“Maad, he’s beautiful.” Corin stared at Ahmir in awe. “I can’t believe you’re a dad.”
“I can’t believe it myself sometimes. Corin, this is Jameela.”
I was still unsure what to call her. I wanted to say,my woman,but I haven’t had that conversation with her yet, so I didn’t want to make things awkward in front of my sister.
“It’s nice to meet you, Jameela. I didn’t think Ahmad would ever settle down. It’s always been school, work and more work. I’m glad he found you.”
Well so much for making shit awkward,I thought.
Corin just didn’t know when to shut her damn mouth.
Jameela gave Corin a small smile.
“It’s nice to meet you also.”
She refrained from commenting on us finding one another. And I had to admit to myself that I was a little disappointed. I need some type of sign from her that I’m more than just her fuck buddy and baby daddy.
But she gave nothing away.
We all sat in the living room and Corin told me all about the West Coast and how much she loves it.
I’m glad she’s happy, but I can’t even deny that with my mom in the islands and Corin across the country, that I miss having family in the same city.
Corin finally relinquished Ahmir so that Jameela could feed him and put him down.
I followed Jameela to make sure she knew where she was going. I also wanted to give her a tour of the house.
When we settled on the door to the nursery, I held my breath, wanting to take in her reaction to what I’ve done.
“Oh my…” Jameela said as her words trailed off. “...when did you do this? It’s amazing.”
She took in the nursery and her mouth hung open.
I didn’t know when I would leave her place, my intentions were to never leave her, or at least bring her with me whenever I did. So, I had an interior designer come in and design the nursery. I wanted to be sure that Ahmir had a home here too. I never wanted him to feel like he’s an afterthought. I also wanted that to be clear to Jameela as well.
The nursery was decorated with an animal kingdom theme, with a lion being the prominent animal painted on the mural wall. The crib was an olive-green color, and the room had greens, golds and an array of other vibrant colors throughout. Everything came out so perfect. It was definitely money well spent.
“As soon as I found out. I made some calls to ensure my son had a place of his own in my home. Both you and Ahmir will always be welcome here and I want to make sure that you both feel at home whenever you’re here.”
“Thank you, Saeed.”
I know she was moved by actions. As always, she let Saeed fall from her lips whenever she was feeling an array of strong emotions.
And I was happy with making her happy.
You really gotta talk to her, man. All of this silent pining ain’t the move.
My thoughts were tiring, but I knew that little nagging voice was right. I needed to figure this shit out. And make sure that Jameela was mine.
Knowing that she liked her bonding time before bed, I left her to get Ahmir situated and went back downstairs to my sister.
“Brother, you did good! Jameela seems like a wonderful woman.”
“You’ve known her for all of two hours. Chill, Corin.”
She sucked her teeth.
“Whatever. I can see in your eyes that you really care for her. It’s a good look on you. I was starting to think you were gay.”
