Friday the 14th
Derrick lightly grabbed Mel hands as she slept. Cuffing them to the bed, he made sure not to wake her up. The other night was an absolute fantasy but he meant what he said about not being done. He wasn't done working her over until she had a positive pregnancy test. Scooting down her body, he latched onto her clit, her sleepy moans making him smirk. Knowing she'd put up a fight if she woke up to an orgasm, he brought to the edge before stopping his teasing. Tossing the comforter off them both, he pushed through her slick walls, her eyes popped open, a moan followed shortly.
"Good morning baby," he growled down at her. "Daddyyyy," she whined as his tempo picked up. "Mmhmm wake that sexy ass up. Daddy is hungry," he voiced. Hearing her gasp, he leaned down, placing a kiss on her lips. She went to run her nails through his hair only to find herself restrained. "Whyyyyyy? Why are you doing me like this?" "You know you love it. Don't you?" He asked against her lips, his dick knocking on her cevix. A grunt leaving her body with every thrust. "Mamaaaaaa!!" The sound of tiny knocks heard against the bedroom door.
"What Niyah!?" Derrick yelled out, a hand over Mel's mouth to muffle her cries of pleasure. "I want mama!" "In a minute baby!! Give your mama a few minutes." "Nooooooooo!" "Hold on baby. I'll be out in a minute Niyah poo," Mel managed to toss out in a normal breath. The sniffles of their little girl heard as she walked away. "You know you're breaking your baby's heart right?" Mel voiced in a airy tone. "Like I said.... she'll get over it," Derrick slammed into her heat making her squeal loudly. Another 30 minutes passed before Derrick finally bussed a nut. Both laying on their back catching their breath. Mel rolled on her side, laying her head on his chest once he freed her hands.
"What's up baby?" He asked, feeling her playing in his beard. "So I was thinking....... what if we had a weekend to ourselves. Let Niyah spend the night with her best friend." "She just spent the night with Midori," he reminded her. "Not who I was talking about." Eyes shifting down at her, she felt a shiver rush over her body. "Who are you talking about Mel?" "................Dean," she mumbled so he couldn't hear her. "What did you say?" Clearing her throat, she repeated herself still mumbling. Cupping her chin, he made her look up at him. "Speak up." "I was saying Dean." Derrick blankly stared at her before scooting from under her.
"Uh......." "Uh nothing you.... no! Why are you trying to ship her off to Dean? What deal did you make?" She scrunched her face at him. How did he always know? "I didn't make any deals. He's been asking for her to spend the night and I just thought you'd want to have me alone for at least 48 hours. Not just 48 hours of us not having to be parents while going out with friends. A full 48 hours with me at your complete disposal." Sitting on her knees, she saw him pause for a second. She had him hook line and sinker.
Turning to face her, he raised an eyebrow. "So in exchange for letting our daughter learn some inappropriate notions, you are offering yourself up to me to do whatever I please for 2 days nonstop. Is that correct?" Hearing him repeat it, Mel's eyes widened. She legit just fucked herself over with that offer. "Hello?" "Uh huh......" a sinister grin grew on Derrick's face. "Okay. He can keep her for a weekend." Spinning, he headed to the bathroom to do his hygiene. Mel fell back onto the bed and groan. She just knew either she wasn't going to be walking by the Sunday night or she just wasn't going to be walking.
Remembering her child, she got up and grabbed a robe. Walking to Niyah's room, she saw the little one tossing her stuffy in the air. "Good morning my love," Mel voiced, Niyah's face instantly lit up. "Good morning mama!" Niyah stood on her bed and lept towards Mel. All trust that she would catch her. "You wanna take a bath with me?" Niyah hummed and nodded her head as she gave Mel a kiss before laying her head on her shoulder. Grabbing Niyah's matching robe, Mel carried her back into the bedroom. "I gotta teetee mama." "Tell Daddy to help you." Putting Niyah on her feet, Mel watched the little one bust into the bathroom just as Derrick was about to finish peeing his own self.
"Why are you storming in here? Where's your mama?" "I gotta teeteeeee," Niyah whined as she squirmed, waiting for her daddy to move out the way. Huffing, Derrick washed his hands as he watched her pulled her pajamas and yank her pamper off. Helping her onto the toilet, he kept an eye on her making sure she didn't fall back into it. "All done." "You sure?" "Mmhmm." While he helped her, Mel waltzed inside, heading straight for the bath. Niyah jumping from Derrick's arms and heading straight to Mel. This was another reason Derrick wanted another baby. He wanted a mini me under him too.
