The sound of Kiana Ledé's album exuded through Justin's apartment. He hummed along to the lyrics, chopping the red and green peppers on his cutting board as he prepared the dinner for both his boyfriend and best friends who would be showing up at any minute. He tasted his homemade tomato sauce, bringing the spoon to his lips and nodding satisfyingly.
For the past month he had been on cloud nine within his new relationship. Rome was everything that he had ever wanted in a man - responsible, caring, romantic, he could go on. He wasn't on the down low, instead he loved Justin for everyone to see and never made him hide from the world. Naturally, Justin believed he actually might be too good to be true.
Dion hurt him immensely, leaving Rome to patch up Justin's heart. That was a heavy burden to bear, and Rome didn't hesitate to let him know that the two of them were not the same. Dion was an insecure man who wasn't comfortable with his sexuality; That had never been him. Rome knew that love was a divine emotion that everyone had the right to enjoy with who they wanted to, why would he be afraid to show that?
That alone made Justin fall head over heels in the short amount of time. No matter his fears, he knew he deserved to find love just as all of his best friends had done.
A knock at his door came moments later, and he checked himself in the mirror just in case it was Rome on the other side. Since his work schedule extended into the evening, Ron would be running a little behind but promised his boyfriend that he would be there as soon as he could. Things were quickly becoming serious between the couple; With that meant meeting each other's closest family and friends - and for Justin, Azure, Armani and Marley were just that.
"Hiiii bestie!" Azure exclaimed as Justin revealed her behind the door, "These are for you." She passed him a bouquet of sunflowers which were his favorite.
"Ouuu, thank you." Justin smiled, taking them in, "What did I do to deserve these?"
"I just thought they would be nice for the occasion. I know how rough it can be introducing the person you're dating...so where is Mr. Rome?"
Azure glanced around the nicely decorated apartment in search of the mystery man as she followed behind Justin to the kitchen.
Justin began to stick his flowers into a vase, "He should be on his way soon, he had to leave work and go home to change."
"Okay well do you need any help? It smells amazing in here." She asked, lifting up the lid of a random pot and smelling the aroma.
"Mhhh, I'on know about that since Nico is the cook in your household. Maybe you can finish cutting up these peppers."
Azure gave him an offended gasp, "Just for that, I shouldn't help. I'm a guest anyway."
"Then be my guest, and chop these peppers. I want to get started on the chicken anyway." Justin said passing over his chopping board as Azure jokingly rolled her eyes. "Now, did you and Mani talk yet because I don't need y'all to be weird and quiet at my dinner."
Azure didn't respond, instead she nibbled at her lips and continued cutting the peppers. She was aware that Armani was back in town, however she still wasn't completely over her behavior at the party; And Armani must've gotten the hint because she hadn't reached out either.
"I'm guessing that's a no?" Justin remarked.
"Not yet. I'm not rushing it either if I'm being honest." Azure rolled her eyes.
"I get why you're upset Z, but just remember that you and Armani are two different people. What triggers her, doesn't trigger you. However I'm going to be triggered if you two make this dinner awkward because you —"
Justin's phone chimed, interrupting him as a notification popped. "Mhhh and look at that, Marley and Armani are here. So get that chip off your shoulder Ms. Thang."
Azure continued to chop away as Justin made his way over to his front door. Usually she would be all for her best friend's advice, but Justin didn't have kids so there was only so much he would understand.
"Ouu it smells good in here Papi, look at you showing them housewife skills." said Marley the moment Justin allowed the two inside.
Armani nodded with a laugh, "Right, this mofo ain't never cook for us but got it smelling like Big Momma's house for his little boo. I'm jealous."
They began to remove their jackets, placing them in his hallway closet along with their purses.
"Oh hush." Justin flagged them bashfully, "Y'all asses are always so caught up in your own drama so I'm pushed to the background. That's why I don't cook for y'all."
"Oop, tell us how you really feel Jus." Marley sliced her eyes at him in a playful manner. "Anyway, we're here now so where's my new brother in law so I can give him the third degree. I need to lay down some rules."
