Chapter 1

 

Jordyn pulled her son Kingston’s shirt over his head and tickled him, causing him to erupt into laughter and giggles until he couldn’t take it anymore. Once she got him completely dressed, she paused for a moment to admire him. He was growing so fast. Standing at a sturdy 3'8”, he was small but packed with energy, his vibrant spirit lighting up any room he entered. His hair was styled in adorable high-top dreadlocks with a fade on the sides, giving him a playful, trendy look. His chestnut skin, smooth and glowing like his mom’s, complemented his big, bright eyes that sparkled with wonder. Kingston's almond-shaped eyes gleamed with curiosity, taking in everything around him with an eager, childlike fascination. His wide, mischievous smile, complete with a couple of missing teeth, lit up his entire face. His small but defined features made him look like a mini version of his dad, Damien, but with a sweet innocence that had everyone around him melting. Always dressed in his favorite colorful outfits, Kingston radiated an infectious energy, spreading joy wherever he went. Just as she was lost in thought, her mother, Gina, walked in.

“Hey, Jordyn,” Gina greeted, her voice warm.

“Hey, Ma. I’m going to do some Christmas shopping today. I’m taking Kingston with me,” Jordyn replied, folding the rest of the clothes on the bed.

“Okay, cool. I’ll be here sipping my wine all day. Too cold to be outside. Oh, and when you got in from work last night, you mentioned you had something to tell me,” Gina said, taking a seat.

Jordyn glanced up at her mother, admiring her as she always did. At fifty-five, Gina looked amazing—still turning heads, both from men and women alike. After her late husband passed away, she’d decided there was no one else worth spending her life with. Jordyn felt grateful for Gina. She wasn’t just her mother-in-law, but more like a second mom. When Damien, her son, went to prison for three years, Gina stepped in. She’d begged Jordyn to move in with her at the time since Jordyn was still in college and Kingston was just one. Gina had been a lifeline for them both.

“Ma, have a seat,” Jordyn offered.

Gina sat down, instinctively folding Kingston’s shirt. She couldn’t help it—helping others had always been her thing. After working as a nurse for over thirty years, she’d made a habit of caring for people, and it had come naturally.

“Go play with your toys, so I can talk to your granny,” Jordyn said.

Jordyn motioned for Kingston to go play with his toys, giving them a chance to talk. Gina hated when anyone called her “Granny.” Kingston, thankfully, always called her “GiGi”—and that’s how she preferred it.

“Oh, you’re getting funny now. Talking about ‘Granny,’” Gina teased. “But what’s up?”

“I just wanted to thank you again for everything,” Jordyn said, her voice full of emotion. “You’ve been such a blessing in Kingston’s and my life. My own mom won’t lift a finger to help. Honestly, I really appreciate you. Those years in college almost killed me, but you were there every step of the way—especially when you helped me write my thirty-page thesis paper in two days! I barely made it past the first page.” Jordyn laughed softly. “You’re always there to help, even when you don’t need to—like folding these clothes for me right now.”

Gina smiled warmly. “You know I love you and Kingston. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Jordyn paused, her expression turning serious. “But, why do I feel like you’re expecting some bad news? Is it about work?”

“No, actually work has been great,” Jordyn reassured her. “I’ve been promoted twice, and with the last promotion, I got a nice raise. I’ve been saving and paying off debt. I’m actually doing really well.”

Gina raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “So, what’s going on?”

Jordyn took a deep breath, the weight of what she was about to say lingering in the air. “I’m moving into a condo. It’s only twenty minutes from here.”

Gina looked at Jordyn for a moment, trying to process what she had just said. She couldn’t help but admire her daughter-in-law’s beauty. Jordyn’s striking looks never went unnoticed. Standing at five foot six, she had an effortless elegance and a presence that made people take notice. Her chestnut skin, as smooth as the finest silk, complemented her almond-shaped eyes and full lips, often making her the center of attention wherever she went. Jordyn’s physique, toned and sculpted from hours spent at the gym, was the envy of many. She carried herself with confidence, yet possessed a quiet, understated grace that made her even more captivating.

Gina took a deep breath, her curiosity piqued. “Does this have anything to do with Damien getting out in a few weeks?”

Jordyn hesitated for a moment before responding. “No, and yes. It’s time I get my own space. And I know Damien will need his own, too, once he’s out. He’s going to want to come over here often since this will be the mutual ground for us to drop off Kingston.”

“I hope you and my son can talk once he gets out,” Gina said, her voice tinged with concern. “I hate that that girl ruined y’all’s relationship.”

