Chance
“One more, mama.”
My mother shot me the meanest side eye, but I wasn’t going to take it easy on her since I knew how important it was for her to rehabilitate her leg properly if she expected to get back to normal. And since it wasn’t like she could chase after me with a belt the way she used to do back in the day, I had no problem being a little tough with her when I said, “One more now, or ten more later when I make you start all the way over.”
She huffed like she was annoyed with me, but still gave it everything she had to do one more ten-second stretch that would ensure she wouldn’t lose too much of the mobility in her ankle while the largest fracture continued to heal. And since the doctor claimed she was ahead of schedule thanks to the extra physical therapy we had been doing, I felt proud as I cheered, “Good job, woman.”
Of course she brushed me off, rolling her eyes when she said, “Yeah, yeah, yeah whatever.”
I could only laugh as I grabbed her walking boot for her, getting her back strapped in before giving her a rundown on what had been going on back at the house. “The team said the house was only about sixty-percent livable when they got in, so probably more like fifty-percent before the work I was able to do on it. But they should be able to finish getting it up to code within the next few weeks.”
“It should’ve already been up to code according to the guy I worked with to find it,” she replied, just the mention of whoever he was enough to make me angry since he had clearly gotten over on my mom. And of course we hadn’t been able to get in touch with him since the accident, the guy going completely ghost like only a con artist would.
My mother refused to believe it, but I reminded her anyway when I corrected, “You mean, the scammer who sold you a dangerous house for cheap and probably made a killing because he bought it for much cheaper?”
She scoffed. “Anyway. Can you take me by there? I need to get a few things. Annie’s been more than generous, but I hate to keep asking her for everything.”
I could pretty much assume my mother was just itching to get out of the house for something other than a doctor’s appointment, especially since I knew Miss. Annie had been making runs to the house at least twice a week. Still, I granted her wish, helping her out of the house and into my car to make what I hoped would be a quick trip.
But just because it was supposed to be a quick trip didn’t mean it wasn’t going to come with a little drama, my mother holding up a pair of earrings she had found in the cup holder as she said, “These are pretty. I wonder who they belong to…”
My first instinct was to make up some story to cover them up, but I quickly realized there was no longer a need for it since Londyn and I had decided to really be together. And the fact that she had left her earrings behind, an obvious sign to mark her territory, only made me smile when I finally told my mother, “They’re Londyn’s. We’re uh... seeing each other now.”
I shouldn’t have been surprised when my mother damn near hopped out of her seat to screech, “What?! Since when? How did I miss all of this?”
“Relax, mama. It just happened. She came with me to the city when I went up to get my stuff and we’ve been serious ever since,” I explained without needing to mention everything that had led up to that point.
All the back and forth.
All the teasing.
All the… fuckin’.
Just thinking about all the sex Londyn and I had been having made me shiver, though my mother was still caught up on the trip part of the equation when she gushed, “Well look at my handsome son being all romantic, going on post-Valentine’s Day getaways.”
While I hadn’t at all connected the trip to the holiday, it must’ve been the leftover love in the air that made it so easy to be caught up in the moment, to savor every second, to absorb everything Londyn. Or maybe it was the fact that she felt so much more relaxed with us being in a different city, able to completely let her hair down and be mine without watching over her shoulder for her brother.
“Probably why she didn’t want to come back,” I thought, still in disbelief that I hadn’t been able to get in touch with Eric since the day we got back. And even when I tried to get the word through M.J., I learned it was a lost cause since Eric apparently wouldn’t even speak on my name.
As if she could read my mind, my mother asked, “How does Eric feel about you two? I know you’re his friend. But ever since Londyn’s father did that time, Eric acts like he’s her dang daddy.”
I had never put two and two together before, assuming Eric’s overprotective attitude was simply tied to his role as big brother. But knowing that it was a little more deeply rooted than that due to Londyn’s father being absent for a while helped things make more sense as I answered, “He uh… wasn’t too happy about it. Called me a snake for pursuing her behind his back as if he would’ve taken it more kindly had I done it right in his face.”
My mother didn’t seem too surprised to hear it, sucking her teeth before she replied, “Either way, Londyn is grown enough to live her own life and make her own decisions. It’s really none of his business what y’all have going on.”
