Jey Uso x (OC) Angel, Jimmy Uso x (OC) Regina
Warning(s): 18+ Slow burn, Smut, Angst
"So, what's up with you and Jey?" Regina asked, sipping her iced tea, studying my every move.
I sighed heavily, playing with my sandwich on my plate. "He came by last night," I admitted. "Vanessa's got him all messed up. He's so torn."
Regina's eyes widened. "Damn, what happened after we all left?"
"Everything," I sighed, my voice filled with sadness that I just couldn't hide anymore. " Of course Vanessa wants him back, and Jey's just... confused."
Regina nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "It's because he's scared of how he feels for you," she said, her voice gentle. "It's intense, and it's only been about a month. He's not used to that, not after being with Vanessa for so long."
I nodded, my eyes misting over. "I know," I whispered. "I just don't want to pressure him. If he needs time, I'll give it to him."
Regina reached across the table, giving my hand a comforting squeeze. "You're doing the right thing," she assured her. "But I know he's going to choose you. He can't resist you, girl. Jimmy even said that he’s never seen Jey so happy."
“Even if he doesn't choose me, I just want him to be happy...He deserves that.”
“So do you Angel, more than anything,” Regina says as I was fighting an internal struggle to not overthink every little thing, and I also was praying Jey was ok.
“Maybe,” I whispered wanting to drop the subject as Regina and I ate the rest of our lunch in silence. I wouldn’t get my hopes up, I knew the risks from the beginning. When you don’t have expectations, you don’t get hurt….Right?
That’s a lie…This was going to hurt like hell.
“Jey, how was your vacation?” Sami asked as I gave him a sad smile. “It was good, Uce, just got a lot on my mind,” I said suddenly seeing Vanessa, leaning against the vending machine, dressed in a simple sundress and waving shyly. It was the first time she'd ever come to visit me at work.
“Uh, I thought you broke things off with Vanessa, Jey?”
“I did, but it’s complicated right now,” I whispered as he patted me on the shoulder. “I hope you know what you’re doing,” Sami whispered before heading to clock in.
“What you doin’ here, Vanessa?” I asked as she handed me a Tupperware container filled with my favorite sandwich and some chips. "I know you've got a break coming up," she said, her voice hopeful. "Thought I'd bring you something to eat."
I took it from her, trying to hide my surprise. "Thanks," I murmured, glancing around at some of my other coworkers, who were all watching with curiosity.
"I've been thinking, Jey," she said, her eyes searching mine. "I know I've been pushing you about the job and everything, but... I'm serious about making this work."
I nodded, feeling a mix of hope and dread. "I know," I said, not sure what else to say.
Vanessa took a deep breath. "I want us to start a family," she blurted out, her voice shaking. "I want a baby and for us to finally get marrierd. I- I wanna set a date."
The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. I stared at her, my mind racing. This was huge. Why now? Why after all this time?
"Why now?" I managed to ask, trying to keep my voice steady. "You said you wanted to have kids way later. Don’t dangle things you know I want in my face if you don’t mean it..I mean why now.”
Her eyes filled with tears. "Because I'm ready," she whispered. "I want a part of you that I can keep, something that's ours forever. I’m ready to be your wife."
I felt like I was in a tornado of emotions, unable to find my footing. could hear Jimmy's voice echoing in my head, telling me to read the room, to not get sucked back in by desperation.
I led her to a quieter spot, my heart racing. "I don't know if I'm ready for that," I admitted, setting the Tupperware down on a bench. "We got a lot to figure out. A baby is playing with another life, this ain’t a game."
Vanessa nodded, her expression earnest. "I know it isn’t a game," she said. " I just want to show you I'm willing to work on us, Jey. It will be differen, I'll support you in whatever you decide to do. I just... I just want us to get married and start our family."
“I don’t have time to talk about this now, I gotta clock in,” I sighed as she gave me a sad smile. “I know, I just wanted you to tell you how I was feelin’ but the ball is in your court,” she said giving me a kiss on the cheek leaving me stunned.
As I went to clock back in, I couldn't help but think about Vanessa's proposal. A baby. It was something I had always dreamed of, something we had talked about for years.
My phone buzzed, pulling me from my thoughts. It was a text from Vanessa: "I'm trying, Jey. I really am. Please, just give me a chance to make it right. We can do this."
Guilt washed over me as I read her words. I hadn't given her a fair shot at fixing things and with our history that wasn’t fair. With a heavy sigh, I texted her back, "Okay, we can try."
“I love you and thank you for not giving up on us.”
I didn’t respond, I couldn’t…All I could think about was Angel and how she would take the news. Hell, deep down I felt I had just made a big mistake.
After work, I found myself riding over to Angel's apartment, the same way I had the night before. This time, though, my heart was heavier, my thoughts tangled with the weight of what I had promised Vanessa.
When Angel opened the door, she searched my eyes, looking for answers. "You okay?" she asked, her voice filled with concern, especially since she wasn’t expecting me.
I stepped inside, pulling her into a desperate kiss, filled with so much passion it almost hurt. She melted into me, but I could feel the hesitation in her body, the question in her soul. She knew something had changed, something was wrong.
"What happened?" she whispered against my lips, her arms tightening around my waist before breaking our kiss, my mind and heart missing her already.
"Vanessa came to see me at the station," I managed to get out, my voice raw with emotion. "She said how things would be different this time.”
Angel's eyes searched mine, the unspoken question hanging in the air. "And what did you tell her?"
She was talking about wanting a baby, a family…Somethin’ I always wanted-”
“What did you tell her?” Angel asked again, caressing my face, making me look at her. “Just tell me, it’s ok.”
“No regrets, remember,” she pleaded, both of our eyes full of unshed tears.
"I- I said we could try," I admitted, feeling the weight of the words settle in my stomach like a rock.
Her smile was sad but understanding as she nodded. "Then you should try. I know this isn't easy for you, Jey," she whispered.
The pain in her voice was like a knife to the heart. "I feel like I been knowin’ you all my life, and I want to be wit you so bad," I said, my voice thick with emotion.
"But you can't ignore your history with Vanessa,” Angel finished as I nodded.
“And how she was right..I never gave her the chance to fix what was broken."
“I just want you to be happy, Joshua," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
I nodded, feeling my throat tighten even more. "I know," I whispered back, feeling like the world was caving in around me. "I want you to be happy too, Ma."
“I will be, don’t worry about me.”
“I know it’s too much to ask, Ion even-”
“C- Can we still be friends?” I asked, afraid of her answer. Angel leaned into me, her arms wrapping around my neck as we stood in her dimly lit living room.
"Sure," she said, her voice gentle. "But if we are going to be friends, we have to be just that. I'm not going to wait for you to choose me if you're not ready to let go of your past."
I pulled back, looking into her eyes, the depth of her love for me reflected in them. "I understand," I said, my voice hoarse.
“And I’m going to need some time, Jey “she sighed. “Anything you need, I’ll do, Ma,” I said without hesitation as we stood there, holding onto each other for what felt like an eternity.
Neither one of us wanted to let go, but we both knew we had to. With a heavy heart, I pulled away first.
"I want you to take care of yourself, Angel," I said, turning to leave.
"I will…And Jey," she called out as I reached for the doorknob. I stopped, looking back at her one last time.
"Remember, you deserve to be happy," she said, her voice strong despite the sadness in her eyes. "And I hope it works out."
With a final nod, I turned the doorknob and stepped into the hallway, the weight of my decision suffocating me.
I didn’t respond to her well wishes because I knew deep down, I wanted to be with her, but I had to at least give Vanessa the benefit of the doubt.
The ride to Vanessa's Brownstone felt like an eternity. Each red light was a chance to turn back; each block a silent plea to change my mind. But I didn't. I couldn't. I had given her my word, and I had to at least try to make this work.
When I pulled up, she was outside waiting. “You coulda waited upstairs, I was coming,” I said as she threw her arms around my neck before I could even get off my bike. “I’m just so happy you here, handsome,” she whispered as I hugged her back. The longer I held her, the more I felt like I was suffocating, and my mind and heart were shouting one fact in unison. “I’m not supposed to be here.”
"Come in," she said, her voice bubbly, her smile wide. As we went upstairs, I felt that voice in my mind screaming to turn back but I went inside anyway allowing her to lead me to the couch, where we sat down.
