Theodore III

"I think Grandma's gonna be so excited to see us," Princess rambled as the elevator doors to Mama's apartment closed in front of us. "I'm excited to see her because I haven't seen her in so long. Oh! I hope she has cookies over here that we can share like back at home. Are you excited too?"

I smirked. "Mhmm."

I was a little excited to see Mama since I haven't seen her in a few months. The two of us don't see each other that much but we try to talk as often as possible, for Princess' sake. Our relationship isn't horrible but it isn't the best either. Since that day when I was in high school and she invited Princess and I over to stay the night, we've been working on our relationship. Mama really stepped up and got involved in my life, even though she didn't really agree with my career choices. She helped me prepare for graduation and she helped me get ready for Prom. If it weren't for her finding me a tailor, I wouldn't have gone to Prom. Mama came through Prom day and even on graduation. I was surprised to see her actually. She was the first of my family to meet me once the ceremony was over.

It's been five long years of mending our relationship but I think we're on the right track. We've gotten a lot better since the last time we were in a rough spot and I think it's because of the distance between us. Me and Mama's personalities clash and I think that's a major reason as to why we don't get along. We're too much alike and can only take each other in small dosages. Like now, for example. I'll stay over for a couple of hours but then I'll leave and won't talk to her for a couple of days. The two of us just need our space, and when we get that, our relationship will be good.

Mama pulled the door of her apartment open with the biggest smile on her face. "Princess! I thought I heard your voice in the hallway," she said, taking Princess out of my arms.

That's one thing about Mama that I admired. Even though she's been against me getting Nicole pregnant since she found out, she has stepped up and been apart of Princess' life. She doesn't talk to Nicole and doesn't even talk about her anymore, she just focuses on Princess since she said her grandchildren are her priority.

Princess wrapped her arms around Mama. "I missed you so much Grandma. Did you miss me too?"

"Of course I missed my favorite granddaughter," Mama smiled as if she had more grandchildren other than Princess and Daniel. "I was actually thinking about you today since I got you a little gift."

Princess smiled. "What is it?"

Mama put Princess on the ground. "It's in the living room, go get it."

Princess immediately ran off to the living room and grabbed the large gift bag that was sitting on the coffee table while I turned my attention to Mama. She still kept that same smile on her face as she wrapped her arms around my neck. "I haven't heard from you in awhile T3. Is the business keeping you busy?"

I took a deep breath, relaxing against Mama's warm embrace. It's been a long time since I've felt comfortable enough around her to let my guard down. So I wrapped my arms around Mama too. "Hey Mama. Business is busy as usual but I've been dealing with a lot of other stuff."

Mama pulled away from me but kept her hands on top of my arms, looking up at me since I was a lot taller than her. "Stuff like what? I hope you're finding yourself a respectable young lady since you still haven't let me meet this girlfriend you supposedly have."

I sighed. I hated having to lie to Mama about the girlfriend I don't have but she wants me to be happy. She's always bringing up how she doesn't want the business clouding my life so much that when I look back on my life, all I did was make money and Princess. She said she wants me to have more children so Princess can have siblings and to be married to a woman that holds me down so much that she'd want me out of the game. She's always talking to Lindsey and I about settling down, especially Lindsey since she's getting old.

"My girl and I are doing good but my relationship with Jaz is getting worse. It's like I can't even stomach to be around her anymore. Things were cool when we first started living together but now she's just too overbearing. Me and my girl can't ever chill and just be alone without Jaz having to be around and interrupting our moment. I mean, my girl even loves Princess enough to let her kick it with us but it's just weird with Jaz being there, constantly on my girls' ass about something involving me. Then the other day, after I put the kids down, I'm sitting on the couch between my girl and Jaz and Jaz got the nerve to start rubbing up on me and going off on my girl about her not being wanted."

Mama's eyes widened. "Jazmine? She's such a sweet girl. Look, maybe she's just jealous that you have another woman in the house since she's in love with you. We all know she has strong feelings for you, and with you being in that house with her 24/7, it doesn't help the infatuation. Her feelings are just growing stronger everyday and she's jealous. She probably doesn't know how to express her jealousy other than to feel up on you and take the pent up anger she has out on your girlfriend. It's not right but some people just don't know how to control themselves when they're in love."

"I guess you're right. I probably shouldn't have choked her too."

"Theodore," Mama shook her head. "Don't go choking the girl because she's cock blocking."

"I didn't choke her, choke her. I just kind of pushed her up against the wall and kept my hands around her neck but I didn't apply pressure."

Mama sighed. "What did she do to get you so heated? Because don't you think choking her is taking it a little too far?"

"Yeah and I feel bad about choking her but I didn't like the way she was talking about Lindsey. She was dogging Linds out and calling her all kinds of bitches. I checked her a few times about respecting Lindsey, she didn't listen so I just gave her a little warning."

Mama shook her head. "I'm really surprised at you Theodore, I really am. But how did she react to the warning?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "Like any dickmatized chick would. She laughed it off."

"You been giving her some dick?"

"Nah," I laughed.

"If you're not giving her any, what's so funny and why is she so obsessed with you?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know. I mean I don't do that much to her."

