New Beginnings

Toya's A Mess

I chuckled.

“Well that ruins the surprise. Did you also read that I’m converting back?”

“Don’t joke with me.”

“I’m not. I wanna convert back and start my practice again.”

“This is amazing! I have all of your old crystals and grimoire still.”

“Perfect. We will come over in a few days and make dinner.”

“Alright.”

I set my phone down and drained the water from the pan. I poured some honey, cinnamon, sugar, and brown sugar into the pan and mixed it together.

“Baby, is it cool with you if we go over to my nana’s house in a few days?”

“Of course.”

He walked up and wrapped his arms around me then kissed my neck.

“Why’s that a question?”

“I just didn’t know if you had plans or not. I didn’t wanna make plans and them not work for you.”

“I have no plans.”

“Okay.”

He kissed my neck again then sat at the island. 

“Apple pie filling?”

“Yep.”

I pulled the vanilla ice cream out and made each of us a small bowl. I put the pie filling on top of the ice cream then handed him his.

“This looks really good.”

“Thank you.”

We started eating and I’ll admit, it was really good. He did the dishes then we went upstairs and finished getting ready. I dried my hair then curled it and did my makeup. I went downstairs and looked for the whiskey. I couldn’t find it so I went to the man cave. 

I saw the crate and opened it to see ten bottles of the whiskey. I grabbed one and brought it upstairs with me. Tariq saw me.

“What’re you up to?”

“I’m bringing some whiskey with.”

“Why?”

“Because in order to deal with Toya you have to either be tipsy or drunk.”

“You can’t drink.”

“I had to deal with my mother, I’ll live.”

He started laughing then we put our shoes on and headed over. I knocked at the door and Louis opened it.

“You just saved me from an awkward conversation.”

I laughed.

“Well I brought something to help.”

I showed him the whiskey.

“Is that Scottish whiskey?”

“From Scotland. We brought some with us when we came back.”

“Thank you.”

We walked inside and went to the kitchen where there was Toya, her daughter Alica, Louis’s dad John, his sister Livi, and someone else.

“Yall remember Sophia, Meghan’s daughter right?”

Toya looked at me.

“Hey niece!”

She got up and gave me a hug.

“It’s so good to see you!”

“It’s good to see you too. I brought something from Scotland.”

I handed her the whiskey then she laughed.

“Now I know damn well yo mama didn’t let you go to Scotland.”

“You don’t know? I moved out. We just bought the house next door.”

She looked at Tariq.

“And this fine young man is?”

“My name’s Tariq. I’m Sophia’s boyfriend.”

She looked at me.

“Little girl, I was not ready for this.”

“Well I’m grown now. I work full time, I’m finishing school, bought a house, have a dog, stable relationship.” I looked at Tariq. “Having a baby.”

I looked back at Toya and her face went from confused to excited.

“You’re having a baby?!”

“Yep.”

She wrapped me back up in a hug and we started laughing. She pulled away then wiped away her tears.

“How far along?”

“We are really early but excited. Have you heard the news about James?”

“That he has cancer? Yeah, I heard.”

“He deserves it.”

“Sophia.”

“Toya you know what he did to us.”

“I know but no one deserves that.”

I chuckled. We all sat down and Louis poured everyone a shot besides me. We sat there talking for a while then there was a knock at the door. Cam and Michael walked in with Ronnie and Cam’s new girl. We all went into the dining room and Louis started bringing the food out to the table.

“I have to say Louis, this smells really good.”

“Thanks. I learned from my mom.”

He sat down and we all started eating. Everything smelled and tasted absolutely amazing.

“So you two went to Scotland?”

“Yeah. We took Cam with us.”

“How was it?”

“It was amazing. Everything was so beautiful and ancient. We ate different foods, saw a couple castles, rented a boat and went on the loch, and just had a great time. I love whiskey so we bought a few bottles to take home so after I have this baby, I can have some.”

“Well that’s awesome.”

“Yeah, we are excited.”

“How long have you known each other?”

“Well he’s worked with Cam and Michael for around four years now? We met on his first day.”

“I remember that. You were on your way to boxing practice and Cam and Michael kept messing with you.”

“Then you three decided to harrass me my entire practice.”

“At least we bought you dinner after.”

I rolled my eyes then Toya laughed.

“Have you met his family?”

“Yep. We all met under difficult circumstances. His sister was attacked by her ex and was put in the hospital. I met his family while we were waiting for her to come out of surgery. Luckily she is fine now but him, not so much.”

They nodded their heads.

“Lord, I remember when I first met you three. Meghan had just gotten together with Marcus and you all came over for a cookout. You were so small back then Sophia.”

“And look at her now. Got a huge promotion, a house, a baby on the way, traveled, and more to happen.”

“Alright let’s change the topic.”

We all talked, ate dinner, and just had a good time. We went home and I was so tired I could barely keep my eyes open. I washed my face and teeth then changed into a tee shirt and got in bed. 

