Page 24 of It's Love I'm After

“Owning my mistake, that soon became my blessing, has been something I’ve done since the morning after the escapade with those men.”

“Hm. Well, it's time for you to stop that shit. Listen, we’ve all done some reckless shit in our lives. While yours resulted in you getting pregnant, mine resulted in the need for a double restraining order. We?—”

“Hold up. You’re not about to push past that like it didn’t cause some questions. Spill the tea.”

“In my early twenties, I went to a party and wound up sticking dick to two cousins and one of their best friends. It's another reason I can’t attempt to condemn or judge you for your behavior. We all have a past, Chaniya. As long as you still aren’t moving the same way, all is well.”

“Nope. Definitely learned my lesson, and after dealing with my ex, I’m scared to let you meet Caleb. That's why I quickly shut down his inquiry into who you are. I don’t want my son to feelbacklash if things don't work out. I also don’t want him to think his mother is okay with parading random men around him.”

“Listen, you never have to explain being a mother to your son. I’ll respect your wishes, and whenever you feel like it's time, I’ll be ready. I ain’t going anywhere.”

“Thank you, Germayne. I appreciate that. It’s been so hard trying to maneuver what we’re starting to build and not failing Caleb.”

“Take the pressure off, Chaniya. I promise I’m not on any bullshit. We’re doing things organically minus your pretty ass escorting me to Essence’s wedding,” I say, chuckling.

“No worries. I have my babysitter lined up, so I’m yours for the weekend if need be.”

My dick stands at attention at Chaniya’s words, causing me to close my eyes to control the rapid beating within my chest.

“Hell yeah, there’s a need for you to be with me. All weekend is a bonus I should have gotten after delivering six babies back-to-back.”

“Then you got me, Mr. Malone. Where are the festivities anyway? Oh, shoot, what are the colors? I need to make sure I have my ensemble together.”

“It’ll be at some resort-style place about two hours away, so you staying with me for the weekend will be clutch. Purple and white are her colors. Do you have something? If not, we can hit up the mall to get you together. It’s last minute, so I’ll expense whatever you need.”

“Oh no. I got something in both of those colors. I’m good, but thanks for offering. Are we going to be leaving on Friday? I need to determine if I need to leave work early.”

“Yes, we’re leaving on Friday. What time do you get off?”

“We close at two on Fridays.”

“That’s perfect. Take your stuff with you, and come to my house when you leave work.”

“Okay. This is gonna be so much fun. I love weddings.”

“Say less, Chaniya.”

11

CHANIYA

“So, you’re gonna spend the weekend with this man after barely knowing him?” Mom asks before stirring the grits she’s preparing for breakfast.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Hm. Don’t come back here talking about you got another bastard baby on the way, Chaniya Katia. Once is an accident, the second time is stupidity, and I didn’t raise you to be giving out pussy with no retribution.”

One thing I have always disliked about Vernise O’Neal is her self-righteous attitude and ability to make me feel lower than scum. While she has no problem babysitting Caleb or doing whatever is necessary to make his life unproblematic, she has given me nothing but judgment since I announced my pregnancy. It’s why I prefer Nana over her because while Nana can be blunt and nosy as hell, she’s never judgmental. It's crazy to me how Mom has no clue who my father is but has been judging me for repeating her risky behavior. Not to mention how supportive Nana has always been toward her when she was the woman without knowledge of her child’s father.

“Do you hear me talking to you, Chaniya? I’m serious. Mom and I keep Caleb regularly so you can live a normal life withoutfeeling overwhelmed. However, the quickest way for me to let you have it is to get pregnant again by another no-count man who leaves you holding the bag.”

A heaviness settles within my body, and dejection spreads through me like a wildfire with endless acres while I try my best to suppress the tears begging for release. Mom had no problem with me dating Dedrick because she said she didn’t expect him to marry me or fill me with babies for him to abandon. What’s worse is her happiness knowing that Dedrick and I had broken up. My own mother seemed happy with my pain and heartache, which baffles me beyond understanding.

“Chaniya!” Mom shouts.

“I heard you, and it's not like that with us, but I like him, and we’re dating. Accompanying him to his sister’s wedding is another way for us to establish our relationship. I?—”

“You don’t have a good track record with men, nor do you know how to read what they aren’t saying to your gullible ass.”

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