Say na me dey mess up your mind

And na me dey make you free up your mind

Say your body talk to me nice

Say na my love, you dey need for your life

Max traces her lips with my soft pink lipstick in the mirror as she wiggles her butt to Essence playing in the background. Giggling, my eyes shift to the window. The night skyline looks so pretty in her hotel room she got after winning her championship game last night. She wanted to be alone with Marcus because apparently they haven't had much time to spend with each other.

I find that hard to believe.

Smiling as Maxine gawks at herself in the mirror, I look down at my legs. If I would say Max would be this giggly and bubbly getting ready for dinner maybe a year ago, she would have sent me to the convent for the rest of the school year for blasphemy in our household. She has never really gotten this dressed up for a guy because she truly liked him. I think it's progress, considering how guarded she is.

"This color is nice. I'm keeping it," Max gloats, drawing my attention back to her with furrowed brows.

Twirling the lipstick in her hand, she tucks it into her black Tori Burke clutch bag. I know I'm not getting that lipstick back. I sigh as I observe how beautiful she is in my short, fitted, off-the-shoulder black dress with lace sleeves. Shaking my head, the long, shiny red dress is mine.

"No, you are not. I need that tonight," I quietly say and clear my throat.

Max arches her brow at me and lets out a smile. Her finger dabs the corner of her lips, making a kissing face and winking at me. "I'm sure," she teases with a humming sound, clasping my lipstick together.

My skin warms up thinking about how Jaylan's eyes may dislodge out of his head when he sees me in this dress but I want him to have that reaction.

I can't believe he said he loved me.

I can't believe I said I loved him!

The words felt so freeing when I said them and felt so complete. Finally, after all that I have been missing since we departed, I feel whole again. For both to confess that we love each other is a big step together, considering how long we have been shown loving breaking down. It makes us feel like it couldn't be possible to love someone and have someone love us. But we both desire one thing and that's family and to be loved.

We both have so much love to give and are worthy of receiving it.

A flash of gold flying in my face breaks the train of my thoughts. Shifting my eyes to Maxine, she places a black box on the nightstand. She looks over at me with a smirk.

"Don't want a baby Lizzie running around here, although it would be so cute with the cheeks and soft baby skin." She coos, holding her hands clasped to the side.

Gulping down, I look at four gold square foil wrappers reading Magnum XL. Squinting my eyes, I look at her because this whole time Maxine has been belittling Jayan's size.

"Come on, let's go. Marcus keeps harassing me about him being hungry... He acts like he hasn't eaten in days." Maxine grumbles, rolling her eyes as she puts her black side bag on.

I clasp the gold wrappers in my hand and stick them into my purse. My fingers tremble as I close it with a snap.

The thought of Jaylan and I actually going through it and not talking about it with him scares me. He might turn away from the idea because he gets so shaky and scared. I am scared but I really just crave his touch and tonight would be the best first night, considering we wouldn't have much privacy back at his house.

Standing to my feet, I catch a glimpse of myself standing in my gold, sparkly Quinceañera heels that I never got to wear. A soft smile pulls on my face because not only do I get to wear them finally but Jaylan likes them and that makes me feel special.

The silk red dress clings to every bit of my curve, not hiding the fact my conga drum is overly large. I can see why my naughty boyfriend likes this dress now.

He thinks he is so sneaky.

I sink my teeth in my lower lip as I look at my dress one last time in the mirror. I sigh because Lexi is not here to compare conga drums in the mirror.

I hope she is doing okay.

As Max is reading my mind, she exhales, "I wish Lexi was here," she says softly, opening the hotel door.

"Me too."

It does seem weird without her being here, considering we always have been together in fun activities. Within the last month, it's been Stephen, Lexi, Marcus, Max, Jaylan, and I. The group doesn't feel complete but I hope one day it still does.

Lexi's absence makes me wonder what life is going to be like after school. Now that I have my green card, I really need to start thinking about what's next and nail down a place to stay and plans to continue my friendship with Max and Lexi. They mean a lot to me and I don't want to lose them as friends.

