All Mye Queen's Men, Chronicles of Love - Volume II, page 33
“Queen, I'm sorry.”
“Again, how did this happen? So you didn't bother to use protection? What? Tell me something.”
“Queen, you know I don't sleep with nobody without a condom. I don't really know how the shit happened. I only slept with her ass one time since you told me to leave her alone. I ran into her at the studio. We played around with some lyrics she wrote and laid a track for her new CD. The shit just kicked off after we wrapped up the session. Next thing I know she's pregnant.”
“I knew that she was going to do this shit. She's a gold digging skank. That's why I told you to leave her ass alone. So much for good advice.”
“You were right. I wish I had listened to you.”
Tears burn Queen’s face as it becomes painfully obvious that their relationship was finally over. Teddy holds her in silence, in an attempt to comfort her. She wipes her eyes and composes herself.
“Queen, I'm sorry.” He apologizes.
“Yeah I know. Saying it a hundred times is not going to make it hurt any less. So, I guess that's what the card and the car are really all about?”
“No, not at all. I got a really good deal on the car, when I brought the Escalade. And the card is because I love you and I've been such a dick to you.”
“I'm talking about the American Express card.”
“Oh that. You know every time I get a card you get one too. Ain’t shit changed.”
“You know you're not getting it back.” Queen somehow managed to laugh through her tears.
“I don't want it back. You know that I don't want anything back that I gave you. The house, the cars, the money, the credit cards, the vacation home, hell my house in L.A. they all belong to you.” Teddy hugs her and kisses her on the forehead. “I gave you those things because I love you. Absolutely nothing will ever change that.”
“I love you too, but you're going to be so pissed when you get that American Express bill.”
Teddy smiled and pulled her closer. “I'll survive. But, I'm not sure how I'll survive without you though.”
“I'm sure you'll manage. You and Miracle will move together and have a house full of buckteeth kids.” Queen joked.
“Fuck all that bullshit!” Teddy laughed.
“Queen, it's not that I didn't try to be faithful. I know you don't deserve that shit. You're right Christian's good for you. He's got his head on right. He'll treat you like you deserve to be treated. I just can't be the nigga you need me to be right now. Hell, I don't know if I ever will be. Don't fuck it up with Christian by trying to hang on to me.
“So you don't want me anymore?”
“Girl you know better than that. I just want you to be happy. We'll still talk every day. Will I miss tearing that ass up? Hell yeah! But if you're happy then I'm happier.”
Tears seep from Queen's eyes and run down her face again as Teddy hugs her and then pushes her towards the door.
“Fix your face and go get your boy. I need to talk to him.” Queen wipes her eyes and heads for the door. Halfway there she runs back and jumps in Teddy's arms. She hugs him tight before kissing him full in the mouth. “I love you. You know that right? Nothing or no one will ever change that fact.”
“I love you too Mye Queen.” Teddy proclaimed as he sampled Queen's lips one last time. “Now go get Chris. I need to talk to him.”
“No fighting. If you hurt him I'll black both your eyes. And you know I can do it.”
“I'm not going to bother that nigga. Although I should beat his bitch ass on general principle, but I'm not. I'm cool, just go get him.”
Queen wipes the tears from her face before opening the door to the suite. She looks back at Teddy to see if he has had a change of heart. He nods to indicate that it was okay. Everyone is listening at the door and almost fall in, when she opens the door, except Christian that is. He is pacing back and forth along the corridor. Queen spots him and runs over to him and jumps in his arms. He grabs her and hugs her tight afraid to let her go. Queen kisses him passionately. Christian swings her around in his arms and kisses her, sucking her tongue deep into his mouth.
“Are you okay? What happened in there?”
“Let's just say I'm free to seek new management.” Queen smiled.
“Oh yeah? How does Teddy feel about that?”
“I don't know. Ask him. He wants to talk to you.
“Is this nigga calm, because I'm not for his bullshit?”
“Yeah, he's okay. Did he tell you that he's going to be a dad.”