Justin tittered, however he knew that Marley was dead serious. It was a good thing that Rome wasn't in attendance yet, so Justin himself could lay down some rules to his friends who could be a tad bit much.
"He's not here yet, it's just me and Azure. She's helping me cook, so choose a task and stick with it." Justin told them.
Armani rolled her eyes at the mention of Azure's name, and Justin caught it immediately. While at first Armani thought everything was cool, word traveled fast in their family and she was known well aware that Azure was holding onto a grudge from her previous actions.
That was typical Baby Blue, as she loved the feeling of a stick up her ass. Nico had forgiven her quickly and let the situation go, but once Armani saw that Azure hadn't even responded to any of her messages in the group chat she figured that she was still a little salty.
"Don't start." Justin mumbled.
"I'm cool, I don't know what you mean." Armani forcefully smiled, making her way to the kitchen behind Marley.
Justin shook his head and decided to check on Rome's whereabouts while his friends fixed their rough patch. He dialed out his number, and when Rome didn't answer Justin's heart dropped. It was very realistic that maybe he just didn't see the call, but in Justin's mind he was getting cold feet when it came to taking things to the next level
He disappeared into his bedroom to get his emotions together. This couldn't be happening again.
Not only would it be embarrassing, but it would be heartbreaking. Justin waited a few minutes, and when Rome didn't call back right away he decided the hell with it. He pulled up his message thread, and began to berate him through text. He was tired of being run over, and Rome would feel his words.
Justin took a deep breath and hovered his finger over the send button. Just then his phone lit up with Rome's contact picture, a wave of relief immediately waving over him.
"My bad babe, I dropped my phone under the seat when I was driving. I told you snapping and driving was dumb." Rome laughed, the sound of his car door shutting in the background.
Justin smiled uneasily, his mind on the panic attack he had only moments before. "It's okay, are you still coming?"
Rome scoffed, "Uh of course, I've been thinking about it all day. Did you talk to your friends?"
"Yeah they're here already." He replied as he twirled his hair between his fingers. "And I hope you're starving, I made all your favorites."
"Damn, I'm already making a bad impression. I'll change and be right over. There's no need to shower when I know I'ma get dirty later." he said flirtatiously causing Justin to blush. "See you soon."
"See you when you get here."
Justin disconnected the call. He quickly deleted the message that was still waiting to be sent, taking a deep breath before heading back out to his friends. He was relieved that the universe had saved him from making a big mistake. So far Rome hadn't seen the insecure side of him and he wanted to keep it that way.
"Alright so my man will be on the way soon. Please be easy on him, I don't need him to feel like he's meeting the parents." said Justin as he entered the kitchen.
"We won't, if anything I'm just glad so far he's nothing like he who should not be named. Can you believe that he's been hitting up K-Dot tryna hang again?" Armani added, taking a seat at the island.
Justin glanced over his shoulder, "He has?" he asked curiously.
"Aht, none of that." Marley commented, "We're all happy so no need to bring up ain't shit niggas. Now, spill the details on your vacation Mani."
Justin figured that Marley was right. While his ears perked up at the mention of Dion, he knew that he was no good for him and never would be. The fact that he was trying to get close with Justin's friends told him that he was most likely trying to find a way back into his life, since he had blocked all contact between them. Typical nigga, Justin thought to himself. When he was around, Dion never wanted to act right. Now that he was happy, he was slithering in like the snake he was.
Taking his mind off of his old fling, Justin tuned into the conversation between his girls. Azure silently cut away at the peppers whilst trying her best to seem interested. Justin noticed but decided not to bug her about it, and he just hoped all would be good once Rome arrived.
"Uh-Huh, there you go. Switch it up, you getting comfortable with that right hook." Nico coached Micah, watching from the sideline as he sparred with another boy in the ring. "Perfect."
He nodded in satisfaction as he watched Micah move flawlessly. It was crazy how much his mannerisms reflected those of Ron's, even though technically the two weren't related at all. Micah smirked tauntingly just like his brother in law would do, teasing his opponent at the mere fact that he couldn't be touched. He dodged every punch and took advantage of every open area to hit the boy in front of him.
