Jey Uso x (OC) Angel, Jimmy Uso x (OC) Regina
Warning(s): 18+ Slow burn, Smut, Angst
"So, what's up with you and Jey?" Regina asked, sipping her iced tea, studying my every move.
I sighed heavily, playing with my sandwich on my plate. "He came by last night," I admitted. "Vanessa's got him all messed up. He's so torn."
Regina's eyes widened. "Damn, what happened after we all left?"
"Everything," I sighed, my voice filled with sadness that I just couldn't hide anymore. " Of course Vanessa wants him back, and Jey's just... confused."
Regina nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "It's because he's scared of how he feels for you," she said, her voice gentle. "It's intense, and it's only been about a month. He's not used to that, not after being with Vanessa for so long."
I nodded, my eyes misting over. "I know," I whispered. "I just don't want to pressure him. If he needs time, I'll give it to him."
Regina reached across the table, giving my hand a comforting squeeze. "You're doing the right thing," she assured her. "But I know he's going to choose you. He can't resist you, girl. Jimmy even said that heâs never seen Jey so happy."
âEven if he doesn't choose me, I just want him to be happy...He deserves that.â
âSo do you Angel, more than anything,â Regina says as I was fighting an internal struggle to not overthink every little thing, and I also was praying Jey was ok.
âMaybe,â I whispered wanting to drop the subject as Regina and I ate the rest of our lunch in silence. I wouldnât get my hopes up, I knew the risks from the beginning. When you donât have expectations, you donât get hurtâŠ.Right?
Thatâs a lieâŠThis was going to hurt like hell.
âJey, how was your vacation?â Sami asked as I gave him a sad smile. âIt was good, Uce, just got a lot on my mind,â I said suddenly seeing Vanessa, leaning against the vending machine, dressed in a simple sundress and waving shyly. It was the first time she'd ever come to visit me at work.
âUh, I thought you broke things off with Vanessa, Jey?â
âI did, but itâs complicated right now,â I whispered as he patted me on the shoulder. âI hope you know what youâre doing,â Sami whispered before heading to clock in.
âWhat you doinâ here, Vanessa?â I asked as she handed me a Tupperware container filled with my favorite sandwich and some chips. "I know you've got a break coming up," she said, her voice hopeful. "Thought I'd bring you something to eat."
I took it from her, trying to hide my surprise. "Thanks," I murmured, glancing around at some of my other coworkers, who were all watching with curiosity.
"I've been thinking, Jey," she said, her eyes searching mine. "I know I've been pushing you about the job and everything, but... I'm serious about making this work."
I nodded, feeling a mix of hope and dread. "I know," I said, not sure what else to say.
Vanessa took a deep breath. "I want us to start a family," she blurted out, her voice shaking. "I want a baby and for us to finally get marrierd. I- I wanna set a date."
The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. I stared at her, my mind racing. This was huge. Why now? Why after all this time?
"Why now?" I managed to ask, trying to keep my voice steady. "You said you wanted to have kids way later. Donât dangle things you know I want in my face if you donât mean it..I mean why now.â
Her eyes filled with tears. "Because I'm ready," she whispered. "I want a part of you that I can keep, something that's ours forever. Iâm ready to be your wife."
I felt like I was in a tornado of emotions, unable to find my footing. could hear Jimmy's voice echoing in my head, telling me to read the room, to not get sucked back in by desperation.
I led her to a quieter spot, my heart racing. "I don't know if I'm ready for that," I admitted, setting the Tupperware down on a bench. "We got a lot to figure out. A baby is playing with another life, this ainât a game."
Vanessa nodded, her expression earnest. "I know it isnât a game," she said. " I just want to show you I'm willing to work on us, Jey. Â It will be differen, I'll support you in whatever you decide to do. I just... I just want us to get married and start our family."
âI donât have time to talk about this now, I gotta clock in,â I sighed as she gave me a sad smile. âI know, I just wanted you to tell you how I was feelinâ but the ball is in your court,â she said giving me a kiss on the cheek leaving me stunned.
As I went to clock back in, I couldn't help but think about Vanessa's proposal. A baby. It was something I had always dreamed of, something we had talked about for years.
My phone buzzed, pulling me from my thoughts. It was a text from Vanessa: "I'm trying, Jey. I really am. Please, just give me a chance to make it right. We can do this."
Guilt washed over me as I read her words. I hadn't given her a fair shot at fixing things and with our history that wasnât fair. With a heavy sigh, I texted her back, "Okay, we can try."
âI love you and thank you for not giving up on us.â
I didnât respond, I couldnâtâŠAll I could think about was Angel and how she would take the news. Hell, deep down I felt I had just made a big mistake.
After work, I found myself riding over to Angel's apartment, the same way I had the night before. This time, though, my heart was heavier, my thoughts tangled with the weight of what I had promised Vanessa.
When Angel opened the door, she searched my eyes, looking for answers. "You okay?" she asked, her voice filled with concern, especially since she wasnât expecting me.
I stepped inside, pulling her into a desperate kiss, filled with so much passion it almost hurt. She melted into me, but I could feel the hesitation in her body, the question in her soul. She knew something had changed, something was wrong.
"What happened?" she whispered against my lips, her arms tightening around my waist before breaking our kiss, my mind and heart missing her already.
"Vanessa came to see me at the station," I managed to get out, my voice raw with emotion. "She said how things would be different this time.â
Angel's eyes searched mine, the unspoken question hanging in the air. "And what did you tell her?"
She was talking about wanting a baby, a familyâŠSomethinâ I always wanted-â
 âWhat did you tell her?â Angel asked again, caressing my face, making me look at her. âJust tell me, itâs ok.â
âNo regrets, remember,â she pleaded, both of our eyes full of unshed tears.
"I- I said we could try," I admitted, feeling the weight of the words settle in my stomach like a rock.
Her smile was sad but understanding as she nodded. "Then you should try. I know this isn't easy for you, Jey," she whispered.
The pain in her voice was like a knife to the heart. "I feel like I been knowinâ you all my life, and I want to be wit you so bad," I said, my voice thick with emotion.
"But you can't ignore your history with Vanessa,â Angel finished as I nodded.
âAnd how she was right..I never gave her the chance to fix what was broken."
âI just want you to be happy, Joshua," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
I nodded, feeling my throat tighten even more. "I know," I whispered back, feeling like the world was caving in around me. "I want you to be happy too, Ma."
âI will be, donât worry about me.â
âI know itâs too much to ask, Ion even-â
âC- Can we still be friends?â I asked, afraid of her answer. Angel leaned into me, her arms wrapping around my neck as we stood in her dimly lit living room.
"Sure," she said, her voice gentle. "But if we are going to be friends, we have to be just that. I'm not going to wait for you to choose me if you're not ready to let go of your past."
I pulled back, looking into her eyes, the depth of her love for me reflected in them. "I understand," I said, my voice hoarse.
âAnd Iâm going to need some time, Jey âshe sighed. âAnything you need, Iâll do, Ma,â I said without hesitation as we stood there, holding onto each other for what felt like an eternity.
Neither one of us wanted to let go, but we both knew we had to. With a heavy heart, I pulled away first.
"I want you to take care of yourself, Angel," I said, turning to leave.
"I willâŠAnd Jey," she called out as I reached for the doorknob. I stopped, looking back at her one last time.
"Remember, you deserve to be happy," she said, her voice strong despite the sadness in her eyes. "And I hope it works out."
With a final nod, I turned the doorknob and stepped into the hallway, the weight of my decision suffocating me.
 I didnât respond to her well wishes because I knew deep down, I wanted to be with her, but I had to at least give Vanessa the benefit of the doubt.
The ride to Vanessa's Brownstone felt like an eternity. Each red light was a chance to turn back; each block a silent plea to change my mind. But I didn't. I couldn't. I had given her my word, and I had to at least try to make this work.
When I pulled up, she was outside waiting. âYou coulda waited upstairs, I was coming,â I said as she threw her arms around my neck before I could even get off my bike. âIâm just so happy you here, handsome,â she whispered as I hugged her back. The longer I held her, the more I felt like I was suffocating, and my mind and heart were shouting one fact in unison. âIâm not supposed to be here.â
"Come in," she said, her voice bubbly, her smile wide. As we went upstairs, I felt that voice in my mind screaming to turn back but I went inside anyway allowing her to lead me to the couch, where we sat down.
She looked at me expectantly, her eyes shining with excitement. "So, when do we start trying?" she asked, her voice filled with hope.
