She Fell For A Boss: An Urban Love Tale (16 page)

Yami burst out laughing. “Oh my God, I’m sorry, but I don't miss that. You can have it.”

“I love her, Yami, I swear, but she has me blocking her calls and hiding when I hear somebody knocking on my door. She doesn't know what to do with herself since you and Ray moved out, and I’m not the one to help her figure that shit out.”

“Well, neither am I.”

Yami sat down in her sister’s style chair and watched as she got ready for her next appointment.

“So, I guess you really like this guy then?” Yaz said randomly.

Yami shrugged. “Yeah, I guess. He’s cool.”

“He’s cool?” Yaz questioned with a confused look. “Yami, you don't just move in with somebody that you’re just cool with. You live with him, right?” She had to ask since she and Yami hadn’t really talked in the past month. Yaz knew her sister had moved out of her mom’s apartment, but to be perfectly honest, she didn't know where her sister and niece were living.

“Yes, but I guess you can say he lives with me. The apartment he bought is in my name.” Yami watched her sister’s face for a reaction.

“That nigga bought you an apartment and a car? What the fuck, Yami?”

Yami looked around because her sister had damn near yelled it. A few of the people in the shop glanced at them but went right back to what they were doing.

“He just didn't want it in his name.” Yami shrugged. “But I mean, really it's his. I would never fight him for it. He bought it.”

“See, that right there is why you don't need to deal with a man like that. I swear I wonder about you sometimes. So you have a man that bought you a nice ass car and an apartment, but you're sitting here saying you wouldn't fight him over it. Shit, Yami, you don't have to. It belongs to you.”

“He’s not my man. Well, I mean, not really. And why would I? I’m not with him for that.”

“What do you mean he’s not your man? You live there don't you, he’s buying you shit, expensive shit, and he’s playing house with your daughter? That’s your damn man, Yami, and from what I've heard about him, he don't do shit like that. He’s only ever taken care of one other person, some hoe ass trick named Kia, and even then he wasn't living with her ass. I know I wasn't on board at first, but man, if he’s doing it like that and treating you right, then fuck it. Do your thing.”

Yami rolled her eyes at her sister. It was just like her to be focused on dollar signs. Yami didn't care about any of that, she just wanted someone who respected her enough to treat her right. She felt like she was worth that, and Black never would, so if Miego was willing to be that for her, then she was willing to give him a chance.

“I mean exactly what I said, he’s not my man. Hell, we might as well be roommates. I have my own room and he has his. I’m not jumping into anything, even you said that. I don't care what he spends his money on and you shouldn't either.”

Yaz looked at her sister like she was crazy. “You have your own room? So let me get this straight. He bought you an apartment, put it in your name, bought you a car, and you can't even tell me what that nigga’s dick game is like? That don't make sense, Yami.”

“Well, it's true, so I don't know what to tell you. I told him I wanted to take things slow and he agreed. I mean it’s not like I don't know he wants to because he does, but right now, we’re just kind of figuring things out.”

“I’m not even going to touch that, but I will say this. You might be figuring shit out, but trust me when I say he damn sure knows what he wants, and you better make sure he gets it soon if you like that little set up you have,” Yaz said and rolled her eyes. “What about Black? Has he seen Ray lately? What did he say about the two of you living with him?”

The look on Yami’s face gave Yaz her answer. “Yami, that’s the wrong move. Don't keep Ray from him. You know how he is about her. I can't believe you would even be stupid enough to do that.” And just like that, Yaz had gone back to her condescending self.

“I’m not keeping her from him. I just needed a minute to figure things out.”

“So, he knows where you are, that you’re living with another man with his daughter?”

“It’s not his business, so it doesn't matter.”

Yaz laughed. “Oh, it matters, Yami. It's not really his business as far as you’re concerned, but where Ray is concerned, it's definitely his business. You know just like I know that he would lose his damn mind if he knew what your set up was, which is why you’re hiding. You need to fix that, Yami. If that nigga is man enough to have you up in his shit, then he needs to be man enough to deal with the consequences. He said he got you, right?”

“Don't put that on him. Miego doesn’t know anything about that. He doesn't care if Black sees Ray.”

Yaz laughed sarcastically “I bet that nigga will care when Black and his people come for him guns blazing. You’re playing with fire, Yami. You wanted this and now you got it. Fix it, and you better do it sooner than later. Black is not the one to play with.”

