Chapter 42 - Continuation

*

"Alright before we settle in and eat, I have a surprise waiting in the garage," Mr. Capricorn said, mostly to Adena. 

Adena sighed, well at least he warned her, "Let me guess, you bought another car Dad?" she asked him and gave her mother a look. Like any other man with money and time to waste, her father tends to splurge, however on the biggest purchases such as cars, properties, and a boat, he "forgets" to mention it to her mother. There have been quite a few times when her mother would march out the door, grabbing Rich by the ear and forcing him to return it.

This should be interesting.

Her mother, however, didn't look upset at all. Hmmm did he finally learn his lesson?

She grabbed Craig's hand, "You ok?"

"Yeah I'm fine," Craig said quickly, brushing her off.

"I know my dad can be a little intimidating."

A little??

"It's fine, I've dealt with many overprotective fathers in my life so far."

Which was kind of a lie, most of his relationships never made it far enough for him to even be comfortable with meeting her parents. He never even got to meet Felicia's mom, her dad left when she was younger, so he didn't have to worry about that.

"Ok," Adena said as she squeezed his hand and took his word for it. Craig was a big boy. Of course, he could take care of himself.

"Come on Adena," her father said as he grabbed her hand, forcing her to let go of his. He had a feeling tonight would be a lot like this going forward. A tug of war. They followed him down the hall and at the end of it, there was a door. "Ready?"

"Yes Dad," Adena said, why was he making such a big deal? She backed up as her father opened the door. The garage was pitch black. Her father reached and turned the light on.

"C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S ! ! !" a group of people shouted. Adena jumped back and Craig chuckled a little, eyes wide. There was a long table full of food. Stork and baby decorations everywhere and a big banner that said CONGRATULATIONS in pink and blue letters. Everything was either pink or blue, right down to the napkins and utensils. They all started clapping and Craig watched as Adena's tense face softened, she turned to look at her mother who had the biggest smile you couldn't say no to. 

"I'm sorry huney, I couldn't keep it in any longer and besides you're a few weeks away from 6 months, your pregnancy is halfway over already," her mother said. "And of course, they all wanted to throw you a baby shower."

"It's ok," Adena said as she walked down the steps and immediately hugged a woman who looked just like her mother. Aunt Dana. She was soon engulfed in the middle of the small crowd of people as they hugged her, kissed her, admired and rubbed her belly, some wiping tears. 

Adena was actually really happy to see them. She hasn't seen her extended family since Grandma's funeral 6 months ago.

Grandma. She really wished she was here to experience this. She would have been so happy for her. 

Craig and Ron stood off to the side as they watched things unfold. Soon Missy was pulled in by the family members who knew her. "Why are you drinking water?" Ron asked.

"I'm the designated driver."

"Says who?"

Craig gave him a look. "Babygirl and grandbaby have to get back in one piece" he quoted Mr. Capricorn. "You beat me to the punch, literally."

"My bad dude. It's best you don't drink anyway. Not only do you have to impress the Dad, but you gotta impress the aunts, uncles, and cousins. We need you on your A game."

No pressure or anything.

"Excuse me, boys," a woman said as she walked by them with a pan of mac and cheese.

"Awww shit, we gonna eat good." Craig nodded with a smile as food started to be brought in. Ok, maybe it won't be so bad. Now Adena's father was distracted with everyone else and gave him a break.

"And who the hell are you?" a guy with a blue plastic cup said walking up to them and looking at Craig up and down. Craig looked at him, the fuck did he say? And what the fuck was he looking at? "Man if I knew you were gonna be wearing the same kicks I would've brought another pair," the guy said with a smile. Craig looked down and saw he was wearing the same kicks but different colors. He inwardly sighed with relief. He didn't want to beat one of Adena's people's asses in the first 10 minutes he stepped in the joint. 

"Just trying to flex like you playa," Craig said as he dapped the guy up. He was wearing light denim on light denim with a blue Yankees cap and on his feet were the UNC-themed pair of Retro Air Jordan 6's. Craig had on the same ones, almost, his were the new Mint Foam pair. 

"Oh shit, you got the Mints?" the guy said with wide eyes. "Them shits just came out-"

"Yesterday yeah," Craig said with a smile.

"Aye yo Bro!" the guy said and a younger guy came over. Also wearing Jordans, although they were the original Air Jordan pair. "He got the Mints."

"How?" the guy asked in surprise. 