Letting mother and daughter have time for themselves, he headed downstairs to whip up some breakfast before they headed to work. As soon as they sat down to eat, Mel's phone rang. "Ugh. Fucking Brenda," Mel murmured as she answered. "Hello?" She said as she put the phone on speaker. "Melinda........" "Brenda......." Silence passed before they heard a heavy breath. Mel shook her head. Of course she read it. "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL USSS!?" "I know I told you and June not to read my book." "You think we aren't going to support you!?"
"You could've bought it and not read it," Derrick blankly stared at his wife knowing damn well that would never happen. "Melinda seriously. Why didn't you tell us things were that bad?" "I was already a fuck up to you guys. I couldn't....... I just couldn't okay?" Working on not being a bitch all the time, Brenda took a second to gather her words. "Although it was......... it was gut wrenching to read, I've never more proud of you. The way you captured every moment so vividly yet somehow still hidden was amazing Mel. I'm sorry I wasn't the best sister to you. If I was more willing to hear you back then, then maybe you would've been able to tell us sooner."
Derrick and Mel stared at the phone. Was this Brenda? "I ummmm thank you?" "Sounded weird huh? I know it tasted weird but I mean it. I'm very proud of you Mel. You might want to call and check on June though. Casey said she ain't stopped crying since she read it." "Why did yall have to read itttttt? I knew yall were going to do this." "You are our baby sister and a damn author. We are going to read eveything attached to your name. Good bad and ugly." "So I can write about you?" "Not a chance in hell."
"Oh boo. Fine I'll call June after I eat. Thank you for supporting me Brenda. It means so much to me." "Always Mel. I love you." "I love you too." Hanging up, Mel smiled to herself. "That was a pleasant conversation if I have ever heard one between you two." "Don't..." Derrick chuckled leaving her alone. The two headed to the office as June gave her blubbering version of praise. "Are you going to stop crying at some point?" "Uh shut up Mellie. My baby sister is so damn talented with a pen!" Mel couldn't help but laugh a little.
"Okay okay I'm done. I gotta get to work before Bre calls. Ugh look at my baby sister doing big things out here in these streets! Okay bye Mel love you!" "I love you too Junie," Mel said with a giggle. Sighing she looked to the left at Derrick laughing to himself. "You're not going to let me live are you?" "I haven't said a single word." She hummed as he parked the car. Getting out, she got Niyah out of the back seat. Grabbing her backpack and his briefcase, Derrick draped his arm over Mel's shoulder, a kiss placed on her forehead as she leaned into him. Walking inside, they were greeted by the receptionists.
"Good morning Mr and Mrs Collins. Good morning Miss Saniyah." "Good morning," the little one replied, followed by her parents. Getting on the elevator, Niyah stood in between both of her parents, holding their hands as she counted the numbers going up. Getting to the 6th floor, the 3 stepped off, heading straight for the day care. While Derrick hung up Niyah's backpack, Mel bent down to have a quick talk with her. "We're going to have a good day today right?" "Yes mama." "And that is because fear has what?" "No room here."
"That's my big girl. Give me a kiss." Niyah tossed her arms around Mel's neck and gave her a big kiss before rushing over to Derrick giggling loudly as he scooped her up, peppering her with goodbye kisses. "Bye mommy bye daddy. Hi Mya! BENNNNN!!!" the little one rushed over. Heading upstairs, Mel and Derrick shared a kiss before starting their busy day. By 12 Mel was so focused on the tasks at hand she didn't see Derrick's note about getting lunch. "Mellie," she heard over the intercom. "Yessssssss," she answered, her eyes not leaving the computer.
"I will shut your computer down." "Why would you.......oh.....I didn't see itttttt. I'll be back." He hummed before turning the intercom off. Heading down to the Cafe, Mel grabbed their food before checking in on Niyah. Seeing her down for a nap, she headed back upstairs. Noticing Derrick's door open, she headed in not expecting Jo there. "What you doing in here?" Mel asked as she handed Derrick his food. "Budget talk for the new headquarter." "While we're talking about that, I wanted to ask you if you wanted to be head of my finance department out in Jersey?" Derrick remembered. Mel's eyes lit up quickly. She was hoping he would bring it up.
