“My pleasure,” Ocean led Aaliyah to the dance floor. “Nothing Like Loving You” by Amerie played overhead and Ocean wrapped his arms around Aaliyah’s waist. He pulled her close and they swayed to the R&B song as if it was meant for them.
“Are you having fun tonight?” He asked.
“It’s been an interesting night,” Aaliyah admitted. “I love your brothers, and my mom is having a great time schmoozing with everyone. I met Briana and she’s just wonderful.” She paused for a beat. “I met Ximena.”
“I was hoping you wouldn’t but I had a feeling it was inevitable.” Ocean replied. “I hope she wasn’t too bad.”
Aaliyah remembered Ximena’s biting words. She knew about her past, yet Ocean didn’t. Aaliyah wondered how long it would be before Ocean did find out. “It went as well as it was going to go.”
“She won’t do anything if she wants to be with me.” Ocean reassured. “She talks a hard game but she won’t do anything. She’s harmless.”
“I’m not too sure about that.” Aaliyah replied. “She seems hell-bent in being a part of the family one way or another.”
“That’s her problem, not mine.” He replied. “The only woman I’m concerned with is the one I’m dancing with currently. Everything else is not a priority.”
“Did you want me to move to D.C.?” Aaliyah asked.
“No,” he replied, “if you’re settled in Atlanta, stay there. We’ll figure something out.”
Aaliyah chewed her bottom lip. “What about if I move back here? Would that be okay?”
Ocean pulled back slightly. “What do you mean? I thought you were set up in Atlanta?”
“I am but it’s nothing but furniture and a move can take care all of that.” She mentioned. “If it’ll be easier for you to be here to see your family, I would rather be here. You’re Keisha’s OB/GYN and you’re close to your brothers and parents. I don’t want to take that away from you.”
“And what about you? Your father is in Atlanta,” he mentioned. “You two are pretty close.”
“My father will be fine. He has my uncles and cousins to help him. He also has a plethora of women to keep his bed happy. He’ll be fine.” Aaliyah held his face within her hands. “We probably can’t move soon because I’m shooting but maybe within a year?”
“I say that’s perfect.” Ocean kissed his girlfriend. “Did you want to move in with me at my home? Did you want to find another?”
“I can move in with you.” She replied. “I love the freedom to skinny dip whenever I want to.”
“And I like the freedom of watching that ass move when you do.” He replied. He swept his lips over hers. “Let’s start the planning next week.”
Aaliyah smiled. Everything was about to come true. Nothing could ruin her moment. “Sounds good to me.”
“Can I interrupt?”
Aaliyah looked over at her nightmare. Only Thomas Ellison would interrupt a private moment.
