ÒRaymond,Ó Maya starts for like the sixth time. ÒIs your father?Ó

I nod, ÒApparently so.Ó

ÒThis is too crazy,Ó she shakes her head, rubbing her temples. ÒBy the way, donÕt think IÕm not gonna go off on your ass later for leaving without telling anybody, and leaving to meet up with a perfect stranger at that.Ó

I roll my eyes, picking apart my breadstick, leaning into ColinÕs side. ÒI needed to do this Maya. A lot of my problems have to do with Kendall, yes. But, majority of them are related to my upbringing. My abandonment issues started with my mother. SheÕs the root of all of this, and I need to find out once and for all why.Ó I explain with a sigh. ÒRaymond was my only hope, so I had to go see him.Ó

It just sucks though that he wasnÕt able to give me any information about my mom though. He said he would tell me all he knew, but not today. Said he needed time to process everything. I was a little disappointed, but I understand. This is a lotÉ.

ÒAlone though?Ó Maya presses, shaking her head again.

ÒI kinda agree with Maya, Aria,Ó Colin mutters, causing me to look up at him. ÒAside from being a nice customer, you didnÕt know anything about him.Ó

ÒHe had a picture of my mom and I Colin.Ó

ÒFirst sign of a sure stalker, serial killer, rapist, etc.Ó Maya adds on, raising her arched eyebrow. ÒI see it in movies all the time girl.Ó

ÒYou watch way too much Lifetime,Ó I chuckle, getting up to throw my paper plate away.

ÒOkay, when ya ass gets kidnapped, donÕt come calling me!Ó She glares, wagging a finger in my direction.

ÒTrust me, she wonÕt.Ó I hear Colin comment, eliciting Maya flipping him off.

ÒI just canÕt get over his last name though, IÕm sorry,Ó Kay laughs, walking out the kitchen with me with a water bottle in hand. ÒLike, he looks like a Raymond. But Raymond Hampton? It just-Ò

Derrick starts choking on his water, ÒRaymond Hampton? As in the tall, black, brother - Raymond Hampton?Ó

I look at him strangely, ÒUmm yes?Ó

ÒYou know him?Ó Maya questions.

ÒHow do you not?Ó Ricardo ponders. ÒThe Hampton family is one of the wealthiest African-American families in the world.Ó

My jaw drops. I mean, I knew by the whole ÔbillionaireÕ comment Raymond made, that he had to be rich, but I didnÕt realize his whole family was loaded.

ÒSeriously?Ó I ask, mouth still slightly ajar.

ÒThe Hampton Dynasty has investments all over the globe. Hell, they own a good chunk of CaliforniaÕs top businesses.Ó Colin chuckles.

ÒThere was actually talk a few years back of Raymond becoming the new owner of the 49ers,Ó Ricardo gestures to Colin who nods in agreement.

ÒShit, you blessed as fuck Ari,Ó Derrick takes a swig of his Pepsi. ÒIf there was ever a better family to find out youÕre kin to.Ó

Kaydence squeals falling down on RicardoÕs lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. ÒWeÕre rich bitches!Ó

ÒWeÕre?Ó Maya challenges. ÒBitch, Raymond is her daddy not ours.Ó

Kay sucks her teeth, ÒHe can be my daddy too Maya.Ó She smirks suggestively, ÒJust not in the same way he is with Ari.Ó

ÒYou know IÕm sitting right here?Ó Ricardo complains, shifting in his chair. ÒRight?Ó

She looks at him like heÕs slow, ÒAnd?Ó

ÒWe donÕt even know for sure that heÕs really my father yet you guys,Ó I interrupt, not wanting those two to get into a fight.

ÒAinÕt you ever seen Maury?Ó DerrickÕs ignorant ass asks, earning a slap upside the head from Maya. ÒWhat? We can have her and Daddy Warbucks on the show in the next week if she wants, get the test done, and bam! Instant induction into the will.Ó

Maya releases a loud mixture of a moan and groan, ÒItÕs not fair. Swear to God it isnÕt fair. He is so damn fine, Ò She shakes her head, biting her lip seductively. ÒAnd then he opens up his mouth.Ó

ÒAll jokes aside,Ó Ricardo cuts in. ÒI do think it would be a good idea to have a paternity test done. Ya know, just to be sure.Ó

ÒI know,Ó I run my hand through the top of my hair. ÒI agree. I even mentioned it to him, but he said he doesnÕt need, and I quote, Ôsome blood test to tell me youÕre my daughter.ÕÓ I bite my lip, smiling softly at the thought of our talk earlier. ÒSaid he knew the moment he laid eyes on me.Ó

ÒBro not trying to share his money,Ó Derrick mutters.