She looked at me expectantly, her eyes shining with excitement. "So, when do we start trying?" she asked, her voice filled with hope.
I took a deep breath, trying to push down the guilt that was threatening to overwhelm me. "First things first, Nessa," I said, my voice firm. "We've got to fix us before we start thinking about a baby or getting married."
Her smile faltered a bit, but I saw relief in her eyes. "Okay," she said, her voice soft. "We'll take it slow and work on our relationship."
As her hand found its way to my thigh, I couldn't shake the image of Angel's sad smile, the way she had looked at me with such understanding and love.
It was like I was betraying her, even though she had given me her blessing to figure things out.
All I could think about was Angel's, the way she looked at me like I was the only man in the world. Hell, the way she made me feel….. Yea, I had fucked up and now I was stuck.
As we sat there, the weight of my decision to try with Vanessa grew heavier with every passing second. "Babe," Vanessa said, her voice soft and sweet, "I know you're tired. Why don't we just go to bed, and we can talk tomorrow?"
I nodded, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up to me. “Uh, yea…Let me take a shower,” I whispered getting up on autopilot heading to the bathroom.
“I put a pair of your Pajamas you had left here in the bathroom, just relax,” Vanessa said as I sighed closing the bathroom door, dreading looking at myself in the mirror.
“Stupid fool,” I whispered staring at my tired reflection, my heart aching remembering how devastated Angel looked at me but still gave her blessing. “She’ll never have me, I fucked it all up,” I sighed rubbing my temples.
“Jey, you ok in there?” Vanessa asked.
“Yea, I’m good….Just go to bed, I’ll take the couch da night,” I said as I heard her scoff.
“Um, ok, goodnight,” she whispered as I sighed in relief hearing her walk away and her bedroom door close.
“Please be ok, Ma,” I said to myself finally hoping in the shower trying to wash all the guilt away.
I knew he would try with Vanessa..I knew it, but damn if it didn’t hurt. I knew he didn’t want to be with her and that was making what I was feeling even fucking worse. My phone rang, snapping me out of the thoughts. It was Regina..I didn’t feel like talking to anybody right now but I knew if I didn’t answer she wouldn’t stop calling, hell maybe even come over.
“Hey, Regina,” I sighed answering the phone as I heard her sigh in relief.
“Why weren’t you answering the phone, I been trying to call you. I was worried, Jimmy was about to bring me over there,” Regina said as I tried to hold it together.
“He chose to be with her, Regina,” I blurted out as I heard Jimmy growl in the background.
“We’re on the way,” she said hanging up before I could respond. Now I felt even worse for opening my big mouth. I had just ruined Regina’s night out with Jimmy, and I knew he was going back on the road tomorrow.
Almost twenty minutes later they were at my door pleading to be let in.
“I’m good ya’ll…Just go, I don’t wanna mess up ya’ll night.”
“Please, just let us in Angel. I need to make sure you good,” Regina pleaded as tears welled up in my eyes. Damn her for knowing me so well.
“Regina, Jimmy is leavin’ tomorrow go enjoy your time together, I’m good, I promise,” I pleaded as Regina banged on the door again.
“Angel, open this door before I get Jimmy to break it down-”
“And don’t think I won’t, open the door Angel,” Jimmy pleaded as I took a deep breath before finally opening the door. The moment my eyes met Regina’s I couldn’t hold back my tears anymore.
"I told ya’ll I was ok," I whimpered as Regina rushed to my side, wrapping me up in a warm embrace. "You don't have to pretend, Sissy," she whispered, fighting back her own tears. That was all it took as a broken, painful sob escaped my lips as I held onto her tight.
"It's alright, sis," Jimmy said, stepping into the apartment and closing the door behind him. "We here now,” he said as I nodded trying to get ahold of myself as he embraced us both for a brief second.
There it was, he had said it again, Jimmy had called me “sis” and it made my heart ache more as Regina sat with me on the couch, holding me close as I cried.
“It’s ok, let it out,” she soothed as Jimmy's face was a mask of anger, his jaw clenched tight as he lingered close by.
“I knew it would happen, but I didn’t think it would hit me this hard,” I confessed, wiping my tears looking at Jimmy, his expression softening.
"Look, I know he's my brother, but he's fuckin' up, and you don't deserve this shit."
"I know," I whispered, wiping her eyes. "Jimmy, he didn’t want to tell me he was going back with her."
"I know he didn’t," Jimmy said, sitting on the other side of me. "Damn, I just hate how all this shit went down."
Regina handed me a tissue as I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself, my voice barely above a whisper. "He was so broken when he was telling me how he was going to try to make it work with her and I had to plead for him to tell me that.”
Jimmy's eyes narrowed. "Because he wants to be with you, but he’s scared. Then Vanessa’s feeding him pipedreams again," he said, his voice low and dangerous.
“Scared of what?” I whimpered as Jimmy caressed my knee. “How you love..My brother ain’t neva felt nothin’ like dat before. Dat much I know. I ain’t never seen him so happy as he was, than when he was wit you.”
“That may be true Jimmy and I know what I told you earlier, Angel but if he wants to run from it and be with Vanessa, then let him. You're too good to sit around waiting for someone who can't decide if he wants you or not, Angel," Regina added as I sighed, feeling the truth of her words deep in my soul.
We sat in silence for a moment, the tension in the room thick and heavy. Finally, I took a deep breath. "What do I do?" I asked, looking for some kind of guidance because I really felt lost.
Jimmy squeezed my hand. "You keep your head up, and you keep moving forward. He knows what he's losing and trust me he feelin’ it already. Everythang gon’ work out..I just know it will.”
Regina nodded. "And we're here for you, no matter what you decide," she said. "We're your family, and we're not going anywhere."
I can’t believe this fool fell into the trap..I’mma kill him…Yep, that’s all that’s left is for me da do but kill him. My phone buzzed and I knew it was him.
I knew my twin better than myself. He was already regretting his choice, and it served him right. Pulling my phone out I read his message, shaking my head.
"I fucked up.. Angel should be calling Regina soon. Can you just keep an eye on her for me?"
I stared at the screen, my anger boiling over. "Damn right you fucked up," I typed not bothering to hide my frustration. "And I hate to tell you but you gon’ be miserable until you stop lyin’ to yourself. You know dat shit wit Vanessa is dead and you love Angel."
He didn't respond, but I knew he was feeling the weight of his mistake and as he should.
As I was about to put my phone away, he texted again. "Please, Jimmy. Just look after her, she's special."
I knew she was special. That's why I was so mad at him for hurting her. "I'll keep an eye on her, but you better figure your shit out before it's too late."
I knew what it was like to lose someone you love because you couldn't get your shit together, and I didn’t want that to happen to Jey.
“You need to get some sleep,” Regina whispered holding Angel tight as she helped her up and walked her to her room. I followed but hung back givin’ them their space. As Regina climbed into bed with Angel, I cut off the light.
“Ya’ll get some rest; I’ll take the couch.”
“I’m sorry for ruining your last night home, Jimmy,” Angel said as I frowned.
“You ain’t ruined nothin’ sis, we right where we supposed to be,” I assured her closing the door behind me.
“Damn, twin…Get yo’ shit together.” I mumbled to myself heading to try to get some sleep. I knew one thing was certain…My twin was in for it and he brought it all on himself.
“Are you serious, Jimmy?”
“Yes, I’m serious, Angel has a gig and we’re going to support her next Friday. She’s really excited.”
“I knew she could do it..Damn, I wish I could be there,” I sighed as Jimmy kissed his teeth. “Well, I wasn’t even supposed to tell you but I felt guilty about not tellin’ you.”
“I ain’t surprised, why would she want me there? She may feel I used her, but I swear on unk it wasn’t like dat.”
Jimmy sighed before trying to put my mind at ease. “She don’t feel dat way, Uce. She’s just tryin’ to get herself together.”
“Then, I’m tired of being in Vanessa’s space,” I said looking around missing my own home. She had asked last week if she could bring some of her things back over.
I told her we still had work to do so I didn’t feel it was the right time. I been staying here four nights out the week. If I’m honest…I don’t want her at my house..She talked to much about it acting like it was beneath her.