The elevator door opens at the fancy hotel lobby with the big chandelier sparkling on the tile floor. We walk out together as the elevator hotel music plays in the lobby. Our heels clack on the tile floor and something inside me feels confident to stand a bit straighter like Maxine. We walk over to the sofas from behind and Maxine wraps her arms down seductively on Marcus tugging his chain, who flinches and turns around to see her.

He gives a sly grin, observing her dress. Max rolls her eyes at his observations. Lifting my eyes, my mouth dries quicker than the Sahara desert as I see Jaylan coming back inside, texting on his phone with a faint smile. I know Jaylan is probably feeling all kinds of emotions with me being here but not Aunt Lisa, Uncle Steve, and his mom. I can only imagine what's going through his head right now but I definitely want him to know I'm not going anywhere.

Stepping forward closer, I take a full survey of my novio. He looks very attractive, with his black and white striped dress shirt with red roses on it. He has two buttons undone, showing off his tattoos. His gold chains lay just perfect glistening on his brown skin. Standing by the wall, his leg is propped up like a cool guy. I quietly walk over and touch his shoulder.

He looks over and his eyes pop out with heart eyes like a cartoon. I giggle and he immediately tucks his phone into his tight fitting black pants.

"Wow!" he says breathlessly. He pulls me by waist softly on both sides in a soft squeeze close to him, making my heels clack on the floor until my chest presses into his. Our eyes meet, getting lost in each other's gazes, exploring planets.

"So beautiful." He leans down to kiss my lips. His breath fans over my lips, giving me a faint taste.

He arches his brow at me and observes my dress, holding my hand up and spinning me around. I giggle as he whistles softly at me. My body heats up as Jaylan eyes roam over my body, making my tummy warm up from the butterflies roasting marshmallows. I sink my teeth in my lower lip as he places his hand right on my conga drum and, to my surprise, gives it a squeeze. His prickly hands make crackle sounds on my dress.

"This looks soo good in person, Lizzie." He flashes a smile and surveys once more at my dress.

"Okay, break it up. I'm starving," Max says behind us.

We both turn around and furrow our brows together, like a team, making Max throw up her hands. Marcus shakes his head wrapping his arm around Max next as they walk out the hotel first. As they walk ahead of us, Max leans on Marcus' shoulder as he tugs her close around the waist.

My heart warms up by the sight as Jaylan and I clasp our hands together. Outside, he swings our hands playfully and if he swings any higher, we are going to fly away. Jaylan's hands are so warm during the walk, I completely forget how chilly it is. The night stars, however, make it so romantic as we tune out Max and Marcus talking about zodiac stuff and arguing which is better, mainly Max.

Glancing up at Big Bird, he's looking up to the sky too, but with his shoulders slumping. He mumbles under his breath until he catches me gazing at him and crosses his eyes. I giggle, leaning my head on his brick of an arm.

I'm really going to have to get use to sleeping with rocks again. I should have practiced while we were away from each other. Jaylan sighs fondly as he thumbs over our hands.

"You know what this walk reminds me of?" Jaylan bumps into my shoulder and I think back of the night at the candle factory. How it was the night he took every word he meant when it came to making it up from those painful two weeks of us apart.

Even though the circulated photo wasn't Jaylan's fault, he still took up his responsibility, owning up to protecting my heart and not leaving me out to deal with it on my own. Jaylan has come out of his world to come into mine and I don't think I could be any happier about that.

I know I had a silly crush in the beginning but It was so worth sticking it through and not walking away completely, with Rashad or even Spencer.

All this time, Spencer was and is Testudo. I am so shocked all this time he still was right by my side. Even though our friendship may never be the same again, I did feel a bit of peace that all Spencer was trying to do was look out for me.

I sigh softly and Jaylan bumps my shoulder again, knocking me out of my thoughts. "Que?" I whine softly.

"It reminds me of the candle factory, and how I found out you were obsessed with my tattoos." He grins devilishly.

"I wasn't obsessed," I defend, trying to squeeze his hand and he flinches like I hurt him.

Okay, maybe just a little because they are pretty distracting to look at when there muscles and his beautiful brown skin.

Jaylan grins at me and pecks my cheek. "Righttttt," he drags.

