23. Yolani

THE NEXT DAY…

"You promise you will talk to Daddy about me getting real fake nails?" Yailey folded her arms as we sat on her bed in her room.

"Yes," I nodded, "I will, but me talking to him doesn't mean he's going to do it or listen to me."

"Hmph. I guess I need to take what I can get then."

"Exactly." I giggled as Yailey's door opened, and there stood Avery.

"Avery!" She shrieked, hopping up and running to him.

"What's up, cutie?" He hugged her back, kissing the top of her head. "You think I can borrow ya sister for a second?"

"No," I answered quickly.

"She said no, so no." Yailey shook her head, still attached to Avery as she looked up at him.

He was even more of a brother to Yailey than to me, because she didn't know a life without him. Ever since she was born, he'd always been her big brother. I still had memories of the days before Avery moved in with us, creating more natural detachment between us.

"What if I give you this?" Avery held up a one-hundred-dollar bill, and I knew it was a wrap.

Yailey snatched it, slipped around him, and shut the door.

Avery looked around, I assume searching for a plausible seat since he eventually went and sat on the floor. The bed was too risky, and Yailey's vanity seat was tiny, made for her little frame only.

"What, Avery?" I huffed, planting my feet on the floor as I sat on the edge of the daybed.

I hated that I was slightly interested in what he had to say. I was hoping he would apologize, admit what he did was fucked up, and understand that he and I wouldn't be close any longer.

Bringing his knees up and letting his arms hang off, he said, "Yolani, when I told you I loved you, I meant it." His eyes were downcast. Bringing them up finally, he continued. "And when you told me you didn't feel the same, I know I made it seem like that was fine, and as years passed, it came off like I got over the shit, but I never did. I never fucking did." He shook his head, disconcerted.

"I figured as much with how you've been acting lately."

"Yeah." His head bobbed somberly. "I didn't really have an issue staying in the background and playing my role while you dated around and shit, because I always knew it would never go anywhere. I always knew these niggas you were giving ya time to weren't even worth it, and you'd soon realize the shit.

"But then Cemone." He grunted with a sigh, massaging his eyes for a moment then dropping his hand lazily over his knees again. "I figured shit would be the same. You'd see he wasn't shit and was only into you in order to say he fucked you. But as time went on, I saw you opening up more to him, spending time, doing shit you would never do for a nigga like scheduling shit around his schedule so y'all could kick it." Avery spoke but wouldn't look at me. His eyes were glued to the pink carpet of Yailey's room.

"It's serious, Avery."

"Yeah, I see that." He chuckled mirthlessly. "And when I noticed that shit, I panicked. When I realized you'd actually fucked him, knowing how you are, I figured it was now or never, and that's why I chose that time to try to expose him, Lani."

"And it didn't work because you don't know anything about what me and Cemone have going on, Avery."

"Nah, I guess not, but I know a dog ass nigga when I see one." He regarded me for a moment, then said, "He might be cool and right, at the moment, but he gon' fuck you over, Lani. Niggas like that ain't got it in 'em to be real and true."

"Avery—"

"He asked Darrell to marry you, Lani. He asked for his blessing, and I just beg you, Lani, not to do it." Avery got up and sat next to me on the bed, sinking it a little bit.

I was shocked to find out Cemone had gone to my father. It was a pleasant shock but still shock all the same. He was really going to do it and had gone about it the right way. I could only wonder what my father said.

"What I do in my personal life is none of your business. And what I do with my professional life isn't anymore either. So this conversation is pointless. You wasted your money bribing Yailey for this dumb ass chat." I started for the door.

"Tell me you don't love me or have feelings for me too, Lani?" He called out to my back.

"I don't, Avery. I didn't then, and I don't now. I love Cemone." I left the bedroom, and he followed me out into the living area where Yailey was, shoving chips into her mouth.

"All the shit I don' did for you and sacrificed to make yo' ass happy, and as soon as this nigga shows up, you ready to dog me out!" Avery snapped on me, startling Yailey who'd never seen him this way.

"It has nothing to do with Cemone coming into my life. It's the fact that you thought it was cool to intentionally set up my man to cheat on me. Who the fuck does that! And you knew if I was fucking him, I loved him, which makes it even worse."

"Better he do it now then down the line when y'all married with kids, because listen when I tell you, he gon' fuck you over! He ain't a good nigga, period!" Avery was irate, speaking with flailing hands and arms, veins popping out of his neck.

"No, you ain't a good nigga! It's no telling how many fucking times you've set up men that I've been with, with your jealous ass!"

