Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everybody, sorry for the long wait! I have been putting the chapter together for over a month and I have finally felt fully satisfied with it! Hope you all enjoy ✨

Now onto the chapter..

C H A P T E R
F I F T Y

Watching as Alisha embraced the unknown woman who was twerking effortlessly with the other folks there having a good time, Cali smiled but then frowned when she noticed the look on Hazel's face. "Everything good Haze? You lookin' like you spotted a ghost or something."

Not once breaking eye contact as she stared at Crystal and Alisha talking and laughing, Hazel sighed. "That's Ah—"

Before she could even finish her sentence the girls watched as Ahmad came up behind the unknown woman wrapping his arms securely around her, causing Cali to freeze in her spot and heart shatter into a million pieces. "That's Ahmad's new girlfriend?" She questioned barely above a whisper.

Hazel only nodded as she looked down. "I met her a few times at the shop, but I didn't know Alisha knew her that well. They seem to be damn near best friends by the looks of it,"

Kamry nodded, "Yeah, what if she knew this whole time who she was? I mean the girl cute or whatever but she doesn't have anything on you Cal and that's a fact."

"Alisha said she didn't know who his new girl was, so why would she lie? And I'm not gonna sit here and down the girl, she's beautiful no need to compare our looks Kam."

Kamry rolled her eyes, "Well clearly Alisha lied, I mean look at how they greeted each other. She ran up on that girl as if they were the best of friends it was no way that she did not know who she was from jump."

Hazel nodded, "Yeah, I mean she comes to the shop all the time and Shaun is really cool with her so it would make sense for her and Alisha to cross paths and form some kind of relationship."

Cali listened to what they said and sighed, she didn't want to believe that Alisha had actually lied about not knowing the girl. She didn't see her point in doing so unless she was just trying to save herself from hurting her feelings. But it was clear that Alisha had to have known her before hand and the more she stood and watched she hoped like hell it wasn't Alisha who got them together.

When she noticed Ahmad's new girl staring at her, Kamry nudged her arm. "She looking over here like she got an issue or something." She mumbled. "Marcus told me about her, he's not a big fan of her at all."

"Kamry chill and who cares what Marcus thinks? You two probably only have an issue with the girl because she isn't me."

Kamry shrugged. "And? We're team Ahmad and Cali, and we always will be. In my opinion no girl will be better than you were to Ahmad."

Cali ignored Kamry and let out a deep sigh. "We just need to go over there to speak and then leave. I mean shit I might as well introduce myself and get this awkward meet and greet over with and just let them continue on with their trip as we do the same."

When Cali started making her towards them, Crystal frowned as she looked back at Ahmad who was still standing behind her with his arms still around her waist. "What is she doing here Ahmad and what is going on?"

Looking passed Alisha, Ahmad's eyes went buck when he saw Cali and them making their way over to them. He could not believe she was really here right now and by the look on Crystal's face she was not happy. "I-I don't know,"

Rolling her eyes, Crystal pushed him off of her and walked away causing Shanice and Tae to go after her. "Just stay here and figure out what is going on, we got her." Shanice said before she took off running after her as well.

Turning his focus back to Alisha and now Cali and the rest who were now in front of him, he sighed. "I gotta make sure she's good, we can discuss this later. I can't believe this shit." He mumbled to himself as he turned and walked off leaving Dave who stood their awkwardly not sure what to do.

Scratching his head, he took a sip of his drink as they all just stared at each other. "Well shit, I guess I'll break the ice. How y'all doing ladies?"

They all just shrugged, "Good, is his girl mad or something?" Kamry questioned as they looked over to see Ahmad and Crystal talking off to the side with each other.

"Nah, they good." Deciding to change the subject, Dave glanced over at Alisha. "How you know Crystal anyways Lisha? Y'all seem close as hell."

"I can explain that." Alisha started. "Crystal is one of my make-up artists, she has done a lot of shoots with me and others and we just formed a good relationship between one another. But Cali, I promise I didn't know she was the one who was dating Ahmad. She's talked about him to me all the time, but she never just said who he was so trust me I had no idea. But we're here because Shaun gifted me a push present to Mexico and I brought the girls but I swear I wasn't trying to start any issues or drama."

