What The Heart Wants (ON HOLD)

Chapter 8

Next Day

Leila

Walking down the stairs, I see the boys asleep on top of Jamal's chest. He ended up staying and watching Netflix with them. I fell asleep before I could catch Tia come in. She has a lot of explaining to do.

Walking past the couch, I see her sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee in her hand. I creep up behind her and put my hands over her eyes.

"You know we gotta talk, right?"

She nods her head, followed by a heavy sigh.

Uncovering her eyes, I pull up a seat next to her.

She keeps her eyes glued on her cup.

I sigh, "So, Jamal?"

She whispers softly, "Yeah."

"How long?"

"A couple of weeks. I saw him at my job and we started catching up. He asked me on a date and I said yes. We've been talking ever since."

I nod my head, "Why didn't you tell me? We tell each other everything, T."

"What was I supposed to say? Lei, I know that you and your baby daddy don't fuck with each other but I'm trying to get with his brother."

"Well, no but I would've eventually had to get over it. I have no problem with this shit as long as you're happy at the end of the day. Shit, at least Jamal has some sense."

She starts to laugh, "So, you're cool with this?"

I smile at her, "Yes, but don't try to keep any more secrets from me again or we're fighting. Understood?"

Getting up from her seat, she comes over and sits on my lap, "Yes baby mother."

"Girl, stop being extra. I have to tell you what happened last night."

"Ooh, yes bihh! Spill the tea," Jamal yells as he comes in the kitchen.

Rolling my eyes, I continue, "Anyways, T, you remember Kayden's dad?"

"Tall, fine, nice smile?"

Jamal looks at her with a straight face.

Laughing, I reply, "Yea, did you know that he works at the mechanic's down the street?"

She shook her head in response.

"Well, after my car broke down, he checked it and found out that it was messed up. Then we ended up having dinner when you called, so he dropped me off here."

"Damn, I'm sorry I fucked your mack up boo. What's he like?"

"Oh T, Anthony's goofy, smart, family-oriented and he can sing." I looked over at Jamal who was listening intently.

"Sorry if this is awkward, Mal."

"Oh, it's no problem to me. You know as long as you're good, I'm happy."

I smiled and nudge him in his arm, "Thanks, niglet."

Tia giggles before continuing, "Okay, so what happened before that? You said you didn't feel safe going home last night. Did something happen on the date?"

"No, this was before all of that. Ant actually saved me from getting damn near raped by--" I stop before I can continue, almost forgetting Jamal's presence.

"By who, girl?" She asks.

"Who it was isn't important. What's important is that I'm safe now."

She wraps her arms around my shoulders and I cringe slightly from the pain. She looks up and sees the bruise forming around the base of my neck.