Should Have Kissed You at the Park

THIRD PERSON POV

***************************Three Hours Later******************************

Taylor and Joyce made it back to the house three hours after they had left. They went to the farmer’s market to pick up the vegetables for the evening’s dinner. Joyce got some fresh peaches to make a peach cobbler with. Then they stopped by an antique shop to do some window shopping followed by a stop at Bath and Body Works before heading back to the house to cook dinner.

“Hey ya’ll” Taylor said as they walked in the house to find Chris and Mijo still in the same spot from where they left them earlier.

“Hey shawty, hey mama” Chris called from the den

“I figured ya’ll would still be on that game. How about ya’ll give it a rest for a little while and go get the bags out of the car” Joyce said.

“Yes ma’am” they replied in unison as Chris paused the game and they headed through the kitchen to get the bags out of the truck as Joyce instructed. Chris stopped to lean over and give Taylor a kiss before heading out the door. They brought the bags back into the kitchen and head to the den

“Uh huh, go take a shower and get ready for company, turn off the game, straighten up the den and make sure we have enough chairs and everything” Joyce ordered just as Chris and Mijo were about to sit down.

“Maaaa, how you just gone give me orders in my house?” Chris whined

“Like I just did, you’re still my child Christopher” she replied

“Fiinnnee” he pouted and turned off the game

“Chris, don’t be ugly” Taylor smiled

“Oh you too huh?” he chuckled

“Hey, the same rules apply at our house as they do when we go to mama and daddy’s house. Women get the house and the men get the backyard” she smiled

“Ok ok, I’m going to get cleaned up then”

“I’m going to head to the house and get cleaned up, but I’ll be back in about an hour or so. What’s for dinner Tay?” Mijo asked

“Smothered chicken, mustard greens, yams, rice and gravy” Taylor replied

“And fresh peach cobbler for dessert” Joyce added with a smile

“Oooo did you get some vanilla ice cream to go with it?” Chris exclaimed

“Of course I did baby, you know how we do?” Taylor laughed

“You eat it with vanilla ice cream?” Joyce asked

“Yes ma’am, that’s how my whole family eats it. Hot, fresh out the oven, put a scoop of vanilla ice cream on it, sooooo good” Taylor replied “I guess Chris has gotten used to it by now” she laughed

“Mama, you’ll love it” he chimed in.

“Ok, well I’ll have to try it then” she replied

*************************THREE HOURS LATER**************************

Dinner was almost done and everything was ready for the family to start showing up. Taylor got cleaned up and changed clothes into some khaki capris, a black t-shirt, and some black thong sandals. Just as she came out of the bedroom, the door bell rang.

“I’ll get it” she yelled into the house. Mijo had already come back from getting cleaned up. As she opened the door, a small set of arms were wrapped around her legs.

“Hey mommy” Matthew smiled

“Hey bubba” Taylor replied leaning over to kiss his head.

“Hey mama, hey daddy” she said leaning over Matthew’s body which was still stuck to hers, giving each one of them a kiss on the cheek “where are the boys?” she asked as she stepped to the side to let them in the house.

“They’re coming up behind us” David replied

“Oh ok. Hey auntie’s boys” she smiled as KJ and Devin came up the sidewalk

“Hey Aunt Tay” they replied in unison, each one stopping to give her a kiss on the cheek as Matthew followed them into the house.

“Matthew go put your backpack in your room bubba” Taylor called as the boys ran into the house “AND NO RUNNING” she added

“Come on mama and daddy, Ms. Joyce is in the den” she said leading them in that direction. She heard giggling coming from her bedroom and just shook her head.

“Joyyccee, oh my goodness, it’s so great to see you” Justine said as Joyce stood up, giving her a hug.

“It’s great to see you too Stine, it’s been what a year already?” she asked “Hi David, good seeing you again” she smiled as David gave her a hug.

“It’s been too long, that’s what it’s been” Justine smiled taking a seat on the couch next to Joyce. David took a seat in chair sitting on the opposite side of the couch.