Mama's eyes widened. "See, don't make that girl out to be crazy. Even though you don't want to admit it, you're a lot like your Father when it comes to women and you like to play the victim. I know you're somewhere sweet talking her in private and probably feeling up on her while nobody's looking but then you bash her in public. I know you're young and probably just out exploring what your little wiener can do but please don't be anything like your Father. He doesn't know one thing when it comes to women aside from knowing how to break their hearts and tear them down. Please be a good man like my Dad. He always did right by my Mama and he knows what he's talking about when it comes to women. Please listen to him."

"I do listen to him Mama and I don't have a little wiener. It's more like a sausage, you know, long and thick."

"I think you mean short and wrinkly," Mama spat.

I laughed. "Never that Mama."

Mama shook her head, sighing. "Regardless of how you might look down there, which I really don't care about, treat Jazmine right and just tell her how you feel about her and tell her that you have strong feelings for your girlfriend. And just leave it at that. Don't flirt with her and don't feel up on her. She'll get the hint and leave you alone."

"Grandma!" Princess called out.

I looked beyond Mama at Princess who was trying to open the box for the new Barbie Dream House Mama just bought her.

"Yeah, baby?"

"I need help and I need somebody to play with me," Princess said as she ripped open a side of the box. "I wanna be Barbie, you can be Kelly and Daddy can be Ken."

Mama smiled. "Alright, hold on just a second while I talk to Daddy," she said as she turned back to me. "See. That's why I told you to find a nice girl that's willing to meet your friends and family because she'll be a keeper. You need to get married and have kids so Princess can have somebody to play with because I'm getting too damn old to be sitting on my knees playing with dolls."

I laughed. "I'll help you up if you can't get up Mama."

Mama shook her head as she walked over to help Princess pull the pieces to the Dream House out of the box so they could put it together. She pushed the coffee table back and cleared out the living room so we could all sit on the carpet but just as I was about to sit down, Mama stopped me.

"Baby, I need you to do me a favor," she began. "I have four checks sitting on the counter in the kitchen. Can you grab them for me and bring them out here?"

I nodded my head and walked back to the kitchen and sure enough, there were four checks sitting on the counter but I wanted to be nosy. I looked down at the first check that was from Pops and written out to Mama for ten thousand dollars. I scrunched up my face as I moved on to the next three checks that all said the same thing. Damn. Pops just gave Mama forty grand just this past month. What the hell is Mama doing to get this kind of money from him?

I walked back into the living room with the checks in my hands. "Mama, why you got these checks just sitting around? Shouldn't you put them in the bank?"

"Yeah, that's why I'm giving them to you."

I scrunched up my face. "Okay, I'll put them in the bank for you but why Pops giving you all this money in just one month? That's forty grand Mama!"

Mama shook her head. "I know and your Dad's a damn fool to be giving me ten grand a week."

My eyes widened. "Mama, that's over half a mil a year! What'chu doing to get that kind of money?"

"I'm not doing anything to or for him. I barely even talk to your Dad but since he claims he still loves me, just just does stuff for me," she shrugged her shoulders.

I smacked my lips. "What kind of stuff?"

"You know, he takes me shopping when he comes here, he's paid off my car, he pays my bills every month, he pays for me to get my hair and nails done every week and he gives me ten grand a week because he claims to love me. I don't know," she shook her head. "He's a damn fool but I just accept it to get him off of my back."

"So y'all ain't messing around no more?"

"Hellllllllll no," she dragged out. "I haven't done anything with Teddy in over five years. I'm almost a married woman."

My eyes widened. "How so?"

Mama held up her finger, showing off the large engagement ring that sat on her ring finger. "Jayvion proposed a few days ago. Isn't it pretty?"

Damn. I knew her and my Dad were moving on but I didn't think she'd marry that clown, Jayvion. Now since they're getting married, that means he's gonna be my Step Father and I'm gonna have to deal with him for the rest of my life. I shrugged my shoulders. "It's straight. The ring Pops gave you looked better, in my opinion."

Mama smirked. "Yeah, the ring looked nice, but the relationship wasn't. I've learned over the years that the size of the ring doesn't matter if there's no love in the relationship and your Dad and I learned that the hard way. And that's just food for thought for your future. You don't have to get your wife the biggest ring, just make sure you're there for her as her husband, love, protect and cherish her as your wife and the mother of your children."

"Alright," I mumbled.

"And those checks are for you to take. I don't need all of that money anyways so I'll be giving you the next checks for the next couple of months. I want you to split that money between Princess and Daniel and put it away for their education. Okay?"

"Okay, I will," I responded, sticking the checks down into my sock so I wouldn't lose them.

"I wanna get married one day," Princess said as she dressed her dolls up while Mama and I did all of the hard work trying to put the house together.

"Oh, yeah?" I asked. "Who are you getting married to?"

Princess shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know right now but a really, really cute guy like somebody famous. He's gonna buy me a ring and we're gonna live happily ever after like Cinderella."

Mama and I both smiled at Princess. "Well your Daddy has to approve of any boy you're with."

"I know because Daddy knows best."

I laughed as I pulled her against my chest. "That's right Princess," I said as I kissed her cheek. Just thinking about Princess getting older and getting married never really crossed my mind. With her, I was just living every day with her like it was the last so I never got a chance to think about the future. I hope she stays with us for as long as she possibly can though so I can witness her growing up. And not only to witness her growing up but I can't be away from Princess. She's my world.