Dave nodded as he looked at Cali, "Damn, small world we have here huh?"

The girls nodded awkwardly, "Too small." Cali mumbled.

Once things fell silent again, Dave scratched the back of his head and took a sip of his drink before just walking off to get away from the awkward tension in the air.

Glancing over at Cali, Alisha sighed. "I know how this all must look, but Cali I promise I had no idea about her and Ahmad."

"She must've had to know though, I mean if she's close with Shaun and almost everybody at the shop then she had to at least pick up on something and if she did that's weird for her not to say anything to you Alisha." Kamry stated.

"How is it weird? If she did know I'm sure she did it to save it from being awkward between me and her." Alisha expressed.

"Yeah whatever, but you know you can't continue on with that friendship right? I mean she's Ahmad's new girl and thats like siding and befriending the enemy."

Frowning, Alisha shook her head. "Crystal is not the enemy here so why would I drop her as a friend? She's done nothing to me or to Cali so why would I have an issue? I'm not about to drop her because of who she is dating."

Kamry rolled her eyes, "Girl, you can't be friends with your bestfriend ex husband new girl that's just code."

Alisha looked over at Cali and sighed, "Do you have a problem with me being friends with her? It's clear Kamry does, even though her opinion was unwanted nor was it even needed."

If Cali had to admit she didn't like the fact that Crystal and Alisha were close, it already was hard enough to know she lost Ahmad to this woman she couldn't lose her best friend either. "I honestly don't like it, but I can't be mad. You guys clearly formed a bond even before you knew who she was so who am I to try and fuck that up?"

Alisha nodded, "I respect that answer, I'll just always make sure to never have you guys in the same room so it won't be awkward for neither of you." She explained and Cali nodded still not liking the fact that they're friends but she decided not to say anything.

Glancing around the beach, Cali's eyes landed on Ahmad and Crystal and she watched as he pulled her into him before they shared a kiss. Tearing her eyes away, she felt her eyes start to water up. "Can we go somewhere else? I can't be here right now."

"Yeah, let's just go back to the hotel and check out that bar they have downstairs." Kamry suggested and the girls all agreed.

Across the beach Ahmad placed his arms around Crystal as she stared up at him, "I just don't want any drama on our trip and I just have a gut feeling something is gonna pop off Ahmad. I don't like that she's here it makes things awkward as hell and the way her friend or whoever was staring at me she clearly had a problem." Crystal admitted.

"I'm not gonna let anything go down between neither of you guys, it shouldn't be no issues since you haven't done anything to disrespect anybody so if one of them have a problem with you they gotta see me first." He stated followed by a shrug. "But we good, they not ruining our trip okay? This is your birthday trip and its still all about you this whole week, alright?"

Smiling small she eventually nodded, "Okay,"

As he bent down to kiss her, Crystal met him half way smiling against the kiss as he hugged her tighter and moved his hands down to her butt. Feeling eyes on them, Crystal moved her head to look around while Ahmad took that as an opportunity to leave kisses on her neck.

As she searched the beach with her eyes to see who it was watching them, she sighed when she saw it was Cali. Pulling away from Ahmad when she noticed the look in her eyes, she sighed. "Let's go get something to drink and find Tae and them."

Agreeing, he grabbed her by the hand and led her to the bar which had a long line. Placing her in front of him he wrapped his arms around her as she fell back against him feeling completely safe and secure in his arms as they waited to be served.

As they both stood in silence vibing to the music that was playing they both were in deep thought thinking to themselves about everything that could possibly go wrong on this trip. Just like Crystal and how she had a gut feeling, Ahmad had one as well.

Mentally shaking his head he decided to not even worry about it and to just focus on making this trip a good one for Crystal as he originally planned.

Noticing Dave, Tae and Shanice making their way over to them, Ahmad tapped Crystal and pointed in the direction they was coming from so she could see.

Slapping hands with Dave they both shared a look before letting out sighs. "I feel like Kamry on some other shit." Dave blurted out.

Ahmad frowned, "Whatchu mean?"

"Her vibe was all the way off and the way she was talking with so much attitude I'm just thinking in my head like what is up with you? I just feel its best we keep our distance from them for the remainder of the trip to save the drama. Because its clear they ain't feeling you and Crystal." Dave suggested and they all nodded agreeing.