Yami sat there thinking about what her sister said and she knew that Yaz was right, but she just wasn't ready to deal with Black. It wasn't right to keep Ray from Black, but technically she wasn't keeping her from him because it wasn't like he had been asking to see her over the past week. Staying away was the only way she knew would keep the peace. Things were going well in her life right now, and she wanted them to remain that way. She knew that eventually she would have to face Black, but she’d cross that bridge when she got to it.

Yami sighed and looked at her sister. “I know, and I will.”

Yaz shook her head and finished cleaning her station.

“And about the whole Trez thing, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t sweat that, you were right anyway. I was in my feelings about that shit. I have been for a long time now, and I know that every man ain't Trez. It's time I let that go on some real shit. I’m angry and alone, and he’s living it up, chilling and happy. It's just hard. You put that much time into someone and then they shit on you like it's nothing. It just hurts, but you’re right, Miego ain't Trez.”

Yami smiled sympathetically at her sister. “He’s out there for you, Yaz. You have just been so wrapped up in your feelings that you haven't been looking.”

Yaz laughed. “Girl, bye. I ain't looking because I don't have no interest in that right now. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't turn down some good dick right now, but everything else that comes with it, you can keep that shit. I mean that,” Yaz said confidently, which made Yami laugh.

They continued catching up until Yaz’s client showed up, and after a hug and another warning, Yami left to head home. She had a lot on her mind and needed to figure out her next move.

“Y
ou ready?” Miego stood in Yami’s door and leaned against the frame, watching as she stood in front of the full length mirror that sat in the corner of her room. She was dressed in a jean dress that hit just below her knees. She tightened the belt around her waist before running her fingers through her hair.

“Yep, but I wish you would tell me where we’re going.”

Miego looked at her with a slight smile. “You don't trust me, Yami? Damn, I do know how to handle a date.”

“I trust you, or I wouldn't have agreed to go. I just want to know where you’re taking me.”

“You’ll see when we get there, so let's go.”

She frowned before she walked over to her bed, grabbed her purse, and then approached him so they could leave. Miego’s tall frame blocked the door. He looked down at her, admiring her pretty face while her eyes roamed his body.

He was dressed in dark denim jeans and a navy polo with matching hat. She could look at him all day and never get tired of it. He was so sexy to her, and aside from the fact that he would say the craziest things sometimes, she was falling for him. Being around him day and night was making it almost impossible not to. As hard as he was, he had the sweetest personality, and he treated both her and Ray like they were his main priority. Who wouldn't be easily addicted to that?

“Can we go?” Yami asked, feeling uncomfortable under his intense stare.

He chuckled. “I still make you nervous?”

“No, I just don't want us to be late.”

Miego moved closer to her before he leaned down and kissed her. “I make you nervous, but it's cool. I won't hurt you, Yami. You’ll eventually learn to trust that.” He stepped back and winked at her before leaving the room.

When they reached the living room, Ray jumped up from the floor where she was watching TV and ran to her mother.

“You look so pretty, Mommy.” Ray grinned at her just before Miego scooped her up in his arms, forcing a slew of giggles out of her.

“You look pretty too, baby girl.” He lowered her body, holding her against his chest, and kissed her on the forehead.

Watching Miego with her daughter made Yami fall harder for him, but it also made her feel bad about that fact that she was keeping Ray from her father. As much as she hated it, she knew that she had to do something about it.

Forty minutes later, they pulled up at a building near her mom and sister’s house, and when Miego parked, she looked at the building and then back at him, curious about where they were.

“Isn't this your mother’s building?”

Miego just smiled and got out. He walked to the back door on the passenger side, got Ray out of her car seat, and then opened Yami’s door. “Let's go.”

“Tell me why we’re at your mom’s building first,” Yami said, looking up at the building and then back to him.

“Yami, let's go.”

Her expression dropped and she looked at him like he had lost his mind. “Why are we at your mom’s house?”

“You said you couldn't just leave her with anybody, so my mom said she’d keep Ray for us. My sister is here too, so she’ll be good,” Miego rattled off and then turned to walk to the building, but stopped when he didn't feel Yami moving behind him.

“I don't know your mother, Miego,” Yami said firmly, still not moving.

