She Fell For A Boss: An Urban Love Tale (7 page)

“Technically, I didn't answer, so you’re half right.”

This time, Miego chuckled. “But you were going to, unless you lied, shorty. You said you couldn’t get to your phone quick enough because you didn't hear it.”

“Mommy, can I have this? Grandma said I had to ask you?”

“Not until you finish your dinner. Go eat, and then you can have it.”

“But it's one little piece of candy, Mommy. Pleeeeeease.”

“Ray, I said no. Go finish your dinner and then you can have it, and give me that. When you're done, you can come back and get it.”

Miego listened while Yami interacted with her daughter. It was cute to him and it made him smile. She was so damn little, she didn't seem like a parent, so hearing her behave like one was funny to him.

“Sorry, my mother likes to complicate my life.” She sighed, sounding irritated.

“It's cool, shorty, do your parent thing. That shit is sexy.”

“How is me being a parent sexy?” Yami asked, blushing just a little.

“Shit, I don't know, it just is. It's a lot of women out there that have kids and don't give a fuck about them, so you taking care of your daughter is sexy to me. You could be clubbing, getting high, or giving head for that matter, but you’re at home taking care of your shorty. I like that, it's sexy.”

“You really need to think about what you’re saying before it comes out your mouth.”

Miego chuckled, thinking about the fact that he’d said giving head. “I can't do that. If I think it, it comes out. I don't mean any disrespect, but it's true and you know it. Females be on that bullshit these days, letting men come before their kids.”

Yami sucked her teeth. “You don't even care how what you say makes people feel, do you?”

“Not really. Shit, if I can't be real with you, then I don't need to be around you. I am who I am, that shit ain't changing.”

“Being real and being rude are two different things, Miego. You need a filter.”

“If you want me to have a filter, I’ll do that shit for you, but only you. Everybody else is just gon’ have to deal with whatever the fuck I say, like it or not.

“So I’m special now?” Again she blushed.

“That’s on you, shorty. You can be whatever you want to be. I promise you that. I told you, give me a chance, and I got you.”

“You don't know me to be making that kind of promise.”

“I know a little, and that's good enough for me,” Miego said confidently “The rest is just details, and I’ll figure that shit out the more I’m around you.”

“Who says you’ll be around me?”

“You did, shorty, when you called me back.” Miego smiled and Yami laughed.

“I guess we'll see about that. I have to go, though. I need to give Ray a bath and get her ready for bed.”

“Damn, you just gon’ bail on me? I didn't even get to talk dirty to your cute ass yet and get them panties wet.”

“Filter, please,” Yami said.

“My bad, shorty, but how about you just call me back when you get your baby girl straight? I’m chillin’ right now, and your voice got me feeling some type of way. I really need a little more of that.”

“I’ll think about it, but it takes forever for Ray to go to sleep, and I have a paper to write, so I’ll try.”

“I’ight bet, I guess I gotta take that. Do your thing.”

“Good night, Miego.”

“Nite, lil’ bit.”

Miego ended the call grinning like a little ass kid. He knew he was in trouble. He was feeling her already, and that was a recipe for disaster, but he was willing to take the hit because she seemed worth it.

Morning shorty, you left me hanging last night, but that’s cool. It just means I get to see you today. Shoot me a text to tell me when and where, or I’ll come looking for your little ass. Have a good day, beautiful.

Y
ami was so caught up in reading Miego's text that she didn't see her sister staring at her.

“Please tell me you didn't call him? I know you’re not grinning like that because of Black.”

“What?” Yami said, not really sure what Yaz had said to her.

“Aunty Yaz, can we get breakfast from McDonald's? I want apples.” Ray ran into the room and hugged Yaz around the legs, looking up at her with an exaggerated smile.

“Yep, we can do that, but then I have to get you to school, so we have to get it to go.”

“Mommy, are you coming?” Ray asked, looking at Yami.

“Nope, just you and Auntie Yaz. I don't have class today, baby girl.”

“Ray, go get your bag and tell Grandma to help you with your shoes so that we can go. I need to talk to your mommy for a minute.”

Ray skipped over to Yami, who was sitting on the side of her bed and threw her arms around her. “Bye, Mommy, I love you.”

Yami kissed her daughter several times on her cheeks before releasing her. “I love you too, Ray-Ray. Be good for Yaz.”

“I’m always good,” Ray said through a giggle and then ran out the room.

Yaz walked over to her sister and snatched her phone off the bed, causing Yami to jump up.

“Yaz, give me my damn phone. Nosey ass, damn.”

Yaz ignored her and turned her back, shielding her sister’s phone so that she couldn't get it, unlocked it, and read the text from Miego. When she was done, she handed the phone back to Yami, who was sitting on the bed with her arms folded, pissed off that her sister was invading her privacy. She knew Yaz was going to have an opinion about her dealing with Miego, and she didn't want to hear it.

