Page 224 of Own It

“Ain’t that what I’ve been doing?” I huffed, sinking into the couch. Tarin’s words did bother me in regard to not even being able to claim Kasia, but a nigga had to stay the course. She was worth it.

“It has. I didn’t mean it to sound like I was shocked.” She removed her legs from my lap and scooted closer to me, making me look over and down into her pretty face. Her espresso complexion was glass-like, her full lips being what bitches hit up doctors for. “I meant to say that you proved what you were telling me with actions. You’re different, Jojo. The old you would’ve reverted to sleeping with Tarin because I wasn’t doing what you wanted me to. The old you would’ve been gone overnight and hollering about how it was innocent.”

“In my defense, baby, some of them times, I was just dog tired and passed out.”

“Keyword being ‘some’.”

We chuckled as I nodded, having no argument, because she was right.

“I told you this was what I was on, but I get why you ain’t believe me just off my word. I can only hope that as time goes on, my word begins to hold some value again.”

“It will.” She caressed my beard, looking at it for a moment. “I’m ready to try.”

“Try what?” I needed verbal confirmation.

“Us being a couple again.” She half smiled and laughed when the unintentional grin burst through my face.

“Fuck.” I palmed my face, letting my head fall back. “I ain’t think I would hear you say that shit for at least a year.”

“And you were gonna wait?” She was amused, and I didn’t like it, causing me to scoff. She chuckled.

“I would’ve.” I bobbed my head before shaking it in shame. “I would’ve because this right here, being in a gray area, is better than that sterile ass co-parenting shit we was on with you dating and me burying my dick in randoms or Tarin.”

“Good to know. Ugh, by the way.”

I shrugged.

“So when you moving in?”

“Slow down. Let’s take our time with just being in a relationship and then we can move in together.” She stood, making me grab on her ass.

“You already stay at my crib five days out the week, Kasia.” I watched her ass bounce as she switched into the kitchen.

“I know, so that should be enough! I’m not ready to give my home up. I like things how they are. Let them progress on their own!” She shouted from the kitchen. “You hungry? The food is ready.”

“Of course.” I inhaled deeply, releasing it in elation. Crazy how this girl could bring me joy without even really doing shit.

Kasia returned moments later with a plate of freshly fried fish, fries, a cup of tartar sauce, then one of ketchup, plus some carrot sticks. She returned later with her own plate and two drinks, then we prayed before she turned on the TV, watching what she called ‘our show.’ It was aight, but I mainly tuned in to have an excuse to spend the night in the past.

As we sat there on the couch, smashing this good ass food and watching ‘our show,’ I internally thanked God that I didn’t lose out on this.

* * *

ONE WEEK LATER . . .

Now that Kasia and I were in a relationship, I needed there to be some boundaries and shit in place. I should’ve done this in the past, regardless of whether I was with one of my baby mamas officially or not, but my mind was elsewhere. I was too busy having a pity party and making excuses for my reckless behavior.

“You know I said to be here by six p.m., right?” I questioned Tarin as she approached the table inside of the restaurant.

“I have two kids, and my mama took forever to come. Maybe you should’ve watched them.” She fell into the chair, eyes searching the restaurant for what I assumed was our waiter.

“This is yo’ week, but if you had have said something when I first proposed the meeting, Tarin, I would’ve made arrangements for you,” I countered.

“I’m good.” She dropped her purse into the seat beside her. “Hi, yes, can I have a Hennessy sidecar? Thanks,” she told the young white girl who approached before she could even speak.

“Lemon drop for me,” Kasia ordered, massaging my neck. I noticed Tarin cut her eyes at her, probably thinking this shit was for show, but I knew Kasia was only trying to calm me down.

This was typical—Tarin turned me up, and Kasia kept a nigga chill—and I preferred the latter.