I hope that happy holidays were had by all, defiantly for these loves:
LovinHueyFreeman, NarutoPlug, Firegirl19, taydo-the-potato, BoondocksFever234, Chel29, gimme a plate, Cai-the-potato, Your Hitta, SuadamPanyuthapum, BrownBae, DaBhaddestBih, RileysGirl, and CocoaMoon.
Short intro because it's already been too long. Missed you guys and this story! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Aaron McGruder's The Boondocks or any of his characters.
"I know y'all seen niggas with spinning rims, right? But check it, check it, check it.
I'm sayin' on a BIKE though?
And then like when I pop a wheelie, knaa'mean? And that front wheel be up off the ground, it keeps spinnin'! Whoo-hoo-hoo boy! Man niggas hate when I do that-"
"Somebody get me out of here… before I shoot this fucking kid."
"They just mad cuz I be like uh! Uh! Uh!"
~Riley Freeman & The Interrogator; Thank You For Not Snitching
Jazmine's POV
She knew something was off just based on the text responses, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
It had started early with Cindy after Jazmine had texted her first.
Jazmine: Morning! What time do you want to get here so we can all ride over together? :)
Cindy: Hey girl. I've got some stuff to take care of today. I'll just drive myself there tonight once I'm ready.
The real red flag had come after Huey sent Riley the text later in the afternoon.
Huey: Be at the house by 6pm if you want a ride.
Riley: I'm good. Leaving with Caesar to be there early.
That was odd. Riley didn't like to be anywhere early, let alone a party. Why wouldn't he want to ride together? Cindy too. They always carpooled together as a group.
Why would New Year's Eve be any exception?
Jazmine contemplated this while she fiddled with her hair in the bathroom mirror, still waiting for her highlighter to finish baking on her face. Maybe she was reading too much into it. Everything and everyone seemed pretty merry on Christmas just a few days ago. Riley seemed to be in a good mood for the most part. Cindy was a little quieter than normal, but Jazmine knew that her mom had to be heavy on her mind that day based on her reaction to Riley's gift. The rest of the boys, her parents, and even Huey were their normal selves as usual, regardless of the holiday. The only person that seemed just slightly out of place was Landon. Not in a horribly awkward way or anything. He was still just finding his role and adjusting into their crew. That was normal.
…For the most part. Jazmine added in her head, starting to dust off her powder. If she was being honest with herself, fine, it was a little awkward. Only because Landon never really seemed to engage with anyone else. The only person he ever talked to or even looked at really was Cindy.
Well, he did look at Riley a few times. But it more-so seemed like a glare. On both parts.
Jazmine shook her head, reaching for her blush powder next. The awkward triangle that Cindy denied definitely still existed, and Jazmine wanted to stay all the way out of it. But it was almost impossible to ignore. She had to imagine the insecurity that Landon probably felt in regard to Riley when things were fresh, but that was in the past. And she knew that Riley obviously wanted the best for Cindy and wanted her to be happy, but he needed to trust her judgement.
Is Landon the best for her though? Is Cindy truly happy? And more importantly, is that what it's truly about for Riley?
"Not your business, Jazmine." She uttered to herself, applying one last coat of gloss over her lipstick. Once she was done, she eyed herself in the mirror and took in her full look. She had to admit, she felt good as hell in her shimmery and sequined green mini dress. So she wouldn't freeze, she covered it with a fluffy white cardigan that was both sleeveless and faux-fur. To top it off, she paired the outfit with her new Gucci belt, black suede over-the-knee boots, and styled her hair with inspiration from her favorite Spice Girl: two mini space buns with the rest left natural and free.
"I'm ready!" Jazmine announced, entering back into Huey's bedroom. He was reading at his computer desk, already dressed in marbled gray crewneck and dark jeans. She didn't miss the way his eyes briefly skimmed over her body once he glanced up from his book.
"Do we have to go?" Huey asked casually enough, but that look in his eye gave him away.
"Yes, we certainly do." Jazmine giggled, walking to the dresser to set down her makeup bag and grab her clutch instead. "The party already started by now, I'm sure."
"We can still go later, I'm sure." He mimicked lightly.
"It takes long enough just to get there." Jazmine responded with a grin. "And it's probably going to be more crowded than it was last time. I don't want us to be parked blocks away from Hiro's house." She added seriously, thinking about the steps alone. In essence, Hiro's "house" was basically a mansion. And his self-proclaimed "get-togethers" were always full-blown parties. She could only imagine how many people would be there to celebrate to watch the ball drop and ring in the new year.
"It's already after seven, Huey." Jazmine spoke again after glancing at her phone. "Let's grab the drinks and head out now. Do you want to take Dorothy or my car?"
"Dorothy." He answered without hesitation. "So we can leave at midnight."
"We're not leaving at midnight, Huey."
"We're also not staying overnight, Jazmine." He countered as he stood from his seat, setting down his book.
"And why's that?" She asked, propping a hand on her hip as he walked towards her. She couldn't even pretend to hide the excited smile when he slid his own hand on her waist and came close, purposefully brushing his lips against her ear.
"You know why."
Almost three drinks later and Jazmine was still feeling weird vibes.
She felt it soon after she and Huey arrived at the party, which was already packed. It took awhile before they found Caesar, who looked cute and happy with his girl on his arm. However, when Jazmine asked where Riley was, she noticed how quickly his face changed as he shot her a look.