I nodded to agree, pulling onto her street as she continued, “But while we’re on the topic of being in other people’s business, I should probably warn you that I…”
The second I saw Michelle standing outside of her car parked in the driveway, I rolled my eyes, taking my foot off the gas to coast to buy myself some time. “Seriously, ma? You were still on this? And here I thought I was doing you a favor by bringing you over here…”
“I thought I was doing you a favor too! But little did I know, you and little LoLo were already on the go-go,” she replied with a corny little bounce of her shoulders that only moms could get away with. But just because she was in a jokey mood didn’t mean I was going to join her, making my annoyance clear when I put the car in park and didn’t move right away.
As if me parking was her cue, Michelle made her way to the passenger’s side, opening the door for my mother as she gushed, “Looking better already, Miss. Ellen.”
My mother tossed a hand her way that made her step back, opting to use her crutches instead of Michelle’s outstretched arms. “Girl, hush. I hurt my leg, not my face.”
“Right,” Michelle replied with more of a breathy whisper, turning her attention to me to say, “Hey Chance. You’re looking as good as usual.”
“Yeah, my girl thinks so too,” I told her nonchalantly, immediately cutting off any little ideas she might’ve come over here with.
But the same way it had been news for my mother, it was news for her too, her eyes going wide as she pushed out, “Your… what?”
“I’ll take the fall for this one, baby,” My mother interjected, crutching a little closer to Michelle so she could tell her, “Chance has a girlfriend now who I absolutely adore so… you can go home.”
Hearing that my mother adored Londyn only made me feel even better about my decision, though Michelle wasn’t nearly as enthused when she huffed, “Excuse me? You’re the one who invited me over here!”
I thought about stepping in since she called herself getting loud with my mom, but I knew Ellen Washington - even on crutches - could hold her own, her tone especially slick as she replied, “And now I’m the one telling you to leave. Trust me, it’s better coming from me than Londyn. I’m sure she wouldn’t be nearly as kind about it.”
Knowing my girl and knowing the two had already had a little run-in before only had me nodding to agree since… Londyn didn’t play that shit. She was a fireball by nature, willing to do just about anything to get her way; even when it came to me. But it was the name drop that seemed to make Michelle even more upset. “Londyn? Your girlfriend is Londyn? Eric’s little sister?”
“Nah, it’s just Londyn,” I answered with a scowl, knowing how much Londyn hated being tied to him as if she couldn’t stand on her own.
She could and she did, and it didn’t matter what people like Michelle thought. But I was still sure to tell her, “No hard feelings though, Michelle. I appreciate all your help.”
“Whatever,” she grumbled, stomping off towards her car as she muttered, “Ruined too many good manicures for this shit…”
My mother and I watched together as she sped off, the confrontation enough to have me shaking my head when I asked, “Do you really have some stuff to grab, or was that just your alibi to get me over here?”
“No, I really do. It was a two-for-one. I’ll make it quick though,” she insisted, already crutching inside as I stayed a few steps behind.
I was glad to see the team had areas they deemed dangerous blocked off, but I still couldn’t help warning, “Please don’t. Last time you were in a rush, you ended up like this.”
“Boy, hush!” she shouted, making her way up the stairs one at a time the way the real physical therapist had shown her. And since I could pretty much assume she’d make it up alright with how careful she was being, I took a moment to check my phone, my grin growing wide once I saw a text notification from the one partially-responsible for all the uproar.
“I want youuuuu.” - Baby
“I’m with my mom right now, but I can slide through when I’m done.” - Chance
“Pleaseeeeee.” - Baby
“This girl…” I whispered with a chuckle, knowing exactly what her begging meant. And it was honestly a little ironic since the girl who had once been all about having her space had transformed into the one who wanted me around all the time.
I loved it.
I didn’t get a chance to respond once I heard my mom making her way back down the stairs, putting my phone away to grab the little bag she had put together from her hand before helping her down. And I would’ve been lying if I didn’t have a little extra pep in my step with Londyn in my head, rushing us out of the house and back to Miss. Annie’s to drop her off. But my hope for a seamless transition was cut short since the first thing out of my mother’s mouth when we walked in was, “Annie, you will not believe what I just learned.”
“The man who sold you that house finally got arrested for being a fraud?” Miss. Annie asked with a scowl that turned into more of a teasing grin when she pulled me into a quick hug.
My mother rolled her eyes as she huffed, “No.” But her excitement instantly returned when she answered, “Your Londyn and my Chance are a couple now!”
I expected Miss. Annie to give an overly enthusiastic response the same way she had earlier. But to my surprise, she only tossed a hand her way. “Oh girl, I’ve been known that. You didn’t see their little unveiling on Instagram?”
“Instagram? You know I don’t mess with all of that technological stuff like you.”