"Yeah, cause nobody has time for that. I have no issues with neither of them and Alisha and I are actually really good friends so I hope this doesn't ruin it for us."

Ahmad scoffed, "Fuck how they all feel honestly, especially Kamry. Her and Marcus been getting on my nerves, if she tries anything with Crystal this week I'm coming to Marcus straight up. Like control ya bitch nigga."

Ahmad was so confused as to why Marcus and now Kamry was so bent over what he had going on in his own life. Like he knew they were upset that him and Cali were done but he honestly felt they needed to move on like he clearly has and focus on their own relationship.

Touching his arm Crystal made him look at her, "Calm down, we're good. We not gon' let them ruin our trip remember? All positive vibes over here, they can keep that negative energy over there."

Shanice nodded, "Yeah plus even if they did try anything, I'm ten toes down with my bitch Crystal so its whatever." She shrugged making Tae laugh and smile as he threw his arm over her shoulder.

"I like you friend. Where you been all my life?" He questioned.

Shanice smiled, "You're so silly, but on a serious note we didn't come here for drama so let's not even pay them any attention."

Ahmad and the rest all agreed, "Yeah but enough about them, this vacation is for my boo Crystal and for us to unwind and have a good time. We can't let them ruin that or turn our focus away from what we really came here for. So I say I'll buy a round of shots, we finna get drunk, party and have the best fuckin' night of our lives and continue to do so for the rest of the week. What y'all think?" Tae questioned trying to get everybody back in the spirit.

All sharing a look between each other, they all eventually shrugged and nodded. "Let's do it,"

As the night went on Ahmad and them managed to get drunk like they planned and they were actually enjoying themselves.

Feeling the urge to head back to the house, Shanice and Dave pushed their way through the crowd in search of Ahmad and Crystal soon finding them dancing all up on each other. Shanice stumbled over to Crystal getting close to her ear. "Dave and I finna go back to the house, y'all good?"

Looking back at Ahmad who was having a conversation with Dave, she tapped him to get his attention. "You ready to go? Dave and Shanice about to leave."

"Yeah we can go," He shrugged. "I'm hungry as hell anyways. I'm craving some shrimp tacos."

"That does sound good, lets order that from somewhere." Shanice suggested as she hopped on the back Dave's back.

Getting lost in their own world, she kissed his neck then smiled to herself as they headed towards the top of the beach. "I love you." She whispered.

Looking back at her, he kissed her on the lips. "I love you too."

Snuggling up against him more, she didn't get down until their Uber arrived and even then they all were cuddled up while Tae was in the front seat knocked out sleep.

The moment they got home both couples wasted no time getting in the house and heading to their rooms, it was clear what Ahmad and Crystal were about to do and Shanice literally hoped she was gonna get some action too.

Tae crashed on the couch not even bothering to get undressed, kissing him on the head as she passed him. Crystal grabbed Ahmad by the hand leading them to their room.

As they entered their room Ahmad jumped onto the bed letting out a deep sigh, "This bed soft as hell, come lay with me in it before we eat real quick."

Ignoring his wishes, Crystal walked over to the closet and grabbed her bag. "I told you I had a surprise for you, so hold on."

Feeling himself grow excited, he sat up in the bed listening to her rummage through her things wondering what it was. When she came out the closet with her hands behind her back, Ahmad's smile immediately dropped when she pulled out two matching onesie sets.

"You playing right? You really think my big ass finna put on a damn onesie?" He questioned followed by a laugh and she nodded with a big smile on her face.

"I brought it so we could be twins and I brought movies to watch and some snacks for us to eat on. I wanted to have like couples slumber party, do you not like it? Is that too corny? I'm sorry." She pouted.

Quickly getting up the moment her tone changed, Ahmad stopped her from walking back into the closet, "It's not corny and if you want me to wear the damn onesie, I'll wear it but only for you and I'm only wearing it half way up."

Smiling, she wrapped her arms around him. "So you're gonna be shirtless? That works, but okay lets hurry up and shower so we can start our slumber party."

Quickly pecking him on the lips, she hurried off to the bathroom singing as she got their shower ready making Ahmad shake his head from how excited she was. But just seeing her that happy made him feel good and he was willing to do whatever she wanted if he could keep seeing that smile.

