CHAPTER 28
Shanice
I never realized how much I missed my mom until I got her back. She, Raven, and I had been having girls’ time going to the movies, bowling, and we took Raven to her first concert in the park. Slowly, it was becoming more normal. I loved having her and my aunt home to cook and clean. Ms. Valerie has been letting me get Raven more. I even got her during the school week. Since I had help now from Aunt Rhonda and Mom, it made everything so easy.
“Mom-mom Trisha, don’t be sad. I’ll be back,” Raven said as we walked toward the door.
“Okay. Little Raven, when you come back over, you have to show your mom-mom more phone stuff. I might forget.”
“No, Mom-mom Trisha, you have to remember everything I already showed you. Practice makes perfect.” We both laughed at Raven’s young wisdom. My daughter was so smart for her age, and I knew that—unlike me—she was going to college and would grow up to be something big, like a lawyer or something.
Once we were in the car, I told Raven to put on her seat belt.
“Mom, my friends live with their mom. And their moms go to work like you, but they come home every day. Why don’t you come home every day? And why don’t I live with you?”
“Because I have a different type of job, Raven.”
“And, Mommy, all these years, why I never saw Mom-mom Trisha?”
“Because she lived somewhere else.”
“Oh. I have so many mom-moms, and a dad, and a pop-pop!”
“That’s because you are special.” I tried to change the subject. I was starting to feel guilty about having my daughter live with her grandmom, and I would have to make a change soon.
After dropping Raven off at school, I came back home and saw Courtney on the sofa showing my mom old pictures of us.
“Hey, Shani. I’m here to pick my mom up. Don’t worry, I’m not staying.”
“Okay.”
“My boyfriend’s in the car. Come meet him.” I didn’t care about her boyfriend or her, but I walked outside and waved. He looked young and broke, which meant he was perfect for Courtney. I wasn’t sure why Courtney didn’t get the hint that I didn’t fuck with her like that yet. She knew I could hold a grudge forever. When we were kids, if someone stepped on my shoe by accident, I would hate them for years. So she had to know I would never forgive her.
Once Aunt Rhonda left with Courtney, my mom began to question me about the shade that I had thrown at my cousin.
“Why are you so mean to her?”
“She went on the radio discussing my business.”
“I understand, but everyone should get a second chance. She comes in here and just about kisses your ass to be your friend.”
“Mom, please don’t ask me about Courtney. I don’t mess with her and that’s it.” I was still getting to know my mother, and she was still getting to know me. I didn’t have time to explain anything to Trisha. I had to pack and go see Deuce. Then right after seeing him I had to meet up with the producers for the show. It would be the first time the cameras from Eye Candy Queens: The Come-up would be following me. Before I left for a party I was hosting in Dallas, I had to go spend some time with my teddy bear, Deuce. I had grown to be very “in like” with Deuce. He was a gift-giver, and I had accepted everything except his big old belly. I tried to tell him to go to the gym, but he just might need to get some weight-loss surgery instead. I didn’t know. I could see past it because it doesn’t stand in the way of anything. The first time we had sex, I was frightened. I thought he was going to pull out this little dick and I was going to have to fake like I could feel it, but I was surprisingly wrong. He put it down. To my surprise, underneath that stomach, he was packing and ate pussy like a pro. Deuce and I were supposed to meet for dinner, but he said something had come up with Don Santos’s overseas tour dates. He asked me to meet him at his office.
When I arrived, I spoke to Ms. Patricia at the front desk and walked into his corner office. As soon as I walked through his door, he grabbed my waist and a handful of my ass. “What’s up, beautiful?” He kissed me and began to apologize.
“Sorry, I’m behind schedule. Don’s manager didn’t get one of the DJs his passport and visa, so I’m trying to see what I can do. It’s not my job, but I want the best stage show possible.”
“It’s okay because you already know you have to make this up to me.”
“I’m already ahead of you. I brought you something for your trip to Dallas.”
“You did? You know how I love gifts. What’s in the boxes?”
In the corner were two big white boxes with huge red bows. I opened them to see a three-piece classic Louis Vuitton luggage set.
“Thank you, Deuce,” I said, hugging him tightly.
“You’re welcome. Did you miss me?”
“Yes.”
“How much?” He walked behind me, kissed my shoulder. I pulled off my jeans and took down my thong. He then bit my neck and breasts and played with my pussy. He stopped right before I was ready to cum and locked the door. When he came back to his desk I licked his bald head and sucked on his chest. I cupped and massaged his balls until his dick was fully hard. I grabbed my breasts and played with them and spread my legs wide open and waited in anticipation for his dick to enter. He reached into his duffel bag and fumbled for a condom. He slid the condom on and penetrated my walls until he couldn’t take anymore. He came in a loud convulsion. He was out of breath, but I was fulfilled. I slid off the table and fixed my clothes. He tried to gather his thoughts.
“See? I told you I missed you.”
“Ah, Shanice. Girl, what am I going to do with you?”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about I don’t like you leaving me. Don’t give my pussy away or be in anyone’s face. I’m not joking.” He grabbed my face and gave me a sloppy kiss again.
“I’m not. When you met me, I didn’t, did I?”
“No, but I know these dudes try you every night.”
“Deuce, I know. I got it.”
“Honestly, I’m tired of all your hosting and traveling.”
“It’s my job, Deuce.”
“I know. I’m not going to stand in your way of getting money, but we are going to have to make some adjustments. I need you here with me, not flying all around the country.”
“Deuce, I’m going and coming right back. You know we’re filming for the show.”
“I know, I’m proud of you. Have a safe trip and look inside of your suitcase when you get home.”
“Okay.” I kissed his face and reassured him that when I returned, he would get some love and attention.
“And I got you that luggage because I’m going to Dubai in a few weeks, and you are going with me.”
“I love how you never ask me. You just tell where I’m going.”
“You do like being told what to do. That’s my job. But I’ll ask you anyway: Shanice, will you accompany me to Dubai? Also, I want you to be my main chick, then you won’t have to do all that traveling . . .”
“Main chick. I better be your only chick.” I laughed. “I’ll give you an answer to both when I return. I promise. As soon as I get back from Dallas.”
“No, I need my baby here with me tonight. Your flight doesn’t leave until the afternoon. Stay with me.”
“Okay, Deuce.” I wanted to say yes, but I didn’t want to rush into a relationship with him. We had only known each other for a couple of months and I wasn’t sure he was the one. Yes, he was buying me gifts, but so did every guy with money. I still wanted to keep my options open.