Page 38 of Only You

“Why did you really leave the hospital?”

“I told you why,” I said, and looked off.

“Hmph, ok. It’s gonna be a long night for you then,” he said as he climbed out of the car with our bodies still connected. It wasn’t lost on me that he was still hard as he carried us inside and up the stairs.

“I love you,” I blurted out. It couldn’t have been a worse time to say it. It looked like I was wagering my love in a bet. He smiled at my declaration.

“I know, Baby. I love you, too, but even that won’t save you tonight. I got that henny in me.”

Shit, belt to ass Tay. Don’t fold. Ok, fold, but keep your damn mouth closed. I should send out an SOS. Hell, Jourdan probably needs one too.

CHAPTER 21

Tayla

When Brice pulled into Mrs. Rockwell’s driveway, I tried to let the engine rumble soothe my errant thoughts. I’d let Brice drive my Chevelle SS, and while he was all smiles, my mind was in turmoil. Somewhere between leaving the house and arriving here, I’d found myself jealous and saddened by the fact that everyone around me had experienced time with a loving mother.

“Damn I see why you love driving this car, I feel like ‘the man’ when I’m pushing it,” he said as he cut the engine and opened the door to climb out. He took notice when I hadn’t attempted to undo my seatbelt. He sat back inside and brought all of his attention to me.

“Tay, Baby, what’s wrong?” He asked, taking my chin to turn my face towards his. Concern was written all over his face.

“I’m embarrassed to say.”

“Tayla, it’s me you’re talking to.”

“I’m jealous of Stephon,” I blurted out.

“Why would you be jealous of Stephon? Is it because he’s with Jourdan? Damn Tay I knew y’all were close but I didn’t realize y’all were tribbing out,” he said and laughed.

“Boy, shut the hell up!” I said and laughed.

“Now that you’re smiling, tell me what’s going on in that head of yours. Tell Dr. Washington what’s wrong so I can make it feel better,” My breath hitched, but I quickly caught it.

That damn pelvic sorcery!

“Although me and Stephon shared the same won’t shit father. He was lucky enough to get a wonderful and caring mother. When your mom died, I thought I could mend the one I had with Nina. You see how that turned out. I wish I had a piece of what you all had and what Stephon still has. It’s also why I cling so hard to Bryson. I don’t want to mess this up with him.” I said and sighed.

“Baby, you’re not going to mess things up with Bryson, so get that shit out of your head. Maybe you still can have the mother you always longed for, and she’s right there through the front door. Family is the people you choose. It doesn’t have shit to do with blood. You’ll never know if you sit in this car all day. Let’s go inside and find out,” he said, gently kissing my lips. I undid my seatbelt, and he walked around to help me out. As we stood at the door, I took a deep breath before he rang the bell. Even though I had met her the night before, I was still nervous.

The door popped open, and I was instantly taken aback by how beautiful and youthful she looked. The women in her crew certainly knew how to take care of themselves. She pulled me into a hug that brought calmness to my entire body. I found myselfclosing my eyes and holding on for longer than I should have before I released her.

“I’m so sorry, Mrs. Rockwell,” I said.

“Nonsense. And call me Adri until you feel comfortable enough to call me Ma. I told Mija the same,” she said, pointing her thumb over her shoulder and smiling before hugging Brice.

“You two, come on in. Stephon and Jourdan are in there, spoiling those babies. You would have thought they hadn’t seen them in a week. They almost knocked me over as they tried to get to them. I can’t believe I named that boy Angel,” she laughed. At the mention of the babies again, I brushed past Brice and headed towards where I could hear Bryson’s little giggles.

“I heard that, Ma,” Stephon called out.

“Hush, you and I both know it was a damn mistake. Now don’t make me find my house shoe,” she said and laughed. Then she headed into the kitchen.

“Oop, I like her. She’s so spicy. Should we go help her out in there?” I said and smiled as we sat on the floor to join Jourdan and Steph. I hadn’t even sat down good before Jourdan was all over me, giving me the third degree.

“No girl, she’ll only kick us out. Now, tell me, did you say anything?”

“No, did you?”

“Girl, what do I look like? I’m The Lioness,” she said with confidence.

---