Tron has been calling, texting, and emailing me all morning. I don’t want to hear it even though my heart is begging me to answer the phone.
“Don’t cry,” I tell myself looking out the window as we drive to the hotel. “Don’t let him steal this moment.”
I arrive at my hotel suite and as soon as I enter the room, Pree is standing in the doorway with her arms stretched out towards me. I drop my bags and hug my best friend, crying in her arms.
“What are you doing here?” I cry.
“When your best friend calls you at three something in the morning crying, you kind of know that she needs you,” she hugs me.
“How did you even know that I was here?”
“Larry,” she shrugs.
“Tron and I broke up. For good,” I state looking at her. “Please don’t tease me.”
“I spent five hours on a flight leaving my husband and kids. I’m not here to tease you, Aneesah,” she says as we walk over to the couch.
“What happened to your finger?”
I look down at my taped finger and tell Pree everything that happened just a few short hours ago.
“I don’t understand how or why he would do this to me. He was it for me Pree,” I cry.
“He wasn’t it for you Aneesah. You were just kissing on Nyce a few weeks ago.”
“That was a mistake. Yeah…I don’t know what the fuck that was,” I sigh. “I give up. I’m done with men. Love isn’t supposed to be so damn complicated. Like, am I a bad person, Pree? Is God punishing me for a sin I have no idea that I committed? Where is my happily ever after? Am I not worthy to be loved? Where is my great love story?” I ask wiping my tears.
“The greatest love story of your life hasn’t been written yet, Aneesah because you haven’t written it yet. All of these men—Nyce, Saheed, Tron, all of them are just rough drafts for something greater. You haven’t written your final copy yet,” she smiles.
“You’re so corny,” I laugh, blowing my nose.
“Whatever,” she smirks.
“Fuck Pree,” I say in frustration. “The niggah would sing in my ear while I was cumming. Do you have any idea how much of a fuckin’ turn-on that is? Shit. Orgasms strong as fuck,” I laugh.
Pree and I stay up all day and night talking. I sip my wine and smoke my joint as she listens to me babble on and on about how men ain’t shit. She doesn’t say much. Just chimes in when needed which semi-annoys me but only because I’m intoxicated, and she is 100% sober due to her pregnancy.
“I just want my old friend back for one night,” I laugh. “One night of no husband and kids and we just party hard until one of us throws up a kidney.”
“Be careful what you wish for,” she giggles, sipping her water.
After Pree leaves, I continue to ignore Tron by blocking his number from my phone and filtering out his emails. I continue with my tour and work towards staying squeaky clean per the studios morals clause.
Trey called me a few weeks ago to tell me that I had damaged my property in New York and am facing eviction as well as a lawsuit. Apparently, nobody turned off the bath water that was running the night of the fight. Water flooded my apartment so badly that it damaged the apartment underneath mine, damaging the ceiling and walls. On top of that, the damn BB pellets I was shooting at Tron hit one of my windows that eventually shattered, and pigeons got in. At first, I laughed about it, but when I was hit with the 1.2-million-dollar bill, I shut up immediately and let Trey take over. I am thankful that the Property Manager agreed to settle out of court, keeping this out of the press, and allowing me to keep Saheed’s penthouse.
I’m in Houston resting in my hotel room before tonight’s show. I can’t wait until the end of November when my tour is 100% completed. For the entire month of December, my schedule is totally free after being on the road and working for almost two years.
“Hello,” I whisper into my phone.
“I’m engaged,” Morgan screams in my ear. Da fuck!
“Congratulations honey,” I say as I am trying to pop my ears to stop the damn ringing that she has caused from yelling.
“The engagement party is October 13th at Jada’s and you better be there,” she says. I really don’t want to go because that means that I would have to deal with Nyce.
“Of course, I’ll be there,” I force myself to say.
“Oh, and one more thing. You will be in my wedding as my Maid of Honor. It won’t be until next August, but you have to promise me that, so don’t be working on any projects for the month of August. You got that?”
“Yes…yes…I got it,” I laugh.
Later that night after the show, Dontay and I are sitting in front of the TV trying to watch a movie.
“Dontay, can you be my date for Morgan’s engagement party?” I ask.
“For you? Anything. You don’t want to go, do you?”
“No. That means I have to play nice with Nyce and possibly his troll doll,” I mumble.
“Aw come here,” he says pulling me into his arms as I snuggle up.
“It’ll be okay,” he says stroking my hair.
“When? I don’t know if I love him or hate him. My emotions when it comes to him are always all over the fuckin’ place. I wish the shit would just go away.”
“Maybe the love that you have for him isn’t supposed to go away. Maybe y’all are destined to be together.”
“Yeah, right,” I reply nonchalantly. “How is that possible if he’s married?”
“There’s always divorce. Besides, that smack down kiss that y’all shared shows that his heart is with you too.”
“I think his selfish ass just doesn’t want me to be happy with anyone else.”
“Or maybe his selfish ass knows that he fucked up and he loves you just as much as you love him.”
“Whatever Dontay. Stop being on his side.”
