▲▲▲
Ryder stood at the door with Kelli by his side. Malcolm was on the side, looking confused. His brows were darted as he glared at Ryder. Jersey pressed her nails into her lips and made her way to the door. She cleared her throat while placing her hand on the doorknob.
"Excuse us...for a minute." She stated while closing her door. Jersey turned around and placed her attention on Malcolm.
"What the fuck?"
"I didn't know he would bring her." Malcolm pushed out.
Jersey paused for a while as she tried to wrap her head around the whole situation. Having Kelli in her apartment was not on her agenda. Kelli had fucked over her once, and she didn't want it to happen again.
"I don't want her in my apartment, Malcolm."
"Alright." Malcolm nodded his head. "I'll tell Ryder to make her ass sit in the car."
Jersey pursed her lips as she made her way toward the Christmas tree. "You do that..."
He opened the door and noticed that Ryder was having a serious conversation with Kelli. It didn't take long for their attention to be grabbed.
"Jerse don't want you in her apartment, yo." He informed Kelli.
"She what?" Kelli jerked her neck as she blinked away. She stood there looking comfortable in her cashmere sweater and denim jeans. "She doesn't want me in her apartment. Well, I'm coming in anyway."
Before Malcolm could stop her, she marched right inside the house and looked around until she spotted Jersey on the carpet with wrapping paper, tape, and sticky bows surrounding her.
"We need to stop avoiding each other and talk...now."
Jersey looked up and realized it was a fuming Kelli. She wanted to stand up and scream about how she wanted her out of her apartment until it hit her.
She needed to have a civil conversation with Kelli. They never recovered from the incident back at Malcolm's old apartment.
"You want to talk?" Jersey questioned her while tossing the tape on the side, "Fine... let's talk." She stood up and allowed her old friend to follow her into the kitchen.
Kelli wasted no time taking a seat at the island. Jersey didn't sit at all. She just stood across from her.
"Let's start from the incident..." Kelli trailed off. "I was wrong...for taking Travis' side."
"Damn right you were." Jersey muttered, which caused Kelli to dart her eyes.
"I thought I was...in love with him. I figured covering up for him would strengthen our relationship." Kelli started. "But...he wasn't grateful for the sacrifice I made."
Jersey walked away from the bar to open her fridge. She grabbed two water bottles and made her way over to where Kelli was still blabbering.
"And I'm sorry for leaving you at that apartment. You asked me...you asked me if you could come and I said no. I'm sorry about that, Jay. I was just...upset. You know I would never do that to you."
Jersey slid the water bottle over to her and leaned against the island with her water in her manicured hands.
"I don't know what you would do..." Jersey trailed off, shrugging her shoulders. "You always surprise me, Kelli."
"But I didn't mean it...I was angry with you."
Jersey untwisted the cap off of her water bottle and took large gulps. She set the bottle down after quenching her thirst. Her brown eyes narrowed in retaliation.
"You were angry with me because I refused to cover for your boyfriend—"
"Ex-boyfriend." Kelli interrupted her.
"At the time, he was your boyfriend." Jersey jibed. "It still hurts me that you took his side, knowing he was in the wrong. He fucked up Malcolm's apartment, and he fucked up your face."
"I know..." Kelli trailed off as she leaned against the table. "And this is why I wanted to have a conversation with you. I want to apologize again."
"Apology accepted." Jersey muttered. "Can I talk now? Since you've been doing most of the talking."
"Go ahead." Kelli replied before taking a sip of her cold water.
"Let me start by saying that...you did hurt me." Jersey spoke as she pursed her lips. "We made a pact at a young age to always be there for each other, and you broke it. You let some nappy-head bum break our agreement. How could you?"
A tear slipped from Jersey's ducts as her lips quivered. She wasted no time wiping them away while looking at Kelli, who had no choice but to shed some tears.
"I don't know, I'm sorry." Kelli muttered as tears sloped down her face. "I was stupid, Jersey."
The women stayed quiet as they tried to settle their tears. Kelli wiped her face and let out a light chuckle, causing Jersey to look up.
"Hey, remember when we were thirteen, and we used to terrorize Ms. Julia's dog? What was his name?"
A small smirk appeared on Jersey's face as she wiped her eyes. "Uh, his name was Jasper," she laughed a little and said, "He was a wiener dog. We used to spray his ass with water."
