Chapter 8
Ziya POV
After Ray left, I called Mrs. Andrews and Ms. Hines to let them know that the two boys had left and that I would be disinfecting my room before my kids came back in. After that, I picked up my kids, and it was an easy rest of the day. I go home and get ready for my date. I start overthinking while getting ready and thinking about whether he has to cancel because of taking care of Ray. So I finished getting ready and texted him at 7:20, "Hey, Nas. I understand if you have to cancel our date to take care of Ray." I didn't get a response even after 5 minutes, but then I heard my doorbell.
I looked at my ring cam and saw Nas with flowers. I grabbed my bag and went downstairs. I opened the door, and before I could say anything, Nas said, " You must be out of your mind if you think I am canceling this date with you after we have pushed it so many times." I just smiled. He hands me the flowers, "These are for you." I grab them and walk to the kitchen, and Nas is right behind me. I put them in a vase and add water. I turn towards Nas and say," Thanks for not canceling. " Nas grabbed me by my waist, looked me in my eyes, and said, " babygirl I told you this morning that I'll show you how serious I am about you, and I will. Now let's go, beautiful ". I smile and say, "Wait, let me go get my wallet". Nas rolled his eyes and said, "You drinking tonight". I shook my head. "Then let's go," and he leads me out of the house.
I locked my door, and he led me to his car. He opened my door and then went around to the other side.
-car conversation
Z- How's Ray?
N- He's going through it, but he should be back with his mom by now. I left him there at 5.
Z- Oh, where was his momma
N-*eye rolls* at work.
Z- No more questions. He probably didn't feel good at drop-off, which might have been why he was having a hard time.
N-He probably was... you were there?
Z- Yeah, I was the one who figured out that the baby boy missed his Uncle Nasyy.
N- Of course you did, cutie.- -putting his hand on my thigh-
Z- *smiles*soooo, where are we going?
N- Well, I heard there's a special lady who likes Olive Garden, so I think I am going to take her there.
Z-YESSSS YESSSS I love OG!
N- *Laughs*yea I know, boo. ... We're here.
-end of car conversation.
He jumps out, and I grab my things. While getting my things, I feel the door open. I look at Nas and say, " Thank you, but you didn't have to do that. "
He looked at me and said, "Yeah, I know, but I Open the door for my queen. :"
I smile, and we walk hand in hand. We get to the hostess stand. The host walks to the table.
-table conversation -
Z- I really am happy to be here with you. I really got nervous that we would reschedule again when you came to get Ray.
N- Oh No, after you called me, I called my sister. I told her she had to pick him up by a specific time, or he was going to Mama's.
Z- Well, I like a man of his word. Wait, how did you find out I like Olive Garden?
N- Wouldn't you like to know 😂..., I got an email about teacher appreciation week next week.
Z- I didn't know you were on the email list.
N- yea. Ever since I got connected to the app, I have been getting emails.
Z- damn Nas. You are a very active uncle.
N- LOL, I am like that for all of them, but a little more with Ray because his dad is a deadbeat, and Ashley has been off sometimes.
Z- shit, you are like that, but let's stop talking about Ray... what made you want to take me out?
N- First, I want you. You are clearly amazing. I don't understand why you are still single. You care for everyone around you. Shit, you go to work sick. You don't let anyone take care of you. Second, you are so gorgeous, like a natural beauty.
Z- Shit. I wasn't expecting that. That was genuine.
N- Of course it was. I actually like you and want a real chance with you. I don't want to do anything to lose you, especially before you are mine.
Z- who said I want to be yours? *smiling*
N- That beautiful smile tells me you do. *winks *
Z- Shut up. So how does a man like you end up single?
N- So, do you want the short or long versions?
Z- long version because I like details.
N- So I dated this girl for about three years. We started dating while Ashley was pregnant, and my dad was still drinking. She saw a lot of ugly family shit and stayed, but her biggest issue was with how attached I was to my nieces and nephew. She hated that I was there when Ashley delivered Ray. She felt like I was too attached to my family, and it caused issues during the first year. In the second year, I tried to balance it all and thought I was succeeding until, during a date, we had to leave early because Ray's dad and Ashley got into a huge fight, and the girls called me scared. At that moment, I dropped everything and moved them all into my house. This was the start of the downfall. While Ashley and the kids lived with me, she came around less and less. After about a year of it, we finally were good until my dad got super drunk and started hitting Ashley and my mom at a family dinner. He even stepped to the girls, and I jumped in. She was with me, and she left without saying anything to me. After making sure the kids, my mom, and Ashley were safe at my house, I went to her house, and she was there with a nigga. She came out and told me that we were done because I never cared about her and that she was pregnant with another man's baby. That was six months ago...