“Aye, you still there, Jey,” Jimmy asked as I sighed. “Yea, I’m here..Just thinkin’ bout everything.”
“Where she at now?” Jimmy asked as I glanced at the bathroom door.
“I bet some of her kinks are starting to show.”
“Yea..Big time, twin,” I sighed laying back on the bed and turning on the TV.
“I could have told you that, Vanessa is still Vanessa. She’s trying to play a role right now.” Jimmy said as I groaned.
“Yea, and if want to be wit Angel you need to fix it.”
“I know,” I hissed defeated. “But I owe it to Vanessa to at least try.”
“You don’t owe her shit. Man, dat girl dogged you out, Uce. Tried to manipulate you and still doin’ it now. She ain’t changed, break it off before it’s too late.”
“I just fucked everything up wit Angel, and I know she ain’t gon’ forgive me. I mean she say we can be friends, but I know I want more.”
“No, she don’t… I told her I wanted to be wit her so bad and she never said she felt the same. She just said she understood my history wit Vanessa.”
“So, if she had said she wanted to be with you dat night, would you have still went back to Vanessa?”
“No, but what does that even matter, twin.” I heard Vanessa cutting off the shower.
“You should have told her-”
“I know a’ight, jus hit me up later. She out the shower and ion want no shit. One love, Twin.”
“A’ight, I’ll holla at ya later and luv you too.”
I felt nervous as I heard the door open and she came out in her robe smirking at me. “What’s up” I asked as she purred dropping her robe, crawling onto the bed and onto my lap as I stilled at the action, grabbing her hip. “I’m ready, Jey.”
“Uh-Y- You sure?” I asked afraid of the answer. She was but I wasn’t…Not by a damn longshot.
“Yes, baby I’m sure,” she moaned kissing my chest…..Think of Angel…Think of Angel…. As I closed my eyes, my mind drifted to the night Angel and I made love.
“You want me, Jey?” Vanessa purred as I groaned, picturing Angel straddling my thighs kissing and sucking on my neck driving me up the wall. Fuck, I missed her.
“Yes, you gon’ let Daddy take you for a train ride Ang- baby?” I asked she slapped me on the chest, as my eyes snapped open meeting her irritated eyes
“Shit” I groaned as my brain suddenly caught up and I realized I had almost called her Angel in the heat of the moment..Did she hear me?
“Jey, you know I hate it when you say shit like that,” she snapped getting out of bed as I rubbed my temples. Thank God she hadn’t heard me, so what pissed her off.
“What did I do?” I whispered, snapping fully out of the fantasy that had been playing over and over in my mind these last three weeks…Making Love to Angel.
“You know what you did,” Vanessa said rolling her eyes again.
“No, I won’t if you don’t tell me.”
“Fine, you’re so childish, and you just ruined the mood.”
“Being juvenile talkin’ about a damn train ride, callin’ yourself daddy..Just Ugh!” she screamed storming back into the bathroom and slammed the door. Yep…Same old Vanessa.
“Ah, man….This can’t be my life,” I muttered to myself in even more disbelief as the list kept piling up as to why I needed to run for the hills.
Yea, I fucked up…Fucked up really bad…
“Did you tell him about the show, tonight,” Regina asked as I looked at her like she had three heads.
“So, what has he been sayin’ when he texts you, then? Regina asked as I sighed not wanting to talk about Jey. I was nervous enough about the show tonight.
“Tellin’ me he’s sorry and he wants to see me. How he misses how we used to talk and hang out. I told him when he made that choice to be with her. Told him we could text, maybe talk on the phone a little but I can’t be around him. It’s not fair to any of us, Vanessa included.”
“Aww Angel, I’m so sorry.”
“I’m ok…He didn’t take it well, but I told him he made his choice and I got to protect myself. I got to get back into that head space of us being friends especially after us crossing that line.”
“Understandable, what did he say about that you not wanting to see him?”
“He said he understood, and he would take any part of me he could get even though he really wants to see me.”
“You know when ya’ll see each other all bets are off, right? It’s a nice thing you’re trying to do but there ain’t no way ya’ll ain’t gonna run into each other Angel. The subway, Jimmy’s house, my house..It’s bound to happen.”
“Regina, can we just drop it, please.”
“Angel, Jey wants to be with you; you want to be with him. He’s just scared of what he’s feeling so he took the safe route.”
“Well, he needs to tell me that, Regina… How the hell I’m supposed to know?”
“Now while I agree, I feel you could tell him how you feel too.”
“What the hell you talkin’ about?”
“You never told him what you wanted. He just said he was going back to Vanessa, and you let him. You at least could have told him you had feelings for him, too.”
“Regina, that wouldn’t have done nothing but make shit more complicated.”
“Angel, he may be stayin’ wit her now ‘cause he feels like you wouldn’t want to be with him and that it’s too late,” Regina said as I looked at her, confused as to where that theory came from.
“I have showed that man in every sense that I want him-”
“Every way except telling him how you feel and that you actually fell for him too.”
“Regina, where is all this coming from, how you switchin’ it around on me. Like has Jey told Jimmy something?” I asked as Regina zipped her lip and shrugged her shoulders.
“It’s not my secret to tell, sis. Just know you could shut this whole Vanessa shit down by tellin’ that man you want him and that’s all I’mma say.”
“Why does this have to be so hard,” I groaned getting up packing my gear as she helped me.
“Look, you gotta perform tonight, so just focus on that and have fun. You can worry bout all this other shit later,” she said as I took a deep breath.
“Ok….I’ll deal with it after,” I whispered. Suddenly I saw a delivery truck pull up and a man stepped out. “Uh, is he sure he’s at the right spot cause, who the hell sent that?” I asked pointing at an elaborate bouquet of fruit and chocolate the delivery man was holding, walking up to my studio door.
“Girl, I know it ain’t for me, go get it,” Regina said with a smile as I hesitantly went to open the door.
"Ms. Angel?" He asked, holding out the arrangement as I nodded. “Yes, that’s me.”
My eyes softened as I took the bouquet, the weight of it surprisingly heavy. The card was attached with a delicate ribbon. I felt my stomach flutter as I saw they it was from Jey.
“Who are they from?” Regina asked as I rolled my eyes.
“You know who, you probably helped him.”
“Ugh, read it already, I’m invested.”
My eyes scanned the words, feeling overwhelmed as I read the card. “Congratulations in advance on your big night. I wish I could be there since I've never heard you sing but I know that's asking a lot of you. I know Jimmy and Regina are going to be there cheering you on and I understand you not wanting to let me know where the show is.
Knock 'em dead, beautiful.
P.S... I miss my bestfriend, Ma.”
“Alright, I see ya, Jey. Applyin’ dat pressure,” Regina chuckled giving me a hug as I kissed my teeth.
“Don’t encourage him,” I frowned fighting a small smile.
“You know you miss him, too.. I’mma leave you to it, and we’ll see you tonight,” she said giving me some space.
I placed the bouquet on the coffee table and sat down, my eyes never leaving the card. Despite my pain, I couldn't deny the warmth that spread through me. He had gone out of his way to acknowledge my upcoming performance, even though we weren’t in the best place and I had kept the information from him.
I had been rushing all day, I needed this plan to work. If I had my way, after tonight, Angel was never going to speak to Jey again. I couldn’t wait to get home to tell my homegirl Tiffany my plan, but she was killing
“You know you wrong, Nessa.”
“Why you say it like that, Tiff? I just asked Jey to take me out.”
“Why you messin’ with that woman though, Vanessa? I saw her Instagram page, that girl seems to be about her paper and cool. You wanted the break from Jey, and it backfired. Can’t be mad he met somebody.”
“Girl, I ain’t worried bout all that. I just need this fat bitch to see he’s mine and she can never have him.”
“But why show up at her show with Jey and he has no clue it’s her show. That’s coldblooded, I mean she ain’t did nothing to you. Jey ain’t did nothin’ either, like how you even found out about her show” Tiffany said as I rolled my eyes.
“She did enough, she almost took him from me. Do you realize the hoops I had to jump through to get him back? And don’t worry bout how I found out, I have my ways.”
“Part of that shit is on you tryin’ to make Jey be something he’s not.”