"I was genuinely interested." I turned my nose up at him. He laughs huskily, making me glance back up at his arrogant smile as he licks his lower lip.

"I didn't know your dad had tattoos." he mentions.

Papá has a past like Jaylan when it comes to getting into trouble, doing some illegal activity. He likes to express himself in telling his story too.

"He only has a few but not as much as you," I admit.

"Is your mom not a fan of them?" he asks as we stop at a crosswalk and the cars pass by quickly.

"Not really. She was born in a conservative household so when Papá came into the picture, Abuela had a hard time accepting him. because he didn't grow up in the best neighborhood and he was pretty much emancipated"

Jaylan nods, lifts his free hand, and rubs his chin. "So, your dad had a past?"

"He did. I think that's why he smokes," I say softly. "To forget."

Jaylan clears his throat. "I can see that."

"I hope the place he is in helps him not smoke anymore," I confess.

Thankfully, he is in a no smoking facility, so Papá wouldn't be able to smoke nor have access. I know it seems pretty harsh to do that but I want him to have the best care. Before I left, I actually got to know the staff well, voiced my specific concerns like his diet, medication and about Papá withdrawing from them and he was going to need care for that, and I had better piece of mind where my money will be going.

"I really hope I get to meet him in May." Jaylan beams and we walk across the street together quickly, rushing just for fun.

Giggling, I take a deep breath, "I do too. Mamá said she would bring him and I think in order for that to happen, Señor Ricardo has to help her," I sigh.

Even though Mamá said she is going to bring Papá, I know now she is not going to be able to do it alone. She is going to need extra help and I know Mateo and Isabela will only help so much.

Jaylan's smile brightens as he looks down at me. "You definitely have grown with that comment."

Dipping my chin down, he wraps his arm around my waist, tugging me close.

My heart flutters at his recognition of my growth. Before my trip, to even mention Señor Ricardo being a part of my life is like saying I wanted to eat broccoli. It always left a bad taste or the idea we could ever be close but witnessing his heart for Mamá completely shifted my outlook. It's important for him to be a part of Mamás life. Understanding his patience for her divorce and even waiting for Mateo, Isabela, and I to come to terms to accept it, I can only imagine what he felt.

Blinking some tears away, I admit, "It wasn't easy."

"I know but you have grown so much and I'm proud of you," he says tenderly, moving some of my hair out of my face.

"Jaylannn."

"Whatttt?" he teases. "It's true, I am proud of you. I know it was hard for you to go home with not knowing what you were going into but it was the bravest thing I've witnessed from you yet." He lets out a sweet smile.

"Yet?"

"Mmm-hmm." He hums, swinging our hands like a swing.

I arch an eyebrow at him. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, I can't wait to see you grow each and every day." He clears his throat.

Looking up at him, his throat muscles move down softly as if he is holding back more to say. I softly squeeze his hand and playfully he does it back but traces my ring finger. "I can't wait to see you grow each and every day."

His lips pull into a stinky smile. "So, if I become seven-feet, you will be okay with that?" he jokes.

I grunt, leaning my head into his arm and he laughs, covering my face with that giant bear paw I missed. The bright lights of the restaurant pull my attention away from novio to see a 3D sign saying Yard House. The place is filled and packed out with people but I'm glad the team has a room for the dinner.

As we walk into the restaurant, immediately the room abrupt with cheers as Jaylan draws attention from everyone's dinner. His cheeks brighten red, something I've never seen him do is blush. I rub his hand softly and he looks down at me. Following Marcus, Maxine, and the hostess, eyes travel to us, full of excitement and smiles, as we walk to the back to the private room. Seeing all the team with their families brings a smile to my lips, but Jaylan's hand softly holds on to mine.

"JAYLAN, LIZZIE OVER HERE!" Jordy shouts with a paper crown on his head, sitting next to his family.

Jordy is in between a tall, beautiful, brown-skinned woman with a guy wrapped around her other arm and a tall man in a military uniform. Marcus and Maxine walk over to a frail, petite woman and two girls near her. She smiles tiredly and waves at them. Marcus looks at Maxine, who nods with a smile, and they walk hand and hand over to her.

