck else to keep me from killing him."

Kamry busted out laughing, "This bitch said my son, girl what the hell is Nolan little ass gon' do?"

"Don't underestimate my pumpkin, we fight niggas and bitches."

Cali and Hazel both laughed shaking their heads. Since the guys all decided to go out to a bar for drinks for a chance to just unwind, the girls all decided to meet up at Cali house to hang out for the night while their kids were all inside the house sleep.

"But I seriously don't see Shaun cheating, and I damn sho' don't see Ahmad cheating that nigga extra faithful. Females come into the shop daily tryna flirt and as always he rudely shuts them down and Shaun just be like .. Hey I like living, so if you like living I'd advise you to back up or my girl gon' kill us both." Hazel said laughing while grabbing a piece of fruit off the fruit tray Cali brought.

"But didn't Alisha say Shaun cheated on his ex, and they always say once a cheater always a cheater." Everyone looked over at Anari with frowns on their faces.

"For one let me say this .. I'm not Ashley boo, what he did in the past does not matter in our present or our future. What me and mines got is solid and unbreakable so do me a favor and mind yours please." Alisha replied with attitude laced in her voice.

She wasn't trying to be an asshole but she wasn't about to sit here and let sis degrade her man like he wasn't shit. Of course everyone knew Shaun cheated in his last relationship, but Alisha knew she could not hold something like that over his head. Plus she felt the comment was shady and saw no reason as to why she even brought it up.

"I was just saying no need for the attitude, its all love over here." Anari replied back throwing her hands up in surrender showcasing she meant no harm.

Ever since she let the cat out the bag that she fucked Ahmad, she noticed a change with the girls. They all didn't call as much, or wanted to hang as much. She expected that from Cali and possibly Alisha since they're like sisters but not Kamry and Hazel since they were closer.

Her and Cali hadn't discussed her fucking Ahmad and Anari lowkey wanted too just to clear the air but she wasn't sure if Cali would be down.

But of course, no woman wants to discuss about her friend fucking her husband in the past. Cali just wanted to let the whole thing fade to the back of her mind and move on. It happened before her, and her and Ahmad are in love and happy now so she felt it was really pointless to try and make something that clearly didn't matter then relevant now.

"Yeah I'm sure, but the comment was lowkey shady Nari, you see we're all discussing how our men are faithful then you comment some negative shit that's the only problem I have with what you said." Hazel explained and the other girls agreed.

"Well I apologize for that Alisha, that wasn't my intentions."

"It's cool, everyone here knows when it comes that annoying ass nigga I don't play so yeah just watch whatcha say next time and all will be good." Alisha said in a joking tone but she was dead serious.

Sensing the change in mood Cali decided to change the topic, "We should call Matt and Devon to see what our hoes is up too." She suggested pulling out her phone.

Going to Matt's contact, she facetimed him then held the phone for everyone to see. Listening to it ring, they sat anxiously and when he started to connect they all made silly faces into the camera. "Hey Ca- Oh hey bitches, I was not expecting all of you. How are you guys?"

"We're good, how are you?"

"Never better honey, Devon left and went out with some friends so its just me, the liquor and the dog tonight." Holding the bottle of Ciroc up for them to see, he stuck his tongue out. "So I'm finna get turnt by myself. What are you all up too?"

Cali groaned, "We in the same boat as you, all our men went out to this bar so we decided to have a girls night in."

"Sounds fun, would have been nice to at least get an event but I see how you guys are." He joked, "But we forreal need to do a repeat of that night. Devon and I will be traveling soon and our first stop will be Houston."

"Just let us know when and we're there. I also want you guys to meet my brother-in law and his fiance Justin. You both would love them."

"If they're as wild and crazy as you guys I love them already."

The girls laughed, "We miss you guys man, we might need to make a trip up there to you guys too."

Sitting up in his bed, he nodded. "Come on, we have plenty of room in our house and we'll show you guys all around San Diego, they have the best gay clubs and the best drinks.. I also know a guy who can hook you guys up with good but affordable flights."

"My birthday is in three months so maybe we could all go then." Alisha suggested. "It could be a girls trip for a week."

"I'm down," Cali shrugged along with everybody else.

"Then it is settled, Davon and I will be down there within' a month or so then you guys are flying down to see us in three months."

"We'll discuss actual dates and times later." Cali told him and he nodded.

"Great, well babes I'm in the middle of watching STAR right now and its getting good so I will call you hoes later. Love you all, be safe."

"Love you more boo," They all said in unison before hanging up.