"We did." Kelli concurred in a hearty chuckle. "We were bad as hell. Remember that one time when she caught us doing it and tried to whoop our asses with a belt?"
"I remember that day." Jersey pointed while pulling a chair over so she could sit in it. "Your grandma almost whooped her ass."
"Good times...." Kelli trailed off. "Helen wasn't playing no games."
Jersey just nodded her head as she thought about the good times she had as a child. They weren't always traumatizing. She spent time outside playing with Kelli. They acted like little tomboys. Always playing with the neighborhood boys and being destructive.
"You know my grandma still asks about you." Kelli said with a faint smirk. She broke Jersey's concentration. "I went to her house about two days ago, and she asked about you."
"Oh...well, tell Ms. Helen I said hello."
"You should tell her yourself." Kelli jibed while leaning her head to the side. "She's cooking tomorrow, and you know you can swing by and grab a plate."
"I don't know..." Jersey shook her head as she trailed off. "I can just call her."
"You're still afraid?"
Jersey nodded stiffly as she looked off.
"It's been years, Jay." Kelli continued. "Nobody is going to mess with you."
"It's not that... it's the house."
"The house?"
"My grandma's brothel," Jersey replied.
"Oh, Jay... there's nothing to be afraid of."
"I haven't seen it in years, and I haven't been on that street in years." Jersey pushed out while realizing her words. "Which is sad because I haven't seen Ms. Helen in years."
"And she continues to ask about you," Kelli remarked. "Come to her house."
"Kelli...let me think about that."
"She'll be happy to see you."
"I know, but I'm not sure if I want to go."
"It's completely up to you. Nobody is twisting your arm here." Kelli stated as she stood up. Jersey did the same thing and watched as the young woman finished her water and tossed it in the trash.
"Kelli..." She called out her ex-friend's name, which caused the woman to look over. "Just because we buried the hatchet does not mean we're friends again. It's going to take much more than that."
Kelli held a subtle expression on her face as she looked off. Jersey's words did sting her, but she wouldn't make a scene about it. She nodded her head and muttered, "Noted," before walking out of the kitchen.
▲▲▲
"What kind of atmosphere are you trying to experience?"
Jersey parted her mouth as she tried to think of the perfect ambiance. She shrugged her shoulders and looked off. Suddenly, she felt embarrassed for not knowing what she wanted.
"I'm not even sure..." She pushed out with a shoulder shrug. "I've never been out of New York before."
"That's fine." The traveling agent stated while glancing over at Jersey. "Hey, that's fine. That's why I'm here to assist you."
Jersey stayed quiet and decided to drink her cappuccino. She watched as the black traveling agent went to work from across the table. The agent, Richard, was a black male who was of average height with an athletic build. Jersey could tell since his biceps were bulging through his long-sleeve white shirt. His hair was very thick and coily, and he sported a fresh line.
"What I can do is recommend some places to you. I'll show you pictures of the hottest locations, and you can pick which one best suits you." He brought his attention up to Jersey once again and said, "How does that sound?"
"Sounds great..." Jersey trailed off as she placed her attention on her iPhone. As expected, Malcolm sent her a text. He asked her about dinner and if she had met up with the traveling agent yet. She wasted no time replying.
We're cooking for dinner or what?
Oh yeah, did you meet up with the traveling agent yet? Malcolm.
We can do take-out because I'm a little exhausted. I'm with the traveling agent now, and he's recommending some hot locations for us. Jersey.
He? Malcolm.
Jersey rolled her eyes and couldn't help but place a smirk on her face.
Yes, he. Don't do that. Jersey.
"You don't have a passport..." The traveling agent announced.
"No, I don't."
"So out of the country locations will be automatically eliminated," Richard spoke, brushing his thumb over his beard as he continued to search the web. "But I did come up with a few locations I think you would be satisfied with."
He turned his laptop around and allowed Jersey to handle it. She looked at the numerous states he had listed, along with a few pictures and hotspots.
Most were cool but not what Jersey was looking for. She wasn't trying to be around a crowd, and she didn't realize it until now. Jersey silently cursed herself out for not being straightforward with Richard. The pads of her fingers scrolled the touchpad until she landed on the perfect location.
Aspen, Colorado
▲▲▲
"Heyyyy." Jersey greeted cheerily as she stepped inside her apartment. Ivy wasted no time trotting toward her. She jumped on Jersey, wanting her attention. "Hi, baby! Hello!" She cooed to Ivy, not realizing she had company.