ÒHe has a point,Ó Kay shrugs. ÒOnly way youÕll be able to ensure your inheritance is through a DNA test to confirm your relation.Ó

ÒDonÕt you guys get it?Ó I exclaim, throwing up my hands. ÒItÕs not about the money!Ó I look over at Maya and Kay. ÒWe grew up surrounded by wealth, and did it really make any difference in the quality of our lives?Ó Silence. ÒExactly.Ó

ÒSo how exactly did he say he got that picture again?Ó Colin questions, clearly sensing the uneasiness in the air.

ÒThatÕs the weird part,Ó I grimace.  ÒIt was left to him,Ó All eyes are on me, waiting on elaboration. ÒVia his familyÕs long time maidÕs will.Ó

ÒAnd it just keeps getting better,Ó Maya falls further back into the sofa. ÒHis maid though Aria? IÕm sorry. IÕm happy for you. I really am. But, not wanting to do a paternity test, having a picture of you and your mom, getting it from the maid? ItÕs all so fishy to me. Why did he not tell you he was your lost padre until now anyway?Ó

ÒTechnically,Ó Derrick sticks up his index finger. ÒHe didnÕt. She had toÉÉIÕll just shut up.Ó

ÒThank you,Ó I smile sarcastically. ÒAnd he said he didnÕt say anything because he figured last thing I would want is my dad whoÕs been MIA pretty much my whole life suddenly popping up with a fat wallet, thinking he can buy my love.Ó

ÒHe could buy mine,Ó Derrick offers quietly.

ÒHe could buy me,Ó Kay scoffs, flipping her hair.

ÒSwear you guys piss me the hell off,Ó I groan, throwing my head back against ColinÕs chest.

OoOoOoOoOo

ÒYou sure you donÕt mind us coming D?Ó

Derrick waves off my question, ÒSteph is cool, and IÕm sure Ayesha would like to have more than just one other female to talk to.Ó

ÒI canÕt believe I-Ò she notices MayaÕs glare. ÒI mean, we, are actually getting to meet THE Steph Curry.Ó She gloats, lightly touching her bun. ÒToo bad heÕs married, and has a kid.Ó

ÒUmmm,Ó Derrick starts. ÒImma need yaÕll to make sure Marilyn Monroe-Ò

ÒWe used to call her that actually,Ó I interrupt with a chuckle. ÒActually, we called her Marilyn Monhoe.Ó

ÒClassic,Ó Maya laughs, slipping on her earrings.

ÒYou guys are mean to me,Ó Kay pouts, crossing her arms.

ÒWell whatever the fuck you wanna call her,Ó Derrick shakes his head. ÒJust make sure she doesnÕt break up the second best NBA couple.Ó

I scrunch up my nose, ÒWhoÕs the first?Ó

He pauses for a second, and then walks over to Maya gently kissing her forehead, who looks up at him with uncertainty.

ÒYa really have to ask?Ó He finishes softly, starring directly at Maya, before grabbing his car keys. ÒIÕll meet you in the car Maya.Ó And with that, heÕs out the door.

Kay and I smile knowingly at a blushing Maya.

ÒNot a word,Ó she warns with a vicious glare.

ÒWe donÕt have to,Ó I smirk, just as Colin walks in the front door.

ÒYaÕll almost-Ò he stops once he lays eyes on me. ÒReady.Ó

ÒThere better be another damn layer that goes over that outfit,Ó he says, looking as if heÕs battling between lust and anger. ÒOr else thereÕs no way in hell youÕre leaving my sight tonight.Ó

ÒSorry babe, what you see is what you get.Ó I gesture down to my fire red two-piece ensemble. ÒAnd donÕt worry, Ò I walk up to him. ÒI didnÕt plan on it.Ó

Derrick and Maya had a double date planned with Steph Curry (yes, the Steph Curry) and his wife Ayesha tonight. But, with all of the events that happened to today, Derrick thinks it would be nice if we all went out and celebrated. Derrick text Steph and asked if he would be cool with the rest of tagging along and apparently, Steph is cool with it. I still feel a little bad, as if weÕre imposing, but I also need to get out of this damn house. Today has been crazy, amazing, strange, scary, and rewarding all in one. A night filled with normalcy would be nice.

ÒGood,Ó he leans down, kissing the top of my head. ÒYouÕre so short.Ó

I punch his arm, again, hurting myself more than him. ÒShut up. No, IÕm not.Ó

ÒYes you are,Ó Maya and Kay chime, walking past us.

ÒForget them,Ó I flip off their retreating forms. I frown, as another thought crosses my mind.