“So, I have to ask, what do you think of our kids together?” Joyce smiled

“I’m loving it. They make each other happy and that’s all that matters” Justine smiled

“I couldn’t agree with you more. I couldn’t ask for Chris to be with a better person than Taylor” Joyce replied

“Chris, let him put his stuff away so he can go outside!” Taylor called into her bedroom

“Go do what your mama said buddy, we’ll play later” Chris said putting Matthew down on the second step

“Ok” he replied simply

“Hey mama J” Chris smiled leaning over kissing Justine on the cheek

“Hey baby”

“How you doin pops?” Chris spoke to David shaking his hand

“I can’t complain son” he smiled

“Can I get ya’ll something to drink, since Taylor didn’t offer you anything” Chris smiled, teasing Taylor

“Shut up big head, I was going to offer them something to drink, I had to get Matthew settled” Taylor blushed

“I’m just kidding baby” he said kissing her cheek

“Mom, can we go outside?” Matthew asked running down the stairs

“Yes, but come here first, I want you to meet someone” Taylor replied leading Matthew into the den. “Matthew, this is Ms. Joyce, Chris’s mom; mama Joyce this is my angel, Matthew” she introduced them

“Hello Matthew, it’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you” Joyce said holding out her hand to shake his

“Hi Ms. Joyce, nice to meet you too” Matthew shyly blushed shaking her hand “Can I go play now?” he asked looking up at Taylor.

“Yes, I think somebody may already be out there, go see” she smiled referring to Mijo who was outside sitting on the patio deck drinking a beer

“Who mama?” Matthew asked with wide eyes

“I don’t know he said he was here to see you” she laughed

“Lets go see who it is” KJ smiled

“No running” Chris called out “Pops, I’m headed out there, do you wanna join me, we already have a cooler set up” Chris finished

“Yeah son, I think I get out of here with all these women” he laughed getting up from his chair following Chris out the door.

The rest of Taylor’s family started to trickle in and mingle with Joyce, who was just like an old family friend. When it was time to serve dinner, Taylor took the smothered chicken out to the deck, followed by Mrs. Martin with the baked Mac & cheese that she brought, then Sydney with the yams, Tammy with the rolls, and Angie with the sweet tea.

“The peach cobbler is in the oven, it should be ready by the time we finish with dinner. Hopefully everyone will have room for it after this wonderful meal that Taylor has prepared” Joyce said coming out of the house and taking a seat next to Justin.

Everybody called out their replies to the announcement of dessert and acknowledged how good dinner looked. Mr. Martin blessed the food and everyone dug in. The rest of the night was filled with laughter and great conversation. Spades was played by the women while the men played a few hands of dominos before everybody called it a night.

The following day was filled with an early morning service at church, followed by the open mic brunch at the J-Spot. Joyce, Justine, and David were all proud of Taylor, Tammy, Justin, and Chris for what they had already done and had planned for the club. Carmen even surprised Taylor and Tammy by showing up to the club for Sunday brunch.

“Hey dolls” Carmen said coming up behind Taylor and Tammy as they talked at the bar

“OMG Carmen, you came!!!” Taylor exclaimed causing the back of the room to look in her direction

“Well, just put me on blast” Carmen laughed giving Taylor a hug

“I’m sorry, I’m just so glad to see you”

“Hey Diva” Tammy smiled giving Carmen a hug

“Wow, you guys, I love the set up in here” Carmen replied looking around

“Thank you” Tammy and Taylor replied in unison

“Sooo, where’s this man that has my girl grinning from ear to ear when I see her or talk to her?” Carmen asked

“He’s right here” Chris smiled coming up behind Taylor wrapping an arm around her waist

“Carmen, this Chris; Chris this is….” Taylor started

“Carmen. The one that keeps my girl looking hot?” he smiled

“That would be me” Carmen smiled “It’s nice to meet you Chris”

“Nice meeting you too” he smiled shaking her hand

“And, I’m his brother, Mijo” Mijo jumped in offering Carmen his hand

“Carmen” she replied with a flirty smile shaking his hand. Taylor and Tammy shot each other a smile as Chris tried to hold in his laugh. They all could tell that Carmen and Mijo were attracted to each other.

TAYLOR POV

Everything was in place for Justin’s surprise party. I had marked the date on the schedule as a private party so Justin wouldn’t get suspicious. I’m in charge of all the private parties booked at the club as far as making sure all the arrangements are taken care of, making sure we have enough staff on hand, booking it either for the whole club or the upstairs VIP Lounge or wherever, making sure that whatever special alcohol they wanted/needed it was stocked just for them. So by booking it as a private party, he wouldn’t get into any of the details of the situation. Invitations had been sent out to all of our family and friends. Nicki had gotten all of the decorations and with the help of Cai, Sydney, Lauren, Malika & Angie, we got them put up. Tammy’s job is to take Justin out to dinner, then make up an excuse to bring him by the club while calling me to let me know when they were there. I had spent most of the day at the club decorating and was rushing to get ready. I made arrangements with Mariah, the family babysitter, to watch all the kids. Angie and Sydney were to drop off their kids on their way to the club.

