Miami, Florida

Elle's house

The woman sat watching the kids play Les swam around with Danny on his back playing. Basketball with Roman. While Starr had Scout on her lap in a floatie "I can't believe their 15 years old and Starr is so good with her" Sam says. "Well just see it as Danny will be that age in 10 years and these mofos will in their twenties" Elle said. Making her friend smile " Do you remember when they first met Danny they were asking you and Curtis to have another one.

So what's going on with the two of you are you on are you off I mean he's sober and clean I saw you guys talking. At the party so talk to me what's on that mind of yours" her friend asked running her hands through her short hair.

With a sigh "I don't know I'm caution but I'm happy for them but as far me and him I don't know. Will just have to see I mean he asked me and I told him one thing at a time it's can't be like before where I had to shelter them.

From the bullshit and I just don't want that Sam when it's good it so good and when it's bad it's just a nightmare. Now I'm not saying he's a bad person because he isn't it's just I don't want to do the back forth any more" Elena says.

"So basic shit of get off the pot" Sam says, In a nutshell basically yes I don't want him to want me because of the kids. I want him to want to be here because this is where he wants to be" her friend replies finishing her drink.

Suddenly "DADDY'S HOME" Curtis shouted as he came in with his bags on his shoulder as Elle looked at Sam. "What's up pops! both Roman and Les shouted, Hi daddy" Estrella says floating by with Scout whose feet where kicking the water. Before his eyes landed on Elle who looked him straight in the eyes before turning away "Hey Elena, Sam"he said.

As he put his hands in his pocket " hello Curtis uumm Elle I think I'm going to go Drew is probably on his way home soon so I can bathe the kids. And start the grill Danny come on tell your cousin bye and give Titi a hug and a kiss chop ,chop"Sam says. "No Sam it's not necessary you guys can stay and we can all have dinner together"Elle says.

Looking at her friend pleadingly" Umm I think you guys should talk anyway" she said giving Elle a look. As she took Scout from Starr giving the girl a kiss on the cheek with Les and Roman. Doing the same Before her friend sighs"Bye Titi love you, hi uncle Curtis" Danny says hugging Elle.

"Love you to papi, bye mi amorcita that's fucked up Sam" she whispered to her friend who smiled and walked away. Leaving Curtis and Elle there he looked at her"well I'm going to start dinner kids your dad is here enjoy" Elena says.

Starting to walk around Curtis when he grabbed her and stop her "wait can we talk just talk I promise"he says. With s sigh shaking her head " We've been here Curtis I can't and won't put myself and them through that" she says.

Pulling away from him then going inside all he could do stand and stare then shaking his head "I'll be back" he says. Les had gotten out the pool going to check on his mother when his father stopped him. "I got it go have fun" Curtis says, as boy looked him straight in the eyes" yeah sure I'm going to help my mother"Les says. That's when Curtis put his hands on the teenagers chest"I said I got it go hang out with your brother and sister" the man says.

As the teen looked at him defiantly with those same eyes as his mother before backing away and walking away. While Curtis took a deep breath and went inside not knowing that Elle was watching. Proud if her big baby she was in the refrigerator when he came in.

"Stop staring Curtis it's not like you've never seen me with a bathing suit on" she said with out turning around. Putting his hands in his pocket"Umm I'm not I just didn't expect to walking to bent over in the refrigerator is all.

Les seems more defiant then usual I could have sworn he was sizing me up"Curtis says. Still not turning around" He probably was because he knows about what happened the last time. You know you rushing off to help Candace and saying fuck me and your kids.

And your dumb ass get shot and the bitch couldn't bother to come to the hospital. Because she had you work a case off the books well he knows so his attitude is a reflection of that"she answered. Pulling the steak out the refrigerator along with some platanos. "What did you expect me to do Elle as a man someone attacks my woman what was supposed to do.

Answer me that let your daddy handle it for me NO I'M A GROWN ASS MAN WHO CAN TAKE CARE OF MY OWN FAMILY"he says. Making her turn around "First off don't raise your voice at me and second I never said that what I did say we needed you. FUCK I NEEDED YOU AND YOU WEREN'T HERE LES CAME HOME AND HE FOUND ME BECAUSE THE COACH CANCELLED PRACTICE.

HE HELPED ME BEFORE HIS BROTHER AND SISTER CAME HOME AND HE'S LIKE WHERE'S DAD WHY ISN'T HE HERE WITH YOU. I WAS VULNERABLE CURTIS AND YOU LEFT BECAUSE YOUR PRIDE WAS HURT NOBODY EVER SAID YOU COULDN'T. PROTECT US BUT WE ALL NEED HELP CURTIS THAT'S WHAT FAMILY IS FOR TO HELP YOU FIGHT BUT YOU HAD TO PLAY THE MARTYR.