ÒWhatÕs wrong?Ó Colin inquiries, protectively wrapping his arms around my waist.

ÒYou left Colin,Ó I frown.

His whole demeanor changes, sadness overtaking his handsome features, ÒAria, you know IÕm sor-Ò

ÒNo, not like that.Ó I shake my head. ÒI mean; you left your training. For me.Ó I bite my lip, ÒYouÕre going to get penalized for that, arenÕt you?Ó

He pauses, ÒDonÕt worry about me.Ó

ÒLike thatÕs gonna happen,Ó I scoff. ÒI care about your aggy ass probably even more than you care about me so worrying about you is numero uno on my list.Ó He laughs a little. ÒNow answer my question.Ó

He sighs rather loudly, ÒCoach will probably give me shit about it-Ò

ÒHeÕs not going to make you sit out on any games will he?Ó I begin to panic. Colin would rather lose a limb than be forced to watch his teammates play the game heÕs pretty much dedicated his life to.

ÒNaw, itÕs not that serious.Ó He assures me, clearly sensing my growing nerves. ÒI may come home unable to feel my body for the first few practices come pre-season, but other than that, IÕll be fine.Ó  

ÒI feel bad,Ó I admit. ÒYou shouldnÕt have came back. You should have waited-Ò

He suddenly pulls me into him, my arms going around his waist, inhaling his scent. Colin always smells good. Reason #5657356 why I love this man.

ÒI should have done exactly what I did,Ó a beat. ÒCame back to you. Just like I always will.Ó  

OoOoOoOoOo

ÒHoney, that was only one story.Ó Ayesha laughs, putting her drink down on the table. ÒThere are plenty more where that came from.Ó She shakes her head, ÒI swear, where have you guys been these past few years?Ó

ÒIÕm saying girl,Ó Kay agrees, taking another sip of her soda. IÕm surprised sheÕs still sober. Matter of fact, I canÕt remember the last time IÕve actually seen her drunk. ThatÕs rare. ÒWe were kinda nervous youÕd be one of those Ôstuck up, snooty ass basketball wives?Ó

ÒHa! Ayesha?Ó  Steph interrupts with a sly smile. ÒNaw, homegirl wouldnÕt have landed a fine ass brotha like myself-Ó He starts, clearly just messing around, before being cut off by his wife.

ÒBoy please,Ó she sucks her teeth. ÒHe knows damn well heÕd be lost without me.Ó She smirks proudly, ÒAnd starving, cause Lord knows he canÕt cook to save his life.Ó

ÒNeither can Arianna!Ó Maya smiles, as if thatÕs a thing to be proud of.

ÒHey!Ó I exclaim, scowling slightly. ÒI can cook!Ó Crickets. ÒBaby, tell emÕ.Ó I lightly tap Colin on his chest, raising my chin proudly. Silence. ÒColin?Ó I look up to see my husband avoiding my gaze looking around as if heÕs searching for someone.

ÒHuh?Ó He looks down at me nervously.

ÒWell?Ó I ask, waiting for him to come to my defense.

ÒBaby, you do a lot of things well.Ó I smile broadly. See, I knew my man had my back. ÒCooking just isnÕt one of them.Ó My smile drops. I take it back.

The table erupts in fits of laughter.

ÒForget all of yaÕll,Ó I whine, crossing my arms.

ÒNo, but seriously,Ó Steph starts, after controlling his laughter. ÒWe all have to do this more often. Ya know, get together.Ó

ÒHell yeah,Ó Ricardo agrees, clearly intoxicated. ÒGotta take our fine ass women out and show emÕ how much we appreciate them.Ó

Kay laughs, removing RicardoÕs drink from his hand, ÒYou can show me how much you appreciate me by laying off on the alcohol for the rest of the evening.Ó

ÒThatÕs shocking,Ó Colin comments. ÒComing from you Kay.Ó

She rolls her eyes, ÒPeople change Colin.Ó

ÒPeople, not you.Ó Maya teases, laughing at something Derrick whispered into her ear.

ÒIÕm guessing you like to party?Ó Ayesha teases, looking at Kay.

ÒI know how to have fun,Ó Kay grins mischievously. ÒIf you hadnÕt let Mr. MVP over there put a ring on it, IÕd show you how to have fun too.Ó

ÒI wish,Ó Mrs. Curry laughs, playing with her food. ÒBut being a mommy really put a damper on things. Ò She chuckles. ÒNot that I regret it.Ó She quickly adds on. ÒMotherhood is one of the best things, feelings, in the world.Ó

ÒIf only we were all cut out to be mothers,Ó Kay comments with a strange tone in her voice. It almost sounds likeÉregret? Why though? If anyone should have regret, it would be Maya and IÉ.

