by Ebony Garris
Miles paced the hardwood floors of the loft. He searched every damn nook and cranny of Harlem and Brooklyn and Jihan was nowhere to be found. After finally tracking Jihan’s mother down he found out that he was tying up some loose ends in Atlanta. Supposedly he had come up on a good opportunity out there and was starting a new business down there. Miles immediately knew what happened. Jihan played him. He took his money bounced and said he did the job and really didn’t. Miles wasn’t going to let this shit go down. Jihan didn’t know who he was fucking with. He just had to come up with a strategic plan. Things just didn’t add up. If Jihan didn’t kill Tammy someone had to, there were reports that she was found dead in her hotel room. There were so many holes in this mess that Miles was up to shit in problems. On top of it all Paris didn’t come home the whole night. Had she read the note and decided to leave? Miles needed to get away and quick. He started to pack his things until he heard the front door open. Paris walked through the door determined that she was going to make things right between her and Miles. She made her way to the bedroom to find Miles packing his things. Was he that upset? “Miles where are you going, let’s talk? I can explain.” Paris cried out hoping Miles would hear her out. Miles stopped packing and thought to himself she must not know. I’ll just play along. “Talk about what?” Miles said maintaining his composure with a stern tone to make it seem like he was the victim. Paris explained that she had a long night after rehearsal yesterday and she just needed to get away. She told him that she went to the Plaza for a private spa session and stayed the night. “I was going to leave a note but I was rushing out and I was going to just hit you on your cell but I got carried away in my massage. I’m sorry babe it won’t happen again.” Paris said as she hugged Miles. “Well just don’t let it happen again I was worried about you, not to mention I had a huge announcement for you.” Miles said as he kissed Paris on the forehead. “Yea I had a storm of paps after me when I was leaving the Plaza and I was wondering what all the commotion was about…that is until I checked my blackberry and saw your announcement, I guess I’m the last to know.” Paris said with a smirk on her face. Miles pulled her closer and said how excited he was for the world to know that she was his girl. They embraced and indulged in a kiss as Miles begin to undress her. Paris would have loved to have sex with Miles that is if she didn’t just fuck her ex the night before. She couldn’t do this, but she also couldn’t deny Miles he would become suspicious. She had to make a decision and quick. Before she could make one she was naked and Miles was entering her. She had no choice. She just buckled up and paced herself for the ride. After it was over the two rushed into the shower and headed to their photo shoots in perfect bliss, it couldn’t be better.
Sean made his way out of the Plaza hotel and hauled a taxi. He had to go after his girl. He could understand Paris being confused they hadn’t talked with each other in a minute let alone had sex. But he knew she still wanted to be with him. He never did rest easy about Miles taking his girl and he would be damned if he let that happen again. Paris left in such a hurry he hadn’t even been able to tell her about him finishing up the rest of his album in NYC. He just got a new place here in the city and he wanted to make things official. Sean tried calling Paris’ cell numerous times and got no answer. He decided to just lay low she would call. He sat in Central Park and opened his Mac. Surfing the net he felt the feeling that he felt not too long ago. Paris and Miles just released a statement about their new relationship confirming that they were indeed a couple. Was this shit true? Sean couldn’t believe what he was seeing. TMZ actually had footage of them at some couple shoot and the shit was right in Central Park. Sean shut his Mac put it in his bag and headed through the park to find his girl. Sean wasn’t going to let the same mistake happen twice, he was going for what was his, even if he had to search all of Central Park to find her.
Jihan rested his head in his new home in the Paces Ferry area a suburb of Atlanta. He opted to be close to his daughter but not too far from his new sneaker shop Premium Goods which was located in Buckhead. He rolled over and kissed his girl. He felt so settled and for once life seemed good. He was building a family and it was all thanks to Miles. He had his business taking off, a daughter and one on the way. He laid his head on his shorty’s bulging tummy. She was so cute pregnant and he was glad he could give her the world. Tammy looked over at Jihan grateful for the situation they were in. After she found out that Jihan was hired to kill her she didn’t know how to even live life anymore. Jihan explained that he was contracted out as a personal assassin to kill her and that he didn’t know who assigned the job. After revealing her pregnancy Jihan couldn’t pull the trigger. He thought about his daughter Michelle and what would have happened if someone did that to his baby mother. He started having second thoughts and decided to spare Tammy’s life. After talking for hours the two had a shit load in common and they immediately clicked. Jihan asked Tammy if she wanted to move to Atlanta and start a new life and she happily accepted. After revealing that Miles was the father of her child Jihan instantly put two and two together. Finally seeing Miles for the grimy motherfucker he was. It was at that moment that Jihan made up his mind he wouldn’t rest until Miles Crawford laid in a box somewhere. He couldn’t tell Tammy that Miles was the one who contracted out the job, how would Tammy look at him, that would mean he knew about their past and that he lied about not knowing the situation. This was something he would have to fix on his own. “I sent Miles an ultrasound of the baby.” Tammy said glad that she could finally trust a man in her life. Jihan accepted her for who she was and she accepted him for who he was even with out the fame and only a pinch of fortune. Jihan’s heart sunk into his chest. Now Miles knew for sure that Tammy wasn’t dead, and that meant he would be looking for them both in no time. “Why did you do that, I thought we agreed that Gabrielle wouldn’t know about Miles and I would be her only father.” Jihan said with a bewildered look on his face. “Well Jihan I just thought he should know we didn’t leave on the best of terms and I felt that he should at least know the gender of the baby and that she’s healthy.” I didn’t send it postal I had my girl drop it off at his loft when I knew no one would be there, he doesn’t even know where it came from.” Tammy said kissing Jihan’s shoulder, which was now turned against her. After she told him all the fucked up shit Miles had done to her, he didn’t too much care for him and at times would get enraged with the mention of his name. “Look babe I just don’t want him stepping on my girl’s hearts”, he said rubbing her belly. “Look lets take a vacation lets go to Fiji for a couple weeks and just get away. You know when this baby comes it will be pretty hard for us to just up and leave.” Jihan said hoping to persuade Tammy to leave town, knowing Miles he was probably on a plane headed to ATL at this moment. They had to get the fuck out of dodge quick fast and in a hurry. “You know what you’re right let’s get away just me you and Gabby.” Tammy said patting her belly with a big smile on her face. Jihan looked at how happy Tammy was, it broke his heart not to be honest with her but some things were better left unsaid.
