Jazmine: Nvm, You're right, I'm sorry! I like the present very much. Thanks again, Huey.

Huey was sitting in his hotel room, staring at Jazmine's most recent text message. Once He and Jazmine agreed to keep their past relationship from their children, he decided it was best to keep his distance. However, it has been a week since he spoke with her and he has consistently struggled with the urge to contact her.

He expected her to contact him first, especially after the stunt he pulled with his Christmas gift, but unfortunately for him, she never contacted him.

Maybe it didn't matter to her?

Out of boredom, he decided to call Nina but then her phone went straight to voicemail. He remembers that she and Sebastian were presently staying with Jazmine.

Although he was aware that his daughter was out with Sebastian and her cousins. He knew she was in good hands, but his desperation to talk to Jazmine sparked an idea in his head.

He shook his head while typing a text to Jazmine, but he couldn't believe he was using his daughter as an excuse to communicate with another woman.

It was pathetic, but there was no stopping him.

Jazmine was alone at home, in her kitchen, editing her latest YouTube video when she heard the vibration of her phone.

Suspecting it was her son, She promptly glanced at the phone, but to her surprise.

It was a text from Huey. An arousal surge in her body while she unlocked her phone. Nevertheless, she sighed of disappointment when reading her text.

Huey: Hey Jazz.. I'm sorry to interrupt your evening, but do you have any idea where my daughter might be? She's not answering any of my phone calls.

Of course.. He wasn't texting for you silly. She thought foolishness as she texted back.

Jazmine: Good Evening, Huey. She and Sebastian went to a New Year's party with some friends. If I recall correctly, Nina's phone is dead. Would you like me to send you Sebastian's number?

She tapped her nails on the counter as she awaited his response.

Huey: Thank you, but that won't be necessary . I have his number. Enjoy the rest of your night

She frowned at his response while texting back.

Jazmine: You're welcome, you too. She could not refrain from being distracted by her own thoughts.

Huey felt defeated as he received Jazmine's text. He hoped she would engage him in a conversation, but instead, she seemed to fend him off.

He wallowed in self-pity until his phone went off indicating that he had a new message .

Jazmine: I bet you're not celebrating, but... Happy New Year's . . Eve!

He laughed when she began sending him Fireworks and GIFs.

Huey: I'm not.. Happy New Year's Eve... 😏" he texted sending a smirk emoji.

Jazmine: Are you having fun?

He couldn't tell if she was being playful or serious.

Huey: I wouldn't call it a pleasure to be alone in my hotel room, but it's comfortable. How about you?

Jazmine smiled while responding instantaneously.

Jazmine: I'm home alone... bored, but I got a few things done, so I can't complain.

Huey: What kind of things?

Damn, that's a lot of text. She thought.

Jazmine: It's too much too text. Is it okay if I call you?

She bit her lip nervously as she sensed a rejection coming.

Huey: Sure, give me a sec.

Shit, she wants to talk! He panicked.

Huey felt like a teenage boy who was getting a call from a girl for the first time. He switched off the lights and got comfortable in his bed before sending her a message.

Huey: Alright, you can call now.

He was resting with the phone in his hand, waiting to hear from her. She took longer than he anticipated. He looked at the screen, checked to make sure his phone wasn't on "do not disturb." He turned his ringer all the way up.

Damn, this woman had him going insane.

Jazmine was in a panic. She felt a young girl who was calling her crush for the first time. She was so nervous that she felt the need to slip a glass of water to make sure her voice sounded clear. She seated comfortably on her couch with the fireplace. .

She picked up the phone and went to Huey's number. She hesitated before making the call.

She was surprised, and almost flattered that he picked up on the first ring.

"Hey, "

She blushed at the sound of his smooth voice.

"Hey," she replied gently.

Sebastian and Nina were at a bonfire party, celebrating with Nina's twin cousins. Riley Aka Junior, And Cassie, who was about the same age as them.