"Dude had to have been drinking before I even picked him up." Caesar had told them as he glanced around. "I've only seen him in passing since we got here. And every time I've seen him, he's had a new cup, or can, or something in his hand."
That was the first tip-off. Even more so when she finally saw Riley physically. It was obvious from even across the room that he was drunk. He was among a group of people at the pool table, leaning against his cue stick unsteadily while he smack-talked the current player taking his turn. He barely grunted in their direction as they approached to tell him hi. He kept his focus on the table as he moved to shakily line up his shot next. Everything about him just seemed off as Jazmine observed him. Even down to his outfit, a plain beige hoodie and baggy jeans, looked out of place for him at the party.
Huey and Jazmine eventually left the room once it became obvious Riley wasn't going to engage with them, too busy harassing his random pool crowd. They reunited with Caesar and Lindsay again and conversed while they shared a few drinks, with the exception of Huey. They got to talk with Hiro for a few minutes at one point, but didn't want to distract him too much from hosting and doing his music.
It was at that point when Jazmine witnessed her second tip-off, this time after she'd already finished her first drink and two jello shots. They were still in the main room Hiro was DJing that seemed constantly full of people. She didn't know how she noticed, once again she was halfway across the room while she was loosely swaying and talking with Huey. But when she turned her head, she happened to have a clear view towards the wall to Riley. She didn't even know he had been in the room until that point, but had apparently been there for a minute. He was leaned back on one of the leather couches, one hand holding a cup, and the other hand holding a woman's hand in front of him… as she grinded on him.
"Huh?" Jazmine had mumbled, trying to focus even though people kept walking in her path.
"What is it?" She'd heard Huey ask.
Jazmine didn't look away as she gestured with her head. "Who is Riley with over there?"
"How would I know? Some girl."
"Some girl that's not Tish though." Jazmine clarified, confirming the fact the longer she stared. She hadn't been seeing things. The young woman rubbing all over Riley's lap most definitely wasn't his girlfriend. She was black for one thing with a deep burgundy weave. As the current song started to fade, the girl turned around to face Riley and lean towards his ear. He was no longer holding her hand at this point, now trailing it down her side before stopping at her upper thigh. Jazmine shook her head, watching him boldly caress her leg while the girl took her time at his ear. Once she finally pulled back, she attempted to fix her dress by tugging down the hem of the skirt before starting to walk away. Jazmine felt herself moving as soon as she did.
"I'll be right back." She had said to Huey, not giving him a chance to hold onto her before she slipped away.
She had heard Huey say something like "leave it alone", but she found this debatable as she kept her focus ahead, watching him pull a lighter and his pack of cigarettes from his pocket. She cleared her throat once she stood in front of him, waiting until he lit the end of his Black before he glanced up towards her.
"You should really do that outside." Jazmine had told him with a frown.
Riley stared at her in return before blowing out a slow stream of smoke in her direction. Then he grinned. "Have one outside with me then."
"Um, no." She replied at once, waving away the cloud in annoyance. He knew she didn't smoke. "What are you doing?"
"What does it look like to you, J?" He countered in response, leaning back in his seat.
"Who was that?" She rolled her eyes. "That girl who was here with you a minute ago… dancing."
Riley let out a snicker in surprise. "Shit if I know."
"What about your girlfriend?" Jazmine gave him a questioning look.
Riley had let out another dry chuckle, making strong eye contact with her as he held the cigarette to his lips. "What girlfriend?"
Jazmine raised an eyebrow at him in confusion. "Uh, Tish?"
Riley blinked at her with a smirk, rising slowly to his feet before he blew another gust of smoke at her. "Aww Jazz, there you go again." He'd spoken coolly, taking an unstable half-step towards her. "You're so fuckin' cute when you're all up in my business." He told her, briefly cupping and pinching her cheek as he brushed past her.
"What the hell, Riley?" Jazmine had said to his back, not appreciating the patronizing gesture while she wiped at her face.
Jazmine didn't know what Riley's deal was. She didn't know Cindy's either, which made it her third red flag. They'd barely texted each other all day, and when they did, it was Jazmine pursuing. Even if Cindy apparently had "stuff" to do, she never elaborated on what exactly that was at all. When Jazmine had asked, Cindy had simply responded with "errands". And when Jazmine asked again, multiple times, when she would get to the party, Cindy just kept saying "soon". By 11:30pm, Jazmine was honestly convinced that she wouldn't be showing up at all. Until she texted her a "here" message not long after.
"Finally." Jazmine mumbled to herself, reaching for one of the bottles of chilled champagne on the kitchen island.
"You should slow down." Huey eyed her.
"I'm not drinking it now, I'm just getting it ready for midnight. And one for Cindy, she just got here." She explained, grabbing two disposable flutes.
"Bout time." Caesar commented, coming up beside her and reaching for a flute as well.
"Where's Lindsay?" She asked him.
"She ran into some of her friends. I'll meet back up with her in a bit." He explained. "Where's Reez?"
"Who knows?" Huey rolled his eyes.
"I saw him head outside to the balcony." Jazmine said as she poured some champagne into Caesar's glass.
"It's cold as shit out there."
"He's probably in the gazebo part." She referred to the covered section of the deck as she glanced back down at her phone. "In fact… come on." She spoke again while she sent a quick text. "I just told Cindy to meet us out there."
"But the warmth inside though." Caesar whined.
