Divided Heart

Chapter 8

The cookout was in full swing. Amara and Layla were in the kitchen, their hands full with refilling platters and pouring drinks. Terrance, their brother, was the life of the party, spinning classic 90s hip-hop on their dad's old turntables. Wyatt, the quiet one, was engrossed in a heated spades game with their father and a few other men. The Justly backyard was a bustling hub of family and friends, everyone lost in the joy of the sunny afternoon.

Amara kept a watchful eye on the entrance, hoping to spot Teddy and his father. Anticipation bubbled within her as she imagined their arrival. She yearned for a smooth introduction, a connection between the two men. The thought of Teddy and Cameron becoming friends filled her with a sense of hope and excitement. She stepped into the backyard, her eyes scanning the crowd.

"You looking for me?" A voice purred from behind Amara.

She rolled her eyes without turning around, knowing the culprit. "Stop it," she replied flatly.

"Come on, May, don't be like that, baby."

Amara spun around, her gaze sharp. "Don't call me that," she warned, her finger jabbing lightly at his chest. "Someone will hear you blabber mouth."

He had been blowing her phone up since she put him out the other day. Bombing her with old photos of them in bed, on vacations, screenshots of their iMessage threads. It was the reason why her mind couldn't get off him for the last 24 hours. And now the family knew that she was the one who had him sprung under her pseudonym.

Rahn grinned, capturing her finger with his. "You're cute when you're upset."

Amara tried to pull her hand away, but he held on tighter. "Jesus, Rahn."

He leaned in, his breath warm on her face. "You know you love it."

Just as he was about to kiss her skin, Amara spotted Teddy approaching. She quickly pulled away, a forced smile replacing her annoyance. "See that? That's why I can't deal with you right now."

Though she was still upset with Teddy's behavior she would play it cool in front of Rahn. No need to show discord in front of the enemy.

"Hey baby, this is my play cousin." Amara smiled sweetly as Teddy approached, extending a hand to Rahn.

"Wassup man, nice to meet you. I'm Teddy."

Rahn shook his hand, a forced smile plastered on his face. "Wassup man. Rahn."

"I'll see you later Rahn." Amara said whisking Teddy away to introduce him to the rest of the crowd. She needed to be as far away from Rahn as possible.

Rahn watched their growing connection with a mixture of envy and regret. He craved the day he could show Amara off like that. She had been his long before any of the meaningless niggas came along and claimed her heart. He'd lost his chance to reclaim her, and now, he was an outsider looking in.

Amara settled into the card game, partnering with her father, Gregory. They were a formidable duo, her strategic mind complementing his brash confidence. While Gregory kept the table entertained with his playful banter, Amara was the silent enforcer, ensuring no one cheated.

"How many books we got, baby girl?" Gregory asked, taking a swig of beer.

Marcus Alexander, Gregory's best friend, scoffed and threw his cards down in frustration. "You know you're winning, fucking extra."

Gregory erupted in laughter, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Aye, Mack, you mad?"

Marcus flipped him off and walked away.