“Mmhm. I saw that picture and sent it to almost everyone I knew. Guess I forgot to add you to the list since you’ve been here,” Miss. Annie replied casually as if her blasting us out to her contact list was anything normal. But the mention was enough to make my ears perk up since...
“Wait. So you’re the one who sent it to Eric?”
She shrugged, helping my mom get set up in her living room as she answered, “I figured he already knew, but apparently not considering all the angry emojis he replied with.”
“Yeah. He didn’t take it too well,” I told her, not wanting to get into details since I was really hoping it would all blow over soon.
Miss. Annie didn’t seem at all surprised to hear about her son, shaking her head in remorse when she said, “My boy has always been an emotional one; just like his father. But anyway… you’re coming to Londyn’s birthday party, right? You know I have to go all out for my baby girl.”
Since I knew Miss. Annie could throw one hell of a party and this one was on behalf of my woman, I was honestly a little excited to tell her, “Of course I’ll be there. Can’t wait to see what you put together.” And as if she could hear us talking about her, my phone buzzed with a text from the guest of honor.
“Still coming?” - Baby
I didn’t bother responding, turning my attention back to my mother and Miss. Annie as I told them, “But let me get out of y’all's way. I know y’all probably got some gossiping or somethin’ to do.”
Miss. Annie bust out laughing, brushing me off when she said, “Boy, please. That’s a Miller woman you’re dealing with. And trust me, you’re doing the right thing by rushing on out of here on her command.”
“I know that’s right…” my mother cosigned, the two women making me blush as I bid them a goodbye.
In what felt like no time at all, I was pulling up to Londyn’s house, parking in my usual spot behind the right side of the garage before skipping up the porch to knock on the door. And once she pulled it open, I couldn’t help the appreciative smirk that grew on my face in response to her looking sexy as hell. But her bare ears reminded me to pull the pair of earrings she had left in my car from my pocket, dangling them in my hand when I said, “You left these in my car.”
“I know,” she replied with a grin before snatching them from my hand and taking me with her inside.
“What you already all dressed up for?” I asked, knowing what she had been begging for earlier didn’t exactly require clothes.
She was already back in front of her vanity mirror, putting the earrings away to exchange for the ones she planned to wear tonight as she answered, “Getting ready to meet up with Khalid for drinks, which was why I asked were you still coming. When you didn’t text back, I figured you had gotten caught up with your mom so I started getting dressed.”
“My bad. Figured I’d just make my way straight over here instead. And I’m glad I did, cause you aren’t going anywhere looking this damn good,” I told her, wrapping her in an embrace from behind before diving face first into the crook of her neck that had already been splashed with perfume.
I inhaled a greedy whiff that made her giggle when she replied, “I definitely am. But you’re more than welcome to join us.”
“And be a third wheel on y’all little date? Nah, I’m straight.”
I was mostly teasing since I really didn’t have a problem with her little bestie anymore. But even my pretend attitude was enough for her to yell, “Oh, come on! It’s not a date. I have a man and his name is not Khalid.”
“What’s his name then?” I asked with a grin, loving to hear her claim me the way I claimed her at any chance I had.
Instead of giving me what I wanted, she gnawed at her lip and sang, “I’m not telling you.”
“How about I make you tell me?” I asked, nipping at her ear as I slipped my hand towards the hem of her dress.
Even though she moaned in response, her hand clasped on top of mine to stop me from pulling it up. “I don’t have time for that anymore, babe.”
“Like hell you don’t,” I told her, getting a firm grip on the fabric and giving it a yank.
The sexy smirk she gave in response to my aggression told me her plans had suddenly changed as I stepped back just enough to get rid of my pants while she stepped out of her panties. Then she went for her nightstand drawer, sifting around for a moment before she hissed, “Shit. I meant to pick up more condoms when I went to the store earlier. Do you have one?”
I could already feel myself deflating when I answered, “No, cause you always do.”
She held up her hand to say, “Hold on.” Reaching for her phone and scrolling through for a moment as I waited on semi-hard to see what was so important. “My period tracker says I’m at my least fertile, but how’s your pull out game?”
“Undefeated, baby,” I replied with a smirk, knowing my stats were only so good because unprotected sex wasn’t something I engaged in often.
But I suppose there was no better time than the present to add to my record once Londyn licked her lips to gush, “Guess we’ll find out.”
With her dress bunched around her waist, she made her way back to the vanity, grabbing onto the edge as she bent over. And while she was probably expecting me to slide right in, I did her one better, dropping to my knees and spreading her wide so I could lick everything I had access to.