          In the bathroom in her towel soaking wet from her shower, Shanice tried wiping the mirror to see her reflection but due to the amount of steam that was clouding the bathroom she couldn't see a thing.

Securing the towel around her body she opened the door causing the steam to rush out as she walked out to see Dave sitting at the edge of their bed shirtless. Just the sight of him had her ready to drop to her knees, but she refrained from doing so to respect his wishes.

When she went to walk over to her side of the bed since thats where her bag of clothes was, she stopped when he grabbed her by the arm and pulled her directly infront of him.

Shanice said no words as she stared down at him getting lost in his eyes instantly getting into a trance, raising his hands up her body he opened her towel up exposing her nude body instantly becoming turned on at the sight of her.

Leaning forward he kissed her stomach softly then started to trail his kiss lower spreading her legs to kiss her inner thighs, Shanice almost couldn't believe she was really about to finally get the dick. Her heart was racing and her mind was racing a mile a minute and her girl down below was ready.

Bringing her closer to him, he made her drop the towel completely as it fell to her feet. He continued to kiss all over her body before raising her left leg placing it on the bed beside which gave him full access to her girl down there.

The moment his mouth came into contact with her pussy, Shanice bit her lip to stop the loud moan that wanted to come out but when he started sucking and licking on her clit the moans and curse words that spilled out couldn't be tamed.

Flicking his tongue back and forth on her clit, he slid two of his fingers inside of her sliding them in and out slowly being sure to work his fingers in that "come here," motion sending her over.

Shanice was in pure estacy from how good he was making her feel, she was still in shock that this was even happening but she wasn't complaining whatsoever.

Her legs soon started to grow weak from the orgasm that was coming and Dave took notice of that so he pulled away and stood up before lifting her up and placing her on his shoulders as he pressed her up against the wall.

Shanice clutched the back of his head as he dove back in to finish what he started, the feeling of his tongue sliding in and out of her and teasing her clit felt beyond amazing and soon Shanice felt tears swell up in her eyes from the pressure build up down below.

Downstairs Ahmad and Crystal were in the kitchen making their snacks, but paused when they suddenly heard Shanice moan out loudly and yelling out Dave's name. Sharing a look between each other they both smirked and laughed. "My girl finally getting some of that action." Crystal joked.

Ahmad shook his head as they both went back to what they were doing before hand.

Back upstairs Shanice tried to regain her breath and strength in her legs as Dave let her down after that massive orgasm she just experienced.

They both stared at eachother not saying a word, walking towards him as he took steps back she pushed him down on the bed before getting ontop of him. Leaning forward she pressed her lips against his passionately as he reached his hands down to grip her ass and finger her from the back.

Moaning lightly into the kiss, Shanice bit his lip stopping every few seconds from the pleasure she was receiving from his fingers sliding in and out of her.

Raising up some, she straddled his lap before position herself right over his dick for an easy entrance. Grabbing his dick she rubbed the tip of it with her thumb repeatedly feeling the pre-cum leak out before she rose up and slowly slid down on it fitting as much as she could inside of her.

Listening to the sound of the moans leaving both their mouths, she slowly rocked her hips back and forth to get used to his size. As he bit his lip and stared up at her with his low hooded eyes, Shanice couldn't help but laugh at how good she was about to put it on him tonight.

When she slowly started bouncing up and down being sure to clench her lips against his shaft, she smirked to herself when he rose his hands up to her waist to help control her movements.

Bouncing faster, she threw her head back moaning loudly removing the scrunching from her hair letting her hair fall as she flipped it out of her face.

As they continued to please each other sexually, they both knew it was about to be a very long night and they both were ready for it. All those months of built up sexual tension was about to be release and honestly neither of them were truly ready for the things they both had instore for each other.

The next day Alisha woke up in her hotel room yawning and stretching to wake herself up. Turning over in her bed to grab her phone, she nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw Shaun laying down next to her sound asleep.

Reaching over and pinching parts of his face to make sure she wasn't dreaming, when he jumped out of his sleep Alisha quickly turned over and acted as if she was sleep.

After a few moments of silence, she soon felt him wrap his arms around her tightly as he got comfortable against her. Smiling to herself Alisha eventually turned to face him to see him already staring. "What are you doing here?"