Chapter 10
Glamorous
Paris and Miles wrapped up their shoots and interviews and decided to get an early start on Paris’ showcase schedule. She had three major shows, which included New York of course, LA, her hometown Chicago and Miles decided to add a fourth in Atlanta. Paris seemed a little weary about adding the ATL show but Miles assured her that Atlanta was a booming city with tons of music execs and high ups that she should be showcasing her album to. After locking down her major sponsors and getting the grunt work out the way with rehearsals and numerous sound checks, Miles decided that they should head out to ATL early for the show so that she could get a feel for the city. Early meaning tonight after the New York show was over. Miles already arranged for a private jet to be waiting so they could hop in and be on their way. It seemed to Paris that Miles was more anxious to go to Atlanta than she was, but she knew that was just Miles. He was always excited to see the career of one
of his artist blossom right before his eyes. More importantly she needed to go get ready for the night! Paris met with her stylist Kim who had her try on at least three racks full of clothes. After deciding on a cute Elizabeth and James mini dress for her performance and a skin tight Versace halter dress for the after party Paris was set. She and Kim caught up with each other since they hadn’t really seen each other with Paris being in and out the studio and doing promo spottings for the album. ‘So girl how have things been, I saw you and Miles finally made it official about your relationship, are you ready for all that?” Kim asked with a shy yet mischievous smile. Kim was originally from the Bronx but went to school in LA so she had a funky fresh style with a laid back yet real attitude. Before Tammy left Kim was her assistant and she never did like Miles and Tammy’s relationship. Tammy and Kim were pretty good friends and from time to time Tammy would confide in Kim telling all of her issues with Miles, his abusive tone, and non-commitment. The last thing she also told Kim was that she was pregnant. Kim didn’t think much of it until she received a call from Miles assistant saying Tammy would no longer be working with the label and asked if she wanted the job. Kim didn’t think twice about taking the job but she was curious as to why Tammy just up and left. Easier for her now that Tammy was out the way she just knew she would be Miles leading lady now. Unknown to Tammy the two had been secretly getting it in since Kim signed on as Tammy's intern years ago. Kim always knew that Miles would drive that girl to suicide but she always hoped Tammy wasn’t that weak minded. It seemed too little too late because TMZ reported that Tammy was found dead in a St.Barts hotel “Girl ready is not the word it’s been so hard trying to keep me and Miles relationship on the low, you know I can’t hold water.” Paris said both ladies giggling. “Well, I just ask because your old stylist said the same thing too at one point and now there’s nothing to show for it.” Kim said setting the tone to serious real quick. She went on as she steamed Paris' dress and prepped her outfit for the release party. “Listen to me and listen to me well Paris this thing called fame can eat you up and spit you out if you let it, people are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, they make them. Never let anyone deter you from your dreams no matter what the circumstance." Paris thought to herself. What old stylist? She was confused she always thought Kim was her first stylist. She couldn’t ask any questions now she had to continue getting ready for the show. But Kim’s words Listen to me and listen to me well Paris this thing called fame can eat you up and spit you out if you let it, kept playing back in her mind like an old record. She just gave Paris a ton of things to swallow and right before one of the biggest performances in her career. This night could make or break her. It was like her introduction to the industry, yet all she could think about was her “old stylist” and what Kim said about her. Maybe she would ask Miles on the way to Atlanta. Now that they were together she had the right to ask all the questions she needed answers to, and she would do just that. But for now she needed to relax so once again she had a one on one conversation with her best friend at the moment, and she didn’t have to go far to find her she rested neatly in Paris bag right in her coin purse. She tilted her head back and let the high take her over. Paris’ performance at R&B Live was phenomenal. She got compliments from everyone; Diddy all the way to Jay Z told her how much she was going to take the music world by storm. Some execs even were arranging for her to do vocals on tracks with heavy hitters like Kanye and Lil Wayne. Paris was ecstatic about the future ahead of her and the night couldn’t get any better. She was searching the room for Miles so they could both celebrate and bask in her newfound success that he helped to her to find but he was nowhere to be found. Paris went to look for him with a champagne flute in one hand and her clutch in the other. Miles got himself together and approached the elevator