I took a deep breath, trying to push down the guilt that was threatening to overwhelm me. "First things first, Nessa," I said, my voice firm. "We've got to fix us before we start thinking about a baby or getting married."
Her smile faltered a bit, but I saw relief in her eyes. "Okay," she said, her voice soft. "We'll take it slow and work on our relationship."
As her hand found its way to my thigh, I couldn't shake the image of Angel's sad smile, the way she had looked at me with such understanding and love.
 It was like I was betraying her, even though she had given me her blessing to figure things out.
All I could think about was Angel's, the way she looked at me like I was the only man in the world. Hell, the way she made me feelâŠ.. Yea, I had fucked up and now I was stuck.
As we sat there, the weight of my decision to try with Vanessa grew heavier with every passing second. Â "Babe," Vanessa said, her voice soft and sweet, "I know you're tired. Why don't we just go to bed, and we can talk tomorrow?"
I nodded, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up to me. âUh, yeaâŠLet me take a shower,â I whispered getting up on autopilot heading to the bathroom.
âI put a pair of your Pajamas you had left here in the bathroom, just relax,â Vanessa said as I sighed closing the bathroom door, dreading looking at myself in the mirror.Â
âStupid fool,â I whispered staring at my tired reflection, my heart aching remembering how devastated Angel looked at me but still gave her blessing. âSheâll never have me, I fucked it all up,â I sighed rubbing my temples.Â
âJey, you ok in there?â Vanessa asked.
âYea, Iâm goodâŠ.Just go to bed, Iâll take the couch da night,â I said as I heard her scoff.
âUm, ok, goodnight,â she whispered as I sighed in relief hearing her walk away and her bedroom door close.
âPlease be ok, Ma,â I said to myself finally hoping in the shower trying to wash all the guilt away.
I knew he would try with Vanessa..I knew it, but damn if it didnât hurt. I knew he didnât want to be with her and that was making what I was feeling even fucking worse. My phone rang, snapping me out of the thoughts. It was Regina..I didnât feel like talking to anybody right now but I knew if I didnât answer she wouldnât stop calling, hell maybe even come over.
âHey, Regina,â I sighed answering the phone as I heard her sigh in relief.
âWhy werenât you answering the phone, I been trying to call you. I was worried, Jimmy was about to bring me over there,â Regina said as I tried to hold it together.
âHe chose to be with her, Regina,â I blurted out as I heard Jimmy growl in the background.
âWeâre on the way,â she said hanging up before I could respond. Now I felt even worse for opening my big mouth. I had just ruined Reginaâs night out with Jimmy, and I knew he was going back on the road tomorrow.
Almost twenty minutes later they were at my door pleading to be let in.
âIâm good yaâllâŠJust go, I donât wanna mess up yaâll night.â
âPlease, just let us in Angel. I need to make sure you good,â Regina pleaded as tears welled up in my eyes. Damn her for knowing me so well.
âRegina, Jimmy is leavinâ tomorrow go enjoy your time together, Iâm good, I promise,â I pleaded as Regina banged on the door again.
âAngel, open this door before I get Jimmy to break it down-â
âAnd donât think I wonât, open the door Angel,â Jimmy pleaded as I took a deep breath before finally opening the door. The moment my eyes met Reginaâs I couldnât hold back my tears anymore.
"I told yaâll I was ok," I whimpered as Regina rushed to my side, wrapping me up in a warm embrace. "You don't have to pretend, Sissy," she whispered, fighting back her own tears. That was all it took as a broken, painful sob escaped my lips as I held onto her tight.
"It's alright, sis," Jimmy said, stepping into the apartment and closing the door behind him. "We here now,â he said as I nodded trying to get ahold of myself as he embraced us both for a brief second.
âItâs gonâ be ok, sis.â
There it was, he had said it again, Jimmy had called me âsisâ and it made my heart ache more as Regina sat with me on the couch, holding me close as I cried.
âItâs ok, let it out,â she soothed as Jimmy's face was a mask of anger, his jaw clenched tight as he lingered close by.
âI knew it would happen, but I didnât think it would hit me this hard,â I confessed, wiping my tears looking at Jimmy, his expression softening.
"Look, I know he's my brother, but he's fuckin' up, and you don't deserve this shit."
"I know," I whispered, wiping her eyes. "Jimmy, he didnât want to tell me he was going back with her."
"I know he didnât," Jimmy said, sitting on the other side of me. "Damn, I just hate how all this shit went down."
Regina handed me a tissue as I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself, my voice barely above a whisper. "He was so broken when he was telling me how he was going to try to make it work with her and I had to plead for him to tell me that.â
Jimmy's eyes narrowed. "Because he wants to be with you, but heâs scared. Then Vanessaâs feeding him pipedreams again," he said, his voice low and dangerous.
âScared of what?â I whimpered as Jimmy caressed my knee. âHow you love..My brother ainât neva felt nothinâ like dat before. Dat much I know. I ainât never seen him so happy as he was, than when he was wit you.â
 âThat may be true Jimmy  and I know what I told you earlier, Angel but if he wants to run from it and be with Vanessa, then let him. You're too good to sit around waiting for someone who can't decide if he wants you or not, Angel," Regina added as I sighed, feeling the truth of her words deep in my soul.
We sat in silence for a moment, the tension in the room thick and heavy. Finally, I took a deep breath. "What do I do?" I asked, looking for some kind of guidance because I really felt lost.
Jimmy squeezed my hand. "You keep your head up, and you keep moving forward. He knows what he's losing and trust me he feelinâ it already. Everythang gonâ work out..I just know it will.â
Regina nodded. "And we're here for you, no matter what you decide," she said. "We're your family, and we're not going anywhere."
I canât believe this fool fell into the trap..Iâmma kill himâŠYep, thatâs all thatâs left is for me da do but kill him. My phone buzzed and I knew it was him.
I knew my twin better than myself. He was already regretting his choice, and it served him right. Pulling my phone out I read his message, shaking my head.
"I fucked up.. Angel should be calling Regina soon. Can you just keep an eye on her for me?"
I stared at the screen, my anger boiling over. "Damn right you fucked up," I typed not bothering to hide my frustration. "And I hate to tell you but you gonâ be miserable until you stop lyinâ to yourself. You know dat shit wit Vanessa is dead and you love Angel."
He didn't respond, but I knew he was feeling the weight of his mistake and as he should.
As I was about to put my phone away, he texted again. "Please, Jimmy. Just look after her, she's special."
I knew she was special. That's why I was so mad at him for hurting her. "I'll keep an eye on her, but you better figure your shit out before it's too late."
I knew what it was like to lose someone you love because you couldn't get your shit together, and I didnât want that to happen to Jey.
âYou need to get some sleep,â Regina whispered holding Angel tight as she helped her up and walked her to her room. I followed but hung back givinâ them their space. As Regina climbed into bed with Angel, I cut off the light.
âYaâll get some rest; Iâll take the couch.â
âIâm sorry for ruining your last night home, Jimmy,â Angel said as I frowned.
âYou ainât ruined nothinâ sis, we right where we supposed to be,â I assured her closing the door behind me.
âDamn, twinâŠGet yoâ shit together.â I mumbled to myself heading to try to get some sleep. I knew one thing was certainâŠMy twin was in for it and he brought it all on himself.
âAre you serious, Jimmy?â
âYes, Iâm serious, Angel has a gig and weâre going to support her next Friday. Sheâs really excited.â
âI knew she could do it..Damn, I wish I could be there,â I sighed as Jimmy kissed his teeth. âWell, I wasnât even supposed to tell you but I felt guilty about not tellinâ you.â
âI ainât surprised, why would she want me there? She may feel I used her, but I swear on unk it wasnât like dat.â
Jimmy sighed before trying to put my mind at ease. âShe donât feel dat way, Uce. Sheâs just tryinâ to get herself together.â
âThen, Iâm tired of being in Vanessaâs space,â I said looking around missing my own home. She had asked last week if she could bring some of her things back over.
I told her we still had work to do so I didnât feel it was the right time. I been staying here four nights out the week. If Iâm honestâŠI donât want her at my house..She talked to much about it acting like it was beneath her.
âAye, you still there, Jey,â Jimmy asked as I sighed. âYea, Iâm here..Just thinkinâ bout everything.â
âWhere she at now?â Jimmy asked as I glanced at the bathroom door.
âI bet some of her kinks are starting to show.â
âYea..Big time, twin,â I sighed laying back on the bed and turning on the TV.
