“Sure.” She chuckled. “Okay.”
We started off, passing all the people who clearly weren’t in the mood to head home and were about to turn up.
As we walked, I took Priscilla’s hand into mine, and I wasn’t sure why. I was pissed off at her for playing me, but I guess seeing that video reminded me of how much I liked her ass.
I was surprised when she gripped mine tightly, since our last conversation was more like an argument.
We entered the ice cream parlor and got what we wanted on waffle cones before going back outside to sit on the bench.
“Damn, you like it?” I watched her lick all around the damn ice cream scoop.
“Yes, I do. I rarely get to come here because I have to eat healthy. But when I was pregnant, I lived in this place.”
I chuckled lowly. Why couldn’t I have gotten Priscilla pregnant instead of Nichole?
“So why you ain’t in a happy mood? Seems like you should be when you got all this going on. And you look happy on social media.”
“I’m thankful for the jobs, and yes, I’m happy when I’m with my friends and children, but alone, no. Plus, social media is a highlight reel. We always show the good things, never the bad times or the fact that we just cried before posting a picture.”
“True. So what’s up?”
“I don’t think you wanna hear.”
“I asked.”
“Rafi and I are officially done, like no going back. It’s completely over with, and I’m sad.”
“You’re right, I didn’t wanna hear this shit.”
“No, it’s not that I just love him so much, because if that were the case, I’d be with him. I left him. I’m just sad about my life changing.” She looked down into her lap. “It’s been one way for so long, so to think things will be different is…”
“Scary.”
“Yes, exactly.” She turned to look me in the eyes. “It’d be so easier to run back to him in fear of change, but I can’t. I’d rather face adjustments than be in a miserable relationship with a man who can’t stay faithful.”
I ate the last of my cone then tossed the napkin I wiped my mouth with into the trash.
Leaning forward so that I could see her face, I said, “There is a man who likes you a lot that wouldn’t be unfaithful to you.”
She stared down into my eyes then smirked.
“Will. You have too much going on.”
“But I’m fixing it.”
“Okay, what are you doing about your baby with Nichole?”
“Waiting until it comes so I can get a paternity test. That’s all I can do. She got a TRO on me at the moment anyway, so I can’t do much.”
“A temporary restraining order, for what?”
“Doesn’t want me to spill the beans to that Ian nigga about us.”
“How does he not know that she’s a hoe already? Then again, he’s not on social media much.”
“I don’t know, man, but she’s not an issue. And if it is mine, I will co-parent with her, most likely using a mediator.”
Priscilla nodded then ate some more of her ice cream.
“And what about your addiction?”
“I haven’t been indulging since it got leaked.” That night with Carrie was once, so no need to count that shit. “I admit I’ve been yearning, but my usual spot is no longer due to those charges against me.”
“So what have you done to cure it?”
Shrugging, I replied, “What can I do? I’m just going cold turkey until the urge leaves.”
“Yes, but what about your inability to have sex with women who aren’t hookers? That’s an issue too.”
“I’m thinking that’ll pass too.”
“No, you need to go to a psychiatrist. That’s a mental issue that you need assistance with.”
“Nah, that’s for white folks.”
“Then change your race, but that’s what you need.”
“No I don’t, Priscilla.” I chuckled angrily. “I’m good!”
“Okay.”
She stood then climbed into my lap. We started kissing, rubbing one another right here in front of everybody. As my hands went up the back of her shirt, her hand went to my crotch before she pulled away.
“What?” I whispered, still in the moment.
“You’re not even the slightest bit hard. See a therapist then talk to me, Will.” She got off my lap and then walked off, leaving me right there on the bench.
7
Alivia
“Do we have to do this?” I asked my manager Sanya.
“Do what?” She glanced away from the road for a second, gripping the steering wheel of her nice ass Lexus firmly.
“Meet with them.”
“Yes, Alivia.” She snickered. “His team wants to see you and go over some details.”
“So maybe he won’t be there?”
“Yes, he’s going to be there.” She pulled into a lot, throwing the car in park. “Alivia, you’re going to be Siamese twins damn near when you’re deejaying his shows, so this should be nothing for you.”
