Chapter 9

“Damn, I’m sorry ma! I wasn't watching where I was going.” I heard a familiar voice say as I quickly picked up everything, throwing them back in my clutch.

“Ohh it’s fine, I clearly wasn't watching where I was- Mr Brown.” I said in utter shock as I looked into his eyes after standing up.

“What did I tell you about calling me that?” He said with a blank look on his face.

“Sorry Jeremiah. Umm I-I’m sorry about that.” I said, finally snapping out of the moment we had and walking off to my uber, not letting him get another word out.

Jeremiah POV

Rolling my eyes at having to be here, I quickly pulled my phone out and decided to scroll through twitter a little bit to keep me entertained long enough till I could make up an excuse to leave. You don’t understand how annoyed and vexed I was about having to come for this so-called bridal shower. I don’t even understand why Marcel was bent on coming. I know that this event is only supposed to be for the ladies but for some reason, Marc and I were the only two men here.

Scanning over the room, I quickly saw Amaya from the community centre by the refreshments table and wondered what she was doing here. Contemplating going over there to say hi, I saw Justine walk up to her and from the looks of it she was being her usual self and giving A hella attitude. When I met up with her after I left the community center, she talked my head off about how Amaya wasn’t anything, how she was scum of the earth and was stupid if she ever thought a man of my status would look her way. We spent about 45 minutes bickering before I told her she shouldn't be so worried about someone she doesn't feel threatened by and trust me that shut her up. Sometimes I wonder how in the hell I ended up with someone like her.

Knowing what could happen with me going over there, I decided to help Amaya out.

“Listen, I-,”

“Justine, what the hell are you doing? Get out of her face.” I said as I interrupted her from speaking even further.

“Why exactly are you always defending this slut?” She asked me with rage evident in her eyes. She was now standing right in front of me, with her face inches away from mine, something I told her over and over again I hated.

“Bruh stop being so dramatic and rude to every single woman that you meet. It’s such a bad look on you and incredibly abashing for me as I’ve said before.” I said as I looked over at Amaya, feeling a strange feeling go off in my chest the more I looked into her eyes.

Finally calming Justine enough she stormed off leaving me standing there alone since Amaya walked away a couple of minutes ago.

*Phone rings*

Feeling my phone ring, I swiftly pulled it out of my pocket, happy that for a short moment, I would be distracted from all this. Seeing “Ma” flash across the screen, a smile grew on my face and I promptly answered.

“Hey ma,” I greeted as I walked out of the venue, looking for some peace and quiet.

“Ohh, so you actually picked up my call this time? You always act like you are too busy to talk to you farther and I.” She said with her voice laced with attitude.

“You know i love talking to you though ma, sometimes I just get super busy with work and my days seem to just merge together so before you know it, it has already been a week since we last talked. Forgive me?” I said with a slight chuckle, amused at how dramatic my mom could be all the time.

“It’s whatever boy. Anyways tell me, did you finally get rid of Jessica?” My mom had the strongest dislike for Justine out of all my family and friends. Justine didn't exactly give a good lasting impression to my family the first time I introduced her to them.

*Flashback*

(Phone conversation)

“Justine please make sure you make it to my parents house on time. They are some of the most punctual people you will ever meet.” I let her know as I packed up at the office, getting ready to go home, freshen up and head to my parents house. I was only introducing her because of how persistent she had become with wanting to meet my parents. I on the other hand knew what could happen tonight because of who she is, and I wasn't prepared mentally.

“Okayyy Jeremiah, sheesh. We said we’d be there at 7pm and I will be there. I’ll even come a few minutes earlier okay? I’m almost done getting my nails and hair done. Don’t worry about me.”

Stepping on the elevator, I continued to listen to her rant before I felt a notification buzz on my phone. I hung up the phone a few seconds later and went to check the notification, seeing that there was a charge of $2000 on my card. Checking to see where the money went, I chuckled when I saw a salon and boutique charge. As much as I am technically a millionaire, I really do not like spending more money on items than necessary. Justine however made it a point to spend as much as she could whenever she could.