âI could have told you that, Vanessa is still Vanessa. Sheâs trying to play a role right now.â Jimmy said as I groaned.
âYea, and if want to be wit Angel you need to fix it.â
âI know,â I hissed defeated. âBut I owe it to Vanessa to at least try.â
âYou donât owe her shit. Man, dat girl dogged you out, Uce. Tried to manipulate you and still doinâ it now. She ainât changed, break it off before itâs too late.â
 âI just fucked everything up wit Angel, and I know she ainât gonâ forgive me. I mean she say we can be friends, but I know I want more.â
âNo, she donât⊠I told her I wanted to be wit her so bad and she never said she felt the same. She just said she understood my history wit Vanessa.â
âSo, if she had said she wanted to be with you dat night, would you have still went back to Vanessa?â
âNo, but what does that even matter, twin.â I heard Vanessa cutting off the shower.
âYou should have told her-â
 âI know aâight, jus hit me up later.  She out the shower and ion want no shit. One love, Twin.â
âAâight, Iâll holla at ya later and luv you too.â
I felt nervous as I heard the door open and she came out in her robe smirking at me. âWhatâs upâ I asked as she purred dropping her robe, crawling onto the bed and onto my lap as I stilled at the action, grabbing her hip. âIâm ready, Jey.â
âUh-Y- You sure?â I asked afraid of the answer. She was but I wasnâtâŠNot by a damn longshot.
âYes, baby Iâm sure,â she moaned kissing my chestâŠ..Think of AngelâŠThink of AngelâŠ. As I closed my eyes, my mind drifted to the night Angel and I made love.
âYou want me, Jey?â Vanessa purred as I groaned, picturing Angel straddling my thighs kissing and sucking on my neck driving me up the wall. Fuck, I missed her.
âYes, you gonâ let Daddy take you for a train ride Ang- baby?â I asked  she slapped me on the chest, as my eyes snapped open meeting her irritated eyes
âShitâ I groaned as my brain suddenly caught up and I realized I had almost called her Angel in the heat of the moment..Did she hear me?
âJey, you know I hate it when you say shit like that,â she snapped getting out of bed as I rubbed my temples. Thank God she hadnât heard me, so what pissed her off.
âWhat did I do?â I whispered, snapping fully out of the fantasy that had been playing over and over in my mind these last three weeksâŠMaking Love to Angel.
âYou know what you did,â Vanessa said rolling her eyes again.
âNo, I wonât if you donât tell me.â
 âFine, youâre so childish, and you just ruined the mood.â
âBeing juvenile talkinâ about a damn train ride, callinâ yourself daddy..Just Ugh!â she screamed storming back into the bathroom and slammed the door. YepâŠSame old Vanessa.
âAh, manâŠ.This canât be my life,â I muttered to myself in even more disbelief as the list kept piling up as to why I needed to run for the hills.
Yea, I fucked upâŠFucked up really badâŠ
âDid you tell him about the show, tonight,â Regina asked as I looked at her like she had three heads.
âSo, what has he been sayinâ when he texts you, then? Regina asked as I sighed not wanting to talk about Jey. I was nervous enough about the show tonight.
âTellinâ me heâs sorry and he wants to see me. How he misses how we used to talk and hang out. I told him when he made that choice to be with her. Told him we could text, maybe talk on the phone a little but I canât be around him. Itâs not fair to any of us, Vanessa included.â
âAww Angel, Iâm so sorry.â
âIâm okâŠHe didnât take it well, but I told him he made his choice and I got to protect myself. I got to get back into that head space of us being friends especially after us crossing that line.â
âUnderstandable, what did he say about that you not wanting to see him?â
âHe said he understood, and he would take any part of me he could get even though he really wants to see me.â
âYou know when yaâll see each other all bets are off, right? Itâs a nice thing youâre trying to do but there ainât no way yaâll ainât gonna run into each other Angel. The subway, Jimmyâs house, my house..Itâs bound to happen.â
âRegina, can we just drop it, please.â
âAngel, Jey wants to be with you; you want to be with him. Heâs just scared of what heâs feeling so he took the safe route.â
âWell, he needs to tell me that, Regina⊠How the hell Iâm supposed to know?â
âNow while I agree, I feel you could tell him how you feel too.â
âWhat the hell you talkinâ about?â
âYou never told him what you wanted. He just said he was going back to Vanessa, and you let him. You at least could have told him you had feelings for him, too.â
âRegina, that wouldnât have done nothing but make shit more complicated.â
âAngel, he may be stayinâ wit her now âcause he feels like you wouldnât want to be with him and that itâs too late,â Regina said as I looked at her, confused as to where that theory came from.
âI have showed that man in every sense that I want him-â
âEvery way except telling him how you feel and that you actually fell for him too.â
âRegina, where is all this coming from, how you switchinâ it around on me. Like has Jey told Jimmy something?â I asked as Regina zipped her lip and shrugged her shoulders.
âItâs not my secret to tell, sis. Just know you could shut this whole Vanessa shit down by tellinâ that man you want him and thatâs all Iâmma say.â
âWhy does this have to be so hard,â I groaned getting up packing my gear as she helped me.
âLook, you gotta perform tonight, so just focus on that and have fun. You can worry bout all this other shit later,â she said as I took a deep breath.
âOkâŠ.Iâll deal with it after,â I whispered. Suddenly I saw a delivery truck pull up and a man stepped out. âUh, is he sure heâs at the right spot cause, who the hell sent that?â I asked pointing at an elaborate bouquet of fruit and chocolate the delivery man was holding, walking up to my studio door.
âGirl, I know it ainât for me, go get it,â Regina said with a smile as I hesitantly went to open the door.
"Ms. Angel?" He asked, holding out the arrangement as I nodded. âYes, thatâs me.â
My eyes softened as I took the bouquet, the weight of it surprisingly heavy. The card was attached with a delicate ribbon. I felt my stomach flutter as I saw they it was from Jey.
âWho are they from?â Regina asked as I rolled my eyes.
âYou know who, you probably helped him.â
âUgh, read it already, Iâm invested.â
My eyes scanned the words, feeling overwhelmed as I read the card. âCongratulations in advance on your big night. I wish I could be there since I've never heard you sing but I know that's asking a lot of you. I know Jimmy and Regina are going to be there cheering you on and I understand you not wanting to let me know where the show is.
Knock 'em dead, beautiful.
 P.S... I miss my bestfriend, Ma.â
âAlright, I see ya, Jey. Applyinâ dat pressure,â Regina chuckled giving me a hug as I kissed my teeth.
âDonât encourage him,â I frowned fighting a small smile.
âYou know you miss him, too.. Iâmma leave you to it, and weâll see you tonight,â she said giving me some space.
I placed the bouquet on the coffee table and sat down, my eyes never leaving the card. Despite my pain, I couldn't deny the warmth that spread through me. He had gone out of his way to acknowledge my upcoming performance, even though we werenât in the best place and I had kept the information from him.
I had been rushing all day, I needed this plan to work. If I had my way, after tonight, Angel was never going to speak to Jey again. I couldnât wait to get home to tell my homegirl Tiffany my plan, but she was killing
âYou know you wrong, Nessa.â
âWhy you say it like that, Tiff? I just asked Jey to take me out.â
âWhy you messinâ with that woman though, Vanessa? I saw her Instagram page, that girl seems to be about her paper and cool. You wanted the break from Jey, and it backfired. Canât be mad he met somebody.â
âGirl, I ainât worried bout all that. I just need this fat bitch to see heâs mine and she can never have him.â
âBut why show up at her show with Jey and he has no clue itâs her show. Thatâs coldblooded, I mean she ainât did nothing to you. Jey ainât did nothinâ either, like how you even found out about her showâ Tiffany said as I rolled my eyes.
âShe did enough, she almost took him from me. Do you realize the hoops I had to jump through to get him back? And donât worry bout how I found out, I have my ways.â
âPart of that shit is on you tryinâ to make Jey be something heâs not.â
âTiffany, just know after tonight he wonât be texting Angel anymore because when she sees us walk in arm and arm, sheâs gonna crumble and wonât be able to do her little show.â
 âThen sheâs going to tell him he did it on purpose to ruin her night and she wants nothing more to do with him. Itâs gonna crush his lil spirit.â
âWell, I hope this donât backfire on you,â Tiffany said as I sighed. âI got this, I got him back, didnât I?â
âDid you really though? I mean you tell me how he seems spaced out all the time like his mind is somewhere else. How heâs only been coming to your place to hang out a couple times a week and you ainât even been back to his house.â
âI know, but thatâs only because this bitch is in his head but Iâm taking care of that tonight. Once I do this, shit will go back to normal-â
âNessa, what time this band you wanna hear playinâ?â Jey asked, coming into my bedroom as I smiled.