Despite that, they were brought up in the suburbs, they behaved as if they were from the hood. They weren't identical, while junior was a spitting image of his father, Cassie looked more like her mother. Her eyes were green and she had thick curly hair. this reminded Sebastian so much of his mother.

The girls went to buy marshmallows so they could make s'mores while Junior and Sebastian sat down and chatted.

"Yo Sabass, You tryna smoke this blunt with me?" Junior asked.

"Nah, I'm cool, I don't really mess with that stuff" Sebastian said politely.

"What stuff? You mean this gas?," asked Junior with disbelief.

"Yeah, I'm straight " Sebastian said, shaking his head.

"A'ight. Shit. More for me, " he said as he lights his blunt.

He inhales a few puffs.

"You really feel my cousin huh?" He said with the blunt in his mouth.

"It's more than a feeling, I love her that woman like no other" Sebastian said with no shame.

"Word? That's wassup. I could never stick with just one bitch though, but I can tell you and cuz is in it for the long run. I'm happy for y'all " Junior said.

"Thank you, I really appreciate that" Sebastian said respectfully.

"No problem cuz, we fam now, " he said. " Just don't hurt my cousin, if you do, I'ma bust a cap in your ass"

Sebastian chuckled, "Nah, her dad would kill my ass before you get a chance to, "

"Word, my uncle Hue doesn't play when it comes to his "he said. "Shiid.. I'm surprised you even made it this far"

"Yeah?"Sebastian said.

"Most of Nina's boyfriends never stood a chance because uncle Hue would always scare them away. Yet for some reason, you still here" Junior said.

"Do you have something on that old man or something ?" Junior asked.

Sebastian laughed it off. "Naw. I'm just not easy to intimidate, " he said, though Huey did in fact intimidate him.

Junior grinned, looking like his dad. "Yeah, I fucks with a nigga like you. no homo" he said, giving Sebastian his props.:

"Damn girl. Your man is so fine,"Cassie said, crushing over Sebastian.

"I know how to pick 'em, don't I," says Nina in a playful way.

"Mhm... does he have any cute friends?" Cassie asked.

"Girl, aren't you dating Lamar still?" Nina asked, looking at her funny.

Cassie smacked her lips. " Fuck Lamar, his ass is for the streets, but anyways tell the your boy to hook a sista up" she empathized.

Nina shone her head. Cassie was always boy crazy.

"Of course, if he introduces them to me" Nina said.

Cassie gasps. "Bitch. You haven't met his friends yet? " She asked as if it was a bad thing.

"Well, I met his friends from our school,"Nina said.

Cassie shook her head in judgement, "No baby. You need to meet his homeboys, that's where you find out the real him" she said

"I know the real him. I don't need his "homeboys" to validate that " Nina said, feeling offended.

"Have you at least met his parents?" asked Cassie, forgetting the main reason why Nina was there.

"I met his mother," she mentioned.

"Ugh! I hate meeting mothers. They always be hating for no reason " Cassie complained.

"Luckily, this was not the case. She turned out to be a very nice lady. My dad also met her," Nina mentioned.

Cassie was staring at her like she was out of her mind. "You let Uncle Huey meet the mother of your future hubby?"

"Yup.. Sebb wanted to meet my dad, so we all went to his mom's house for supper," Nina said briefly.

"Wow..So how did it go? Did Uncle Huey make his mom cry or something," she said, assuming the worst.

"In fact, Dad behaved better than I expected," said Nina, not wanting to get into specifics.

"Aw, that's wassup. I'm glad it worked out" Cassie said, not thinking much of it,

Nina smiled "Yeah, me too, " she said. Feeling good about it,

"Soo...are y'all coming to the cookout? Cassie mentioned.

"What cookout?" Sebastian asked, looking at Junior in confusion.

"The cookout hosted by my mom and pops to celebrate y'all engagement" Junior confirmed.

"Aunt Cindy wants to throw us an engagement cookout? "Nina said, for she was not surprised.

"Mhm for you and your husband-to-be," says Cassie.

"But you had a cookout earlier for New Year's and I literally told you guys about the engagement today" Nina said, pinching the bridge of her nose.

