Naughty by Nature by Brenda Hampton

time to time.”
    Jaylin stroked his goatee. “I’m curious. What do you tell her?”
    â€œI told her the truth. That things didn’t work out between us and you had to move on. You always said she’d someday understand and you were right. I know she misses you, but she’s learned how to adjust.”
    Jaylin nodded. “And, what about the dog? Does Barbie miss me, too?”
    Scorpio smiled. “She . . . we all miss you, but, I’m glad to hear that you’re doing okay.”
    â€œYeah, I’m doing fine.”
    â€œShane told me that you had another baby?”
    Jaylin looked over at me. “Yeah. I have a baby girl.” He slightly leaned over on his stool and pulled out his wallet. He proudly pulled out a picture of Jaylene and handed it over to Scorpio. “That’s my baby right there. That little girl means everything in the world to me.”
    Scorpio looked at the picture and forced out a smile. She told Jaylin how beautiful Jaylene was and quickly handed the picture back to him.
    He looked at the picture, then put it back in his wallet. “So, what is it that you wanted to talk to me about? Shane said that you wanted to see me?”
    I stood up. “I’m gon’ allow y’all some privacy. Can I get y’all something to drink?”
    Jaylin pulled on my arm. “Sit. We ain’t looking for no privacy.”
    I lowered myself back on the stool.
    â€œI . . . I really just wanted to know how you were doing,” Scorpio said. “Lately, for whatever reason, you’ve been on my mind. I thought that something bad happened to you and—”
    â€œNaw, I’m good, baby.” Jaylin spoke with confidence. “Actually, couldn’t be better. How about you? You’re looking good and things must be going well.”
    â€œYes. Things are going remarkably well. I finally got my business degree, and last year, I opened up Jay’s. I haven’t done much with my playwriting, but I hope to get back to it soon. For a thirty-two-year-old woman, I’d say I’m doing pretty well.”
    â€œJay’s?”
    â€œIt’s my shop. You can get your hair, nails, and toes done there, along with a massage or facial.”
    Jaylin sat up straight and rubbed his chin. “That sounds intriguing, especially the name.”
    â€œOf course, I thought of you when I decided to name the place Jay’s. I never really got a chance to thank you for all that you did for Mackenzie and I.”
    â€œAnd I never got a chance to tell you that it wasn’t no problem. It was the least I could do.”
    I stood up again. “I’d say we give a toast to remembering the past, and focusing on the future.”
    This time, Jaylin didn’t stop me as I walked away and came back with a bottle of Moët and three wine glasses. We lifted the filled glasses and clinked them together. Scorpio took only a few sips and then sat the glass on the table.
    â€œI think I’d better get going,” she looked at Jaylin. “Again, I just wanted to say hello and wish you well.”
    â€œWell, let me walk you out,” Jaylin suggested. He placed his glass on the table, and before they moved toward the exit, Scorpio thanked me and gave me another hug. I watched as they made their way to the door, and even though I hated to admit it, they made a very attractive and sexy couple. It was a damn shame why some things don’t work out, but there was no denying it hadn’t worked out for a reason.
    By the time they reached the door, Jaylin turned to me. “I’ll be right back. I’m gon’ walk Scorpio to her car.”
    I nodded and picked up our glasses of Moët to take them to the kitchen. On my way there, I stopped in my office to make sure my designs were neatly stacked in my portfolio. As soon as I sat in my chair, the phone rang. I picked up and it was Nokea.
    â€œHey, Nokea,” I said.
    â€œHi,