Z- Damn, that was a lot. Can I ask some questions?
N- Of course you can babygirl.
Z- OK, first, are your mom and sister okay now? I know that can be traumatizing; how/where is your dad now?
N- Ashley is great. She has her own place, does hair, and stays booked. She hasn't talked to Dad since that day, and I don't blame her. My mom is good. She stayed with me until Dad went to rehab three months ago. He recently came back, and they are on excellent terms. I, on the other hand, can't get down with a nigga who hurts his family. I love my dad, but I keep my distance out of respect.
Z- Wow. That is a lot. I don't understand how a woman can see that and not love it because a man who loves and protects his family constantly. Shit, that is a motherfucking turn on lol.
N- Good to know *winks*
Z- I didn't mean it like that, lol
N- okay, whatever. How are you single?
Z- UHmmm
N- You don't have to tell me if you're not comfortable
Z- No, it isn't that I hate talking about it. So it ended about 4 months ago, but I was in an emotionally and physically abusive and controlling relationship. It didn't get abusive till we lived together, but he was verbally abusive the whole time. I just thought he was joking for a long time, then it was if I was better, he would be nicer.
N- Before You continue, I want to say You are fucking amazing, and that asshole missed out on a queen.
Z- Well, thanks. So it ended after one night he beat me so badly because I finally snapped back at him. I ended up at the hospital my dad works at. As soon as I came in, someone went and got him, and before the next day, My dad and Uncle Chub moved all my stuff out, and my Uncle Chub went to town on him. My dad never asked any questions, and the guy never reached out again. I was sad at that moment because that's what I thought I deserved at that time.
N- oh, hell nah. You deserve the world, and I plan to give it to you. Uncle Chub is definitely my nigga. You didn't deserve any of that beautiful.
Z- That is really sweet, but you definitely don't have to.
N- That is cute! Do you think I am asking for permission? Yea, no, I am just letting you know.
Z- Lol, ok, whatever, playboy.
N- Watch!
-Fast forward to him dropping her off.-
Nasir Pov
I get out of the car and go to the other side to open Z's door. I walk her to the door, and she gives me an instant sad face. "What's wrong, beautiful?" I ask. She says, "I wish you were staying because I love cuddling with you." "Babygirl, I will come back after you get off tomorrow, but I have a 5:30 service tomorrow for a new store and don't want to disturb you." I say, "Okay, goodnight. "She sighed, and I laughed and kissed her forehead. "Goodnight, beautiful." She turned and went into her house. I already miss her sweet smell. I walk to my car and get it. I pull out my phone to see a text from Ashley Saying to call her, so I begin calling her as I back out.
-Car Conversation-
N- What's up Ash?
A- SINCE WHEN DADDY STARTED LIVING WITH MAMA AGAIN?
N- about a month ago. She didn't tell you.
A- No, but it makes sense why she came to my house after picking up the girls the other day.
N- Well, I am sorry I thought you knew. He didn't mess with Ray, did he?
A- No, Ray was sleeping in Mama's lap. You know that is her baby.
N- Shit, he is everyone's baby. I am guessing you are not mad. I dropped him off since you aren't yelling at me.
A- No, I am not. I am happy you are deciding to date again because I was sure you were going to quit dating until Ray and the girl were legal adults.
N- Lol, no. I love you all, but I need to find someone who understands I care for you all and can balance my relationship without getting jealous.
A- Well, speaking of, how did it go?
N-It went great. I will marry that girl, watch. She already has my heart. I actually told her about my ex, and she told me about hers. We talked about our likes and dislikes. She didn't want me to leave, which made me feel great about being wanted again.
A- Why did you leave?
N- Because I have a 5:30 service appointment with a new company and I have to be there.
A- You didn't stay for work, okay nigga? Money ain't going to keep you warm, and I hope you realize that.
N- Don't play me like that when I constantly care about you, mama, and the kids.
A- Make sure she is a priority because she seems different already. .
N- I will. Just watch and see, but I got to go 'cause I got to get up at the ass crack of dawn.
A- Ok cool. Bye, Bro. Love ya.
N- Love ya
-end of conversation-