“Oh fuck,” she groaned, her knees buckling a little once I covered her pussy with my mouth, teasing her clit with quick flicks of my tongue from behind before giving it a full suck. Then I bounced back and forth between her pussy and asshole, the extra attention driving her crazy as she shriveled against the edge while begging me not to stop.
I wasn’t going to stop, not until I got an answer to my question. And now that we were going without a condom, I was even more anxious than usual, praying to God I wouldn’t bust quick once I made it there. But for now I was taking my time, giving her the type of determined pleasure she usually gave me, my face covered in her juices by the time I finally stood back up.
She was already panting, but her breath was completely snatched the second I slipped inside of her - hell, both of our breaths were snatched since the shit felt so damn good. And once again, I was determined to please, hitting her with deep, steady strokes as I watched her crumble in the mirror.
It was beautiful.
“Tell me his name, baby,” I growled, not forgetting my original mission as I grabbed her hips to keep her where I wanted her while I continued to pound her from behind.
Her eyes were tight as she struggled to push out, “His name… is Chance.”
“What?” I barked, giving her a deeper stroke as punishment for not saying it loud enough that made her scream.
“Chance!” she yelled, her pussy beginning to throb and gush around me as I felt myself on the verge of my own release.
But I needed to hear it one more time, stroking her through her orgasm as I growled, “What’s my fuckin’ name?”
It came out as more of a chant identical with the strokes I was still delivering. “Chance, Chance, Chance…” And clearly my pull out game was a little rustier than I thought since I just barely made it out of her in time, my seed spraying onto her ass cheeks as I stroked myself empty.
Again, beautiful.
I left her there to grab a rag to clean her up, coming back to find her turned around as she peeked over her shoulder to look at her butt in the mirror. And while I wanted to laugh, I held off to hear her announce, “So… gonna start paying attention to the tracker more often. Because, that shit? I don’t even know if I can wear heels tonight after that.”
“You got it, baby. Put them heels on for me,” I told her, wiping her clean before giving her ass a smack that made her giggle.
Then I focused on getting myself cleaned up and back dressed while she went to her closet and asked, “So you’re really coming?”
“I guess since my friend is still mad at me, I gotta borrow yours,” I replied, shaking my head as I wondered how long this little feud would last.
In my opinion, it had already gone on too long.
With a new dress in her hand, Londyn stepped out of the old one and grunted, “Ugh. Don’t remind me. I still don’t know who sent him that picture.”
While the sight of her in just a bra and nothing else was enough to interrupt my train of thought, her moving to grab a new pair of panties from her dresser gave me a chance to answer, “Your mom.”
“What?”
“It was your mom who sent him that screenshot,” I clarified, the information shocking her the same way it had shocked me.
But I quickly learned Londyn was shocked for a different reason when she said, “I didn’t even know she knew how to screenshot.”
“Ol’ Stevie must’ve taught her a little somethin’,” I replied teasingly, thinking back to the officer who seemed to pop up at the most random times.
Even if it was none of our business, that didn’t stop Londyn was groaning, “Gross.” Before turning her back to me to ask, “Zip me up, please.”
Somehow the new dress looked even better on her than the one before it, the thin straps leaving her shoulders mostly bare in a way that begged me to kiss each of them before telling her, “You’re so damn beautiful, Londyn.”
I could see her blushing through the mirror as she sang, “Thanks, babe.”
It was all fun and games to do the sweet shit, let her be all cute and lovey-dovey. But the second I zipped her up was the same second I got the full effect of her dress that seemed to fit in all the right places, making my mouth water as if I hadn’t already gotten a mouthful of her.
“Take this off so we can go for round two,” I teased, poking at her zipper as she yanked away from me.
“We have to go,” she whined, opting for a pair of boots since her legs apparently couldn’t stand to do heels after our quickie. But they still made her calves look… lickable, which meant we really had to go before I started more trouble.
I helped her into her jacket as she continued, “Khalid’s probably already there waiting on me, but you just had to get some.”
“You started it,” I reminded her, thinking back to the text that had kicked things off. A text I would always, always be ready to take action on no matter how many times she sent it.
Of course, she only smirked at that. “I did. And I have no regrets.”
“Yeah I bet,” I teased, pinching her ass on our way out of the house. And it wasn’t until we were in the car that I realized this was the first time we’d really be seen out as a couple here, that fact making the night a little more special as I reached over the center console to rest my hand against her thigh for the drive.
