"First thing first, we're going to run a few tests and make sure everything is good with you. When the results are in we'll go from there." My mom's doctor stated looking up at me. "Any questions for me so far?" She asked.

"Yes ma'am, if I'm a match why do you have to run more tests? Why can't you guys just do the operation and let that be that?"

Dr. Roshan was just telling me that I was a donor match to give my mom a kidney. While I was thankful for that, all this extra shit had me throwed.

I swear it's always a million and one different things when it comes to these doctors saving a life.

I'm giving my Kidney freely, take the shit and let's get the operation over and done with.

"I wish it was that simple. You see Mr. Bradley, although you are a match, there are still risk factors that we have to be aware of before doing the actual procedure. If there's something we don't catch it can cause more harm than help." Dr. Roshan voiced.

"So basically we can go through with the procedure and she could still die?"

"If we don't do the proper testing, yes sir."

I sighed heavily running my hand across my head. It's already been three damn days and I'm still getting stuck by damn needles every other day.

"Look, just do whatever you need to save her life."

After chatting it up with my mom's doctor I had to go home and blow off some steam. I hadn't smoked in two days because I had to cleanse my system so my tests wouldn't come back sketchy, but this shit was too much. It was like a crazy game of hurry up and fucking wait.

"Babe?" Amelia called out walking into the house. I was laid out in the basement which I turned into a man cave. Luckily I left the door cracked.

"Downstairs!" I yelled back.

The clicking of Amelia's heels created a echo as she climbed down the stairs. I sat up and ashed my blunt once she finally made it down.

"What's wrong?" She asked wearing a look of concern.

"Shit, the better question is what's right? This shit is stressing me the fuck out man! It seems like the doctor's are just waiting for shit to get worse. I feel like by the time they bust a move my mom will be-"

"Don't do that Joshua, don't speak negative shit into existence!" Amelia scolded.

"I mean... That's exactly how this shit making me feel. What else am I supposed to think?"

"Think positive! What's the point in us doing all that praying if your thoughts are still negative! Prayer is half the work, you also need faith!"

I sighed and scratched my beard. "You're right baby, I'm tripping. God got it. I guess a nigga just scared."

"And that's okay, but what we won't do is give up. You're a match, that's the first step. Now we let them do their jobs and figure out what's next." Amelia sighed taking a seat in my lap. I laid my head against her breast.

"What would I do without you? I swear you keep a nigga sane."

"You'll never have to find out. And I love you too big head!" Amelia joked planting a kiss on my lips.

"Where's Jace?"

"Nana's. My mom is gonna stay with her for a few days and keep him for us. I told her how hectic our schedules are right now and I just didn't wanna keep moving him from pillow to post. Are you okay with that? I meant to run it by you, but you know..."

"It's all good. I'm cool with that."

"Good," Amelia sighed resting her chin on my head. "We have a doctor's appointment next Tuesday at eleven. Hopefully the procedure won't be scheduled until afterwards."

"Cool, hopefully. What you got planned for today though? I mean since we have the house to ourselves and..."

Buzz... Buzz...

My phone started vibrating halting my conversation. I pulled out my personal phone only to notice it was my business line ringing.

"Fuck!" I spat seeing an international number flash across the screen. "I gotta take this babe." Amelia nodded and moved from my lap.

"I'll be in the bedroom when you're done." She stated making her way back up the steps. I nodded as if she could see me before answering the phone.

"I take it you got my gift," I spoke in code to Dominguez.

"Indeed I did amigo, that's the reason behind my call. Since you've done your part, I'm ready to do mine. I have something I wish to speak to you about but only in person. I just landed so meet me in say... An hour at the W hotel?" Dominguez spoke.

"See you in an hour." I spoke before ending the call.

We never discussed business over the phone and anytime Dominguez called it was short, sweet, and straight to the point. I was definitely curious about what he wanted to meet about.

I shot Zay a text telling him to meet up with me so we can roll somewhere together. After that I let Amelia know duty called and I had to dip off for a minute. Although she said it was cool, her facial expression said otherwise. I would get with her about that later though.
                         *********
"You think it's a setup?" Zay asked as we pulled up to the hotel. I laughed at his paranoid ass before answering.

"If it were I think he'd be smart enough to find a more secluded spot, but hey, I'm not the smartest man in the world." I joked.

Zay laughed, "Aye fuck you! Never can be to sure."

"I feel you, but come on and let's get this shit over with."

Zay and I stepped out of the car and made our way inside the hotel. We went straight up to the penthouse where Dominguez had armed guards posted outside the door waiting to pay us down. Once they were satisfied they let us inside the room.

"Joshua, I see you brought company." Dominguez spoke nodding towards Zay.

"You remember my business partner Zay right? Is it cool if he sits in? If not he can-" Dominguez waved me off.

