Chapter 6
Miki wasn’t in the mood for accompanying Redd to one of his friend’s house for the holiday. He insisted she come along. The only good thing was Kat and Toya would be there.
“What’s wrong Miki?” Kat asked bringing her red cup up to her mouth.
“Nothing,” Miki said sadly. She kept her eyes on Redd as he clowned with the other guys.
“What he do?”
“Made me come here, for one,” Miki retorted.
“You don’t wanna be here?” Kat asked.
“I’d rather be at my sister’s.”
“Then what would I do? Ain’t none of these bitches here my friend except Toya. And if that bug-eyed Powder looking hoe over there with Ox don’t stop watching me I’ma have to pop her in the throat. I can’t help it Toya invited me. Toya don’t know her.”
Miki snickered. She looked around the backyard. “Where my children at?”
“I think they all went inside.”
Miki leaned in closer to Kat and whispered, “I need to tell you something.”
“What?”
“I saw Bebe.”
Kat gasped then grinned. “When?”
“Saturday night.”
“Heifa, it’s Monday. Two days and you just now telling me?”
“I couldn’t tell you yesterday because Redd was home.”
Eager to hear more Kat asked, “Well?”
“It was good.”
Kat fell out in disbelief. “Nah bitch! Oh shit! Miki!”
Miki tried to get Kat to be quiet as she had drawn attention their way.
Kat whispered sneakily, “You fucked him?”
Miki nodded with a guilty grin.
Kat fell out again in disbelief. “I ain’t believing this shit!”
“Will you be quiet,” Miki hissed. Redd cut his eyes their way.
“Okay. I’m sorry,” Kat breathed. She whispered, “You gon’ see him again?”
“He wanna see me tomorrow but I don’t know how.”
“He can’t see you in the morning?”
“He works.”
“Where he work at?”
Miki shrugged. “I didn’t ask him.”
“What he drive?”
“A truck.”
“What kind of truck?”
“An older Silverado.”
“But he got a job right?”
“Yeah. He got his own house too. And he has custody of his little girl.”
“His own house?”
“I was over there.”
“He got a brother, cousin, a friend?”
Miki laughed. “I can ask him.”
“Who was that guy he was with that knew Redd?”
“I don’t know.”
“I’ve seen him around at other parties but you know Ox be right there so I can’t find out nothing,” Kat said. She sucked air through her teeth with aggravation. Her phone rang. She answered it. “Hey Mama...”
Miki looked in Redd’s direction. He wasn’t thinking about her anymore. He was into a game of dominoes.
Kat hung up. “You wanna ride with me over to my mama’s?”
“Redd ain’t gonna let me go.”
Kat grinned and winked her eye. “I got this.”
Miki watched Kat skip over to the men. She said something to Ox first then to Redd. She looked back at Miki. Redd glanced back at Miki. Ox gave Kat some money and she came skipping back to Miki. “C’mon girl ‘fore he change his mind.”
“Where you bitches going?” Toya asked as they dashed inside the house.
“Over my mama’s,” Kat replied. “We’ll be back.”
Miki went to get Téa, Chanta, and Montasia. Kat called for her two Nya and OJ.
Kat explained that where her mama was they had a couple of inflatable bouncers for the kids. It was Kat’s cousin’s little boy’s birthday party as well as a Labor Day cookout. Kat’s mother wouldn’t rest until she brought the kids. That was the only reason Redd gave in. For the kids.
The family gathering was at McArthur Park right next to McArthur Mansion. Miki didn’t expect it to be so many people but then again it was the Moores. They always went out for holidays and family gatherings.
The kids got excited when they saw the colorful inflatables.
Kat said, “Look at this shit. This bitch got a fuckin clown.”
Miki and the kids followed Kat through the cluster of people.
Random people were speaking to Kat.
Her cousin Shameka called, “Kat! C’mere heifa!”
“Where Kat?” Debra asked looking around.
Nya and OJ said in unison, “Granny!”
Debra spread her arms wide, “C’mere babies!”
“I was wondering when you was gonna show up,” Shameka said. She was preparing one of the picnic tables for the kids. “Hey Miki. You mean to tell me Redd let you go somewhere without him?”
Debra looked at Téa, “C’mere girl. You know you my grandbaby too.”
Joyce asked, “Debra, who lil girl is that?”
“Kat’s friend,” Debra said.
“Ain’t she cute,” Teresa said. Teresa was Debra’s sister in law who was also Shameka’s mother. Joyce was Teresa’s first cousin. Miki knew of Teresa but didn’t recognize Joyce.
Debra ushered the kids, “Y’all go play. And be careful!”
Miki turned her attention back to the younger women.
“Kat, you tell Ox where we were going?” Miki asked.
“Yeah. Why?”
Miki looked disappointed. She knew if they stayed gone too long Redd would come looking for her. She couldn’t never enjoy herself anywhere without him.