"I didn't have to do shit, because every nigga you fuck with is trash! Garbage ass, mark ass niggas is all you like! It's almost as if you got a fucking humiliation kink, Lani, because you purposely choose niggas that only want you until they fuck you! To be so fucking pretty and talented, you dumb!"

His head flew back before he could even finish speaking because I'd hit his stupid ass in the mouth. Blood leaked from his lip as Yailey screamed, telling me to stop, even though I hadn't made another move.

"I see I don't mean shit to you no more." He used his shirt to wipe the blood pooling in his mouth, bottom teeth painted crimson.

I said nothing, surprised I hit him and that hard but also not. He deserved it for the way he was speaking to me.

"Lani?" Yailey called my name incredulously after Avery slammed the door upon leaving.

Snapping out of my thoughts, I sat down next to her, hugging her into my side.

"I'm sorry about that."

I felt Yailey nod as I stared straight ahead, watching TV but not consuming it.

"Why did he say that stuff about Cemone?" she inquired after some time of silence.

Looking down to her, I replied, "Remember when I said Cemone used to hurt people? That's what he's talking about. But he's not like that anymore, at least not with me."

"He's not like that with me either."

I smiled at her, nodding to agree.

I didn't know what was to come, but I hoped Avery let this go and went on about his life. I had a feeling he wouldn't though. Avery had never been the type to wave the white flag.

DAYS LATER…

Cemone and I stepped off the elevator to see the whole floor of the hotel was decorated to celebrate Prime. It was his birthday, and Cemone felt like this was the perfect occasion for me to meet his parents since I'd already met his brothers, and they wouldn't be all over me.

Music played loudly over the beautifully and expensively decorated party, and I could tell just by the smell in the air this was a billionaire's doing.

"What does your stepdad do again?" I asked Cemone as I held tightly onto his arm.

"Runs St. Thomas Financial," he said.

I nodded, too in awe of the decor to say anything verbally. I'd been to some nice ass parties, but this one was otherworldly.

"They over there." Cemone pointed, and I noticed a tall man with caramel skin, facial hair, and a stocky build reminiscent of Method Man. On his arm was a beautiful woman in a sparkly dress with an onyx complexion, long dark hair, an infectious laugh, and legs that she could've only gotten in the gym.

As we neared, I was about to ask if that was his sister, but when the woman looked my way, I saw Cemone's face in hers. This was definitely his mother.

"Oh my goodness!" She squeaked, letting her husband go and rushing toward us.

"Hi!" I grinned, removing myself from Cemone to embrace her as she neared. Prime was right on her heels, smiling at the interaction. He was very handsome with Cemone's same sparkling green and amber eyes.

"I don't know whether to talk to you about your music that I love so much or you dating my baby boy." She stepped back to take me in, then hugged me again.

"Why didn't I get this reaction?" Analicia walked up with her husband, Bashar, in tow.

We chuckled at her comment.

"Girl, please. Now you know I was the happiest to meet you over anybody, and we won't say why," Cemone's mother replied with a laugh.

I hugged and greeted Analicia, then Bashar and Prime, before they both greeted Cemone. His other sisters-in-law and brothers came over, so we all exchanged pleasantries as well before Lisara, Prime, Cemone, and I went to get one of the custom cocktails from the menu.

"You are beautiful, Yolani." Lisara simpered at me.

"Thank you. Same to you. I swear I thought you were his sister, but your face… I just knew you were his mother. All these boys look like you."

"They do." She sipped her cocktail.

"So what made you give this nigga a chance?" Prime questioned me, causing Cemone to groan.

"It was an accident, to be honest. I only even talked to him to be mean to his butt because he was so rude and obnoxious. I just couldn't believe that women dealt with him," I explained truthfully, making his parents laugh as he hugged me from behind.

"Now look at you. Fucked around and found out, huh?" He kissed my neck as I giggled, while Lisara watched with a giddy smile on her face.

"That was cute, so I will let it slide, but watch the language, Cemone." She pointed at him, using her glass.

"He's right though. I should've went on about my way, but because I just had to tell him about himself, I ended up falling in love with him along the way."

"I'm happy you did. I used to tell him all the time that he needed someone with more than him or equal because it would force him to present himself in another light," she said, and I nodded.

"Yeah, she was on me. Told me basketball was my personality, and all I could talk about was my stats and bank account balance." Cemone picked up his glass of dark liquor as the table laughed.

"You will not let that go." I smirked.

"That was a good one. I like you, Houdini." Prime winked.

We chuckled and I remembered Cemone telling me that Prime called me a magician.

"No, really, me too. I like this side of him, Yolani. He's the same but different. You didn't change him, but you did," Lisara said.