“Hey mamas, I have to wake up early for a job. I have stuff to do all day.”

“Okay. I was planning on going to some stores and either start on my office or just decorate the rest of the house.”

“Alright.”

He got in bed and started cuddling with me. It was five in the morning and I heard his alarm go off. He got up and started getting ready.

“What’s the job?”

“We have a high profile shipment. Elijah didn’t say but we have to take it from the warehouse to the bar in Kankakee as soon as we get it.”

“Okay.”

“And after that we have to have a health check in day where we are tested.”

“I know what it is babe, I’m the one who created it. I started it so we knew where your health is and where we can place you.”

“Smart.”

“Well thank you. That’s going to take all day.”

“I know but it’s worth it. I have a couple of bets going with some of the guys.”

“I might come check on you guys. Bring some waters and food.”

“That sounds good.”

He finished getting ready then kissed me.

“I’ll text you when the job is done.”

“Okay, I love you and please be safe.”

“I love you too and I will.”

He left then I went back to sleep. My alarm went off at seven and I got up. I made a pot of coffee then brought Apollo outside. I called Cam.

“Hey sis.”

“Hey, do you have any jobs right now?”

“Nope.”

“Perfect, can you come over here? I wanna know what you have planned because Tariq is gone all day and I wanna get started.”

“Yeah, I’ll be there in a hour.”

“Perfect. Thank you for this.”

“Always.”

I hung up and went back inside. I grabbed my computer and got to work. I had to do some paperwork really fast and get things situated from the job in Scotland. Once I finished that I started looking for greenhouses on sale and I found one that was eight feet wide and twenty feet long. I walked outside and started taking measurements and it would fit perfectly and we would still have a lot of room for everything else we want to do. 

I ordered it and it said that it would be at the house in a few days or we could pick it up. I decided that Cam and I would pick it up and he could build it because he loves building things for me. I went upstairs and put on a pair of shorts and one of Tariq’s blue shirts. I went back to the kitchen and finished working then there was a knock on the door. I opened the door and it was Cam.

“Perfect timing. Do you wanna build my greenhouse for me?”

“Is that even a question? I live for that shit.”

I smiled.

“We can pick it up today. After you show me what you have.”

“Let’s head outside.”

We walked to the backyard and he smiled.

“So your greenhouse would go over here because that’s where the most sun will be throughout the day. On this side, why don’t we make a built in fireplace with sand around the pit so the sand gets warm and keeps your feet warm, then a grill over here next to the door, a patio table and chairs right here, and a lounge area right here under the roof so it doesn’t get wet.”

I smiled.

“Perfect. I love it.”

“Alright, I will get started on it after I build your greenhouse.”

“Perfect, let’s go get it now.”

“Alright.”

I put Apollo in his cage then we headed over to Home Depot and got the greenhouse. We loaded it onto the back of Cam’s truck and tied it down so it didn’t fall off. We got back to the house and brought everything to the backyard and Cam brought his tools with.

“I’m going to make some lunch while you get started on that. I’m also going to order herbs and flowers and have them delivered.”

“Sounds good to me.”

He started working on the greenhouse and I started making dorito chicken which is baked chicken breasts coated in dorito crumbs. We constantly had this growing up and I thought it would be a good idea and it was easy. I opened my computer and started ordering flowers, herbs, pots, dirt, tools, everything. I just hope that Tariq doesn’t get mad when he gets home. I finished ordering everything and it said that it all should be here tomorrow. I checked on Cam and brought him some water because it was really hot outside.

“I’m going to start with the base then the roof.”

“Sounds good to me. Do you want to skip the fitness check up day?”

“Please? I’m obviously still in shape.”

“I’ll call Elijah. Do you mind if I leave for a little while?”

“Do whatever you want to do. When I’m done I’ll text you and lock the door behind me.”

“Thank you.”

I kissed his cheek then went to my room. I have a few meetings today so I put on a pair of black work pants and a white blouse that hung low. I threw on my block heels and did my makeup and got in the car. I drove to the store and looked for an employee.

“Can I help you miss?”

“Yes, I’m looking to buy a pallet of water bottles.”

His eyes got wide.

“That’s a lot.”

“Well it’s needed.”

“Are you bringing it to the Black Lives Matter movement?”

I smiled.

“Most yes.”

“Follow me.”

He got a pallet of waters and it was a lot but it fit in the car. I paid and drove to the warehouse. I walked inside and all of the guys were shirtless and in basketball shorts. Most of the girls were wearing shorts or leggings but a few were wearing basically nothing. I looked for Elijah and Tariq then I felt a pair of arms around me.

“You look good mamas.”

“Thank you.”

I turned around and he had sweat dripping down his body and he looked amazing.

“What’s up?”

“I brought water.”

“Thank you.”

“Where’s Elijah?”

“Over there.”

He pointed then I gave him a kiss. I walked over there and everyone was staring at me.

“Elijah!”