"Any friend of yours is a friend of mine. Xavier and I have become good friends during your time away. Besides, if things should go left... It's your head to make it right." Dominguez winked. I saw Zay gritting his teeth and tapped him to calm down. "Join me for drinks."

Dominguez led us over to the sitting area and pulled out a bottle of D'ussé.
He poured us each a glass before sitting back in his seat.

"I must say Joshua, I'm impressed with the way you jumped back into handling business. I also have to thank you for my gift." Dominguez spoke looking me in the eyes.

"You know how I do. It's a must I shake back, that's the reason behind me going so strong Jefe. I have a family to feed."

"You remind me of me when I was your age kid. I was young and hungry! I lived for the hustle and bustle, but I'm getting too old for this shit and the streets are changing more and more each day." I nodded in agreement as he continued to speak.

"I've been watching you and your operation for quite a while now. There were a few hiccups while you were away, but nothing too major. This kid though..." He pointed at Zay. "You made a damn good choice picking him as your partner."

I really felt like Dominguez was talking in riddles and I just wanted him to get to the point so I could get back to my girl.

"With all due respect Jefe, what is this about? I mean I know you said all movement ceased until you got your gift, you got it. I still haven't received a shipment though. I was under the impression that that's what this meeting was about." I spoke up.

"It's much bigger than a shipment Joshua. You see, I have no heir to my throne. Of course the rest of the Cartel didn't agree with my decision, but I'm offering you my spot at the table." Dominguez spoke causing me to sit up in my seat.

"I'm sorry, you're doing what?" I was gonna need him to clarify that shit.

"No need to make a decision now, but what I'm offering you is the world. Billionaire status. You'll never have to touch another drug, and your family will be set for life. But to whom much is given, much is required. Which is why I'm willing to give you time to make a decision." Dominguez held up his drink in a toasting fashion causing Zay and I to follow suit. After throwing back the shot he concluded the meeting and we got up to leave with a lot to think about.

Zay

"What you think?" Josh asked as we sat in my kitchen discussing Dominguez and his proposal. I looked over at Josh after grabbing us both a beer from the fridge and handing him his.

"It's not about what I think bruh, what do you think?" I asked popping the cap off of my Heineken and handing him the bottle opener.

"I can't lie man, sounds like easy money to me."

"Well you're even crazier than I thought. What is easy about joining the Cartel's roundtable? Not only that, but you're a young NIGGA. You think shit gon be sweet? I wouldn't just jump at that opportunity."

"Man this can really put us in a position to win Zay! Billionaire status? Shit I think I wanna try my hand at it."

I chuckled. "You say that like you get a trail and error period or something. I thought you were just getting your money up and walking away? You gotta think about every aspect of the game with this move Josh. You will become a walking target, and so will MeMe and the kids. You ready for that? Because that's next level shit my guy, the fucking big leagues." I stressed to him. The money sounds good, but the reward is not worth the risk at all.

"What about you?" Josh asked leaning up against the counter.

"What about me?"

"What if I take the seat and pass it to you when I'm ready to walk?"

"I don't want it."

"You don't want it? Since when? You're speaking to me about my family and the risk, but what do you have to lose? The way I see it, this is a win-win Xavier."

"It's cause you ain't looking at the big picture! And fuck you nigga," I laughed at Josh calling me Xavier.

"Why you let that nigga call you something other than your name?" Josh asked. "I almost corrected him." I looked at Josh skeptically.

"Come on now, you think that man really don't know my name? It's a mind game he's playing, so I let him. If by chance he's not playing, then fuck it! He don't need to know my name. If there comes a time where he's looking for Xavier, he won't find Isaiah. But a man with that much power just needs to know he holds the power. I answer to what he calls me to feed his ego, but believe me... Just like he's playing mind games, so am I."

Josh rubbed his beard. "I got ya," he chuckled. "I swear you're the smartest dummy I know my nigga." I stuck up my finger just as my phone alerted me of a text. Unlocking my phone I replied back.

"Who that?" Josh asked as I locked my phone and slid in my pocket. I frowned at him.

"Are we a couple or... I'm confused," I laughed. Josh punched me in my shoulder causing a slap boxing match.

"Keeping secrets now?" He asked slapping upside my head. I countered back and he dodged my lick.

"When it's something serious, I'll let you know."

Josh dropped his guard and I slapped his head. He looked at me sideways causing me to laugh. I never could keep shit away from his ass.

"Who is she?" He asked.

"Bruh seriously, this relationship is getting weird. You gotta stop it."

"Quit playing man."

I sighed. "I kinda been kicking it with Tasia, not on no crazy shit... Just friends. Last time we were together, she kissed me." I shrugged. Josh raised a brow.

"You know she's pregnant right? I mean y'all grown and all, but think about how you would feel if you were Jay. That's messy."