Jaz

I laid back in bed beside Adonis. He came over last night and he did everything for me that Theodore's too afraid to do. Adonis and I were going at it for hours. I had a lot of aggression to get out so I got it out on him. He was knocked out by the time we were finished so I just laid there beside him thinking. I stayed up thinking all night, actually. I really didn't get any sleep since the sex didn't help much. All it did was helped me get out my anger but I was still lost mentally.

"Damn," Adonis said in a groggy voice as he wrapped his arms around me. "Why you up so early?"

I looked down at his arms that were wrapped around me, sighing. Is this really what I've come down to? Sleeping with Theodore's cousin just to get close to Theodore? I don't even like Adonis like that but it's not like he'll let me go. The sex is good and he's cute but I've tried breaking it off with him before, he just never falls for it. I don't know why, but every time I try to leave, he throws out the fact that I know too much about the lifestyle he and Theodore live and if I decided to leave him, Theodore and their family alone that I won't ever see the light of day again. I value my life so I just sleep with Adonis because I don't want to die.

"I got a lot on my mind."

He pulled himself up in bed as a yawn escaped his mouth. "Talk to me. Tell me what'chu thinking about."

I quickly shook my head. "You wouldn't care."

"Yeah, you right," he chuckled. "Don't you got some friends you could be telling your problems to?"

Come to think of it, I really haven't made many friends since I moved out here. Since the day I got here, if I wasn't focused on school, I was focused on getting some money in order to support myself and my education down here. I mean, I used to talk to Theodore about some of my problems but it's like he doesn't even give a damn anymore. All he's concerned about is fucking bitches and he's left me in the dust. He promised that he'd always be there for me but he's only been there for me to fund my education. Other than that, he's been nonexistent.

"Yeah, I do," I mumbled.

"Cool, so what'chu making for breakfast? 'Cause I'm starving."

I scrunched up my face. "Do I look like a fuckin' maid? There's cereal in the cabinets. You've been over plenty of times before so you know where everything is."

Adonis chuckled as he scratched the small goatee he was growing out. "You ain't a maid but you need to take your ass in that kitchen. How you gon' let me fuck you all night, I put in all the work while you just laid your ass on the bed moaning, then you can't even make a nigga breakfast in the morning? You trippin," he said as he climbed out of the bed to get dressed.

I shrugged my shoulders. "Whatever. If you're so hungry, why don't you go downstairs and ask that fat ass bitch to make you something to eat? Yeah, I heard you calling her name last night in your sleep nigga. You can get the fuck outta my house for all I care."

"I'm gladly leaving and taking my ass downstairs to my cousin's," he laughed as he stepped into his jeans. "I don't know why you always so jealous of Lindsey. That's just my fuckin' cousin and if you think we messing around, you're fuckin' gross. Oh! I know why you're so jealous of her. After Cash denied you, it got you in your feelings. You must still want Cash and you gotta be jealous Prince keeps taking her side over yours."

I scrunched up my face. "How do you know that?"

"You don't think he tells me everything going on around here? But it's not like I even had to ask him. You're thirsty as hell so I kinda figured you'd be stuck on stupid over a nigga that don't even want you. And on me," he smiled as he stepped into his shoes.

I rolled my eyes. "Don't nobody want your dirty ass Donny.

"Clearly you do since you were the one that hit me up several times to come over last night but it's cool though. You ain't all that to be getting worked up over so with that being said, I'm taking my ass downstairs."

"Yeah, you do that and while you downstairs with your filthy cousin, get your stroke game together 'cause you slacking baby."

"Get'cha loose ass p*ssy tightened first so you can feel me. Hit me up next time you wanna experience some real nigga dick," he said as he stormed out of the condo.

Almost as soon as he left, I could hear talking so I quickly climbed out of bed, threw on my robe and walked out of my room. The voice grew louder the more I walked through the condo. I heard Adonis and what sounded like Theodore so they must be out in the hallway. I quickly walked over tot he door and looked out of the peephole. Sure enough, Adonis and Theodore were standing in front of the door talking while Theodore held a sleeping Princess up on his hip.

"Yeah nigga, the shipment came in," Donny informed him.

"Was it as much as we thought?"

Donny nodded his head. "Hell yeah. It was a lot more since Carlito added some more weight to it. He left a note when his guys dropped it off saying he knows we can keep shit held down for him while he's gone."

"A'ight that's fine. We got enough niggas that can sell it for us and they'll be fine to get double the amount of product. We just gotta make sure we not getting in over our heads. We gotta keep a firm estimate of how much everybody gets and how much money we should expect back. I want somebody to draw up that plan and send it over to me today."

"Cool, cool," Donny said. "I'll get Rell on that as soon as I head out of here. You want the the weight shipped out today?"

"Hell yeah. As soon as it's ready, ship that shit out. We can't sit around with the weight on us. We can't let Carlito down or it's gonna be our asses," Theodore replied.

"Alright, that's a bet. Come by the station today so we can talk."