___________
Deja threw a piece of ice at her brother. “Snap out of it big head!”
Bebe wiped the water from his neck where the ice connected. “Damn Deja. That hurt.”
“You over there daydreaming,” Deja giggled.
“This nigga gone over a bitch,” Julius clowned.
“A girl Bebe?” Deja asked in a teasing tone.
“What girl?” Cyn asked.
Bebe waved them all off dismissively. He looked across the park for Kennedi and BJ. He saw BJ but not Kennedi. Maybe she was with his mother or Bless.
Cyn walked upon him. “You seeing somebody?”
“Whatchu care for?” Bebe asked a bit amused. Cyn was his sister’s best friend who act like she wanted to give up the goods but was only a big tease. Cyn was just how Bebe liked his women. Short, redbone, and thick. She had a cute face too but she reminded him of Stefani. She and Deja stayed in the club. Both were childless and carefree.
“I thought you were waiting on me,” Cyn said seductively sticking her chest out placing her hand on her hip.
“I am. Waiting for you to grow up so I can give you this dick.” Bebe said playfully.
Cyn rolled her eyes moving away from him, “See...that’s what I’m talking about.”
“Ay Bebe, you got a lighter?” Pooh asked.
“Naw. I don’t smoke,” Bebe said. Julius cut the music up in his SUV. A group of young females got excited and started dancing. Bebe knew they were doing a mating dance. Anything to get a man’s attention as if the tight ass shorts they had on wasn’t enough.
Cyn started swaying her hips from side to side. Her ass was looking good but Bebe had someone else on his mind.
Bebe stay posted up against Julius’ SUV enjoying the entertainment. He looked back across the park and saw Bless motioning the kids out of the bouncer. The kids were heading to the sheltered picnic tables. Kennedi got out and looked for her shoes. She looked around and started smiling. She walked over to another little girl and grabbed her hand. They both joined Bless.
Shameka called from the shelter, “Carlos! Y’all come sing happy birthday to my baby!”
“Is she serious?” Pooh asked.
Bebe chuckled, “C’mon man. If it was your child you’d want everybody to participate too.”
Julius added, “Yeah nigga, it’s for the kids.”
“Y’all know how Shameka is,” Carlos sighed.
Bebe was held back by Yolanda. “Let me holla at you Bebe.”
She pressed up against him. Bebe smiled, “It took you long enough to say something.”
“Well you had that lil girl in your face,” Yolanda said glancing in Cyn and Deja’s direction.
“What’s up?” he asked as they began walking.
“You,” she said seductively.
“What you want girl?”
“You know what I want.”
“I ain’t fucking with you like that Yoyo.”
“Why not?”
“Cause you don’t know what you want.” When the words left his mouth Bebe realized he was falling for yet another woman in a similar situation as Yolanda. Like Miki, Yolanda had somebody at home but she couldn’t stay away from Bebe. He ended it because he wanted something more. He wanted his own woman. Bebe always ended up with women who couldn’t and wouldn’t commit.
When Bebe made it to the crowded shelter he noticed the little girl sitting beside Kennedi was the same little girl whose hand she had been holding. The little girl was Téa. He immediately searched for Miki.
Miki already had her eyes on Bebe. When she saw Kennedi, she searched for him. Kennedi called Joyce her “Grandmama” so Miki assumed Joyce was Bebe’s mother. She could see the resemblance now.
Miki spotted Bebe before him and the others made it to the shelter. He looked incredibly delicious in his black cap sitting on his head just so and cocked to the side. He wore a square neck black tank with fawn colored shorts that rested on his hips. His bow legs gave him a swag like his dick was too big. Miki screamed on the inside. Remembering Saturday night gave Miki an orgasmic rush throughout her body.
Bebe locked his eyes on her. She was absolutely beautiful. Her twists were piled up on her head in a bun. Her neck appeared slender and delicate. Her narrow shoulders were exposed in the multi-animal print strapless maxi dress. Her breasts sat up full and round. The dress draped over her curves still giving away how shapely she was. How could a waist that small lug around an ass so big?
Everybody sang Happy Birthday except Bebe and Miki. Nothing matter at the moment except wanting to be with each other.
Kat whispered in Miki’s ear, “Ain’t that him?”
Miki nodded.
“Play it off. There’s people here that know Ox and Redd. They will run back and tell.”
Miki nodded.
After the singing and cheering Miki coolly followed Kat around the shelter where Bebe was with a group of young adults.
“What’s up Kat?” Pooh said. “I didn’t know you was here. Where Ox?”
“He at Ronnie’s but I don’t keep up with that nigga like that,” Kat said. “Mama asked me to bring the kids by though.” She looked at Bebe. “Who you kin to?”
“You know Bebe?” Pooh asked.
Deja walked over, “Hey Kat!”
“Hey Deja,” Kat said.
“You know Deja too?” Pooh asked.
