Page 13 of Sweetest Temptation
“Fix it? Can you rewind time and take back the first time you cheated? No! Can you take back that you have a fucking baby? No!” My voice trembled in anger.
He sighed heavily with his arms stretched out. “Baby, if I could, I would.”
“But you can’t! Now get your dirty dick ass out of my house!” My hand trembled as I held the knife to his chest.
“This house may have been given to you in the divorce, but I paid for it. Like I told you, I’ll give you some time to come to your senses. But just know, I’ll never let you go. And I damn sure won’t let another man have you.”
“Nigga, fuck you! And fuck your threats.” I felt a surge of anger as I stood my ground. “And I’m sellingmyhouse. Ain’t shit in here but bad memories anyway.”
As much as I loved this house, I wasn’t trying to have this nigga popping up as he pleases. Jerome committed the ultimate disrespect when he created life with another woman. Ain’t no coming back from that.
His eyes narrowed, smacking the knife out of my hand as he got in my space. “You think you can just walk away from me just like that?” He let out a sinister chuckle. “Nah, we are in this for life. Even divorced, it’s todeathdo us part, sweetheart. I’ll be seeing you, baby.”
With that, this crazy-ass man walked out of the kitchen laughing like he didn’t just threaten me. I can’t front, he low-key scared me, but I wasn’t going to let him know that. I’ve never seen this side of Jerome before. He was acting out of character, as if it were I who cheated. I knew I should’ve pulled the plug on my marriage a long time ago, but I forgave my husband for his initial infidelities out of love. But fuck that! And fuck love.
After the night I had last night, I woke up, got dressed, and took my ass straight to a real estate office. Once I went through a good number of properties, I put in a bid for a nice condo instead of a house. It was just me, so I didn’t need as much space. I let the realtor know that I’d need to see it as soon as she could set it up. She explained to me that she had a few openings in a new high-rise and that it was move-in ready. Once she told me that I could have my keys in just a few days if my background check came back good, I handed over my down payment with the quickness.
Afterwards, my mother and I met for a late lunch at some brunch spot in downtown Melville. We’d just finished furniture shopping for my new condo, since I wanted all new furniture. I didn’t want to take anything from the house Jerome and I shared—not even a damn spoon.
“I know I’ve been telling you this all your life, sweetheart, but your dad and I are so proud of you. And I know your grandfather would be as well.”
“Aw, Mama. Thank you.” I smiled softly, hearing her say that and especially knowing my grandmother would be proud. It’s the reason I worked so hard. Zanova’s Tasty Treats gave me a piece of my nana with every cake I bake.
Swirling my mimosa glass before setting it back on the table, I responded truthfully, “Some days I don’t feel like it, but I'm trying.”
My mother reached across the table to grab my hand. “Baby, surviving what you've been through, still having the strength toget up, build a business, and now start fresh… That’s more than enough. That's a strength most women don’t even realize they have.”
Her words hit deeper than I expected. I blinked fast, fighting off the tears threatening to spill. I hated crying in public, but damn, I needed to hear that.
I cleared my throat and tried to lighten the mood. “Well, don’t go getting all sappy on me now. We still have to figure out how I’m gonna get a couch delivered before I move in.”
Mama chuckled, shaking her head. “Don’t worry about that. Your daddy already said he is going to help you get everything put together. You just focus on making that condo yours. New space, new energy. Leave the past right where it belongs.”
Her words replayed in my head as I leaned back in my chair, looking out at the bustle of downtown Melville. For the first time in a long time, I felt something close to peace. I wasn’t fully healed, not by a long shot. Jerome’s threats still echoed in the back of my mind, like a storm I hadn’t seen the last of. But sitting here with my mother, knowing I had a new place waiting for me, and a deal I’m sure I was going to get with Fuego Azul, my life was shaping up the way I planned.
I took a moment to promise myself that this time, I wasn’t letting anybody take these wins from me.
That Night
I stood in front of the mirror in my bedroom, adjusting my top. The black sheer fabric clung to my skin, teasing just enoughwhile still leaving plenty to the imagination. I made sure to wear a black bra underneath. I paired it with a black leather skirt that hugged my hips and stopped just above my knees. It was giving sexy, but dangerous, which is exactly the kind of energy I wanted tonight. I hadn’t been out in a long time. Hell, I didn’t know the last time I even dressed up. I was definitely feeling like the old me.
I bent slightly, zipping up my thigh-high leather boots, their heels clicking against the hardwood when I stood straight again. Just as I sprayed on some Tom Ford Rose Prick, Nyala walked into my room without knocking, like she always did. She was already dressed to kill. Wearing a sleek, black full-body suit that hugged her slim, thick frame, we looked like we were on the same vibe tonight.
The front was open, showing more cleavage than I would be comfortable with, but my friend made the outfit look classy. A leather belt hugged her waist, and some cream suede boots that came above her knees and looked custom-made for her long legs, covered her feet. Her hair was slicked back in a high ponytail, with hoops in her ears, and a wicked grin on her face.
“Damn, sis,” she said, giving me a slow up-and-down. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to shut the cigar lounge down tonight.”
I smirked at her through the mirror, fluffing out my curls. “Look who’s talking. You out here looking like Catwoman’s fine-ass cousin.”
Nyala laughed, spinning once so I could take her in. “You know… I had to match your energy. What my girl Cardi B said? We outside, bitch! There will be no halfway stepping tonight. I’m trying to shake some ass on somebody's son or daughter—whichever comes first.”
I slipped my gold hoops on, then ran lip gloss over my lips one last time. “I’m just going for the drinks and the vibe.”
Nyala cocked her brow and leaned against the doorframe, her bodysuit gleaming under the light. “And if a fine man offers to buy you a drink?”
I chuckled, grabbing my clutch. “I’m not interested.”
She pushed off the doorframe and linked her arm through mine. “Bitch! Yes, you are. Turn the bougieness off tonight, friend. Have some fun! You are single and looking fine as fuck!” Nyala slapped me on the ass. “Let’s go find my friend-in-law.”