"You really thought I was gonna just send you out to Mexico without me? And I hope you didn't really think I was paying for all your homegirl tickets as well, they men they did that."

"So all of y'all are here?"

He nodded, "Yep, Marcus and Derek here."

Alisha sighed, "I can already tell this is going to be a very interesting trip."

Sitting up, Shaun got out of the bed to go pee. "Why you say that?"

Following him into the bathroom, she hopped on the counter while he peed. "Ahmad and Crystal are here, and why didn't you tell me it was Crystal who was dating Ahmad?"

Shaun frowned confused by her question. "Who is Crystal?"

Face palming her face, Alisha just looked down. "Ahmad's girlfriend baby, please stay with me."

Walking over to the sink to wash his hands, he shrugged. "How was I suppose to know you knew her? I don't know all your biscuit head friends."

"Shaun, Crystal has been my make-up artist and hairstylist for the passed year. You have met her multiple times before stupid." She stressed really not believing her baby was this slow.

Coming to realization to who she was, his eyes went wide. "Damn, I never put two and two together honestly. I always knew she looked familiar though, it all makes sense now though."

Shaking her head, Alisha hopped off the counter and followed him back into the room. "Well they're both here as well and we ran into them yesterday and let's just say that was the most awkward shit I've ever witnessed and since I personally knew Crystal it made it even more awkward. Because here I am slightly rooting for Ahmad and Cali to fix things, but if Ahmad and Cali were to get back together then Crystal would get hurt and she doesn't deserve that."

"Just get out of it baby, you're way too wrapped up in their mess. Cali made her bed, she caused this split in their relationship so its really just up to Ahmad if he's willing to move on from it and give her another chance even though it's clear he isn't. He seems really happy with Crystal, I mean yeah its crazy that you just so happened to be really good friends with his new girl, but what can you do about it? You didn't know." He expressed.

Listening to his words, Alisha eventually nodded. "You're right, I'm just worried its gonna be some drama. Like Kamry has been working all my nerves with her slick comments and its clear some of the stuff she's saying is getting into Cali's head."

"We not finna let Kamry or Cali ruin this trip for you, if they wanna be on some other shit then let them. But me and you we good, so forget about their drama and just focus on enjoying yourself here in Mexico with your man." He stated as he wrapped his arms around her pulling her closer to him.

Letting out a sigh, she nodded. "Okay, I hear you and you're right."

"Good, now go get ready. We going over to Ahmad's and them beach house to talk business."

"Business? What business?"

Shaun shrugged, "When I called him when we all landed and he saw both me and Marcus was here, he said he wanted to have a meeting with all of us including Hazel as well. He didn't seem upset so I'm assuming its nothing bad."

"You don't think Marcus is gonna bring Kamry right? Crystal is there, maybe I should stay back with the girls while ya'll go handle that. We don't need no fighting going on."

Shaun agreed, "You right, I'll call you when I'm headed back so we can go out or something and I'll keep you posted on what's going on."

Back at Ahmad's beach house he sat at the bar with Dave while Tae, Crystal and Shanice cooked breakfast for everybody. When Ahmad told her the whole gang was here and that he wanted to host a meeting to finally share the big news he's been hiding, she decided to cook for everybody.

Watching as she moved around the kitchen smiling and laughing, Ahmad rested his hand on his face to hold his face up just admiring her.

Catching him staring, she smiled as she walked over towards him with the bowl of eggs she was whisking. "Whatchu staring at?"

Pulling her into his side more, he kissed her. "My baby,"

Sitting her eggs down, she grabbed the sides of his face pecking him on the lips repeatedly causing them both to laugh and smile at each other.

"They so in love its sickening," Tae joked. "But I'm loving the matching onesies."

Turning her attention to Tae, she smiled. "I know right I wanted to have like a slumber party with him lastnight, so we stayed up ate junk food and just watched movies until his lame ass fell asleep cause he can't hang."

Pinching her side, he rolled his eyes. "She sitting here fronting, but I'ma let her have her moment."

Everybody smiled, "That's cute though and actually sounds fun to do." Shanice replied as she flipped the pancake she was cooking over. "Dave we should do something like that." She suggested.