After the club like promised the girls stayed in touch with Devon and Matthew. But mainly only Cali and Alisha contacted them on a daily basis so they were closer to the two guys.

They even found out that Matthew and Devon were filthy rich, the girls sorta did suspect that the guys had money when they said they were following Beyoncé's tour but actually being millionaires was something they didn't expect especially with how humble and welcoming they are.

They weren't snobs, they were all about having a good time, meeting new people and living life to the fullest so they traveled a lot wanting to see the world and what all it had to offer.

Cali wished Ahmad and her had that type of money to where they could just travel with the kids whenever they felt like it. Money was good for the two but if they actually wanted to go on a trip, they would have to plan and save for it months in advance.

"I wonder what the guys are doing?" Alisha blurted out after a brief moment of silence.

Each of them looked up from their phones, "I'm texting Ahmad right now, he talm bout he bored." She rolled her eyes. "I swear he thinks everything outside of the home is boring."

When it came to going out Ahmad still wasn't a big fan of it unless he was out with Cali cause then they'd just be boo'd up but he felt the club was for single folks to be seen not a married man with kids.

"He's a homebody, I think its actually attractive that he's like that." Anari commented causing Hazel, Alisha and Kamry all sigh.

They just really wanted her to shut up, she just kept saying things that didn't need to be said. Especially with Cali just recently finding out about her and Ahmad having sexual relations in the past. They felt making comments on what she finds cute about what he does was a little too soon to do so at the moment.

But Cali said nothing, she wasn't tripping over it and found her comment harmless and innocent.

"Shaun is the same way lowkey, unless we're out together cause we be acting a damn fool especially when we're drunk." Alisha laughed.

Cali scoffed, "You sho'll is right, always acting a got damn fool up in the club. Both of em be tryna fight everybody and they mama."

"They be coming for us and you know that." Alisha defended.

"Lies, that one girl literally just passed Shaun and accidently touched his arm and yo ass was ready to curb stomp the poor girl. Then Shaun with his ignorant ass tried to fight the bartender thinking he was a guy tryna holla when all he was doing was taking your order."

Alisha couldn't do nothing but laugh, "Shut up Cali, nobody told your ass to give out examples and shit."

"I love you too," She cheesed.

"Anyways, I love you girls and I love hanging with y'all but I miss my man they need to bring their black asses home." Kamry said as she stood up from her seat.

"Y'all are really acting unreasonable, the guys literally let us go out whenever no questions asked and here you all are complaining." Anari spoke up.

"So saying I miss my man is complaining? Girl shut up, acting unreasonable would be me texting his phone constantly asking when he's coming home or popping up on his ass at the bar .. I'm literally sitting here with my girls saying I miss my man which we all probably do but that's a problem?" Kamry spat harshly.

Standing to her feet she sighed, "I'm just gonna go, clearly I'm not wanted here."

"No one said that but the things you are saying is annoying and unwanted." Kamry replied back not caring if she stayed or went.

Instead of replying she grabbed her things and left.

Sitting there lost and confused, the girls all turned to Cali. "What is her problem? She was on one tonight forreal." Alisha said grabbing her cup of tea.

"I really don't know but lets not let that ruin our night, if you guys wanna sit up and talk about how y'all miss your man y'all can do that cause lords know I miss Ahmad aggy ass."

After an hour or so passed Hazel and Kamry left to go home leaving Alisha and Cali up by themselves.

"I personally don't think she meant anything by the statement Lisha," Cali expressed fixing herself another glass of green tea.

"Cali I forreal been doing some serious thinking about this, I don't understand why out of all confessions she said that one and she was drunk so clearly she thinks about that shit." Alisha pointed out.

"Long as she doesn't try no slick shit, I'm not gonna trip over a few comments."

"You're right, but um since its just me and you now .. I have some very important news to share with you."

"What?"

"Me and Shaun are expecting twins!"

Covering her mouth with her hand, tears swelled up in her eyes as she lunged forward to hug Alisha. "Congratulations baby! I'm so happy for you. How far along are you?"

"Four weeks tomorrow, I'm nervous but I'm excited .. Shaun is excited too, he barely even wanted to go out tonight worried something was gonna happen."

Cali shook her head, "I already know Shaun is finna be mad extra just like he was when you were pregnant with Nolan."

"I already know but that is perfectly fine, he doesn't make me cook or clean so that's nine months of doing absolutely nothing .. I'm ready for it."

"What are you guys hoping to have?"