"Also why?" Huey added.
"It's heated in the part we're going to and I'd like to at least have some time to hang out before the new year." Jazmine told them matter-of-factly while she lifted her flutes. "Come on."
"Ugh fine. I'll meet you out there, I'm just gonna tell Lindsay." Caesar conceded while he left the kitchen in the opposite direction of them.
"It's not like we're leaving exactly at midnight." Huey said to Jazmine while they walked into the side den. "Soon after yes, but not-"
"Everyone's acting frickin' weird." She cut him off suddenly.
"Uh, okay?" Huey raised an eyebrow at her statement. "And by everyone you mean…?"
"Riley and Cindy mainly."
"I think you mean only."
"What in the world could've changed within six days? They're both acting off. Did something happen?"
"Possibly." Huey shrugged a shoulder. "But aren't you the one who said you wanted to stay out of their business?"
"Yeah yeah, I know what I said." Jazmine glared at him as he pulled open the sliding door for her. "I'm doing my best."
"Okay." Huey said plainly in response, prompting her to stick her tongue out at him as she passed by. She immediately popped it back into her mouth once she stepped onto the patio, shivering right away at the cold.
"He better be out here." Huey grumbled, slipping an arm around her.
Jazmine's teeth chattered, huddling more into his side as they walked. On normal circumstances, Jazmine loved coming out on Hiro's balcony deck. Especially in the summer or fall. It reminded her of a fancy boardwalk, particularly the pier-like stretch of deck that connected to the gazebo. The covered structure was completely enclosed and provided an amazing hillside view of the neighborhood.
As they approached, Jazmine was startled to see the screen door of the gazebo suddenly pop open as someone exited. She was even more surprised to recognize that someone as Ming, looking unusually chic in a wine-colored jumpsuit while she held a cigarette between her fingers.
"Ming, hi." Jazmine blurted, forcing herself to smile. Ming looked momentarily caught off guard as well, but quickly regained her indifferent expression.
"Jazmine." Ming stated in return. She merely flitted her eyes in Huey's direction before blinking back at her.
"How have you been? And what were you doing out here?" She tried to make conversation, knowing she probably wouldn't see her again for another several months.
"Trying to enjoy some peace and quiet." Ming answered the latter part of her question while lifting her cigarette up. "His brother ruined that solitude for me." She added with a sarcastic smirk, still only staring at Jazmine.
"Looks like he at least helped contribute to ruining your lungs." Huey spoke in a similar tone, noting the Black at her lips.
Ming spared him a scathing glance. "Must be a Freeman trait then, ruining everything they touch."
"I could think of more than a few traits of yours, you-"
"Well I'm cold so it's been nice seeing you again, Ming!" Jazmine cut in, nudging Huey a bit forcefully to walk before it got ugly.
"Wish I could say the same." She rolled her eyes before continuing down the deck.
"I hate her." Huey muttered the way he always did.
"Don't you think it's time to start letting it go?"
"No."
"It's been years, babe. And we're adults now." Jazmine gave him a look. "Are you telling me you're still mad at Carlo for punching you in the nose when you went to Chicago?"
"First of all, his name is Cairo. Second, he didn't punch me, he headbutted me. And third of all, yes. Yes I am."
Jazmine blinked at him as they came to the gazebo door. "Grudges aren't healthy, honey."
"If that's my only unhealthy habit, I'll risk it." Huey responded as he pulled open the door, gesturing her inside. Jazmine closed her eyes and let out a sigh of relief at the toasty temperature of the room. It felt like heaven.
"Look who it is." Riley's voice broke her from her comfort as she opened her eyes. He was seated on the far side of the gazebo, lounging in his chair as he smoked a Black of his own. "Stalking me or nah?"
"No Riley, just came to hang." Jazmine told him, setting down both of her flutes on the banister. "Caesar and Cindy are on the way too."
"Cindy?" He repeated.
"She just got here."
He seemed to keep the cigarette paused at his lips for an extra moment before he took another drag. "Should be interesting." He uttered in his next exhale.
Jazmine and Huey made brief eye contact before looking at him again. "What does that mean?" Jazmine asked him, but was distracted as the door opened.
"Whaddup, squad?" Caesar grinned while he entered. "Look who I found!" He said as he held the door open behind him.
"Hey, guys." Cindy greeted as she followed him inside. She was dressed super casually for the occasion in a chunky and oversized black sweater, ripped skinny jeans, and her white and gold Nike shoes.
"Hey." Jazmine approached her to hand her one of the champagne flutes. "Glad you were able to make it."
"Same." Cindy replied coolly before taking a small sip.
"What's been going on?" Jazmine asked right away, not understanding the weird tension.
"Just… a lot of errands and stuff I had to take care of today. That's all." She said with a shrug while she leaned against the wall.
"Where's Landon?"
Riley suddenly coughed, distracting Cindy as her eyes darted over towards him. Riley didn't even glance in her direction as he took another chug of the glass in his hand. "He's um, out of town for his job." Cindy cleared her throat, finally glancing back towards Jazmine. "He'll be back by the beginning of next week."
"He travels a lot for work." Caesar commented, plopping down in one of the cushioned wicker chairs.
"Yeah, he does." Cindy nodded, looking down at her drink before taking another sip.
Jazmine studied her for a moment. "Are you alright?"
"Mhm." She hummed, still swallowing.