“He's what?”
“It's a long story. He'll tell you about it.”
“So, how do you feel about that?”
“I'm okay. It hurts like hell, but I can finally move on. I guess it’s the bandage that I need to break free.”
“Alright, well let's see what he wants to talk about.”
CHAPTER 42
Moments later Queen and Christian enter the suite holding hands. Teddy who is getting a drink from the bar, although uneasy remains cool. “I guess I might as well get use to that bullshit. Queen can you give us a minute?”
“No! I'm not going to leave you two alone. It's too soon for that bull.”
“Chris, check your woman man.”
“Whatever, Bear. I'm not leaving. You couldn’t control me. What makes you think that he can?”
“Look, this is man talk. Unless you grew a penis over the past three months I suggest you wait outside.”
“Smart ass.” Queen retorted.
“Dickless.” Teddy retaliated.
“I'm still not leaving. I don't care what you say.”
“Queen, it's cool. Wait downstairs for me. I need to talk with Teddy alone.”
“But I just ....”
“Baby, give us a minute. It's important that we have this talk.”
Queen reluctantly leaves not before giving Teddy the universal – “I'll black both of your eyes hand signal.”
Teddy laughs before downing his drink. “That's your woman.”
Christian watches her hesitantly leave the suite. “Yeah, I guess it is.... Look man, I'm so fuckin sorry the shit went down the way it did. The last thing I meant to do was to hurt you, but I fell in love with her the second I saw her and I just couldn't back away.”
“Don't sweat it. I probably deserved it and a whole lot more. I shouldn't have treated Queen the way I did. I should have stopped fucking around and made an effort to spend more time with her. It was just a matter of time before I got a taste of my own bullshit. Hell, I would have done the same thing if I was in your situation, but probably a lot sooner.” Teddy extends his hand in friendship. The two shake hands and hug. “Look, I know I ticked off on you and tried to swing on you and shit. But you know that you'll always be my boy. I was more hurt than mad.” Teddy admits as he pours and offers Christian a drink.
“Don't worry about it. I didn't take any of that shit to heart. You were angry and you had a right to be. I shouldn't have ever put our friendship in jeopardy like that. Honestly, I didn't set out to come between you and Queen. I know I crossed the line. But, I fell so hard for her. I tried to distance myself, but I didn't get far.”
“Oh trust me, I understand. I've been there myself before.”
“Still, I just knew that you were going to lose your damn mind when you found out. But actually you were pretty tame.” Christian admitted.
“Queen, knows how to reel me back and calm me down before I get too far gone.”
“Yeah, I see. Apparently she's some kind of Bear Whisperer or some shit.” Christian joked. They laugh.
“I guess. Look, Queen and I will always be connected. Now, somehow I'm going to find a way to be okay with the two of you hooking up. I don’t know how, but I will. But the thing is that Queen's my best friend and I need you to be cool with our friendship.”
“Hey, I don't have a problem with it. Just as long you're friends without benefits.”
“You don't have to worry about that. Queen ain't even down for bullshit like that. She told you that I'm going to be a father, didn't she?”
“A father? Who the hell was stupid enough to screw your whoring ass without a condom?”
“Oh you got jokes. Lucky for you it wasn't your new girl.”
“Yeah, thank God for small favors. So, who's your baby mama?”
“Miracle.”
“The R&B singer, Miracle?” Christian asked surprised. “I thought that shit was over a while ago.”
“Yeah I did too. I guess I double dipped one time too many. What can I say? I had a good run while it lasted.”
“That you did. Damn man, you're going to be a dad. Congratulations.”
“It's not official, we still have to go through paternity testing after the baby is born. But thanks man. Look, about Queen... Don't fuck over her, man. Because I swear if you fuck up and hurt her...”
“You don't have to worry about that. I'm going to take good care of her. She'll never want for anything. You have my word on that. So are we cool?” Christian asks as he extends his hand in friendship.
“Yeah, we're good. It'll take some getting used to but we're cool.” Teddy shakes his hand and pulls him in for a bro hug.