Taking a sip of his apple juice, he smirked. "Them movies gon' fuck around and end up watching us if we did that. So I'm down with it."

"Since we're on the topic of last night, Shanice, Dave did you guys have a good night last night?" Crystal asked with a humorus smile on her face.

When Ahmad and Crystal saw them blushing and looking down they both laughed along with Tae. "I'm assuming by those faces they clearly did." Tae pointed out.

Playfully rolling her eyes, Shanice turned the burner down then walked over towards Dave wrapping her arms around his neck as she stood behind him. "Y'all heard us?" She questioned and when they all nodded she looked down in embarrassment.

"It was damn near impossible not to, but I'm sure all of Mexico knows who Dave is now." Crystal joked as she went back to mixing her eggs.

Laughing, Dave grabbed Shanice hand kissing the back of it. "Get off my baby, she embarrassed." He teased.

The sound of the doorbell going off paused everybody movements, before Ahmad hopped up to open the door revealing Hazel, Marcus and Shaun.

Shanice and Crystal shared a look between each other before they left out of the kitchen to greet everybody. Giving Hazel and Shaun hugs, Crystal ignored Marcus entire existence as she went and stood by Ahmad. "Breakfast is almost ready, but while they finishing up on the food I guess we'll gon' head and start this meeting. Can one of y'all group facetime Rakim, Meech and Travis for me as well."

While Shaun got the boys on the line, Ahmad turned his focus to Crystal. "You good?"

Nodding her head, she kissed him on the lips before moving her lips to his ear. "When you talk to Marcus today, please try not to fight. I really wasn't trying to start any issues between you guys." She whispered.

Pulling his head back, he kissed the top of her head before nodding. "I gotchu."

Watching as she pulled away and walked back into the kitchen, he turned his attention back to his team once she disappeared to go ahead and start the meeting.

Back in the kitchen Crystal nudged Shanice making her look her way. "Yes Crystal?"

"Oh Tae and I are just waiting on you to start spilling the tea on what went down last night miss thang." She smirked making Shanice laugh and shake her head.

"Last night was amazing although I had a feeling we was gonna have sex I was still shocked, but let me just say that it was worth the wait. I don't think I have ever had a man make love to me like that before, shit I think I'm pregnant already honestly." She joked.

"That makes two of us." Crystal mumbled.

Immediately catching onto what she meant, Shanice and Tae both stopped what they were doing and focused their attention on Crystal. "Say what now!?"

"You think you're pregnant Crys?" Tae questioned and she slowly nodded followed by a deep sigh.

"I'm five days late on my cycle and I have a very regular cycle, I have a period every four weeks so this change was very noticeable for me so I contacted my doctor and she told me that what I am experiencing is normal since sex can throw off a woman's cycle but she told me to give it a few more days before I took a test, but it is a chance that I might be though." She explained.

"Damn, well does Ahmad know?"

"Of course not, I'm not gonna tell him until I know for sure that I am because if I'm not then there would be no point in telling him."

"True, but then again if I were you I would tell him." Shanice expressed.

"I honestly don't know how to tell him, I mean we were being safe. We used protection, I'm on birth control so it is a slim chance that I am not but if I am I don't know what will happen between us because financially we would be ready for a child, but its still way too soon for us to be having kids this early on in the relationship." She stressed.

Crystal wasn't going to be upset if she was pregnant, but she wasn't gonna be upset if she found out she isn't either. She wouldn't mind having Ahmad's kid, but not at this moment at least.

"I think she should wait until she finds out for sure that she is, I mean what's the point of bringing it up, getting him all worked up and excited just to find out she isn't." Tae expressed and Shanice shrugged seeing his point.

"Okay, I'll wait and see if my period comes by the end of this trip if it doesn't then I'm taking a test and telling Ahmad." Glancing in the living room area she watched as Ahmad talked before letting out a sigh.

Back in the living room Ahmad, pulled out his laptop to showcase the big news he had for everybody. Sitting the laptop on the coffee table, he stepped back and smiled. "For the past year I've been working on something big for you guys. It took a lot in me not to spill this secret but the time has finally come."