"I got a connect," Craig said with a shrug. "Them classics are what's up."

"Always, who the hell are you guys?" he asked and looked over at Ron. He and the other guy looked down at his sneakers. Ron was wearing all-black Lacoste Suedes. "Those nice."

"If I knew this was gonna be an Air Jordan convention I would've brought mine," Ron said with a laugh.

"So for the 10th time, who the hell are you guys? Party crashers?"

"We're with Adena and Missy-"

"Oh shit, you're the guy?"

"The guy?" Craig asked. Seems there has been some talking amongst the Capricorns...

"The Replacement," he said, and the two laughed. "The guy Adena met once she cut that other sucker loose."

"We don't talk about him."

"Us either," Craig said with a laugh. 

"Anyway, I'm Taz and this is my little bro, Nathan. Cousins of Adena. Aunt Dana is our mom who is Adena's mom's sister."

"I'm Craig."
"Ron."

As soon as they finished dapping up, the younger brother, Nathan, said, "Wait who are you with again?"

"Missy," Ron said. Nathan's nose wrinkled up as his brother burst out in laughter.

"Ahhhhhhh shit!" Taz said.

"Something I need to know?" Ron asked with a curious laugh.

"Yeah he loves your girl bro," Taz said and then continued laughing.

"Shut up," Nathan said to him.

"Damn man, he's finally 18 and his wife is taken. He's had a crush on her for like 5 years."

Aww.

"Shut up Taz!" Nathan growled at him. What was funny was that Nathan was a few inches taller than his older brother. 

"My bad bro, she told me she was single," Ron said with a laugh. Nathan rolled his eyes. 

"Ok but if you slip up like the one we don't talk about, I'ma pull-a Craig and come to the rescue. I assure you" Nathan said confidently.

"Thanks for the warning," Ron said with a laugh. Nathan was serious though, but Ron wasn't threatened at all. He was a doctor after all. This kid was still in high school.

"Mind if I say hello? I wanna tell her about my basketball scholarship" Nathan said as he walked off.

"Knock yourself out," Ron said, without a care in the world.

"That's what's up, a scholarship to where?" Craig asked.

"Little bro got a full ride. To UNC. He got the MJ scholarship this year from MJ himself. He was all in the papers and everything. Only one kid gets it a year. He gonna play for Chicago if not the Knicks. Watch" Taz said. Ron's eyes widened a little. 

"Taz, help Auntie bring out these platters," a woman said as she grabbed him by the arm. 

"I'll be back," Taz said. Craig and Ron looked across the room and saw Missy squealing at Nathan. By reading her lips she looked up at him and said, "You got so big little cutie!" She hugged him and Nathan bent down to hug her. He winked at Ron over Missy's shoulder and Craig almost spit out his drink.

Ron slit his eyes at him. "It's funny huh? It's cute. Puppy love" he said as he patted his doctor's badge.

"Yeah, the Doctor vs. the next Michael Jordan. Missy's got some thinking to do" Craig said with a laugh. Ron just rolled his eyes. Craig sighed with relief, he felt better that Ron had something to feel uncomfortable about too.

*

After the Rabbit, the next animal is the Dragon. The Dragon is the only mythical animal in the Chinese Zodiac. In China, dragons are associated with strength, health, harmony, and good luck.

*

"Oh, so THIS is the guy?"
"How did you two meet?"
"Did you know she was married? Well more like getting divorced."
"Congratulations on your bundle of joy!"
"What are you going to name the baby? You want a boy don't you?"
"Don't be nervous, you have no big shoes to fill or anything. Her ex was a piece of work."

"Have you met Taye?"
"Oh, it's not yours? Well, how is that going to work?"
"You're a DJ? How much do they even make these days?"
"You know you're helping to raise another man's kid? That's one of the most selfless acts ever."
"After she has this baby, when are you two having one?"
"What's your sign? Cancer? Oh."

Craig's head was spinning as he walked out of the garage, his arms full of baby shower gifts for Adena. There were so many he wondered if they'll even have room for them and their luggage when they leave tomorrow. 

"You ok sweetheart?" Mr. Capricorn asked Adena as Craig walked back to retrieve more gifts. 

"I'm ok Daddy, just tired. I wasn't expecting a whole party." What part of she didn't like surprises did people not understand?? However, she appreciated this one. 

"It was for your own good. We haven't seen each other since Grandma. Now we have something to celebrate. After death, comes birth."