He looked over at me then started smiling.

“There she is. What’s up?”

“I brought a ton of water. Can you have the guys bring it all inside?”

He looked at them and they took off to the car.

“I have a few meetings today and Cam is at my house doing a favor for me. We all already know that he’s in shape so do you think you can let him slide this once?”

“Sure. What’s the favor?”

“Building my greenhouse for me.”

He started laughing.

“Well at least it’s something good.”

We talked for a few more minutes then I saw guys carrying two or three cases of water at a time and stacking them against the wall.

“Whatever you guys don’t drink, which will be a lot, we are saving for the Black Lives Matter movement and donating to them.”

“Sounds perfect to me.”

I walked outside and all of the water was out of the car. I went back inside and they were already back in their lines so I walked down the line of the guys and found Tariq.

“I have a few meetings to go to but I will be home in time for dinner.”

“Sounds good to me.”

He gave me a hug then kissed me. A few of the guys started messing with him but he didn’t care.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

I kissed him again then left. I called Cam.

“What’s up?”

“You are good to skip today and in ten minutes check on lunch.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem.”

I hung up and took off. I drove over to the bar and walked inside.

“You must be Miss. Jones.”

A white male was standing there.

“I am. You must be Mr. Finnley Aston.”

“I am. So let’s get straight to business. Your business is making a huge difference in the community-”

“I am sorry to cut you off but I do have bad news for you. We will no longer be doing business with you. We have contacts that are telling us that you are going to try to take over our business and try to sue us out. Now, I cannot have that and I cannot have a man that does not care for the community try to take over. I thank you for your time but I am going to have to kindly ask you to leave and not come back.”

“I don’t understand. I thought we were making progress.”

“We were but we have several reliable contacts telling us the same thing. That as soon as we start doing business with you, you are going to try to take our business and run us out. Now, I am going to have to ask you to leave.”

He got mad and went to retaliate but the people I was meeting with next walked inside.

“Again, I am going to have to kindly ask you to leave.”

He stormed out and I turned to them.

“I apologize for you having to witness that.”

“What was it about?”

“He was going to try to take over the business as soon as we signed the contract. I had to tell him to leave. Now Mr. and Mrs. Houston, It is a pleasure to finally meet you. How was your flight?”

“Great. We are rested and ready for business now.”

“That is perfect. Now, I wanted to talk about your contract. I understand that it states you want sixty percent?”

“Yes. We had to travel all the way here.”

“I understand that but I don’t understand why. We agreed that you would take fifty, we take forty and the other ten percent goes back to the community. I don’t understand why you are changing the agreement.”

“You’re kind never understands.”

I got confused.

“I’m sorry, my kind?”

“Little hoodlums.”

I looked at her.

“Ma’am if you are going to disrespect me for trying to understand why the contract isn’t what we agreed upon and call me names, I am going to have to ask the two of you to leave and do not try to contact my boss because he will hear about this. Now, if you want to see a ‘little hoodlum’ I can show you one.”

She got scared and they left. I sat down and shook my head.

“Are you okay?”

I looked up at the bartender. He was new so I didn’t know him.

“I need a drink but I can’t.”

“I heard the news. Congratulations.”

“Thank you. What’s your name?”

“Rodrick but I go by Roddy.”

“Well, Roddy, that is what we call a piece of s**t that Sophia will not tolerate.”

He chuckled.

“They were racists. The way she clinged to her purse and how he carried himself, it was clear.”

I chuckled.

“He was standing in a boxing stance waiting for me to get closer so he had an excuse to swing at me. That’s why I didn’t get closer.”

“I didn’t notice that.”

“I know. It was a slow movement and he tried making it look natural but I saw it.”

He chuckled.

“How much longer are you going to be here?”

“A few hours. Why?”

“I was curious. How long have you been in?”

“Since they started the gang. I was one of the first members.”

“How’d you get your name?”

“I didn’t come up with it. I saved a woman from her abusive husband that would beat on her and their kids by putting him in the ground. She called me her guardian angel then one of the members said, ‘she’s the angel of death.’ After that it stuck with me and everywhere I go, someone knows of me.”

“That’s cool.”

“It is. Why’d you ask?”

“I ask everyone really. Get to know the whole gang so I’m not seen as an outsider.”

“Smart.”

He smiled. I finished the last few meetings then I went home. Cam ate a few of the pieces of chicken and was almost done building the greenhouse. I walked outside and accidentally scared him.

“Jeez Sophia.”

“Sorry.”

I looked at the progress and it looked amazing.

“This looks great Cam. Thank you.”

“No problem. I wanna get it done tonight.”

“I saw you ate some chicken. Was it good?”

“It was. Brought back a lot of memories.”

“Yeah. Well, I’m going to go do some work and start dinner.”

“Okay.”

I started making dinner and I decided that we were going to have something healthy tonight because we eat a lot of junk. There was a knock at the door so I opened it.

“Can I help-”

“Hello Sophia.”