He turned to face her with a grin. “You don't trust my mom with your daughter, shorty? That’s fucked up, but that’s cool. Either way, we’re still going in there and then you can tell her to her face that you don't trust her.”

“I’m didn't say that. I mean, I didn’t say that I don’t trust her to watch Ray. All I said was that I don’t know her.”

“I’ight then, let’s go so that you can meet her.” He took a step in Yami’s direction, grabbed her hand and began moving toward the building again. Once they made it to his mother’s floor, he unlocked the door and stepped inside. Yami was right behind him and about to lose it.

“Ginette, where you at?” He yelled from the living room, and not even seconds later his mother appeared with his sister right behind her.

“Oh my, look at this pretty girl,” Ginette said placing her hand on Rays back and then gently rubbing it.

“Ma, this is Yamiah and Ray.” Miego’s head nodded toward Yami, who was standing beside him, and his mother smiled and extended a hand to her.

“How you doing, baby? I’m glad you’re here.” Ginette's smile was soft and welcoming, which was a good sign.

“I’m good, and I’m pleased to meet you,” Yami offered and accepted her hand. After a she released it, she glanced at her daughter. “Are you sure you don't mind keeping her?”

Ginette noticed the nervous look on Yami’s face and offered a reassuring smile. She loved children, and since she only had the one grandchild, she welcomed the opportunity to spend time with Yami’s daughter. But she also understood her hesitancy about leaving her child with a stranger.

“I don't mind at all. In fact, I’ve been looking forward to it since this one doesn't seem to have any interest in having any of his own. Trust me, she’s in good hands. I promise to take good care of her, you have my word on that, sweetheart.”

There was something about Ginette’s words that put Yami at ease, so she nodded and agreed. “I appreciate it.”

“What’s up, Yami?” Yanna said before walking past her and plopping down on the sofa.

“Hey.” Yami looked at Miego and then right back to his sister.

“Girl, don't stand there looking crazy. You’re good,” Yanna said, glancing at her and then focusing on the TV. “So where are y'all heading?” she asked, this time not looking at her.

“Umm, I’m not sure, he won't tell me.”

“Miego, you’re so damn extra,” Yanna said and looked over her shoulder at her brother.

“Mind your damn business, Yanna.”

“Watch your mouth around this baby, Miego,” Ginette said, frowning at her son. “Hey sweetheart, is it okay if you stay here with me for a little while?”

Ray looked up at Miego and then across the room at her mother. Yami nodded to let her know that it was okay, and Ray displayed a soft smile and nodded at Miego’s mother. She took Ray from her son and then led her to the kitchen. They could hear her offering Ray some cookies that she had made just for her.

Miego joined Yami and stood behind her with his arms around her before he focused on his sister. “We shouldn't be gone long. Just call if you need anything.”

“Man, gone. We got this. You act like we don't know how to watch a kid.” Yanna rolled her eyes at her brother and then smiled at Yami. “She's good, you just take care of him.” Yanna nodded at her brother.

“Umm, okay.” Yami glanced at Miego and then back at Yanna, who laughed.

“Mind your business, Yanna. Ma, we’re gone.” He looked down at Yami. “You wanna go tell her bye?”

She nodded and he led her to go see Ray. After a few hugs and kisses, the two left and were back in the car heading downtown. They talked a little about his family and them keeping Ray on the drive, but mostly it was just idle chit chat about nothing important. After they reached the restaurant, which was an upscale rooftop place that Yami had never been to, and the two settled in for dinner.

“It's nice here,” Yami said, looking around. She felt a little out of place because most of the guys were dressed in what could be considered formal wear.

“You like it?” Miego asked, looking around as he lifted his beer and then turned it up.

“I do, but we don't fit.” She looked at him with a grin.

He chuckled. “Why, because we’re not dressed like it's prom night? Man, fuck that. I probably got more money than half the people up here, so we fit. That shit ain't me, and I don't think it's you either. But my money spends just like theirs, so don't sweat that shit.” He winked at Yami and she laughed.

“You just don't care, do you?” She offered up a grin that had him wanting to touch her, but she was across from him.

“Why should I? I’m just me. I don't need anybody to validate that for me, well anybody but you. If you’re cool with who I am, then fuck everybody else.”

“It's that simple, huh?”

“Shouldn't it be?”

