Life With The Men I Love: Lies, Love and Pain

Chapter 20

$$$ INDIA $$$

The scene at Trey's birthday party was lively and warm, with a familial atmosphere that felt both welcoming and nostalgic. India and her daughter Adrianna had just arrived at Trey's house for the gathering, and the day promised a mix of joy, laughter, and surprises.

India knocked on the door, and April opened it, beaming. "Hey, Miss April!" India greeted warmly, leaning in for a hug.

"Hey, honey," April said, returning the hug with a gentle kiss on India's cheek. "Hi, Nana!" Adrianna chirped.

April crouched down, and Adrianna kissed her cheek. "There's my girl!" she exclaimed as Adrianna dashed off excitedly into the house. April chuckled. "She's so precious. Remember that time I ran into you in Miami and told you if Trey hadn't messed things up, she'd be my grandbaby? Well, look how that turned out."

India laughed, grateful for April's openhearted acceptance. "Guess the universe heard you."

As they stepped into the kitchen, Grandma Rose was stirring a pot. "Hey, GG Rose, what's cooking?" Adrianna asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"My special mac and cheese for your daddy," Grandma Rose answered with a proud smile.

"Can I have some?" Adrianna asked hopefully.

"When it's ready, baby." Rose looked over at India with a warm smile. "Hey, baby. How you doing, and that precious baby of yours?"

"I'm good. And the baby's spoiled, but we're working on it," India admitted.

Grandma Rose nodded. "Spoiling's no good for a child. They need to know the world doesn't just hand you what you want."

"They'll learn," India replied confidently.

"Where's Trey?" Adrianna asked.

"He's outside with his friends, baby," Grandma Rose replied.

"Let's go find him, Mom!" Adrianna grabbed India's hand, urging her out of the kitchen.

India followed her daughter through the sliding doors and into the backyard, where Trey and his friends were laughing and catching up over drinks. As soon as Adrianna spotted him, she broke into a run. "Trey!" she called, and he turned, his smile brightening as he saw her.

"Hey, princess!" He scooped her up and spun her around. "Happy Birthday!" she cheered, giving him a proud smile.

"Thank you, baby girl," he replied, chuckling. "What's this I hear about the 'bestest' present ever?"

"Wait here! I left it in the kitchen." Adrianna hopped down and sprinted back inside.

"Hey, Trey," India said, stepping up to him with a smile. "Happy birthday." She leaned in to kiss his cheek.

"Thank you," he murmured, his hand lingering a little too long on hers as he pulled her into a brief hug. "You look amazing," he whispered in her ear.

India felt a blush creep up her cheeks, and she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Thanks," she replied, smiling shyly.

She handed him a small, carefully wrapped box. Trey opened it to reveal an extravagant gold Rolex with red diamonds embedded around the band and  on the face. The engraving on the back read, "To My Main."

"Damn, India," he muttered, his eyes gleaming with surprise. "This is incredible."

India also handed him a gold dog tag engraved with Adrianna's full name and birthdate in delicate red diamonds. "For when you need a reminder of your real treasures."