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“The party in Cheek. Y’all go change, ’cause I’m not accepting no for an answer. Everybody gon’ be out there. If y’all ain’t feeling it once we get there, we can find something else to get into, but y’all ain’t finna stay home. Even Danica coming with us. She’s taking the kids to her parents’ house.”
I smiled at him and took a deep breath. I supposed I’d better get dressed.
CHAPTER6
JESSICA
What’s up, beautiful? I had to reach out to make sure you gave me the right number.
I stared at the text message from Lennox’s friend, Nate, and a slight smile made its way to my lips. We were on our way to Cheek, and I was in the back seat of Decaurey’s car with Danica. I wasn’t in the partying mood at all, but I could fake it until I made it. Eventually, I’d start feeling it if I pumped myself up enough. I couldn’t be all depressed and shit on the happiest time of Nesha’s life.
My cousin and best friend had found a lasting love that was beyond anything she’d ever felt. How could I not celebrate that? What I had going on with her forever’s brother would have to go on the back burner. I was in love with him and had never told him, because I felt like something wasn’t right. Decklan was so sweet in the beginning… until the last few months. It was like he checked out on me. I couldn’t hang around and endure if he wouldn’t talk to me about what was going on with him.
I’d told Nesha it had only been a couple of months. I’d been sensing something for the past four actually. I didn’t want her to know I’d put up with him for any longer than I had. When I realized that I was tolerating toxic behavior, I ended it. I refused to be like my mother and endure bullshit that could lead to something much worse. I loved Jenahra Henderson Carter with all my heart, but she didn’t provide a great example for her young, impressionable daughter. Her words to me were always encouraging and filled with strength, self-love, and motivation, but her actions spoke louder.
She was telling me to be a strong, independent woman while she was feeling weak, defeated, and definitely dependent on my father for her happiness. Seeing her so miserable all the time, thankfully, had an adverse effect on me. It made me want to do everything in my power to not succumb to abuse the way she did. There wasn’t a person alive that I would allow to demean me and make me feel bad about myself the way Joseph did her.No-fucking-body.
I stared at the text for a while, and when I felt the car slowing down, I looked up to see the party in full swing. The music was blaring, and I could see people everywhere. Going back to the text, I replied,You’ve reached the right one. I don’t play games like that. What’chu see is what you get.
Before I could slide my phone in my crossbody, he responded.That’s good to know. I hope I can spend some time with you tomorrow, gorgeous.
I twisted my lips to the side and slightly rolled my eyes. Niggas played games, and I just hoped he wasn’t playing any. Calling me beautiful and gorgeous was played out. I believed I was those things, but I was tired of men saying that to me, only to say it to the next woman. It was like they only said it to butter my fucking biscuit… like I needed their validation.Fuck them.
I was a curvy, beautiful black queen. I knew who the fuck I was. Compliments were nice, but I was more concerned about their actions. I’d just met Nate today at the rehearsal. I didn’t know him. All I knew was that his name was Nate, he was tall as hell, and that he didn’t live here. He played basketball. I wasn’t sure if he was in the NBA or if he played overseas. Him living somewhere else only made me more skeptical of his intentions.
As Decaurey parked, he turned to me and Danica and said, “Y’all stay close to me until we scope this shit out. I ain’t tryna be fighting nobody.”
Danica laughed as I rolled my eyes. “Decaurey, first of all, you know I ain’t straying too far anyway. Secondly, you ain’t gon’ do shit,” I said.
“Girl, I been working out. I ain’t just a fat boy no more.”
“I see you done lost a few pounds, but you see all these people? Tell me you can handle a few niggas at once,” I replied.
“I prolly can’t, but I’ll go down trying. Y’all my people. You feel me?”
I smiled at him. “I feel you, bruh. Let’s go turn up.”
I stepped out of the car prepared to have a good time. My phone chimed and vibrated, so I took it from my bag to see what else Nate had to say. When I saw a message from Decklan, I rolled my eyes. Curious about what he could possibly have to say, I opened the message.Damn. So you break things off with me and flirt with the next nigga right in my face, huh? That’s cold, Jess.
After taking a deep breath to calm down, I responded.Not as cold as how you’ve treated me for the past four months. Boy, fuck you.
I looked up to see the three of them staring at me. “You good, boo?” Nesha asked me.
“Yeah. Let’s go have fun.”
I swiped the tear that had somehow fallen down my cheek and strutted toward that party like I was a fucking stallion on the runway. I didn’t have time to give a fuck about people that didn’t give a fuck about me. I could see Decaurey glancing at me. I was always the strong one, never allowing my true feelings to show. I supposed that was one thing Ididinherit from my mother. She was a damn professional at hiding shit.
When we got to the party, I was in awe at just how much fun everybody was having. That shit looked like a cross between the parties onHow Stella Got Her Groove BackandSon In Law.People were in boots and Stetsons all over the place, but they looked to be damn near fucking on the floor. I loved this shit. It wasn’t often that I got to embrace my country roots, but when I did, I took full advantage. I pulled at the waistband of my leggings, then glanced at Decaurey.
“I’m going to fuck this dance floor up. Either y’all can join me or watch me.”
I didn’t hang around to hear or see their responses. I went right to the middle of the dance floor and started dancing by my-damn-self. That shit didn’t last long though. I could feel the heat against me. I turned to see a nice-looking man dancing behind me. He winked at me as he bit his bottom lip. I flashed him a smile as his diamond studs sparkled under the lights. Country hood niggas did it best. His dimples pulled me in as he tipped his Stetson up. Leaning into me, he asked, “What’s up, baby?”
I winked at him and began rolling my hips into him. He slid his hand to my hip and matched my movements. I was feeling that shit. “Damn, girl. Where you come from with all this body?”
“Big City Nome, baby boy. Now what’chu gon’ do wit’ it?”
“Shit, whatever you want a nigga to do.”