“Tiffany, just know after tonight he won’t be texting Angel anymore because when she sees us walk in arm and arm, she’s gonna crumble and won’t be able to do her little show.”
“Then she’s going to tell him he did it on purpose to ruin her night and she wants nothing more to do with him. It’s gonna crush his lil spirit.”
“Well, I hope this don’t backfire on you,” Tiffany said as I sighed. “I got this, I got him back, didn’t I?”
“Did you really though? I mean you tell me how he seems spaced out all the time like his mind is somewhere else. How he’s only been coming to your place to hang out a couple times a week and you ain’t even been back to his house.”
“I know, but that’s only because this bitch is in his head but I’m taking care of that tonight. Once I do this, shit will go back to normal-”
“Nessa, what time this band you wanna hear playin’?” Jey asked, coming into my bedroom as I smiled.
“I’ll call you later, Tiff,” I said as she sighed and hung up without saying bye.
“I didn’t know you was on the phone, wit Tiff. How she holdin’ up, I know her dad passed while you were down in Pensacola.”
“She’s better, I was just calling to check on her and to answer your question the band should be performing at nine,” she said as I nodded, hopefully we won’t be out too late.
“Ok, that should be cool but I gotta ask, since when you wanna go to open mic nights. Clubs and bars ain’t neva been yo’ scene,” I said totally thrown off by Vanessa suddenly request earlier.
“Jey, I just wanted you to take me to this club to hear this chick sing. I hear she’s amazing and I want to try doing some new things.”
“Aye, that’s cool wit me, I was just checkin’,” I said grabbing her coat off the bed and helping her put it on.
Maybe the night out would do us some good because everything else has been a disaster. The whole ride over to the club Vanessa seemed so happy, beaming almost. After parking, I went to open her door.
My heart raced as we stepped into the crowded club, my eyes immediately searching for the source of the soulful voice that filled the air. Vanessa's hand was in mine, her grip tight as she whispered in my ear. "You're going to love this, baby."
But as I looked around, I caught sight of Jimmy and Regina sitting in the corner, enjoying the show. I realized…… I'd been set up. "What the fuck is this?" I hissed, turning to Vanessa.
Her smile had turned cold. "I Just wanted you to see what all the hype is about, Jey."
"This Angel's show…You really asked me to bring you to Angel’s show," I said through gritted teeth. "You brought me here to hurt her."
Vanessa just shrugged. "Maybe I did. Maybe I wanted to see if you could handle it."
My anger was a living, breathing thing in my chest, threatening to burst I looked over at the stage, thanking God Angel wasn’t up there and we could leave before she sees us.
"Vanessa, we ain't got no right being here," I said, my voice low and firm. "We gettin’ the fuck outta here…NOW."
Vanessa's grip on my hand tightened, but she didn't protest as we turned to leave. But just as we reached the door, I looked back and saw Jimmy looking at us with a deep frown. Jimmy caught sight of us. Then he leaned over, whispered something to Regina, who shot us a look of pure shock and angry before bolting towards the backstage area.
“I ain’t going nowhere, Jey.”
I caught Jimmy out the side of my eye storming over, his jaw clenched. "How da hell did you find out where the show was?" he spat. "And why would you bring her here, Jey?"
“I ain’t know, we leavin’, twin... Vanessa was just trying to start some shit but I’mma handle it," I said, trying to keep my voice calm but I was pissed.
But Vanessa had other ideas. She yanked her hand away from mine. "We ain’t going nowhere," she said, a challenge in her voice. "We're here to enjoy the show like everyone else."
“Yes, we are, you done did enough, damn it. Let’s go.”
“You can’t make me do nothin’ Jey.”
“This whole thing already fucked up as is. I can’t believe you-”
“Jey, you know what you need to do, ” Jimmy said cutting me off as I rubbed my temples.
“I know,” I sighed as Vanessa seemed oblivious to what Jimmy was sayin’. “Nessa, we need to go- I need to talk to you.”
“We can do that later, I’m stayin’ here to enjoy the show.”
“No, you ain’t, let’s go.”
I felt like I was bout ready to blow and Jimmy didn’t look no better but before either one of us could say anything, Regina appeared, panting slightly from her sprint.
"Ya’ll can stay," she said, looking at them both. "You can even sit with us."
Jimmy stared at her like she'd lost her mind. "What the fuck you talking about?" he snapped.
Regina just shrugged, a smug smile playing on her lips. "It's fine, Jimmy, Angel said it’s fine."
I could feel the beginnings of a migraine forming behind my eyes. I wanted to leave…I didn’t want her to see me with Vanessa; hell, I didn’t want to be here with Vanessa.
"I need to talk to her," I said, pointing at Vanessa. "We need some air."
“Yes, you do cause you trippin’,” my voice tight as Vanessa smirked following me outside. I couldn't believe what had just happened, what could have happened if Angel had been on that stage when we walked in.
"What the fuck is your problem?" I demanded, turning to Vanessa. "Why would you do some shit like this?"
Her eyes searched mine, a hint of regret in them. "I just wanted to see," she said softly. "I wanted to see if you could handle it."
I stared at her, trying to read her expression, trying to figure out what game she was playin’.
"Handle what?" I asked, my voice tight. "Bein’ in the same room as you harass Angel who has done nothin' to me or you. Tryin’ to ruin her moment?"
Vanessa sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Look, Jey, I know things have been tense lately. But I just wanted to show you that I trust you and support you wanting to be friends with her."
"Bullshit, you bein’ messy and trying to see if her seeing us together will hurt her. You WANT to hurt her, don’t you?" I said, her smile makin’ my skin crawl. How could I have ever thought this could work?
“Well, you claim you still gon’ be friends wit her… So, she’s gonna have to get use to seein’ me,” Vanessa said shrugging her shoulders as I growled in frustration.
“Stop playin’ wit me…I would never bring you around her like dat. Plus, you jealous for no damn reason. Angel don’t want me like dat, we just friends and barley that at this point.”
“Yes, she does and you too blind to see that.”
“Because she wants you, Jey!”
“Can we not do this now, Ion like what you did and I’m ready to go.”
"Well, I’m not. Your friend will be fine, Jey. I mean ya brother's girl already went and told her we were here. So, we might as well stay, I mean she said we could stay," she said walking back inside as I growled again in frustration.
"God help me,” I whispered, following her back inside.
I shook my head watching Vanessa as she made her way over to our table, a smug smile playing on her lips. “I just don’t like this, Regina.”
“It’s fine baby, Angel has it all under control. The bitch wants a show and she bout to get one,” she said with a smile as Vaness sat in front of us as Jey slowly made his way over.
“Sorry fam,” he muttered taking a seat looking like he’s rather the earth to reach up and swallow him whole than to be here sitting beside Vanessa.
“Vanessa, I hope you enjoy the show,” Regina said as I shot her a look. The lights dimmed again, as we got ready for the MC to introduce Angel.
“Ah, hell,” I whispered knowin’ some shit was about to go just by how Regina was acting.
“What you up too, sis,” I mumbled to myself as Regina’s hand caressed my knee.
“It’s gonna be fine, let Angel handle it,” she whispered kissing me on the cheek as I sighed wanting to believe her.
Backstage, I was pacing nervously, trying to ignore the drama unfolding in the club but it was hard my conversation with Regina a few minutes ago consuming my thoughts.
“That vindictive bitch, I can’t stand her.”
“Angel, I could tell by the look on Jey’s face he had no clue. When we spotted them, he pullin’ her ass to the door.”
“So, she found out and came here to let me know that’s her man, huh,” I sighed rubbing my temples.
“Girl, this bitch knows that man loves you so she’s trying to get you angry enough that you’ll break all ties with him-”
“I know,” I sighed as regina rubbed my shoulders.
“I won’t…I got this, I need to talk to Tom before I go out.”
“I hope that means that song that been on damn repeat on your playlist for the last month is back on the set list,” she said as I gave her a small smile.
“Maybe…..We’ll see,” I whispered giving me a quick hug before rushing back out front.
Now here I am wondering if I actually can do the damn song. Could I actually go through with it and tell Jey how I feel?
“Angel, are we adding the song back in?” Tom asked strapping’ on his guitar. The question made my heart race..I had to take a chance; I had to go for what I wanted. Regina was right, how would Jey know I wanted to be with him if I never told him.