Jaylan and I look at each other with a smile but pain strains in his eyes. Squeezing his hand tight, we walk over closer to Jordy and his family, where Jaylan pulls out my seat like a good boy.

"Thank you," I say, looking up to him, and he bends down to kiss my lips.

"Jaylan Parkerrr!" The woman holds her hands over her heart space and opens her arms like 'come here.'

He hangs his head down low with a smile and leans over to hug her. "You did soo good tonight, honey. I'm so proud," she says, kissing on top of his head. They pull apart and Jaylan holds my hand softly at the end of the table.

"What a game Jay" The military man adds, patting his back.

My chest warms up watching them love Jaylan. The love for Jaylan spews out from Jordy's mom and I think dad radiates on him. Something he needs tonight. His shoulders relax as the lady rocks Jaylan back and forth. She gives him a big smooch on his cheek and Jordy smiles big, watching the interaction.

"Mom, Dad, Arnold, this is Elizabeth. Well, we call her Lizzie, actually Tiny Tot but it's Lizzie. She is Jaylan's girlfriend, which if you ask me, she-" Jordy beams, bouncing in his seat and bumping the table. His mom pats his leg for blasting off into space with his excitement.

"Camille." Jordy's mom reaches over to the table to shake my hand. Touching her hand means a lot considering she did lose her son in such a tragic way. I can only imagine how she carries her heart.

It's truly an honor to meet her. "Lizzie." I smile back.

"Gregory." The military man extends his hand to me and I shake it as well.

Jordy nods at his mom and she looks at me with softening eyes. "Thank you for those sweet flowers on Andrew's gravesite. That was very sweet of you."

Jaylan nudges me and I dip my chin down. "You're welcome, I... I hope you like them."

"Of course, and I just really appreciate that. I don't get to go there sometimes," she admits softly.

Jordy pats his mom's hand and looks at me. "Jaylan, did you talk to your aunt and uncle?" Ms. Camille asks with a smile.

"I did. Uncle Steve broke his chair, finally." Jaylan laughs, drawing a giggle out of my mouth.

Uncle Steve seems like he had a grand ol' time but I think might have bumped his head in excitement. Aunt Lisa seemed a bit worried about how big his goose egg was. She texted me a picture and I sent her back icing instructions and how to check for a concussion.

"I know they are so proud of you. I'm proud of you," Camille says with tenderness.

Jaylan smiles and looks down but I softly squeeze his hand that it's okay to take the compliment. "Thank you," he rasps out.

As we wait for the waiter that's at the head of the table, I can't help but notice all the smiling faces but two, Jaylan and Stephen. Stephen is only giving faint smiles to his parents but there is an open chair next to him. A sweet, Philadelphia princess should be sitting there, not at home, probably catching up on Law and Order SVU and wine. The other falling smile is my novio but he is doing great to be in good spirits right now.

I just hope Roger will cheer him up later tonight. He was so happy to meet his sister Olivia this afternoon. They are tucked in bed in the other room in the Airbnb currently. Jaylan actually took good care of Olivia and she said Papi has been very kind to her.

"Okay!" Coach T stands up with a big smile, banging on his champagne glass.

The chatter dies down as everyone's attention draws up to him. "Thank you.... I just wanted to say tonight how thankful I am for each and everyone at this table... as teammates, friends, brothers, and a support system." He looks at everyone at the table.

Jaylan rubs my hand softly under the table, his fingers again rubbing around my ring finger.

"You have worked so hard this year... We had some wins and we had losses but you all have persevered through it all. I never have been more thankful for the group here who pushed through boundaries and uncomfortable situations. With a mess of our lives, you put it in the corner because we all have our issues, passing the ball and not handling things all on our own." Coach T says.

"I'm proud of you guys and I am excited for what's next for each and every one of you.... And I expect a check from Jordy, Jaylan, and Marcus this coming November." Coach T laughs, making us all laugh. Looking at Jaylan, he's laughing with glistening eyes.

"To the national champs, cheers!" Coach T lifts up his glass.

"Cheers," everyone says at the table.

Chatter resumes and the whole time Jaylan and I keep our hands clasped together. As we look at the menu on what to get for dinner. I will admit I really could go for Mamà's cooking again. I definitely took it for granted when I was down there.