"Ummm wait.....you want me to move to Jersey?" "Yeah. You'll be getting a substantial raise too." Jo sat back and stared at both Mel and Derrick. "It's about damn time you offered me this job cause I had Dom put in his transfer request for next year already and it got approved so yall was taking me whether you wanted to or not. Although I wasn't expecting Head of Finances!? I feel so damn special." Jo said putting on the theatrics making Mel laugh. "I have made way too much money to overlook you in this new move. Only a mad man would make a mistake that fatal."
"Damn Skippy. Okay so last thing is the size set in stone? Reason I say that is because if you'd consider around 2 million square feet on the building then there wouldn't be wasted material, meaning no wasted money. I have all the numbers and it seems there would be an excess of material going nowhere. If you were to make this headquarters just a smudge bigger, you wouldn't even be paying more because it's already locked in. The extra space wouldn't hurt either." Handing Derrick the printout, Jo waited for his input.
"Hmmmm. Maybe...... what comes to mind is Bell Works in Holmdel. I'll think about it and make a decision in a week." "Okie dokie boss man. Enjoy your lunch. We can talk tax bracket next time. Call me later Mel," Jo spoke as she picked up the paperwork. "I will." Once Jo left, Mel sat down across from Derrick. "So why are you making this headquarters so big?" "I want some open brainstorming space. Thinking maybe an indoor courtyard slash garden-esque vibe? I don't know yet. I have 3 designs I'm sitting on." Mel hummed. That did make sense. The sunroof was her favorite place in this building. A bigger one would be lovely.
"How was Niyah?" "Napping. What are we going to do?" "About what?" "Niyah. What if she doesn't outgrow this fearful stage?" Derrick sat back. He had thought about this. He honestly didn't have an answer this time. "I don't know. But we gotta believe she will. No negative thoughts. She's doing pretty good so far. She actually said hi to Mya today." "Yeah after what 2 weeks?" "She's intuitive Mel. She can sense things. I believe she will be perfect. Don't you?" Mel sighed and nodded. "She's already perfect."
The door swung open, Dean bursting into the office. "What yall doing in here?" "Nigga what is wrong with you?" Derrick tossed. "What? Was yall about to get freaky? Working on Niyah Boo #2?" Dean said, wiggling his eyebrows. "Why are you like this?" Mel mumbled. "Because I can be Brat. Speaking of Niyah Boo, call down to the daycare and tell them I'm checking her out." "Why the hell would I do that?" Derrick asked looking at Mel, who quickly avoided eye contact. He just agreed to Dean taking her this morning. Why was he already trying to grab her?
"What deal did you make Mel?" "I didn't make a deal!" Raising an eyebrow, he narrowed his eyes at her. "So why is Dean ready to take Niyah so quickly?" "Because he been asking." "I mean I have but she still lying," Dean said with a chuckle. He just loved getting Mel in trouble. "It was not a deal! I'm not lying. It was a suggestion!" "Is that what we're calling it now? You know you gotta tell me these things before you make a deal with me," he added in. "Oh my fuc..... you know what. How about I just go get her? I'm in trouble either way. Thanks Dean." She huffed as she spun on her heels and walked out the office.
Once the elevator ding was heard, Derrick and Dean started snickering. "You know if she ever finds out you was in on this she gonna kill you nigga." "I'll take it. She been holding out on a nigga. I'm getting her back starting tonight. She getting pregnant by any means necessary." "Well you have fun with that. I'm taking Niyah to the Sugar Factory." "Dean," Derrick growled. "What!? You can't tell me what I can't do. It's Uncle Dino time and there's no rules at Uncle Dino's that says Niyah can't eat sugar for dinner. You getting your mini D, Niyah gets Sugar Factory."
Derrick shook his head. He knew Dean was going to do the opposite of what he said regardless. So he'd either get his 48 hours of freak time or forget all about it. "Don't make me regret this." "You always say that and you never regret it. I was also going to teach her some French. That doesn't sound too bad does it?" "What are you teaching her in 2 days?" "She's smart. Don't underestimate her. She gonna know a whole sentence by Sunday night. Watch." "Dino!!!" They heard yelled as Niyah's little body raced to Dean. "Hey Niyah Boo! You spending the night with me?" "Yeahhhhhh."