âIâll call you later, Tiff,â I said as she sighed and hung up without saying bye.
âI didnât know you was on the phone, wit Tiff. How she holdinâ up, I know her dad passed while you were down in Pensacola.â
âSheâs better, I was just calling to check on her and to answer your question the band should be performing at nine,â she said as I nodded, hopefully we wonât be out too late.
âOk, that should be cool but I gotta ask, since when you wanna go to open mic nights. Clubs and bars ainât neva been yoâ scene,â I said totally thrown off by Vanessa suddenly request earlier.
âJey, I just wanted you to take me to this club to hear this chick sing. I hear sheâs amazing and I want to try doing some new things.â
âAye, thatâs cool wit me, I was just checkinâ,â I said grabbing her coat off the bed and helping her put it on.
Maybe the night out would do us some good because everything else has been a disaster. The whole ride over to the club Vanessa seemed so happy, beaming almost. After parking, I went to open her door.
My heart raced as we stepped into the crowded club, my eyes immediately searching for the source of the soulful voice that filled the air. Vanessa's hand was in mine, her grip tight as she whispered in my ear. "You're going to love this, baby."
But as I looked around, I caught sight of Jimmy and Regina sitting in the corner, enjoying the show. I realizedâŠâŠ I'd been set up. "What the fuck is this?" I hissed, turning to Vanessa.
Her smile had turned cold. "I Just wanted you to see what all the hype is about, Jey."
"This Angel's showâŠYou really asked me to bring you to Angelâs show," I said through gritted teeth. "You brought me here to hurt her."
Vanessa just shrugged. "Maybe I did. Maybe I wanted to see if you could handle it."
My anger was a living, breathing thing in my chest, threatening to burst I looked over at the stage, thanking God Angel wasnât up there and we could leave before she sees us.
 "Vanessa, we ain't got no right being here," I said, my voice low and firm. "We gettinâ the fuck outta hereâŠNOW."
Vanessa's grip on my hand tightened, but she didn't protest as we turned to leave. But just as we reached the door, I looked back and saw Jimmy looking at us with a deep frown. Jimmy caught sight of us. Then he leaned over, whispered something to Regina, who shot us a look of pure shock and angry before bolting towards the backstage area.
âI ainât going nowhere, Jey.â
I caught Jimmy out the side of my eye storming over, his jaw clenched. "How da hell did you find out where the show was?" he spat. "And why would you bring her here, Jey?"
 âI ainât know, we leavinâ, twin... Vanessa was just trying to start some shit but Iâmma handle it," I said, trying to keep my voice calm but I was pissed.
But Vanessa had other ideas. She yanked her hand away from mine. "We ainât going nowhere," she said, a challenge in her voice. "We're here to enjoy the show like everyone else."
âYes, we are, you done did enough, damn it. Letâs go.â
âYou canât make me do nothinâ Jey.â
âThis whole thing already fucked up as is. I canât believe you-â
âJey, you know what you need to do, â Jimmy said cutting me off as I rubbed my temples.
âI know,â I sighed as Vanessa seemed oblivious to what Jimmy was sayinâ. âNessa, we need to go- I need to talk to you.â
âWe can do that later, Iâm stayinâ here to enjoy the show.â
âNo, you ainât, letâs go.â
I felt like I was bout ready to blow and Jimmy didnât look no better but before either one of us could say anything, Regina appeared, panting slightly from her sprint.
 "Yaâll can stay," she said, looking at them both. "You can even sit with us."
Jimmy stared at her like she'd lost her mind. "What the fuck you talking about?" he snapped.
Regina just shrugged, a smug smile playing on her lips. "It's fine, Jimmy, Angel said itâs fine."
I could feel the beginnings of a migraine forming behind my eyes. I wanted to leaveâŠI didnât want her to see me with Vanessa; hell, I didnât want to be here with Vanessa.
 "I need to talk to her," I said, pointing at Vanessa. "We need some air."
âI donât need no air-â
âYes, you do cause you trippinâ,â my voice tight as Vanessa smirked following me outside. I couldn't believe what had just happened, what could have happened if Angel had been on that stage when we walked in.
 "What the fuck is your problem?" I demanded, turning to Vanessa. "Why would you do some shit like this?"
Her eyes searched mine, a hint of regret in them. "I just wanted to see," she said softly. "I wanted to see if you could handle it."
I stared at her, trying to read her expression, trying to figure out what game she was playinâ.
 "Handle what?" I asked, my voice tight. "Beinâ in the same room as you harass Angel who has done nothin' to me or you. Tryinâ to ruin her moment?"
Vanessa sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Look, Jey, I know things have been tense lately. But I just wanted to show you that I trust you and support you wanting to be friends with her."
"Bullshit, you beinâ messy and trying to see if her seeing us together will hurt her. You WANT to hurt her, donât you?" I said, her smile makinâ my skin crawl. How could I have ever thought this could work?
âWell, you claim you still gonâ be friends wit her⊠So, sheâs gonna have to get use to seeinâ me,â Vanessa said shrugging her shoulders as I growled in frustration.
âStop playinâ wit meâŠI would never bring you around her like dat. Plus, you jealous for no damn reason. Angel donât want me like dat, we just friends and barley that at this point.â
âYes, she does and you too blind to see that.â
âWe barley text now-â
âBecause she wants you, Jey!â
âCan we not do this now, Ion like what you did and Iâm ready to go.â
"Well, Iâm not. Your friend will be fine, Jey. I mean ya brother's girl already went and told her we were here. So, we might as well stay, I mean she said we could stay," she said walking back inside as I growled again in frustration.
"God help me,â I whispered, following her back inside.
I shook my head watching Vanessa as she made her way over to our table, a smug smile playing on her lips. âI just donât like this, Regina.â
âItâs fine baby, Angel has it all under control. The bitch wants a show and she bout to get one,â she said with a smile as Vaness sat in front of us as Jey slowly made his way over.
âSorry fam,â he muttered taking a seat looking like heâs rather the earth to reach up and swallow him whole than to be here sitting beside Vanessa.
âVanessa, I hope you enjoy the show,â Regina said as I shot her a look. The lights dimmed again, as we got ready for the MC to introduce Angel.
âAh, hell,â I whispered knowinâ some shit was about to go just by how Regina was acting.
âWhat you up too, sis,â I mumbled to myself as Reginaâs hand caressed my knee.
âItâs gonna be fine, let Angel handle it,â she whispered kissing me on the cheek as I sighed wanting to believe her.
Backstage, I was pacing nervously, trying to ignore the drama unfolding in the club but it was hard my conversation with Regina a few minutes ago consuming my thoughts.
âThat vindictive bitch, I canât stand her.â
âAngel, I could tell by the look on Jeyâs face he had no clue. When we spotted them, he pullinâ her ass to the door.â
âSo, she found out and came here to let me know thatâs her man, huh,â I sighed rubbing my temples.
âGirl, this bitch knows that man loves you so sheâs trying to get you angry enough that youâll break all ties with him-â
âI know,â I sighed as regina rubbed my shoulders.
âI wonâtâŠI got this, I need to talk to Tom before I go out.â
âI hope that means that song that been on damn repeat on your playlist for the last month is back on the set list,â she said as I gave her a small smile.
âMaybeâŠ..Weâll see,â I whispered giving me a quick hug before rushing back out front.
Now here I am wondering if I actually can do the damn song. Could I actually go through with it and tell Jey how I feel?
âAngel, are we adding the song back in?â Tom asked strappingâ on his guitar. The question made my heart race..I had to take a chance; I had to go for what I wanted. Regina was right, how would Jey know I wanted to be with him if I never told him.
âYes, tell the band we are adding it back in and I want you to play that guitar like you ainât never played it before.â
âI gotchu, beautiful.â He winked and went on stage to tell the rest of the band.
I took a deep breath and reminded myself why I was here. This was my stage, my moment to shine, and I wasn't going to let anyone, or anything, ruin it.
âLadies and Gentlemen, we have a treat for you. Itâs been a minute since weâve seen her, but sheâs back and I know yaâll are going to love it. Please welcome, Angel!â the MC yelled as I smiled taking one final look in the mirror smoothing down my dress before going out on stage.