“Yes, tell the band we are adding it back in and I want you to play that guitar like you ain’t never played it before.”
“I gotchu, beautiful.” He winked and went on stage to tell the rest of the band.
I took a deep breath and reminded myself why I was here. This was my stage, my moment to shine, and I wasn't going to let anyone, or anything, ruin it.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a treat for you. It’s been a minute since we’ve seen her, but she’s back and I know ya’ll are going to love it. Please welcome, Angel!” the MC yelled as I smiled taking one final look in the mirror smoothing down my dress before going out on stage.
As I stepped into the spotlight, I felt the energy of the crowd wash over me. For a split second, I saw Jey and Vanessa clapping. The smug smile on her face and the look of remorse on Jey’s face. His eyes pleading that I believed he didn’t know.
I did the only thing I could, I gave him a small smile and a nod. He seemed to relax a little but not much. Once again, I quickly pushed the thoughts racing through my mind away, focusing on the music.
She smiled at me, in her time of feeling uncomfortable she still was trying to let me know she was good. She was trying to calm my nerves, ion even know what I did in life to deserve to even be her friend.
“I hope you all have had a great time tonight, and I don’t want to prolong the time so let’s keep it going.”
She’s so beautiful I couldn’t wait to hear her sing. A little over a month was too long going without seeing her.
The band began playing the opening cords of Alcia Key’s Diary as the crowd applauded as she smiled and began singing.
Lay your head on my pillow
No one has to know what you are feeling
No one but me and you, ooh
She sounded like an angel; I had to remind myself to breathe. She had the crowd and myself entranced, those beautiful eyes haunting me as she seemed to stare into my soul as she sang.
“You aight over there, twin?” Jimmy asked as I nodded refusing to look away as she swayed, losing herself in the rhythm, her eyes finally closing.
“Yea, I’m good,” I said fighting the urge to go up on stage and kiss her. It was like she was speaking to me.
I won't tell your secrets
Your secrets are safe with me
Just think of me as the pages in your diary
All I could think about was all the time we had spent together. The night we first met, when she took me to my first game. That day she took time outta her day to just stop by the train station just to make sure I was good.
The night we made love for the first time, how she never judged me and what I was going through with Vanessa. She just always listened and offered her support. Was Angel singing about me or am I just takin’ it to heart that way.
“Nah, I’m readin too much into it,” I mumbled as Vanessa’s grip on my arm tightened. Did she feel it too or was I trippin’?
“Girl, you ain’t gotta hang onto Jey like he gon’ disappear,” Regina said as Vanessa shot her a look.
“I’m not..Just relating to the lyrics.”
“We bout to get struck by lightenin’ cause she lyin’ like a muhfucka,” Jimmy said as I shushed them all, my attention strictly on Angel as sang without missing a beat.
I knew our presence wasn’t easy. And it damn sure wasn’t easy for me to be this close to her and not touch her. Almost a month without being in her presence. It had been too long.
When I opened my eyes again, Jey was still watching me intently, his eyes never leaving mine. Our chemistry electric, as his eyes devoured my every move. It was like a silent declaration of his desire, and I reveled in it. My set got easier as I feed off his energy song after song.
I could feel Vanessa’s eyes on me, cold and full of hatred. Regina was right, and if I had any doubts about doing this next song, the looks she been giving me these last 15 minutes sealed the fucking deal.
I lifted the microphone to my lips, sweat beaded on my forehead. I brushed it away, my voice echoing through the speakers.
“This final song of our set has been added and taken off our set list more times than I can count-” I trailed off, and the crowd roared with laughter.
“I told you to leave it in!” Regina yelled from her seat, her grin visible even in the half-dark. I shot her a playful grin in return.
“I know, sis, I know. But trust me, you’re gon’ love this one. The Beautiful Ones, the Beyoncé version, respectfully,” I chuckled as warm applause rippled through the audience again.
The keyboard’s first notes drifted through the haze, delicate and anticipatory, while the guitar’s gentle pluck wove a soft counterpoint. I caught Vanessa’s eyes flicking from me to Jey and back again, her jaw tightening.
“You got this, Angel!” Regina yelled as I nodded shyly, my heart racing.
I inhaled, and the first lines fell from my lips vulnerable and sultry as I pointed at him.
Jey’s eyes widened in the half-light, his seat creaking as he leaned forward, utterly entranced.
I could see and feel the uneasiness pouring off of Vanessa in waves as I pointed at her and then myself, leaning into each word.
“Don’t make me waste my time,
Don’t make me lose my mind, baby…”
Jey lifted his head in a slow nod, and I saw Vanessa’s expression darken. She leaned into him, breath warm against his ear, whispering promises I couldn’t hear—but his gaze never wavered from me.
Can’t you stay with me tonight?
Don’t my kisses please you right?”
The heat of Jey stare quickened my pulse, the chorus, a confession of everything I felt in that moment.
The beautiful ones, they hurt you every timmmeeeeee aheya…
I had fallen hard but to me he was too beautiful to be with someone like me. I saw out the corner of my eye Regina smirking at Jimmy, whose jaw had dropped.
My confidence grew as I stepped off the stage and crossed the few steps that separated me from Jey and Vanessa.
My eyes never left Jey’s as I stepped between his legs invading his space.
“Do you want her?” I tilted my head at Vanessa, voice low and teasing.
I leaned closer to Jey, fingertips brushing his cheek, drawing him against me, our foreheads touching as he groaned, caressing my hips, all the self-doubt slipping away as my voice grew stronger.
“Cause, I want you,” I sang, voice trembling with longing.
“I want you too,” he whispered as I nodded ghosting my lips across his before walking back on stage. Vanessa sat veins at her temples pulsing, her hands clenching the armrests.
One things for certain baby
And that’s to please you baby..
Ahhhuh baby you beautiful, hey.
I blushed, straightening my shoulders and planting my feet. “Baby, your beautiful, hey” I whispered over the final chords.
The roar of the crowd and Jey’s loving gaze warming my heart. “Thank y’all so much and goodnight.” I gave a slight wave and left the stage.
My heart was running away from me..I needed to see Angel. “I gotta go,” I whispered to myself more than everyone else at the table still entranced.
“How dare you act like I’m not here!” Vanessa screamed, bringing me back to reality…I needed to end this shit once and for all.
“That’ll teach you, bet you won’t do no shit like this no more,” Regina muttered with a triumphant smirk.
Vanessa was pissed, her chair scrapping the floor as she stood up. “Shut up, Jey let’s go we’re leaving!” Regina chuckled, shaking her head.
"Vanessa, I can't do this," I said, my voice steady. "I can’t do dis no more.”
“Bout time twin, get yo’ woman,” Jimmy mumbled as I stood up, finally looking into Vanessa’s eyes as they widened in disbelief.
"Can’t do what? What are you talking about, Jey?"
"You know what I'm talking about," I said, looking into the depths of her beautiful, yet now-stormy eyes. "I can't keep pretending that I don't want to be with Angel. Dat I don’t love her."
“Fuckin’ finally,” Regina hissed as Vanessa shot her a look before turning her attention back to me. “I’m sorry,” I whispered trying to not draw attention to us but Vanessa wasn’t havin’ it.
"You're choosing her over me?" Vanessa screamed as Regina sighed and took a sip of her drink. "Girl, you knew this. Save yourself anymore embarrassment."
I knew the words were like a knife to her heart, but I was done fighting it. "I’m sorry but It's over, Vanessa. It should have BEEN over."
"Jey, please. We can talk about this,” she pleaded grabbing my arm as I shook my head.
“It ain’t nothing else to say...We tried but we both want different things-”
“And you want her? Over me?” she scoffed as I frowned.
“Yea, I do want her, Vanessa….Over You….
“What? No, you don’t mean that..You love me, you can’t leave me for somebody like her.”
“Look, I’m sorry that it is so hard for yo’ ass to comprehend but excuse me I done wasted too much time as it is,” I said walking past her and heading backstage in hopes of seeing Angel.
Behind me, I heard the sound of Vanessa's heels clicking against the floor as she chased after me. "So that’s it! Jey, come back!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the hallway as I turned to face her.