"Brought out the man he was raised to be," Prime added.

"Your parents like him?" she asked.

"My mother does, definitely, and my sister, but my dad…" I shrugged, glancing off.

"Give him some time. I love my son, but I can see a father being apprehensive. He gon' show him, though, and prove whatever yo' pops is thinking to be wrong. Cemone don't do shit for show, and he don't play no fucking roles. Whatever he saying and telling you is what it is. Nigga don't give a fuck enough to pretend and not for this damn long," Prime educated.

I believed him, and it was exactly what Cemone had told me. Also, from getting to know him, I saw it too. He just wasn't the type of man to put on airs.

We talked for a bit longer before the deejay started to really get people on the dance floor. Lisara told me that she let him know not to play my music, and I couldn't express how much I appreciated that. I didn't want the attention, and I preferred dancing and having a good time to other shit. I heard my music all the time, and after touring for months, I needed to hear something else. Not to mention, I often critiqued my own shit instead of just sitting back and enjoying.

"Girl, I wanted to give you a hard time about snatching up Cemone, but I love you too much!" A pretty brown-skinned girl switched up to me, Couture behind her playfully rolling her eyes.

The boys had ventured to the balcony and were now being loud as hell, talking about something.

"Bambi?" I queried, and her eyes widened and jaw slacked.

"You know me?" She palmed her chest.

"We told her about you and your quest for a Compton," Presley replied, giggling, and we followed suit.

"I was about to say, I know my favorite singer don't know who I am." She reached her arms out to hug me. "Can I get a picture, or is this a bad time?"

"It's fine." I grinned as she handed her iPhone to Scotland to take a photo of us.

"You are so polite, Bambi, because I didn't even think to ask that shit when I got my picture," Scotland said as she snapped away.

"Now onto business." Bambi put her phone up after inspecting the pictures. "Cemone? How?"

The ladies chortled, and so did I.

"What do you mean how?" I half smiled.

"Like, was it voodoo? A spell? Because he talking about he in love with you and wants to get married. I have never heard this man say a damn thing about having or getting a wife. Does he even know that word?" She glanced around the circle as the ladies and I guffawed. "You taught it to him, huh?"

"I don't think he did know it, and no, it wasn't voodoo. I didn't even like his ass when I met him, so I surely wasn't putting a spell on him." I bit into one of the delicious ribs. Prime spared no expense on the cuisine and drinks.

"You didn't even think he was fine?" she asked.

"I won't go that far, but I knew I didn't like his personality. Then he weaseled his way in somehow and now…"

"Can't think about him without smiling." Analicia pointed to my face and only then did I realize the rise in my cheeks.

"Yep, that part." I nodded.

"My turn! My turn!" A pretty, teenage version of Lisara rushed into the circle and hugged me before whipping her phone out. "This is my new sister-in-law, you bitches!" Banks said into the story she was recording.

"Banks!" Lisara snapped, and we all cracked up.

"I mean, ladies," she then lowered her voice and said, "and bitches."

We chortled at her, as I posed with her for the ending of the video.

"You are definitely related to Cemone," I said as she posted the story.

"Right." Couture smirked.

"Are you really here to stay?" Banks inquired.

"I think so, yes." I bobbed my head as Banks opened her phone again.

"My brothers don't miss." She scanned the phone across the five of us and then made us pose together for a picture before switching off to say something to who I guessed was her little homegirl.

"Banks is a mess." Bambi laughed.

"Right. She gon' send Prime to an early grave," Presley said, and we could all agree as we peeped her on the dance floor, her father calling her name to stop her from the obvious ass shaking she was about to start up.

She pouted and stomped her foot but conceded.

The party was so much fun, especially with the liquor in my system while watching the brothers teach Banks to Crip Walk. I had never laughed that hard in my life, mainly since Prime was trying to stop it, but they wouldn't listen.

By the end of the night, I had Cemone attempting to lip sync "I'm Ready" by Tevin Campbell with me. He knew the song but didn't; however, I found it cute how he tried his best but only to be close and kiss me whenever the opportunity presented itself in between lyrics.

Throughout the night, his brothers and sisters constantly made comments about how happy he was. His brothers, of course, had to make it rude by asking if he had on makeup or if that was really just his ‘soft ass blushing.' They claimed Cemone always called them soft when they saw how outraged I was by them calling him the term.

"That was so fun." I slurred slightly as I rode on Cemone's back, headed to the car we came in.

He'd worn a short-sleeved Givenchy button up, but by now, he wore it open, exposing his chiseled and tattooed upper body. I loved when he wore his shirt open like that, jewelry laying against this chest, complementing that pecan complexion. He only did it to unwind, especially if he was outside smoking. The sight alone caused my nether regions to drip.

