#Daniel Kaluyya Fic

[slippinninque]

👩🏾‍❤️‍👨🏾Home Makin' 💍

Jatemme Manning x Reader

In which Jatemme sees you, likes you, and wants you.

Warnings: MINORS DNI, 18 +, cursing, long fic, soft!dark!deluluJatemme, meanbf/ex-bf, mentions of cheating, mentions of financial struggle, smoking/weed/, drinking/alcohol

The space was more than impressive. The lounge was sprawling in low light, it’s style classy but somehow still welcoming. There were more intimate seating deeper into the room and off to the sides with booths higher up on a second level that you could spot from the front doors.

Suites and gowns sparkled as their wearers had their good time. From what you could see, the space spanned far enough to include room for dancing and two bars to choose from. The tables placed in between from from ornate to modest--the patrons varying from business-like to glamourous.

You felt cheap in your gray dress and simple flats and exchanged a nervous glance with your husband. It was all you could do on short notice.

“Should have worn something better.” His eyes cutting down his own button up.

“I think you look very handsome.” you said and returned the smile Calvin gave as he put his arm around your shoulder.

A chipper hostess came and asked to follow her. You appreciated her chatter as it distracted from your racing heart and Calvin's low muttering.

The hostess' took a liking your hair and asked if your hair clips came in green. Talking to her made your shoulders drop down and once you noticed the laid-back atmosphere, you relaxed.

You were only meeting your husband’s boss—Mr. Manning. Calvin spoke of the brothers with high esteem and made himself available to their every whim.

You was determined to make a good impression.

He fidgeted with his color and you smoothed away imaginary wrinkles from your dress in solidarity. It wasn't often Calvin was so openly nervous.

"It'll be okay," You said to him, "We got this! We're cool people!"

He looked at you fondly and blew out a quick breath. There was something nagging at you about the look in his eye but you pushed it aside.

It would be something you were going to ask about later. First, dinner.

Calvin dropped his arm and you thanked the hostess as she turned to leave you to greet the man sitting in the booth a few more feet away. Calvin fidgeted with his collar once before turning to you and chased away the imaginary wrinkles from your shoulder.

You smiled encouragingly and reached out for his hand.

“Be good.” He said, turning away. You followed after him and tangled your own fingers together as you followed.

Jatemme Manning sat in the booth and appeared as bored as someone could be. It was a relief to see him dressed as casually as you and Calvin, despite the gold links winking from his wrist and around his neck.

He was younger than what you were expecting but that did nothing to taper his commanding presence. You were caught instantly by his gaze despite him standing to accept Calvin's hand shake first.

When Calvin introduced you, Jatemme repeated your name and shook your hand but held on for a moment.

"Nice to finally meet you. Calvin here has a nasty habit of bragging."

You aimed a bashful look at your husband who winked at you. You went to tease him but his phone came to life, blaring in his pocket before he hurried and silenced it.

Scooting far enough into the booth to be across from Mr. Manning, you waited for Calvin to do the same.

"Busy place, ah shit..." Calvin's phone sounded again and he fumbled to silence it. He sat it face down onto the table and you resisted the urge to sigh.

A laminated menu was slid over to you and you were about to busy yourself with looking over the options as Calvin lead the conversation.

"Ah, we don't need these."

The menu was eased from your hand and you looked over at Calvin as he put his and your menus beneath his elbow.

"This one is a black hole, gotta be careful around too many options!" Calvin playfully nudged you and you granted him a breeze of a laugh.

"Let me guess. A chicken salad?

"Can't go wrong with that! "

Be good. Be good. Be good.

You aimed another smile at Mr. Manning as you gave white lie, "I had a little something earlier to hold me over. A chicken salad sounds pretty dressed up anyway--that'll be more than enough."

Yeah. As if a few handfuls of Planters was going to do much...

Jatemme said nothing but slid his menu before you. You felt your mask slip, you glanced at Calvin and saw the fixed expression looking back at you. You made no move to open the menu but thanked Mr. Manning either way.