"I wish she was here Dad," Adena said in a small voice and he hugged her. 

"She is. She always is" he said as he kissed her head. 

"Um I think that's everything, did we say goodbye to everyone?" Craig asked her. Adena nodded, blinking back tears. She then kissed her father on his cheek, let go and walked to Craig, and grabbed his hand, taking the last remaining gifts from him. 

The two men noticed the exchange and the meaning even though Adena didn't. 

"Well Craig, sorry we couldn't really get to know each other" her father said to him as he patted him on the back. Ouch. That pat felt more like a punch. 

Craig coughed. "Um, it's alright. Got to meet the whole family. Me and the cousins got to do some Tiktoks."

"He fit right in, right Dad?"

"Maybe," her father said as he shrugged. "Ok, so we'll be seeing you two on Father's Day yes? You and I can talk and get to know each other then."

"Yes," Adena said.

"I may not be able to make it," Craig said.

"And why not?"

"He works at the club every night Dad. He's lucky he's even here tonight."

"Hmmm guess that means we'll have to visit this bar of yours? Or is it ratchet, that's what you kids say now right?"

"It's ratchet, Mr. Capricorn. Very," Craig said, feeling himself getting hot.

"Never mind then," he said. He pulled out his phone. "Give me your number Craig."

"My number?"

"Yes in case I can't get in touch with my daughter. You two are living together now so you'll see her more than me. We can also talk, man to man."

"Yeah sure thing," he said and her father added him to his contacts.

"Got you on speed dial now," he said with a smile. 

"Let them go Rich, you have to help me clean up," Gladys said as she walked out. She hugged Adena and Craig goodbye again. "Love you, baby."

"Love you, Mommy. Love you, Daddy."

"Drive safely! Call as soon as you get back or I'm calling you" her father said sternly. 

"Okokok Dad" Adena smiled and blew him a kiss. He watched as Craig helped her in the car, then got in the driver's seat and pulled out of the driveway. He watched until he couldn't see them anymore. 

"Ok take those to the trash hun," Gladys said as she pointed to a few full trash bags neatly tied up. He nodded and she went inside. He threw the bags in the trash. Since Gladys was inside and out of earshot, he pressed a contact and pressed call. 

"Leave your message after the beep."

"Hey Alfred, I know your old ass is asleep. Gimme a call when you can. I need a background check on someone. Tell Joyce hello. Goodnight."

*

In China, Dragons are placed above doors or on tops of roofs to banish demons and evil spirits.

*

"Ooooh this is NOIIIIIICEE," Missy said dramatically as they pulled up to the estate where Craig's sister lived the next day. They all got out and Craig thanked the valet and gave him the keys. 

"You sure I look ok?" Adena asked her as she fixed her dress. Luckily at the baby shower yesterday, not only did the baby get lots of toys, clothes, and gifts Adena got some as well. One of her fashionable aunties bought her a couple of summer maternity options. "Can you tell I have a belly?" She picked a piece of lint off her dress. She wasn't too much into the boho style but the dress was cute. Everyone said she looked good in red and yellow so the dress was red with yellow prints all over it. It was off the shoulder, long but very lightweight, it even had a slit up the left leg. She noticed at the baby shower last night that she looked pretty pregnant. How long could she hide it from Donatella? Good thing she was out of town. However, she was running out of time.

"Kinda," Missy said "And yes you look gorgeous. I think you should snap the dress open and show your belly like Rihanna."

"The point is to hide the stomach. I'm not flaunting it around like some fashion accessory" she said as she fanned herself. Craig took her other hand. She noticed that Ron tried to grab Missy's hand but she acted like she didn't even see it. What was going on?

"You guys ready?" Craig asked as he put on his shades. He was excited. This was more his speed. He needed to let loose after all the craziness last night. They walked up the staircase as a few girls in bikini tops and short jean skirts skipped up past them and pushed the doors open. 

"Goddamn" Missy and Ron said as they looked around. Talk about the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

"BIG BROTHER!" someone called and they all turned to see a girl run up and hug him. You could tell they were related and if you didn't know them well enough, you would think they were twins. She kissed his cheek, leaving lipgloss smeared on it. Adena instantly got a flashback of seeing her that night at Fever. When she saw her kiss Craig, she wanted to run her over but that was before he said she was his sister.

And it was actually true. 