Cassie laughed at her reaction. "You know black people will always find a reason to throw a cookout and our family is very good at that. Shit, we had a cookout when Daddy broke his leg," she said.

Nina shook her head. "That's sad"

"So when is this cookout again?" Nina asked, dreaded the idea.

"Tomorrow at five," Junior said. "It really starts at three but niggas be late, so it's set on nigga time "

"Oh, okay. Cool," said Sebastian, feeling somewhat anxious..

"Wow, so soon.. "Nina said, feeling overwhelmed. She was concerned because in contrast to Sebastian's family. Her family were dysfunctional and ghetto. She only hopes that their encounter will not make Sebastian flee.

"Yeah, so my dad wants you to convince uncle Huey to come. We all know he hates family functions " Cassie mentioned.

"Me too," Nina murmured.

"What you say?" Cassie asked.

"Nothing. 'I'll see what I can do,' said Nina, sighing.

"Cool, be sure to tell your guy to bring one of his homeboys" Cassie said Nina rolled her eyes.

"Oh yeah, my mama said bring yo mama too," Junior mentioned.

Sebastian nodded " Okay, I gotcha" He said, feeling relieved that his mama can come.

He knew he was going to meet Nina's family, but he didn't know that it was going to be so sudden. He met Nina's uncle Riley, who tried to size him up, he met her aunt Cindy, who for some reason cried out when she saw him.

He met their entire "Cheaper by the Dozen" and it wasn't that bad, though the kids were bad as hell.

However, Sebastian wonders if Nina's extended family members were anything like her father? If so, he's up against a challenge.

Good thing he can bring his momma.

Huey and Jazmine spent hours on the phone discussing their childhood memories and everyday life. Jazmine shared with Huey how she managed to find new recipes for her channel while he talked to her about some of her most memorable cases.

They were so deeply engaged in the conversation that they did not realize that it was now after midnight.

"Huey?"

"Yes"

She smiled at how cute he sounded when he was tired.

"Happy New Year's "

Shit.. Already? He thought while looking at the phone to see it was now one in the morning. They had been on the phone for nearly five hours.

"Happy New Year's Jazmine" he said, which caused her to giggle.

"So.. Any New Year's resolutions in mind? " She asked childishly.

"Meh.." He said not caring for the holiday.

"Come on, Hue. There's has to be something you want to try or maybe something you would to change or improve " she said trying to give him a hint.

I wish I could change my mistakes. He thought.

"I dunno, You tell me. What do you think I could change or improve on? " He asked her, intrigued.

I wish I could change your heart, she thought sadly.

"Hmm... well... " Jazmine said, off guard. And then suddenly a thought occurred. "You could try to be more open with Nina."

Huey brows perked up as he wasn't expecting that response. "I beg your pardon?"

"At first, I wasn't gonna get involved, but Nina has shared with me that she felt alone with her mother's death. She feels like you didn't care, and she wishes you would have been more there for her emotionally. I understand this is a very vulnerable situation, which is very difficult to talk about. " Jazmine explained with care that he wouldn't take offense

" And I know it's none of my business, but I don't believe Nina ever came to terms with her grief. She really needs the emotional support of her father, especially when it comes to her mother."

Huey kept quiet while thinking of what was revealed. He knew Nina missed her mother and is very sensitive regarding her death, which is one of the main reasons why he chose not to speak of her. He also wanted them to get their lives back in order. When his parents died, he let his sorrow conquer his happiness. He nearly lost his way and he didn't want Nina to do the same.

"Huey, I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have said anything about this," said Jazmine, feeling regret.

"Nah. It's okay. I'm glad you mentioned this to me. He sighed in depth. "Once we found out she had cancer, we hid it from Nina. Even though I didn't agree with that decision, I had to respect her wishes' he revealed.

"When Katherine was in chemotherapy, we acted as if we were going on a romantic getaway. We sent Nina to my great-aunt while we travelled the country to get a second opinion. We always made sure to return with presents for Nina. She loved the idea that we were going out into the world. When things got worse, her mother did everything in her power to hide her illness.