"Are you sure?" Jazmine doubled-down. "You're not acting yourself." Even in her tipsy state, she could tell.
Cindy lowered her glass, not quite meeting her eyes as she fiddled with the end of her hair braid. "I have to tell you guys something." She spoke quietly.
Jazmine's eyes flickered between Huey's and Caesar's before she looked back at Cindy. "Okay…?"
"And I don't really know how to say it in any other way, so here it goes…" She continued, finally lifting her head up to stare carefully back at Jazmine.
"Landon proposed to me."
"What?" Jazmine blurted, unable to keep her jaw from falling open afterwards. She noticed Caesar was doing the same thing from the corner of her eye. "He… what? When?"
"On Christmas. Later that night." Cindy explained quietly.
"And you waited til now to tell us?" Caesar cut in. "Damn near a week later?"
"I hadn't seen you guys since then, Ceez." Cindy told him, her tone slightly defensive. "This wasn't the type of news I wanted to text."
"Wait-wait-wait pause." Jazmine waved her hand at them both quickly, managing to regain their attention. "What did you say?" She noticed the way Cindy glanced down at her wine glass and she followed her gaze. The sleeves of her sweater were so long and bulky that they covered her knuckles on her fingers.
"I told him that I needed some time… to think about it." Cindy answered slowly, still looking downwards. "It's a big decision and I want to be sure it'd be something we're both ready for."
"It… sounds like you're leaning towards it." Jazmine stated gently.
While the movement was subtle, Cindy's head nodded. "I am."
Jazmine blinked at that, marveling at how… casual she seemed given the situation. Given a proposal! Jazmine briefly wondered if she was the one overacting based on how relaxed Cindy was being. But Caesar mirrored her entire reaction once they made eye contact again while Cindy took another drink. Caesar briefly widened his eyes at her in a WTF-look and Jazmine was about to shoot back a quick OMG-look at him when a voice interrupted her movement.
"You must've lost your damn mind."
Jazmine's body tensed, turning her head towards the voice that came from beside her… the voice of her boyfriend.
"Excuse you?" Cindy demanded right away, the calmness instantly gone from her tone.
"I know you heard me, but I'll say it again for you." Huey stared back unwaveringly. "You've lost your damn mind."
"Huey." Jazmine muttered to him under her breath, but it was useless.
"It hasn't been even half a year since you've met this guy." He continued. "You don't know him. I know you white people do shit like this all the time, but this is dumb even for you. And despite popular opinion, I know you aren't this stupid, Cindy."
Shit. Jazmine closed her eyes, turning her head back towards Cindy once she opened them.
She was furious, now standing tall away from the wall as she took a step closer. "First of all, you can fuckin' shove that disrespectful attempt of some kinda backhanded compliment. Second, you act like I'm tellin' y'all as if I'm asking permission and tryna get your opinion about this."
"Interesting, because that's exactly what it looks like." Huey shot back. "I'm only saying what everyone is thinking."
"Fuck you, Huey." Cindy snapped, pointing a finger in his face.
"Guys stop, I think we all need to take a breath here." Jazmine stepped in between them to create some space. "And Cindy, it's not that we're not… happy for you." She tried to smile, but she felt like it came out as a wince. "I think we're all just surprised. By like a lot."
"Yeah, like holy shit." Caesar stepped in, standing from his chair as he edged closer. "I think we just need a minute to fully process it."
Huey scoffed. "What's there to process, Caesar? She's planning on getting married to someone she's been with for all of five months."
"Huey!" Jazmine whipped her head around to scold him, but he wasn't even looking in her direction.
"And you've been awfully quiet about this, Riley." He practically barked towards the corner. "What's your take on all this?"
Jazmine turned to look over at Riley, feeling the others do the same. He was slouched in the same position he'd been in before, the only difference being that the glass in his hand was now empty. Jazmine could see that he wasn't even focused on Huey. He only stared back at Cindy.
"She seems happy, don't she?" He answered plainly, shrugging a shoulder.
"Does she?" Huey replied sarcastically.
"Did you fuckin' ask her?" Riley shot back, his voice suddenly cold as he turned to him. "Any of you? Cuz I ain't hear it." He didn't give them a chance to respond before he looked back towards her. "Cindy, you happy?"
The question sounded more like a challenge by the way he demanded. Jazmine glanced at Cindy's reaction from the corner of her eye. She could tell her poker-face was up just by looking at her.
"Yes." Cindy's tone was clipped as she stared back vacantly.
"Then there you go, y'all." Riley spoke again, addressing everyone but still only looking at Cindy. "She said she's happy. And if she's happy, we all should be. End of story." He said, slowly rising to his feet. "I need another drink." He muttered under his breath while he approached.
Jazmine felt the tension grow even more the closer he got, particularly as he neared Cindy. She also noticed the way their eyes never left each other's.
"Congrats." Riley said hollowly while he brushed past her.
"Thanks." Her response was instant, turning her head to watch him go by and exit the gazebo.
What the…?
Before Jazmine could even begin to ask what happened, the awkward silence was loudly interrupted by a ringing phone. Cindy quickly pulled her cell from her back pocket and let out a light sigh.
"Sorry guys, it's Landon." She said as she set down the glass in her hand. "I'll be back in a few minutes." She told them, already heading for the door that had just barely closed. As soon as it did again once she left, Jazmine turned to the boys.
"…Well that was fun." Caesar chirped after a beat.