"Yeahhhhhh," Dean mimicked her, tickling her sides. "We can bring her clothes later on," Mel offered. "No need. She got her own wardrobe at my house now. Everything she need, already in stock. Say bye mama bye daddy." "Bye bye! Luh youuuuuu." Her little lips puckered up for kisses. Once she got kisses from Mel and Derrick, Dean bid them goodbye until Sunday. Derrick shook his head as he heard his best friend hype up his newest best friend. Clearing his throat he eyed Mel. "Shut the door Mellie," he instructed. She did so, feeling like punishment was underway. "So...." He stated as he pulled his monster out. "You lied to me today....."
Meanwhile
Robert held his kindle as he walked back to his cell. He liked being alone. He didn't have to see or hear Redd anymore. He wished he had learned about Stone a long time ago. Maybe he would've only served 6 months if he had him as his lawyer from the jump. Any man that could cover up tracks that well was definitely a keeper in Robert's book. "Lights out Gayle," a CO voiced seeing Robert taking his time preparing for another night on a hard bunk. Looking back at the guard, Robert waved him off. They knew his routine. He wasn't rushing that for them.
"Said lights out Gayle." Turning fully to face the guard, Robert held the expression of a raging bull. "Get the fuck out my face. You see me doing something." The CO chuckled as he stared back at Robert. "You know what your problem is? You think just cuz you got money that you run shit. But from what I heard you don't even have all the money you could've had if you would've left ol girl alone. You ain't shit but a crazy ass abuser. I read her book. You a fucked up nigga that's exactly where you need to be. You fooled the courts but you can't fool us. I guarantee you will die in this bitch."
The 2 men held a stare off until the sound of the lights turning off was heard. "Night night bitch ass nigga," the officer spat. Robert stood still in the same spot until there wasn't a single person outside his cell. Only 1 thing the officer said stuck in his mind. I read her book. He didn't know she was a writer let alone wrote a damn book. When did this happen? Why wasn't he informed? Grabbing his kindle he laid on his bunk and started searching. Typing in Melinda Gayle and Melinda Moore, he huffed. She didn't have no fucking book out. Rolling his eyes, he went back to the home page when the New Releases caught his attention.
He scrolled until he saw First Come Pain by Melinda COLLINS. His eyes grew dark at the name. She married that bitch!? How dare she continue to betray him! She was supposed to be Melinda Gayle until death did they part and the last time he checked, they were very much still alive. Clicking on her name, he stared at her author photo. Damn she was still fine as hell. He liked the short hair on her. Purposely ignoring the big gem on her finger, he couldn't help but to feel the blood rushing to his lower extremities. He'd see what type of bullshit story she had concocted tomorrow. Tonight he needed a release and this new photo of HIS wife was just what he needed to help him out.
At Dean's
The girls all stood in the kitchen cleaning up while waiting for Dean to get home. Everyone was so excited for Niyah to come. Everyone except Lira. She didn't like jobs that included kids. She really didn't like jobs where she had to interact with other people's kids. If there is 1 thing any mother, father, or extremely attached uncle would do behind a child, it's kill a mothafucker who was fucking with them. She was trying to hide face but the more she stared at the time, the more she just wanted to go upstairs and stay there.
"Her bath is ran and warming. We don't have to worry about that," Iris said as she came back around the corner. "I'm so excited to see her. She's so freaking adorable!" Deja mentioned. "Oh Lira. Just a heads up. I know you've seen Niyah a few times but when she's here she gets very shy for like the first 4 hours. She stays directly under Dean. She likes us but she has to readjust when she gets around this many of us. She loves Tiara though. I think it's the pet persona making it easy for her to play," Courtney explained. "Jealous much?" Tiara tossed. "Now baby doll...." "Don't call me that."
"Oooooooh don't make her mad Court," Alicia heckled. "You lucky Niyah is coming." "Ooooh. So scared to get my pussy ate," Tiara tossed. "Why are you always the last one to get your period? We are a team Ti," Iris added. "Not my fault I'm blessed. Maybe it's my pet persona," Tiara stuck out her tongue before shrieking from Courtney snatching her and tickling her. Lira laughed at the two until they all heard Dean pulling up. Quickly making sure everything was cleaned to his standards, they lined up as they awaited his appearance. The garage door opened, the little one bouncing next to Dean.
"Good Evening kittens," he voiced. "Good ning kitten," Niyah tried to mimic. To say she was hyped up on sugar was an understatement. "Good Evening Master Dean. Good Evening Saniyah," they all responded. "All of you know what I expect while our most prestigious guest is here." "Yes Master." "Lira. I take it you've been briefed?" "Yes Master," she said with a friendly smile. Her heart was aching as she looked at Niyah but she had to tough through. Looking up, Niyah pouted as she reached up for Dean. "You ready for a bath Niyah Boo?" "Noooooo I wanna play."