As soon as I saw Adonis and Theodore reaching to give each other dap, I quickly ran away from the door and went back to the kitchen. Theodore would kill me if he knew I was eavesdropping on his conversations but I need to know what's going on around here. Every time I ask Theodore what's going on, he never goes into detail. All he says is, "Everything's fine" and leaves it at that. I hate eavesdropping but I can't be left in the dark. If some shit goes down, I need to know so I can be the first one out of here before the police show up.

Acting as if I just got up, I grabbed the canister of coffee beans out of the cabinet and started preparing to make my coffee. The locks on the door clicked and then I heard suitcases rolling inside.

"Jaz?" Theodore called out.

"I'm in the kitchen!"

"Come to the living room. I need to talk to you."

I smiled a little to myself as I dropped what I was doing and walked to the living room. Maybe that little trip out to California did him some justice. Hopefully he talked to his family and they set him straight for constantly treating me like shit these past few months. Maybe he's realized all the good he's missing in me.

Theodore walked from the back without Princess and the two of us sat down on the couch at the same time.

I smiled. "So how was your tri--"

"Nah, cut the bullshit," he cut me off. "We need to talk about something serious."

"Alright."

"You know, I really haven't appreciated the way you been acting lately. Lashing out at Milan, disrespecting my family. It's out of control and I'm not going to put up with it anymore. I know I told you that you need to shape up or leave, but let's just be honest with ourselves, you're not going anywhere. I need you here with me to help me with Princess and you're my best friend. Regardless of the shit we've been going through, you're still my friend and I wouldn't put you out on the street. We're just going through a rough patch right now but the both of us need to shape up in order to get our shit together."

I nodded my head. So he did get some knowledge dropped on him while he was out of town. "I completely agree with you."

"And the first part to us shaping us is to set some ground rules. Look, I know you feeling me or whatever but you know I got a girl. I don't feel the same way about you Jaz and I told you that years ago but all that aggressiveness and anger towards me or any female around me isn't attractive. First things first, you ain't gonna be doing all that aggressive shit with me. I need you to act like the old Jaz and just go with the flow."

I sighed, nodding my head. "And what about you? I know I can be aggressive at times but it's only because you're playing with my emotions Theodore. You can't stare at me when I'm naked, feel all up on me in private and flirt with me but then turn around and bash me while we're out in public. You can't do that shit and not expect me to feel a type of way about it."

"I understand and I apologize for leading you to believe that I wanted something more out of this friendship because that's all I want: a friend. I won't flirt with you and I won't feel all up on you but I'm a man Jaz. If you walking around here wearing a fuckin' barrel, I'mma look regardless. I'll try not to stare too hard or for too long but I gotta look. I gotta look at everything in my crib."

I smirked. Well, at least I'm getting something out of the deal. Maybe he'll do more than just looking int he future. "Alright and don't let me catch you looking either."

He chuckled. "I'll try my hardest but get ready. We're heading down to Lindsey's in a few hours for dinner."

I scrunched up my face. "Excuse me?"

"We're going to Lindsey's for Sunday dinner like me and Princess do every Sunday. I want you to come with me because my girlfriend's stopping by to meet the family."

My eyes widened. I was actually impressed that he hadn't been lying for the past five years about this supposed girlfriend but I can't come over Lindsey's condo. Lindsey would kick my ass, well she'd attempt to, if I ever had the balls to come to her house, go inside and eat her food. My boxing days are long over but I still go to the gym so I don't get rusty, so I think I'll pass on knocking her ass out today. "Well, as shocked as I am to hear about your little girlfriend finally making her debut, I think I'm just going to stay home tonight. Lindsey and I don't get along and I wouldn't want to ruin the night for anybody."

"You sure?"

I nodded my head. "Yup."

"Alright, well suit yourself. You want me to bring you some food home?" he asked as he stood up from the couch.

As for as I know, that bitch Lindsey might try to poison me so I shook my head. "No. I'm good."

"Okay, well since you'll be here, do you mind watching Princess? I need to head out to pick up my girl."

I smirked. "Oh, she doesn't drive?"

Theodore sighed. "She does but I'm a gentlemen so I'm picking her up and I gotta make a couple of stops. You think you can hold it down here while I'm gone? Like, no funny business Jaz. You gotta wake Princess up in three hours, get her cleaned up and dressed so that when I get back, we can head out."

"I got you. I've never let you down before with Princess. She'll be dressed and ready when you get back."

"Alright, thanks Jaz."

Before I could even get another word out, Theodore darted out of the condo; leaving me alone again.

Theodore III

Mama's been pressuring me about getting a girlfriend, and I can't bring Milan around the family as my girlfriend, so I'm going to the next female that'll pose as my girlfriend. I would've just used Jaz but Lindsey and all of my family in Atlanta knows she and I aren't together and Jaz has too much animosity with my family. All she'd do it cause more unneeded stress in my life.

I hopped inside the back of my Escalade and Tone turned to me. "To the station, sir?"

"Yes. Did you pick up the clothes I asked you to get?"

"Yes, they're in the back," he responded as he pulled off from my building.

I looked to the side and saw the clothes laying beside me in a garment bag, along with a pair of heels sitting on the floor. The girl I chose to pretend to be my girlfriend has to dress the part if she's going to be apart of this lifestyle with my family, so I had to pick her up some new clothes and shoes for dinner tonight.