"That was awful." Jazmine corrected him, right before turning to look directly at her boyfriend. "And what the hell, Huey?"
"Wait, are you guys about to fight in front of me?"
Huey matched the glare with one of his own. "What the hell what, Jazmine?"
"Shit." Caesar sighed, sitting down on the arm of the nearby chair.
"That was unnecessary." Jazmine continued. "You didn't have to come at her like that. And you owe her an apology."
"I don't owe her anything." Huey replied with a trace of attitude. "And I'm not going to apologize for speaking the truth."
"I don't expect you to ever apologize for that. But Huey Freeman, so help me, you are going to apologize to Cindy for whatever the hell that was." Jazmine stood her ground. "That was wrong."
"How was I wrong?"
"You were wrong because you were mean. The way you acted was unfair to Cindy and completely uncalled for." She told him firmly. "How would you like it if the roles were reversed and someone acted that way towards you regarding me?"
"No one would ever act that way regarding you because you are normal." Huey shot back. "He is not."
"You are so missing the point right now." Jazmine rolled her eyes.
"So you're on board with this then? Are you honestly going to tell me that?"
"Huey, it's her life. And I know that you care about her and have a questionable way of showing it, but you have to let her make her own decision about this. Even Riley's giving her that respect."
"You actually think Riley's okay with this?" Huey let out a scoff.
"At least he's putting on a front for her sake!"
"So are we just gonna skip past the whole Riley and Cindy thing or…?" Caesar spoke up again while raising his hand. "Cuz that was weird, no?"
"Very weird." Jazmine admitted.
"They definitely had some kinda talk before just now with us."
"Which means we didn't get a genuine reaction." Huey commented, giving Jazmine a pointed look.
"Huey—"
"Wait, shh. You hear that?" Caesar interrupted, leaning forward in his seat as he pulled out his phone.
"TWELVE… ELEVEN… TEN…" They could faintly hear from outside of the gazebo.
"Aiight, squash it and put it away, y'all." Caesar hopped up fast, jogging past them towards the door. "Gotta go find and kiss my girl, be back next year!" He called out rapidly behind him.
Jazmine let out a small chuckle before turning back towards Huey. He was already walking towards her with a slightly gentler look on his face.
"SIX… FIVE…"
"Kiss me." Jazmine told him, not waiting for an answer as she tilted her chin up and gave him a soft peck. Then she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him again, slowly this time.
"TWO… ONE… HAPPY NEW YEAR!"
When they parted several more seconds later, Jazmine smiled up at him. "I love you."
"I love you too."
"It's in the past."
"So last year." He gave her a sarcastic smirk.
Jazmine giggled. "It's going to be a good year… a better year. For all of us."
Huey stared at her, nodding slowly before pulling her back into him in an embrace. And while Jazmine took comfort in the hug, knowing that was his way of apologizing, she had the inkling that he didn't necessarily believe or agree with her.
At least about the 'all of us' part.
Riley's POV
He hadn't been looking forward to the fireworks, but he had to admit… they were the perfect noise to drown out the sound of his vomiting.
Riley retched again into the hedges as another loud boom went off, seeming to echo over the quiet street. He had known that drinking and smoking was going to fuck him up. Especially for how much mixed shit he had consumed throughout the night of both. But at least it wasn't Hiro's bushes he was throwing up in and no one was around to see it.
After he was sure he was done for the moment, he used the railing above to wearily pull himself to his feet. He felt lightheaded, but tried to quickly move past the property he'd just relieved himself in. Riley hadn't been walking for too long before he'd started to feel sick. But he was definitely far enough away where he no longer recognized the surrounding houses in the neighborhood.
Not that he cared. He had just wanted to walk. The air that had felt frigid earlier didn't even bother him now. He nearly felt warm with all the liquor still buzzing inside him. And tired. Warm, tired, and….
"Nah." Riley muttered the word aloud to himself, shutting down his own thoughts again. Stupid thoughts that didn't even make sense. Or matter at this point. Why should he give a fuck? About anything? Even her?
He rolled his eyes at the afterthought, glancing upwards at the fireworks to distract his mind. It was stupid. All of it. And he was way too drunk for his mind to go there. But it seemed inevitable after their little hangout. Especially when she hit him with that look. The one that made him feel… that weird way he couldn't pinpoint and couldn't describe. But he didn't like it.
Especially because it was the same look she hit him with the other night.
Five Days Ago
He hadn't expected to see her again so soon, let alone the day after Christmas. When he had presented his gift to her the day before, he'd mentioned privately that he still had her family photo albums. He'd offered to put them in his storage if she didn't want to keep them at her house, but she insisted that she'd take them off his hands. He'd been more than surprised to see her at his door the following night without warning.
She had told him that she had just been in the neighborhood and figured she'd stop by. But by the lingering way she was acting, there seemed to be an underlying reason that she wouldn't come out and say. And it was driving him crazy.
"Cindy." He said, but by the way she jumped, it was as if he yelled it at her. Riley sat next to her on the couch, previously watching her while she'd stared ahead at the TV. He gave her a look at her reaction. "What's up? You good?"
Cindy blinked back at him slowly, almost as if she was studying him in return. Just as he was about to ask, she spoke before he could.
"There's something I need to tell you."
Riley held the look on his face in confusion. "Oh-kayyy?"