“She do my hair,” Deja answered. “And...Let me make sure I get this right. Kat’s mama’s brother is Shameka’s daddy and Shameka’s mama is our mama’s cousin. Did I say it right?”
“So, we share a couple of cousins,” Bebe said to Kat.
Kat asked, “You’re Deja’s brother?”
“Blyss. He’s Bless’ twin,” Deja answered.
Kat was amazed. “Okay, why was I thinking Silas was your only brother?”
Deja laughed. “Kat your mind be on a million things at once.”
Téa came up to Miki, “Mommy, I gotta use it.”
Miki walked off to tend to Téa.
Pooh asked, “Who your friend?”
Before Kat could answer Julius said, “Nigga that’s Redd lady.”
“Who?” Pooh asked.
“Redd, the one that own the shop Kat work at. And he own the club,” Julius said.
“I ain’t never seen him with her,” Pooh said.
Kat said, “That’s because he keep her under lock and key. Give it a few minutes. If I don’t get her back to his ass he’ll be riding through here.” She shot Bebe a look.
Bebe got the picture. He wouldn’t intentionally cause trouble for Miki. He looked toward the restrooms. How could he talk to her without anyone suspecting anything?
__________
Miki didn’t know who the girl was with the coochie cutting capris on and the long Tamar Braxton weave, but Miki wanted her to stop touching on Bebe. It seemed like Bebe was enjoying the attention too. As a matter of fact, she wasn’t the only one all over him.
The more she watched Bebe she realized that even if she got with him the idea that he was so popular with the ladies was a threat to Miki’s security. He would be just like Redd except he wouldn’t hit on her. But then again Miki wasn’t sure if Bebe would or wouldn’t. She didn’t know him that well. Redd didn’t show his true colors until eight months down the line.
Kat hurried over to Miki. “I knew it! C’mon, let’s go!”
“What?” Miki asked confused by Kat’s behavior.
“Them mothafuckas are here!” Kat said. She pulled on Miki. “Get up. Let’s go over here by the kids.”
Miki heard the loud base of Ox’s sound system getting closer.
“Shit.”
“What is it?” Shameka asked.
“It’s Ox and Redd,” Kat said.
Miki and Kat hurried over to where the kids and the older women were sitting. Debra said dryly, “That boy must be here.”
“Who?” Joyce asked.
“Her boyfriend,” Debra said with a frown. She gestured toward Miki.
Joyce chuckled, “Whatchu move for?”
“So he won’t trip,” Miki said quietly.
Joyce lowered her voice, “You must gotchu one of them crazy ones.”
“Crazy don’t even come close,” Miki said under her breath.
“You’re such a pretty girl. It’s a shame you gotta deal with a nut,” Joyce tsked. She lowered her voice even more. “You know my son?”
“Who’s your son?” Miki asked although she already knew the answer.
“Bebe.”
“No, I don’t,” Miki lied.
Joyce gave Miki a knowing grin. “I know better. I know my son. I know desire in a woman’s eyes too.”
Miki’s mouth dropped open. “What are you saying?”
Joyce chuckled, “I’m saying, y’all know each other or you wanna know each other.”
Miki put her finger up to her lips. “Be quiet lady.”
Joyce laughed louder. She kept her eyes on the big light skinned guy approaching too. Joyce said, “Your daughter looks just like her daddy.”
“I know--Wait! Is he here?” Miki asked in a panicked tone.
“Mmm hmm. So, your daughter and my granddaughter are in the same class?”
“Yeah...how far is he?” Miki asked.
Joyce’s eyes traveled over Miki’s head. Miki knew Redd was behind her.
“Get the kids and let’s go,” Redd ordered.
Miki twisted around to look up at Redd. “Hey baby. I didn’t know you were coming. When you get here?”
“Bring your ass on,” he growled.
Kat said, “Redd I was bringing her back.”
“You said thirty minutes.”
“But the kids are having a good time. And they had to get some cake,” Kat argued.
Redd ignored Kat. He snapped on Miki, “How come the fuck you ain’t moving? Getcho mothafuckin ass up!”
Miki realized that just about everybody was silently watching them as she stood to her feet. She was embarrassed as always.
She brushed past him to retrieve the three girls. Téa started to tear up. Her voice came out tiny, “Mama, I don’t wanna leave.”
“I know baby,” Miki said with defeat. “Just come on.”
Miki held Téa’s and Chanta’s hands while Montasia walked behind them. Miki didn’t bother looking back. It didn’t matter because Redd was right on her. “You got an attitude Miki?”
“No. We getting in Ox’s car?”
“Stop walking.”
“For what?”
Redd grabbed her by the back of the neck. “Why you wanna keep trying me?”
Téa started crying. Miki pleaded, “I’m not trying you.”
He released her pushing her forward at the same time. “Just getcho ass in the car! And shut up Téa!”
Téa clung to Miki’s leg. How can I protect you when I can’t protect myself, Miki thought.