As I stepped into the spotlight, I felt the energy of the crowd wash over me. For a split second, I saw Jey and Vanessa clapping. The smug smile on her face and the look of remorse on Jeyâs face. His eyes pleading that I believed he didnât know.
I did the only thing I could, I gave him a small smile and a nod. He seemed to relax a little but not much. Once again, I quickly pushed the thoughts racing through my mind away, focusing on the music.
She smiled at me, in her time of feeling uncomfortable she still was trying to let me know she was good. She was trying to calm my nerves, ion even know what I did in life to deserve to even be her friend.
âI hope you all have had a great time tonight, and I donât want to prolong the time so letâs keep it going.â
Sheâs so beautiful I couldnât wait to hear her sing. A little over a month was too long going without seeing her.
The band began playing the opening cords of Alcia Keyâs Diary as the crowd applauded as she smiled and began singing.
Lay your head on my pillow
No one has to know what you are feeling
No one but me and you, ooh
She sounded like an angel; I had to remind myself to breathe. She had the crowd and myself entranced, those beautiful eyes haunting me as she seemed to stare into my soul as she sang.
âYou aight over there, twin?â Jimmy asked as I nodded refusing to look away as she swayed, losing herself in the rhythm, her eyes finally closing.
âYea, Iâm good,â I said fighting the urge to go up on stage and kiss her. It was like she was speaking to me.
I won't tell your secrets
Your secrets are safe with me
Just think of me as the pages in your diary
All I could think about was all the time we had spent together. The night we first met, when she took me to my first game. That day she took time outta her day to just stop by the train station just to make sure I was good.
The night we made love for the first time, how she never judged me and what I was going through with Vanessa. She just always listened and offered her support. Â Was Angel singing about me or am I just takinâ it to heart that way.
âNah, Iâm readin too much into it,â I mumbled as Vanessaâs grip on my arm tightened. Did she feel it too or was I trippinâ?
âGirl, you ainât gotta hang onto Jey like he gonâ disappear,â Regina said as Vanessa shot her a look.
âIâm not..Just relating to the lyrics.â
âWe bout to get struck by lighteninâ cause she lyinâ like a muhfucka,â Jimmy said as I shushed them all, my attention strictly on Angel as sang without missing a beat.
I knew our presence wasnât easy. And it damn sure wasnât easy for me to be this close to her and not touch her. Almost a month without being in her presence. It had been too long.
When I opened my eyes again, Jey was still watching me intently, his eyes never leaving mine. Our chemistry electric, as his eyes devoured my every move. It was like a silent declaration of his desire, and I reveled in it. My set got easier as I feed off his energy song after song.
I could feel Vanessaâs eyes on me, cold and full of hatred. Regina was right, and if I had any doubts about doing this next song, the looks she been giving me these last 15 minutes sealed the fucking deal.
I lifted the microphone to my lips, sweat beaded on my forehead. I brushed it away, my voice echoing through the speakers.
âThis final song of our set has been added and taken off our set list more times than I can count-â I trailed off, and the crowd roared with laughter.Â
âI told you to leave it in!â Regina yelled from her seat, her grin visible even in the half-dark. I shot her a playful grin in return.Â
âI know, sis, I know. But trust me, youâre gonâ love this one. The Beautiful Ones, the BeyoncĂ© version, respectfully,â I chuckled as warm applause rippled through the audience again.
The keyboardâs first notes drifted through the haze, delicate and anticipatory, while the guitarâs gentle pluck wove a soft counterpoint. I caught Vanessaâs eyes flicking from me to Jey and back again, her jaw tightening.
 âYou got this, Angel!â Regina yelled as I nodded shyly, my heart racing.Â
I inhaled, and the first lines fell from my lips vulnerable and sultry as I pointed at him.Â
Jeyâs eyes widened in the half-light, his seat creaking as he leaned forward, utterly entranced.Â
Is it her, or is it me?âÂ
I could see and feel the uneasiness pouring off of Vanessa in waves as I pointed at her and then myself, leaning into each word.
âDonât make me waste my time,Â
Donât make me lose my mind, babyâŠâÂ
Jey lifted his head in a slow nod, and I saw Vanessaâs expression darken. She leaned into him, breath warm against his ear, whispering promises I couldnât hearâbut his gaze never wavered from me.
Canât you stay with me tonight?Â
Donât my kisses please you right?âÂ
The heat of Jey stare quickened my pulse, the chorus, a confession of everything I felt in that moment.Â
The beautiful ones, they hurt you every timmmeeeeee aheyaâŠÂ
I had fallen hard but to me he was too beautiful to be with someone like me. I saw out the corner of my eye Regina smirking at Jimmy, whose jaw had dropped.
My confidence grew as I stepped off the stage and crossed the few steps that separated me from Jey and Vanessa.
My eyes never left Jeyâs as I stepped between his legs invading his space.Â
âDo you want her?â I tilted my head at Vanessa, voice low and teasing.Â
âOr do you want me?âÂ
I leaned closer to Jey, fingertips brushing his cheek, drawing him against me, our foreheads touching as he groaned, caressing my hips, all the self-doubt slipping away as my voice grew stronger.
âCause, I want you,â I sang, voice trembling with longing.Â
âI want you too,â he whispered as I nodded ghosting my lips across his before walking back on stage. Vanessa sat veins at her temples pulsing, her hands clenching the armrests.Â
One things for certain baby
And thatâs to please you baby..
Ahhhuh baby you beautiful, hey.
I blushed, straightening my shoulders and planting my feet. âBaby, your beautiful, heyâ I whispered over the final chords.
The roar of the crowd and Jeyâs loving gaze warming my heart. âThank yâall so much and goodnight.â I gave a slight wave and left the stage.
My heart was running away from me..I needed to see Angel. Â âI gotta go,â I whispered to myself more than everyone else at the table still entranced.
 âHow dare you act like Iâm not here!â Vanessa screamed, bringing me back to realityâŠI needed to end this shit once and for all.
âThatâll teach you, bet you wonât do no shit like this no more,â Regina muttered with a triumphant smirk.
Vanessa was pissed, her chair scrapping the floor as she stood up. âShut up, Jey letâs go weâre leaving!â Regina chuckled, shaking her head.
"Vanessa, I can't do this," I said, my voice steady. "I canât do dis no more.â
âBout time twin, get yoâ woman,â Jimmy mumbled as I stood up, finally looking into Vanessaâs eyes as they widened in disbelief.
 "Canât do what? What are you talking about, Jey?"
"You know what I'm talking about," I said, looking into the depths of her beautiful, yet now-stormy eyes. "I can't keep pretending that I don't want to be with Angel. Dat I donât love her."
âFuckinâ finally,â Regina hissed as Vanessa shot her a look before turning her attention back to me. âIâm sorry,â I whispered trying to not draw attention to us but Vanessa wasnât havinâ it.
"You're choosing her over me?" Vanessa screamed as Regina sighed and took a sip of her drink. "Girl, you knew this. Save yourself anymore embarrassment."
I knew the words were like a knife to her heart, but I was done fighting it. "Iâm sorry but It's over, Vanessa. It should have BEEN over."
"Jey, please. We can talk about this,â she pleaded grabbing my arm as I shook my head.
âIt ainât nothing else to say...We tried but we both want different things-â
âAnd you want her? Over me?â she scoffed as I frowned.
âYea, I do want her, VanessaâŠ.Over YouâŠ.
âWhat? No, you donât mean that..You love me, you canât leave me for somebody like her.â
âLook, Iâm sorry that it is so hard for yoâ ass to comprehend but excuse me I done wasted too much time as it is,â I said walking past her and heading backstage in hopes of seeing Angel.
Behind me, I heard the sound of Vanessa's heels clicking against the floor as she chased after me. "So thatâs it! Jey, come back!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the hallway as I turned to face her.
âVanessa, let me take you home,â Jimmy offer as she then turned her fury towards him.
"Take me home?...Fuck you Jimmy," she snarled at him.
âAye, donât get fucked up tonight, you already got it cominâ. Jimmy let her ass call a uber or better yet, walk bitch! â Regina said raising her voice.
âCalm down, baby,â Jimmy sighed wrapping his arms around Reginaâs waist as Vanessa growled thinking better of it, turning around heading the opposite direction.
âThatâs what I thought,â Regina said as Jimmy shook his head. âGo get yoâ woman, Uce, I got this,â Jimmy said as Regina pointed at me.
âLast door on the right, and donât make me hurt you. Make it right.â
âI gotchu,â I promised heading to Angelâs dressing room as Jimmy led her back out into the audience.