"I'm being serious." Cindy told him quietly. The vibe in the room seemed to change and Riley felt his brow furrow slightly at her apprehensive expression and tone. "Okay." He repeated, more solidly. "What is it?"
Cindy broke eye contact for a moment, glancing down a bit as she seemed to take in a breath. Then she said the words:
"Landon proposed to me last night."
Time almost felt slow in that moment for him while he took in what she said. In the next moment, he felt his eyes drop down towards her hands that rested on the tops of her knees.
Her fingers were bare.
Riley steadily glanced up to meet her eyes. "So how did he take it?" He asked plainly. "When you told him no." He clarified. The very slight relief he'd felt at the sight of her hands was quickly fading by the look she gave him in return.
"I haven't exactly told him no, Riley." Cindy told him gently.
Riley eyed her. "Well I know damn well you didn't tell him yes. Otherwise you'd be wearing the shit."
"I told him I needed some time to think about it."
"Are you kidding me? Think about what, Cindy?" Riley demanded, rising to his feet in disbelief as he looked down at her. This couldn't be happening. "What the fuck is there to think about?"
Cindy gave him a slight look as she stared up at him. "There's a lot to think about."
"You shouldn't have to think." Riley snapped back, going around his coffee table. "You either want to or you don't. It's not fucking hard."
"Despite your opinion, there are things to think about and factors to consider." Cindy crossed her arms.
"Oh, like what?" Riley scoffed out, now slightly pacing back and forth. "Like the fact that you barely know this clown?"
Cindy shot him a glare. "Riley…."
"Or the fact that he don't even treat you like his girlfriend forreal, but a fucking slave?"
"Shut up." Cindy stood up instantly, now standing right in front of him.
"Tell me I'm wrong then." Riley challenged.
"You are wrong." She retorted slowly to his face. "So drop it."
There were so many things he wanted to say in response. But one question took priority in his mind instead.
"Why the fuck did you come all the way here to tell me this?"
Cindy seemed momentarily thrown by that question as she looked at him. "Because I wanted to tell you first."
Riley steadied his gaze on her. "You told me so I could talk you out of it."
"No I didn't."
"Bullshit. You one-hundred percent did." Riley told her strongly. "That's why you drove all the way here to tell me in person. So I could look you in the eye and tell you that you're making a mistake."
Cindy sucked her teeth and turned away with an eyeroll. "You don't fucking know that—"
"I know you. And I know your fucking worth." Riley said to her back, causing her to turn around. "And I'm telling you right now that that nigga ain't it. Not for you." He told her strongly.
"It's not your choice, Riley!"
"But he is?" He shot back, taking another step towards her. "That's your choice? Of all people, him? Please explain that to me. Why? Why him?" He asked seriously.
"Because I love him."
Riley felt his stomach turn at that. He shook his head right away. "Nah. I don't buy it. No you don't. Not him."
"You don't have to buy it." Cindy snipped.
"Cindy, baby, come on." Riley practically begged, briefly using his hands to cup her face before dropping them down to her arms. Her eyes went wide at the sudden physical contact, but Riley continued. "You know you deserve better. That nigga don't deserve the air you breathe let alone deserve you."
She glared at him slightly. "I ain't a fuckin' trophy, Reez." She said in response, pulling away from him.
"But you let him treat you like one." Riley tried and failed not to glare back. She was taking it the wrong way, completely. Why couldn't she understand?
"You have no clue." Cindy rolled her eyes again while shaking her head.
"I don't believe you." Riley's stomach was still churning. "You can't tell me that you love him of all people."
"What's so hard for you to get about that?"
"Because he ain't the one that belongs witchu!" He felt his voice raise in frustration.
"And who is nigga, you?" She matched his level.
"Shit, maybe!" He shot back.
"Excuse you?" Her jaw dropped.
"More than he does, I know that much."
"Shut up and stop fucking playing with me." Cindy narrowed her eyes at him. "That's foul shit. You don't fucking want me."
"You don't know what I want." Riley said stubbornly, crossing his arms.
"It ain't me." Cindy told him. "The only thing you want is to fuck. That's all you've ever wanted from me since the first time we did it."
"That ain't true."
"Yes the fuck it is and we shoulda never let it happen." She said quieter, crossing her arms as she looked away from him.
"Cindy, listen—"
"Oh, I am." She cut him off, now making strong eye contact. "And I'm going to ask you one time to tell me what the fuck you're saying."
He paused for a moment, thrown off by the direct question. What the fuck was he even saying?
Riley tried to start, feeling the heat from her eyes piercing through him. "I-uh…"
As soon as he opened his mouth, he knew it was already over. He blinked at her, feeling exposed suddenly. It was as if he could feel his brain shut down and go into privacy mode, blocking away any attempt of a relevant thought. Even from his damn self.
No matter what he said, it was a losing battle. He didn't know what she wanted from him right now. More importantly, he didn't even know exactly what it was that he wanted. He hadn't come close to sorting that shit out in his head.
And whatever it was, it wasn't about to come out in this moment.
"I… don't know." Riley admitted in a murmur, unable to meet her eyes. He noticed the way she stared at him for an extra moment before turning away, causing him to look up as she headed straight towards the door.
"Cindy come on, wait." He called after her, following behind her. She didn't respond or turn to him as she continued walking, now reaching for the doorknob. "Cindy." He tried again.