WHEN I NEEDED YOU SO WHAT DID YOU EXPECT ME TO DO" she spit right back, " It was my fault Elle I was sloppy and you paid for it I wanted to kill him. For what he did It was my job to protect you and I failed you just like I failed my brother" Curtis said breaking down. She knew that was it but hearing him say it out loud her heart broke for him taking a deep breath.

His head was down she could tell he was crying "Curtis look at me what happened to Tommy wasn't your fault alright and my situation wasn't your fault either. I didn't blame you and I'm sure he wouldn't either look it could have been worse the kids could have been there. But they weren't why do you keep blaming yourself"Elle said wiping his tears "because I am to blame and you should blame me I did this" he replies.

"Would it make you feel better If I did blame you so that you can wallow No Curtis it's a cop out and you know it. I'm not going to give you that because it's bullshit I'm not giving you excuses you are a father and lord knows your not a perfect one. But those kids love you and you need to stop this bullshit and get it together no more excuses we are to old for it.

It happened Curtis why are you so convinced to holding on to pain I know pot meet kettle much Elena. But I don't hate you I was pissed that you weren't there when I needed you the most it's why I said let someone else handle it. It was that bitches job but you didn't see she was playing you and I told you what would happen. And you thought that she would back you come on Curtis you guys broke up you got with 18 year old.

So she was bitter about that always has been you think she was really trying to help me please. She sent you into ambush hoping to kill you to hurt me and you couldn't see that so it is what it is" Elle said. "So what do we do now because I know I want to be with you wait a minute" he says.

Searching his bag when he found what he was looking for taking it out shocking her. "Curtis that is too soon for that" she says stepping back "Wait no that is not what I meant.

That night you where attack I was getting this it's why I wanted the kids at your parents and for you to meet me at that restaurant. Because I was going to propose to you that night I had it all planned out and he ruined that for me.

I was going to sweep your off your feet baby I love you I always have from the moment you said to me. If your gonna talk ,talk if not don't waste my time" he said making them both smile.

"One step at a time Curtis you have to show me that your consistent" Elle says taking her hand in his. "Okay fine so can I help you with dinner" Curtis says, yes you can but you need to talk to your son first they are what matters" she said.

Shaking his head "I'm going to give you this ring one of these days and your going to be my wife like you should have been. Ten years ago but everything went wrong my mother loved you so much and I blew it.

She wanted to watch us get married so bad" he says looking over at him and sighs "that is why I said one step at a time Curtis. She'll get her wish one of theses day" Elle says, I hope so because I have wanted to marry you for a really long time" he said. As she hugged him "One day Curtis one day" she replies when the kids came into the house stopping and looked at them.

Strangely as Starr started laughing "oh stop it Starr cut the platanos outside, Roman go start the grill and help me take this stuff out" she said leaving. Curtis and Elesandro alone as they both looked at each other" Come let's talk" his father said as the teen begrudgingly followed.

Boston, Massachusetts

"So what you think" Morgan said as he did the marketing for La Reya's Boston as she went over the books. "I like it that will bring up revenue because that's very Boston babe"she replied.

"I know I spoke to Ryan we got a visit from Paddy again he's pushing it Reya"he said. Putting her papers down"Why because you beat his son ass he broke the agreement and he can be made if he wants.

But at the end of the day that's his business we are running a legitimate business and that shit is bad for business. And not to mention you could lose your license and put us out of business. I would think that's what the most important you know that shit is fucking ridiculous" she responds.

As he got up"He's lucky all he got was a black eye for that dumb ass stunt so Fiancee why don't we do something fun"Morgan says. Wiggling his eyebrows as he spins her chair around when he goes to kiss her. Making her laugh at his obvious ploy to get office nookie suddenly there was a knock.

At the door"Go away we're busy"he said against her lips as she laughed "To busy for me"Koji said coming into the office. As both them pulled back"Papi what are you doing here "Reya says getting up and hugging him. "What's going on pops"Morgan asked but his gut was telling him they both already knew why he was doing there.

Patting the young man on the back"What was the first thing I taught you" the man asked, "Owning your mistakes so nobody can never use it to cripple your character as a man" Morgan answered. Shaking his head "Okay so what are you going to do own it or let your friends clean it up" Koji replies. When Morgan smiled "I've been thinking about it since I spoke to Sam the other day and I know Jason was on the strip asking question the other day.

So I made my move my father has had his eye on the properties off of pier 54 and I bought them right from up under him. As well as a slew of other properties he's had his eyes on and before you asked It's under our LLC MRS incorporated. Based in Detroit with several properties in cities we've never been I didn't add Boston or Miami. And to top it off we will be going there really soon so I have a plan we just need the man power" Morgan said.

Koji smiled "I like your strategy kid but you have to not be seen until you want them to so what's this plan. You have and tell me more about that" the man says, he smirked " can we get you lunch back at the house" the young man said. As he helped Reya get her coat on Koji shook his head "Vamonos" he says as Morgan grabbed his coat as they left.