“You like him?”

“Yeah, so what?”

“Then leave him alone before you get him killed.”

“Man, forget you. I’m not going to put my life on hold because Black thinks he owns me.”

“You can live all you want, Yami, but fucking around with anybody besides Black is going to get them killed. Why would you even do that?”

“How am I living if I don't take a chance with someone else? Damn, Yaz, I’m tired of being alone. I want to be happy, I deserve to be happy. Black is never going to be what I need and you know it.

“What I know is somebody is going to jail if he puts his hands on you again, and that somebody might be me because nobody else gives a fuck about you or me. Mommy loves you, but she can't do shit to protect you. I’m all you have and you know I’ll shoot his ass if I have to, but you should care enough not to put me in a position to have to that.”

Yami knew her sister was telling the truth. They didn't have anybody. Their father had died years ago, and they didn't have family; no brothers, cousins or uncles. No one to protect them, and hell, even if we did, everybody was scared of Black, so they probably wouldn't try anyway.

“I just wanna be happy, Yaz.” Yami plopped down on the bed feeling defeated. Her whole life was under his control and she hated it.

“One year, sis, just finish school and get out of here. That’s your happiness right there. Take Ray and get the fuck out of here. Shit, I might even go with you.” Yaz put her arm around Yami’s shoulder and leaned into her until the sides of their heads were touching.

“I know.”

“I have to go or I’m going to be late, but I’ll call you later, okay? Let's do dinner at my house tonight. You and Ray can stay with me since you have an early class tomorrow anyway.”

“Okay.”

“Stop pouting, Yami. You'll get there, just not right now. I can't lose you. I’m not gon’ lose you, so just be patient.”

Yami waited for her sister to leave and then laid back on her bed. She was frustrated and didn’t know what to do. Yaz was right, but there was something about Miego that had her wanting more. Although she barely even knew him, he made her feel safe. She hadn’t felt that way in a really long time, and she needed that feeling. She lifted her phone and read his text a few more times before tossing it back on her bed. She closed her eyes and balled up into a fetal position, letting out a frustrated sigh. Life shouldn't be so complicated.

*****

“That's all of it right there.” Miego slid the bag of money across the table. Train was on the other side as the two men finished off a bottle of Hennessy.

“I’ight bet, I’ll set that shit up and let you know when the meet is. We supply them niggas and they pay us half upfront and the rest when it sells. With the deal we’re getting, we clear five hundred grand a month each since we’re buying this shit so cheap. I'm telling you, yo, in six months you’ll be paid and can let this shit go. If that’s still what you wanna do.” Train leaned back in his chair, arms folded across his chest. No matter how many times Miego claimed to be done, Train wasn't trying to hear it.

“Hell yeah, it is. I just need enough to hold me until I find something else to keep me occupied. A couple mil should do that. I got a little bit saved now, but not enough.”

Train shook his head and waved Miego off. “What the fuck ever, man. So you still at your mom’s spot?”

“Fuck yeah, it's cool, but I need my own space. I just can't put shit in my name right now. I know them boys are still watching my ass.”

Train laughed. “Man, they don't give a fuck about you. Not yet anyway, but let them hear your ass is collecting stacks again, and trust, they’ll be in your damn pockets. Them dirty ass cops want you on the streets so that they can keep them damn yachts and shit they got paid for. You working for them, Miego, you know how that shit goes.”

“Man, fuck that. I ain't paying nobody shit. I’m stacking my dough and getting the fuck on. Trust that. I just need to be careful.”

Miego pulled his phone out when it vibrated in his pocket and wanted to throw it across the room when he realized it was Nakia’s hoe ass. He was hoping it was Yami. After sending her a text that morning, he still hadn't heard from her and it was almost three o'clock. He was dead serious about going to find her, so she had better be in touch with him soon.

“The fuck you frowning for, bruh?” Train asked after watching Miego stare at his phone with a scowl.

“Nakia’s hoe ass. I don't know what the fuck she hitting me up for.”

“You know why. She thinks she owns your ass, bruh.” Train laughed, but he was half serious. It was common knowledge that Nakia had been the only female that Miego had ever really put time in with. She was the closest thing he ever had to a girlfriend since most of his women were just rotations.

When it came to Nakia, he paid her bills, bought her shit, and actually chilled with her in public. That made her feel like she had some type of claim to him, but as of now, Miego didn't give a fuck about her. She had her legs open for too many others for him to feel anything for her, and that wasn't going to change.

“That’s old news. She can't get shit from me now but my dick in her mouth. I won't even fuck her to be real. But yo, I’m out. Hit me up when you get shit right with your people.”

“You know I got you.” Train stood and dapped Miego then walked him to the door.

Miego headed to his car, and as soon as he got there, he sent Yami another text. If she didn't respond to it, then plan B was knocking doors down. If she was from around his hood he knew he'd find her, so either way, he was seeing her today.

