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“As a matter of fact.” I snapped my fingers. “I will!”
ChapterEleven
Part III
March | Three Years Later
It was bold of me to let myself in under these circumstances. Jas now used a keypad, giving the option of entering digitally or inserting a key. Of course, I didn’t carry the keys to his home, but because of Chi-Chi, I’d always been given access. Tonight, I was using it, not wanting to disturb Juggy, likely the only person here with him.
Was I ready for this conversation with Jas? I’d asked myself that very question all the way over the bridge from Harlem when I abruptly parted ways with my crew after their meet and greet with Ragee. Being preoccupied with this impending conversation with Jas, I didn’t have the mental capacity to think of how I’d make it up to Cecil.
The house immediately doused me with a warm, tranquil, inviting energy. It flickered a memory of my first visit to theLake Sha’ronestate, the plushness screaming wealth, but also its vibe that offered promising practicality. I recalled thinking this was anAirbnbrental Jas managed to get his trade-stained hands on to impress me. I even believed his magical efforts had worked before learning the name on the deed. The peaceful calm still remaining from that first spring day lightened my mood, convincing me of the potential success of my impending announcement to Jas.
The foyer was dim, smelling of a winter bouquet. Muffled sounds pushing from the lower level could faintly be heard. But as I journeyed along the dark wooden floors, a soft glow appeared from the family room—or den. I hadn’t decided on the type yet, seeing there were two community rooms here on the lower level other than the living area and dining space.
A stroke of a musical chord rented the air, slowing the stride of my heels. My heart rate increased, and the muscles in my face collapsed. Too sharp was the memory of…the anticipation of intimacy. A breathy chortle sounded next, causing my belly to flip. Suddenly, I was transformed into the gatecrasher, but couldn’t turn away to leave.Could it be Juggy entertaining?My desperate hopes wanted the satire of Jos-Renee being in that room with him, confessing her undying love. Why? Because that would counter the nightmare knotting my belly.
Another key rang out, followed by several more, creating a jingle. I crept closer to the room’s entrance, being sure to rest in the shadows. There were candles and…rearranged furniture. That shit nearly wiped me clean out. It brought back my first visit here again when Jas and Juggy cleared out this very room for me to rid Jas of his jailhouse virginity. And now, there was a similar set up, just not as rearranged, less candles, but a feminine presence was amid the romantic aura.
I recognized him almost right away. Jas sat on the plush antique-styled sofa with cabriole wooden feet. His long legs were crossed, giving him a rare cosmopolitan appearance as his chin rested on his curled fist. His smile was through his eyes, and contentment widened his face into a doting grin.At who?Chi-Chi was home, long asleep at this hour. Toeing backward, being sure not to have the heels of my boots clack against the floors, I finally got a view of his subject.
She’s a…woman…
Tortilla-hued skin with a curly, tapered Betty Bop cut in the traditional jet-black tint. Her jewelry was modest in size but expressive with studs and miniature hoops running the entire crest of the earlobe I could see of hers. She was tiny…petite. A Black woman, I surmised after a few seconds of studying each feature of hers I could make out. The long floral dress she wore with combat boots told me lots about her style: contemporary hippie, modest in cost, yet intentional.
She played for nearly a minute before rolling her head over her shoulder to peer back at him and giggling breathily. “Are you really going to make me do this? I told you it’s been so long.”
Jas nodded, then he smiled—actually fucking smiled a smitten fucking smile. “I tried to make it easier for you by having your back to me.” His tone was soft, appealing, and engaging.
I’d seen the man converse with countless women over the years, but never in a romantic gesture or pursuit. I couldn’t even determine if he’d been so “soft” with me when we dated. This was weird, and I should have left, but I couldn’t pull my eyes away from this romantic scene.
“Okay,” she exhaled softly, pretending defeat when turning back toward the keyboard he’d arranged in there for her.
Within seconds, she played again. A soft melody ensued, and I listened with a fixed gaze on Jas. The solo was simple but effective. It had him locked in. His head tilted to the side as though he paid keen attention to the notes. Innocuously, his tongue grazed his lips. It wasn’t a seductive gesture behind her back, I knew, but every movement interested me. Similar to Chaka Khan’s claims, with each chord, she strummed the nerves of my belly.
She played, and Jas observed as I admittedly stalked. Helplessly. Jas was with another woman.
I’m back outside…switching gears again in life. To be real, I’m looking for somebody…for me.
Speaking of which, I was just about to let you start fuckin’ other niggas.
You’re good on seeing who you want…except him.
Those were his words. That and the fact of him not touching me in nine months. Jas had reset the rules at some point, and I didn’t know it. There was a changing of the tides, a shift in the dynamic between us. Had my animosity for him been so thick I couldn’t hear him?
See him...
Jas’ eyes were on me. Quietly, he stood and promenaded my way. Once he crossed the threshold of the door, I began backing away, slowly cognizing the situation. My mouth hung agape, eyes wild. I didn’t know how to begin to center myself.
“Everything good?” he asked thickly.
Guilt washed over me for the way my body responded to even his voice. I backed into a wall with him crowding over me. Jas reached over to flip on the light switch. The sudden illumination blinded me, and I blinked successively but still caught him scanning the area.
“Are you on a date?”
Jas peered over his shoulder. “Yeah.” Then he spoke to her as she approached, having been made aware of my presence, too. Back to me, he asked, “You good?”
I nodded successively, feeling so awkward. “Ye—yeah! I didn’t…” After a deep breath, I asked, hardly audible, “Is this a date?”