As I knocked, the door swung open, and I was hit with a dose of dread not seeing Angel anywhere and a janitor holding a trashcan. âExcuse me,â he whispered stepping around me and back to his cart to empty it.
âWhere is she?â I whispered to myself looking around as he smiled.
 âSir, if youâre looking for Angel, you just missed her. She just left in an uber out the side door,â he said grabbing his cleaning supplies from his cart before heading back into the room.
âDamn it,â I hissed pulling out my phone trying to call her, but it went straight to voicemail. Then all the worse, I couldnât leave a message, her damn mailbox was full.
Panic set in. Where could she have gone? I stormed back up front as Jimmy stepped in front of me. âWhat happened, twin?â he asked as I shrugged him off.
 âIâll call you, I gotta find Angel,â I panted running towards the exit not giving him nor Regina a chance to respond.
âWhere are you, Ma?â I whispered dialing her number again and still no answer.
âFuck!â I yelled as I got in my car. I needed to talk to her, I had to tell her I wanted to be with her and only her. As I spun out the parking lot, making my way through the city it seemed I was hitting every red light.
 âPlease be home,â I whispered the closer I got to her apartment. I parked out front taking the stairs two at a time.
âMr. Fatu, you gonâ have to have to move your car and go park in the garage,â Greg, the night attendant said as I groaned.
âIs Angel up there?â I asked desperately as he shrugged his shoulders.
âI donât know, I just started my shift five minutes ago. I gotta do my beginning shift walk of the parking garage, so can you move your car?â
âJust give me fifteen minutes, ok I swear Iâll be back and then Iâll park. Itâs important,â I pleaded as he saw the urgency in my voice.
âAlright, donât make me regret this, fifteen minutes-â
As I went inside and got on the elevator it felt like it was taking forever. As the doors finally opened, I rushed down the hall to her door, knocking loudly.
âAngel, itâs me baby, open up,â I pleadedâŠNo response. âAngel, Iâm sorry, I know I fucked up, just please talk to me!â I shouted as the door across the hall swung open. Instantly I knew it was Ms. Elana just from Angelâs description of her.
âSon, what you doing?â she asked, tightening her robe as I tried to catch my breath. âIâm sorry Ms. Elana. I know we ainât met but Iâm Jey and I was lookinâ for Angel. I been trying to call and she ainât cominâ to the door.â
âOh, yesâŠIâve heard a lot about you, Jey. She ainât here sweetie, should be on her way to her dadâs. His wedding is tomorrow, and she didnât want to be rushing so sheâs staying the night there.â  I sighed in relief, knowing where she was.
âThe wedding-  I forgot that was cominâ up,â I mumbled as she came closer to me. âBreathe, sonâŠ. Seems like you got a lot on your mind,â she said as I nodded.
âI needed to talk to her, a lot of stuff been goinâ on.â
âI knew I hadnât seen you around for a few weeks, but I didnât want to pry,â she said raising an eyebrow at me as ran my fingers through my hair.
âI ju- I just wanted to tell her I miss her,â I whispered as Ms. Elanaâs face softened. âJey, youâre in love with Angel, arenât you?â she smiled as I felt my heart swell.
âYes, maâam, I am,â I said without hesitation as the elevator dinged and I saw Brandon step out.
âNot again, I thought his ass got the point after I threatened to send his ass to morgue,â Ms. Elana said as I shot her a look of shock.
âAngel never told me he lived here,â I said watching him pull out a set of keys.
Ms. Elana's face hardened. "He don't stay here, honey. He comes to terrorize Angel, keeps trying to use his old keys knowing damn well she changed the locks months ago. He just wonât give up no matter how hard she tries to get him to leave her alone."
"Oh really?" I stepped closer, blood rushing in my ears as Brandon sneered at me, moving closer.
"Tells her nobody will ever love her. Says things about her that would break your heart." Her voice trembled.
Something snapped inside me. "Well, she ainât gotta worry bout dat no more." I guided Ms. Elana to her door, my movements controlled despite the rage building in my chest. "Lock this door. Don't open it."
"Tonight gonâ be the last time he ever show his face here."
Brandon squared up. "What you doin' here?"
I stepped up to him. "Nah, what YOU doin' here? Angel don't want you cominâ round. Period."
"Angel, never knows what she wants," he smirked.
I moved even closer. "Listen real good, bruh. You come back here again, you so much as THINK about her, and I'll make sure you regret it."
His eyes flashed. "And what you gon' do about it?" The words barely left his mouth before his fist came flying towards me. I saw it coming and ducked.
In that moment, something primal erupted in my chest. All the rage I felt seeing him in her studio harassing her came rushing back. Then after hearing Ms. Elana I didnât wanna imagine all the pain he put her through. Â I came up with a right hook that connected with his jaw, his head snapped sideways.
âWhat I shouldaâ did when I saw you in her studio dat day,â I hissed.
"You fuckin' crazy," he snarled. âShe was mine first-â
"Well, she mine now and she ainât gonâ never be yours again." I threw him against the wall punching him in his sides. Part of me wanted to walk away, be better than this, but this was overdue.
 "You come near her again- even breathe her way-Iâmma hurt chu." I grabbed him by the collar hitting him with a left hook, then another right as he fell down in a heap and I started kicking his bitch ass.
âI get it,â Brandon coughed as he balled up in a ball trying to protect himself from my kicks.
âStay away from her.â
âThatâs enough, Jey,â I heard Ms. Elana yell through the door as I ran my fingers through my hair, kneeling beside him.
 âYou come back..They gonâ be fishinâ for yo ass in the Hudson River? You understand?"
âY- Yes,â he gasped trying to catch his breath as I stood up grabbing the back of his collar dragging him backward toward the elevator. His heels scraped against the floor.
 My thumb jabbed the down button three times, hard enough to sting. I leaned close to his ear, close enough to smell fear-sweat rising off his skin.
 "Every time you think about coming back here, or to Angelâs studioâŠRemember what I said." The words barely made it through my clenched teeth. He growled something, I twisted his arm up behind his shoulder blades. Â
âLet me hear you!â I yelled trying to make my point clear if he showed his ass up here again it was gonâ be consequences.
"I said I got it!!" he squealed. The elevator dinged. "Glad we could come to an understandin' like grown men." I released him with a shove that sent him stumbling into the back wall of the elevator. One hand braced against the metal rail, his chest heaving as he fought for air.
The doors closed as my knuckles began to throb. Ms. Elana peeked out, her face full of worry.
"Gone," I said, not trusting myself to say more.
âHopefully he got the point,â she sighed, relieved. âIâm glad somebody kicked his ass.â
âHe wonâtâ be coming back to bother Angel or you are anymore and if he does, call the cops .â
Elana hugs me, her gentle touch calming my spirit that was raging as I wrapped my arms around her waist. I see why Angel spoke so highly of her. She had that mothering spirit.
âEverything will be ok, sonâ she whispered as I nodded.
 âThank you for sayinâ dat. I needed to hear it.â
 âThe wedding reception will be at Hudson Farms tomorrow at 2:00. I think Angel would really want to see you.â I pulled back slightly and smiled.
âThank you, Ms. Elana.â
âNo need to thank me, just make her happy sonâŠShe deserves it.â
âI will,â I assured her as we parted, and I waited until she locked her door before I left. Elana had dropped the location, now all I had to do was find something to wear tomorrow. After all, her dad did invite me to come anyway.
âIâm cominâ, MaâŠDonât give up on me yet.â
Thank God, Dad had left the porch light on. Â Relief washed over me as I climbed the steps, fumbling for my key. I needed a hot shower and some sleep.
âPlease be asleep,â I mumbled, finally getting the door open, the TV casting flickering blue shadows across the hallway. I kicked off my heels silently.
"Angel, baby- that you?" His voice cut through the gloom from the living room. âDamn.â I padded toward the sound, my stage makeup itching under tired eyes. He muted the infomercial heâd been half-watching, the sudden silence thick.
"Thought youâd be asleep," I mumbled, sinking onto the sofa beside him. "What you doing up, Daddy?" His arm slid around my shoulders instantly, warm and solid.
"I just wanted to talk to you before tomorrow. To tell you that I know you still mad at me, but Iâm happy you decided to stay wit ya old man tonight," he murmured, pulling me close.
âDaddy, you know I love you.â
 "I love you too baby but also wanted to make sure you made it safe. How did your show go?" His voice was gravelly with sleep. I melted into his embrace, the tension leaching from my spine.