“Good cause I need a big favor.”
“Damn nigga. You already got my heart. Now what nigga?”
“Let me hold that Tiffany box in your lapel pocket.”
“What? Do you know what's in this box?” Teddy asked shocked at Christian’s request.
“I hope it's what I think it is. Did Queen see it?”
“No. She doesn't know anything about it. I was going to surprise her with it later.” Teddy pulls the Tiffany ring box out of his inside jacket pocket and opens it up for Christian to see. Inside the box is a stunning engagement ring.
“Damn! That shit is like the North Star.”
“This bitch is brighter than the North Star. Probably costs as much too.” Teddy declared.
“Let me buy it from you, unless you plan to give it to Miracle.”
I'm not giving Miracle shit but child support. This is Queen's ring. It was custom made for her.”
“Okay. So, how much do you want for it?”
“Nigga, this ring cost more than you made last year combined with the year before that.”
“Teddy, I can see that, but hook me up with a payment plan or some shit. Queen will love this. It's perfect for her.”
“Bitch, I know. I had it made specifically for her.
“Nigga, I know. So let me give it to her. You know I'm good for it.”
“I can't believe that you actually think that I'm going to let you propose to Mye Queen with the damn ring that I bought for her. You must have lost your damn mind.”
“I know, but I want to do it tonight and it's not like you're going to be using it. So...”
“I don't believe this shit! You are so fucking lucky that I love that girl so damn much.” Teddy closes the ring box and then hesitates. “Are you sure you want to do this? North Star diamond or not, Queen's going to say no. Trust me I know. I've asked her a half of dozen times and each time the answer was no.”
“Hey, that's the risk I got to take. I'm in love with her and I want to marry her. Besides, it's all in the presentation.”
“Okay Mr. presentation let’s see what you got.” Teddy declares as he hands Christian the flawless North Star Tiffany diamond ring.
CHAPTER 43
Despite all of the previous drama the reception had turned into a full blown party. Drinks were flowing freely and everyone was dancing, drinking and having a good time when DJ Charismatic interrupts. “At this time we need all single ladies to come to the floor. The Bride is ready to toss the bouquet. Again all single ladies to the floor.”
“Okay ladies let's see who the next Bride will be.” Jade said as she prepares to toss the bouquet.
Queen doesn't budge. She continues to talk with Christian and Teddy. She had already decided that fighting for the bridal bouquet at this point in her relationship with Christian would simply be a complete waste of time.
“Mye Queen, don't make me come and get you. Get up here, front and center.”
Queen sighs and reluctantly joins the other single women on the floor, who are anxiously awaiting an opportunity to catch the bridal bouquet. Jade turns her back to the women and starts the countdown to the toss.
“Okay ladies, on the count of three. One, two, two and a half, three.” On the count of three Jade pretends to toss the bouquet, but throws a decoy. As all the women except Queen scramble to look for the decoy bouquet Jade tosses the real bouquet to Queen.
“You know you deserve this. It's your turn.” Queen stares at the bouquet with mixed feelings. She looks over at Teddy and Christian who cheer her on.
“Jade, I'm afraid that I'm further now from this than I've ever been.”
“You never know.” Jade casually replies.
A chair is brought to the center of the dance floor. Jade sits in the chair and Dorian goes up her gown in search for the garter. “Did you put it all the way up like I told you?” He asked with a big sexy grin on his face.
“You know I did baby. Are you going to get it with your teeth like you promised me?”
“You are so damn nasty.” Dorian said as his head disappeared up Jade’s gown for an uncomfortable amount of time. He surfaces to the cheers of the crowd with the garter in his mouth. He instantly plants a big wet kiss on Jade’s mouth.
“Now, I need all single men to the floor. Some lucky stiff is about to get an opportunity to place this garter on that beautiful woman. Calling all single men to the floor.” Charismatic announced.