"After your bath we can play all night until you fall asleep. How about that?" He asked as he tossed her in the air. Her little giggles ringing out making everyone swoon. "Tiara." "Yes Master. Come on Boo. Let's go get clean." "Kitty!" Niyah tossed out as she reached for Tiara. Once they left, Dean looked at the remaining 5. "Do not. I mean do not. Make me lock any of you in the kennel in the dungeon until Monday. For some reason you 5 can't contain yourself when someone else is present in our home. Do I make myself clear?" "Yes Master," they answered. "DINO! DINO!"
"You're free to relax as you please. Lira. You'll be going with me to drop Niyah off Monday. Apparently you have some work to do." "Yes Master," she responded. Once he walked away, the 5 all relaxed. "You are the first kitten to want a job when we literally have free range to everything we could need," Alicia mentioned. "Yeah it's a habit I have yet to break. I've been working since I was a kid. Rough life means you gotta make it through by any means necessary. I'm used to having multiple jobs." "You don't want to take a break?" Deja asked. "I guess I don't know how to relax and breathe 24/7. I'm sure I'll phase out soon enough though," Lira said with a shrug.
Her mood didn't shift the rest of the weekend. Watching Dean laugh as he became a horse for Niyah had her wishing Redd had this type of relationship with their son. Maybe she'd still have custody of him right now. Although she was focused in the dungeon after Niyah's sugar rush called her to sleep, Lira still felt her mind drifting to the image of a perfect family. Was it bad that everytime she thought of what a perfect family looked like, she thought of Derrick and Melinda's mini family? Sunday morning she laid in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.
It wasn't her turn to cook breakfast and she was grateful. Especially as her phone started ringing. She groaned seeing the number to the prison. Answering it she huffed as she rolled over. "Hello......" the sound of Robert tsking met her ears. "I thought you were getting paid to report to me." "I am reporting. I can't exactly just call you whenever I get a little bit of information." "Did I say call me? No I said report. Meaning when I call you then you tell me what you fucking know!" He growled in the phone. "What did I not report on?" "Oh so you want to act so damn slow today I see."
"Robert I'm being serious. I thought I reported everything to you so far." "Bitch you know damn well you didn't mention you working close to my wife or that rat bastard forced her to take his fuck ass name." Lira bit the inside of her cheek. Fucking Redd always making shit worse. "I-" "I also don't recall you mentioning a fucking book! What the fuck is this fairytale shit!?" "I don't know. I didn't write it." "She out here lying to the world. Making me out to be the bad guy." "How sure are you that it's all about you? You said she was brainwashed and kidnapped so.......?"
Robert hummed as he thought about it. Maybe it wasn't about him. "When is the next time you see her?" "Tomorrow." "Then I'm calling you Tuesday. If you leave out some more valuable information then I'll leave out how to find your son. I got the address on what foster care he's in." "What is it!?" "Aht aht. Do your job first then you'll get rewarded." Lira's eyes glossed over. She was starting to feel like this job was never ending. "Are we clear Lira?" "Crystal. Where is Redd? I haven't heard from him in a minute." "Oh....your boy got transferred out of my cell probably out of this facility. You want me to find him too?" "No. I will." "Tuesday. Don't fail me." Hanging up Lira sighed. What did he do to Redd?
Back at the Collins
"Fuck..... fuck..... Fuuuuckkkkkk!!! Daddy please!! I can't take anymore! I can't I can't I can't!" "One more Mellie. Come on baby give me one more," Derrick breathed into her ear. Drilling into her heat for the umpteenth time this weekend, this time both of them were on top of the kitchen island. What started with Mel making breakfast quickly shifted to Derrick sneaking up behind her for a morning delight. She didn't know how he still had nut left in him after last night. Hell, how was she still able cum as hard as she was still? "You going to give me one more like I asked?"
Her whimpers growing loudly, overwhelming tears of passion fell as the tension grew. Cupping her face with one hand, he wiped the tears away, placing a soft kiss on her lips. "Give it to me baby. I know you got another one for me. It's a big one isn't it Mellie?" "Yes siiiiir!" She screamed as her walls squeezed him for dear life. Feeling his body jerk on top of her, she knew he had nutted. "No more.... please sir." Letting out a heavy breath, he chuckled. "You're saying no more but you haven't let me go," he voiced, trying to pull out of her clenched pussy.