Tension slid in and jointed the three of you in the booth.

You know Mr. Manning was trying to be considerate and you felt more than rude. If Calvin thought the alpha-male bullshit was going to work on Mr. Manning, you could only hope that it did work if just to make the night go by faster.

Judging from how Mr. Manning level Calvin with the most bland stare in return....

Calvin's phone rang for the 3rd time and now both you and Jatemme were staring at the device on the table. Calvin chuckled a bit and went to silence it, looking over at you with a lopsided smile.

"Business been banging down our doors, can't even have a moment to relax!"

The smile you offered felt like plastic on your face. What business could be calling if his boss was sitting right in front of him?

Calvin cursed when his phone vibrated again but this time, Jatemme plucked it from the table before he could reach. Calvin choked on air and it startled an 'oop!' out of you.

"You should handle that. Step away for a while until it's done," Was all Jatemme said as he handed the phone directly to Calvin,

"Can't keep that waiting for too long."

You turned your wide eyes to Calvin as he hurriedly stood with an apology and a promise to return soon. Don't leave. Don't leave. Don't leave.

You went to stand up as well, calling his name softly but he waved at your seat for to sit back down as he didn't even spare another glance at you.

Eventually you did sit again when Calvin went towards the bar to put his cell to his ear, no longer concerned about you. No one could have seen it aside from Jatemme, maybe the lively atmosphere saved you some face.

There was something in Jatemme's expression that made you want to follow after your husband.

You wondered if it really was a good thing you were there.

-----

The two of you sat in silence for the next 10 minutes, you pecking at your phone and Mr. Manning surveying the crowd.

“Glad you could make it.”

You looked up from the napkin in your lap to find Mr. Manning speaking to you.

You went to wave it off but thought that maybe it was too informal and your hand ended up stuttering in the air.

“Thank you for inviting me, Mr. Manning.” you felt like a broken record and jerkily added, “It was a very nice surprise."

“Mn. You call me Jatemme. I’m only Manning to those who work for me.”

It felt like a dig to Calvin and you knew better than to respond. Even if he was gone, you would guess that he was somewhere that had a perfect sight of your booth.

Mr. Manning--Jatemme-- addressed you again,

“I was told that you like Italian. They have a good chicken scarpariello that you'd enjoy."

“Really? I haven't had that in so long--not since the spot on Barley and Coleman closed.” You felt a pang of regret of not even being able to really take in the menu.

Jatemme's brows jumped a bit, “ I knew the place. How about we add on an order of it to go along with that salad, hm?”

“O-Oh, no thank you--

“The salads are small. I’d hate to think you’re sitting there hungry.”

Helpless and caught between in wanting to be loyal but also polite, you felt the words beginning to jumble in your head. Jatemme leaned in folded his fingers together on the table between them, giving you a patiently amused look.

“Listen, I know you’re nervous but relax. I invited you here so you're my guest and that means the bill is taken care of. You ain't gonna put a hole in my wallet. How about a drink too? For us both?"

You didn’t understand why Mr. Manning was being so considerate when you were just... plus one. You quickly glanced for Calvin and anxiety bloomed beneath your heart when he wasn't at the bar.

Jatemme flagged down the waitress from earlier and put in your order. The waitress recommended a fruity drink that sounded absolutely delicious and jotted down Jatemme's order for double shot of whiskey.

You took a deep breath and forced your shoulders from your ears. You had to calm down, you had to make a good impression since Calvin wasn't there to do it himself.

“Calvin says you're stay-at-home type of lady. Doesn't that leave a lot on you?”

Though surprised at the question, you still brightened at thought of Calvin talking about you, “I have a lot of time on my hands, so I try to use it the best way I can."

You trailed off when the waitress returned with the drinks and thanked her.

“It’s so pink!” You giggled a bit. It like the mixer trapped Barbie's essence and laced it with bacardi and pineapple juice.

