Didn't We Almost Have It All? | method man

Chapter 14

"I just want to take a moment to express my gratitude to my realtor, Cassie, for helping me find a new place right here in Shaolin," Mef announced, referring to his hometown of Staten Island. The crowd erupted in cheers as he gave a shoutout to Cassie. The middle-aged, short brown skinned woman , rocking a bob hairstyle, raised her glass of champagne, acknowledging his kind words.

"And last but certainly not least, I couldn't leave this person out. She went above and beyond, even when she didn't have to. She dealt with my pickiness and always made herself available to answer any questions I had. A special shoutout to Jaida Steele," he said, raising his glass as he scanned the crowd until his gaze locked with hers from across the room. Jaida looked back at him, taken aback by the unexpected attention. In that moment, the world seemed to fade away, and it was as if they were the only two people in the room.

It had been two months since they last spoke, ever since that blog article had caused a rift between them. Jaida had intentionally kept her distance, but Tia begged her to come to his house warming event, especially after the time effort she put in to help him. Seeing him now at his housewarming event, a flicker of happiness ignited within her. She was happy to see him even though she wouldn't let it show. These past weeks have been bland without speaking to him but she knew it was best. Mef's busy schedule had kept his mind occupied, but her absence had lingered in the back of his mind. Each passing day he always thought her and thought of texting or calling but he wanted to respect her decision. He thought the shit was stupid but Jaida is such a strong minded woman, he knew nothing would change her mind. He was unsure if he'd see her anytime soon and if he'd give her the cold shoulder but now, seeing her right in front of him, he couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness.

The crowd turned their attention towards Jaida as she raised her champagne glass, Mef nodded and she did the same. The room erupted in cheerful cheers as everyone took a sip of their champagne to celebrate the occasion. The DJ resumed the music, filling the air with a lively beat that prompted everyone to start dancing and mingling again. Cliff surveyed the crowd as he spotted people he knew and also people he didn't know. What was intended to be a small and intimate gathering had quickly evolved into something larger, as word spread. Cliff wasn't fond of crowded parties or having strangers in his home, but he decided to let loose and enjoy the party. However, he made a mental note not to ever let this shit happen again.

Tia approached Mef who stood with a group of niggas by his side, but he seemed preoccupied, with his gaze fixed across the room. Curious, Tia followed his line of sight and noticed Jaida engrossed in conversation with another guy. Tia looked back at Mef, then back at Jaida, and finally back at Mef. "Ooooh, you sweet on Jaida, huh?" Tia exclaimed, connecting the dots. "Tia, get outta here," Mef responded in a dismissive tone.

"Why don't you just tell her how you feel?" Tia suggested. She was sick of this little game these two were playing."You never know. She might be feeling the same way." He continued staring across the room at Jaida. "And say what? She aint fuckin' with me," he spat, frustration evident in his voice. Tia paused for a moment, "Don't think I don't notice how yall act around each other."

Just as the conversation was heating up, Tia quickly changed the subject, excitedly pulling Mef into the crowd. She reappeared moments later, accompanied by Elijah, her boyfriend. "Cliff, this is my boyfriend, Elijah. Elijah, this is my cousin Cliff," Tia introduced. Elijah extended his hand towards him, greeting him cordially, "Nice to meet you, man. I've heard a lot about you," he said with a friendly smile.

Mef glanced at Elijah's hand for a moment, a hint of coldness in his eyes before extending his own hand hesitantly. "Too bad I can't say the same bout you," he said, his tone laced with sarcasm. Elijah, slightly taken aback, withdrew his hand and walked away. Tia, shocked and embarrassed by Mef's rudeness, confronted him. "Oh my god, why you gotta be so rude?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with anger.

Mef, still fixated on Jaida across the room, dismissed Tia's concerns with a scoff. "Where you know that nigga from?"

Tia pleaded,"Cliff, please, don't do this. Elijah is a nice guy. Give him a chance and get to know him." His smirk faded as he watched Tia walk away, leaving him to ponder her words.

***

Hours later, the party was still in full swing at Mef's house. Downstairs in the studio area, a group of friends including Mef, Shay, Jaida, Tia, Redman, and others had gathered. Jaida found herself engaged in conversation with the guy she had met earlier in the evening, while Mef sat on the couch with Shay in his lap.

As Jaida glanced over towards Mef, she noticed him mean mugging her. He was bothered seeing her with another man as Shay playfully tried to make a point. Shay would affectionately rub Mef's head, then playfully lay on him, all the while hoping to invoke a hint of jealousy in Jaida but they both wasn't paying Shay any mind.

Unbeknownst to Jaida, Mef couldn't help but feel a sense of desire for her. He had been admiring her from afar, enamored by her infectious energy and captivating smile. However, he wasn't sure how to tell her how he felt. Shit the feeling has been there for a while but this was new for him. He's never had any feelings for any woman other than his wife. Him and Tamika knew each other since they were kids. They've been together since they were sixteen. Even though he's cheated, lied and disrespected their vows, he never thought he could see himself invested in another woman...until now. He wasn't sure if he should even tell her because of all the drama surrounding his life but watching her entertain another nigga made him a little jealous. He couldn't shake the fear of rejection or the thought that Jaida might not be feeling him.

As the night came to an end, everyone at the party gathered outside, saying farewell to one another. Amongst the crowd, Mef spotted Jaida exchanging numbers with the guy she had been clinging to throughout the evening. Feeling a mix of frustration and jealousy, Mef made his way towards her as the guy walked away.

Approaching her, Mef softly pulled on her arm, causing her to turn and face him. Jaida, clearly exasperated, sighed and rolled her eyes. "What, Clifford?" she said, purposely using his full name, knowing it pisses him off.

Mef looked into her eyes before responding. The gloss on her juicy lips were enticing. The way her long curls fell down to her shoulders, her cropped tee with baggy pants and sneakers, had his mind in a trance. He'll never allow it to show though, instead his face turned into a mug as he remembered why he approached her in the first place. "Who's that lame ass nigga you've been kickin' it to the whole night?"

Jaida scoffed at his audacity. "Mef, that's none of your business. Don't you have Shay to worry about?" she calmly replied with attitude, aware of the closeness between Mef and Shay earlier at the party.

"Mannn ain't shit goin on with me and Shay. You know that."

"I don't know shit." She spat calmly with an attitude as she crossed her arms.

Mef was taken aback by her response. The Jaida he knew was usually calm and relaxed, but now he saw a different side of her when she was feeling a way. He was actually turned on by it a little.

"Yeah igh. Just watch that nigga, make sure he keeps his hands and mouth to himself," Mef warned, mumbling.

"For someone who's not my nigga, you sure sound jealous," Jaida said looking up at him, with a smirk on her face. In that moment they started each other down. Mef wanted to take Tia's advice, squash this pointless beef and tell her how he really felt but he decided against it.

"Fuck what you talkin' bout Jaida. You heard what the fuck I said," he mumbled firmly before walking away. Jada watched him walk away with fire burning in her eyes and her arms still crossed, replaying what just happened.

***
Thank you for reading! <3