𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 ❷ ⓿ ❷ ❷
The white 2010 Land Rover pulled in front of the newly built Mediterranean style home surrounded by lush gardens and mature vegetation meticulously manicured and preserved. The ignition turned off and in unison the doors opened and stepping out the passenger seat with her curved top-line Louboutin pumps touching the concrete driveway, Anicia had on a sweetheart neckline; button front midi dress.
Anicia stared up at the two-story home, squinting her eyes slightly from beaming sun. Another pair of heels walked around the front of the vehicle and clicked by Anicia that belonged to Arlene. "Welcome to the 'Arlene Manor' baby."
Anicia smiled, looking at her sister. "Daddy done a bomb job. Where Abi? I thought she was coming."
"Girl since Charles is back she been stuck under him. She live right up the other side of the driveway. She can come see it anytime. Come inside." Arlene approached the custom glass front doors with her brand-new house key out.
Arlene pushed open the glass doors, revealing the modern open air courtyard in the center of the estate wrapped in glass door encases. She showed her big sister around the open-concept of the first floor to begin. The living room had magnificent soaring ceilings with abundance of natural light. The dining room was finished with radiance and big enough for celebrations and gatherings.
The modern family room boasts luxurious sophistication. The master kitchen had the incredible scale and proportions with breakfast dinette opening to the spacious grounds behind the custom pocket doors which illumine the nature light. There was the movie theater with unblemished design, substantial scales, and comfort.
On the second level occupied the six en-suites, each abundantly sized and nicely appointed. The grand master suite was the last space Arlene showed. It spans the entire west wing of the compound. The large wardrobe closet was detailed to perfection.
"Do you know how lovely my heels are about to look on these shelves?" Arlene rubbed the hardwood.
Anicia chuckled. "You know you have to leave enough room for Dwight, right?" she mentioned her brother in-law.
"I mean, I'll leave the hubby a shelf... or two."
Anicia laughed Arlene. "You are something else. Are you coming to the festival in Long Beach?"
"It's that new foundation that partnered with PTO?" Arlene questioned; her sister nodded, "Oh definitely. I been hearing a lot of people talking about it, posting hanging on poles."
"Yeah, that's what has been keeping Landon busy. Finally since it's over he'll be home more." Anicia sighed deeply.
"Honey, he's the COO and will forever be busy." Arlene leaned back on the shelves, "You haven't been running into your old fling lately?"
Anicia knew she was mentioning Toby without saying his name. "He wasn't just a 'fling', Arlene. But no, I haven't seen him in several weeks actually."
"Good." Arlene said, leaving the closet and Anicia trailed behind her.
"What do you mean 'good'?" the sister's descended down the staircase.
"Just saying," Arlene shrugged. "You was seeing him too much."
"Why does it really matter or concern anyone about my being around Toby?" Anicia questioned with a frown, "He's a friend and if I do want to be around him, I can and will. I'm a grown ass woman."
"A grown ass woman that's known for being weak behind a guy like Toby."
Creases formed between her eyebrows. "What does that even mean? 'A guy like Toby'? He's a great guy if any of you ever cared to actually get to know him. He's always been a good guy that keeps it one hunnid."
"One hunnid?" Arlene repeated disgustingly and chuckled. "For a guy who keeps it one hundred he done everything in his power to show you he didn't give a damn about you by choosing another girl over you and you crying your eyes out about it. Nobody changes; especially not a man he is."
Anicia's face scowled. "Is that why you really brung me here, to lecture me? For the thousandth fucking time, I'm with Landon and I'm not worried about Toby in that way. We're friends. Get that through your head and take me back home." She stated lastly before storming out of the front door.
Silence filled the vehicle the entire ride to the Sherman Oaks home and Anicia didn't speak when she exited her sisters car. She shut the door and approached her house, unlocking the door, and stepping inside. She took off her heels, exhaling in relief and wiggling her toes that were free. She held her pumps by the heel and walked passed the white piano near the entrance. But stopped abruptly.
Anicia walked backward and released her Louboutin's to fall on the plush white rug that her feet sunk into and enjoyed the softness touching the bottom of her feet. She took a seat on the cushioned piano bench and start pressing one key at a time. Until her skinny and eager fingers moved across the keys effortlessly, playing a soft tune making her eyes closed.
It relaxed her mind, hearing the sound of the tune come in sync. She even found herself smiling at the feel of her fingers touching the keys that were becoming cold from being untouched for so long.
"Baby." her eyes opened and her fingers stopped hammering the keys at the sudden voice and the sight of her boyfriend standing there, shirtless. "You sounded beautiful but you woke me."
"Sorry," She stood from the bench. "Just wanted to break in the new piano."
"Well, it works... and it's loud." Landon responded, kissing her forehead. "Your sister's house finish?"
Anicia picked up her pumps. "Yeah it's nice." she walked up the staircase and he followed, "You ready for this festival at two?"