She shrugged. “I guess so. Why me, though?”

“Why not you? You’re smart, you’re good to your daughter, and you’re sexy as fuck. What else is there?”

She laughed. “There’s a lot more.”

“Nah, not really. I know you're trying to figure shit out, but I also know you’re feeling me. I can see it when you look at me and when you’re around me, just like right now, you really wanna come sit on my lap.” An arrogant grin spread across his face while he waited for her to respond, which she did by laughing.

“The fuck you laughing for? You want me, Yami, and I want you. Only difference is, I’m not afraid to say that shit, but don't think just because you don't say it that I don't know.”

“I don't know anything about you, Miego.”

“You know enough, but regardless of what you don't know, what you can't deny is that you know you want more.”

“Maybe, but I still need to know you.”

“You know me, Yami. You know who I am, you know what I do. I’m just another street nigga who did whatever necessary to survive. Maybe it wasn't the best, and maybe I’ll never get away from that shit. I want to, but only time will tell. I take care of the people I love, and my heart is genuine. I’ll be good to you if you’re loyal to me. What else is there?”

“I don't know, it’s just not that simple.”

“It can be. Stop thinking about all the shit that can go wrong, and just focus on what can go right. I get that things are a little complicated for you, but let me worry about that. Ray is Black’s daughter, I get that, but you’re mine. If he’s confused about that, I damn sure don't have a problem clearing that up for him. Okay?”

Yami didn't know why, but she believed him. She trusted him when he said he had her, so she nodded and agreed. “Okay.”

*****

“Thank you for tonight.” Yami stood in Miego’s doorway where she found him sitting at the foot of his bed scrolling through his phone.

“Why are you standing there like you scared to come in here?”

“I’m not, it's your room. I’m just trying to respect your space,” Yami said with a grin before she stepped in and sat down beside him. She glanced at his phone, trying to see what he was doing, but he locked it and set it down beside him on the bed.

“You don't have to thank me for that. That wasn't shit.”

“It was to me.”

Her relationship with Black was not really a relationship. They hung out at his place, and that was about it. It wasn't like they didn't have fun together because they did, but he wasn't the type to step outside of his comfort zone, so they never really did much.

“You’ve been fucking with the wrong type of niggas then.” Miego looked over his shoulder at her and placed his hand on her leg. “Is Ray sleep?”

“Yeah, and she loves your mother. I think all the junk food she gave her sealed the deal, but she wanted to know when she could go back. She asked about my mom too.”

Miego knew Yami was just trying to feel him out about dealing with her mom, but honestly, he didn't care. As long as her mom wasn't on any petty shit, then he was cool with it. Yami was his responsibility now, so anybody that caused her problems was a problem to him. Even her mom.

“So take her to see your mom.”

“I might. I’m just not ready to hear how stupid I am for messing up my life.”

Miego watched the frown form on her face and it pissed him off. “Man, don't let that shit get to you. You’re in school, you’re taking care of Ray, and standing on your own. How the fuck is that messing up your life? Just because you’re doing shit your way don't mean it's the wrong way.”

“I know, she just makes it hard.”

“It's not about her, it's about you. Are you happy?”

“Yeah. For the first time in a long time,” Yami admitted.

“Then fuck it. Keep doing you.” He leaned into her shoulder with his.

“I also haven't let Ray see her father in a minute.”

Miego’s expression turned cold as he looked down at her. He had assumed, but didn't know for sure, so hearing her say it made his temple twitch because he knew what was coming. For the first few weeks after they moved in, Yami would hit him up with text or calls to let him know that she was dropping Ray off at her grandmother’s house to spend time with Black. But recently, that hadn't been happening, so he had no idea what was going on with that situation.

“You worried about that?”

“A little, if I have to actually see him. At first, he didn't care about seeing me as long as he could see Ray, but the last time I picked Ray up, his mom told me that she couldn't do it anymore. Black told her that I had to bring Ray to him, which means that it’s not about Ray, it's about him wanting to see me. I don't know how he’s going to act when I’m finally around him again, which is why I hadn't done anything about it.”

“I’ll be there, so it doesn't matter, if he wants you there then he wants me there too and that’s not up for debate. That’s his daughter and he deserves to see her, but I told you I got you, and I meant that shit. He will not ever put his hands on you again. I mean that, Yami.”