"I want two boys, Shaun wants two girls so we have a bet going. Whoever wins gets to name the babies but if we get both a boy and a girl then we get to name the babies together."

Cali blushed, "That is so cute, I'm happy for you guys."

"Thanks Cal, how is the baby making going for you?"

Cali shrugged, "I actually wanted to talk to you about that."

Sitting back into the couch, Alisha crossed her legs giving Cali her full attention. "What?"

"Okay so like maybe a few days ago .. Ahmad and I had sex and the shit was beyond good but it was unexpected as well. Like I know whenever we usually have sex it isn't planned but something about that time was different and now today we had sex and he used a condom something we haven't used since the very first time we had sex and I don't want to overthink this but isn't that suspect?"

Alisha nodded, "Um yes in a way, has he been acting weird?"

"No, he's been himself .. I would know if he started to change but he hasn't...but that was just weird to me."

"Shaun tried to do the samething but I cussed him out so it didn't go through but after I asked why he did that it was because he wanted to lessen our chances of getting pregnant but I understood cause at the time Nolan was only a month or two old so maybe that could be his reasoning behind it."

"But if that's the case why doesn't he just say that? I mean even though I want another kid I would be fine if he wanted to wait."

Alisha only shrugged, "Gotta ask him babe, maybe its time you guys just have that talk especially about your depression."

Looking down at her hands, Cali nodded. "I'll talk to him."

Playing pool against each other, Ahmad sat at near by table waiting for his turn while watching Shaun and Dave play.

The bar was a hole in the wall type of place, not many people know about it but enough people did. The bar was low lit, and had flat screen tvs plastered all around showcasing different sport events. It had a huge bar for folks to sit around and booths and tables as well then in the back it was the pool area.

At the moment it was mid-packed, but enough for Ahmad to be comfortable and relax in. It was mainly guys in the building and a few women who were most likely there just to be seen. But Ahmad wasn't paying none of the women any mind, his wife was killing all them effortlessly.

"If y'all don't hurry up and finish this boring ass game," Marcus called out ready to go against Ahmad to beat his ass.

"Pipe down nigga, this game involves skills and good strategy it can't be rushed." Dave called out as he bent over lining the stick up to the ball.

Waving him off, Marcus turned his attention to Ahmad who was deep into whatever had his attention on his phone. "Whatchu looking at?" He questioned being nosey.

Looking up, he slid his phone in his pocket. "Cali, she was um sending me pictures and shit." He laughed a little along with Marcus.

Majority of the night Cali had been sending him pictures and videos teasing him as always. She would do this whenever she went out or he went out or even while he's at work but he never complained, hell he loved recieving nudes of his wife.

"She something else, but I'm finna go get another drink you want anything?"

"I'm straight bro,"

Focusing his attention back on the game between Shaun and Dave, he looked at the table behind him where Chris and Derek were talking. They had been talking since the guys arrived and Ahmad knew it had to be serious by the looks on their faces. He was also curious as to what the topic might be so he was gonna ask Chris later when they were alone or something.

Leaning back into his seat becoming lost in his thoughts as the music that played throughout the bar filled his mind. He vibed to words to the song Get You by Daniel Caeser thinking about Cali, but the moment was short lived when a waiter came over with a tray of drinks.

"Here you go gentlemen,"

Both Shaun and Dave came walking over confused, "We didn't order any drinks." Ahmad explained.

"I am aware," Turning around he pointed to a group of ladies, "Those group of women did."

"Oh um tell them thanks but no-"

"Tell them thanks for the free drinks, we ain't turning down no free shit." Shaun cut him off grabbing a drink then walked back over to the pool table.

Each grabbing a drink, they went back to what they were doing but the women decided to join the guys. "Mind if we play a game or two?" The lightskin one asked eyeing Shaun.

Oblivious to her flirting, he pointed to a free pool table. "It's a free pool table right there. We in the middle of a game right now."

"I see that but see I'm not too familiar with this game and you seem to know what you're doing so I was wondering if you could teach me a trick or two."

Looking up at her, he finally caught on. "Oh um, well see I can't do that and if you aren't familiar with the game I'm not really sure as to why are you here then." He stated bluntly as he racked up the balls ignoring her in a way.

Caught off guard by him dissing her, she walked leaving her friends who decided to just sit and watch the game instead but one of em had their eyes on Ahmad.

Taking a seat directly next to him she expected him to turn and look her way but he didn't his eyes stayed glued to his phone. Clearing her throat he looked over at her then back down at his phone, "I'm guessing you're one of those hard to get type of guys huh?"

"Nah, I'm one of those happily married type of guys."