Jatemme rose his glass and you mirrored the gesture before you both sipped. It was very good and the mixed fruit's sweetness made it an instant hit for you. Coldness of the glass was blessedly grounding.

“So, you say you have a lot of time on your hands. What else do you do with it aside from making your man's life easier?”

You felt your face go hot beneath his waiting gaze. You took another sip then answered, “I’m a bit boring if I'm not careful. If I'm not putting the house together--I'm putting something together."

Wither it be dinner or clothes, you kept your hands busy to keep your mind peaceful.

“Hm. Then what about if it's already put together?”

You hadn’t realized you were sucking down the drink until the straw stuttered on an empty pocket in the ice.

“Erm, I like going to the theatre if there is something Calvin wouldn’t want to see at home.”

“What wouldn’t he like to see with you?”

You recalled a movie released a few months prior. It had a pretty good line up and seemed more of an action than a comedy—you were so sure Calvin would have wanted to see it with you.

“Y’know I can't cramp his style with the girly stuff! It's better to let him see the cool stuff with his boys. I'll treat myself to a matinee--full theatre experience!"

When the silence stretched on and the next question never came, you finally looked away from your sweating glass to meet Jatemme's gaze square on.

“Tell me some other things you like to do.” He asked as soon as your eyes met.

You laughed a bit. He was clearly waiting for your full attention before continuing his interrogation. The drink was doing it’s job and you actually started to relax. The urge to check for Calvin quieted as you focused on not making a fool of yourself.

Be good, he said. You could do that.

“I like to bake and sew. I like...eating the coating off of a strawberry shortcake before the ice-cream.”

Jatemme's mouth twitched, “Well, that's criminal.”

You gave a shy smile as you continued, “I like to draw. I'm better with paints rather than the other stuff, though.”

“Other stuff?"

Question after question Jatemme gave to you. Asking what was going on in your life aside from what Calvin had going. Jatemme asked you about what was difference between your interests and obligations, what's something you'd never do again and did you have a bucket list.

At some point, you forgot to be nervous as the situation went from uncomfortable to...steady. Jatemme listened to your answers as if they actually mattered--but maybe they did.

When Jatemme ordered you another drink, you realized just how much time has past.

“It's been a while. Hasn't it been a while?” You couldn’t catch yourself, the frown was heavy on your face as you checked the time on your phone.

It's been a been well past an hour and Calvin hasn't returned.

"It's been a while." Jatemme confirmed but didn't seem bothered as he leaned back, "Don't mind me--give him a call."

You excused yourself to the restroom with the promise to be quick. Though you didn't turn to check, you swore you felt his eyes roam after you.

Once you safe inside the restroom, you released a sigh of relief to see that there were cubicles in place of the standard bathroom stall. Hurrying into the first stall, you leaned up against the stall door and dialed Calvin.

The phone rang and rang on, your thumbnail cracked away beneath your teeth as you went to voicemail. You dialed again, this time sitting on the toilet's lid and taking deep breaths.

"Girl, why are you callin' me back to back?"

"Excuse me, because you left at the table with your damn boss--what do you mean? I don't know this man!"

"Go back and let him know, baby! There...was a mix up and I had to make shit happen before it looks too bad. I need you to hold it down for me until I get back."

"Cal, that makes no fucking sense--we just got here and you ha--

"JUST...Hold it down for me, baby. What's good for me is good for you. I'll see you soon... a'ight."

If it weren't for the sudden bustle of a chattering group of friend coming into the restroom, you would have threw your phone. Instead, you pressed your knuckles into your eyelids and tried to follow after the strobing spots.

How could you pretend when you knew Calvin was lying through his teeth to you?

--------

You came back to the booth, phone clutched before you in both hands. Even though you splashed your face with cold water--you still felt a raw around the eyes.

"Not coming, is he?"

Jatemme's words carried a heavy center and you apologized profusely. You couldn't even give a reason and lying was the farthest thing from your mind--the truth of the situation was bad enough.

Jatemme's expression became serious, "I wanted him here, ain't gonna lie. You find out a lot about a man and what he values when he's sitting next to his lady."