"If that lil nigga ain't Ron." Nico mumbled to himself, taking out his phone to record.
While Micah could definitely be a hot head, his talent was undeniable. He was determined to be like the men he looked up to. Ron and Nico were rich from their talents, whereas in his old hood that was considered a miracle. After a few weeks of punishment, Marley finally allowed him to go back to training and he was returning with a brand new mindset.
As Nico continued to watch the spar, K-Dot strolled through the doors of the gym.
"Wassup Brodie?" He raised his voice, making his presence known.
Nico redirected his attention, "Wassup, I ain't know you was stopping by. And with dinner too?" He said, checking out the plastic bag filled with platters.
K-Dot shrugged, "I ain't stop by in a minute so I figured why not. Jamaican D's?"
Nico licked his lips at the smell of his favorite spot.
"Bet. Mic, you can take a break or keep going. I'll be in the office."
"Cool. Wassup Unc?" Micah gave K-Dot a nod as he removed the boxing gloves.
"What up kid, ya sister told me you were here so I brought you something to eat. I already know Nico be having y'all lil niggas in here crunching on carrots." K-Dot said pulling out a platter for Micah
"Good look, Unc." Micah chuckled.
He retrieved his food and headed over to Kayla who was also watching on the sidelines.
"Lil man already got game at fifteen, I love to see it." K-Dot snickered as he and Nico headed into the office.
"Right." Nico laughed, "But how was the vacation, y'all two finally get back on track?"
"It was perfect. We really needed that, I'm telling you we have to start taking more vacations."
Nico agreed, "I hear that, Lord knows I ain't been on one in a while. Meanwhile Ron is out of the city every few months."
K-Dot began to dig into his food, in hopes of keeping his mouth shut although he knew that wasn't likely. His guilt was eating at him, and Nico could see his change in demeanor.
"You ready for thanksgiving though? It's at your house this year, so I can't wait." Nico changed the subject.
"Hell naw I ain't ready. I already know I'ma be stuck with dish duty cause this boujee ass family don't eat on paper plates." He shook his head.
"Now you see how I've felt all these years." Nico laughed, "Shit, if Ron was home you could've just traded that shit with him."
K-Dot's smile vanished and he began to focus on his food once again.
"Man why do you keep doing that!?"
"Doing what?"
Nico sat back in his chair, "Nigga, you're the world's worst liar. Why every time I bring up Ron's name you get quiet?"
K-Dot clenched his jaw, "Look bro, I don't want no parts of this shit."
"Parts of what, Dot?" Nico asked now fully intrigued, "We were friends first, how you gonna hold out on me for Ron. That's crazy. See, I always —"
"Aiight man, shut up with the guilt trip. What I'm about to tell you, you can't repeat to anybody especially Azure. I had to keep this shit from Armani, and I'm tired of holding this shit to myself."
"Let me guess, he's coming home early and don't want Marley to find out?" Nico assumed.
K-Dot took a sip of his soda, "Yeah he's coming home early, but that ain't what he doesn't want Marley to find out....he cheated on her."
Nico expression told K-Dot he was just as surprised as he had been.
"Exactly how I felt, bro. I'on know what type time he is on down in L.A, but supposedly he feels guilty as shit and now he tryna cut the whole trip short cause he don't trust himself." K-Dot said, happy to get the news off of his shoulders.
"Damn, who he cheated on her with? The singing jawn?" Nico asked finally able to find his words.
"Nah, I think he said some shawty he met down there. I couldn't really get the whole story, but he said he'll be home before thanksgiving."
"Wow." was all Nico could say.
He was truly flabbergasted at his brother's actions. He understood the temptation, because there were multiple women that came at him daily and he would be a liar to say he never thought about it. It was hard being married, especially when he spent his young years moving from woman to woman until he met Azure. He definitely didn't regret it one bit, but marriage within itself was a challenge.