For instance, When her hair began to fall out, she wore scarves. Nina thought it was cool because she and her mother would make ones with African patterns. I knew it was wrong but her mother just wanted Nina to be happy"

Jazmine had tears in her eyes.

"What I'm saying is that Nina thinks I didn't care about her mother's death because she doesn't know that I spent months stressing, crying because I was fighting to save her mother's life . I didn't want Nina to suffer as I did when my parents passed away. Unfortunately, my fears came to fruition when her mother lost her battle," he said with a heavy heart.

"It was harder for Nina because contrary to me, she wasn't mentally prepared. She was so confused and distraught and angry. I knew I was to blame because I didn't tell her the truth. I still carry that guilt with me to this day," he confessed as he felt a tear drop from his eyes. This was his first time in a very long time he spoke about the death of his deceased wife. He felt pain in his chest as memories resurfaced of Nina screaming in agony because her mother was gone.

As Huey end went silent, Jazmine spoke up.

"I understand why you would blame yourself, but Huey this was not your fault. There was nothing you could have done about Nina losing her mother. As a parent, Honestly is something that I consider very significant. However, in this case, I feel you've protected your daughter. Had she known that her mother was dying, she would have had trouble accepting it. That would have made her final moments with her mom very painful and stressful. Believe me, I've seen families go through it, which is very devastating, particularly to the children. As a husband and a father. You made a noble decision. Nina may have lost her mother in the end, but at least she had a chance to enjoy her last moments with her mother."Jazmine said sincerely.

Huey was touched by Jazmine words. Nobody ever understood his decision to deprive Nina of her mom's illness. He remembered how mad his and Katherine's family was at him for keeping it a secret. Even He was angry with himself. He always felt like a failure as a parent, but listening to Jazmine's comments about the situation gave him a different perspective.

"Huey? Are you still there? ," said Jazmine, who sounded worried.

"Yes. I'm still here, " he said, calmly. "I was just thinking about what you said. Although It was still wrong to lie, I'm glad I was able to help keep Nina happy in her closing moments with her mother. Only knowing how she feels now. I regret not offering my emotional support " Huey sighed deeply.

"I couldn't agree with you more, but you can't change the past, and it's not too late to make things right." Jazmine encouraged.

"That's true. " He agreed. " Thanks Jazz, I really appreciate that you took the time to hear me out "

"You are very welcome, I am happy to help in all the ways I can," she said as he smile spread across his face.

"You're really an phenomenal woman, Jazmine. Any man would be lucky to have you," he says truthfully.

Jazmine felt overwhelmed by his words. She couldn't but feel sad at the same time.

"So.. What could I do to enhance myself? " Jazmine asked, changing the topic.

Huey scoffed "Nothing, Everything about you is just so damn perfect, " he licked his lips at the end of his sentence.

Jazmine bit her lip" Is that so?"

"Yes," said Huey right away.

"Hmm..nobody's perfect " She said disagreeing.

"Nobody... except you, " He said in all seriousness.

Jazmine scoffed " Perfectly single"

I can change that, he thought.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that by choice?"he asked curiously.

"Absolutely, I am single by choice" Jazmine said proudly.

"What about you? Do you ever see yourself dating again?" She asked as her heart raced.

"I dated some women in my time, but none came close to what I really wanted, "He said honestly.

"What do you really want?" She asked.

You.

"I'm not looking for a woman at the moment, but if I've decided to date anyone. There are a few qualities of a woman I'm would look for" He said.

"Okay. Name three? " Jazmine said, challenging him.

He smirked " A woman who can cook"

Jazmine smiled "And?"

"Someone I can talk for hours with" he said, making it quite obvious.

"Last but not least?" Jazmine said, biting her lip.

"Last but not least. A woman that is the opposite of me" Huey said as Jazmine rolled her eyes.

"I object," replied Jazmine.

Huey laughed a little, "What for?".

