I nodded. “It is.”
“Ghana, it’s beautiful!”
“It’s not done yet, but it’s coming along nicely,” I said, looking around the building.
“What are you going to name it?”
“I was going to keep the original name, but I think I want to change it to something else. Not quite sure yet, though.”
“It’s really lovely, Ghana.”
“Thanks. Come on. We’re over here.” I guided her over to the table where there was a candlelit dinner I had delivered from Prime Steakhouse after we got off the helicopter.
I turned on some music and poured some champagne as we dined over lobster, steak, escargot, caviar, and shrimp. We made small talk because we were too busy stuffing our faces, then migrated to the lounging area, where we settled in and talked.
“So, get to talking, sir, before I think you’re selling drugs.”
I chuckled. “I sold a little bit when I was in my twenties, but I didn’t make a career of it. I quickly realized that shit wasn’t for me. Imagine me staying in that shit. The cemetery would hate to see me coming.”
“Oh goodness. Good thing you didn’t.” We laughed.
“But you remember I told you about Mr. Trent?” She nodded. “He had me investing in small, black-owned businesses. I have investments in a few beauty supply stores, skin care, and wig shops. He also put me in his will since he didn’t have any family of his own. Also, the Rebels and I are working on a few projects as well, so I have money coming from a lot of different avenues.”
“I like that. What made you invest in those types of businesses?”
“One thing I know about black women is they love hair, skin care, and wearing wigs. I knew investing in those would be worth it.”
“That’s true. I love that about you.”
I smirked and stared at her for a moment as she sipped her champagne. “You still fucking with your baby daddy?”
She shook her head. “Never again. We divorced almost two years ago. He cheated on me with his assistant while I was pregnant with our daughter.”
“Stupid-ass nigga.”
“I agree, but as I told my girls, I wasn’t the best wife to him during the time I was going to school for my doctorate. I was tired all the time, and we barely spent time together because of it. I understand why he stepped out on me, but it doesn’t make it hurt any less.”
“Not you making excuses for him.”
“I’m not. But I can take accountability for the part I played in it.”
“The fact that he married you, took vows in front of your family and God to love you through better or worse, then fucking cheat on you, is what’s blowing me. I’m not the most religious nigga on Earth, and I’ve done my fair share of breaking hearts, but I respect marriages.
“I respect the clause on that contract that says we're locked in for life. If he loved you, made a promise to you, then that love should have been as strong as Noah’s Ark. A love that can withstand any storm. While you were doing your shit to get your career, he was fucking off because he felt neglected? If so, how does that shit work, Ros? You think you deserved that shit?”
She shook her head solemnly. “No.”
“You didn’t. Any nigga that doesn’t admire your hustle or dedication to accomplish your dreams is a fuck boy and would never be a man in my eyes. If you were my wife, I would have been helping you, encouraging you, massaging you, and letting you rest. I could withstand a dry dick for a couple of months or so because becoming a doctor ain’t easy. What he chose to do with someone he promised to spend the rest of his life with lets me know he never valued you the way he should have.”
She looked at me and placed her palm on my cheek. “Are you saying you can do better?” She bit her lip, trying to suppress her smile.
“I’m saying I know what I won’t do wrong. I’m saying I won’t fumble you, because I can’t imagine not waking up, seeing the sunshine, even on a cloudy-ass day. Every chance I get to see you, I know everything will be alright for me. I know I have moments, but I’m going to try my hardest to think before I react. That’s how confident you make me feel about being able to control this shit.”
“And you make me confident enough to believe you. Believeinyou.” She pecked my lips three times before slipping her tongue in my mouth. I kissed her back until I felt her trying to slide her hand into my pants. I chuckled and pulled away.
“I’m not fucking you in here, Ros. I got us a spot up the road for that.”
“Then let’s go.”