I walk inside of the restaurant and sit down in front of Cartier. He's alone this time. "No security?" I ask. "For what?" He asks removing his shades showing his light hazel eyes. "You had them last time." I respond.
The waitress comes over and we order our drinks and food. "Staying for the meal this time?" I ask. He smirks, "Depends." I roll my eyes. "Okay Cartier."
I lean back in the chair, relaxing my shoulders. "Where's your cousin?" I ask as the waitress brings out drinks. My head cocks to the side. "I'm doing you a favor showing up. The attitude isn't necessary." He says slicing his steak. We eat in silence and then leave out of the restaurant.
"So you would like to know what again?" He asks. "Where the fuck your damn cousin is." He chuckles, "Can I get the decency to be spoken to as a human being and not one of them workers you boss around everyday."
"Cartier what the fuck do you want from me? We aren't friends. I don't have to be nice to you. It's still fuck you. Don't act like your innocent nigga. Here I was thinking after all these years maybe this nigga actually changed. You're still the same."
"You're still the same spoiled, entitled brat who feels like everyone owes her shit. Just like I didn't deal you the hand you was served back then I didn't give you this shit now. Your attitude is still horrible as hell Milan."
"Cartier all I need to know is where your cousin is at. That's it."
"Why is Kertury so important to you?" I side eye him. He doesn't know? I thought Chop mentioned everything to him. Fuck, shit can play out two ways. He could know what the deal is and actually help my ass or he could protect his cousin. He's my only option there aren't any other leads.
"Forget it." I cross my arms. It's too much at stake and I won't beg no motherfucker to help me. I'll find August on my own.
"Can we stop fighting over the past? The shit is done with. I shouldn't have said all that or whatever man. We should be acting like adults not five year olds." He comes closer and wipe the tear that I was trying to hold in. "What's wrong Milan? Why am I really here?" I turn my head away from him.
"Cartier I need help tracking down your cousin."
"Why?" He asks turning my head to his. Who told him to touch me? "I can't tell you why." I lean against my car. Looking at his eyes and his demeanor... it's different, much softer. It reminds me of the times before things went bad between us, before my father got involved.
"Does it have something to do with Santiago?" He asks. "My father is dead. He's been dead for a few years now."
"What? Really?" I shake my head yes. "So what does this have to to with?"
"My husband."
"Your married?!?"
"Yes."
"Why the fuck you ain't say nothing?" He yells. "Why the fuck are you yelling?" I yell back. "That changes everything." He says. "How?"
"What does my cousin have to do with this?" He asks with a serious look in his eye. "Can I trust you?" I ask. "You know you can despite the petty shit we put each other through." I roll my eyes at the mention of that. "She was the last person he was with. He sent a message saying to remember her name."
"Damn. She's out the country and she's been out of the country for the last ten years. How did your husband get in contact with her?" I shrug my shoulders, "As far as I know she wanted some drugs from him."
"Drugs? That doesn't make any sense. She doesn't sell any drugs."
"I think it had something to do with her father."
"Santino has been dead for 12 years now."
I stand there literally confused. Who the hell is this bitch? I sigh, I'm back at square fucking one. "This is so fucking frustrating!"
"Are you sure the drug deal was their only contact?" Cartier asks. "What you implying?" He sighs, "Milan Kertury is one of those women who uses her body and beauty to get what she wants."
"Nigga do you know my fucking name? August would never. Your a bitch for even suggesting that shit."
He throws his hands up, "I never said shit. You said it, not me. I'm just letting you how she is." I mug him, "What the fuck ever Cartier. He's not like you."
"What? I never cheated you on you. You're the one who started messing with random ass niggas.. Cute you still comparing niggas to me." I roll my eyes. "Don't even. You still ain't shit."
"You assuming what I was saying is that your husband is cheating on you.. must be your way of think he's not shit either huh?"
"You cocky bastard." He laughs and steps closer to me. "How? Because I'm right?" I step back not speaking a word. August would never. I will kill him and that hoe. Cartier is too close. I can feel his body heat against my chest. I'm caught up in feeling like I should've been went home to fighting back the urge to kiss him.
"I- I need to get going." He steps back. "I'll see what I can do about locating Kertury's exact location for you."
"Thank you Cartier I appreciate that. I apologize for being a bitch. This shit can be so stressful." He leans down and kisses my forehead. "I'll call you." He goes to walk off until, "Cartier.." He turns back around.
Before I can speak his lips crash against mine. This should not be happening yet I can't move. It's been so long since I've felt a man's touch. "Cartier." I whisper against his lips.
He steps back, "My bad. I shouldn't have done that."
"I'll see you later." I get my keys out and get out of there as fast as I can.
As I walk in the house it's dark and quiet. While out tonight I didn't realize time flew by. It was midnight before I knew it. I walk into my room and shower. "Milan is that you?!?" I hear Nisha yell. "Yeah!"
I get out the shower and get dressed. Walking out of my bathroom I see Nisha. "Late night?" She asks with her arms crossed. "We got caught up talking." I get in bed. "Milan.." I look over at her, "Yes.."
"Don't get too caught up, Okay?" She says then leaves out the room. Did she see the kiss? I lean back and cover up.
I head to sleep. "Baby." I roll over. "Milan disrespect me again and yo ass gone come up missing." Tears flow from my eyes. "August where have you been? I've been searching all over for you." I ask. "I'm damn sure ain't on no nigga lips." I chuckle lightly as he caresses my face. "I've missed you my love." I open my eyes to pure darkness. "Mommy?"
I reach over and cut the light on. "What's wrong Princess?" She walks over to my bed. "Can I sleep in here?" I smile picking her up. "Come on." She smiles and gets under the cover laying on me. "Mommy I miss daddy." I lean back down to cut the lamp off. "Me too baby girl, me too."
