Darius Jones by Mary B. Morrison

Grant’s limo, sat beside him, then told the driver, “Take us to Cedars Hospital quick. It’s an emergency.”
    My body shivered but I wasn’t cold. I was worried about Fancy, Darius, my grandbaby, and my relationship. I was terribly upset with and disappointed in Grant for believing Honey but grateful that he hadn’t abandoned me.
    â€œCan’t you find a faster way out of this jam, driver?”
    â€œDoing the best I can, ma’am, without going over the top.”
    Grant laughed. I didn’t.
    Timing was horrible but I had to ask Grant, “What is your obsession with her?”
    â€œHer? I’m here with you, aren’t I?”
    He was with me but he was torn between her and me. I wasn’t going to be Grant’s rebound. “Her, yes, her. Honey. That ‘her.’ Now answer the question.”
    â€œWhat was the question, again?”
    â€œDon’t play with me.”
    Grant turned away, stared at the black tinted window. I stared at his reflection. He couldn’t escape me or my question.
    â€œLook, it’s not an obsession. I know Honey. I’m the father. She wouldn’t lie to me,” he said, still looking away.
    Men. Grant didn’t want me to see the uncertainty in his eyes. He prayed he was the father because he wanted Honey. Otherwise, he’d be on my side. He had to choose. No way was I signing up for a three-some or a five-some.
    I demanded. “Look at me.” I waited, made an eye-to-eye connection, then continued, “Oh, but you lied to me.” I searched for answers I already knew. “How did she get pregnant if you claimed you used protection? Huh? We could’ve ended this relationship nine months ago.”
    Grant stared at the floor, shook his head. “Jada, we’ve got more important things to concern ourselves with. This is not the time to argue.”
    â€œOh, so now I’m Jada and not ‘baby.’ Admit that you lied to me, Grant! Admit it, damn it!” Maybe I should’ve accepted that ride from that nice lady.
    â€œIf it’ll make you feel better, okay, you’re right. You’re always right. Satisfied? I lied to you but that doesn’t change the fact that Fancy is injured and Honey is about to deliver my boys. Driver, please hurry. I don’t want to miss my sons being born.”
    I slid closer to him. My thigh touched his, reminding me how muscular his body was. How great his naked body felt lying next to mine. This man had sexed me senseless. Made me feel young again.
    â€œNo, Grant. She’s about to deliver her babies. Until we have a paternity test, I consider this one more lie to add to her list of trifling ways. Maybe I should call the police and tell them where to find Ms. Prostitute. Huh? Ms. Madam. Huh? Save you the disappointment. She’s unfit and you know it. How about I do you that favor?”
    Grant became quiet. His jaw flinched. He sucked then licked his upper teeth. “How about I tell you that”—Grant paused, looked me in the eyes, then continued—“I’m still in love with Honey.”
    Smack! My involuntary reflexes hit him. I went to slap Grant’s face again. He grabbed my wrist.
    â€œStop it, Jada. Don’t you ever, ever hit me again. I’m trying to be honest with you. I thought I’d gotten her out of my system by not seeing her for nine months but—” He stopped speaking midsentence. A tear fell. He blinked.
    I knew that feeling all too well but wasn’t going to admit it to Grant. I told him, “I’d be lying if I said I understood. I don’t. Why am I wearing this?” I asked him, wiggling my engagement ring in front his face. “What about the million dollars my son has already paid for our wedding? I didn’t pursue you, Grant. You—” I stopped speaking.
    I wanted to slap his face again. I wanted to push him out of the moving limo. I wanted to hurt him more