*1 hour later*

Pulling up to my parents gate at 6:50pm, I pressed the intercom and identified myself so the guards would let me in. I parked my sleek black Audi next to my dad’s Bentley and picked up the wine and gin bottles I had picked out for my parents. Walking in the house, I was greeted by a small body slamming into my legs and hugging them extra tight.

“Uncle J!” Looking down, I saw my 3 year old niece looking up at me with wide eyes, a huge smile and her arms stretched out, waiting for me to pick her up.

“Hey little P, where’s everyone?” I asked her, wondering why the house was extra quiet.

“Oushide” She let me know, pointing to the patio that was at the back of the house.

“Ahh okay, let’s go over to them." I said as I held her in one hand and the bottles in the other hand.

“Hey family. What’s popping?” I greeted everyone as I set P down and opened my arms to hug my mom.

“Where is she?” She immediately asked, looking behind me to see if Justine was standing behind me.

“Oh she’ll be her in a couple of minutes” I let her know, seeing her look at me sideways and realising that everyone was now paying attention to the conversation.

“Welp I hope she knows to be here on time. She only has 3 minutes left.” My twin sister said while rolling her eyes and giving me a hug. “Chill, I already let her know how we are”.

“Okay guys let’s go into the house and chill in the living room while we wait for our guest.” my mom said as she looked down at her apple watch, irritation evident on her face because it was 7:15pm now. Everyone stood up and walked into the house, following my mom’s lead.

“Your girl better get here quickly. I haven't eaten all day.” My older brother Jamal said as he bucked at me and slapped the back of my head, pulling his wife Kerry behind him.

Rubbing the back of my head, I pulled out my phone, antagonized by Justine and how late she was even after I told her to be on time! “I’ll be there in a moment, let me just check where Justine is.”

Before I could call her, I saw her name flash on my screen and picked up the call. “Bruh where are you? It’s literally 7:30 and my whole family is waiting on you.”

“I’m on my way! I kind of got caught up at the nail bar, talking with the ladies there.” She let me know with a slight giggle. At this point I was over this whole dinner and was contemplating telling her not to come but my mom did go all out and cook a feast for us.

*35 minutes later*

“I should come over there and smack you Jeremiah, what type of rubbish is this? You have us all seated here waiting on this girl.” My mom said as she tried to get off my dad’s lap but was held back by his arms wrapped around her waist which I was thankful for.

“Honestly guys I’m sorry. We should just eat n-” Feeling my phone vibrate, I saw a text from Justine saying she was outside. “Speak of the devil. She’s here. Let me go bring her in.”

“Ugh finally, making us wait on her like she’s the queen or something.” Krystal said as she sucked her teeth and rolled her eyes.

Walking out the door, I walked up to Justine’s car and opened her door, helping her out and scanning her outfit which was quite inappropriate for the occasion. She was wearing a pair of jean shorts with a low cut black top that showed off her breasts excessively, paired with bright pink stiletto heels.

“What the hell are you wearing?” I asked her, feeling repulsed by her altogether. “Don’t you like the outfit? I bought it specifically for today.” She said as she twirled around and smiled up at me.

“You do know I am introducing you to my family and this is the outfit you pick? What happened to women wearing knee-length dresses with long sleeves and being covered up? I already know my family is going to clown you. Don’t say I didn't warn you.” I let her know as I began walking to the house.

Opening the door, I took a deep breath and waited for her to stand by my side, looking up at my family that had all decided to stand together in the foyer with smiles on their faces despite how mad they obviously were. The moment she walked in, everyone’s eyes darted to her and I slowly saw the way smiles faltered here and there before fake smiles were plastered on their faces.

“Everyone, this is my girlfriend Justine.” I let them know, looking directly at my mom as she looked at me as well with a fake smile on her face but wrath in her eyes. Knowing this was about to be a long night, I said a quick prayer in my head, asking God to somehow allow the night to go well despite how much Justine had already put my family off.