Jordyn sighed, her expression softening. “Ma, at the end of the day, it’s Damien’s fault. He cheated and had a baby.”

Gina nodded, a pained look crossing her face. “He did, but the baby didn’t make it. He has no strings to that woman now.”

Jordyn looked down, her fingers absentmindedly twisting the edge of the blanket on the bed. The thought of Damien, of their past, always stirred something in her—frustration, hurt, but also an undeniable trace of hope. “I don't know, Ma. I’m just tired of being the one left holding everything together. I don't want to put Kingston through the mess anymore.”

Gina leaned forward, her expression softening with understanding. “I get it. I do. But I also know you still care about him. And even though he messed up, people can change. He’s going to need you when he gets out. You’ve always been the stronger one in this.”

Jordyn shook her head slowly, trying to suppress the pain that always surfaced when she thought about Damien. “I don’t know if I can go back to that. I gave him everything—my heart, my time, my trust—and he threw it all away. I’m not sure I have anything left to give him.”

Gina’s voice softened, filled with the wisdom of experience. “You’ve been through so much together, Jordyn. And I’m not saying you have to pick up right where you left off. But maybe you can try to build something new, something stronger, with him. For Kingston’s sake, if nothing else.”

Jordyn met her eyes, the weight of the decision pressing down on her. “I don’t know what the future holds, but I’ll figure it out. For Kingston. Always for him.”

Gina reached over, placing a hand gently on Jordyn’s. “You’ve got this, baby. I know you do. And no matter what happens, you’re not alone. You’ve got me. Always.”

Jordyn gave her a small smile, feeling the comfort of her mother's presence. “Thanks, Ma. That means more than you know.”

“I know he was trying to leave the streets alone, but I pray he can now,” Gina said, her voice filled with a mixture of hope and concern. “The streets don’t love anyone, especially not the streets of Chicago. They’ll take everything from you if you let them.”

Jordyn nodded, feeling the weight of her mother’s words. The streets of Chicago had claimed so many, and she wasn’t sure if Damien could truly escape their pull. “I just want him to be the man he promised me he could be. For Kingston, for himself... I don’t know if he can turn things around, but I have to believe he can. I have to.”

Gina squeezed her hand, offering the kind of support that only a mother could. “You have to believe, baby. You’ve always had faith in him, even when he didn’t deserve it. That’s what’s kept you strong. But don’t lose yourself in it. No matter what happens, remember, you’ve got your own life to live, too.”

Jordyn took a deep breath, the uncertainty about Damien still lingering in the pit of her stomach. But she knew one thing for sure—no matter what, she had to move forward, for herself and for Kingston. The rest would come in time.

“You know that cousin of his is throwing him a welcome-home party when he gets out?” Gina asked, raising an eyebrow. “I told my sister, that boy’s always doing the most. But I know how you young adults are.”

Jordyn let out a light laugh, shaking her head. “Yeah, I’m sure it’s going to be a big production. But honestly, I think Damien’s just trying to put the past behind him and start fresh. He wants to show everyone he’s different now, you know?” She paused, her voice softening. “But I don’t know if a party’s going to do that. It’s not like everyone’s just going to forget everything that happened.”

Gina nodded, her expression thoughtful. “I get it. He’s got a lot to prove, and he knows it. But don’t let him drag you into his drama. You’ve been doing fine without it. Focus on you and Kingston.”

Jordyn sighed, her eyes briefly meeting Gina’s. “I know, Ma.”

Two hours later, Jordyn, Kingston, and Aaliyah were at the mall, checking off their Christmas shopping list. Jordyn had already picked up a few gifts for Gina—a new pots and pans set and a Ninja machine that Gina had been hinting at for weeks. She could already imagine her mom's reaction when she saw them. It felt good to have some of the shopping done, and the thought of making Gina happy kept a smile on Jordyn’s face.

“So, friend,” Aaliyah said with a teasing smile, holding onto Kingston’s hand as they walked through the mall. “Baby daddy getting out in what, three weeks? Just in time for Christmas. What are you getting him for Christmas?”

Jordyn rolled her eyes but couldn’t help but laugh. Aaliyah always knew how to lighten the mood, even when things were complicated.

Aaliyah and Jordyn had been friends since high school, and their bond was unbreakable. They had that rare kind of friendship where they could be brutally honest with each other, even if it meant a little disagreement now and then. But it never hurt their relationship. Aaliyah was always there for Jordyn, supporting her through thick and thin. She was also Kingston’s godmother, a role she took seriously, always looking out for him as much as she did for Jordyn.