“Vanessa, let me take you home,” Jimmy offer as she then turned her fury towards him.
"Take me home?...Fuck you Jimmy," she snarled at him.
“Aye, don’t get fucked up tonight, you already got it comin’. Jimmy let her ass call a uber or better yet, walk bitch! ” Regina said raising her voice.
“Calm down, baby,” Jimmy sighed wrapping his arms around Regina’s waist as Vanessa growled thinking better of it, turning around heading the opposite direction.
“That’s what I thought,” Regina said as Jimmy shook his head. “Go get yo’ woman, Uce, I got this,” Jimmy said as Regina pointed at me.
“Last door on the right, and don’t make me hurt you. Make it right.”
“I gotchu,” I promised heading to Angel’s dressing room as Jimmy led her back out into the audience.
As I knocked, the door swung open, and I was hit with a dose of dread not seeing Angel anywhere and a janitor holding a trashcan. “Excuse me,” he whispered stepping around me and back to his cart to empty it.
“Where is she?” I whispered to myself looking around as he smiled.
“Sir, if you’re looking for Angel, you just missed her. She just left in an uber out the side door,” he said grabbing his cleaning supplies from his cart before heading back into the room.
“Damn it,” I hissed pulling out my phone trying to call her, but it went straight to voicemail. Then all the worse, I couldn’t leave a message, her damn mailbox was full.
Panic set in. Where could she have gone? I stormed back up front as Jimmy stepped in front of me. “What happened, twin?” he asked as I shrugged him off.
“I’ll call you, I gotta find Angel,” I panted running towards the exit not giving him nor Regina a chance to respond.
“Where are you, Ma?” I whispered dialing her number again and still no answer.
“Fuck!” I yelled as I got in my car. I needed to talk to her, I had to tell her I wanted to be with her and only her. As I spun out the parking lot, making my way through the city it seemed I was hitting every red light.
“Please be home,” I whispered the closer I got to her apartment. I parked out front taking the stairs two at a time.
“Mr. Fatu, you gon’ have to have to move your car and go park in the garage,” Greg, the night attendant said as I groaned.
“Is Angel up there?” I asked desperately as he shrugged his shoulders.
“I don’t know, I just started my shift five minutes ago. I gotta do my beginning shift walk of the parking garage, so can you move your car?”
“Just give me fifteen minutes, ok I swear I’ll be back and then I’ll park. It’s important,” I pleaded as he saw the urgency in my voice.
“Alright, don’t make me regret this, fifteen minutes-”
As I went inside and got on the elevator it felt like it was taking forever. As the doors finally opened, I rushed down the hall to her door, knocking loudly.
“Angel, it’s me baby, open up,” I pleaded…No response. “Angel, I’m sorry, I know I fucked up, just please talk to me!” I shouted as the door across the hall swung open. Instantly I knew it was Ms. Elana just from Angel’s description of her.
“Son, what you doing?” she asked, tightening her robe as I tried to catch my breath. “I’m sorry Ms. Elana. I know we ain’t met but I’m Jey and I was lookin’ for Angel. I been trying to call and she ain’t comin’ to the door.”
“Oh, yes…I’ve heard a lot about you, Jey. She ain’t here sweetie, should be on her way to her dad’s. His wedding is tomorrow, and she didn’t want to be rushing so she’s staying the night there.” I sighed in relief, knowing where she was.
“The wedding- I forgot that was comin’ up,” I mumbled as she came closer to me. “Breathe, son…. Seems like you got a lot on your mind,” she said as I nodded.
“I needed to talk to her, a lot of stuff been goin’ on.”
“I knew I hadn’t seen you around for a few weeks, but I didn’t want to pry,” she said raising an eyebrow at me as ran my fingers through my hair.
“I ju- I just wanted to tell her I miss her,” I whispered as Ms. Elana’s face softened. “Jey, you’re in love with Angel, aren’t you?” she smiled as I felt my heart swell.
“Yes, ma’am, I am,” I said without hesitation as the elevator dinged and I saw Brandon step out.
“Not again, I thought his ass got the point after I threatened to send his ass to morgue,” Ms. Elana said as I shot her a look of shock.
“Angel never told me he lived here,” I said watching him pull out a set of keys.
Ms. Elana's face hardened. "He don't stay here, honey. He comes to terrorize Angel, keeps trying to use his old keys knowing damn well she changed the locks months ago. He just won’t give up no matter how hard she tries to get him to leave her alone."
"Oh really?" I stepped closer, blood rushing in my ears as Brandon sneered at me, moving closer.
"Tells her nobody will ever love her. Says things about her that would break your heart." Her voice trembled.
Something snapped inside me. "Well, she ain’t gotta worry bout dat no more." I guided Ms. Elana to her door, my movements controlled despite the rage building in my chest. "Lock this door. Don't open it."
"Tonight gon’ be the last time he ever show his face here."
Brandon squared up. "What you doin' here?"
I stepped up to him. "Nah, what YOU doin' here? Angel don't want you comin’ round. Period."
"Angel, never knows what she wants," he smirked.
I moved even closer. "Listen real good, bruh. You come back here again, you so much as THINK about her, and I'll make sure you regret it."
His eyes flashed. "And what you gon' do about it?" The words barely left his mouth before his fist came flying towards me. I saw it coming and ducked.
In that moment, something primal erupted in my chest. All the rage I felt seeing him in her studio harassing her came rushing back. Then after hearing Ms. Elana I didn’t wanna imagine all the pain he put her through. I came up with a right hook that connected with his jaw, his head snapped sideways.
“What I shoulda’ did when I saw you in her studio dat day,” I hissed.
"You fuckin' crazy," he snarled. “She was mine first-”
"Well, she mine now and she ain’t gon’ never be yours again." I threw him against the wall punching him in his sides. Part of me wanted to walk away, be better than this, but this was overdue.
"You come near her again- even breathe her way-I’mma hurt chu." I grabbed him by the collar hitting him with a left hook, then another right as he fell down in a heap and I started kicking his bitch ass.
“I get it,” Brandon coughed as he balled up in a ball trying to protect himself from my kicks.
“That’s enough, Jey,” I heard Ms. Elana yell through the door as I ran my fingers through my hair, kneeling beside him.
“You come back..They gon’ be fishin’ for yo ass in the Hudson River? You understand?"
“Y- Yes,” he gasped trying to catch his breath as I stood up grabbing the back of his collar dragging him backward toward the elevator. His heels scraped against the floor.
My thumb jabbed the down button three times, hard enough to sting. I leaned close to his ear, close enough to smell fear-sweat rising off his skin.
"Every time you think about coming back here, or to Angel’s studio…Remember what I said." The words barely made it through my clenched teeth. He growled something, I twisted his arm up behind his shoulder blades.
“Let me hear you!” I yelled trying to make my point clear if he showed his ass up here again it was gon’ be consequences.
"I said I got it!!" he squealed. The elevator dinged. "Glad we could come to an understandin' like grown men." I released him with a shove that sent him stumbling into the back wall of the elevator. One hand braced against the metal rail, his chest heaving as he fought for air.
The doors closed as my knuckles began to throb. Ms. Elana peeked out, her face full of worry.
"Gone," I said, not trusting myself to say more.
“Hopefully he got the point,” she sighed, relieved. “I’m glad somebody kicked his ass.”
“He won’t’ be coming back to bother Angel or you are anymore and if he does, call the cops .”
Elana hugs me, her gentle touch calming my spirit that was raging as I wrapped my arms around her waist. I see why Angel spoke so highly of her. She had that mothering spirit.
“Everything will be ok, son” she whispered as I nodded.
“Thank you for sayin’ dat. I needed to hear it.”
“The wedding reception will be at Hudson Farms tomorrow at 2:00. I think Angel would really want to see you.” I pulled back slightly and smiled.
“No need to thank me, just make her happy son…She deserves it.”
“I will,” I assured her as we parted, and I waited until she locked her door before I left. Elana had dropped the location, now all I had to do was find something to wear tomorrow. After all, her dad did invite me to come anyway.
“I’m comin’, Ma…Don’t give up on me yet.”
Thank God, Dad had left the porch light on. Relief washed over me as I climbed the steps, fumbling for my key. I needed a hot shower and some sleep.