Still, Marley held Ron down through everything. She was a real thoroughbred, not only beautiful but street smart. The woman was a down right freak and treated her man like a King, but clearly that wasn't enough.
"Wow is right. I told him to be prepared for that ass whooping."
"Fuck an ass whooping, he better be prepared for that divorce process...so I'm guessing that means he's going to tell her." asked Nico.
"He said he will but he just needs time to figure it out." K-Dot responded.
"Damn...you was right, now I wish I didn't know. How the fuck am I supposed to keep this shit from Azure?"
"Nigga same way I'm keeping that shit from Armani. Think about it this way, Marley doesn't deserve to hear about this from anyone but Ron himself. I love Ley like a sis, I think we should just mind our business and let Ron handle his shit like a man. If she finds out any other way that's taking the burden off his shoulders."
Nico knew that K-Dot was right. But that didn't make the secret any easier to hide. Either way, he was relieved that Ron would be home in a week and he could break the news on his own. He couldn't help but feel bad for Marley, or the couple in general. Ron had fucked up big time, but like K-Dot said, that wasn't their business to tell.
"So, Rome. Tell us about yourself." said Marley, starting off the conversation once everyone was sitting around Justin's dinner table. "Is that your whole name?"
Justin playfully rolled his eyes into his head, not surprised that Marley picked up the mother role before anyone else.
Rome smiled handsomely, "It's Roman, actually. What would you ladies like to know...There's not much to me."
"Just the basics." Armani chimed in, "Are you looking for long term, do you have any kids, do you want kids, how much do you make per year —"
Justin nearly choked on his juice, "Mani, that's a bit much. Don't pay her any mind Rome."
Rome places his hand over Justin's, "It's cool, babe." He chuckled, directing his attention back to Armani. "Yes, I'm looking for long term. I do not have any kids, but I'm not opposed to it; And I make sixty-five thousand a year give or take."
The women nodded simultaneously as if to say they approved, leaving Justin to smile proudly.
"That's good." Azure spoke for the first time that evening, "How about your friends, do they like Justin?"
"Yeah everyone likes him. Hell, more than they like me." Rome said making the table laugh, "Justin tells me about how close you all are, and I understand being worried - my friends were too since I didn't have that great of a dating past. I'm happy to have them."
Armani nodded. "Good friends are important, they can either help you grow or be your downfall. And if they really care about you they will always have your back."
Marley could sense the shade immediately. She shook her head at her best friend, who was obviously starting to grow irritated at Azure's distance.
During the whole dinner prep, she had refused to acknowledge Armani's presence despite the fact that they were all engaged in conversation.
Marley wasn't surprised; If she was being honest, she would've been hot at Armani too if she pulled that stunt at her son's birthday party. However she also understood beating down a bitch who wanted to act fresh. Either way, her name was Bennit and she wasn't in it. But she couldn't help but notice the obvious tension between them.
Azure snickered under her breath. "I agree. Good friends will also put your needs above there's in certain situations, and choose not to be selfish."
Armani rolled her eyes and put her wine glass to her mouth.
"Okay, now that we have gotten that out of the way." Justin frowned his lips, "...This year thanksgiving will be at Armani's, I told Rome how a Graham's event is like no other. Boy the stories I could tell."
"That I can attest to. I swear, and I thought at one point my family was crazy." Marley chimed in with a laugh.
Although she hadn't been around her own family in years, she still had memories that would last a lifetime. Sometimes it even made her miss them and their toxic ways.
"Oh yeah?" Rome chuckled, "I'll have to attend one."
"Well you're welcome to come by on thanksgiving." Armani smiled.
"Yeah just make sure you don't bring any of her enemies." Azure mumbled.
"Azure, really?" Justin whispered, tapping her on the leg.
Armani half scoffed, half laughed, "It's okay Justin. I'm not going to entertain it, neither should you. This night is about you."
"She's right, best" Azure nodded, "I'm just glad she finally understands what it means for someone else to have attention."
