116. More to Give 🎁

After eating, Cha-Cha received endless compliments. Then, everyone handed me gifts. Cha-Cha bought me an air-fryer. She said it's better than a microwave. Deonte got me a key to their condo's gym. He said he would show me where it was later. Deana aka Chanel got me three outfits. All were super cute. There was a denim dress, an orange crop top and matching skirt, and a purple bodycon dress. Zeke and Monica got me an envelope full of money. The note inside read it was a thousand dollars. I hugged them both. A.B. got me a house key. Immediately, I knew it was to the house he just bought where we celebrated my birthday.

I jokingly asked him, "And where will you stay?"

He answered, "In the Airbnb at the end of the street."

I didn't even notice his Airbnb was on the same street. This guy was smart and protective in an unnoticeable yet bold way. I appreciated it.

As we all chatted in separate groups, Deonte pulled me aside.

"Thank you for the gym membership," I teased him.

He smiled, "Let me show you how to get there."

We walked out of the condo together and I walked over to the elevator. Deonte whispered, "Over here!"

I looked to see him opening the door to his condo.

"Oh." I jogged over to him.

We walked inside his condo. He closed the door behind me.

"Do you have the gym key?" He asked me.

"Yeah." I pulled it out my pocket and showed it to him.

"Actually, it's the key to my apartment. Can I have it back, please?"

I chuckled as I gave it to him.

"Thanks. Your real gift from me is this." Deonte walked over to the bar in his kitchen and grabbed an envelope. He came back and handed it to me. "It came in the mail a few days ago. When I found out about your birthday, I knew this was the perfect time to give it to you."

I arched my brow as I opened the envelope.

"And when you get the chance, I'll need your mailing address so it can go directly to you next time."

I nodded my head as I pulled out the paper. I blinked several times when I saw the check amount. "Is-is this mine?" I asked him.

"Yes. You have writing credit on my song 'All I Need.' And that's just the first one. More will come."

"Why did you give me writing credit?" I asked him.

Deonte placed his hands on my shoulder. "Look me in the eyes."

I did as told.

"Repeat after me. I am a talented singer and more importantly a phenomenal songwriter."

I smiled, "I am a talented singer and more importantly a phenomenal songwriter."

Deonte dropped his hands from my shoulders. "Jamie, you have an ear. You heard my song and gave your input. Why shouldn't you get writing credit?"

"This is crazy. Thank you so much, Deonte," I told him.

He chuckled, "No. Thank you. My song is still at the top of the charts. You know we have to do another one together."

"Sir, if you out here giving me writing credits, we can do an entire album together."

Deonte pointed at me, "I like the way you think. Also, I'm glad you and my family are close. Chanel is in awe of you; especially, now that she's seen your face. She kept telling me how pretty you were."

I  grinned, "Is that why she wouldn't stop staring at me?"

"Yes. Jamie, you're beautiful - inside and out. Everyone celebrating your birthday knows that."

"Aww, thank you, Mr. Denfield."

"You're welcome. Ready to get back to your party?" He asked me.

"Gotta put my big money up first." I folded the envelope twice before putting in my pocket.

Deonte said, "Please deposit that ASAP."

"I will."

An hour later, Zeke and Monica left. Then, Cha-Cha and Chanel left which I think was Cha-Cha's way of getting Chanel away from me.

I swallowed my saliva as I sat on the couch in between Deonte and A.B. This is awkward. I drummed my hands on my knees.

"If you're not busy, then we can go to--"

A.B. interrupted Deonte, "We have plans for the rest of the day."

Deonte nodded his head. "Cool. Well, feel free to take to-go plates. Jamie, you can take the rest of the cake with you." He stood up from the couch. "And again, Happy Birthday, beautiful."

"Thank you, Deonte. Where are you headed?" I asked him.

"To the studio."

"Oh... okay," I stood to my feet. "Have fun."

"You, too."

We hugged one another. Then, Deonte left the apartment.

I looked over at A.B. He was looking at me. "What?" I smiled at him.

"You are beautiful." He stood up. "Are you ready to go?" He asked me.

"I will be ready after I get some food to go and my cake."

"Smart woman." A.B. helped me in the kitchen.

Then, we left the condo together.

A.B. took me back to MY new place per my request. It was even more amazing after knowing that it was mine. A.B. put my gifts on the floor by the couch, the food in the refrigerator, and I left the cake on the kitchen counter.

"I can't believe this is my birthday gift?" I spun around the living room.

He lightly laughed, "It is. I recall you saying you wanted to move out of the Rivers' house."

I pointed at him. "Yes! I'll move in by the end of the week."

A.B. said, "No rush. I'll be in L.A. for a while."

"Good." I walked over to him. "Thank you for my birthday gifts."

A.B. asked, "You're welcome. Now, what do you want to do for the rest of the day?"

I folded my arms. "You said you made plans for us, sir."

"That was my cover for the surprise party at Cha-Cha's place."

I sighed, "Really? Is that why we did all that fun stuff yesterday?"

"Yeah, but I also wanted to spend as much time with you as possible. I know you're on break for now, but soon... you'll be back to work."

I asked, "Are you on a break?"

A.B. pretended to think about it before saying, "I'm on break for as long as you want me to be."

"Yay!" I immediately stopped myself, "I mean... that's cool or whatever."

A.B. picked me up by my legs. "That's it. No more no woman from you. From now on, just be Jamie." He walked over to the sliding patio doors before putting me back on my feet.

I tried not to smile. "Was I too heavy?"

A.B. opened the sliding door. "Of course... not!"

I closed my open mouth as we walked outside.

"See the cracks in the concrete and the faded color of the pool? I want to fix all that," A.B. told me.

I nodded my head. "When was this house built?"

"1996. Remodeled in 2013 - interior only. There was only one owner, but they decided to downsize after their kids and grandkids stopped living with them."

I watched A.B. as he walked around the pool, sharing this information.

"Want to know something else?" He asked me.

"What's that?"

A.B. looked at me. "The owners of this house are also the owners of my Airbnb."

My eyes bucked, "Seriously?"

"Yeah. They told me they were looking to sell their main house, and since I like the neighborhood and knew them, I told them I'd buy it," he stated.

"Is this the lifestyle I can look forward to if I choose you?" I asked him.

A.B. placed his hand over his heart. "If?"

I giggled.

"That hurt, but I deserve it."

I  shook my head at him. "And what do I deserve?"

"More... a-whole-lot more," he replied.

A.B. has changed, not in a dramatic way but in a more expressive way. I feel like he's showing more of himself through his facial expressions and words. He's always been a giver, but just look! The man bought me a house.

I put my hands in my back pockets. I felt the folded up envelope. Then, the most craziest thought came to my mind. Are Deonte and A.B. in competition?