“You play all day. I’m putting a bow on Kingston, and that’ll be his present,” Jordyn replied with a playful grin.

“I know that’s right,” Aaliyah laughed. “But, he was a good father—despite his cheating ass.”

Before Jordyn could even speak, Trevon Hayes, Aaliyah’s boyfriend—who was also cool with Damien—walked up to them. He pulled Aaliyah into a tight hug, then kissed her passionately. Kingston, standing nearby, scrunched his face and yelled out, “That’s gross!”

Trevon looked down at him, smirking. Without missing a beat, he scooped Kingston into his arms, tossing him playfully into the air a couple of times as Kingston burst out laughing.

“Don’t you want to come with Uncle Tre?” Tre asked with a grin. Kingston’s eyes lit up. He didn’t get to spend much time with Trevon, but when he did, it was always fun.

“Yeah!” Kingston shouted, eager to go.

Trevon turned to Jordyn with a playful wink. “What’s up, J-Doll?”

Jordyn rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “You know the one and only Damien King is the only one that can call me that,” she teased.

Aaliyah laughed, nudging Jordyn. “I see you’ve got your own little nickname squad, huh?”

Trevon chuckled. “I know, I’m just keeping the name alive until he touches down,” he said, pulling Aaliyah closer to him.

“I guess,” Jordyn replied with a shrug, still smiling.

“But you cool with lil man coming with me?” Tre asked, giving Aaliyah a quick kiss on the cheek as he held her close. Jordyn couldn’t help but admire their relationship. Tre always openly showed affection toward Aaliyah, and he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her. Jordyn didn’t blame him. Aaliyah was the kind of woman who caught everyone’s attention without even trying. Standing at five-seven, she had a tall, graceful presence, with a natural beauty that could stop anyone in their tracks. Her skin was a rich, deep brown that glowed effortlessly, as if she carried the sun with her wherever she went. Her features were bold yet soft—a perfectly shaped nose, high cheekbones, and full, kissable lips that always seemed to be smiling or laughing.

Her naturally curly hair framed her face in a wild, carefree halo of thick curls, though she’d pulled it up into a loose bun, with a few unruly tendrils escaping and falling playfully around her face. Even with the simple hairstyle, it only added to her allure, as her curls bounced and shimmered with every movement.

Aaliyah’s body was the perfect balance of strength and softness—athletic, but feminine. Her curves were unapologetically bold, and she carried them with confidence, never once shying away from what made her unique. Her full hips and rounded thighs were a striking contrast to her toned, athletic upper body. She could’ve been a model if she wanted to, but she always joked that her curves were a little too much for the runway. She was effortlessly captivating, drawing people in with the way she carried herself—with grace, warmth, and a spark of mischief in her eyes.

“Yeah, he can. His car seat in my car. You better protect my baby like your life depends on it,” Jordyn warned.

Trevon nodded with a serious expression. “You know I will. I’ll always protect my Godson.”

They all began walking toward the exit, but just as they were about to pass the last store, someone stepped directly in front of them, making sure they noticed her.

“Hey, Tre,” Jada said, her voice loud and obnoxious. “Tell your boy I want all my naked pictures back when he gets home.”

Aaliyah immediately frowned. She couldn't stand Jada, seeing her as nothing but a quick fuck for men—classless and disrespectful. Jordyn did her best to ignore Jada, but it was clear the woman was trying to get under her skin.

Jada turned her attention to Kingston, smiling in that fake, sugary way that Jordyn couldn’t stand. “Hey, Kingston! You’re so handsome. You look so much like your daddy. He talks about you all the time.”

Jordyn’s patience snapped. She turned to Jada, her voice icy but cutting. “Girl, don’t talk to my son!”

Aaliyah, already feeling her temper flare, took a step forward, her eyes flashing with rage. “This woman got some nerve,” she muttered under her breath, her fists clenching at her sides.

Jada smirked, clearly enjoying the tension she was causing. “Bitch, he’s like my son too. Damien and I were supposed to have a baby together. My child would’ve been his brother or sister.”

Jordyn’s heart skipped, her anger threatening to boil over. The way Jada spoke so casually about Damien and her imagined life with him was maddening. She didn’t care how much time had passed or what happened between them—this woman had no right to speak about Kingston like that. “I will drag your ass all through this mall,” Jordyn snapped, her voice cutting through the air. “Kingston ain’t nothing of yours.”

Aaliyah stepped closer, ready to step in. “She’s doing too much, Jordyn. I swear, I can’t stand her.”

But before Aaliyah could move further, Trevon’s calm voice cut through the storm of tension. “Yo, Jada, fall back from my people. I don’t play those types of games.” His tone was firm but not loud, his presence calming yet commanding.