"It ain't nothin man. That's why I didn't mention the shit. I can't lie and say I'm not feeling shorty, but the timing is off."

"So that's why you were hating on Mike? You wanted her for yourself huh? Sis got the juice!" Josh joked causing me to slap him again. We both fell out laughing before he said he had to cut out and I hit Anastasia telling her to pull up.

Anastasia

"Hi," I spoke to Zay as I stepped out of my car. He was standing outside waiting for me to pull up. I couldn't help but feel the million butterflies in my stomach at the sight of him, or maybe it was the baby. Either way, I was happy.

"What up shorty?" Zay asked pulling me into a hug before leading me to his front door. The scent of vanilla hit me as soon as I stepped inside.

"It smells so good in here," I sighed inhaling a deep breath.

"Really?" Zay laughed leading me over to the couch.

"Yes. So what's up?" I asked getting nervous at the thought of being alone with him.

"You tell me. I'm more of a talker than texter. I wanted us to discuss whatever face to face."

"Well I pretty much said all I had to say in the text. I was out of line for the kiss and I apologize. I honestly don't know what came over me. You're just, you're different and I like the feeling." I sighed.

"So why the apology?"

"Because Zay, I'm pregnant with Jason's baby! It's not even right for me to be entertaining you the way I am, but I can't help myself."

"What's not right about us kicking it? I mean it's not like that nigga's my friend. You and I are two grown ass people. If we choose to enjoy one another's company, that's just what it is. We're not having sex or doing anything to harm the baby, that's all that matters."

"I just don't want people thinking th-" Zay cut me off.

"Here you go again worried about other people and what they think. You know what, maybe you're right... Obviously this is too much for you shorty, so I'm gonna fallback and let you do your thing. Come on, I'll walk you out." Zay stated dismissingly. I wanted to plead my case but my feelings were hurt so I just walked away.

I got in my car and fought back tears. I didn't know what had me more upset, the fact that Zay had kicked me out, or possibly not being able to chill with him anymore. I had to get my shit together. The first step was establishing some boundaries between Jason and I. I pulled off and headed towards my old place.
                       *************

I walked inside my door and startled Jason who was in the living room shirtless. I had to direct my attention everywhere but on him to keep myself in check. I hated how good he looked.

"We had an appointment today?" Jason asked scrolling through his phone.

"No, I just wanted to talk to you." I sighed taking a seat on the couch. "Can you put on a shirt first though?"

"Nah," Jay smirked. "What's up? What you wanna talk about? You coming back home?"

I sucked my teeth. Just like that I was turned off again. This nigga acted like he wasn't still sleeping with Kayla's ass. She made it her business to post them laid up on her Instagram every chance she got.

"Absolutely not, I'm sure Kayla wouldn't like that anyhow." I replied rolling my eyes. Now it was Jason's turn to suck his teeth.

"So what's up then?"

"I want to move on and see other people. I just wanted to run it by you first so you didn't have to hear it from anyone else."

"You must be out your fucking mind! If that's what you call yourself coming to talk to me about you can hang that shit up! Fuck you look like fucking with some other nigga while you're pregnant with my kid?!" Jay spat angrily.

"I didn't say anything about sex Jason! I just wanna be able to take the time to get to know someone else and see where it goes. You moved on, why can't I?!"

"I didn't move shit! What the fu-" Jason sighed heavily. "You know what, I'm not even bout to discuss this shit with you! Try me if you want to and I'll kill that nigga! You got me fucked up if you think some other nigga bout to be raising my fucking kid."

"Why are you so selfish?! Do you see me running around trying to ruin whatever you have going on? No! I let you be. Just let me be Jason!" I yelled angrily. I couldn't understand why he could move on but I couldn't.

"You heard what the fuck I said! I'm going to shower. You can stay or leave. If you leave just lock up on your way out." Jason stated walking off. I screamed before jumping up to leave. We had to get on the same page.

After leaving Jason I found myself just driving around with no destination in mind. I wanted to call Zay, but I figured he wouldn't answer. I finally headed to my Granny's to get some rest. Tomorrow was a new day and I would start fresh from there.
_____________

"Anastasia!" I heard my grandmother yelling as I rolled over in bed. I looked up at the clock on the wall and noticed I had slept up until one in the afternoon.

"Damn," I sighed stretching and climbing out of bed. I was tired. After handling my hygiene I headed down to see what my granny needed.

"You plan on sleeping all day? I need you to run to the store for me."

"Alright," I replied walking over to the stove to check the pots. "What are you cooking?" My grandmother smacked my hand.

"Just carry your behind to the store and get me what I need or I won't be cooking anything!"

I laughed taking my Granny's grocery list and heading to the door. Target was the closest store so that's where I ended up. I was currently walking the aisles