"I see. Yo' drunk ass." He laughed, steadying me on his back.

"You are so handsome." I kissed the side of his face, enjoying the cool breeze of the night air as I rested on him. I loved when gave me piggyback rides.

He was so tall, making me giggle at all the people I looked down at as we passed them. I didn't care that they were recording.

"Any of you muthafuckas record up under that dress and I'm shooting," Cemone spat, causing more than a few to put away their devices as I cackled.

Sucking his ear, I said, "When we get in the car, take it out."

"What you gon' do after that?" he quizzed.

"You pick the hole," I said and chuckled when I felt his body tense from my freaky words while I rained pecks on his good smelling ass neck.

"Any one?"

Hordes of people had been trailing us but keeping their distance out of fear of Cemone. With him, I barely needed security or a bodyguard because most people were too intimidated by him to have the gall to touch me or get too close.

So, they kept their distance and simply called out to me, him, or us, while filming or snapping pictures as we moved.

"Only the ones you've already been in, nigga. I'm not that damn drunk. Plus, I'm not into that, too scared."

"Oh, you just like letting niggas put they tongue on it."

"No, just you." I tightened my grip as we neared the car. We laughed. "And I feel like you have to be small to get that type of action. You got a big dick, sir. You can't ride the anal ride."

Laughing, he shook his head as he opened the back door of the truck we'd ridden in.

"I ain't really into that shit either." He let me down, then took my hand to help me into the back. "But I'll do whatever you want me to."

"I know." And I was the same, I always gave him what he wanted in the bedroom.

I straddled his lap as soon as he was in the car and the door was closed.

The whole ride home, Cemone and I had a good time, before finishing things off in the shower once we'd made it to his house.

"You have fun?" he questioned.

"I did." I simpered up at him. "I love your family. I can't wait until they meet mine."

"Minus old boy."

"Yeah." I stared straight ahead. "He came to talk to me when I went to hang out with Yailey."

"About what?" Cemone frowned out of irritation.

"Plead his case to explain why he did what he did that night with you. He also admitted to still being in love with me, even though he acted like he was over it years ago."

"I told you that shit."

"Yeah, but I swear Avery didn't act like that until you came around, which makes sense because he admitted that he got scared the closer we got, because he could tell we were really into each other."

Cemone thought for a moment, making me steer his face toward mine.

Taking the hint, he said, "I feel like I'm gon' have to body that nigga, Yolani. For real."

"Don't." I sat up some. "Don't… not unless he becomes dangerous or something like that to where it's either you or him."

"You don't think that's the fucking case already?"

"No. Avery is just upset, but he hasn't talked to me or tried to meet up since, so I think he's realizing that it's time to move on from the situation."

I also wanted to say that my father already couldn't stand him, and if he even thought Cemone did something to his bonus son, his only son in his eyes, he would never fuck with him. And as pissed off as my dad had me, I couldn't fathom the thought of my man and father never getting along.

"Aight." He huffed begrudgingly. "But soon as he start some shit, all bets are off, Yolani."

"Okay." I lay against him.

I thought of mentioning him asking for my dad's blessing, wanting to know what my father said. I didn't want Cemone rethinking his decision, all because my dad didn't approve. But I thought better of it, realizing Cemone wouldn't allow that to keep him from proposing.

I did wonder what the hold up was since I did peep a text on his phone last week saying the ring was ready.

" H ey, Yolani, Cemone is here." The PA on set of this music video I was featured in peeked her head in the room.

"Oooh! I wish I had some popcorn!" Nelly's messy ass said, crossing her legs and getting more comfortable on the couch.

"He better not come in here acting up," I said, remembering to be still as my makeup artist, Janet, beat my face. I was so happy she was off maternity leave.

"Girl, with what you told me, you better behave and do whatever he says." Nelly winked, making me giggle slightly so I wouldn't mess up Janet's work, as the latter laughed at Nelly's antics. "And you got the finest brother."

I'd finally given Nelly Cemone's dick report, but kept it simple, stating his dick was as flawless as she'd probably predicted and was long and thick. I told her he was freaky and sexily aggressive, but he surprisingly knew how to make love, which shocked us both. To soften the blow of her losing out on Cemone, I told her about his brothers but after seeing them all, she concluded that Cemone was the sexiest so she would move on.

"Whatever." I sighed, hoping Cemone would be on his best behavior.