"Oh, she likes you." June pointed out as she watched the pooch jump all over Jersey. Ivy's tail wagged like crazy.
"Yes," Jersey replied as she kneeled to give Ivy more attention. "She adores me."
"I see that," June replied as she watched them closely. "I've never seen her get this happy before, not even with Malcolm, and she's been with him for four years."
"I can understand why..." Jersey trailed off as she stood up. She placed her attention on June, who set her attention back on her iPhone. She typed away while looking stunning.
"What are you doing here?" Jersey asked her.
"Your hair..." June trailed off, not answering her. "Girl, who did it?"
Jersey stood there and watched June run her manicured fingers through her weave.
"Uh, well...Nachelle—"
"I've heard of her hair salon." June interrupted as her eyes widen. "I need to visit her soon because she has your shit laid."
Jersey continued to stand there as she allowed June to examine her hair thoroughly.
"I mean no sign of lace anywhere. I need to go to her."
"Y-yeah..." Jersey looked elsewhere as she walked further into the room. Malcolm hit the corner and paused. He looked from his sister to his girlfriend, wondering if everything was all right.
"You good?" Malcolm placed his eyes on Jersey, who was nearing him. She put a smirk on her face and stood on her tippy toes to kiss him on the lips.
"I'm fine. June was just asking about my hair."
Malcolm breathed out and said, "Oh."
"I talked to the traveling agent and picked a location," Jersey replied under her breath.
"Oh, you two are going somewhere for Christmas?" June asked nosily.
"Yeah," Malcolm replied while giving Jersey a look. He didn't want her talking about their vacation in front of June. "Something like that."
"Well, when's the wedding?" June continued to pester them as she leaned against the back of the couch. "Malcolm is going on vacation with a woman he's in a relationship with? This is too good to be true."
Jersey gave the woman a bright smile and said, "Pinch yourself because it's true."
Malcolm peered down at his girlfriend and her giddiness. He couldn't help but shake his head while allowing a faint smirk to appear. She excused herself and went to the back with Ivy in tow.
"I'm happy for you, bro." June continued with a head nod. "I really am. I didn't see the good in Jersey at first, but now I realized she's the one for you."
Malcolm nodded his head slightly and said, "Thank you because...I do love her."
June's eyes widened in astonishment as she stared at her brother. A smile appeared on her face, and she nodded her head. She couldn't believe her brother admitted to loving a non-related woman. It was new to her, but she was happy for him.
Malcolm looked better and smiled more since getting in a relationship with Jersey. She brought light to his life. She was his missing puzzle piece.
"Then marry her."
Malcolm blinked a few times, trying to process what his sister said.
▲▲▲
"So, we're not spending Christmas Eve in New York," Jersey announced as she walked around the room, "I figured we could swing by your mom's place and drop off some gifts, I'll drop off some too, and we'll catch a red-eye straight to Aspen."
Malcolm was laid out on the bed with the Roku remote. It looked small in his large hand. He didn't bother to place his attention on Jersey. Instead, he was too busy watching Chicago P.D.
"Did you hear me?"
The bed dipped, and suddenly a swarm of perfume invaded Malcolm's nostrils. Jersey blocked the view of the television as she saddled on top of him. She ran her hands down his torso and inched up to his face.
"You're not listening to me."
"Because my show is on," Malcolm mumbled.
Jersey sucked her teeth and said, "It's on Prime Video. You can always watch it."
She placed her small hands on top of his and removed the remote from his hand. "Let me pause it for a minute. I want to talk to you."
Jersey paused the television and placed her attention back on the chocolate man who was laid out in their California King bed. Malcolm looked up at her and sighed.
"I'm tired..." He muttered.
"I know, I can see it in your eyes." She leaned over, getting close to his face. Jersey could smell his scent, and it mixed well with hers. She rubbed her lips against his and slipped out a slight moan. Just being near him had her aroused.
"So... we're dropping off gifts and visiting your family before catching a red-eye, right?"
Malcolm nodded his head stiffly.
"Red-eye?" Malcolm reiterated.
"I got it from the traveling agent." She remarked.
Malcolm only nodded his head.
"What's the matter? You don't seem too excited about leaving New York. Going away was your idea."
"I just...got a lot on my mind."
Jersey raised her eyebrows and said, "Care to share?"
"Not right now..." Malcolm shook his head.