She seemed satisfied with the silent ride, though once we got to the spot, I wondered if she was just using the time to get her head right since it was clear Khalid wasn’t expecting me to tag along. But instead of letting things be awkward, I decided to be the bigger person, stepping up to him to say, “I feel like we might’ve gotten off on the wrong foot. But any friend of my lady is a friend of mine, so…”
I didn’t even get to finish my little spiel, Khalid cutting me off with a grip and hug as he replied, “Bruh, you’ve always been good with me.”
“Well that was easy,” I thought, catching Londyn wipe her fake tears while she watched us have a moment. “Wow. I could just cry. But I’d rather drink instead.”
“Want me to get you…” Khalid and I said simultaneously before glancing at each other in surprise.
Our little word collision only made Londyn laugh as she insisted, “I’ll get my own. But thanks.” And once she took off towards the bar, Khalid was sure to clear the air.
“I didn’t mean to step on your toes or anything like that. Just used to taking care of my homie like a gentleman would,” he said, something I would’ve been foolish to get bent out of shape about.
So I didn’t, brushing him off as I replied, “No sweat. I respect it. And leave it to Londyn to put us both in our place, right?”
The breathy chuckle he gave in response was way too familiar. “Man. Girl is a handful with spillage. Godspeed to your relationship, bruh. Straight up.”
I joined him in a laugh, knowing good and well I could use all the blessings I could get dealing with her. But considering this was probably the only time Khalid and I would be alone, I decided to use the opportunity to get one of my burning questions answered, posing it casually when I started, “I already asked Londyn about this, but I’m interested to hear from you too.”
That got his attention as he looked my way while I continued, “Why you ain’t lock that down? I mean, it’s not like you haven’t been in position to.”
The heavy sigh he immediately let out in response made me nervous. But I played it cool, waiting for him to answer, “Honestly, bruh. Londyn is… she’s always been on her shit, right. But me? I’ve been kinda wishy-washy, on and off, still trying to figure this life shit out. So long story short, Londyn’s always been too good for me. I knew that from the beginning and wasn’t about to let my lame ass interfere with her greatness.”
“But you’re on now, so…”
He shrugged. “I’m making strides, yeah. And I have Londyn to thank for that, always inspiring me to want more for myself and lending any hand she can to help me get there. But, nah. She deserves a nigga with his shit together like you.”
I could appreciate his honesty - and his compliment - but it still wasn’t exactly making things clear enough for me not to straight out ask, “So you don’t have any feelings for her?”
This time, he laughed when he answered, “Nah, that’s family. Plus, I know too much now. LoLo is lowkey Lo-Co.”
“Godspeed, right?” I reminded him with a chuckle of my own since I was the one stepping up to deal with her crazy ass.
But it was a role I was proud to have, only made prouder when Khalid said, “She’s a good woman though, bruh. I know you know that, but… take care of her, for real. Cause if you treat her right, she’s gonna give you that back times a trillion.”
“I’m already knowin’,” I agreed with a nod, peeking past him towards the door when I saw a familiar face walk in. A face I assumed Khalid would be happy to see when I nudged him to say, “Hey, ain’t that the chick you been checkin’ for? Jayla, right?”
He turned around to confirm and his plain expression instantly transformed into panic. “Aww damn. I gotta go,” he said, getting ready to step out just as Londyn returned, stopping him in his tracks with a hand to his chest once she saw he was on the move.
“And where do you think you’re going?” she asked, her face confused until Khalid nodded towards where Jayla was standing. And once Londyn caught on, she gushed, “Jesus, does that woman have a single flaw? I’m about to invite her over here.”
She was already taking off in Jayla’s direction when Khalid caught her by the arm to stop her. “Londyn, don’t play. I’m about to get outta here, for real.”
“But why? It’s about time for you to break the ice with her anyway,” Londyn insisted, getting ready to tug away again until Khalid got a little more stern.
“I’ll do it when I’m good and ready to,” he told her, his face the most serious I had ever seen it in the few times we had come in contact.
Since I understood him wanting to do things his own way, on his own time, it only felt right to back him up, wrapping my arm around Londyn’s shoulder when I told her, “Let the man be, baby. He said he’ll get at her when he’s ready to.”
Khalid seemed relieved to have my support, though Londyn took it personal as she peeked up at me with furrowed eyebrows. “Now you’re on his side?”
It might’ve seemed strange since Khalid and I were still getting familiar, but the circumstances allowed me to answer, “I sure am. Now what you gonna do about it?”
I expected her to start some trouble, do what she wanted to and make a point of going after Jayla anyway. But I suppose seeing two of the most important men in her life get along was too good of a moment for her to combat since the only thing she replied was, “Nothing but rejoice and be glad in it.”