"Yeah. All of the artists will be there to perform." Landon informed as they entered their master suite, "We having the music a mixture of new school and old. It's gon' be cool. All the activities and food straight. We sampled this bomb ass food truck the other day. I want to take you to eat there."
"Yeah?" Anicia stripped from her dress, "What's it called?"
"Ace Zone." he said, causing her to stop any movement. "It's real popular in Cali. You heard of it?"
"Um..." She paused for a second remembering Toby took her to it and that he owned it. Yet, still had no idea about him being apart of the foundation her father's company partnered with. "No. I'd love to eat it."
"You gon' love it." Grabbing her small waist, he brung her to stand between his legs. "What are you wearing?"
"Well, it's hot outside and their will be water events so..." she inhaled deeply, wrapping her arms around his neck. "A dress, bikini underneath to toss water balloons."
"Appropriate bikini; kids will be around."
Her smile disappeared and she unlatched her arms. "I'm not a dummy, Landon. I know to wear something appropriate around kids."
He released a breath. "That's not what I'm saying baby."
"But it's your delivery. You really sound just like my mother sometimes." Anicia rolled her eyes and turned towards the walk-in closet, "Let me go find something appropriate to wear."
"Come on baby!" Landon hollered from the bottom of the staircase as Anicia rolled her eyes, standing in the bathroom and finishing her sleek, high ponytail that touched the end of her neck and swooping her edges neatly.
Underneath her striped, double slit midi dress that has a scoop neckline, spaghetti straps, and semi-sheer knit, Anicia wore a cutout crisscross back one-piece swimsuit and block heel open toe pumps. She so badly wanted to wear a pair of sneakers, but she refused to hear her mother's mouth and get her day completely ruined by the remarks.
She put on her mirrored, Valentino sunglasses and footed downstairs with her boyfriend that has already ruined the early afternoon of her day. "This appropriate enough for you?"
Landon sighed, following her strides to the front door. "You look beautiful."
"Yeah, I'm sure." She pulled the door open and walked to his Porsche. Landon locked up before settling in his vehicle with her.
The half an hour drive was a tense silence; mainly radiating off of Anicia. The four-acres green expanse of the park was filled with different type of vehicles with the event starting an hour ago. It has the open turf area and Downtown views across the water.
The doors shut in unison as Anicia and Landon got out. They met in front of the vehicle and he blocked her path to walk around him. "I'm sorry if I annoyed you."
"I really need you to stop being the male version of my mother." Anicia finally spoke more than one word to him since the drive. "You stop doing that and we'll be fine."
"Got it." he held his hand to her, "Can you hold my hand?"
Anicia allowed herself to lower her annoyance and take her boyfriend's hand. He smiled, kissing her forehead and footed toward the festival. A banner of colorful graffiti letters hung high and Shantey's buttery vocals filled outdoors, captivating the adults attention as the children played on the many activities.
Anicia smiled at Shantey performing the song she was blessed to have co-wrote with her—"Wicked Games"—and every woman in the audience was singing along with every word. Shantey sat on the stool, pregnant and looking beautiful in her romper.
It was the last song Shantey vocalized with the new baby growing in her stomach taking all of her energy to do a full-hour set. Anicia separated from Landon to meet Shantey as she walked off the stage. As she approached, Tae assisted her off stage while carrying their daughter and kissed her.
"Hey girly," Anicia greeted and hugging her briefly. "Pregnant where?"
"Oh please." Shantey waved her off, "I feel like a whale; hungry and tired. This baby is kicking my ass."
"At least you still sang like a angel." Anicia offered her small bump a gentle rub, "Hey Papa Tae. You ready for the new baby?"
"Fasho." Tae grinned, "We's married now. Mo' gon' com'."
Shantey scoffed. "Not. This my last one. It will be another girl I feel it."
"Where's your other little beauties?" Anicia played with Seona.
"They around here playing or either eating." Shantey rubbed over her baby bump.
"I should've known you would be present representing for your hometown." Anicia spoke to Tae.
"That and 'cause this me and my brothas festival; Tuff Crowd Foundation."
Anicia's eyebrow raised immediately. "What brothers?"
"Babe!" She heard before Tae could respond and Landon's hand touches her back. "I want you to meet one of the brothers."
It felt as if everything moved in slow motion when she turned around and found Toby standing there handsomely. Behind the mirrored sunglasses her eye widened.
"Toby, this is my girlfriend Anicia." Landon introduced, unaware of the two knowing each other.
"Wait, but they already—"
"Mind ya' bidness." Tae interjected his wife and walked away with her and Seona.
Toby smirked, licking his lips as he stared at Anicia. "Anicia huh? Finally nice to meet you, Anicia."
Anicia chuckled nervously. "You, too... Toby."
She planted her small hand in his; he shook it softly and even with her hazel eyes being blocked, she was locking eyes with him intently.
Anicia couldn't help but to wonder why he acted as if he did not know who she was.
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