“Babe, are you ready?” I called to Chris from the bathroom

“The question is, are YOU ready?” he replied from his spot on the bed

“Hahaha, you got jokes today smart ass”

“I’m just saying Tay, you’ve been in there for like an hour and you haven’t come out, nor do I remember you taking any clothes in there with you” he replied

“First of all slim, I did come out to get my clothes, you were upstairs with Matt, and secondly, perfection takes time” I said as I put the top on my lip gloss and headed out of the bathroom

“I mean damn baby, who are you trying tooooo…..” Chris started

“Nobody, but I like to look good for my man” I smiled coming out of the bathroom in a royal blue one shoulder dress and some silver heels. A beautiful dimply smile spread across Chris’s face as he gave me a once over, standing to his feet

“Well Ms.Martin, you definitely don’t have to try too hard” he replied stepping close to me, leaning over to kiss my neck “your man ain’t going nowhere, and neither are you” he continues gently sliding his finger tips over my bare shoulder, sending chills up my spine.

“Mmmm, is that so” I softly moaned as he softly let his nose rub up against my neck, barely touching me

“Mmhmm” his baritone voice in my ear, making me weak in the knees “damn baby, you smell good” he whispered in my ear

“You like” I replied finally wrapping my arms around his neck as he placed his hands on the side of my waist, gently leaning his forehead against mine.

“Yes I do, I like everything I see right now” he replied pecking my lips “and your lips taste good too” he smirked, sliding his tongue across my bottom lip, making me want to jump him right then and there. He slowly pulled away, leaning over to the other side of my neck.
Now and later girl
(Since you so good to me)
Like a cherry flavor, life-saver (My life-saver)
Please don't ever leave
Now and later girl
Now and later, my candy girl
I get stingy when it comes to you
Baby, I want you all for myself

He sang into my neck, ending it with a soft kiss. I smiled, rubbing my hand down the back of his head to his neck. He looked me in my eyes, then leaned in and gave me the sweetest, softest, most passionate kiss that he’d ever given me.

**DIIIIIING DOOONG**

“Saved by the bell” I smiled coming out of our kiss, trying to catch my breath.

“That just means we have to pick up where we left off when we get home tonight” he smirked

“Oh yeah, we’ll see about that Mr. Brown” I smiled heading to answer the door.

I looked out the peep hole to see who it was. “Hi Mariah, how are you sweetie” I smiled as I opened the door to a smiling teenage girl.

“Hey Ms. Martin, I’m good. Thank you so much for calling me to watch the kids. I love the Martin kids” she smiled

“Oh no, thank you so much for agreeing to watch so many kids by yourself. Matthew is upstairs in the game room playing on his PS3 I think, he maybe playing on his drums, I really don’t know” I chuckled closing the door behind her

“Oh ok. You look really pretty, I love that dress” she smiled

“Oh thank you. Matthew, Mariah’s here” I yelled up the stairs as we walked into the den. “Ok, Sydney and Angie should be here soon with the other 4 kids. Kayla might already be sleeping, and Maddison won’t be too far behind her. The boys can stay up a little late tonight, but no later than 12. They should all be able to sleep in Matthew’s room, or they can camp out in the game room. You can put Kayla and Maddison in my bed. There is pizza in the oven that I ordered in case you guys get hungry. The can all have 1 piece of cake, but that’s it. Me and Chris will be home late, but Sydney and Angie should be here by 1. I’ll call you and let you know which of them will be taking Matthew with them, whoever it is, will have your fee for you when they get here, and then you’re free to go home.” I instructed her as Chris came out of the bedroom.

“Hi Mr. Brown” Mariah smiled, she had a crush on Chris and couldn’t hide it at all either

“Hey Mars, I told you to call me Chris or Breezy, I’m not old enough to be called ‘mister’” he smiled

“Ok Chris, I’ll remember that”

“You know you don’t have to call me Ms.Martin, that’s my mom’s name, just call me Taylor” I smiled at her

“Ok Taylor” she smiled back

“Bae, we better get going” Chris said touching the small of my back, leaning over kissing my cheek

“Yeah, ok let me go get my purse” I glanced at my watch. It was already 8:30 and Tammy would be bringing Justin around 9:30 to the club. I went to the room and grabbed my sliver lips shaped purse and house keys and headed back to the kitchen. “Matthew, I’m leaving baby, come give me a kiss” I called up the stairs

“Ok” he said coming down the stairs. He leaped on Chris’s back once he got to the 3rd step as usual.

