Page 31 of It's Love I'm After

“Your fantasy.” With that, I walk away while still feeling generous, to ensure my makeup doesn’t need to be touched up.

Yea, though I walk through the valley . . . I want to show my natural black ass, but I desperately need to show these people the best side of me.

“Smile, goddess. We never let peasants see us slip or tilt our crown,” an older woman whispers while looping her arm in mine.

This woman puts me in the mind of Nana with her salt-and-pepper French roll, white gaucho pants, and purple blouse. The white flats with gems on them let me know that while she’s stylish, she’s smart by wearing comfortable shoes for this occasion.

“Thank you,” I say.

“Don’t mention it. I’m Germayne’s grandmother, Jolene, and I’ve been trying my best to not overwhelm you, which is why I didn’t make a fuss when you took your seat before the wedding. Based on the way you handled the trollop a few minutes ago, I knew I needed to make an introduction. Seeing the goo-goo eyes my grandson has been making while watching you throughout the ceremony, I have a feeling we’re gonna need to build a relationship quickly. I see something in you that I like, and need to bond with you before my daughter, Adele, does.”

“I’d like that very much, Mrs.—”

“Aht, aht. Call me Grandma Jolene like the rest of my grandchildren.”

“Okay. How’s my makeup looking, Grandma Jolene?”

“Baby, why do you think I came to rescue you? We need to get you together before my grandbaby sees you again.”

Laughter bubbles within my belly before escaping my mouth loudly because after loving on me, the last thing I expected my new grandmother to say was that. Grandma Jolene, you’re alright with me.

?

You’re the only one, only one.

Together till never, together till never, oh

?

“I’ve missed your beautiful ass, Chaniya. I don’t like that this is the first chance we’re in each other’s space.”

“It’s okay. You’ve had obligations, and I fully understand. Besides, me and Grandma Jolene have been having a great time.I didn’t know she could turn up like she is. I need to introduce her to my nana because they would hit it off. In a short time, Grandma Jolene don’t play about me, and it’s the best flex I have against the slivering serpent vying for your attention.”

“Trust me, between you and Sherita . . . you will always emerge victorious, especially after you let me invade your snapping turtle. That mothafucka got me trying to figure out how to worm my way into an exit.”

“Nope. Me and Grandma Jolene have a few more line dances to do.” Patting Germayne’s chest, I step out of his embrace when the slow jam fades, and another trending line dance song starts playing.

“Come on, Chaniya boo. We need to show these folks how grown folks handle these here fans.”

“Wow. Are you throwing me to the curb for my grandmother, Chaniya?”

“Only for a little while longer, bae. No worries. You’ll have me tonight.” Winking, I meet Grandma Jolene in the center of the floor, taking the fan she holds toward me.

“Aye, I’m gonna do this one for the couples in the room. Men, if you have a special lady, I suggest you make your way to her before someone else does,” the DJ says through the microphone before the record scratches and Tamia’s song begins, while the DJ slows it down to give the men time to reach their women.

Germayne two steps toward me with a sinister smirk that causes me to bob my head slowly. Upon reaching me, he takes my hands and twirls me around before holding me against him while expertly performing the popular steps.

“I’m signing up to have your ass now and later. Grandma Jolene can find her another partner. I’ve already laid claim to you.”

When Germayne spins me so my back rests against his chest, a sinister grin upturns my lips when I see Germayne’s ex staringus down. Thanks to Grandma Jolene, I haven’t had to deal with the heffa since our initial encounter. Seeing her in her feelings about Germayne’s attention being on me has me mentally pumping my fist while enjoying this moment with him.

14

GERMAYNE

“Good morning.”

“Good morning to you too. How are you feeling?”

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