Tone parked around the back of the station and watched me as I walked down the steps to the basement. Just like I figured, production was moving down here. The five guys around Georgia that buy their weight from me had their guys here to pick up their product and get it off of my hands. I knew they could handle everything, so walked to the other side of the warehouse to Donny's office and knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" he yelled.

"Prince."

"Come on in!"

I pushed the door open and found one of the prostitutes on top of his desk stripping for him. I shook my head and watched as she pulled off her bra and threw it in his face.

"Prince, just sit down. We're almost done here," Adonis said.

I sighed and sat down in the seat in front of his desk, giving me a front row seat to the prostitutes' dance moves. "Aye, you gotta go," I told her.

She looked up at me, confused. "Excuse me?"

"I said you gotta go. We got some business to discuss but you can come back when we're finished."

"Nah, she's good."

The girl smacked her lips as she climbed off of Donny's desk and grabbed her bra. She snapped her bra around her back, pulled the straps up on her shoulders and pulled her shirt over her head before she stuck her hand in Donny's face. "The least you could do is pay me since you didn't let me finish."

Donny scrunched up his face. "Why should I pay you and you ain't do shit?"

"Because you're the reason why I wasn't able to finish."

I sighed. I didn't want to hear them go back and forth since I had a lot to do before this dinner so I pulled twenty dollars out of my wallet. "Take this money and go. We busy ma."

The girl took the money out of my hands. "Thank you Prince. At least somebody around here has some respect for me."

"Get some respect for yourself and get'cho ass off the streets," Adonis told her.

"Man, fuck you Donny," she spat as she walked out of his office.

I laughed. "You really need to stop fucking with these females dawg. You shoulda just gave her a little something to get her the hell out of here. You never know, she gon' come back and fuck you up one of these days."

Adonis shook his head. "I'm not afraid of her or any of these girls that got something to say about me. Fuck her."

"Man, you only saying that 'cause she checked yo scary ass," I laughed. "But what's up? Why you called me over here?"

"Man, that Jazmine girl has lost her mind."

I sighed, leaning my head back against the back of the seat I was sitting in. If I knew he called me over here to talk about some more of this petty drama, I wouldn't have shown up. I thought we were gonna discuss business. "What's up now? What she did to you this week?"

"Well she hit me up last night begging me to come over and stay the night with her. You know,s he was offering free p*ssy so I was like, hell yeah I'm coming over. We did our thang over at y'all's crib and shit was good until this morning. She was acting like it was something wrong so I asked her was she good then she just started going in on me about my stroke game being weak and all that shit.

I chuckled. "I know you said something to her though, right?"

"Hell yeah," he laughed. "I told her that her p*ssy was wack."

"Is it?"

He smiled. "Nah. She likes to put on a front but I been the only nigga fuckin' her for like two years straight now so I fit in her like a glove. Like, we just fit each other perfectly and the sex is good but other than sex, I can't deal with her for too long. She's crazy!"

"I know," I shook my head. "You ever thought about taking her out on a date?"

His eyes widened. "HELL NO!" he yelled, folding his arms.

I chuckled. "Why not? Maybe then the two of y'all can get to know each other outside of the bedroom and you'll see that she's not a horrible person. She has her issues just like everybody else but she's not horrible. And sometimes giving a woman something special sometimes is just what they need to calm down," I informed him. "Trust me, I know Jaz and I know she'll enjoy doing something like that.

Maybe my plan will work. I'm the one that set Adonis and Jazmine up in the first place a couple of years ago. Adonis was working my nerves constantly fighting with his baby mama and Jaz just needed a nigga to get her mind off of me. Within the two years that they've known each other, I would've thought they'd have done more than just sleep together. But I'm still holding out hope that Adonis will step up, take her out on a few dates and eventually wife her up which will get her mind off of me.

"I don't know," he sighed. "I'll think about it but we ain't fucking with each other right now. Once she gets back on my good side then I'll bring it up to her. But for now, I'll just be kickin' it with LaKiesha."

I shook my head as I stood up. "Alright, you do that but eventually the two of them gon' cross paths and you gon' be fucked."

"Oh, I can't wait to have two girls fighting over me. I'll be waiting on that day," he smirked.

"Man, you need to settle down wit'cho 30 year old ass," I said as I gave him some dap.

"I will. I'll settle down when I'm 35."

I laughed as I walked out of his office and out of the warehouse so I could head over to my club. Tone was still parked around the back, so I hopped inside of the truck and he drove off.

"To the club Prince?"

"Yeah," I sighed.

"Aye," he smiled. "You know, since it's Sunday, you think Lindsey could hook me up with a plate? You know, a nigga gotta eat if he wants to drive you around."

"No."

He laughed. "Damn. When you gon' let me get a plate? It's been five years nigga."

"Five years and you still don't understand nothing. You can stop by McDonald's if you hungry."

"Damn. So it's like that now. Shit. At least with King, he'd send me some food or Mrs. McDonald would make me enough food for the week since she knew how busy I used to be."

I smacked my lips. "You barely drive me around and when ever I get hungry, I always buy your greedy ass something since you claim you be starving."

"I do be starving. It's hard work driving around Miss. Daisy," he laughed, making me shake my head.

"Whatever. Just focus on the rode nigga."

"Will do your majesty," he chuckled as he continued to drive.