“Gotcha Chris” he giggled

“Awww man, you did, you snuck up on me” Chris pretended to be scared “Give your mama a kiss” he said turning his back so that Matthew could lean over and give me a kiss.

“Bye mommy, have fun, and tell Uncle Jus ‘Happy Birthday’ for me” he smiled kissing my cheek.

“I sure will baby. You be good for Mariah and do as she tells you and your cousins, do you hear me?”

“Yes ma’am” he looked into my eyes.

“Ok lil man, we’ll see you when we get back okay” Chris said putting him down back on the 3rd step

“Ok”

“Mariah, you have my cellphone number and the number to the club should you need anything right?” I asked the giddy teen

“Yes I do” she smiled

“Ok, well, we’ll see you guys later, have fun. Mariah when you leave, just lock the bottom latch from the inside please.” I smiled as Chris led me out the house by the small of my back.

**************************ONE HOUR LATER*****************************

“Hey there little girl” I heard a familiar voice say from behind me

“Uncle Steve, Aunt Marjorie, you made it!!” I exclaimed as I threw my arms around his neck

“Now you know I wasn’t going to miss my Godson’s surprise birthday party” he smiled a dimply smile

“I know, but I know how busy you are, so I’m just glad that you guys are here” I said hugging my godmother

“I really like what you two have done with the place. This is really nice Tay” he smiled

“Actually, it’s four of us that own the club” I laughed

“Four? Who?” he replied shocked

“Well, it’s me, Justin, his bestfriend Chris, and Tammy” I replied

“He’s still with Tammy? That’s great. Chris? Now would this be the same Chris that I’ve heard you’ve been dating for the past 2 months?” he inquired

“Huh?” I said trying to sound innocent, like I didn’t know what he was talking about

“Don’t ‘huh’ me girl, you know what and who I’m talking about. I’m talking about babyboy’s bestfriend, one Chris Brown, of which I was told you’re also dating” he said in his country tone

“Yes sir, that would be the same one” I replied bashfully

“Well, how come I had to hear it from Joyce that the two of you were dating and not from either one of you?” he reprimanded “Where is that high yella negro, so I can get in his ass” he said looking around for Chris

“Hey Uncle Steve, Aunt Marjorie” Chris said coming up behind them

“Hey sweetheart” Aunt Marjorie said giving him a hug

“Hey nephew” Uncle Steve said giving him a hug “You know I have a bone to pick with you boi” he replied coming out of their hug

“What I do?” Chris asked standing close to me, a confused look on his face

“Boi, go ahead and put your arm around her, you know you want to”

“Uncle Steve, what are you talking about?” Chris blushed

“Boi, you know damn well what I’m talkin bout! I talked to your mama the other day and she told me about you and my goddaughter. I just don’t understand why I had to hear it from her” he said as Aunt Marjorie gently rubbed his arm to calm down “No Marjorie, my nephew and goddaughter are dating and no one thought to tell me, I’m hurt” he continued to fuss, causing me and Chris to blush.

“Ohhh, I’m sorry Unc, I wanted to tell, I just haven’t had a chance to call you and talk like we usually do, I’m sorry” Chris smiled taking his arm and lightly pushing me to stand in front of him as he wrapped his arms around my waist

“It’s okay, I’m just glad you found a real genuine girl that cares about you for you” Uncle Steve smiled, his tone softer than before. “Now if she gets outta line, just call me” he continued joking

“I will, I’ll call you and Mr.M immediately” Chris laughed

“Heyyy, I’m an angel” I defended

“When you want to be” they replied in unison

“Leave baby girl alone, you two, she is an angel” Aunt Marjorie replied

“Where’s that bigheaded son of yours?” Uncle Steve asked

“He’s at home with the babysitter and Sydney and DJ’s kids” I replied

“You left the babysitter with 5 bad ass kids?” he smiled

“Yep, it’s grown folks night” I laughed. I looked down at my watch, it read 9:20, it was time for me to hit the stage to get everybody for the surprise. “Uncle Steve, will you excuse us, Tammy should be calling me in a few minutes, I need to get everybody prepared. I’m glad you’re here, and I know you’re saving me a dance tonight”

“Ok, go do what you need to do. You know I got a dance saved just for you baby girl” he replied kissing my cheek.