âIt went good daddy, everybody there seemed to really like it. And Iâm not mad at you either, Iâm actually looking forward to sleepinâ in my old room, and us having breakfast in the morning,â I confessed as he nodded.
âMe too,. Iâm sorry I been slackinâ, I shoulda done better by you Angel. I been talkinâ to Dee and I promise itâs gonna stop. This is your house too and I donât want you to feel like it ainât.â
âThat means alot,â I whispered doing a double take in the dimly lit room, there above the mantal our portrait stared back at me. I felt my eyes water seeing it back in its original, rightful place.
âDaddy, you didnât have to-â
âIt never should have been taken down. Iâm sorry baby.â He pulled me close, wrapping me up once in his comforting arms. For a moment, I was nine again, and nothing else mattered. A hug from my daddy would always take the pain away.
"What's wrong with my baby?" he asked softly, his hand rubbing circles on my back.
"Nothing," I mumbled, wiping a stray tear that escaped despite myself. "I'm just tired."
He chuckled, a low rumble in his chest. "Now, I know we ain't been the closest these past few years, Angel, but I know my daughter. That ain't just tired." He leaned back slightly, his eyes searching mine under the flickering blue TV light.
âI'm fine, daddy, really.â
âI won't pry no more but just know Iâm here.â
âI know, daddy,â I whispered.
âIs Jey coming tomorrow?â he asked as I stilled in his arms.
âDad, ion think so.â My dad nodded in understanding. âSo, this is about Jey, then.. What happened?â His voice was calm, steady, the way it got when something serious needed fixing. He didn't let go, just waited.
"Life's just been... lifin', Daddy,â I sighed. "I like him, but-" The words tangled in my throat, thick with unshed tears.
He shifted, his arm tightening around me. "But what, baby? Talk to me âcause it seems you more than like him." His voice comforting.
"I do- Itâs just, he's... everything. And me?" I gestured weakly at myself. "Look at me."
âWhatâs that supposed to mean?â
"Daddy, don't pretend I ain't... bigger than I used to be." The confession burned. "Why would someone like Jey want someone like me? Really?"
My dadâs frown deepened. He didnât flinch or soften the truth. He leaned forward, turning me gently to face him fully under the TVâs flicker. "First off," he said, his voice low and iron-strong, "I love you and you are beautiful inside and out. You got your mamaâs eyes⊠They never fail to light up every room you walk into, Angel. Your heart is bigger than this whole damn world, any man would be luck to call you his." He tapped my chest lightly.
âWhy itâs so hard to believe a good man could see all that? Why you feel like Jey canât love you?"
The raw sincerity cracked something open. I stared at the worn pattern on the sofa cushion, tracing a frayed thread. "Because nobody has besides you and mama,â I whispered. "Brandon was a disaster, he made sure I knew every day how ashamed he was of me. I mean we rarely went out, heâd pick apart everything-my voice, my clothes, my..." I couldnât finish.
Dadâs jaw clenched. A muscle jumped near his temple. "That boy was fuckinâ poison," he spat. âA liar who didnât deserve you." He cupped my chin, forcing my eyes up. "Listen good. Brandon tore you down âcause he knew he wasnât fit to shine your damn shoes. He saw the light in you that he knew he didnât deserve." His thumb brushed away a tear that escaped my eyes.
âI messed everything up tonight, and then I ran. I couldnât even face Jey after I sang how I felt about him,â I whimpered.
"I donât believe that, Angel. Now I donât know what has happened with you and Jey, but I can tell you one thing I know for sureâŠ..Jey ainât Brandon, Angel. â
âIt's complicated daddy,â I said wiping my tears.
My dad squeezed my hand. " I saw the way Jey looked at you that night you brought him for dinner, Angel."
"Yeah," I murmured, continuing to fight this internal battle within myself.
"Yes and you can't fake that kind of look, Angel. That boy loves you," his voice a gentle whisper.
I felt a lump forming in my throat, my eyes filling even more with tears. "Ugh, itâs not supposed to be this hard,â I whimpered as my dad pulled me into a bear hug, squeezing me tightly.
"Life can be hard, baby girl. But love...Love is simple when itâs with the right person." He kissed the top of my head. "Yaâll will work it out.â
"I love you, Daddy," I whispered into his chest, feeling his heartbeat steady and strong. I had missed nights like this...Who am I kidding, I had needed this⊠I needed my daddy.
"I love you too, baby and no matter what you gonâ always be my little girl," he assured me as I nodded.
 "Now, go on upstairs and get some sleep, we got a long day tomorrow.â
âCan I just stay down here with you?â I whispered as he caressed my face.
âYou ainât never gotta ask me that question, baby girl,â he whispered as I laid down, putting my head on his lap.
âThatâs my babyâŠClose your eyes and get some rest, Iâm right here.â
I got a room in the city last night, got up early this morning to go find me a suit for the trip and now Iâm on the road. The venue was two hours away, thankfully Jimmy and Regina kept me company on the phone as I drove and I was almost there.
âNow even though I donât like that bitch Dee, donât go and screw up her wedding,â Reginaâs voice echoed as I sighed.
âRegina, I swear I ainât gonna make a scene. I just need to see her.â
âSo, whatâs the plan?â Jimmy asked. âIâm goinâ in to get my lady, what you mean?â
âI think he means what are you going to say?â Regina asked as I pinched the bridge of my nose.
âIâm just gonna be honest. Iâmma tell her dat I miss her and I want to be with her.â
âThatâs a good start, I know yaâll gon work it out, twin. The way Angel was singing to yo ass last night, yaâll gonâ be fine,â Jimmy said as I smiled to myself.
âI hope you right, Iâmma let yaâll go Iâm cominâ up on the place. I gotta get myself together. Be safe out there on da road. Luv you, twin.â
âGood luck, Jey and give Angel my love,â Regina shouted before Jimmy hung up.
As I pulled in and parked, I saw the guests going in and out of the tent and a few posing for pictures under the simple wooden arch decorated with flowers. I had to admit it was a nice place.
âAâight, donât fuck this up, you love this woman..Just go tell her,â I mumbled, giving myself a peptalk as I got out, put on my suit jacket and headed towards the tent.
The reception was beautifulâŠ.I hated to say it but Dee had outdone herself. I sat down, my eyes scanning the room filled with unfamiliar faces.  Suddenly my dad sat down in the seat beside me.
"You okay, baby girl?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern. I forced a smile, trying to push aside the storm of emotions swirling within me
"Yeah, Dad, just a bit tired still," I lied, hoping he wouldnât pry further, I wanted him to enjoy his day.
As if on cue, Dee approached us, looking nervous. "Hey, hubby, can I talk to Angel for a sec?"
My dad looked at her questioningly, but I nodded. âAlright, I love you both, so be good,â he whispered kissing me on the temple before getting up and leaving.
âWhat you need Dee? I asked as she sat down in front of me.
"I just wanted to say I'm sorry for how I've been acting," Dee began, her eyes full of remorse. "I know I've been a bitch,
âWonât catch me disagreeing-â
âI know but I just wanted to tell you that I promise I'm going to try to do better." I looked at her, surprised by the sincerity in her voice.
 "Are you high, Dee? I mean daddy told me he talked to you, but this is like Iâm in the twilight zone."
Dee chuckled. "Ok, I deserve that. But I'm serious, I'm really sorry about how Iâve been acting. It was uncalled for."
I felt the weight slowly lifting off my shoulders. "Thank you, that means alot,â
âI want to really try for us to at least be friends, Jey was right I was wrong. I know itâs not going to happen overnight after everything that has happened, but we can work on it.â
l sighed and gave her a small smile. âWow, Dee, am I being punked right now?â l asked looking around in disbelief as Dee's smile grew, and she playfully shrugged her shoulders.
 "Yes, i'm serious, Angel. I ainât tryinâ to deal with Jey and yoâ daddy on my damn neck. Plus, I was wrong for judging you and criticizing you sweetheart. Youâre a beautiful, headstrong woman and I can admit when Iâm wrong, and I was wrong.â
âYes, but weâll talk later. You need to go get your man, girl. He looks like he's about to eat you up with his eyes from across the room."
"What? My man?â I followed Deeâs gaze and sure enough, there was Jey, standing at the tent entrance, looking like he just stepped outta a GQ magazine cover in his all-black suit. Our eyes met and I felt my cheeks heat up as he smiled nervously and began making his way towards us.
âIâmma leave yaâll to it,â Dee whispered disappearing quickly as I stood up trying to get my nerves under control.
