I mustered up the strength to get up. Britain came with me to pack my bag. While we stood in the closet, I broke down again. She pulled me into her arms and consoled me.
“He’s angry. That’s expected. Marriage is not easy, Jaz. It seems like everything is going bad, but I promise you things will get better once he calms down.”
We rocked back and forth in the embrace she pulled me into. I guess the motion stirred up baby Eden because I could feel her kick. I giggled lightly through my tears, and Britain did the same.
“She can’t really read the room yet.” She rubbed her belly.
Britain thrived on being a mother. From being pregnant with Genesis, to now carrying Eden, she did it with so much grace and ease. If God blessed Ahk and me to see this bump in the road through so we could have children, I wanted nothing more than to be just like my sister.
Once I packed a bag, I left with my brother and Britain. During the lengthy drive to their house, I sent Ahk a text.
Jazzy: Ahkeem I’m sorry. Take some time for yourself. Whenever you’re ready to talk, let me know. I’m gonna be at PJ’s and Brit’s for a little while. I love you.
I saw the three little dots dance at the bottom of the screen for a little minute before they vanished. He never texted back. He had nothing to say to me.
I knew it wasn’t right to clock how much time Ahk really needed to finally calm down, but it had been a week since I last saw him. After three days, he finally texted me back to let me know he was alive. There was no attempt to have a conversation about the issue at hand, letting me know he was still pissed.
“Sis, you think this a good idea?” Britain asked over the phone as I turned into the entrance of the Ritz.
“It’s the only idea I got, Brit. I miss my husband.”
“I know. Priest and I had our issues, and whenever he called for space or if I did, it killed me.”
“I can’t eat. I can’t sleep. I think my hair is falling out, Britain,” I stressed dramatically.
She laughed. “If you’re anything like me, be just as dramatic when you finally talk to him. Your brother always tries to play hard, but as soon as I start my damsel in distress act, he folds.”
I witnessed that shit with my own two eyes. No matter how upset my brother was with her, he always softened up whenever she got emotional. From our last conversation when I was in hysterics, I didn’t think it would work with Ahkeem, but I for damn sure was gonna try again.
“Pray that Ahk’s the same way.”
“Girl, I sent three prayers up for you already. Soon as we hang up, I’m gonna send another. I miss Keemy for you. You’re so much happier with him.”
“He’s really my better half.” I sighed deeply. “I’m about to go in. I’ll call you if things go left.”
“Alright, Jazzy. If he’s not ready to talk, don’t force him.”
“I won’t.”
We said our goodbyes before ending the call. I hopped out of the car and made my way inside to the front desk.
“Hi. My husband is surprising me. Said to come pick up a room key from the front desk.” I smiled politely, lying straight through my teeth. I was really good at that, obviously.
“May I have your husband’s name?” the woman asked.
“Ahkeem Hendricks.” I checked the last couple transactions on his card and saw he had been getting billed for a stay at the property. This was the same hotel we came to on our wedding night. Hopefully all the good memories we had here were able to fill his head and calm him down a little.
The woman typed away on her computer before requesting my driver’s license. I was so grateful that I had gotten my documents updated with my new last name. Without any furtherquestions, she handed me the key card and advised me of his suite number.
I rode the elevator up to the fifteenth floor. I turned down the corridor and ran right into someone. I was so focused on ensuring I didn’t bypass Ahk’s room that I wasn’t even paying attention. “I’m sorry?—“
My words got lodged in my throat once I realized it was Amina. “My bad, Jazzlyn.” She smirked.
Her coming down the hall of the same floor Ahk’s room was on wasn’t a fucking coincidence. Her face looked like she had seen a ghost. I probably was the last person she expected to see after taking a ride on my husband’s dick.
“Bitch,” I sneered before taking a step back just so I could make sure I wasn’t tripping.
My heart started beating rapidly against my chest. Heat overcame my entire body. This bitch had been lingering around like the bloodhound she was, just waiting on an opportunity to fuck Ahkeem, and he fucking gave it to her! The minute I interrupted their conversation on the balcony at the penthouse, I fucking knew this hoe was out to get Ahkeem back!