She whipped her head back towards him the same time that she opened his front door, letting it go to allow it to slam loudly off the wall beside them. He didn't even react to the door, only to the look on her face, giving him one of the most intense looks he'd ever seen her with.
"Don't you ever fuck with my emotions like that again." She uttered to him quietly, giving him a level stare before turning to leave. She didn't even bother going to slam the door closed behind her.
Riley stared solemnly out the open door for a moment before quietly closing it shut. He stalked slowly towards his kitchen, balling and unballing his fists as he went. He felt like shit suddenly, and his stomach was in knots. There was another sensation there that was just uncomfortable. It felt hot inside of him, searing almost. It wasn't quite anger, even though that was something he knew he was feeling at his own self.
He didn't even have the nerve to go after her, which made him feel like even more of a bitch. Not that there'd be anything for him to even say. If there was, he would've already said it. But even now... he just didn't know. And his mind still clearly wasn't ready to go there. He just felt like garbage. And pissed with himself. And this uncomfortable pressure that he couldn't describe.
A pressure that was borderline painful.
Riley's footing faltered at that moment, causing him to slightly stumble into a passing trashcan. He cursed to himself quietly, pushing off on the lid to right himself. Then he looked around, now completely unsure of his surroundings. He knew he could find Hiro's address in his phone and head back… but what was the point?
Instead, he pulled out his phone and clicked on the Uber app. It was barely a half hour past midnight on New Year's Day. And he was sick, tired, and alone on the side of a fucking curb. Back at it again with that uncomfortable pressure swirling inside him. He had felt it initially at the party, as soon as she entered the gazebo. But if he was being honest, he'd felt lingering hints of it over the past few days. Every time he sensed it, he ignored it and tried to bury it further away inside him. But it seemed to keep coming back. Particularly when he was alone.
But that was typical for him. Especially now.
Considering he was single again.
…Not that he gave a fuck.
Cindy's POV
"THREE… TWO… ONE…."
"Happy New Year, baby." Landon told her sweetly into the phone.
"Happy New Year." Cindy replied a bit louder, trying to block out the cheering and screaming happening from inside the house. And the sound of the starting firework show.
Great.
"Are you having a good night?" She asked, deciding to head down the patio deck stairwell to escape part of the noise.
"Oh, it's been pretty uneventful. I had that business dinner I told you about earlier with my coworkers. Now I'm just sitting poolside and watching the fireworks."
"Oh is that all? Just sitting poolside?" Cindy teased with a grin. "The weather must be nice there."
"Eh, it's about… 68 degrees right now. Miami was in the high 70's earlier throughout the day."
"Jealous."
"I'm jealous I'm not there to be with you right now. I know you look stunning."
"The furthest thing from it tonight actually." Cindy snorted, glancing down at her basic outfit. She hadn't even tried.
"You're beautiful. I'm sure you have a line of guys trying to talk and dance with you."
"Oh please. Not even."
"Why do you think I'm calling?" He asked jokingly, although there was an underlying tone of seriousness in his voice. "Had to make sure no one's trying to steal a kiss from my soon-to-be fiancée… hopefully."
"Babeee…." Cindy breathed out, rubbing the back of her neck. "We said we'll talk about it when you get back next week."
"First thing, I hope."
Cindy had to fight to hold back her sigh. She knew that he was eager to hear an answer from her. She understood that. But she needed the answer for her damn self first. And his daily, not-so-subtle hints weren't making her thought process any easier for her.
That, along with how casual he was making the major life decision seem. Especially when Cindy had initially stared back at him in shock to his question.
"Seriously?" It had been the first thing that came to her mind. And unfortunately the first thing that blurted out of her mouth. He had assured her that he was.
She had mentioned their families. They hadn't even met each other's. She didn't even know much regarding his other than the fact that he had a rocky relationship with both of his parents. He had told her that there would be time to meet them. That it wasn't about their families, but about them.
She had asked him why. More specifically why now? He had just moved in, everything still seemed so fresh and relatively new between them. Were they really ready for such a change? A forever kinda change? He thought they were. To him, the length of time they'd spent together was irrelevant. He was focused on their future. Together.
Was she ready for that?
"Are you going to have me kneeling down here forever or..." Landon had asked with a semblance of a grin. He had still been staring up at her holding the box that housed that ring. She didn't know much about rings, but she knew it was a lot of carats judging by the size, radiance, and the amount of other diamonds bridled along the band itself.
Cindy had knelt down to meet him at eye-level at the question, taking ahold of his other hand. "Babe, it's not that I don't want to marry you." She had told him. "I'm not saying that. I'm just saying this is a big decision. And I want it to be at the right time."
"Things are never going to be at the perfect time though." He had responded.
"I know that. I think… I just need more time. To think it all through." She'd said as gently as possible. "Would that be okay?"
Landon had stared at her for an excruciatingly long moment before finally nodding in silence and closing the ring box. "Okay."
Which had made Cindy feel awful. Even though she wasn't necessarily telling him no. She wasn't. She just felt… stunned. The idea of marriage was crazy all on its own. She had never been one of those girls who imagined her own wedding. Or the house and the kids and all the other stuff that came with it down the line. She could barely picture herself as a bride. A wife.
But… maybe she could be.
Landon did make her happy. He wanted to be with her, clearly. And he did have a point. There was never going to be a perfect time. Life was short anyway. If she trusted and loved this man the way she thought she did, why was she hesitating?