"AND THIS MUST BE THE INFAMOUS ADENA," she said excitedly, looking her up and down. Adena did the same. "Craig has told me all about you. ALL about you. He wouldn't shut up. So you're how far along?"

"5 months," Adena said shyly. What else did Craig tell her?

"You're kinda small for 5 months or is it the dress? That dress is so cute omg, I want a dress just like that when I get pregnant" she said with a laugh and Craig made a face. "I'm Beverly it's so nice to meet you," she said as she gave her a tight hug. This surprised Adena and she tensed up a little but she tried her best to hug back. 

"This is my roommate...well used to be my roommate Ron and his girl Missy" Craig introduced them.

"OMG girl we have the same belly ring," she said excitedly to Missy. They sure enough did. Two small red cherries were hanging from their belly buttons. "I like you already."

"I like your house," Missy said with a smile. 

"Lemme give you a tour!" Beverly said excitedly, "Follow me, oh but let's go to the bar first and get you all some alcohol. Not you though Adena, only virgin for you," she said as she hooked arms with Missy and they led the way to where the bar was in the huge marbled foyer. 

"I know this is rude bro but your little sister is fine as fuck" Ron said as he looked her up and down. 

"Shut the hell up bro, you're in enough trouble as it is."

"Hey, I had to let it out before I get drunk," Ron said and patted him on the back and then walked faster to catch up with Missy and Beverly. 

"Please tell me what's going on with those two?" Adena asked him. "Missy hasn't said anything other than 'we're fine'."

"It's a long story but I'm sure they will be."

"Well, what's the summary?"

"Well, now that I've moved in with you Ron has to pay most of the rent. Missy doesn't make enough. A friend of his at the hospital said they're looking for a place to live. He offered his place."

"Why is Missy mad then?"

"This friend of his is a girl. A very pretty one too" Craig said. "From what he described anyway, I haven't seen her. Anyway, Missy ain't going for that."

"I know she won't but she has to step up and help out since they're in a relationship and living together."

"Well, she doesn't have to. Ron said he likes their schedules right now. Missy is busy enough when he's gone and when he's off she's there to welcome him back. He doesn't want her to stress out about bills and all that since our spot is more expensive than hers was. This new roommate will help them all save money."

"He needs to find a boy roommate then."

"Missy did," Craig said with a chuckle.

"Of course she did," Adena said with a shake of her head. "Who? Her cousin?"

"Some dude, I forgot his name, a good friend of hers from childhood-"

"Ohhhh Jordan?"

"Yeah, I think that was it. She introduced them and Ron said he looked like The Rock. He used to be the fat kid in school blah blah blah and now he looks like an action movie star."

"So they're both jealous," Adena said with a laugh and a shake of her head. Craig agreed. "Well match those two together. They can share your old room and they'll be splitting rent 4 ways."

"See? You're a genius. A hot, sexy genius" he said as he held her close and kissed her. 

"Here's your shot brother," Beverly said to him. Beverly handed Adena a shot glass too. Adena looked at her in shock. "It's just water huney trust me. I didn't want you to feel left out."

"I'm good, thanks for thinking of me though," Adena said as she put the shot of water down. Even if it was a pretend shot, she was pregnant, you know how stupid she would look doing that?

"Here's a virgin daiquiri," Beverly said handing it to her. Ok, this was much better. They all toasted and then walked out on the balcony. Their mouths dropped as they looked at the view. The backyard was full of people. Groups of people surrounded the pool and the pool was in the center of it all. The pool was full of young people swimming, playing games, and relaxing in their floaties. There was a catwalk over the pool and people were dancing on it. There were 5 different bars and 5 different grills cooking hot dogs, hamburgers, kabobs, seafood, and all that impossible plant-based stuff.

Adena frowned. "Craig this is a friggin' pool party. Everyone is in their bikini."

"Not everyone. Look at all these people dancing and lounging and talking."

"Yeah but everyone OUR age is in the pool."

"Baby, you're pregnant. You have no control over it. No one is going to shame a pregnant belly."

"How do you know? We don't know these people" Adena said. "Besides it's hot anyway. I'd rather sit in the shade."

"Me too I'm baking out here. Let's find us a spot to lounge" Beverly said as she hooked arms with Adena and led her down the stairs toward the backyard. Adena looked back at him. Craig gave her a thumbs up. They'll be friends in no time.

Just like Craig and Missy got along right away, so