You didn't understand the full nature of what Calvin did for the Manning brothers but he wanted nothing more than to be brought further into the fold. Possibly a partnership rather than being an worker.

This, though, this felt like an undeniable fuck up.

Jatemme pinned you with his stare for a moment longer before the waitress returned with your food and an apology for the wait. The food looked amazing, steaming and fresh but you weren't even sure if you could eat.

What should you do? Why stay if Calvin wasn't here to gain from it? Was Calvin going to be back before you finished dinner--should you finish? You should leave--you should really leave--

"Maybe I shoul--

"I think you should stay," Jatemme spoke as if reading your mind, "It'd be waste of good food and company if you don't. At least you can tell me some things about your husband I don't already know, hm?"

Hold it down for me, baby.

Your answer was to nod, reaching out for your refilled Barbie-drink and taking a hearty sip.

"There we go. Don't suppose you'll bolt if I suggest something sweet after?" Jatemme's tone was lighter than before and for the first time in the night---you felt like you were off the hook.

You unfolded a napkin in your lap, pretending that Calvin was only in the restroom dealing with an unfortunate gut emergency instead of wherever the hell he really was at.

"I think I can push down my Bambi instincts in exchange for a slice of chocolate cake..."

"Hm. I knew you had good taste--chocolate it is then."

You couldn't do much for Calvin but you could at least do dinner.

-------------

✨ending notes✨: aaand that's part 1! Just what is happening? What does Jatemme have going on? You tell me!😆 lmao! I wasn't going to make this a series but honestly, this thing has gotten away from me.🫣 This may be very self-indulgent. I'm shooting for at least a three part-er 🤔Lemme know if you're vibing with it lol! Reblog and comment !⭐💜💕

💕taglist💕: @megamindsecretlair @harmshake @blowmymbackout @cocochannelmoi @sageispunk @hunnishive @last-lost-one @kindofaintrovert @mysecertdiaryofableedingheart @thadelightfulone

[slippinninque]

Everyone looking at Calvin rn:

👩🏾‍❤️‍👨🏾Home Makin' 💍

Jatemme Manning x Reader

In which Jatemme sees you, likes you, and wants you.

Warnings: MINORS DNI, 18 +, cursing, long fic, soft!dark!deluluJatemme, meanbf/ex-bf, mentions of cheating, mentions of financial struggle, smoking/weed/, drinking/alcohol

The space was more than impressive. The lounge was sprawling in low light, it’s style classy but somehow still welcoming. There were more intimate seating deeper into the room and off to the sides with booths higher up on a second level that you could spot from the front doors.

Suites and gowns sparkled as their wearers had their good time. From what you could see, the space spanned far enough to include room for dancing and two bars to choose from. The tables placed in between from from ornate to modest--the patrons varying from business-like to glamourous.

You felt cheap in your gray dress and simple flats and exchanged a nervous glance with your husband. It was all you could do on short notice.

“Should have worn something better.” His eyes cutting down his own button up.

“I think you look very handsome.” you said and returned the smile Calvin gave as he put his arm around your shoulder.

A chipper hostess came and asked to follow her. You appreciated her chatter as it distracted from your racing heart and Calvin's low muttering.

The hostess' took a liking your hair and asked if your hair clips came in green. Talking to her made your shoulders drop down and once you noticed the laid-back atmosphere, you relaxed.

You were only meeting your husband’s boss—Mr. Manning. Calvin spoke of the brothers with high esteem and made himself available to their every whim.

You was determined to make a good impression.

He fidgeted with his color and you smoothed away imaginary wrinkles from your dress in solidarity. It wasn't often Calvin was so openly nervous.

"It'll be okay," You said to him, "We got this! We're cool people!"

He looked at you fondly and blew out a quick breath. There was something nagging at you about the look in his eye but you pushed it aside.

It would be something you were going to ask about later. First, dinner.