I can't wait to go back with Big Bird.

"I can't believe basketball is over." Xavier throws his hands in thanks.

"Did you hide the whistle?" Taylor whispers

Bouncing my shoulders while giggling, Jaylan's hand rubs my knee softly.

"I sure did, and it's in a good place," Xavier boasts, puffing his chest.

"I wouldn't go bragging about that," Jaylan suggests, shifting eyes with a smirk at Coach Tyree patting his chest for the whistle.

"Yo, did anybody see Rashad's bit- stupid self here" Taylor sheepishly looks down as his mom scolds him with furrowed brows.

Jaylan clenches his perfectly shaped jaw at his name and I pat my hand softly on his.

"He was? Weird, he didn't say anything to us." Jordy shrugs, sipping his mudslide that looks so yummy and delicious.

Licking my lips at the chocolatey, alcoholic drink, in the corner of my eye I notice Coach T stands with his phone in his hand and walks out the room.

"I think I want to try the mud slide." I beam, reading all the ingredients.

Jaylan relaxes his jaw as the guys talk about Rashad. He actually looks very attractive, and irritated, from this side of his face. His tense jaw muscles made me press my thighs together as his hand continues to rub up and down my leg.

He shifts his eyes down at me with a smile. "You can handle it?" he arches his brow.

"It's chocolate, Jaylan," I matter-of-fact him.

He gives me a soft but firm look and leans in for a second. "With alcohol, Nurse Lizzie."

"It's a special occasion." I bounce in my seat, holding the menu. Glancing over at Stephen, I see him whispering to his mom and I assume his clone-like brothers, with the dark brown curly hair. His green forestry eyes soften as he looks at his phone with a faint smile.

I hope that's Lexi texting him.

"So, Jaylan. What are the big plans after school?" Ms. Camille beams brightly.

I can see where Jordy gets his personality from how bubbly she is. Jaylan looks at me and smiles then looks back at her. "Hopefully, this one will let me take her to Disney World after she takes her nursing license exam and just get ready for the NBA," he smugly answers.

I wish he would get that out of his big head.

Furrowing my brows, I think about what it could be like going to Disney but that's a lot of money and Isabela needs me. Softly grunting at him, Jordy's eyes brighten up. "Well, count me in but Jaylan, that requires a lot of planning. I'm talking Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Toystory-" Jordy lists as he counts his fingers.

Looking at Jaylan, all he offers is a smile... a loving, smiling something I've never seen flashes across his face, as he gazes off from afar. His smile lowers when a familiar face slowly walks in with Coach T. The table quiets down softly as Rashad comes in behind him, tucking his head down.

Jaylan's eyes follow Rashad's every move and I tilt my head up and whisper, "Are you okay"

Jaylan nods as Rashad stands in front of the table, where Coach T smiles and pats him on the back. Jordy bops up and walks over to Rashad and they give a hand shake, first breaking the awkwardness. Some of the guys follow suit. Only Marcus and Jaylan remain seated, watching the interaction when I remember I have the envelope he gave me earlier at the airport.

Opening my purse, my eyes bulge as the condoms cover the envelope, I squeak when it makes a crinkle sound as I try to get the envelope out. Jaylan looks over to me and I quickly snap it shut with a suspicious smile.

I slide the envelope to him, then look at Rashad. He looks at it and then looks at Rashad, who's smiling as he talks to his brothers. Jaylan takes the envelope and opens it. It's a nice tye dye, thank you card with pretty calligraphy. He must have gotten it from Target. Jaylan begins to read it and he stops, nudging me to take a glance at it. I shake my head no but he softens his eyes.

Twisting my lips, I glance down and begin to read as Jaylan clasps on to five crisp hundred dollar bills.

Jaylan,

Couldn't really find a bro card but I guess this will do. I just wanted to first say thank you for everything you have done for me over the last four years. I know I wasn't always the best of a friend or brother to you when things got tough. I know I didn't look out for you as much as I should have and when I let my past hurt get in the way of friendship, I pushed away.

I'm sorry.