Pressing a button on his laptop he made a picture of a brand new tattoo shop pop up causing everybody eyes to go wide. "This is now the official Killa Ink second location, we all been talking about branching out and doing more so I jumped the gun and did just that. We already a popular tattoo shop going up against many others, so I felt it was time to create a second location so it would be more convient for people to come to." He explained and they all nodded excited and happy about the news.

"I'm proud of you man, we all been here since the beginning so seeing you do this is major." Shaun complimented.

"I appreciate it bro, but none of this and I mean none of this would have even been possible without y'all. When each of you took a chance with me when I first opened my shop I thought of so many ways to pay y'all back for believing in me. So today I am here to announce a few more things, but first keep tapping that arrow and it'll show you guys the inside of the building, including the stations as well."

Calling for Crystal to come here, she walked in with a confused expression on her face. "What's wrong?"

"Why something gotta be wrong? I just need you to bring me my nike bag real quick."

Nodding her head, he watched her disappear into their room before coming back out seconds later handing it over to him. After he thanked and kissed her she went back to the kitchen to finish setting up plates for everybody.

"Y'all liking the shop?"

They all nodded their heads in agreement, "Loving it man, it looks good." Marcus stated before they all chimed in expressing how much they loved it.

"Good good, I'm glad to hear that. Now far as announcements," He started as he reached inside his bag pulling out a stack of white envelopes. "This year are numbers were booming, and we met our goal of clientele this year as well. I know a lot has happened during this year and y'all may have felt that all your hardwork was being overlooked or going unnoticed but trust me I seen it all. So today I am granting you all with bonus checks."

Handing each of them an envelope with their name on it, watching as their faces lit up with excitement he smiled. "Trav, Meech and Rakim soon as we touch back in the states I'ma give y'all your bonus checks I ain't forget about y'all either."

Watching as they all got hyped in the camera, he laughed as he handed Shaun back his phone. "Now to discuss actual business, I know running two shops would be hetic as hell and almost impossible to do without any help. So as of today I am here to announce that my brother from another mother Marcus, the nigga who has been by my side ever since streetlight days is the full-time manager over that location. That is 100% your store, whoever you want to work there is all up to you, and whenever you're officially ready to open the doors for the shop we'll have a grandopening and do it big."

Everybody clapped and congratulated Marcus as he dropped his head feeling himself become emotional from the news. Looking up at Ahmad, he stood up from the couch and walked over to give him a brotherly hug. "Thank you man, I'm honored for that position and I appreciate you for picking me and trusting me to be the one to run that location."

Pulling away from their hug once they heard Crystal, Shanice and Tae make their way into the living room with plates to serve everybody.

Ahmad pulled Marcus to the side for some privacy, "After the meeting is over, meet me outside on the patio we gotta talk about a few things. But congrats on the promotion, I know you're gonna do great and that shop is safe in your hands." He complimented as he patted him on the back before walking away to get a plate from Crystal.

Taking a seat in one of the chairs, he smiled when he saw everybody eating and talking to each other. Spotting Crystal in the kitchen fixing her plate, he got up to help her. "Let me fix that for you, sit down and relax you been running around all morning."

Smiling at his demand she sat at the bar stool that was placed directly in front of the stove as she watched him fill her plate up with food.

When he was done he sat her plate down in front of her then fixed her a glass of orange juice. Before taking a seat beside her and turning her stool to face him. "Everything okay with you?" He questioned and she nodded.

"I'm fine, why you ask that?"

"Just checking, just wanna be sure that you're happy that's all."

Smiling, she touched the side of face before she leaned forward to kiss him on the lips. "I'm fine and I'm happy with you and I'm happy and satisfied with this trip. You did good and I'm also very proud of you as well."

After she placed a slow lingering kiss on his lips, she grabbed her plate and drink before getting up and going into the livingroom where everybody else was talking and eating.

Ahmad could tell it was something bothering her, her vibe was off just like those times Cali always said she was fine he knew deep down she wasn't. As he watched her talk and laugh with Shanice, Ahmad sighed really not wanting a repeat of what happened between him and Cali with the bad communication they experienced.

Once the meeting was over and Ahmad had announced the raises everybody was getting. Ahmad took that time where everybody was busy talking and enjoying each other's company to talk to Marcus.