“I’m not. You know I want you for myself,” he chuckles, pulling me close and kissing me on top of my head. Ugh! Why does he have to be gay?
“Have you spoken to Tron?” He asks.
“Not since I tried to bust a cap in his ass.”
“He calls and texts me every day for you Aneesah. He even came to the show in Kansas, but you had security put him out. So, it’s really over between you two?”
“Yeah. He fucked Heather…in MY bed…she was wearing MY fuckin’ robe,” I reply angrily.
“Y’all was technically not together,” Dontay reminds me.
“So, what, fuck that. He violated. You don’t sleep with my enemy.”
“You kissed a whole man in front of that boy’s face.”
“If I have to ask you one more time whose side are you on, it’s gonna be a problem. I’m not feeling like you’re team Aneesah right now.”
“I’m always team Aneesah but I am going to tell the captain of the team when she’s fucking up or has fucked up. Just admit it. You fucked up first.”
“Oh, so I guess we are going to forget the stripper and his dumb ass calling me with glitter all over his face.”
“You always cry victim,” he chuckles, shaking his head.
“Fuck you, Dontay,” I snap, standing from the couch.
“Girl,” he says pulling me back to him as I fall on top of him.
“You know I love you more than my favorite pair of jeans,” he whispers in my ear as I lie on his chest. He starts to massage my scalp and I shut my eyes thinking, my mind bouncing around between Tron and Nyce.
Chapter Seventeen
October 2017
I’ve been in New York for over two weeks doing photoshoots and interviews despite being sick with a stomach virus and cold. While my apartment is still being worked on, I am currently staying at The Peninsula which is conveniently located across the street from one of Jada’s restaurants. I did return to my apartment to retrieve what was salvageable. The water really did fuck up the place. I put most of my stuff in storage and the rest is with me in my hotel suite.
I’m finally feeling up to par a
fter getting some much-needed rest. Thank God too because tonight is Morgan’s engagement party. Due to the opening of some Broadway Musical, most of the rooms have been booked months in advance which leaves our families scrambling to find rooms.
On the morning of the engagement party, Estelle picks up my REVOLVE pale pink cocktail dress with a one shoulder sleeve. It pleats out at my thighs showing off a hot pink undertone under the skirt which helps accentuate my legs. I pick out some diamond chandelier earrings as well as a bracelet and ring to match. I’m getting my makeup done when I realize that I haven’t heard from Dontay at all today. I still need my hair done and he is supposed to be my date.
“Estelle, can you call Dontay for me please?”
She picks up the phone and dials his number.
“Aneesah, he said that he is sick. He will be up in a minute to try and do your hair, but he can’t go to the party with you tonight.”
“Damn it,” I huff. I am pissed that I have to go alone without a date.
Dontay manages to make it to my room looking like shit. His beautiful brown skin is grey, and his eyes and tip of his nose are red.
“You okay boo?” I ask.
“No. You gave me your fuckin’ cold,” he snaps.
“Sorry,” I laugh. “I got some meds in the bathroom cabinet and some chamomile tea. Help yourself,” I tell him. He rolls his eyes.
“Please say that you don’t want some lavish shit done to your hair. I got a good twenty minutes in me before I pass the hell out.”
“Just do something.”
Dontay ends up giving me loose wave curls which isn’t hard since my hair is already naturally wavy and pins up the front leaving the back out.
“What time does the party start?” Dontay asks.
“Eight,” I tell him looking at my watch. It is already 7:45. Good thing Jada’s restaurant is across the street.
“Are you going to be alright to go by yourself?” He questions before sneezing.
“No, but it is what it is,” I sigh, jumping out the chair and sliding into my dress.
“Will you be here when I get back?” I ask.
“No. I have someone coming over to take care of me but if you need to talk when you get back, call me. Have fun baby,” he says giving me a quick peck on the cheek before coughing and heading out the door. I throw on my tan Burberry trench coat before Charlie escorts me across the street.
“You can take off for tonight Charlie. I’m okay,” I tell him.
“You sure? How will you get back?”
“It’s just across the street. I’m sure I can manage.”
It’s a little after eight when I walk inside the restaurant, but everybody is already here.
“Neesah,” Morgan smiles, floating across the floor and showing me her 6 carats.
“Damn girl,” I grin, admiring her ring.
“It’s not the football sized rock my brother gave you but…” she says beaming from ear to ear.
“You just gonna rub that in my face?” I laugh.
“No, no. I didn’t mean it like that so please don’t take offense.”
“It’s cool Morgan. I’m not upset,” I chuckle.
“Okay, well I hope you have fun tonight. I have to go work the room,” she says, gliding across the floor. Morgan looks extremely happy and I am happy for her. Kay is a good dude and I know that he will and does treat her right, even though he’s a bit square.
I walk over to one of the tables and take a seat while grabbing a champagne flute from one of the servers. I spot Nyce across the room staring at me. Next to him are Pree and Knuck. Let the games begin, I think, finishing my drink. I grab another flute before walking over to them.
“Hey people,” I greet, hugging Pree first.