"Well.. You once dated someone that was the opposite of you and it didn't work out too well. What makes you think now would be any different? "Jazmine asked, feeling a little upset.

Ouch, that hurt a bit. He thought.

"Because I came to realize that the grass isn't really that green on the other side," he said candidly.

"I never expected you to be this cliché," Jazmine teased.

He laughed at her comment. "You're right that was cliche, but it's true Jazmine. I was never able to find another woman who made me as happy as you did,' he conceded.

Did he really mean that? She thought.

He meant every word but he knew he had revealed too much. "But I couldn't make you happy, that's why it never worked,"

"So you blame me for our breakup ? " Jazmine asked, slightly offended.

"Hell no. I would never tell a woman, she's wrong for knowing what she wants " He said truthfully. "At the time, that kind of commitment was something I really didn't have faith in"

But you sure had faith when you met your wife. She thought bitterly.

Jazmine felt extremely hurt by his choice of words, but she didn't want to talk about it anymore. "I understand," she said as she noticed a text from Sebastian.

Huey could hear her texting and became upset.

"So Who is that you're texting?" Huey asked, feeling jealous.

"It's Sebastian. He told me that he and Nina were sleeping over at Riley's," she confirmed.

He looked at his phone and saw that he received the same text from his daughter.

"I see.. apparently my daughter has finally decided to charge her phone,"

"That's great. I'm happy they're safe. I was starting to worry a bit," Jazmine admitted. Then Jazmine remembered how rowdy Riley and Cindy can both be.

"You said Riley and Cindy have 10 kids, they won't shoot my son with BB guns, will they? "Jazmine said, panicked.

Huey laughed hysterically, she cute when she was dramatic.

"I won't lie, being in that house is like a lions' den, but if he can survive that, maybe he's good enough to marry Nina," he says,

"Huey! " Jazmine said in a panic. "You better not let them hurt my baby"

"Jazz, calm down. He's fine. I noticed Sebastian had some backbone. I don't think you're giving him enough credit. "Huey acknowledged. "In fact, Nina's not one to play with and they know it."

"Very well, I have faith in your word," she sighed comfortably. "But if he comes back with even a scratch, I'm kicking your ass. You got that Freeman?"

He laughed hysterically. "You a tough little woman aren't you?"He said , feeling turned on by her dominance.

"You bet I am" Jazmine said in confidence. "Now did I make myself clear?"

"Yes, ma'am. He's going to be back in one piece," he says with a grin. "Are you pleased now?"

"Yes, sir, I am," she said with a smile.

It was few hours went into dawn. Jazmine and Huey found themselves half asleep, but the two remained on the phone. Neither one wanted to end the call. It felt like high school when Huey would stay on the phone with Jazmine until she fell asleep.

"Jazz, are you still up? " Huey asked wearily.

"Mm" She responded, drowsing on the couch.

He chuckled softly as knew she was asleep.

He waited a while to see if she would answer, instead he overheard her breathing heavily.

"Goodnight Jazmine"

He got off the phone and waited, in case she called back. He checked his call log and noticed he was on the phone with Jazmine for approximately six hours.

He knew what was happening with them. The more he spoke to her, the stronger their connection was becoming. He knew if he continued to connect with her, it would only make things more difficult.

Despite the fact that he hated to admit it. He knew he had better keep his distance from Jazmine.

His thoughts were interrupted by a text from his brother .

Riley: Yo, we having another cookout for Nina's engagement 2morrow. Make sure you there by 3 to help a nigga out. Bring a bottle too.

Huey scoffed " Niggas " he said as he mentally noted not to attend.

Riley text again.

Riley: And before you decide to be a hater and not come, just know that I told your future son in law to invite his momma. Picture this. All our perverted ass cousins, uncles finna be there...Along with with Jazzy's fine single ass (Zany Face Emoji)

"Son of a bitch" Huey cursed under his breath.

Looks like he's coming to the cook out after all. And apparently, so is Jazmine ..

So much for keeping his distance.