As they both took a seat in the chairs, Ahmad sparked up a blunt taking a few hits from it before passing it to Marcus. The two sat in complete silence for a few minutes letting the weed relax them as they listened to the waves crash against the shore.

"So what did you want to discuss man?" Marcus questioned as he passed the blunt back to him.

Letting out a sigh, Ahmad leaned forward where his elbows were resting on his thighs. "You been my bestfriend and brother for years, you've been a witness to a lot of my hardships and you always been there and I'm forever grateful for that. But what I'm trying to understand is your dislike for Crystal is all about? She told me, how you often ignore her and pay her little to no mind and she even told me how one time when she brought everybody food you didn't eat it."

Turning his head slightly to face him, he threw his hands up. "So what's up? You know we all about respect, I would never disrespect Kamry so why do you feel it's okay to disrespect Crystal when she hasn't even done anything. And honestly bro, I'm sorry to break it to you but she not going anywhere, so if shit doesn't change then this friendship finna be cut short." He shrugged being straight forward as possible.

Frowning, Marcus stood up. "You would really throw our lifetime of friendship away behind a girl?"

Standing up right with him, Ahmad scoffed. "See that's your problem, Crystal ain't just some girl she's my woman, so hell yeah if you think its okay to keep disrespecting her and thinking I'm not gonna do anything about it then you gotta go."

Standing behind the plant that was right by the back door, everybody including Shaun and Hazel listened to the intense talk between the guys hoping a fight didn't break out. Crystal held a small smile on her face liking the way he stood up for her, but also sad that their friendship could possibly end behind her.

Looking out at the water, Marcus shrugged. "I'll be a man and admit that I was being immature and childish due to my want of you and Cali to get back together. I never personally had an issue with Crystal, I just had it made up in my mind that this was something temporary between you guys and that you would soon get back with Cali." He explained.

"I get that, but at the end of the day you know we don't get down like that. Crystal is an amazing woman and I'm happy with her and what we got going on is solid, so that rude shit you was doing she didn't even deserve none of that. I'll forever love Cali but that ship has sailed and sunk, too much has happened for us to even try to go back and fix things. We probably would never look at each other the same, nor would we even trust or love each other the same." Ahmad expressed and Marcus nodded.

"I feel you and you're right! I apologize whole-heartedly, I was completely out of line with my actions and wasn't acting like a true bestfriend at all. You know I always support any decision you choose to make as long as it makes you happy so if Crystal is the one that does then I'm down with it."

No words were said the two just stared at eachother as everybody stood inside wondering what their next move was. When Ahmad held his hand up for a slap, everybody sighed in relief when they hugged it out.

When they both started making their way towards the door everybody took off to the living room. "Yeah so like I was saying, I ain't know what was going on next thing I know this hoe got my pinky toe in her mouth." Dave blurted out causing everybody to burst out laughing from his random outburst.

Making their way into the living room to see what was funny, Ahmad sat on the floor in front of crystal sitting between her legs. "Whatchu niggas talking about?" Ahmad questioned as he grabbed one of Crystal's leg placing it over his shoulder to massage her foot.

Shaun shrugged as he looked around, "Toe sucking and shit, what was you two niggas talking about?"

Marcus rolled his eyes as he plopped down the couch beside Hazel, "Yeah like y'all niggas wasn't all listening,"

Dave laughed as he threw his hands up in surrender, "Shit nigga when you hopped yo skinny ass up out that chair I thought y'all was finna hit the square so I hopped up tryna see sum'."

Laughing, Ahmad shook his head. "I would never fight Marcus unless he slapped one of my kids or some shit." He shrugged.

Listening to the guys all go back and forth just talking, Shanice stood up to catch their attention. "I'm really feeling all of this good positive energy, so I say we all should like go out tonight and just vibe. Who down? I mean we all boo'd up and I personally feel it would be nice. I did some searching and its a lot of places for couples to attend."

All sharing looks amongst each other, they eventually all nodded agreeing. "I'm down for that."

As they all discussed the plans on what was gonna go down tonight, Ahmad sat back and hoped for the best although he wasn't really getting good vibes about this. But seeing how interested and happy Crystal was about the plans, he pushed his feelings to the side and was just gonna focus on keeping her happy.

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Epilouge next

Thanks for the love and support as always!
- Denise💋