Her hand reached back to his thigh, wanting him to stop moving. "Wait......... oh God," she moaned. Laying on top of her, Derrick kissed her neck as they waited for her vice grip to loosen. When he finally felt relief, he slowly pulled his hips back, drawing out a long groan from Mel. "You say no more but she's so greedy," he mentioned, noticing how not a single drop of his nut dripped out. "She doesn't know what's good for her." "Nah," he chuckled, giving her a love tap once he jumped down. She hissed from the impact. Every inch of her body was sensitive and sore.
"Are you hungry now?" "I was hungry 3 hours ago," she spat, her eyes low, threatening to close for a nap. "Then wake up," taunting her, he flicked her bean, prompting her eyes to open back up. "Why are you doing me like this?" She whined as he helped her up. "You promised me 48 hours." "And you started early thanks to Dean." "I was going to give you a break." "Okay okay I'm sorry. I'm not complaining. My pussy is tired daddy." "Mmhmm. How about I start a bath and we can soak while I feed you. How does that sound?" "Like heaven," Derrick hummed as he kissed her forehead.
"Be back." Letting out a heavy breath, Mel laid back down until she felt a dog licking her feet. "Stop it Beaux," she mumbled. The dog whined at her command, a bark followed. "I know you're hungry but your daddy was hungry too so that meant you had to wait." Jumping up on the side of the island, Beaux stared at Mel sprawled out. His head cocked to the side in confusion. Why was she allowed up there but he wasn't? "Deuce get your ass down!" Derrick snapped as he came back into the kitchen. Doing as he was told, Beaux walked over to his bowl, knocking it over on purpose.
"I'm feeding you," Derrick tossed. "Where's Belle?" Mel asked with a yawn. "Sun bathing." Mel smirked. If Belle was going to do 1 thing, it was enjoy all the sunlight she could get. While Derrick fed the dogs and plated their food onto a tray Mel drifted off to sleep for a spell. It wasn't until Derrick placed her into the tub did she wake up. Sitting up, she let him get in behind her before letting her entire body melt into him. "Don't go back to sleep." "I'm not." "Mmhmm open up."
Enjoying the intimate moments of just them two, the flame between them resparked a thousand times over. So much so that after their bath, the two cuddled up together for a nap. Once they woke up again, Mel felt the urge to read to Derrick while he laid his head against her stomach. A smile tattooed on her face as she massaged his scalp. "Dean sent you a text baby," she voiced seeing his phone light up on the nightstand. He groaned as he rolled over and grabbed the phone, laying back in his new favorite position. "He's bringing Niyah to the office tomorrow." "He said Sunday." "Shhhh keep reading." Mel pursed her lips then picked up where she left off.
"You're looking rather refreshed this morning Melinda." I kind of am. We sent Niyah with Dean for the weekend. He's dropping her off later on today. "So you two had some much needed time alone. That's always good right?" Yeah. It kind of felt like when we first got together. Just wrapped up in us and falling in love all over again. Plus I haven't been this sore since we first got together so that says a lot. "Yes it does. I wanted to tell you. I did purchase your book. Wow." I've been getting that expression a lot lately. I don't know if it's a good thing or not. "Elaborate for me."
Well I've been reading the comments on my book and all that jazz and for the most part I see it's reaching a lot of people. Then there's those who leave comments like 'Oh boohoo another rich woman claiming she had such a fucked up life' or 'Maybe she really was abused but look at how she's living now. Why even bring this shit up?' I even seen 1 comment claiming that I wrote the book just to keep another black man locked up. Like I don't get people. This really happened to me. This is really my life.
"There will always be people who form their own opinion about your work but the thing that remains is you know your truth. Plus they paid for the book. You still made the sale. They read it and they probably will read it again. You're in the spotlight now which means you will have trolls everywhere you look. People hate on the things they wish they could become." That's what Derrick said. It still kind of bothers me though. "Why?" I poured everything into these books just to have people denounce my pain. "You're focusing too much on the negative. There are so many victims who are reading your book and praising your strength."
