First Queen II

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

LAINNI

I enjoyed my cool glass of Moscato while seated on my comfortable sofa. The credits to ATL scrolled down the television screen as I sipped from the glass. My eyes landed on the screen and I groaned. That movie was my favorite when I lived in Miami. I just loved any movie with an urban setting and a sexy, cocky man.

The house was silent besides the occasional beeping of the alarm. I flipped the page to a Hermes catalog. This was a boring night. Malasia was asleep on the opposite couch with her new bear snuggled under her chin, Maliah had disappeared with Brandon, and Michael was in the studio with Trell.

These were one of those restless nights. It was a night where I needed my man with me. He was out working hard though and I couldn't interrupt that. Moving to the opposite couch, I ran my fingers through my daughter's hair. It was tangled from the swimming pool and feeling more coarse than soft. I began to braid it into cornrows to keep it somewhat organized as she slept.

The doorbell rang as I finished the first braid. Gently laying her head down, I went to answer. I pulled the door back to see my mother. She had left earlier with my father because he had to work tomorrow morning. She gave me a forced smile as she came in.

Coming inside, she immediately walked to the kitchen. I turned on some cartoons before following her into the kitchen. She sat with a balled up piece of tissue in her hand. I took a seat across from her. Our eyes met then she pulled my left hand into her right.

"Baby, I know that now isn't the best time to tell you this but the sooner, the better."

I took a deep breath.

"When I arrived home, I saw a car in the driveway. Apparently Cathryn doesn't know where you live now so she came to tell me. Earlier today Corey got into an altercation with a few men. They were not taking too kindly to his boldness, I guess, so they shot him."

"Mama, please. " I waved her off. She was here, crying, because of what? Worse things happened to people all the time.

She stared at me in disbelief. "Y-you don't care that my granddaughter's father is lying on his death bed?"

"Did he care that I couldn't support one child on my own at nineteen? I'm sorry. I never got the memo. Was this news supposed to weigh heavy on me? Was Cathryn expecting tears for her son? With all the dirty things he has done and said to me, it's a wonder someone didn't put a bullet in him a long time ago."

Mama's mouth was slightly ajar. Her expression read utter shock and disbelief. Her eyes were glossy which confirmed she had shed a few tears prior to this. Mama spoke, "Lainni-"

"My daughter's father isn't laying on his death bed. He's working to feed us. Corey could never do that. I got a shit load of empty promises and scars! Dismiss me what that sob story. Cathryn and Corey got the damn nerve. You do too if you think I'm sympathizing."

Mama stood and wrapped her arms around me. "I just know that people do make mistakes. I love Michael but he didn't make that baby in there. Corey did, and you can't keep her away from her real family for too long. I won't allow it. You'll come around, Lainni, baby."

She left shortly after. I sat, my eyebrows furrowed, with this bothering me. Corey didn't deserve shit. He caused me pain. So much of it! I cried and cried for hours, giving birth by my damn self while he enjoyed being a teenager. His other females fought me and teased me while I was pregnant. If he think he deserved one bit of my tears, he could hold his breath and wait on it. Hopefully, he would die while doing so.

Pulling my blanket over my daughter and I, I proceeded to braid her hair until my boredom finally put me to sleep.

The sun leaked throughout the blinds. I opened my eyes to see an interview playing on the television. My eyes adjusted to the brightness as I stood to my feet. Malasia was nowhere in sight. I walked into the kitchen to see her dressed in an oversized T-shirt, with her cornrows, attempting to pour her own milk.

I grabbed the jug from her, pouring its contents into the cup. She pulled her T-shirt up then smiled. After enjoying a granola bar and milk, I gave her a bath then she sat watching cartoons in my bedroom as I dressed myself.

Someone knocked on the bathroom door before walking in. Chris quickly closed the door after seeing me in my underwear and bra. I slipped my robe around my body. I opened the door to see him standing there with his phone in his hands. "Ty told me to come by and check on you because he still in the studio."

"Still?" I inquired, rubbing my foundation in. He nodded while leaning against the door frame, his eyes glued to his phone. "I don't know Chris. He's been in there non-stop. Ugh this is why I never liked when he was touring."

Chris chuckled. "I guess... It's just work. I don't know."

I shrugged then he frowned. He sighed heavily while moving into the bathroom, examining our items on the countertop. I proceeded to put on my make-up.

"He'll be home today, for real. I'll make him. Tonight I'm celebrating before I start getting back to business. Are you going to come out to the club?"

"Aw, sure. I got to send my bro off."

"Yeah. I know you'll shut it down."

"Don't I always?" I smiled and he chuckled.

"Yeah, my boy's lucky to have you."

"Just tell your boy that his queen is waiting on him to get home." I replied, half joking and serious. Chris laughed lightly. He pulled me in for a brief hug, played with Malasia for a few minutes, then he was out. That left her and I to do whatever we wanted. I decided to take her with me on a shopping spree. Tonight needed a special outfit because I was feeling a bit naughty.

Malasia played silently with another little girl as I scanned through the racks of clothes. Everything was decent but I didn't need decent. I needed sexy. Lately I had been neglecting my needs. It was definitely time Michael and I enjoyed ourselves again. Knowing Chris, he would bring out the whole Los Angeles which would put Michael in a good mood. A good mood meant amazing sex.

"Whoa," I mouthed as I picked up a pure white dress. The dress was cut detail in front, exposing the left side of my stomach. It was also curve cut in the back with one long sleeve, form fitting, and  stitched to the knee. The sales clerk walked over as I stared in admiration.

"Definitely for you. It's not on sale but I'll give it you to for one-hundred and twenty eight. Deal?"

"Of course, " I agreed, walking over to the cash register, while keeping a close eye on my daughter.

After leaving the store, I headed back home. I was met with Michael cooking himself lunch. Malasia ran to him. "Hey." he greeted me with a kiss which felt different.

I noticed the long scratch on his neck. "What happened?"

"They was playing too much this morning on some childish stuff." He shrugged it off. I kissed behind his ear, then smiled.

"It'll blend with the scratches I'm making later on tonight." I gently sucked on his earlobe as Malasia attempted to pour more milk again.