ÒOooh!Ó Ayesha starts, taking a big gulp of her drink. ÒWe should go up there!Ó she gestures to the stage where theyÕre currently having open mic.

ÒAnd sing?Ó Maya presses, as Ayesha nods enthusiastically. ÒGirl, thanks but no thanks. I may be a little tipsy, but IÕm not drunk enough to make a damn fool out of myself. I canÕt sing.Ó

I suck my teeth, ÒYouÕre better than half the people that have gotten their tone death asses up there tonight.Ó

ÒItÕll be fun!Ó Ayesha continues to attempt to persuade.

ÒIÕm in,Ó Kay quickly volunteers. ÒYaÕll know I love being up on stage.Ó

ÒNo, you just like attention.Ó

She waves off MayaÕs correction, ÒSame difference.Ó

ÒCome on baby,Ó Derrick joins in. ÒMy girl ainÕt no punk.Ó

ÒExcuse me?Ó She looks at him. ÒI know you did not-Ò

ÒBitch come on!Ó I grab her arm, dragging her, as the four of us get up to head on stage. I hear the guys behind us cheering and whistling. Walking on stage, the girls and I look at the song book and debate on a song for a few minutes before agreeing on one.

ÒHow yaÕll doing tonight?Ó I ask the crowd earning out a very loud Ôa hellauva lot better nowÕ from some drunken middle aged looking man. Dude also earned one of the vilest looks IÕve ever seen on Colin.

ÒWeÕre here to put on a little show for yaÕll, is that alright?Ó Kay questions, a seductive tone in her voice.

Ayesha laughs before looking at the DJ, ÒI think theyÕre ready.Ó A beat. ÒHit it.Ó

ÒI wear tight clothing and high heel shoes,Ó Kay starts off, instantly gaining the audienceÕs full-blown attention. She really does have amazing stage presence. ÒIt doesn't mean that I'm a prostitute.Ó

ÒI like rap music wear hip hop clothes,Ó Ayesha goes, sneaking a wink at Steph who whistles.  ÒThat doesn't mean that I'm sellin' dope.Ó

ÒOh please forgive me, for having straight hair.Ó I take my turn, doing a sensual body roll that I can tell turns on and pisses off Colin at the same time. ÒIt doesn't mean there's another blood in my heir, yeah yeah!Ó

Maya smirks, as she goes for her turn. ÒI might date another race or color,Ó she flips her, bending down into a slow dip. ÒIt doesn't mean I don't like my strong black brothers.Ó

No OneÕs POV

The four young women have a good time, dancing and singing, gathering rave applause from the audience as their significant others watch and enjoy along with everyone else.

Or, at least, almost everyone.

Managing to slip out without anyone noticing, not that she was with anyone to begin with, the woman slips out with ease. Adjusting the black shades on her eyes, she enters the front seat of the black SUV waiting for her.

ÒSo?Ó The driver says curtly.

ÒYou were right,Ó the blonde-haired woman responds with a smirk. ÒHe came back.Ó

The driver chuckles confidently, ÒAs I knew and predicted he would.Ó

ÒI have to ask though,Ó the blonde start, uncertainty in her voice. ÒHow did you know heÕd come back? Specifically, when he did?Ó

ÒI didnÕt know when he would return,Ó The driver keeps her eyes on the road. ÒI just knew he would.Ó

ÒBut how?Ó

The driverÕs jaw clenches, ÒBecause that little bitch always gets what she wants.Ó She suddenly smiles evilly. ÒAt least, she used to.Ó

ÒThatÕs the other thing,Ó the passenger adds on. ÒHow exactly is this plan of yours supposed to work? WouldnÕt it make sense for us to keep them apart?Ó

The driver laughs, ÒYou think so narrow-mindedly. You assume we tend to take her down when sheÕs already low.Ó She shakes her head. ÒNo, that little bitch ruined everything for us when we were at our highest peak. We had everything going for us.Ó The womanÕs eyes turn into slits as she looks at her accomplice, ÒArianna took everything from us.Ó She suddenly smiles, ÒItÕs only appropriate we return the favor in the exact same way.Ó

The woman sighs, ÒI still donÕt see how just the two of us though-Ò

ÒOf course!Ó The driver slaps the steering wheel, turning her body sideways slightly.

The passenger flashes the other woman a confused look, ÒI donÕt-Ò

ÒI believe itÕs time you met the key to our success.Ó

ÒHello,Ó the passenger jumps at the sound of another voice coming from the backseat. ÒI donÕt believe weÕve been properly introduced,Ó the man sits forward, resting his arms on the two middle seat armrest. ÒIÕm Kendall.Ó