Jersey rolled her eyes to the ceiling as she moved away from him. She crawled over to her side of the bed.
"I didn't mean to offend you..." Malcolm trailed off. "I'm just not ready to talk about it."
"You're never ready to talk about anything with me." Jersey jibed. "Communication, huh?"
Malcolm looked over at her and darted his brows.
"What?"
"Never mind, just forget it."
▲▲▲
"Is that everything?"
"...yeah."
Malcolm narrowed his eyes at Jersey, who could barely look at him. She went straight for the door while Malcolm held a bag filled with presents.
A Christmas party at Frida's house was happening. Jersey wanted to do the gift-giving before departing off to Aspen. From what she could understand, Frida wouldn't be in town either. She had plans to leave the country, and she would be gone for two weeks.
They knocked on the door and was invited in by June, who was happy to see them.
"Hey, you two made it."
"We did." Jersey smiled as she gave June a half-hug. In her opinion, it was weird to see June being so nice to her. Usually, she would be cold and less friendly. "Hey!"
The house wasn't swarmed with guests. Frida decided to have a little get-together with just close relatives. When they entered the house, the family was already there getting all festival.
Frida decided to put up and decorate her Christmas tree with the help of June. Jersey's mouth parted as soon as she laid her eyes on the green tree that was garnished in green, red, and white trimmings. Presents of all sizes were sorted under the tree in an orderly fashion.
"Nice to see you again." Cliff greeted kindly as he pulled Jersey into a hug. She embraced him in a friendly way, but Malcolm wasn't feeling their generous affection. He cleared his throat, which made Cliff pull away.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Cliff asked his grandson as he held a glass of eggnog in his hand. "I can't hug this beautiful woman?"
"Not this one," Malcolm stated, placing his arm around Jersey, who didn't wear a smirk on her face.
"Have a drink or something...stiff ass," Cliff commented as he walked off. "Oh, and Merry Christmas. I better have a damn gift."
Jersey couldn't help but smirk at Cliff and his smart antics. She removed herself from Malcolm's embrace.
"I'll get us some drinks."
Malcolm looked over at her and realized something was different about her. Before she could walk away, he grabbed her hand and gently pulled her back.
Jersey placed her eyes on his, but she didn't respond.
"You all right?"
She shrugged her shoulder slightly and said, "...fine."
"You sure?"
She just nodded her head and pulled away. "Drinks, I'm going to get the drinks."
Malcolm watched as she strutted away, unintentionally catching his attention. Her hair was still laid, and she wore a long sleeve blouse with flared jeans that seemed to fit her like a glove.
He continued to watch her until he felt a hand on his back. Malcolm looked over and realized it was his grandmother. She stood beside him wearing a stunning gown as if she was attending the Gala.
"You brought her here," Bernie stated as she looked over at Jersey, who was busy fixing them a drink.
"I did."
Bernie nodded her head, but she didn't say anything.
Malcolm eased his light-brown eyes on his grandmother and said, "She'll be around here for a long time. Holidays, birthdays, and so on."
"You sure about that?"
"I'm sure about it."
"... you're wasting your time," Bernie muttered as she shook her head. "I just... can't see you being with her."
"Open your eyes, Bernie." Malcolm trailed off. "And heart...stop being so bitter."
Jersey made her way over with two glasses filled with eggnog. She placed her eyes on Bernie, who stood there having a conversation with Malcolm.
"Got your drink...yours does not have rum. Mine does." Jersey handed him the beverage and took a sip of hers. After gulping down the drink, she looked over at Bernie and gave her a smirk, "Nice to see you, Bernie."
"That's Bernadette." Bernie corrected her while giving Jersey a look. She pursed her lips and walked off, not wanting to be near the woman.
"I don't understand her..." Jersey trailed off as she shook her head. "She hates my gut, and we both had the same situation."
Malcolm paused for a moment and eased his eyes on Jersey. She was busy sipping her eggnog. He ran his thumb across his beard before speaking.
"The same situation? What are you talking about?"
"Um..." Jersey cleared her throat and said, "Your mom told me that...your grandmother had a drug addiction."
Malcolm's jaw clenched. He looked off as if he was upset.
"I know you're not upset. I won't bring it up to her. I can't be judgmental when I was in the same boat."
"I'm not mad." He pushed out before sipping his eggnog. "Let's give out these presents so we can catch our flight."