Yeah.... I don't know. I just don't want this to flop. "When does your physical copy release?" Next month. "Which means you have to start touring and doing interviews right?" Yeah. What's your point? "Your interviews and meet ups will be the moments where you can voice just how true this book is. You get to tell your truth and your whole truth. People are more inclined to believing and supporting you when they see you and hear the vulnerability in your voice. Some people need to hear it straight from the horse's mouth." Hmmmm. Maybe. "One more thing. This WAS your life Melinda. It's not your life anymore."
Heading to the office, Mel thought about what her therapist said. That was her life. She's in a far better one now. All the things she swore she'd never see come to fruition was here in the present. She wasn't working to death. She wasn't avoiding going home after work. She wasn't running from an iron first just for forgetting to fold laundry. She was happy. She was married. She was very well off. And she was a mother to the most beautifully intelligent little girl she could ask for. Now she could add that she was an author to the list. She was doing the damn thing.
Pulling into the parking garage Mel read a text saying come to the conference room. Heading inside, she stared at her agenda wondering what was going on in the conference room. It wasn't making sense to go there since the meeting Derrick originally called was canceled. "I'm just going to assume you don't want to put a parking garage under that," Mel heard Jo ask. "You're right which is why I've been thinking about what you said about the material. Use it to construct a connected garage on the back end. Above that I can still add whatever greenhouse I want one I decide." Mel walked in seeing the image both Derrick and Jo were discussing.
Looking back, they both smiled at Mel as she walked deeper into the room. "So what you're saying is you're approving this?" "Yes. I believe I am. What do you think Mellie?" Derrick asked, seeing her twinkling eye. Standing next to the giant touch screen, she spun the sketch-up around, getting a full view of it on the big screen. She could see just how much thought he was putting into this building. She loved when he started personal passion projects. His perfection always seeped through at every seam.
"It's huge but sexy as hell." "Its going to about 3 times as big as this one," Derrick explained hearing Mel whistle. "Well I absolutely love it." A mile wide grin appeared on Derrick's face from Mel's approval. "I need your signature Mr man," Jo reminded him as she held out a pen. Signing off on the paperwork, Derrick let out a heavy breath. They were officially beginning this project. He was really moving. Although he fought left and right on doing so, he couldn't deny that he loved seeing the peace and happiness that surrounded his wife from agreeing to do so. "So what now?" Mel asked.
Before Derrick could say anything, the door swung open, Niyah rushing to her parents. "Mommyyyyyyyyy!" The little one rushed out. "Hi my sweet baby. Did you have fun?" "Yes. We play horsey!" "You did!? Did you tell uncle Dean thank you?" "Tank you Dino!" "You're very welcome Niyah Boo." Looking over her should, Niyah squealed as she reached for Derrick. "I miss you daddy," the little voice said as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I missed you too NyNy." "Daddy I color?" She asked pointing at the sketch still on the screen.
"Not on there. That's daddy's work. You draw in your notebook." Niyah pouted, looking identical to her mother. "Oh I brought Lira with me Mel. You got some work for her?" "Oh yeah. Early lunch?" She asked Derrick. "Go ahead babe," he responded giving her a kiss. "Well would you look at that. I have a lunch break now too. I'm coming with you. Bye double D's," Jo tossed as she gathered up her folder. "Bye Jonessa," Dean waved. "I will cut yo big ass." The men laughed as the women walked out.
"Why is he so aggy?" "That's Dean girl. He do it on purpose." "Clearly." Heading down to Derrick's office, they saw Lira patiently waiting for Mel. Jumping up, Lira smiled once she saw Mel. "Hey Lira. You remember my friend Jo right?" "Yes. How are you?" "I'm good. How are you?" "I'm great thank you." "Mmhmm. We taking this meeting to the Cafe?" Jo asked, her mouth drooling for the Jamaican cuisine she was waiting for. "Can I get my tablet first miss impatient?" Rolling her eyes, Jo watched Mel go into Derrick's office and come back out with her tablet. "So Lira. How do you like working for Mel?"
"It's cool. I like it. I've never had to do this side of assistance work but I actually love it. People act like shit is easy when you become a household name. It's kind of challenging but I've always been up for a challenge." Jo's face scrunched up as she noticed Lira's dazed look at Mel. "I for one am grateful. I couldn't do this shit alone," Mel mentioned as she pressed the down button on the elevator. "I take it you read her book? You have to if you're working for an author right?" "I actually did read it and it was everything. I had moments where I had to pause." The trio got into the elevator, Jo leaned against the back wall, watching the two women interact.