I grabbed one of Chris’s hands from my waist and pulled him with me in the direction of the stage. DJ GT Mayne tossed Chris a microphone that he handed to me. I tapped the top of it to see if it was working. “Hellooo, can I have your attention please?” I asked into the microphone, as people started to turn to face me and the room got quiet. GT lowered the music so that I could talk over it. “First of all, I would like to thank ALL of you for coming out to celebrate Justin’s birthday with us. It will really mean a lot to him that you took the time to fly in just for his birthday. Many of you we haven’t seen in a while. Right, I’m waiting for the call from Tammy to let me know that their on their way. If I can please have my parents, siblings and brother and sister in law stand at the back of the club by the door please, so that ya’ll are the very 1st people Justin sees when he gets in. Me and Chris are headed back there with you. Now when they get here, it’s really simple, when the lights come on, just yell SURPRISE as loud as you can, that’s all you have to do. NOT when the door opens, NOT when you hear their voice, ONLY when the lights come on” I instructed

BUZZZ BUZZZ BUZZZ
Where my girls at,
From the front to back,
Well is you feelin' that,
Put one hand up,

My phone rang in my hand. “This is Tammy now” I replied sliding the bar to the right to answer it “Hey chica” I smiled, the phone was on speaker phone

“Hey Tay, we’ll be at the house in about 20-30 minutes, we’re pulling up to the club right now, I forgot to get that extra bottle of wine, but we’ll be there as soon as we leave here” Tammy said, using one of the excuses that we had come up with at the last minute. Justin was under the impression that they were going to come over to our house for a small family celebration.

“Ok, that’s fine” I smiled as Chris helped me off the stage and made my way to the back of the club, by the entrance door. “Ok everyone, get ready, I’m turning off the lights, they should be walking in any minute” I said hitting the light switch, which controlled the big lights in the club, while GT turned off the lights on the dance floor.

“I thought there was a private party going on here tonight” I heard Justin say as he opened the doors to the dark club.

“SURPRISE!!!!!” we all yelled the minute he flicked on the light switch. The look on his face was priceless. He looked shocked, confused, and happy ALL at the same time.

“WHAT THE HELL?!?” he smiled

“Happy Birthday baby boy” I smiled as we entered into the biggest tightest hug he’s ever given me.

“I can’t believe you did this for me!!” he exclaimed

“We all did this for you, this was a group effort” I smiled back

“Happy Birthday baby” Tammy smiled kissing Justin’s cheek.

“Come on in, there are sooo many people here for you to see. Go enjoy your party baby boy, it’s your night” I smiled after had given all of our family hugs and said thank you. He was still in shock over the whole thing.

Chris grabbed my waist and pulled me close to him, as I wrapped my arms around his torso “Relax Taybear, he’s here now and he loves it. Just look at his face” he said as we both looked over at Justin as he excitedly greeted Cai, giving her a hug. Cai had flown into town 2 days ago, but we made sure to keep her hidden from him, being as she was a surprise too.

“Yeah, I’m glad he liked the surprise. He’s usually the one giving the surprises, not the one being surprised” I smiled turning my attention back to Chris.

“Yeah, this is going to be a good night” he smiled leaning over kissing my lips. “I’m going to get us some drinks” he said slowly removing his hands from around my waist, quickly squeezing my butt, causing my eyes to pop out a little from the shock and embarrassment as he shot me a beautiful dimply smile.

“Hey Barbz” Nicki smiled as her and Trey walked up to me.

“Hey girly” I replied giving her a hug “You looking gorgeous as usual” I smiled

“Hey Tay” Trey smiled leaning over giving me a hug and a kiss on the cheek

“Hey Trey”

“You look awesome in that blue Taylor! I told you that dress was bangin” Nicki smiled “I bet Chris likes it too”

“Yeah, he likes it alright, we almost were late had it not been for Mariah getting there to stop us” I laughed

“That my boy” Trey gushed

“Shut up Tremaine” I laughed calling him by his government.

“You got jokes tonight I see” he laughed “Where is Breezy anyway?” he asked looking around for Chris

“He went to get us some drinks” I replied nodding in the direction in which he had gone in.

“I’ll be back babe, I’m going to see what’s up with Chris, and get us some drinks too” Trey said kissing Nicki’s cheek

“Ok hunny” she smiled back

“Welllll, I see the two of you are moving things along” I tease

“Yeah, we’ve been really kicking it a lot lately, you know going out and stuff”

“And STUFF? What kinda stuff Onika?” I smiled teasing her some more

“You KNOW what kinda of stuff Taylor Rochelle” she smiled

“OMG Nicki, have ya’ll done IT yet?” I exclaimed trying not to be too loud that everybody would hear me

“Hell yeah, and it was good. He definitely INVENTED SEX” she beamed

“You so NASTY” I laughed

“Hey Nicki, you look good girl” Cai said coming up giving Nicki a hug. Cai met Nicki when she got into town and I invited her and the girls over to meet my bestie