Calvin dropped his arm and you thanked the hostess as she turned to leave you to greet the man sitting in the booth a few more feet away. Calvin fidgeted with his collar once before turning to you and chased away the imaginary wrinkles from your shoulder.

You smiled encouragingly and reached out for his hand.

“Be good.” He said, turning away. You followed after him and tangled your own fingers together as you followed.

Jatemme Manning sat in the booth and appeared as bored as someone could be. It was a relief to see him dressed as casually as you and Calvin, despite the gold links winking from his wrist and around his neck.

He was younger than what you were expecting but that did nothing to taper his commanding presence. You were caught instantly by his gaze despite him standing to accept Calvin's hand shake first.

When Calvin introduced you, Jatemme repeated your name and shook your hand but held on for a moment.

"Nice to finally meet you. Calvin here has a nasty habit of bragging."

You aimed a bashful look at your husband who winked at you. You went to tease him but his phone came to life, blaring in his pocket before he hurried and silenced it.

Scooting far enough into the booth to be across from Mr. Manning, you waited for Calvin to do the same.

"Busy place, ah shit..." Calvin's phone sounded again and he fumbled to silence it. He sat it face down onto the table and you resisted the urge to sigh.

A laminated menu was slid over to you and you were about to busy yourself with looking over the options as Calvin lead the conversation.

"Ah, we don't need these."

The menu was eased from your hand and you looked over at Calvin as he put his and your menus beneath his elbow.

"This one is a black hole, gotta be careful around too many options!" Calvin playfully nudged you and you granted him a breeze of a laugh.

"Let me guess. A chicken salad?

"Can't go wrong with that! "

Be good. Be good. Be good.

You aimed another smile at Mr. Manning as you gave white lie, "I had a little something earlier to hold me over. A chicken salad sounds pretty dressed up anyway--that'll be more than enough."

Yeah. As if a few handfuls of Planters was going to do much...

Jatemme said nothing but slid his menu before you. You felt your mask slip, you glanced at Calvin and saw the fixed expression looking back at you. You made no move to open the menu but thanked Mr. Manning either way.

Tension slid in and jointed the three of you in the booth.

You know Mr. Manning was trying to be considerate and you felt more than rude. If Calvin thought the alpha-male bullshit was going to work on Mr. Manning, you could only hope that it did work if just to make the night go by faster.

Judging from how Mr. Manning level Calvin with the most bland stare in return....

Calvin's phone rang for the 3rd time and now both you and Jatemme were staring at the device on the table. Calvin chuckled a bit and went to silence it, looking over at you with a lopsided smile.

"Business been banging down our doors, can't even have a moment to relax!"

The smile you offered felt like plastic on your face. What business could be calling if his boss was sitting right in front of him?

Calvin cursed when his phone vibrated again but this time, Jatemme plucked it from the table before he could reach. Calvin choked on air and it startled an 'oop!' out of you.

"You should handle that. Step away for a while until it's done," Was all Jatemme said as he handed the phone directly to Calvin,

"Can't keep that waiting for too long."

You turned your wide eyes to Calvin as he hurriedly stood with an apology and a promise to return soon. Don't leave. Don't leave. Don't leave.

You went to stand up as well, calling his name softly but he waved at your seat for to sit back down as he didn't even spare another glance at you.

Eventually you did sit again when Calvin went towards the bar to put his cell to his ear, no longer concerned about you. No one could have seen it aside from Jatemme, maybe the lively atmosphere saved you some face.

There was something in Jatemme's expression that made you want to follow after your husband.

You wondered if it really was a good thing you were there.

-----

The two of you sat in silence for the next 10 minutes, you pecking at your phone and Mr. Manning surveying the crowd.

“Glad you could make it.”

You looked up from the napkin in your lap to find Mr. Manning speaking to you.

You went to wave it off but thought that maybe it was too informal and your hand ended up stuttering in the air.

“Thank you for inviting me, Mr. Manning.” you felt like a broken record and jerkily added, “It was a very nice surprise."

“Mn. You call me Jatemme. I’m only Manning to those who work for me.”

