In Real Bitches We Trust

Part IV

Wednesday| February 28th
7:55 A.M.
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Both Jade and Gray were full of energy, listen to Lil Baby on the way to take him to school. His school was a good ways from where they lived but the drive was worth it. "Mommy?"
"Yes baby?"
"Do you love me?"
"Yes. Why would you ask that?"
"When Ky was over he said his mommy don't love him." She heard the sadness in his voice. His heart was so big and he really cared about people.

"Yes she does baby, maybe he was just said right then."
"But mommy she hurt him!"
"Jade! What did I tell you about lying."
"But mommy I'm not. He showed me." She looked through the rear view mirror, seeing the sadness in his face. Lord please, not today, she thought.
"Where did she hurt him at Jade?"
"On his back and stomach. It look like it hurts mommy. Can you help mommy?"
Not my business! Not my business! Not my business! She kept telling herself.
"Mommy, can you?"
She sighed, "yes I will baby."

She walked Jade to the entrance of his school. They were greeted by the dean. "Good morning Jade. How are you?"
"Good morning." He smiled then walked inside.
"I love you baby."
"I love you mommy", he waved as he entered the building. Her son was so smart and sweet, she didn't want to taint him by putting him in public schools. She could afford it so he was getting the best.

She turned on her heels, bumping into Amir. "Ooh, I'm sorry."
"You good ma", he smiled.
Kyser looked in between the two, smiling. "Heyyyy Jade mommy."
"Hey handsome, you better get inside or you might miss breakfast." He ran off inside, leaving the two alone. They were stuck in a gaze, their eyes intertwined with one another, wondering if the other was thinking about the other. Snapping out of her gaze, Gray stepped back.
"I-I gotta go", she stuttered. No man ever had her like that before, hands clammy, throat dry, butterfly's fluttering in her stomach. Gray did find him attractive but she wasn't into crossing lines.

"Yo, Gray, I just wanna say thank you for getting Kyser out the house. Sometimes I'll send him with Aaliyah but he don't like her as you can see." He laughed nervously.
"It's cool. I'm a firm believer of kids enjoying childhood. Plus Kyser is a good kid."
"Thank you, I try to raise him the best I can, ya know?"
"Yeah", Gray took a glimpse at her Apple Watch, checking the time. "It was nice seeing you but I have to get to work. I'm damn near late."
"I gotchu. I'll see you round", he smiled.
"Alright", she smiled shyly.

Gray crossed the street, not noticing eyes were on her. Her beauty was mesmerizing. Amir's partners were in his truck, both of their eyes glued to Gray's sculpted frame.

"Gahdamn. I'll break the bank for shorty. Can't lie", Rodney said practically jumping out of his skin. "Yeah, nigga I'm with you when you right", London amended. Amir hopped back in the truck, following their eyes which led back to Gray. "Pick y'all fucking mouths up", he laughed.
"You ain't bag that?" Rodney asked, stunned.
"Shorty the furthest thing from my mind", he lied.
"That ain't no regular bitch. That's Gray Rhodes."
"Nigga I know who she is!"
"Sholl ain't acting like it", London muttered.
"Well y'all get on her then. She valid."
"Nah, you my mans and I can tell you want shorty so hop onnat!" London said, patting his shoulder.

9:02 A.M.
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Gray walked into the bakery, seeing Izzy and Camrie working the front counter per usual. "Good morning ladies. How's it going in here?"
"Busy. Marcus and his boys came and got three dozen. Teezy picked up two and Wally picked up five", Izzy said looking exhausted.
"And what time did y'all open up?" Gray was confused.
"Five", Camrie said dryly.
"Oh y'all getting a raise, it's not way y'all going crazy like that for me."
"You for real?" Izzy ears perked up like a puppy at the sound of its name.
"Hell yeah I'm serious, y'all deserve it. But when it come to Teezy please don't serve him over six cupcakes."
The two nodded their heads. "Come to my office we need to have a meeting. I'm gonna send Rocquel and Fats up here."