“Please be asleep,” I mumbled, finally getting the door open, the TV casting flickering blue shadows across the hallway. I kicked off my heels silently.
"Angel, baby- that you?" His voice cut through the gloom from the living room. “Damn.” I padded toward the sound, my stage makeup itching under tired eyes. He muted the infomercial he’d been half-watching, the sudden silence thick.
"Thought you’d be asleep," I mumbled, sinking onto the sofa beside him. "What you doing up, Daddy?" His arm slid around my shoulders instantly, warm and solid.
"I just wanted to talk to you before tomorrow. To tell you that I know you still mad at me, but I’m happy you decided to stay wit ya old man tonight," he murmured, pulling me close.
“Daddy, you know I love you.”
"I love you too baby but also wanted to make sure you made it safe. How did your show go?" His voice was gravelly with sleep. I melted into his embrace, the tension leaching from my spine.
“It went good daddy, everybody there seemed to really like it. And I’m not mad at you either, I’m actually looking forward to sleepin’ in my old room, and us having breakfast in the morning,” I confessed as he nodded.
“Me too,. I’m sorry I been slackin’, I shoulda done better by you Angel. I been talkin’ to Dee and I promise it’s gonna stop. This is your house too and I don’t want you to feel like it ain’t.”
“That means alot,” I whispered doing a double take in the dimly lit room, there above the mantal our portrait stared back at me. I felt my eyes water seeing it back in its original, rightful place.
“Daddy, you didn’t have to-”
“It never should have been taken down. I’m sorry baby.” He pulled me close, wrapping me up once in his comforting arms. For a moment, I was nine again, and nothing else mattered. A hug from my daddy would always take the pain away.
"What's wrong with my baby?" he asked softly, his hand rubbing circles on my back.
"Nothing," I mumbled, wiping a stray tear that escaped despite myself. "I'm just tired."
He chuckled, a low rumble in his chest. "Now, I know we ain't been the closest these past few years, Angel, but I know my daughter. That ain't just tired." He leaned back slightly, his eyes searching mine under the flickering blue TV light.
“I'm fine, daddy, really.”
“I won't pry no more but just know I’m here.”
“I know, daddy,” I whispered.
“Is Jey coming tomorrow?” he asked as I stilled in his arms.
“Dad, ion think so.” My dad nodded in understanding. “So, this is about Jey, then.. What happened?” His voice was calm, steady, the way it got when something serious needed fixing. He didn't let go, just waited.
"Life's just been... lifin', Daddy,” I sighed. "I like him, but-" The words tangled in my throat, thick with unshed tears.
He shifted, his arm tightening around me. "But what, baby? Talk to me ‘cause it seems you more than like him." His voice comforting.
"I do- It’s just, he's... everything. And me?" I gestured weakly at myself. "Look at me."
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
"Daddy, don't pretend I ain't... bigger than I used to be." The confession burned. "Why would someone like Jey want someone like me? Really?"
My dad’s frown deepened. He didn’t flinch or soften the truth. He leaned forward, turning me gently to face him fully under the TV’s flicker. "First off," he said, his voice low and iron-strong, "I love you and you are beautiful inside and out. You got your mama’s eyes… They never fail to light up every room you walk into, Angel. Your heart is bigger than this whole damn world, any man would be luck to call you his." He tapped my chest lightly.
“Why it’s so hard to believe a good man could see all that? Why you feel like Jey can’t love you?"
The raw sincerity cracked something open. I stared at the worn pattern on the sofa cushion, tracing a frayed thread. "Because nobody has besides you and mama,” I whispered. "Brandon was a disaster, he made sure I knew every day how ashamed he was of me. I mean we rarely went out, he’d pick apart everything-my voice, my clothes, my..." I couldn’t finish.
Dad’s jaw clenched. A muscle jumped near his temple. "That boy was fuckin’ poison," he spat. “A liar who didn’t deserve you." He cupped my chin, forcing my eyes up. "Listen good. Brandon tore you down ‘cause he knew he wasn’t fit to shine your damn shoes. He saw the light in you that he knew he didn’t deserve." His thumb brushed away a tear that escaped my eyes.
“I messed everything up tonight, and then I ran. I couldn’t even face Jey after I sang how I felt about him,” I whimpered.
"I don’t believe that, Angel. Now I don’t know what has happened with you and Jey, but I can tell you one thing I know for sure…..Jey ain’t Brandon, Angel. “
“It's complicated daddy,” I said wiping my tears.
My dad squeezed my hand. " I saw the way Jey looked at you that night you brought him for dinner, Angel."
"Yeah," I murmured, continuing to fight this internal battle within myself.
"Yes and you can't fake that kind of look, Angel. That boy loves you," his voice a gentle whisper.
I felt a lump forming in my throat, my eyes filling even more with tears. "Ugh, it’s not supposed to be this hard,” I whimpered as my dad pulled me into a bear hug, squeezing me tightly.
"Life can be hard, baby girl. But love...Love is simple when it’s with the right person." He kissed the top of my head. "Ya’ll will work it out.”
"I love you, Daddy," I whispered into his chest, feeling his heartbeat steady and strong. I had missed nights like this...Who am I kidding, I had needed this… I needed my daddy.
"I love you too, baby and no matter what you gon’ always be my little girl," he assured me as I nodded.
"Now, go on upstairs and get some sleep, we got a long day tomorrow.”
“Can I just stay down here with you?” I whispered as he caressed my face.
“You ain’t never gotta ask me that question, baby girl,” he whispered as I laid down, putting my head on his lap.
“That’s my baby…Close your eyes and get some rest, I’m right here.”
I got a room in the city last night, got up early this morning to go find me a suit for the trip and now I’m on the road. The venue was two hours away, thankfully Jimmy and Regina kept me company on the phone as I drove and I was almost there.
“Now even though I don’t like that bitch Dee, don’t go and screw up her wedding,” Regina’s voice echoed as I sighed.
“Regina, I swear I ain’t gonna make a scene. I just need to see her.”
“So, what’s the plan?” Jimmy asked. “I’m goin’ in to get my lady, what you mean?”
“I think he means what are you going to say?” Regina asked as I pinched the bridge of my nose.
“I’m just gonna be honest. I’mma tell her dat I miss her and I want to be with her.”
“That’s a good start, I know ya’ll gon work it out, twin. The way Angel was singing to yo ass last night, ya’ll gon’ be fine,” Jimmy said as I smiled to myself.
“I hope you right, I’mma let ya’ll go I’m comin’ up on the place. I gotta get myself together. Be safe out there on da road. Luv you, twin.”
“Good luck, Jey and give Angel my love,” Regina shouted before Jimmy hung up.
As I pulled in and parked, I saw the guests going in and out of the tent and a few posing for pictures under the simple wooden arch decorated with flowers. I had to admit it was a nice place.
“A’ight, don’t fuck this up, you love this woman..Just go tell her,” I mumbled, giving myself a peptalk as I got out, put on my suit jacket and headed towards the tent.
The reception was beautiful….I hated to say it but Dee had outdone herself. I sat down, my eyes scanning the room filled with unfamiliar faces. Suddenly my dad sat down in the seat beside me.
"You okay, baby girl?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern. I forced a smile, trying to push aside the storm of emotions swirling within me
"Yeah, Dad, just a bit tired still," I lied, hoping he wouldn’t pry further, I wanted him to enjoy his day.
As if on cue, Dee approached us, looking nervous. "Hey, hubby, can I talk to Angel for a sec?"
My dad looked at her questioningly, but I nodded. “Alright, I love you both, so be good,” he whispered kissing me on the temple before getting up and leaving.
“What you need Dee? I asked as she sat down in front of me.
"I just wanted to say I'm sorry for how I've been acting," Dee began, her eyes full of remorse. "I know I've been a bitch,
“Won’t catch me disagreeing-”
“I know but I just wanted to tell you that I promise I'm going to try to do better." I looked at her, surprised by the sincerity in her voice.
"Are you high, Dee? I mean daddy told me he talked to you, but this is like I’m in the twilight zone."
Dee chuckled. "Ok, I deserve that. But I'm serious, I'm really sorry about how I’ve been acting. It was uncalled for."