“Look at you doll, looking gorgeous in that little black dress” Nicki smiled hugging her back

“Thank you. So is Tay getting all up in your business over here, I know how she can be” Cai laughed putting her arm around my shoulder

“Fermer Cai (Shut Up Cai)” I laughed playfully side eyeing her

“You know she is, and since she wants to be all up in my business, I’m going to give her EVERY NASTY detail too” Nicki laughed

“Eww, PLEASE spare me the details, keep that in ya’ll bedroom” I laughed

“Hey chickies” a familiar female voice said from behind me and Cai

“Hey doll” I turned and smiled at Keri who was standing next to a very sexy looking Terrence

“All of you look beautiful” she smiled

“Thank you. Keri, this is my bestfriend from Houston, Cai. Cai, this is Keri and TJ” I introduced the couple standing in front of us.

“Hi, nice to meet you” Cai smiled shaking their hands.

“Taylor, you look beautiful” Terrence smiled at me, giving me a hug

“Thanks TJ, you clean up rather well yourself. Have you guys had a chance to see Justin yet?” I asked

“No, we just got here, where is he?” Terrence asked

“He’s back there somewhere” I smiled pointing towards the stage

“Oh ok, well we’ll go find him and say Happy Birthday” Keri smiled taking Terrence’s hand

“Ok cool, I’ll catch up with you guys later” I smiled. “Now, back to you ma’am” I turned back around to face Nicki

“What? What I do?” she laughed

“Yeah you , know what you did, NASTINESS” I laughed

“Guess who” a familiar baritone voice said in my ear as he placed his hands over my eyes.

“Jermaine!” I yelled removing his hands and spinning around to face my lil cousin who was more like a lil brother to me. “OH MY GAWD, what are you doing here?!?” I yelled throwing my arms around his neck as he wrapped his arms around my waist, hugging me tightly, slightly lifting my feet off the ground

“Heyy baby girl. You know I wasn’t going to miss J’s birthday celebration for anything! We used to always celebrate our birthdays together” he smiled

“I’m so glad you’re here. How long are you going to be in town?” I asked as Cai elbowed me in the side, causing me to shoot my head in her direction “Oh Jermaine, these are my best friends Cai and Nicki” I smiled introducing them.

“Il est bestie mignon (He’s cute bestie)” Cai said in my ear before shaking Jermaine’s hand

“Nice to meet you, but call me J” he smiled shaking their hand “I’ll be here for a while, I have some work to do, so I’ll be in the studio for a while, you’re going to get tired of seeing me” he laughed

“I doubt that, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you, we’ll just have to make up for lost time” I smiled

“Taylor, I have someone I want you to meet” he smiled

“Ok who?” I smiled as he turned around and tapped a short long reddish-blond haired girl, whose face I couldn’t see

“Taylor, this issss….” He started

“Picahoe, what the HELL are you doing here?” I frowned

CHRIS POV

Everything was going great. Justin was really surprised and happy. I was glad too, because Taylor worked real hard trying to get everything together. Everybody was there, at least everybody that mattered was there.

I grabbed Taylor’s waist and pulled her close to me, as she wrapped her arms around my torso “Relax Taybear, he’s here now and he loves it. Just look at his face” I said as we both looked over at Justin as he excitedly greeted Cai, giving her a hug. Cai is Taylor’s best friend from Houston who had flown into town 2 days ago, but she made sure to keep her hidden from Justin, being as she was a surprise too. Cai’s been staying with us and she’s a really cool person. We’ve spent just about every night up late just talking and laughing. If I know Taylor like I do, she’s going to try her best to talking Cai into moving here.

“Yeah, I’m glad he liked the surprise. He’s usually the one giving the surprises, not the one being surprised” Taylor smiled turning my attention back to me. She looked beautiful in her royal blue dress and silver heels. All I could think about was getting her alone for just a few minutes to have my way with her. Hell, I might just have to pull her in the back office or storage for a quickie.

“Yeah, this is going to be a good night” I smiled leaning over kissing her lips. “I’m going to get us some drinks” I said slowly removing my hands from around her waist, quickly squeezing her butt, causing her eyes to pop out a little from the shock , I gave a quick devilish smile and she returned it with a wink.

“Hey Amber, can I get a glass of Nuevo and a Ciroc Berry on ice” I called over to the bartender

“Sure thing Chris” she smiled. Amber was one of the best bartenders that we have next to Tammy. Tammy likes to work the bar because she says it lets her get closer to the customers and get to know them.

