The Love That Grew

Ch. 11 Fav. Spot

Los Angeles, Cali

December

"Please, you're making a mistake! I can get you whatever you want, just please don't kill me," the man begged, sitting on his knees. The other men in attendance watched in silence, their faces impassive.

"Anything I want, huh?" Syx taunted, a cruel smile playing on his lips. The terrified man nodded frantically.

"You can get me the $50,000 your brother owes me by tomorrow? Better tell me where he's hiding and you can go home" Syx asked, his tone mocking.

The man's head dropped in defeat as he sobbed, realizing his inevitable fate. It was common knowledge that Syx was a crime boss known for being fair most of the time, but he had an ugly side, especially when it came to his money.

Peezy shook his head in disgust as the man's piercing scream echoed throughout the abandoned warehouse. Like Syx, he had no remorse for certain things. Every man involved in the life knew the money came with a heavy cost. Even the average man knew there were repercussions to his actions, and unfortunately for this man, he was guilty by association, which cost him his life.

"Ok, y'all clear out someone call the pick-up team" Ro, Syx second in command said ending the 'meeting'. "P, hold up Syx wanna talk to you"

Peezy internally sighed already knowing what Syx wanted to talk about. Heading towards the back of the building he stood opposite the man waiting for him to start a natural mug on his face.

"Damn shame him and his girl just had a baby. Now, because of his brother their family gotta plan a funeral. I know what the streets and everybody thinks of me but certain shits just principle you let one nigga slide then everybody think they get a pass." Syx stated staring off into the distance

"You thought about what I asked you in the club?"

Syx proposed a type of advance for Peezy that night asking if he would like to take on a more significant role in the organization.

"Yea, Imma have to pass Ro or Trip would probably be a better fit anyway" with the uncertainty of his court case he was unbudging.  The last thing Peezy wanted was to further incriminate himself by diving deeper into the streets. He had made a promise to himself to be out of the game completely before the age of 30, and he intended to keep that promise.

Syx, finally facing Peezy, nodded in agreement and decided to drop the topic. "Ro and Trip got their hands full with another project. But I didn't come out here to press you. You know how to reach me if you change your mind. How's the music shit going?"

Peezy raised an eyebrow, surprised by Syx's sudden interest in his music career. They had never been close friends, more like acquaintances, and this new curiosity felt unexpected. "It's good. I'm dropping something soon, might have a little release party, nothing major."

"Let me know when you throw it. Me and the guys will come through, especially if Shay's cute ass gon' be there," Syx said, a comment that made Peezy frown. This wasn't the first time Syx had mentioned Jashae since the club, and Peezy could do without his newfound crush on her.

The two men continued talking a bit more, ending the conversation on a lighter note. They agreed to link up to discuss business before going their separate ways, each man lost in his own thoughts as they parted.

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Anita hugged Jashae securely, not wanting to let go. The time had come for her and Darryl to head back home. "Anita, baby, let that girl go before we miss our flight. We'll see them next month," Darryl teased, watching his wife slowly pull away from Jashae.

"You make sure you take all your prenatals and don't let my big-headed son or his bobble-headed 'fiancée' stress you or my grandbaby out," Anita warned.

"Ma, Shay will be fine. Now go ahead, let me know when y'all land," Xavier said, hugging his mother and stepfather goodbye. Shortly after, he and Jashae pulled off.

As a low instrumental played in the car, Jashae replayed Thanksgiving Day over in her head. Meeting Tahiri and Xavier's families had been an experience she hadn't expected, especially so soon. Nor did she expect a positive pregnancy test.

"You hungry?" Xavier asked, his eyes still focused on the road.

"Yeah, a little," she admitted,  having worked up quite the appetite.

Xavier nodded, thinking for a moment "I know the perfect spot"

The pair arrived at a small mom-and-pop restaurant called Gloria's. Xavier jogged to the passenger side door to let Jashae out. She took in her surroundings, noting that the area looked a little sketchy, but her rumbling stomach wouldn't be satisfied until she ate. She just hoped the food was good.

Xavier, catching her wandering eyes, placed his hand on the small of her back as he led them through the doors and over to a booth. The aroma coming from the kitchen and the deliciously plated food being delivered to nearby tables caused her mouth to water.

"A lil' hungry my ass," Xavier chuckled, his observation making Jashae smile genuinely. She had noticed that hardly anything she did ever got past him.

"Hey, welcome to Gloria's. My name's John, and I'll be helping you today. What can I start you with?" their young server asked. After they ordered their food and drinks, they made small talk until their meals arrived. Jashae moaned in delight after tasting her steak and potatoes.

"Not so bad for a hood spot, huh?" Xavier teased, knowing she'd have the same reaction he did when he first tried the food a few years earlier.

"So, so good. We gotta come back here."

"Of course. It can be our lil' spot," he winked. Jashae smiled at the thought.

As they continued eating, a new issue arose. Clearing her throat, Jashae spoke up, wanting to hear Xavier's opinion. "I don't think we should tell anyone else about the pregnancy... at least not until we have another appointment with the doctor. I just don't want to get everyone all excited too soon."

Xavier stared at her for a moment, taking in every feature, looking for a sign of foul play. "By everyone you mean Tahiri?"

"I... that's your wife. I can't tell you what you can and can't share with her, but... I just wanna make sure this isn't a fluke."

Xavier thought about the pros and cons of withholding the potential pregnancy from his fiancée. A pang of guilt ran through him. Tahiri was the one who pushed the whole surrogate process and vowed to be present during the entire thing. If she found out that he and his parents knew about anything before her, she'd surely throw a fit.

But on the other hand, Tahiri had her own secrets. The two hadn't seen much of each other in the last few days, both seeming to avoid each other at all costs. Ever since she agreed to go on tour with another man and he paused the wedding planning, the engaged couple had been keeping their distance.

After a long silence, Xavier finally spoke. "I get it Shay. Let's wait until we  hear from the doctor. Then we can decide how to tell Tahiri. I don't want to cause unnecessary stress for anybody."

Jashae nodded, relieved that Xavier understood her concerns. They continued their meal, the conversation shifting as they enjoyed the cozy atmosphere of Gloria's and the delicious food that made it their new favorite spot.

A/N: I missed Shay & them so I made a lil update please excuse any mistakes💕