Laughing, she scooted closer. "Was that suppose to scare me away? Who takes marriages serious anyways? Marriage is overrated." She mumbled dryly.

She felt if a married man was out and not home with his wife the something must have been wrong in their marriage. She has slept with plenty of married men and she wouldn't mind adding Ahmad to the list.

"Yeah maybe to your marriedless ass, but I'm happy and content with what I have." Holding up his hand, he held it in her face. "See this ring? I'm proud to slide this on my finger everyday for what it stands for which is my love and comittment to my baby so move around please."

Grabbing his hand, she slid the ring off his finger but before she could try and place it in her clutch his hand was wrapped tightly around her neck. "You got three fucking seconds to hand me my damn ring or I will lay your ass tha fuck out. This shit ain't no game, I told yo ass to move around." He gritted out lowly enough for her to hear him loud and clear.

Catching the attention of her friends and his friends. She started to make a scene, "Get your fucking hands off of me! All because I said no! Fucking perv!"

"Woah woah, what tha hell is going on?" Marcus asked coming over separating Ahmad and the girl.

"Bitch got my fucking wedding ring, give me my shit back!" He yelled at her while she cried to her group of friends who consoled her.

The bar manager came walking over to diffuse the situation, "What's going on?"

"She apparently took my boys wedding ring off his finger and he wants it back," Marcus explained calmly.

Turning his attention to the girl, he held his hand out. "Ma'am give him back his ring please then leave the building."

"I don't have his ring! He tried to hook up with me and I turned him down that was why he choked me!" She yelled at the man confusing him to the max. "He's a fucking perv!"

"You a fucking a lie, don't nobody want yo dusty ass." Ahmad barked getting pissed off even more.

"Babygirl you ain't got shit my boy would want so cut that lying shit out." Marcus defended.

"My homegirl has no fucking reason to lie! Check ya boy not my girl."

Shaun jumped up annoyed, "And who tha fuck asked yo cock-eyed ass to speak!? Y'all bitches came over here tryna holla at us so don't try and flip the shit cause we dissed y'all stupid asses."

"He's telling the truth, I witnessed the whole thing." An elderly man spoke up. "The ring is in her hand." He pointed.

The manager walked towards her grabbing her hands and opened both of em revealing his wedding band in her left one. Handing it over to Ahmad, he apologized for what happened and escorted the lady and her friends out of the building.

Thanking him, Ahmad apologized for the scene he caused then went and grabbed his wallet and phone ready to go home now. This was one of the many reasons why he hated going out in the first place always fucking drama.

He couldn't wait to tell Cali about this shit..

          Opening the door, Justin embraced his older sister Shanice into a hug for a moment before pulling away and letting her inside. "Make yourself at home, you want anything to drink?"

"I'm good, can you carry this bag to my room for me though please?"

Taking her bag, she followed behind him to the guest room and watched as he sat her bag on the bed. "You have a connected bathroom and I made sure you had enough tissue, towels and whatever else you may need to make your stay comfortable."

Smiling she sat her things on her bed before turning to face him. "Thanks Justin, I know if I have no one else on my side I got you and that's all I need."

Walking towards him, she kissed him on the cheek then walked out going towards the living room. "Where's my baby Amir at?" She questioned loudly.

Sighing, he walked in the living room plopping down next to her. "We're on a break."

Frowning, she shook her head no. "What? Why?"

"I fucked up in the past .. I cheated on Amir with Vincent .. it was stupid of me to do so and I regret it everyday I look at him. The look of hurt in his eyes when I told him after he proposed to me is something that'll never leave my mind. I can't take back what I did, and I wish I could. Hell I'm surprised he even took me back, he went months without talking to me and I honestly felt like it was over between us but I guess the love he has for me was just too strong and he gave me another chance but now I'm just scared he's gonna do me the same way and I overthink things and I start arguments by accusing him about cheating and I guess he reached his point .. he went off ignored me most of the day then by the end of the night he left and its all my fault. Amir is a good man and I just can't get out of my own way sometimes and realize the blessing I have before me."

Shanice sat there lost for words, here she was moving in with her younger brother trying to escape her fucked up ass life and marriage. Recently found out her husband had been having an affair with their neighbor completely throwing away four years of a marriage by a mistake, a mistake she believed no one should make.

She depised cheaters, she didn't understand why some did what they did nor did she really want too. She felt there was no reason one should cheat on the person they claimed they loved and wanted to spend forever with.

So it did upset her that her brother did this to Amir especially after everything the two have been through.