As Amber fixed my drinks, I took a minute to look around and see exactly how many people were there. For this to have been a private party, it almost looked as packed as it is on a regular Friday night. I couldn’t help but smile to myself thinking about the fact that I owned a piece of the club and just at the thought of how things are unfolding before my eyes. I had a girl that I was crazy about and falling more and more in love with everyday and my career was going good, the new album was getting ready to drop along with another mixtape and I could honestly say that I was loving the way things were going right now.

“Heyyy Chris” Carmen said coming up to the bar

“Hey Carmen. Where’s bighead?” I asked giving her a hug. Carmen and Mijo had been seeing a lot of each since they met a month ago when my mom was here and we had our 1st Sunday Brunch at the club. Mijo is really feeling Carmen too, and I’m glad. It’s time for him to meet a girl that likes him for him and not because he’s my bestfriend. I can’t stand how skanky ass hoes use him to try to get next to me, that shit irritates the hell out of me; because Mijo is a really good guy but these cluck clucks don’t give him a chance, they be too focused on trying to get with me. Too bad though, they’ll NEVER take Taylor’s place.

“He was talking to Bow a minute ago” she smiled

“Sup nigga?” Trey said coming up behind me

“Sup dawg?” I said turning around giving him dap

“Hey Trey” Carmen smiled leaning back so he could see her

“Oh hey Carmen, what’s good with you luv” he smiled crossing me to hug her

“You know, same ole same” she smiled as Amber came back with my drinks

“Thanks hun” I smiled to her “Where Nicki at?” I asked Trey “Hey Amber, can you get their drinks too please?” I asked Amber before she walked over to another customer

“She’s over there talking to Tay” he replied “Can I get 2 Ciroc Berries on ice please sweetie?” he asked Amber

“Gottcha Trey, and for you Carmen?” Amber turned her attention

“Umm, give me 2 shots of Patron for now” Carmen smiled

“Damn Carmen, 2 shots, that’s it?” I laughed

“I said for now bighead” Carmen laughed as Mijo walked up behind her, sliding his arms around her waist

“Sup ya’ll” Mijo nodded to me and Trey. “This mine?” he said picking up one of the shots that Amber had just placed in front of Carmen and throwing it back

“Uhhh No, that was mine baby” she laughed

“I’ll get you another one Carmen, and one for you too Mijo” Amber laughed, just like the rest of us did.

“Thanks Amber” Mijo smiled “What?!? My bad baby” he smiled pecking Carmen’s cheek

“I’mma holla at ya’ll later” I laughed grabbing the two drinks and getting ready to head back to Taylor

“Hold up Breezy, I’ll go with you , I got Nicki’s drink too” Trey said before I walked off “Thanks Amber, see ya’ll later” he said to Amber, Mijo, and Carmen

“Man, I didn’t realize how many people were here” I said to Trey

“I know dawg, it’s packed up in here” he said looking around

“Whose that Taylor’s talking to?” I asked as her back was to us and she was talking to somebody that I wasn’t sure if I had met before. She looked really comfortable with him too.

“Oh, that’s that new dude out, I think his name is J.Cole or something like that” Trey replied

“Oh ok” I replied as we made our way through the crowd to our girls.

“Picahoe, what the HELL are you doing here?” was all I heard as I approached them

“Hi Chris” Karrueche smiled bright. I just rolled my eyes at her

“Here baby” I said handing her her drink, and kissing her lips, trying to calm her down. I could tell that she was pissed, and so were Nicki and Cai. Messing with one of them was like messing with the whole crew. Sooner or later the other girls will be standing there shooting death rays at Karrueche

“Thanks baby” she smiled taking the drink then literally throwing it back, handing the glass back to me.

“How you doing, I’m J, Taylor’s cousin” the guy said offering his hand to shake

I put Taylor’s empty glass on the end of the bar that was close to us. “I’m sorry Jermaine, this is my boyfriend Chris” Taylor replied as I shook his hand.

“Oh ok, it’s nice to meet” he smiled “Taylor, you know Karrueche?” he looked at Taylor confused

“Unfortunately I do. She’s Chris’s ex-girlfriend” she replied giving Kae the stank face

“Really?” Jermaine said turning his attention to Kae

“Baby, I told you that I used to date Chris, but that was so long ago, I’m with you now” she whined trying to convince him that he was the one she wanted to be with, but failing horribly at it.

“Soooo, my cousin is the ‘bitch’ that stole him from you, like you told me then” he looked at her, his eyes full of bitterness.