It felt like a dig to Calvin and you knew better than to respond. Even if he was gone, you would guess that he was somewhere that had a perfect sight of your booth.

Mr. Manning--Jatemme-- addressed you again,

“I was told that you like Italian. They have a good chicken scarpariello that you'd enjoy."

“Really? I haven't had that in so long--not since the spot on Barley and Coleman closed.” You felt a pang of regret of not even being able to really take in the menu.

Jatemme's brows jumped a bit, “ I knew the place. How about we add on an order of it to go along with that salad, hm?”

“O-Oh, no thank you--

“The salads are small. I’d hate to think you’re sitting there hungry.”

Helpless and caught between in wanting to be loyal but also polite, you felt the words beginning to jumble in your head. Jatemme leaned in folded his fingers together on the table between them, giving you a patiently amused look.

“Listen, I know you’re nervous but relax. I invited you here so you're my guest and that means the bill is taken care of. You ain't gonna put a hole in my wallet. How about a drink too? For us both?"

You didn’t understand why Mr. Manning was being so considerate when you were just... plus one. You quickly glanced for Calvin and anxiety bloomed beneath your heart when he wasn't at the bar.

Jatemme flagged down the waitress from earlier and put in your order. The waitress recommended a fruity drink that sounded absolutely delicious and jotted down Jatemme's order for double shot of whiskey.

You took a deep breath and forced your shoulders from your ears. You had to calm down, you had to make a good impression since Calvin wasn't there to do it himself.

“Calvin says you're stay-at-home type of lady. Doesn't that leave a lot on you?”

Though surprised at the question, you still brightened at thought of Calvin talking about you, “I have a lot of time on my hands, so I try to use it the best way I can."

You trailed off when the waitress returned with the drinks and thanked her.

“It’s so pink!” You giggled a bit. It like the mixer trapped Barbie's essence and laced it with bacardi and pineapple juice.

Jatemme rose his glass and you mirrored the gesture before you both sipped. It was very good and the mixed fruit's sweetness made it an instant hit for you. Coldness of the glass was blessedly grounding.

“So, you say you have a lot of time on your hands. What else do you do with it aside from making your man's life easier?”

You felt your face go hot beneath his waiting gaze. You took another sip then answered, “I’m a bit boring if I'm not careful. If I'm not putting the house together--I'm putting something together."

Wither it be dinner or clothes, you kept your hands busy to keep your mind peaceful.

“Hm. Then what about if it's already put together?”

You hadn’t realized you were sucking down the drink until the straw stuttered on an empty pocket in the ice.

“Erm, I like going to the theatre if there is something Calvin wouldn’t want to see at home.”

“What wouldn’t he like to see with you?”

You recalled a movie released a few months prior. It had a pretty good line up and seemed more of an action than a comedy—you were so sure Calvin would have wanted to see it with you.

“Y’know I can't cramp his style with the girly stuff! It's better to let him see the cool stuff with his boys. I'll treat myself to a matinee--full theatre experience!"

When the silence stretched on and the next question never came, you finally looked away from your sweating glass to meet Jatemme's gaze square on.

“Tell me some other things you like to do.” He asked as soon as your eyes met.

You laughed a bit. He was clearly waiting for your full attention before continuing his interrogation. The drink was doing it’s job and you actually started to relax. The urge to check for Calvin quieted as you focused on not making a fool of yourself.

Be good, he said. You could do that.

“I like to bake and sew. I like...eating the coating off of a strawberry shortcake before the ice-cream.”

Jatemme's mouth twitched, “Well, that's criminal.”

You gave a shy smile as you continued, “I like to draw. I'm better with paints rather than the other stuff, though.”

“Other stuff?"

Question after question Jatemme gave to you. Asking what was going on in your life aside from what Calvin had going. Jatemme asked you about what was difference between your interests and obligations, what's something you'd never do again and did you have a bucket list.

At some point, you forgot to be nervous as the situation went from uncomfortable to...steady. Jatemme listened to your answers as if they actually mattered--but maybe they did.