This morning, I was doing a video for a song I was featured on with a rapper named Benny G. He was a nice guy, from what I knew, I guess. This was the first time we'd met since I recorded my vocals separately and sent them over once his payment cleared. But so far, he was respectful, more than I was expecting.

What I meant by that was he hadn't tried his hand with me, and that had never happened. Anytime I met a man in this industry, they would try to get with me, from producers to rappers, singers, actors, you name it. Benny was the first man to keep it professional, making me happy I decided to do him a solid by agreeing to the feature. By saying that, I prayed he kept that behavior up, not just because I couldn't stand disrespectful ass niggas, but because Cemone was now here.

The man of the hour peeked his head in, smiling so adorably no one would know how crazy he could be. He was clutching a bouquet of what I thought was roses but was really one-hundred-dollar bills shaped into roses.

"You look pretty already, and she ain't even done putting all that shit on yo' face," he said just before bending down to kiss me.

Nelly and Janet giggled as he nodded his head upward to speak to them.

"Thank you." I took the bouquet, smiling. "You know I don't need money, right?"

"I know, but I thought it was dope and knew you would too." He folded his strong arms, watching Janet paint my face.

When our eyes locked, I couldn't help but to smile as Nelly said, "Awwww."

After Janet finished and the hairstylist left as well, Cemone gave me a Pop-Tart while Nelly went to go get a time check to see when I had to come out.

"That's yo' shit, right?" he asked as I lint rolled the dress I was wearing.

"No, it's wardrobe." I giggled. "He didn't buy it, and don't start."

"Going out there to sing and shit to that nigga in the ice I bought you and the ass I gave you."

"How did you give me this ass? I was born with it, nigga."

"Nah, it was fat when I met you, but not like that." He came up behind me, squeezing. "That's from nightly back shots." His hands ventured to the front of my body as he held me from behind, looking at me through the full body mirror.

Cackling, I turned in his arms to hug him, letting him peck my lips very lightly so he wouldn't ruin my lipstick.

"You actually believe that too."

"I do." He regarded me momentarily then said, "You and that nigga better not get too friendly either, Yolani. I'm trying to chill today. Don't start no shit."

"You say that like you acting a fool would be my fault."

"It would be."

"Whatever. As long as I know where home is, right?" I burst into laughter before I could finish my statement at the sight of his face.

"Don't get fucked up, aight?"

I let my laughter cease and pecked him once more just as Nelly let me know they were ready for me.

I made my way out to do my scenes with Benny, and surprisingly, Cemone stayed in my dressing room. Despite that, though, Benny was cool, didn't flirt in between takes, and kept it platonically friendly the whole time.

Even Nelly gave me a look because she knew how shit went. These niggas always tried to find a way to get some ass and figured booking you for things was a gateway to more. Singers got pregnant by their producers and labelmates all the time for that reason alone. It was so easy to get preyed on in this business.

Afterward, we went over the footage, and then I was free to go. Since Ronnie had driven me, I told him he could leave and that I would ride with Cemone.

"You did good, baby," I told Cemone as he drove. "I was surprised you didn't wanna watch. You'll be happy to know Benny was cool; he kept it professional."

Cemone nodded, but I saw a strange look on his face, before he said, "I sent that nigga a message a few days ago and told him to behave his fucking self unless he wanted smoke. He assured me it was work shit only, so I told him it'd better be, or he'd be spending the next few decades in a plot in Inglewood."

"Cemone!"

"What? That was better than me having to knock his ass out at his own shoot, ain't it?"

Laughing, I said, "Yeah, I guess."

I didn't want to admit that I was happy he'd done that, because I was always nervous doing shit like this with these niggas. It was so easy for them to creep into your dressing room while you were half naked and do something to you. And people never believed women when they made claims of rape against these beloved rappers. So, I liked having Cemone around for that and appreciated him being my shield in a sense. I hadn't been disrespected or anything since him, and especially since him knocking Chop out hit the internet.

As we rode, discussing what we would eat, I settled into a comfortability I'd never had with any man. Any time Cemone and I spent together was a good time. I felt calm, like I could chill and didn't have to present myself in a certain way because he just liked me, loved me. I knew what he meant when he'd told me I made him feel like that. It was a priceless feeling.

As I opened my phone to search for some new eateries in the area for us to try, I realized I had a social media notification saying I had a message request. Tapping it, I saw it was from Brandon, my high school boyfriend.

B.Dolton44: You may not even see this superstar, but call me if you do, pretty girl. Please.

He left his number in the message, and I quickly moved out of it, looking over to Cemone to be sure he wasn't watching me as he drove.

"You must've found some shit. You quiet."

"Not yet." I smiled, finally searching.

What the fuck did that nigga want?