“Yeah, but I didn’t know Taylor was your cousin babe” she replied trying to sound innocent

“I didn’t steal Chris from you, you lost him by your damn self” Taylor said taking a step closer to Kae. I grabbed her by her waist and gently pulled her back before she could get any closer.

“Micky it’s good to see you again” Karrueche smiled to Nicki

“Bitch, don’t get that pretty little face cut” Nicki said as Trey quickly grabbed her before she could even take a step.

“Je suis prêt à battre un âne de chienne (I’m ready to beat a bitch ass)” Cai side eyed Taylor

“M'aussi (me too)” Taylor replied

“I been ready” Nicki chimed in, making Taylor and Cai look over at her.

“Taylor, I’ll catch up with you later on baby girl. I’m sorry for her behavior, but I’m not sorry I came. Looks like this is going to be a very interesting night” Jermaine smiled giving Taylor a hug.

“It’s not your fault she’s a gold digging hoe Jermaine, but I’m so glad you here. Oh, the nights still young, who knows what might happen” Taylor replied with a smile coming out of their hug, then wrapping her arms around my torso leaning her head up against my body.

“It was nice meeting you Cai” Jermaine smiled shaking her hand

“The pleasure’s all mine” Cai returned the smile and hand shake

“Nicki, nice to meet you too” he nodded in her and Trey’s direction

“Nice meeting you too Jermaine” Nicki turned attention to him long enough to smile, then continued shooting Karrueche with her deadly glare.

“See ya later Chris” Karrueche smiled seductively tryin her hardest to get to me

“Humph NO YOU WON’T” I said sternly, shaking my head and pulling Taylor closer to me and I could literally feel her body tense up in my grasp. Jermaine grabbed her hand and pulled her away giving her a deadly glare as well.

“Oh my gawd, I can’t believe her!! I just want to punch her in the face, stomp a hole in her ass” Taylor said

“Calm down bestie, this is Justin’s night, don’t let her ruin the good time we’ve been having and are going to continue to have” Cai said rubbing Taylor’s back

“Yeah barbz, at least wait until Justin leaves before you beat her down” Nicki smiled making all of us laugh and lightening the mood a little

“Baby, don’t waste your time on trash, it’ll get taken out soon enough” I said gently rubbing the back of my hand across her cheek.

“I know it will. This has the makings of a very interesting night” Taylor smirked. I leaned over and kissed her lips, changing that smirk into a smile

“I got my money on Tay” Trey laughed

“Money on Tay for what?” Mijo said walking up to us with Carmen in tow. “What I miss?” he asked looking around at the 5 of us confused

“Kae” Nicki said

“Can we call her something else, do we have to call her Kae?” Cai said with a frown

“Yeah Picahoe or Kamoochie” Taylor laughed

“How about Egg Roll” Nicki laughed

“I like Picahoe, it fits her perfectly” Carmen chimed in

“Ok then, we’ll call her Picahoe” Taylor said with a smile “I just know she better stay her ass away from me tonight, because I can’t promise I won’t go off on her if she comes in my face again” she continued turning around in my arms so that she faced everybody and her back was against my chest.

“Did you see how Jermaine was checking out Cai?” Nicki asked

“Yeah I saw that, he was checking her out before we even knew Picahoe was with him”

“Jermaine is here?!?” Carmen exclaimed

“Yeah he’s here, you have to see him, he’ll love to see you” Taylor smiled to Carmen

“Who is Jermaine?” Mijo asked looking confused as usual

“That’s Taylor’s cousin, J.Cole I think is his stage name” I replied

“Oh ok. Baby how do you know him?” he asked Carmen

“That was ace back in the day” she smiled

“Yeah, they were like best friends, all four of us were. Me, Carmen, Justin, and Jermaine. Carmen was more like family around us” Taylor smiled as GT started playing Headlines by Drake

“C’mon baby” I said taking her hand and leading her to the dance floor. When we got on the dance floor, I pulled her as close to me as I could get her, letting my hands rest on the small of her back. “You okay baby” I asked her as she looked up at me

“I’m fine bae”

“You sure, I know how she gets under your skin” I replied

“Yeah I’m sure slim. She’s just trying to get in my head and make me think that you’re just with me to make her jealous, and she’s trying to get you back” she said resting her head on my chest

“I’m not doing either, so you have nothing to worry about”

“Oh I’m not worried about that, about me and you, I just don’t want her anywhere near Jermaine or anyone in my family for that matter” she smiled up at me.

“I know you don’t baby. I love you shawty doo wop” I smiled down at her

“I love you more slim” she giggled