Jersey only nodded her head.
▲▲▲
Frida had her party planned out nicely. There were decorations, hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and a small gathering of people. Christmas music played in the background while the family exchanged gifts.
Jersey exchanged gifts and felt at ease. For the first time, she was comfortable around Malcolm's family. Morgan, Michelle, Dock, and Bernie were there. However, they didn't fuck up her vibe. She made small talk, gulped down two glasses of wine, and grubbed on some food.
Eventually, it grew late, so the couple decided to wrap it up. Jersey made her way over to Frida, who was busy lecturing June about something.
"Hi. We have to get going." Jersey told Frida, and she guided her into a hug.
"Oh, that's right. You guys are leaving for Aspen." Frida spoke as she hugged Jersey tightly.
"Yeah, we have to be on time," Malcolm announced, pulling his mom into a hug. He kissed her head and let her go.
"You alright? You seem to be in a funk?"
Malcolm nodded his head and said, "I just need some rest."
Jersey rolled her eyes as she grabbed her things. She received a couple of gifts, which was surprising.
"You guys...please be careful."
"You be careful, too." Malcolm jibed.
Jersey plastered a smirk on her face and said, "I heard you're going on a trip, too. Out of the country."
"I have a cousin who lives in Canada," Frida added.
"Canada?" Jersey's brows hiked. "Sounds nice. If only I had a passport."
"We're working on it." Malcolm snaked his arm around Jersey's waist. "But right now, we need to work on getting to our plane."
"Go ahead, and make sure you too call me as soon as you land." Frida commented.
"Malcolm FaceTime me when you land!" June blurted out.
▲▲▲
Boarding a plane was all so new to Jersey. She kept going to Malcolm for instructions since she was nervous. Fortunately, he was able to guide her.
The whole plane experience was moderate. Jersey rated it a six out of ten. She grew nauseous while on board, so Malcolm ordered her a ginger tea. Her stomach didn't settle until the flight was over.
They landed in Aspen, Colorado, around four in the morning. As soon as Jersey stepped off the plane, she had to gather herself. There were mountains of snow covering the grounds. She could withstand cold, so the temperature didn't bother her.
After grabbing the rental and a bite to eat, they checked into their hotel room and got some much-needed rest. When Jersey woke up, she realized it was late in the evening.
She looked over and realized Malcolm was still asleep. Jersey figured he would be since he mentioned being exhausted back at Frida's house. Instead of bothering him, she crawled out of bed and made her way into the bathroom to shower.
A bonnet covered her head, and she wore nothing but a large t-shirt and some old pajama pants. Jersey strolled into the bathroom and peeled off her clothes. She took a good look around the bathroom and fell in love. Everything was so beautiful.
Jersey managed to book the presidential suite. It was the most expensive room the hotel had to offer. For three thousand dollars a night, they had a loft with a balcony. The loft came with twenty-four-hour room service, a butler, kitchen, internet, entertainment, etc. They were renting a luxury apartment for five whole days.
Jersey walked into the walk-in shower and slowly examined everything. The shower was huge with white marble tiles. It was very pristine with pulsating showerheads.
She leaned over and rotated the knobs, allowing the warm water to run from the showerheads. Jersey's eyes shut tight as she let her body get saturated.
After showering, she eased out, dried off her body, and slid on the robe, a complimentary gift from the hotel staff. Jersey made her way into the bedroom to rummage through her suitcase for her toothbrush and other hygienic items.
She brushed her teeth, moisturized her body, and tossed her robe back on. When Jersey walked back into the room, she realized Malcolm was now up and typing away on his MacBook Pro. She figured he would bring his work with him.
"Good morning," Malcolm called out. "Shit, it's not even morning."
"We have to adapt to the time." Jersey chuckled as she walked in front of him.
Malcolm didn't realize she was naked underneath her satin robe until he looked over at her body. His cat-like eyes traveled over her defined clavicle and trailed down to her flat stomach. Her pubic area was glabrous and inviting.
Suddenly, he narrowed his eyes at her and closed his MacBook Pro. Malcolm scooted toward the edge of the bed and grabbed Jersey by her small waist. He examined her a little while longer.
"What are you doing?" Jersey questioned him as she studied his facial expression.
"You're pregnant..." He trailed off while thumbing the dark line that ran from her stomach to her pubic area.
"Pregnant?" Jersey blurted out devastatingly.
TO BE CONTINUED