"That's okay guys, lets just talk about something else —"
"And we'll be glad when you stop playing the victim for once in your life. Poor scary ass Azure can't ever catch a break." Armani snickered deviously, "Next act, please."
Marley picked at her food as she watched the two go back and forth. Justin on the other hand was quickly becoming embarrassed, as neither of them would take the high road and just end the bickering.
"I'm the victim, well you're insecure. If you trusted your man you wouldn't have to try to fight anyone that's around him." Azure shot back.
"And if you weren't so naive, you wouldn't go around smiling in bitches faces who clearly don't like you. Who invites a hoe to a party that was feeling on their man? Oh that's right, Azure does."
"Will y'all just let it go." Marley finally spoke up, "Sorry Roman, they're usually not this...bitter."
"Bitter!?" Azure and Armani spat in unison.
"Yes, bitter!" Justin jumped in, "Y'all can't be serious right now."
Azure realized that things had indeed gone a bit far, but she couldn't help it. Armani could never be apologetic and no matter how wrong she was, she never owned up to it. She was tired of it.
"I apologize, Justin" Azure sighed, "And because I know what it's like to be a good friend, I can do that. Because I know that I'm wrong in this situation."
"You're right Azure..."Armani twisted her mouth, "You are wrong." she smirked, "You're really upset, because you're weak. If you could fight, I'm pretty sure you would. So let's not make this about being the bigger person. Eva talked about Nico's dick right in front of you and you gave that bitch a party bag to go. Get real."
"No, you get real. You're twenty six going on sixteen!"
Armani and Azure battled looks among the awkward silence. While they were pissed at one another, neither of them came close to how Justin felt. He was heated inside.
He couldn't believe how his friends had acted after he bragged about how classy they were to his boyfriend, only for them to act a damn fool in front of him.
Rome began to fill his plate with seconds amid the silence, "Babe this rice is good, what did you put in this?"
Justin shook his head, irritated.
"Thank you guys for coming, but y'all can go now."
Before anyone could respond, he stood up from the table and stormed away - leaving Rome to follow after him.
"I told y'all to chill." Marley shrugged, "Now look."
Neither Azure or Armani responded. They both felt guilty, however they wouldn't admit it out loud. Their feud had gotten in the way of being there for Justin, and it showed immensely.
Marley gathered her things, making sure to clean up her area before leaving the apartment. Now that dinner was finished early, she figured she might as well pick up Micah from Nico's gym. His training would be ending soon, and she would be showing up right on time.
"I feel bad, I should've shut my big mouth." said Armani as she walked Marley to the car.
Marley shook her head, "Girl, I told you. You better hope he forgives and forgets."
"He will. I'll talk to you later, Ley."
Marley hopped into her truck and pulled away. She made a note to call Justin later to apologize although she had nothing to do with the bickering. In fact, she spent most of the dinner trying to keep the food down. She didn't know what was up with her, but she could feel her nausea worsen as she drove towards the boxing gym - causing her to put her foot on the gas heavier so she could get home faster.
"Heyyy, where's Kayla?" she asked once Micah hopped in the car.
"Her mom came to get her." He mumbled.
Micah furrowed her brows at his attitude, as she was sure his first day back training would've had him in a good mood. "You okay, how was training?"
"It was cool." He shrugged, looking out the window, "Let's just go home."
"Micah really?" Marley giggled, "I swear you are one moody teenager. Did Dot bring you dinner like I asked."
Micah nodded, "Yup. Thanks."
"You know whatever is bothering you, you can tell me right?"
Marley knew that sometimes she could be strict, but she had tried her best to change over the past few months. She wanted Micah to trust her and to feel like he could come to her for anything, even though he most likely wouldn't.
Micah looked over at his sister with remorse heavy in his eyes.
"I can't." He mumbled once again. "I want to...but..."
Marley flashed him a comforting smile, moving her hand through his curly hair, "Well when you're ready to I'm here okay?"
Micah nodded.
He always heard that everything that was done in the dark would come to the light. He wanted to speak his piece, but he didn't want to hurt Marley. She didn't deserve it. Either way, he knew he would never be the same.