Tone was at my club within a half an hour and before the truck could even stop, I was hopping out the back so I could meet up with Goldie. I don't have too many people I trust but I trust Goldie. She's been around the club long enough for me to trust her and she's shown her loyalty to me in many ways. And I don't have many other females that can pose as my girlfriend for the night but based off of the way she acts around me, I'm sure she won't have an issue doing me this small favor.

Since it was the middle of the day, the club was empty except for the strippers in the back who were preparing for the club opening in a couple of hours. I made my way through the back of the club to where the strippers get dressed and knocked on the locker room door before walking inside. With no surprise to me, most of the girls were half naked, didn't have their makeup on and didn't have their hair done.

"Hey Prince," They all sang in unison.

I smiled, looking around at all of the girls who happened to pop up the moment I walked inside. "Mhmm. Y'all looking beautiful ladies but where's Goldie at?"

Beauty, one of the veterans, walked up to me with a smile on her face. She slipped her arm around my neck but used her other hand to run her finger down my chest. "She's in the back. Why? Don't you want a real woman like me?"

I smirked. "As nice as that sounds Beauty, I got business to handle with Goldie."

"Oh, that means she's in trouble," Shonda snickered, making me laugh.

"She's not in trouble ladies."

I managed to get Beauty off of me before I walked to the back to find Goldie. She was sitting in the back of the locker room reading when I found her. I smirked. "Still studying, huh?"

She looked up at me with a smile on her face. "I have a huge exam tomorrow. I'm just trying to study while I'm not busy."

"Well, how about I let you off early tonight?"

"No, I need the money."

"How much do you make a night?"

"Well between $800-$1000 on good nights but since it's Sunday probably like $700. Why?"

"I'll double it and let you go tonight if you do me a favor."

She closed the book sitting in her lap, giving me her undivided attention. "Alright, I'm listening."

"I got a little dilemma. I really can't say it while we're in here but do you mind coming out to my car with me? And bring all your stuff."

"Now?"

"Yeah," I chuckled. "Why? You scared or something?"

"No," she said as she stood up and packed her stuff up. "I just never had one of my bosses want me to do any favors for them unless they were sexual."

"Nah, not that tonight unless you want to."

She smiled, standing up with her bag on her shoulder. "No, I think we your birthday was enough Prince. I'm ready to go."

I reached out and grabbed her hand and walked her out of the locker room and out of the club. Tone was standing outside of the car so as soon as she walked up, he pulled the door open for her and helped her inside while I got in on the other side.

"I'll give you two some privacy," Tone notified me as he closed the door.

"Alright," Goldie smiled. "What's this all about?"

I smiled. "Well, I'm about to tell you a little bit about my personal life 'cause I need you to come somewhere with me and pretend to be my girlfriend."

She laughed. "Are you serious? I mean, I don't have an issue with it, but why me?"

"'Cause I like you Goldie."

"I like you too Prince," she smiled.

"Well first thing's first, my Moms has been on my ass lately about bringing my girlfriend around so I'mma need you to pretend like we've been dating for five years but just been keeping it on the DL. Now we're gonna head over to dinner at my sister's house. Cashmere will be there, Lindsey's son and my daughter and possibly some other family members. Just pretend like you're my girl, don't talk about the stripping and just act like you're still in school."

She nodded her head. "Alright, I think I can do that. I didn't know you and Lindsey had kids."

"There's a lot you don't know about me Goldie but the part of my life I'm letting you be apart of tonight is very special to me and you can't talk about it to anyone, not even any of the girls you work with. Nobody can know anything about my personal life and I trust you because I know you won't run your mouth like some of these other broads. A'ight?"

"Yeah, your secret is safe with me. I won't say anything."

"Cool." I knew Goldie wouldn't disappoint me. She always comes through for me. In between us sat the garment bag with her outfit for tonight and the box of shoes. I handed her the clothes and shoes. I know she's cool with Lindsey but I know how judgmental Lindsey can be, especially when I'm dating a girl. I know Lindsey will judge how she dresses, how she acts and even down to the way she eats. "I picked up some clothes for you to wear tonight and I'mma need you to toughen it up tonight. My family can be really judgmental of people they're just meeting for the first time and of weak people. You gotta show them you ain't scared because they're gonna tear you down and manipulate you. You ready?"

Goldie hesitantly nodded her head. "Yes."

By the time we made it back to my condo, Goldie was dressed and ready for dinner tonight, only I was nervous for her and how my family would take to her. But the most nerve wrecking part of tonight was having to introduce her to Princess. I could really give less than a damn about what my family things of me but Princess is the final decision. Even though I'm just Goldie's boss, there will be other dinners that I'm gonna need her to come to and I'll need Princess' approval first.

"Now," I began as Goldie and I walked down my hallway that led to my condo. "Before we head over to Lindsey's, there's somebody in here that I want you to meet. She's really special to me and her opinion matters. She'll be a lot to deal with at first but I'm sure the two of y'all can get along."

"Alright, I'm ready for her," she smiled.

I unlocked the door to my condo, and as soon as I did, I saw Princess sitting right in front of the door with her Barbie and Ken dolls in her hands. But what shocked me most was that she just had on her panties and socks. Damn. Jaz said she'd be dressed and ready to go by the time I got back. I see Jaz french braided each side of her hair. Well, at least Jaz did something to her hair, which was a good thing.

