Should've Been Me

We Meet Again

Nas

I walked around my new bar, quite satisfied with how tonight is turning out. This is my first soul/jazz bar and I wanted to make sure I paid homage to my roots. My pop is one of the greatest to ever do it so I had to make sure I did it up for him.

I smiled as I went to yet another table, thanking the people for coming. It's definitely been a success. So many people I've met through the years and the community coming out to show love. Just as I was walking to another table, I looked towards the door and I couldn't help the smile that bloomed on my face.

Holly Robinson Peete and Vivica Fox made their way in the door, shaking their shoulders to the beat. I started making my way over to them as some of their other crew members came into sight. And then I saw her. Lela Rochon. I stopped walking as I stared at her. Damn, she's just as gorgeous now as she was back in the day.

"Nassssiiirrrr!"
"Hey Holls. What y'all doing here?"
"We came to check out this new place."
"Oh no doubt. No doubt."
"Boy, get over here and give me a hug!"
"Hey Vanessa! Loretta, Mama T!"
"I know you see me!"
"What's good Simone?!"
"Nothing. It's been a while!"
"Too long."

After speaking to everybody else, I stopped walking right in front of Lela. I stared at her as she looked around nervously before looking back at me.

"Damn, shorty, I don't get a hug or nothing?"
"Of course!"

I walked up to her and wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close to me. I buried my face in her hair and rubbed her back as we swayed side to side in our hug. Lela has always smelled so damn good to me. Like vanilla, cinnamon and fresh soap. I've never been able to get used to it and it does something to me every time. I decided to get the obvious out of the way by whispering in her ear.

"I miss you."
"I miss you too."
"Really? It doesn't seem that way."
"Come on now, you know I missed you."
"Prove it."
"How do you want me to do that?"
"Have dinner with me tomorrow?"
"I don't know... my kids-,"
"Will be fine. After all, they are 16 and 14."

I smiled at Vivica as Lela sent her a glare. I chuckled and looked down at the ground before looking back at her. Lela always made me feel like a little punk ass school boy whenever she was around. I can't even describe it. Just know, I love this woman.

"Uh, yes. I guess, I will have dinner with you tomorrow."
"Hell yeah. Don't stand me up either."
"I won't!"
"Yeah, yeah. Don't make me have to come find you Lele!"

She blushed before shaking her head. I laughed and waved to the rest of the ladies with her before moving on to the next table. I had a little more pep in my step after seeing Lela. She just has that affect on me.

Being truthful, I love Lela. I'm in love with her actually. I have been for a while. After we initially met I didn't see her for a while. Then we started running in the same circles and we developed a friendship. We were close as shit but life happens.

But I can't dwell on the past. I want to work on my present and future and if it's one thing that I know, that fuck nigga doesn't deserve my woman.

I made my way around the room, keeping an eye on their table. I decided to send them two bottles of our finest wine, on the house. I smiled as they had a good time. I love to see Queens smile. Bunky walked up, interrupting me mid stare.

"Aye bro, is that your woman?"
"Yeah man. Damn. She's still beautiful."
"She done picked up a few pounds."
"Shit, ain't nothing I can't handle. I like my women thick."
"You ain't lying. If you don't -,"
"Naw son. Don't even finish that statement. She spoken for."
"No disrespect my brother, but she truly is. And she ain't gonna leave his ass alone either."

I didn't respond. Mainly because the shit is true. There've been rumors going around for years about Antoine Fuqua's infidelity. And every time I get my hopes up, praying she'd leave so I can make my move, it never happened. I clinched my jaw and walked off to the back. Bunky walked behind me.

"I'm just saying bruh. You've been after that since the 90s. Maybe you should find another woman to give your all to. You're a good dude bro. Any woman would be fucked up about you."
"I hear ya bro. It's just, the heart wants what it wants."

Bunky patted my shoulder before walking off to his office. We've been partners for over 15 years now. We own a record label, spirits line that creates several wines, liqueurs and whiskeys, a clothing line and now, a chain of restaurants and bars.

I did some paperwork and watched the security cameras. I smiled as I saw Lela 'nem at their table, enjoying themselves. I focused back on the last little bit of contracts that required my signature. There was a knock on the door so I looked up and saw my secretary.

"Mr. Jones?"
"Yes Brittany?"
"There's a few patrons requesting your presence. They say their old friends of yours."
"Ah, yes. Give me a minute."

I signed the papers and put them away before grabbing my jacket and walking out of my office. Brittany led me to Lela's table.

"Ladies, what's up?"
"We just wanted to say that you for the wine and tell you how nice the bar is."
"Well thank you Ladies. You're welcome here anytime as a guest of mine."

I smiled and gave them all a hug. Once again, I found myself hanging onto Lela a little longer than the rest. I love the way she smells! Shit turns me all the way on. She pulled back and looked at me.

"I'll give you my number, uh, you know, so we can meet up for dinner tomorrow."
"Okay. I'll give you my phone and just call yourself so I'll have your number."

We exchanged information and once again like a dumb ass, I found myself staring at her. She looked up at me through her lashes, smiled and blushed, before biting her lip. Damn she fine.