Almost a week later and she still wasn't sure why. Whatever it was, it was enough to hold off on saying yes.
"We'll talk soon after you get back, yes." Cindy told him again into the phone. "I'm probably gonna head back inside, babe. I'm not gonna stay for too much longer so I want to spend a little more time with Jazz before I do."
"Tell her I said hi. All your friends."
"I will." Cindy said with a frown, noticing Huey approach her from the house. "I gotta go."
"I love you."
"Love you too… bye." She said before ending the call, lowering it down as she crossed her arms. Huey was patiently waiting in front of her now, a blank expression on his face.
"What." She stated flatly. "If Jazmine told you to come apologize, you can save it. I don't need it. Nor do I want it."
Huey blinked at her. "Are you done?"
"Are you?" Cindy shot back. "I been done with you, Huey. What the fuck do you want?"
"Listen." He said with more of a tone. "What you decide to do is your business."
"Yeah, no shit."
"Just make the right one, okay? For you. That's it."
"Who the hell would want to make a wrong decision, Huey?" She rolled her eyes.
"Cindy, if anyone's been through some shit the past couple of months, it's you." Huey told her strongly. "You have friends that care. Ones that want this year to be better for you. That's all."
"Well I appreciate Jazmine and Caesar wishing that for me." She quipped.
"Riley wants that for you too." He added pointedly. "So do I."
Cindy gave him a look at that. "You have a funny way of showing just how much you care."
"Funny or not, you and I both know that if I really didn't care, I wouldn't have said anything." He countered, and deep down she knew he was right.
"But for what it's worth," He spoke again. "I'm sorry."
Cindy arched an eyebrow at the admission. "I don't need your apology."
"I know." He told her simply. "Jazmine and I will be heading out within the hour or so. If you were planning to catch up with her again before that..."
"Obviously." Cindy gave him another look. "I'll be back inside in a minute."
"Alright." He shrugged, starting to turn. "Do you know where Riley is?"
"How would I know?" Cindy stared at him blankly.
"All I asked is whether you've seen him." He rolled his eyes at her before walking off. "Meet you inside."
She didn't respond as she turned back towards the street, glancing up at the overhead fireworks. She definitely wanted to head home soon. She was fine to spend a little more time with Jazmine and Caesar, but as far as the entire group… she was good for the night. Particularly with one Freeman brother in particular.
She didn't get him. One minute he was avidly protesting, the next he was defending her. One minute he's telling her "congratulations" and in the next minute he's practically storming out of the room.
One minute he's telling you that he maybe belongs with you… before basically taking it back in the next…
Cindy glanced down at her phone again, scrolling back through her message threads. Once she reached his, sent just two nights ago and still left on read, she let out a low sigh.
I shouldn't have said that.
Any of it.
And I wasn't trying to fuck with your emotions.
I was wrong anyway.
You deserve better than me.
You know that.
She didn't know anything anymore. At least that's how she felt. Especially with Riley's comments, his behavior, his texts… everything. It's why she couldn't respond. It's why she barely wanted to look at him. Not that it helped.
No matter how hard she tried to ignore it… he was still on the backburner of her mind.
Huey's POV
He had to bite back a groan as he shifted again, rolling onto his back for the umpteenth time with his eyes still wide open.
Huey turned his head to look at Jazmine in bed beside him. She'd napped the whole car ride back and yet had no trouble falling right back to sleep soon after they'd snuck into the house. Granddad had been sleeping peacefully in his recliner downstairs, the TV still running the extended New Year's specials. At this point, Huey would've gladly slept on the couch next to him, he just wanted to sleep.
But he knew himself. And he knew it wasn't going to happen.
Not until he addressed his thoughts.
The ones he was fighting to disregard. The ones he wanted to leave in last year. The ones that were none of his damn business and really not his problem.
He cursed under his breath while he leaned over the side, reaching his arm under the bed. After feeling around, he was able to lug out the item he was looking for.
He quietly hauled the steel case up onto his lap, glancing again towards Jazmine to make sure she was out before keying in his 6-digit passcode. With a faint hiss, the security box opened to reveal the black laptop inside.
Huey mouthed another curse as he lifted the device from the box. He didn't want to be doing this. He'd been retired for years. And he already knew… going back down the road of his past ways and habits was more than just slightly addictive. But he felt like he didn't have a choice. At least his brain wouldn't let him. He had to know. For his own sake and hers possibly.
Who the hell was Landon Rivers?
Who indeed…? :)
Disclaimer: Nah. Don't own it.
Thank-you messages are coming soon! Didn't want to wait any longer to put out this chapter! Also sleep-deprived (:
Speaking of, whatchu thinkkk? What is Cindy gonna say? What's gonna be the new dynamic between her and Riley? Will Huey find out who the hell Landon Rivers is? And howww the hell did I get away with never mentioning what the New Year is that they celebrated?! XD
New chapter of at least one of my stories coming soon! Tbh I almost forgot about Where Are They Now? so that'll most likely be next LOL! Then probably this one again. Then when I'm emotionally ready I'll update From Uncle Reezy, To Daddy Reezy. So stay tuned!
Also, a quick PSA for all those who continue to read or follow any stories. Your support means so much and I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you. Every click, favorite, follow, review, and personal message. The tragedy of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and all of the remaining passengers of the accident has honestly wrecked my soul to the core. Please take care of yourselves, stay safe, and be blessed.
Love always.
~Schweetie