When Jatemme ordered you another drink, you realized just how much time has past.

“It's been a while. Hasn't it been a while?” You couldn’t catch yourself, the frown was heavy on your face as you checked the time on your phone.

It's been a been well past an hour and Calvin hasn't returned.

"It's been a while." Jatemme confirmed but didn't seem bothered as he leaned back, "Don't mind me--give him a call."

You excused yourself to the restroom with the promise to be quick. Though you didn't turn to check, you swore you felt his eyes roam after you.

Once you safe inside the restroom, you released a sigh of relief to see that there were cubicles in place of the standard bathroom stall. Hurrying into the first stall, you leaned up against the stall door and dialed Calvin.

The phone rang and rang on, your thumbnail cracked away beneath your teeth as you went to voicemail. You dialed again, this time sitting on the toilet's lid and taking deep breaths.

"Girl, why are you callin' me back to back?"

"Excuse me, because you left at the table with your damn boss--what do you mean? I don't know this man!"

"Go back and let him know, baby! There...was a mix up and I had to make shit happen before it looks too bad. I need you to hold it down for me until I get back."

"Cal, that makes no fucking sense--we just got here and you ha--

"JUST...Hold it down for me, baby. What's good for me is good for you. I'll see you soon... a'ight."

If it weren't for the sudden bustle of a chattering group of friend coming into the restroom, you would have threw your phone. Instead, you pressed your knuckles into your eyelids and tried to follow after the strobing spots.

How could you pretend when you knew Calvin was lying through his teeth to you?

--------

You came back to the booth, phone clutched before you in both hands. Even though you splashed your face with cold water--you still felt a raw around the eyes.

"Not coming, is he?"

Jatemme's words carried a heavy center and you apologized profusely. You couldn't even give a reason and lying was the farthest thing from your mind--the truth of the situation was bad enough.

Jatemme's expression became serious, "I wanted him here, ain't gonna lie. You find out a lot about a man and what he values when he's sitting next to his lady."

You didn't understand the full nature of what Calvin did for the Manning brothers but he wanted nothing more than to be brought further into the fold. Possibly a partnership rather than being an worker.

This, though, this felt like an undeniable fuck up.

Jatemme pinned you with his stare for a moment longer before the waitress returned with your food and an apology for the wait. The food looked amazing, steaming and fresh but you weren't even sure if you could eat.

What should you do? Why stay if Calvin wasn't here to gain from it? Was Calvin going to be back before you finished dinner--should you finish? You should leave--you should really leave--

"Maybe I shoul--

"I think you should stay," Jatemme spoke as if reading your mind, "It'd be waste of good food and company if you don't. At least you can tell me some things about your husband I don't already know, hm?"

Hold it down for me, baby.

Your answer was to nod, reaching out for your refilled Barbie-drink and taking a hearty sip.

"There we go. Don't suppose you'll bolt if I suggest something sweet after?" Jatemme's tone was lighter than before and for the first time in the night---you felt like you were off the hook.

You unfolded a napkin in your lap, pretending that Calvin was only in the restroom dealing with an unfortunate gut emergency instead of wherever the hell he really was at.

"I think I can push down my Bambi instincts in exchange for a slice of chocolate cake..."

"Hm. I knew you had good taste--chocolate it is then."

You couldn't do much for Calvin but you could at least do dinner.

-------------

✨ending notes✨: aaand that's part 1! Just what is happening? What does Jatemme have going on? You tell me!😆 lmao! I wasn't going to make this a series but honestly, this thing has gotten away from me.🫣 This may be very self-indulgent. I'm shooting for at least a three part-er 🤔Lemme know if you're vibing with it lol! Reblog and comment !⭐💜💕

💕taglist💕: @megamindsecretlair @harmshake @blowmymbackout @cocochannelmoi @sageispunk @hunnishive @last-lost-one @kindofaintrovert @mysecertdiaryofableedingheart @thadelightfulone