My heart was racing as he approached, and I couldnât help but feel a little dizzy. "What are you doing here?" I managed to ask, trying to keep my voice steady as he now stood in front of me, looking nervous but determined.
"After singing to me like dat last night and disappearinâ on me, you know why Iâm here, Angel.â
He took my hand, cutting me off. " I ainât mad mama, jus listen to me.
I sighed taking a deep breath. âOk, Iâm listening.â
âI can't keep pretending, Angel. Not after last night. Not after these last few weeks."
My pulse quickened. "Pretending about what, Jey?"
Jeyâs gaze was intense as he leaned closer. " I can't pretend that I ainât in love wit you, thatâs why I broke up with Vanessa last night.
âI love you, Angel. You all I can think about and Iâm done fightinâ it, Ma. I wanna be witchu."
âY- You love me?â I asked wide-eyed and confused, my dad was right..Hell, Jimmy andRegina was right..Jey loved meâŠ. No, this wasnât realâŠGirls like me donât get the guy in the end, no matter how deserving.
âWhy you say it like dat is so hard to believe. I love you, Angel, and I wanna be witchu?â
My heart was in my throat; I had to swallow before speaking again. Girls like me donât get the guy, Jey.â
âWill you stop sayinâ dat shit, you perfect. Ainât no such thing as girls like you..Get dat shit out ya head. I want chu, Angel..I want all of you, hell all I see is you, Ma.â
"But what about Vanessa? I want you to be sure. I donât want to get hurt, Jey. I donât want you to wake up one day and feel-"
He looked at me, his eyes filled with fierce certainty stopped me mid-sentence. "Feel what? Angel, I knew that night I left your apartment I had fucked up, but I didnât know if youâd forgive me.â
I felt a rush of emotions, from shock to joy to fear. "What are you saying?" I sighed, fighting to comprehend that this was really happening as he caressed my face, pulling me close.
"I'm saying," Jey whispered, "I love you, and I want you to be mine. Angel, sheâs my pastâŠ. You my present, and if youâll have me, my future.â
The words sent a shiver down my spine as he gently kissed my forehead. He was really serious, my own feelings for him swelling in my chest, so big it was hard to breathe as the realization finally hit me.
"I love you too," I whispered as he smiled releasing the breath he was holding. âThank God,â he sighed before claiming my lips in a searing passionate kiss, the opening chords of "So High" by John Legend suddenly filled the room.
As we parted, I blushed as Jeyâs gaze found mine once again, a small smile playing on his lips.
I nodded as he grabbed my hand steering me onto the dance floor. As we began to sway to the rhythm, I couldn't help but feel like I was floating. This was really happeningâŠ
Baby since the day you came into my life
You made me realize that we were born to fly
You showed me everyday new possibilities
You proved my fantasy of love could really be
âYou really came for me.â
âDamn sure did,â he whispered as I blushed getting lost in his beautiful brown eyes as we danced.
 It was as if the world had stopped just for us, and all that mattered was the warmth of his arms around me.
Let's go to a place only lovers go
To a spot that we've never known
To the top of the clouds we're floating away yeahâ
âIâm lovinâ this dress, Ma,â Jey whispered against my lips as I chuckled.
âThank you, I didnât know how it would go over wit everybody, but I loved it from the first time I saw it.â
âShit, you look better than the bride,â he said as I shook my head.
âWhat Iâm just tellinâ the truth, my girl is the most beautiful person here.â
I blushed againâŠHis girlâŠI loved the sound of that. Out of nowhere we felt a gentle bump. We looked up and saw it was my dad and Dee who were now dancing next to us.
âGlad you could make it, son. I had a feelinâ youâd show up.â
âThanks for the invite, sir. I wouldnât miss it.â
 "Iâm glad, she missed you.â
âDaddy,â I gasped as he raised his arms in surrender.
 âIâm just sayinâ baby,â he said as Jey kissed me on the temple.
âI missed her too,â Jey said without hesitation as I smiled in spite of my dad tellinâ my business.
âWell, yaâll two lovebirds have fun, I owe my wife another dance.â
âYes, you do,â Dee smiled as I secretly prayed, she would do right by my dad, or she was gonâ have to see me.
As he spun her around, he looked back at us. âJoshua, take care of my baby, sheâs a good girl.â
Jey grinned, glancing down at me before looking back at my dad. "With my life, sir," he assured him, as my dad nodded, his eyes filled with approval before they disappeared into the crowd
I felt the weight of the moment, the craziness of it all, but I couldnât deny the overwhelming feeling of joy that consumed me.
"This is crazy," I murmured. "You're here, with me, telling me you love me."
Jey leaned in, his lips lightly grazing mine. "Nothin' crazy bout lovin' you. And I promise being wit me you gon' figure that out quick."
(You've got me up so high) So high
(My shoes are scraping the sky) So high
(You've got me up so high) Oh
(My shoes are scraping the sky)
And then, as if the universe itself had conspired to bring us together, the music grew softer, more intimate. Jeyâs arms tightened around my waist, as he pulled me closer, our bodies fitting together perfectly.
"I never knew love could feel like this," I confessed.
"Neither did I," he admitted. "And I'm glad I get to experience it witchu."
"Iâm glad I get to experience it with you too."
I was happyâŠ.The happiest I had never been happier in my life, and it was all because Angel came into my life. This was it, I knew this was where I was supposed to be, and I couldnât wait to fall even more in love with her.
âThanks for cominâ for me,â Angel smiled as I smirked, dipping her without warning and kissing her with all the love and passion I had inside of me.
As we came up for air, her fingers caressed my face as our foreheads touched. âIâll always come for you, AngelâŠAlways,â I assured her, kissing her again more gently this time.
The music swelled around us as our bodies moved in sync, as we lost ourselves even more. "I think we've found our song," I murmured, a hint of a smile playing on my lips as I watched the emotions flit across Angel's face.
 "You think?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper as I stared into her beautiful brown eyes, getting more lost.
Without missing a beat, I began to sing softly, my eyes never leaving hers. "Maybe later we can go up to the moon, or sail among the stars before the night is through."
A blush crept across her cheeks as she listened. I knew she understood and felt the same. "And when morning comes, we'll see the sun is not so far," I continued, "And we can't get much closer to God than where we are."
âWell, you better sing, Mr. Fatu,â Angel said as she leaned in, my forehead resting against hers as I blushed.
 "Aye, Iâm trying, I know it ainât as beautiful as when you sang to me last night," I admitted as Angel's eyes sparkled with amusement as she shook her head.
"You doing alright," she said, her voice filled with affection.
"Alright, huh?" I said, raising an eyebrow. "I'll take that as a compliment."
"It's better than alright, itâs perfect,â she said smiling brightly at me. Â
âHow perfect?â I asked as she shushed me with her angelic voice
Let's go to the moon, baby, yeah
I felt my heart swell; I couldnât help but sing wit her. Horrible voice be damned. She indeed had me so damn high.
Let's go to the moon, baby
Our laughter filled the small space between us, a warm bubble of happiness in the midst of the wedding chaos. And then, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, I claimed her lips again.
" Then came you," I whispered against her mouth. Angel's smile grew even wider.
 "And then came you," she murmured back, her voice a soft echo of my words.
YesâŠ.I had finally got it right.
@reci24 @southerngirl41 @vebner37 @jeyusos-girl @melaninsugababy @romanreignkisser @bebesobrielo@arination99 @2-muchsauce
@bakugoumarianawrites @empressdede @alyyaanna @christinabae
@anonandwannakeepitthatway @venusesworld jeyusosgirl theninthwonder mya2real justazzi @whatdoeseverybodywant reignsboy19
wooahmiri alichesmi pytbgeezy @ superpietomÂ
harmshake  truefant4sy  yana3sworld amandairene88
unapologeticqueen94 empressdede xbriexx tshepisho
 thatgirlest98 zdotspinalot mainthingdoja jimingotthajams
rose-bliss mrswolffs-blog maeb99 jstarr86 nbanenefrmdao
sayyestoheav3nn digidestned heathetherlamont30 trashbin-nie
rebelrel0987 kriissy4gov brokenglassslippers headoftheetable
severenswife sayyestoheav3nn pittieprincess22 mindairy
jaded-human mainthingdoja mrswolffs-blog shamaness11 justarheaslut  kelbrave
holycollectivekitty chocobuttabaybee mselenalovebug therealh18
shanthefemalerapper justazzi fearlesschimera keenagurl