Single men of all ages flood the floor. Christian and Teddy stand back and watch until Jade goes over and drags them to the floor. Queen who is positioned next to Dorian looks bewildered and shakes her head in disbelief. She shrugs her shoulder and gives Jade an, “I told you so!” look. Dorian turns his back to the men and prepares to toss the garter.
Although Christian and Teddy both linger in the back of the pack, Derrick is front and center.
“Smile girl, it's okay. Don't worry about those two. I got this.” Derrick gestures a kiss and Queen somehow manages to smile.
“Okay on the count of three. One, two, three.” Dorian tosses the garter straight back and Derrick catches it with ease.
“Alright now. Can we have a chair for the lovely lady. What's your name Miss Lady?”
“Queen.”
“What's your name brutha?”
“Derrick.”
Teddy yells from the crowd. “That's Chocolate Thunder Down Under!”
The women applaud and cheer as Derrick gyrates and dances to the music at the sound of his stage name. Queen takes a seat in the chair.
“Okay, Derrick. This is how it works. Bridal tradition states the higher you put that garter on Queen's leg the longer Jade and Dorian's marriage will last. Now, you want this marriage to last right? Charismatic asked.
“No question.”
“Great, so we need you to take that garter all the way up as far as it will go.”
“Oh, it will be my pleasure.” Derrick grinned.
“Okay let me give you some inspiration as if you needed any more. You lucky, lucky man. Oh, I'm so jealous.” The smooth oldie but goodie- I Want to Be Your Man, by Roger and Zap permeates the atmosphere.
Teddy yells from the back of the crowd. “I'll give you hundred thousand dollars for that garter.”
The spotlight is put on Queen in the chair and Derrick begins to dance and gyrate around Queen's chair. The women go crazy.
“Not going to happen Angel! This is all me. And I plan to take it slow.”
Queen who is busy watching Derrick dance does not notice Teddy walk onto the floor. As Derrick finally gets in position to place the garter Teddy takes the garter from Derrick's hand. The women scream in anticipation as Teddy removes his tuxedo jacket.
“I got this one brutha.”
“Do your thing man.” Derrick says as he gives Teddy some dap. Queen smiles as Teddy slowly unbuttons his shirt and does his rendition of a male stripper. She looks for Christian but he has disappeared in the crowd. Teddy continues to dance and gyrate to the cheers of the women as he completely removes his shirt. Queen's eyes mist as she watches him dance for her affection.
“Exactly what are you doing?” She smiled.
“I'm trying to show you how much you really mean to me.”
“Bear, I know how much I mean to you. You're sending mixed signals. It's confusing. Please don't make this any harder for me than it already is.”
“Queen, you have no idea how hard this is for me, so just go with it.” He pleaded as he continues to dance shirtless.
Just as Teddy squats to lift Queen's dress to place the garter, Christian appears on the dance floor with a single long stem rose in his hand. He gives the rose to Queen as he softly kisses her on her lips. The women go crazy as he holds his hand out for Teddy to surrender the garter. Teddy looks at Queen blows her a kiss and places the garter in Christian's hand. The crowd goes wild.
“I got it from here.” Christian declared as he shakes Teddy's hand and gives him a big hug.
“Good luck. You're going to need it.” Teddy whispered in his ear.
“Thanks man for being cool with all of this. Your support means a lot to me.”
“Whatever. Nigga go ahead and get rejected. I'll buy you a drink when you're done.” Teddy laughed.
Christian immediately locks eyes on Queen. His sexy get devious smile haunted her. She didn't know what to expect. He goes into a slow rhythmic grind as he begins to dance around her chair to the chants of the women to, “Take it off! Take it off! Take it all off!”
Queen’s eyes are molested him as he slowly removes first his jacket and then his shirt. As sexy and provocative as any exotic male dancer he continues to work the women into a frenzy. Still, his eyes never once break eye contact with Queen's. Sensing it's finally time to face his apprehensions he moves into position to place the garter.
His hands disappear up Queen's dress and Teddy yells from the crowd. “I'll give you a million dollars, cash, for that garter.”