"Baby girl," I called out, gaining her attention.

Princess smiled and ran up to me with open arms and I picked her up. "Daddy! I was wondering when you were coming back. I thought you forgot about me."

I kissed her cheek. "Nah, never that gorgeous. Where's your clothes at? You know we gotta leave soon."

"I know but Auntie Jaz is getting my outfit together. We couldn't decide on something to wear so she took me to the store and bought me a new outfit. Oh! Do you like my hair? Auntie Jaz did it. Isn't it cute?"

I smiled, admiring how neat her hair looked. "Yeah, it's beautiful like you," I said putting her on the ground. "I know you aren't fully dressed yet but there's somebody I want you to meet."

Princess looked behind me at Goldie with that same toothy grin on her face before she stuck her hand out. "Hi. I'm Princess. What's your name?"

"Her name's Go--"

"Mya," Goldie cut me off. She bent down so she was level with Princess. She took Princess' small hand into hers and shook it. "I'm Mya and you're a very beautiful girl Princess. Your Dad's very lucky to have you around him. How old are you?"

"Five. What about you?"

"I'm 21."

Princess' eyes widened. "Wow. So you're a grown lady. That means you're my Daddy's lady friend. Right?"

"Right," I nodded my head. "She's Daddy's lady friend. Look, how about you go to the back with Jaz to get ready? We gotta head out soon."

"Okay, bye Mya! I'll be back," Princess yelled as she ran to the back to find Jaz.

I turned to Goldie with a smirk on my face. "Mya?"

"Yes," she laughed. "I'm letting you in on some personal parts of my life, so I want you to accept me and keep my secrets too."

"It's safe with me."

"Your daughter's beautiful, by the way but what happened to her thigh? Why was the area around that band aid on her thigh dark? Is she okay?"

I sighed. "Princess is a little sick."

Her expression softened when she heard me say that. "Is it bad?"

"Yes."

"I'm so sorry Prince, I really am. I shouldn't have bought it up."

"It's fine. Just don't bring it up around Princess," I told her. Maybe it's me being over protective but Princess doesn't know too much about her illness. She knows that she's sick, well that she's special. I never want Princess to feel bad because she's different so I tell her that she's special and tell her that being special is a good thing. As far as Princess knows, she's just like every other kid. She just has to take shots every morning, have a healthy diet, get plenty of rest, exercise and water everyday to ensure that she's healthy. And everything extra she has to do to stay healthy is what makes her special.

Once Princess was dressed, we headed downstairs to Lindsey's. My heart was beating out of my chest as I waited on somebody to open the door. I'm sure everybody's here and all they've been doing is talking about me. The door opened and I almost shit my pants when I saw my Dad standing in front of me. He's the last person I expected to see tonight since he claimed he was out of town but I guess Milan wasn't lying when she said he was too busy doing him to worry about their marriage.

"Dad?" I asked. "I thought you were out of town."

He glanced at me for a quick second before his attention averted to Goldie. "Nah. I was in town making money but who's your gorgeous friend here?"

Goldie smiled, extending her hand. "I'm Mya. It's a pleasure to meet you Teddy, I'm a huge fan by the way. Can I call you that?"

Dad smiled. "You can call me anything you want. How'd you two meet?"

"Hey! You forgot about me Grandpa!"

The smile on my Dad's face grew wider when he heard Princess' small voice from below us. He bent down and picked her up. "You're so small so I couldn't see you but I never forget about you. But I actually got you something," he told her as he stepped to the side so Goldie and I could enter Lindsey's condo.

With no surprise to me, everybody was already sitting around the dining room table eating. Lindsey had Daniel close to her while Cashmere sat further away from there. There were clearly more issues with the two of them that I needed to address tonight. But who really caught my attention was Milan. Even though she was only wearing a simple black blouse and jeans, she still looked good to me. I know Grandpa said for me not to bother Milan anymore but I just can't help myself because it's not lust with Milan. There's actual love present between the two of us.

"Everybody," I announced, gaining their attention. I reached down and grabbed Goldie's hand, just to make our relationship seem more realistic. "This is my girlfriend Mya. She's the person I've been dating for the past few years."

Based on the way everybody looked, I could tell they were relieved that I wasn't lying about having a girlfriend. Milan even put on an act and had a smile on her face because she knew I wasn't seeing anyone but her. Lindsey was the only person I couldn't convince though. The look on her face was telling me that she didn't believe a word that just came out of my mouth.

"Congratulations," Lindsey uttered, still eyeing the two of us. "I'm glad you weren't lying about having a girlfriend even though your relationship is still questionable. Hey, Mya, why didn't you meet the family years ago? I mean, Theodore's been talking about you for years now and we'd all just like to know why it took you so long to meet us."

"Yeah, that's a good question," my Dad chimed in, even though he was unaware of Lindsey's facetiousness.

"Because I was really busy with school and work and I wasn't sure how long we'd stay together. I knew he had a daughter and I didn't want to be in and out of his daughter's life if our relationship didn't work out," Goldie explained, gaining a smile from me. She must have been practicing this since she was so quiet during the car ride over here. "It wouldn't feel right to be out of her life because of mine and her Dad's issues but I'm here now because Theodore and I are serious about our relationship."