He wasn't in the mood to head home, so he decided to just drive around the city. Miego used to do it all the time when he needed to clear his mind, and right now he needed to get his mind off Yami. Shorty had him tripping the way she was mildly playing him out. He wondered if it was about him or if she was just playing it safe because of Black.

First of all, no man walking the earth put fear in his heart, so Black and his crew didn't mean shit to him. Miego knew he had a team of people who would ride for him if necessary, but he was hoping he didn't have to take it there. A street war with a nigga like Black was the last thing he needed, but if that was what it was going to take to get Yami on his team, it was a done deal.

After hitting the highway, Miego's phone went off and he hoped it was Yami, but no such luck. Instead, it was his brother, Tron, who he hadn't seen in a few days. It was normal, though, because his girl had her own spot after being disowned by her parents for getting pregnant by Tron. He was with her and his son most of the time. Miego helped out however he could. He didn't want his brother in the streets, fucking up his chance at doing something with his life.

“What up, though, Tron?”

“Shit, ’bout to head to practice and shit, but I need a favor. I need a new stroller for Tajh. Somebody stole that shit. Right out the doctor’s office when we were there. It's nothing but dirty ass thieving hoes in that damn clinic. Pissed me the fuck off.” Tron was aggravated, Miego could hear it in his voice.

“I got you. Don’t sweat that shit, bruh. I need to see my nephew anyway.”

“I appreciate it. You know I hate this shit, man. I can't even take care of my own son. That shit is frustrating as hell, I swear on everything, I can't fucking deal.”

“You’re taking care of your son by being there for him. You’re more of a father than most niggas, so dead that shit. It's not always about money. Just keep your head right, go to school, and get a fucking education so that you can be more than just another nigga in the streets. Be better than me, Tron.”

They were both quiet for a minute. Tron practiced 24/7, and when he wasn't practicing he was at tournaments, recruitment sessions, and college visits. It had calmed down some since he was offered a few scholarships, but the bottom line was basketball consumed his life. He didn't have time to for a job, so financially he was strapped, but he was always there for his son.

From the day he found out that Jai was pregnant with him, Tron had stepped up. He was at doctor appointments, made sure Jai was good, and was there from the time his son took his first breath and every day since. He was indeed a father, just not able to provide for him financially, which was why Miego handled it. He respected his brother because he could have easily walked away, but he stuck by Jai, and that was everything.

“It's just hard, Miego. I feel like I’m not a man if I can't provide for my son.”

Miego laughed. “Nigga, you ain't a man. You’re seventeen years old, yo. A fucking kid.” He was trying his best to lighten the mood.

“Fuck you, Miego. I got your fucking kid, come try me on it,” Tron said and laughed.

“Look, just keep doing what you're doing, Tron. Shit will work itself out. Until then, I got you.”

“I appreciate that.”

“Shit, I know you do, which is why I got you.”

After Miego ended the call with his brother, he was about to drop his phone in his lap, but he got a text notification and realized it was from Yami. He instantly got happy but tried to contain it. Since he was driving, he decided to call instead of text back.

“Damn, you really testing me, shorty,” Miego said when she answered.

“How’s that?” she asked.

“I texted you at six this morning, what time is it now?” Miego asked.”

Instead of answering, she laughed.

“Oh, that shit is funny to you?” Miego smiled. He was just happy she had reached out.

“No, it's not funny. I’ve been busy.” He could tell from the sound of her voice that she was smiling.

“Busy doing what, shorty?”

“School work.”

“Damn, see, now I can't even be mad and shit. You trying to get your education on. You done, though?”

“Not really, I’m just taking a break.”

Miego liked the fact that Yami was doing something with her life. Especially after dealing with Kia, who was content with living off him for the rest of hers. Her lack of motivation annoyed him. He didn't have a problem taking care of his woman as long as he knew she didn't mind taking care of herself.

“You dressed?”

“Yeah, why?”

“I'm about to come get you so we can chill for a minute.” Miego didn’t really care what her answer was because he had his mind made up that he was going to see her.

“Umm, I don't...”

“Come on, don't start with that shit. You didn't call me back last night and you had me waiting on your ass all damn day today. You owe me.”

She laughed. “I owe you?”

“Hell yeah. Got me wanting to see your little ass, and then you go into hiding. That shit ain't cool, shorty.”

She got quiet as hell, and aside from the light breathing, he could barely tell that she was even still on the line.

“That might not be a good idea. My life is a little complicated.”

Here we go with this shit.
“Look, shorty, I like you, and I can tell you feeling me too. You’re trying to hide that shit because you scared of what that nigga might say or do, but fuck him. He might have people scared to make moves, but he don't do shit to me or for me, and that ain't gon’ change. I told you I got you. You want things to be different, then ride with me and I got you. I give you my word on that.”