"Please explain to me how you and Vincent even got to that point? Cause for one he isn't like just an old childhood friend to you .. he was your first boyfriend, first love and even first time for sex so please explain to me what exactly happened and don't lie."

"You remember two years ago when I had came to mama and daddy tryna gain their acceptance and they pretty much dissed me and called me all types of names.. well when I left out of the house in tears I just went for a walk to clear my mind, I had tried calling Amir but he didn't answer and I just needed someone to talk too. So while walking down the street I saw Vincent throwing out trash, I went to keep walking but he stopped me and when he saw me in tears of course he asked questions tryna see what was wrong so since he knows I have been dealing with the mistreatment from our parents I explained to him about everything.."

"He of course understood and gave me encouraging words then offered for me to come inside to cool off rather than walking the streets at night .. I should have just turned my ass around went to my car and went home but like a dumb ass I accepted the offer and we talked for hours, and then somehow we got on the topic of us and one thing just led to another .. he leaned in to kiss me and I didn't fight back, I allowed it and then clothes began to come off and it just went on from there and I have to live with that stupid decision I made for the rest of my life.. Amir didn't deserve that, reason why he didn't answer my call when I called was because he was out buying me a new engagement ring.. and Shanice I know you probably look at me like I'm not shit especially with what you're going through with Bryson but I swear I never wanted to hurt Amir."

Sitting there silent for a while, she processed everything he just told her. "Does Amir know it was Vincent you slept with?"

"No, I just told him it was a childhood friend.. if he knew it was Vincent he would be even more hurt than before, I don't know what to do Shanice .. we haven't talked since he left and I don't wanna give up on us. I love Amir, I see a future between us and its all my fault our relationship is on the rocks right now."

"I'm not proud or pleased about what you did to Amir, but the minute he took you back you should be kissing his ass rather than accussing cause thats so hypocritcal, you do the dirt then wanna have trust issues like Amir did something. That's not right, but now look unlike with my husband, I know you love Amir you're just having a mental battle with yourself at the moment but you gotta fix it. Maybe you and Amir got back together too fast, maybe it wasn't enough time for the wounds to heal I don't know but I suggest counseling. Its clear Amir loves you, hell it takes a strong person to get passed their lover cheating and loving them the same when they take em back so keep on fighting for him. Its time for you to finally face your demons rather than pointing and blaming the next guy .. And look at me .. honestly deep down do you believe Amir would ever cheat on you? And be honest."

Looking down he played with his fingers, "No, I know he wouldn't but hell I deserve it for what I did."

Shanice smiled, "And that's the problem right there .. you feel because you cheated, you deserved to be cheated but just because you feel that way doesn't mean Amir feels that way Justin."

"I know, I just need to get it together for the sake of us. I don't wanna lose em and I'll do whatever it takes to fix this between us."

"Let's go to counseling then," Startled by his voice, Justin jumped along with Shanice as they slowly turned around to see Amir standing there with his bags from his trip.

Getting up off the couch, Justin walked towards him. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Not even a minute, I just walked in."

"I'll be in my room, so you guys can talk .. we'll catch up later Amir." Shanice explained giving him a hug before leaving them alone.

Once they heard her door close they focused on each other. "I didn't think you were gonna come back."

"I thought about it, but leaving you wasn't gonna do me any good it would only hurt me." Grabbing Justin's hands, he sighed. "I don't know what else I can do to prove myself that I wouldn't hurt you. I want this to work, we have been through too much just to throw away eight years of a relationship."

"It's not you Amir, its me and my faults. I'm sorry for everything, for the cheating, the accusing and everything else but I'm gonna change and stop this for us because I don't want to lose you."

"I'll admit, I was being a little extra with the whole lets break up, I was speaking out of anger cause I'm tired but I didn't mean that and during our small time apart I did a lot of thinking and talking with my parents and I feel counseling is what we need. I hate putting folks in our business but my parents told me it worked for them and I'm hoping it'll work for us as well."

Justin nodded, "I'm down to go, I'll do whatever."

          Pulling the hood over her head, Amira jogged down the stairs and walked towards the all black van. Knocking twice she waited until the door opened before nervously stepping inside.

"I'm sorry it took so long, I had to make sure Normani was sleep."

"You're here now so that's all that matters, is Twan aware of the plan?"

She nodded, "Yeah, he knows."

"Alright, you ready?"

Letting out a deep sigh, she looked up at Twan's apartment before slowly nodding. "Yeah, I'm ready."

-

Thanks for the love & support
- Denise 💋