I shouldn't have punched you below the belt about your mom that day. It was low of me and I ask for your forgiveness. I know things may change between us but I really would like to remain friends... brothers because no matter the difference between us, you are still my brother. I just wanted to give you the money back I owe you from helping me pay the fees for March Madness last year and hope you use this to good use.

Rashad

A deep sigh parts his lips and I rub his hand. He looks at me for confirmation to do the right thing. Without saying a word, he takes a few seconds, shutting his eyes. He sighs again, taking a deep breath, and scoots out his chair. I know it's hard for Big Dinosaur to be brave sometimes but it's really admirable to watch as he takes brave steps when he gets uncomfortable.

Every step, even with Clifford's tree-height legs, feels like a lifetime. When Jaylan approaches, they give each other a hand shake and pull into a hug. Marcus comes behind him and they talk in a corner as Rashad's shoulders relax as he begins to talk.

As they talk, the waiter comes around getting orders. I begin to orchestrate my plan for Jaylan festivities tonight. Now, I know he probably closes his eyes like an old man tonight, with his tired eyes he has been having all night, but maybe the fun activities I have planned will give him an energy boost.

I just want tonight to be perfect, not only for me but for Jaylan. As I scroll through a quick few tips from Cosmopolitan, the water approaches me. Clicking my phone off, I smile and he takes his pen from behind his ear.

"What can I get started with you?"

"I'll have chicken tenders and fries with honey mustard, and a mudslide." I beam.

The waiter arch his brow at the combination. "May I see your ID?" he asks.

Nodding, I open my purse back up and of course my wallet is buried above the condoms. I gulp softly and shift my wallet out smoothly to avoid any more embarrassment added to my list, like getting my hair caught in a Jaylan's zipper or vomiting on him. I don't need me handing the waiter a condom and Jaylan sending him to the moon.

The waiter gazes at me curiously as I strategically get my wallet out. Snapping my purse closed, I open my wallet and somehow one condom slipped in. I squeak as I see Jaylan coming back to the table and Rashad waving goodbye. Quickly taking my wallet out, I hand my id to the waiter with a wrinkled forehead. He gazes at it and hands it back right when my hand curls the condom into my palm.

"Oh, can I get a Mudslide too?" Jaylan says, sitting back at his seat with a big smile. He wraps his arm around my chair.

"And what else would you like?"

"Whatever she is having," Jaylan teases.

He slips his free hand spreading up and down my leg playfully but his touch is scorching. Warmth pulses up between my thighs, settling at the apex and I squirm, wanting to squeeze them closed from the pressure.

The waiter nods and keeps going down the table. As discreetly as I can, I shove both hands down into my purse.

Throughout us waiting, Jaylan's hand doesn't leave my thigh. Each second that passes makes me more distracted from conversations around us. At one point, he softly moves it up, threading it through my dress slit, the bare skin contact making my throat completely dry.

As everyone listens to Jordy's elaborate recaps, my focus is tested by Jaylan's hand. He's not moving it, just the presents where it warmly rests has my face flaming hot. I stare at Jordy, trying my best to listen to when Jaylan sliding across the gymnasium floor like a penguin on its belly, which was pretty funny, to hearing memories of their time traveling around the United States.

Even half-distracted by the giant hand wrapped around my thigh, pulsating warmth upwards, time flies by and our bellies are full. Even Max laughs at some of the stories, which typically she says the guys aren't funny. It felt good but I wish Lexi was here. Looking at Stephen's half-excited face, I wonder if he feels that way too.

Taking my last fry to my mouth, Jaylan yawns and smacks his lips loudly. Furrowing my brows at him, he grins big. "You can't be sleepy," I tell him.

Jaylan groans into my shoulder. "I'm sleepy."

"You can't go to sleep."

He drags his nose up playfully to my ear and kisses my ear lobe. "Why not?" He breathes, squeezing his hand.

Shifting my body, our eyes immerse into each other's. "Because... We have games to play." I look at him through my eyelashes.

Jaylan pops up quickly. "CHECK!"

Oh Novio.

Edited and spiced by still_just_me

Please be sure to show love to her WP! She has amazing stories that need to be read

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My smut lovers the wait is overrrrr