Jada rolled her eyes but didn’t back down. “I’ma go on about my business. But tell Damien what I said though, and tell him I’ve got money on the phone he can call.”

Aaliyah was seething. “Bitch, you doing a lot of transferring messages. Get your ass on. Damien used your dumb ass the entire bid.”

Jada opened her mouth to retort, but Trevon’s glare silenced her instantly. He stepped forward, his posture radiating authority, and the air between them shifted. “You’re dismissed,” he said, voice calm but filled with warning.

Jada hesitated, but the way Trevon looked at her—unbothered, yet unwavering—had her backing off. She finally huffed, shot them one last glare, and walked away, her heels clicking angrily on the floor.

As the tension in the air started to dissipate, Aaliyah let out a long, frustrated sigh. “I can’t stand that bitch,” she muttered, shaking her head.

Jordyn stood there, trying to calm her racing heart. “I can’t believe she still tries to mess with me. It’s like she has no respect for boundaries.”

Trevon, sensing their rising frustration, stepped in between them, placing a hand on both of their shoulders. “Listen, I get it. She’s a bitch. But don’t let her ruin your day. You know she’s just trying to get under your skin, right? You two are better than that. Let’s go grab some lunch, get back to enjoying the holiday season, alright?”

Aaliyah looked up at Trevon, the fire in her eyes slowly starting to dim. Jordyn met his gaze too, nodding slightly. His calm demeanor and quiet strength always had a way of bringing peace when things got heated.

“You’re right, Tre,” Jordyn said, taking a deep breath. “I’m not going to let her get to me.”

Aaliyah relaxed a little, offering a small smile. “Yeah, I guess she’s not worth it. Let’s go.”

Trevon gave them both a reassuring grin. “That’s what I like to hear. Now, how about we make this day a little better and hit up that new restaurant I’ve been wanting to try, my treat?”

Jordyn smiled, grateful for Tre’s ability to calm the storm. “Sounds perfect.”

Across town, the four of them sat at the restaurant, enjoying their meal. Aaliyah glanced over at Tre, noticing he didn’t have any shopping bags in his hands.

“So, what’d you get at the mall?” Aaliyah asked, a teasing smile on her face.

Tre grinned and gave her a playful shrug. “Mind your business,” he replied with a wink. He then turned his attention to Kingston, who was happily tearing into his chicken nuggets and fries.

“Aye, do you be feeding my godson?” Tre asked, his voice full of mock concern.

The group burst out laughing, and Jordyn grinned. “He’s greedy, that’s all. Eats like he hasn’t had a meal in days.”

As the laughter settled, Tre leaned in, sensing that Jordyn was in a better mood than she had been earlier. This was the perfect moment to say what he’d been thinking.

“You know my boy still loves you, right?” Tre said, his voice quiet but serious.

Jordyn looked around, clearly confused, as if trying to figure out who Tre was talking to.

“Yeah, I’m talking about Damien. He messed up, J-Doll. You know how the streets can be. Look at me and Aaliyah. Shit hasn’t always been sweet between us. Hell, I had to kill a man over mine,” Tre said, his words heavy with experience.

Aaliyah, who had been quiet until then, chimed in, a hint of fire in her voice. “Boy, don’t act like I didn’t do what I did because of those hoes you were messing with.”

Tre laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay, I was just using us as a reference, baby. Calm down.”

“But for real,” Tre continued, his tone more serious now, “Damien wants his family back.”

Jordyn’s expression hardened slightly as she looked down at her plate. “He will always have his son,” she said firmly. “Next subject.”

“You can’t keep hiding from him, Jordyn,” Tre said, his voice serious. “You do know he’s coming home soon, right? At some point, he’s gonna want to talk. I admit, he’s been keeping entertained with Jada, but you wouldn’t even go visit the man.”

Jordyn’s eyes narrowed, her lips pressing together as she set her fork down. “He didn’t need to see me. His mother brought his son to visit him two, sometimes three times a week. I didn’t need to be in the equation.”

Tre looked at her, his expression softening. “He needed you more than you know. You scheduled times for him to call and talk to his son—mainly when Kingston was at his mother’s crib. You still made sure they stayed connected.”

Jordyn’s gaze shifted to Kingston, who was happily eating his food. She took a deep breath before speaking again. “When you co-parent, it’s best to have schedules in place. I’m all for having a discussion with Damien about his son, but there are boundaries we need to put in place.”

Tre sighed, continuing to eat. “I tried, Jordyn.”