So Gone - By Jennifer Luckett Page 0,53

knocked me down, I planned to hop back up.

“If you can cook, I will come,” Rocco kidded.

“I’m originally from Memphis, Tennessee, and my family is full of women who can throw down in the kitchen. I have learned from the best,” I shamelessly bragged.

“I'll see if you can back it up,” he said.

At home I showered, then began preparing the dinner that I had promised Rocco. When dinner was almost ready, I called him and he promised to come right over. Thirty minutes later, still no Rocco.

I looked out the front window and noticed a new-modeled Ford Expedition in Rocco’s yard. A short pregnant female came out of his house, got something out of the truck, and then went back inside.

The bastard claimed that he wasn’t involved with anyone, so why was that bitch at his house? Maybe she was the reason that he was so late for dinner. I was tired of no good niggas, and I wasn’t going to accept that bullcrap off him either. It seemed like I couldn’t win for losing. Things like this will drive a woman to give up on men, period, I thought to myself.

Trust Issues

Molaysia

I’d had more than enough of dealing with sheisty men. I had slaved in my kitchen trying to prepare dinner, and Rocco was probably booed up at his house with another broad.

My kitchen was smelling good with the scent of baked chicken, greens, cornbread, candied yams, and corn on the cob. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to go over to Rocco’s house and confront him. He wasn’t my man, but I needed to know if he was real or worthy of my time. If he was about the games, it would be in my best interest to leave him alone before any feelings developed between us.

I hopped up from my sofa and marched over to his residence to see what was really going on. I was in my feelings, ready to lash out on him for everything any man had ever done to me in my lifetime. When I made it to his house, I leaned on the doorbell.

Rocco opened the door wearing a smile. “Hey, Molaysia. I’m sorry that I’m late for dinner.”

“Yeah, whateva! Can you step outside for a minute or two? There's something I need to say to you.”

"Oh, is there a problem?"

"You think?" I replied sarcastically.

Rocco smiled.

"Is something funny?" I asked tersely.

"Actually, it is." His smile widened. “Come inside. I see what this is about. It's not what you think though,” he said. “My sister stopped by unexpectedly.”

He steered me inside, nodding at the pregnant young lady sitting on his recliner. “This is my sister, Aniyah. Sis, this is the beautiful Molaysia,” he introduced us, saying my name like it was honey on his tongue.

I let out a long sigh of relief, and looked at Rocco apologetically. I spoke to Aniyah then had a seat beside her on the sofa. Rocco sat beside me with his arm around my shoulders. The three of us engaged in a nice conversation about child rearing and early child development.

"Aniyah, would you care to join your brother for dinner at my house?" I offered after finding her company enjoyable.

"I would hate to impose, but don't ask me twice because I won't turn you down. Don't forget I'm eating for two."

We shared a laugh, and then I convinced her to accept my invitation.

After dinner, Aniyah said that she had another engagement. She thanked me for the hospitality and said goodbye.

Rocco and I moved into the den and sat down on the couch. He placed his arm around my shoulders. “What did you want to say to me when you asked me to come outside earlier?” he teased.

“I was trying to see if you wanted me to bring you a plate since you were late, and the food was getting cold,” I feigned innocence.

“Stop it.” He laughed. “You just wanted to see if Aniyah was my woman.”

I was so embarrassed.

Rocco ensured me that I didn’t have to worry about him playing games and being dishonest. “I’m going to be straight up with you at all times,” he promised.

"I would really appreciate it," I said whole-heartedly.

We spent two hours talking about the importance of honesty. When he was ready to leave, I walked him to the door. As we stood facing each other, he placed his arms around my waist and pulled me toward him for a kiss.

I placed my palms against his chest to stop