“Neesah,” she replies, squeezing me tight.
“You’re looking good Mama,” I tell her rubbing her little
belly.
“Please. This pregnancy is kicking my ass. I have no energy and I am always sleeping,” she complains yawning.
“Tudy,” Knuck greets me with a hug. Nyce just stares at me sipping his drink.
“I’m going to take the kids from you while I have some downtime. My next show isn’t until the end of October and I am going to fly down to Florida to see Jalena and the baby. I’ll take the kids with me, so you can get some rest,” I tell her.
“That would be great. Thank you. I knew I made you god mom for a reason,” she smiles. Pree does look a bit worn down so I know this little break is much needed.
“Oh, so you don’t see me?” Nyce asks.
“No,” I respond walking away. I find my sister talking to Morgan.
“Oh Morgan. Jalena is sorry that she couldn’t make it. You know she just had the baby last week.”
“Yeah, I know. We talked earlier. I told her it was cool as long as she sheds that baby weight to fit into her bridesmaid dress,” she laughs.
“That was cold, Morgan,” Jada says.
“I know but I am so excited. I just want it to be perfect,” Morgan gushes.
“Hey Mama,” I say greeting Miss Annette. “Hey Aunt Ruthie.”
“Hey sugar,” they reply giving me hugs and kisses. I float around the room greeting the sprinkles of family and friends. I’ve known Morgan and most of her family since I was nineteen, prior to me becoming an entertainer, however, some of them still look at me star-strucked-silly.
“Neesah-Neesah,” Destiny smiles giving me a hug.
“You ready for the last round of shows?” I ask her.
“Of course. I am so ready to return to my boring, normal life,” she giggles.
“What’s next for you?” I laugh.
“I am taking some much-needed downtime before heading to Spelman next fall.”
“Good for you. I am very proud of you.”
“I just want to say thanks again for giving me a chance and getting this dancer life out of my system.”
“You earned it, believe me but you are welcome.”
“Aneesah, come meet the rest of Kay’s family please,” Morgan yells from across the room.
“Has she been a pain in the ass since the engagement?”
“Yes,” Destiny giggles shaking her head as we walk towards Morgan.
When we finally sit down for dinner, I notice that Nyce is alone and Tori is nowhere to be found. After dinner, people start making their speeches before the DJ throws down indicating that the party has just begun.
Around 11pm, all the older adults start to leave and it’s just the younger crowd left to drink and act a fool without supervision. I am already buzzing as I dance and party with all of Kay and Morgan’s family members, with the exception of Nyce, of course.
When my feet start hurting, I take a break from the dance floor and walk back to the table.
“You really not gonna talk to me like you don’t see me, even after we were so pleasant with each other the last time?” Nyce smiles, taking a seat next to me.
“Get away from me. You ruined my relationship,” I snap.
“I ain’t ruin shit. You didn’t belong with him anyway. You was really fuckin’ that young-boi?”
“Was you really fuckin’ me?” I ask, reminding him of our age difference.
“Yeah, and I taught you some things along the way,” he smirks.
“Please, don’t flatter yaself. That young-boi can teach your old ass some new tricks,” I smile.
“Is that so?”
“Why are you bothering me? Where is your wife?” I ask swallowing my drink.
“Like you care,” he responds.
“You’re right. I don’t,” I tell him getting up from the table and walking back to the dance floor joining Pree and Knuck. The more drinks go around, the more fun we are all having, cutting loose.
The DJ starts playing all the classics as we all gather on the dance floor extra tipsy.
When “Computer Love” blasts through the speakers, Pree and I instantly start cracking up because we both know what’s abo
ut to go down. This is both Nyce and Knuck’s song. Nyce grabs my hand.
“No,” I tell him snatching it away.
“Come on, it’s our thing. Don’t embarrass me in front of all these people,” he says as a small circle forms and I watch Knuck grab Pree’s hand and sit her down in a chair.
“We don’t have a thing,” I tell him walking away and joining the small circle of his cousins and other family members.
I’m laughing hysterically, watching Knuck make a fool of himself as he gives Pree a lap dance with us cheering them on.
“It’s really over between you and Nyce, huh?” Nyce’s cousin Troy asks me.
“Not even in your dreams, Troy,” I tell him.
“Awww, why you gonna do me like that?” He laughs putting his hand over his heart. “I’m the nice cousin. I would treat you right.”
“Uh-huh,” I laugh.
“Um, don’t tell Nyce I tried to holla,” Troy says abruptly before scrambling away, tripping over his own feet. I start to laugh but then I notice Nyce walking towards me. I can’t believe that Troy is a grown ass man who is still terrified of his little cousin.
Nyce plants himself next to me not saying a word.
When the song is over, I watch Pree kiss her husband as he squeezes her booty. I turn my head, accidently looking up into Nyce’s face and watch him stare at Knuck and Pree with a look of envy.
About an hour later, I am still dancing, drinking and having a great time. I am currently dancing with one of Kay’s cousins when I see Pree sitting at the table by herself.
“Thank you,” I tell him before excusing myself to go join my best friend.
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