"Right," I agreed with her.

"So," Cash said as he stuffed a piece of corn bread in his mouth. "Where do you work Gol--Mya?"

"Actual--"

"Actually, I'm kind of hungry," I cut Goldie off. "Lindsey, is the food in the kitchen?"

"Mhmm," Lindsey mumbled.

I grabbed Goldie's hand and led her back to the kitchen where we could be alone but then I heard feet running after us. Princess pushed herself in between Goldie and I once we were in the kitchen, making sure she always stood close to me.

"I don't think Lindsey believes us," Goldie stated the obvious as I handed her and Princess plates.

I sighed. "Yeah, I know." I can't ever fool Lindsey since she's the dom at lying. My lying game is subpar compared to hers. "But everybody else believed it so just play along for the night and I'll talk to Lindsey and Polyester."

Golie laughed as she continued fixing her plate. Princess' quietness made me look across the kitchen at her. She was standing in one of the kitchen chairs, reaching across the table to uncover the tray of fried chicken. She removed the foil from the tray and grabbed the largest piece out of the whole bunch.

"Princess," I called out, gaining her attention. "What'chu up to?"

She smiled. "Can I just have one piece, please? You never let me have fried chicken and it smells soooo good."

"Yeah but a small piece 'cause you know you can't be eating this. It's not apart of your diet."

I sighed as I pulled a smaller piece out of the tray. One was for me and the other was for her but I put the bigger piece she previously had back. I pulled her down from the table and helped her fix her plate, like I usually do. I know Princess hates this diet she's on but she needs it in order to live and I know it makes her sad not being able to eat what everybody else it so I always make sure she's not alone. Whatever she eats, I eat. I don't ever want her to feel left out or different because she's sick.

Princess put a fork full of greens in her mouth as she walked back up to the front, satisfied at all the food on her plate. I looked up at Goldie. "You ready to go back out there?"

"Yeah, I guess, but I just wanted to say I love the way you treat her. I see the way you are at the club and sometimes you can be tough and strict but you're just really patient with her. It's good to see you out of the element of the club. I think you guys' relationship is cute."

I smiled. "Thanks. I try my best with her."

Goldie and I walked back out to the front and sat at the table with everybody else, who surprisingly didn't have anything bad to say about her, even Lindsey. I knew Lindsey and Cashmere knew this was all a facade but my Dad didn't and after dinner tonight, he'd be able to tell Mama that my girlfriend is real, in a sense. And based on the way Goldie's been acting tonight, I know he'll tell Mama that she has manners too; which is a sharp contrast from the girls I've been with in the past.

After dealing with Tee Tee, Nicole and even Jaz, my Mom will be jumping for joy when she hears about me 'finding' myself a decent girlfriend. And now that they've seen her, they won't have to bug me anymore about my girlfriend. Everybody will be satisfied but I know Mama will start pressuring me about proposing to her later down the line. But by that point, I'd have come out with the truth. And hopefully that truth has something to do with Milan and our relationship.

"So how you just gon' come in here with one of the strippers from the club and try to play it off as yo girl?" Cashmere laughed at me.

By now, Goldie was gone, Milan and my Dad were gone, Princess was asleep and Daniel was back in his room so it was just me, Lindsey and Cashmere sitting up. I was really trying to get out of here after dinner but they insisted that I stay over. I should've known they were about to clown me.

"Honestly. The only person who bought that bull shit was Daddy," Lindsey added.

"Look, I got my reasons for the shit I do. Of course I knew y'all wasn't gonna believe it but I needed Pops to believe it so he can go back and tell Mama about it. You know how she be on me about finding a girlfriend."

"So you just did that to set Miss. McDonald up, huh?" Cash asked, causing me to nod my head.

"Yeah, basically."

"Shit, I would do the same thing since she's always tryna get me and Cash to get married."

"I mean, I done proposed twice already."

"And I'm not marrying an ain't-shit-nigga. I'm more than sure I'm wasting my time with you right now anyways."

"So why don't you just leave?"

"I did the other night but you came running back, like always."

I scrunched up my face. "Well damn. What happened the other night?"

"Nothing," they both said at the same time.

I sighed, standing up from my seat. "Well, on that note, I'm leaving. Cash, I'mma need you to stop by the station tomorrow morning. I gotta talk to you."

"A'ight," he mumbled.

I down the rest of my Hennessy, hugged Lindsey, dapped up Cash and walked to the back to get Princess. I grabbed the dolls she came over with and picked her up in my arm before I left Lindsey's condo. Whatever is going on between her and Cash is none of my business but I do plan on finding out what happened between them. It had to be some serious shit if Lindsey called him out about it since they're normally so secretive about their relationship.

My guess is, he cheated and they're trying to keep it under wraps so I don't get involved but it's too late for that. The cat's already out of he bag.

~~~

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How did you guys feel about this chapter? Do you guys like where this book is going? Has Victoria changed since the previous books? Has she grown more than Teddy has? How do you guys feel about the conversation Jaz and Theodore had? Will she learn anything from their talk or will she be the same? How do you guys feel about Donny? Was he out of line for treating Jaz the way he did? How do you guys feel about Theodore choosing Goldie to pretend to be his girlfriend for his family? Will that backfire on him?

Goldie's in the MM.