"I did want to say that you are incredibly brave to be able to tell the world what you went through. I didn't know what to expect when you said you had a book but First Comes Pain........" Lira blew out a heavy breath as she gathered her thoughts. "I'm genuinely ready for the next series. Just being able to see your journey out of that type of hell. It's inspiring. Truly." The random hand hold had Jo raising an eyebrow. Why couldn't this girl keep her hands off Mel? "Thank you so much. That means everything to me," Mel voiced. Getting to the Cafe, Jo grabbed food while Mel and Lira sat down at a table to go over what was next on Lira's agenda. Pulling out her phone, she sent a text to Derrick
Jo: Are you able to talk about something real quick?
Derrick: What's up?
Jo: Maybe I'm paranoid but...... what's your thought about Lira??
Derrick: I don't really care for her enough to give her a second thought. Why do you ask?
Jo: Something is just weird. Maybe in an obsession type of way?
Derrick: That I do agree but there's nothing I can do about that
Jo: And why not?
Derrick: That's Dean's sub. Out of respect all I can do is voice my grievances to him and allow him to deal with the matter unless she overstepped boundaries again. Has she overstepped?
Jo: Not yet but I'm not in the mood to wait for it to happen. She just seems to be up Mel's ass. Like more than a kiss ass
Derrick: I'll keep an eye out. If she crosses the line and Mel doesn't tell me, they'll both be dealt with
Jo: 😬😬 Don't go too hard on my bitch
Derrick: Can't always guarantee that
Walking over to the table, Jo sat next to Mel, handing her a drink. "Ms Elaine said whenever you're ready she has yours and Derrick's food. Looking towards the Jamaican woman, Mel waved as she mouthed okay. "So I am not mentally ready to go on tour for months at a time. If we could work out 2 weeks on 2 weeks off that would be great," Mel went back to her original thought. "Okay so do you want only major cities or just places where book sales are always popping?" "Ummm I guess we can compare the two. I want to make the most sales I can from this book."
Lira nodded as she made notes. "Okay I'll look into that and send you what I come up with. What about interviews? I know there are so many people lined up for your first exclusive interview and even just interviews in general." "I..... I don't know. I know I need to but I've never had to do this. Public speaking isn't exactly my go to. That's Derrick's thing honestly." "Derrick can't do interviews for your book Mel," Jo reminded her. "That's true. You can always do 1 then after you get a feel of how this goes then you can schedule more. I can also type up some mock questions for you," Lira suggested.
"Yeah let's do that." After 30 minutes of listening to Mel and Lira talk.... and laugh..... and yall some more, Jo felt her time was up on this flirt train Mel didn't even realize she was on. "I gotta get back to work. I'll call you later Mel." "Oh.... okay. We should probably wrap this up too. Derrick has another meeting I have to brief for," Mel said as she looked at the time. Not even waiting around, Jo disappeared without even a bye to Lira. "I'll have all this done by the end of the week. Is that good?" "That's perfect actually." "Okay. Ummm does Jo not like me?" "Why you say that?" "She didn't say bye."
"I wouldn't say that. She was actually past her break time. I think she loves her job almost as much as me. Don't take it personal." "Ah okay." The 2 headed back up to the office, Dean and Derrick wrapping up their conversation as well. "I better see yall this weekend at the club," Dean mentioned. "Like I said we will see," Derrick hit back. "Ayye brat. Work on it," Dean tossed as Mel and Lira approached them. Her face scrunched at him. Why would he say that in front of Derrick? "Mmhmm bye Dean. Bye Lira." "I'll hit you D."
Waving bye, Derrick leaned against his desk watching Mel approach him. "So this next meeting?" "Mmhmm but first. How is Lira working out for you?" "She's great. She's going to type up some mock interview questions. You wanna help me with that Mr Collins?" Mel purred as Derrick pulled her in for a hug. "You know I will." Leaning down he picked her lips before looking at his watch. "Alright Miss Niyah. Time to head to daycare," Mel said. Niyah looked up, putting on her best pleading face to stay. "Let's go baby," Derrick reiterated. "C'est..... de la...... merde!" The little one tossed out with a huff. Derrick's eyes grew dark when he realized his daughter just said that's shit in French. It seemed Lira wasn't the only bad influence on his girls. Would he let Dean keep Niyah for a weekend again? Not a chance in hell.
TBC
YALL AGREE WITH JO OR IS SHE BEING PARANOID