I felt the weight slowly lifting off my shoulders. "Thank you, that means alot,”
“I want to really try for us to at least be friends, Jey was right I was wrong. I know it’s not going to happen overnight after everything that has happened, but we can work on it.”
l sighed and gave her a small smile. “Wow, Dee, am I being punked right now?” l asked looking around in disbelief as Dee's smile grew, and she playfully shrugged her shoulders.
"Yes, i'm serious, Angel. I ain’t tryin’ to deal with Jey and yo’ daddy on my damn neck. Plus, I was wrong for judging you and criticizing you sweetheart. You’re a beautiful, headstrong woman and I can admit when I’m wrong, and I was wrong.”
“Yes, but we’ll talk later. You need to go get your man, girl. He looks like he's about to eat you up with his eyes from across the room."
"What? My man?” I followed Dee’s gaze and sure enough, there was Jey, standing at the tent entrance, looking like he just stepped outta a GQ magazine cover in his all-black suit. Our eyes met and I felt my cheeks heat up as he smiled nervously and began making his way towards us.
“I’mma leave ya’ll to it,” Dee whispered disappearing quickly as I stood up trying to get my nerves under control.
My heart was racing as he approached, and I couldn’t help but feel a little dizzy. "What are you doing here?" I managed to ask, trying to keep my voice steady as he now stood in front of me, looking nervous but determined.
"After singing to me like dat last night and disappearin’ on me, you know why I’m here, Angel.”
He took my hand, cutting me off. " I ain’t mad mama, jus listen to me.
I sighed taking a deep breath. “Ok, I’m listening.”
“I can't keep pretending, Angel. Not after last night. Not after these last few weeks."
My pulse quickened. "Pretending about what, Jey?"
Jey’s gaze was intense as he leaned closer. " I can't pretend that I ain’t in love wit you, that’s why I broke up with Vanessa last night.
“I love you, Angel. You all I can think about and I’m done fightin’ it, Ma. I wanna be witchu."
“Y- You love me?” I asked wide-eyed and confused, my dad was right..Hell, Jimmy andRegina was right..Jey loved me…. No, this wasn’t real…Girls like me don’t get the guy in the end, no matter how deserving.
“Why you say it like dat is so hard to believe. I love you, Angel, and I wanna be witchu?”
My heart was in my throat; I had to swallow before speaking again. Girls like me don’t get the guy, Jey.”
“Will you stop sayin’ dat shit, you perfect. Ain’t no such thing as girls like you..Get dat shit out ya head. I want chu, Angel..I want all of you, hell all I see is you, Ma.”
"But what about Vanessa? I want you to be sure. I don’t want to get hurt, Jey. I don’t want you to wake up one day and feel-"
He looked at me, his eyes filled with fierce certainty stopped me mid-sentence. "Feel what? Angel, I knew that night I left your apartment I had fucked up, but I didn’t know if you’d forgive me.”
I felt a rush of emotions, from shock to joy to fear. "What are you saying?" I sighed, fighting to comprehend that this was really happening as he caressed my face, pulling me close.
"I'm saying," Jey whispered, "I love you, and I want you to be mine. Angel, she’s my past…. You my present, and if you’ll have me, my future.”
The words sent a shiver down my spine as he gently kissed my forehead. He was really serious, my own feelings for him swelling in my chest, so big it was hard to breathe as the realization finally hit me.
"I love you too," I whispered as he smiled releasing the breath he was holding. “Thank God,” he sighed before claiming my lips in a searing passionate kiss, the opening chords of "So High" by John Legend suddenly filled the room.
As we parted, I blushed as Jey’s gaze found mine once again, a small smile playing on his lips.
I nodded as he grabbed my hand steering me onto the dance floor. As we began to sway to the rhythm, I couldn't help but feel like I was floating. This was really happening…
Baby since the day you came into my life
You made me realize that we were born to fly
You showed me everyday new possibilities
You proved my fantasy of love could really be
“You really came for me.”
“Damn sure did,” he whispered as I blushed getting lost in his beautiful brown eyes as we danced.
It was as if the world had stopped just for us, and all that mattered was the warmth of his arms around me.
Let's go to a place only lovers go
To a spot that we've never known
To the top of the clouds we're floating away yeah’
“I’m lovin’ this dress, Ma,” Jey whispered against my lips as I chuckled.
“Thank you, I didn’t know how it would go over wit everybody, but I loved it from the first time I saw it.”
“Shit, you look better than the bride,” he said as I shook my head.
“What I’m just tellin’ the truth, my girl is the most beautiful person here.”
I blushed again…His girl…I loved the sound of that. Out of nowhere we felt a gentle bump. We looked up and saw it was my dad and Dee who were now dancing next to us.
“Glad you could make it, son. I had a feelin’ you’d show up.”
“Thanks for the invite, sir. I wouldn’t miss it.”
"I’m glad, she missed you.”
“Daddy,” I gasped as he raised his arms in surrender.
“I’m just sayin’ baby,” he said as Jey kissed me on the temple.
“I missed her too,” Jey said without hesitation as I smiled in spite of my dad tellin’ my business.
“Well, ya’ll two lovebirds have fun, I owe my wife another dance.”
“Yes, you do,” Dee smiled as I secretly prayed, she would do right by my dad, or she was gon’ have to see me.
As he spun her around, he looked back at us. “Joshua, take care of my baby, she’s a good girl.”
Jey grinned, glancing down at me before looking back at my dad. "With my life, sir," he assured him, as my dad nodded, his eyes filled with approval before they disappeared into the crowd
I felt the weight of the moment, the craziness of it all, but I couldn’t deny the overwhelming feeling of joy that consumed me.
"This is crazy," I murmured. "You're here, with me, telling me you love me."
Jey leaned in, his lips lightly grazing mine. "Nothin' crazy bout lovin' you. And I promise being wit me you gon' figure that out quick."
(You've got me up so high) So high
(My shoes are scraping the sky) So high
(You've got me up so high) Oh
(My shoes are scraping the sky)
And then, as if the universe itself had conspired to bring us together, the music grew softer, more intimate. Jey’s arms tightened around my waist, as he pulled me closer, our bodies fitting together perfectly.
"I never knew love could feel like this," I confessed.
"Neither did I," he admitted. "And I'm glad I get to experience it witchu."
"I’m glad I get to experience it with you too."
I was happy….The happiest I had never been happier in my life, and it was all because Angel came into my life. This was it, I knew this was where I was supposed to be, and I couldn’t wait to fall even more in love with her.
“Thanks for comin’ for me,” Angel smiled as I smirked, dipping her without warning and kissing her with all the love and passion I had inside of me.
As we came up for air, her fingers caressed my face as our foreheads touched. “I’ll always come for you, Angel…Always,” I assured her, kissing her again more gently this time.
The music swelled around us as our bodies moved in sync, as we lost ourselves even more. "I think we've found our song," I murmured, a hint of a smile playing on my lips as I watched the emotions flit across Angel's face.
"You think?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper as I stared into her beautiful brown eyes, getting more lost.
Without missing a beat, I began to sing softly, my eyes never leaving hers. "Maybe later we can go up to the moon, or sail among the stars before the night is through."
A blush crept across her cheeks as she listened. I knew she understood and felt the same. "And when morning comes, we'll see the sun is not so far," I continued, "And we can't get much closer to God than where we are."
“Well, you better sing, Mr. Fatu,” Angel said as she leaned in, my forehead resting against hers as I blushed.
"Aye, I’m trying, I know it ain’t as beautiful as when you sang to me last night," I admitted as Angel's eyes sparkled with amusement as she shook her head.
"You doing alright," she said, her voice filled with affection.
"Alright, huh?" I said, raising an eyebrow. "I'll take that as a compliment."
"It's better than alright, it’s perfect,” she said smiling brightly at me.
“How perfect?” I asked as she shushed me with her angelic voice
Let's go to the moon, baby, yeah
I felt my heart swell; I couldn’t help but sing wit her. Horrible voice be damned. She indeed had me so damn high.
Let's go to the moon, baby
Our laughter filled the small space between us, a warm bubble of happiness in the midst of the wedding chaos. And then, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, I claimed her lips again.
" Then came you," I whispered against her mouth. Angel's smile grew even wider.
"And then came you," she murmured back, her voice a soft echo of my words.
Yes….I had finally got it right.
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