to go back down to the after party. As he got on the elevator another young man hopped on. He looked familiar but Miles couldn’t place him, he didn’t like the fact that someone was in such close proximity and he didn’t know them it made him feel uneasy. “Hey what’s up I’m Miles man I’m tryna place your face but I can’t no disrespect I just come across so many people a day what’s your name? Miles asked “Oh no problem man trust me I understand I’m Sean I just signed with GOOD music”. Oh yea Kanye’s new label, your stage name is Knowledge right? “Yea, that’s me.” Sean replied. “Yea I just had my new artist to lay down some vocals on your upcoming single. What brings you to my neck of the woods? Unless I can try and persuade you to come sign with us.” Miles said laughing, “I heard your mix tapes and quite frankly you’re the best lyricist I have heard in a long time how much they giving you over at Good I’m sure I can top it along with legal contract fees.” Miles said being the true business man he was. Sean thought about his offer. He wanted to tell Miles right then and there that he was going to take his girl from right under his nose, but instead he opted to be professional. Not to mention he wanted to talk things over with Paris first. Which is what he thought he was going to do but this motherfucker just had to hop on the same elevator as him. What a fucking coincidence. “Let’s meet next week I’ll have my people set it up.” Miles said. He would hate to just take someone elses artist but Miles knew a good thing when he saw it coming and he could offer him so much more for his second album, than an up and coming label like GOOD Music. “Tonight I’m here with a friend of mine so I’m not really trying to do business. I actually just came to pay my respects to Paris who laid down the vocals on that single you’re referring to” Sean said with a cocky attitude, this nigga didn’t deserve Paris, she could do better. He continued to be cordial with Miles as the two hit up a quick dap before exiting the elevator into the grand hall downstairs. The elevator door opened to find Paris looking over at the two in complete shock, she couldn’t believe this shit.
Hey Sean what are doing you here? Paris asked Sean trying to ask surprised but still a little peeved off by the fact that he was there. Yet at the same time kind of touched that he came to support her on her big night. Sean explained that he was in town to meet with some producers anyway and they all were talking about her party so it wasn’t even a question of if he was rolling through or not. Paris was relieved at the fact that Sean wasn’t putting her out there but still weary that he might try and be slick. She had to admit that she loved Sean’s loyalty to her. Even if he didn’t have the time he made time and that was the kind of man she wanted in her life the only thing that Sean lacked was pull in the industry the type of pull Miles had that assured her of success, and as much as she lusted for Sean she had deep love and admiration for Miles and all his assets and unfortunately it was enough love to keep her around. “So I see you all hit off real nice in the studio especially with both of you being out of the Chi and all.” Miles said as he came behind Paris kissing her neck. Sean’s heart dropped. Just seeing Miles kiss his girl made him want to snap Miles neck in half, but he had an image to uphold and Miles did have pull he didn’t want to dive in and kick his ass too soon. Not to mention he wanted to hold out until after their meeting next week so that he could strategize how he would tell Miles about him and Paris. Sean thought about it, He really loved Paris and the closer he could get to her the better, even if it meant putting up with this shit. “Yea we go way back I didn’t know that you all knew each other.” Sean said looking directly at Paris. “Yea, this is my baby” Paris said giving Miles a kiss so that Sean could see what the deal was, so there would be no mistaking the fact that Miles was her main man. Sean put a smile on his face but it looked like more of a smirk, “Well then it’s all love.” He said dapping Miles up. Miles did the same exiting out of the convo “Well I’m a let you two catch up I got some more business to tend to, Sean I’ll see ya next week right?” Miles finished up. “Oh no doubt.” Sean answered. “Baby I’ll see you in a few don’t forget we got a flight to ca
tch in about an hour, love ya!” He said kissing Paris on the cheek. Paris looked at Sean puzzled “what meeting next week?” she asked waiting until Miles was way off into the distance. “Oh your baby didn’t tell you” Sean said with a mischievous look on his face. “He wants me to join the label so I guess we might be together after all..." Paris couldn’t believe what was happening to her right now. Sean having a meeting with Miles took her for a loop and left her feeling uneasy. I mean what if Sean opened his mouth about what happened at the Plaza. Or worse what if Sean and Miles became close friends. Paris was coming down from her high and all she wanted to do was alleviate some of this damn stress. She didn’t have any more coke though and she didn’t want Miles to know she had been using, it was supposed to be her little secret.