“Ugh, I just really don’t like him as a person. How can I work for him when I don’t like him?”
“Sweetie, I’ve had plenty of bosses I couldn’t stand. But what I did was suck it up and work my ass off until I didn’t have to have a boss anymore. You’re going to do the same thing. Soon enough you’ll be the boss.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m not even the type of person to let guys get to me like this.”
“It happens to the best of us. Come on.”
We both got out of the car, and I let Sanya lead the way. Her pearl blouse shined under the sun, and her black pencil skirt with the split in the back fit her perfectly. She wore her hair the same all the time, down with a side part and some loose curls. She reminded me of a slightly younger Vivica A. Fox.
“What all are we doing again?” I asked when we got onto the elevator.
Pressing the correct floor button of the humongous building, she replied, “Just discussing how long the tour will be, the stops, accommodations, basically everything in the contract that we read. You’ll also get your schedule and then your first check to promise you will be at the airport.”
“Okay.”
I took a deep breath as we stepped off of the elevator and just trailed Sanya until we were seated in the conference room with ice water. A couple minutes later, Yono entered with one white and one Black man, both wearing suits. When he saw me, he smiled, looking at me as if I were a steak.
We all shook hands, introducing ourselves formally before they joined Sanya and I at the table.
“Alright, Alivia. Yono told me you two already know one another, so we can skip that part and get right to business.” The Black man, Keenan, slid an envelope over to me. “Here is your first check. Cashing this check means that this Thursday you’ll show up to the private jet airport, where you’ll fly to North Carolina with Yono. In every state, you’ll be booked at a five-star hotel, or if there are none, then the next highest rating available.
You are to be at every show on time, or your pay will be docked. Each show will begin at 7:30 p.m., and rehearsals will be the mornings before and the mornings of, at whichever venue; rehearsals are mandatory. You will be sent a car to get you to and from shows and rehearsals.”
“Sounds great! Any questions, Alivia?” Sanya turned to me.
“How many days of break in between shows? And my hotel stays will cover those days, right?”
“Yes, and there will be about two days in between shows. Okay, here is the itinerary so you’ll know where you’re going on which date,” the White man, Arnold, answered.
“Thank you.”
“Well, alright. How about we open a bottle of champagne?” Keenan smiled, making Arnold hop right up to grab a bottle from the table near the window. The view from this conference room was dope.
Keenan got the glasses, and then Arnold filled them up before we all took one. Sanya started chatting with th
em both off to the side, leaving Yono and I at the table.
“You look beautiful, Alivia.” He got up and came to sit right next to me. I noticed Sanya watching him for a second, her mouth still moving, before turning back to look at Arnold and Keenan.
“Thanks, Troy.”
Chuckling, Yono replied, “So even though I asked you not to call me that you still gon’ do it.”
“Yep.”
“That’s what I like about you, Alivia. I’m happy as fuck that we’re gonna be working together. That’s what power couples do—get that bread in unison.” His hand went to my thigh, and I immediately smacked it off.
“Don’t fucking touch me.” I spoke through clenched teeth, wanting to slap that smirk off of his face as I shot up. “Sanya, I’m ready to go home. It was nice meeting you two.” I hurried out, leaving the suite.
By the time I’d gotten to the elevator and pressed the button, Sanya was rushing down the hall towards me.
“Alivia, are you okay?”
“Yes. Just… just take me to my car please.”
“Sure.”
The whole ride back to Sanya’s office, I was quiet. Sanya talked the whole way about the gig with Yono anyway, so she didn’t really notice.
“Thank you. Talk to you soon.” I got out of her car and then rushed to mine.
I sat inside, contemplating all I’d given up to go on this tour with Yono. It was a great job and the pay was what I dreamed of, but I’d lost the man I loved. And the fact that Yono had pushed up on me as Manny had predicted made me feel even worse.
I couldn’t believe I defended this job knowing damn well Yono was going to try something. There was no way I could do this tour, and since I wasn’t going to do it, I needed to get my man back.
Starting my car, I turned on my love song playlist, and headed toward Manny’s place. I didn’t care if he wasn’t home because I would wait. And once I explained to him that I wasn’t going to take the opportunity with Yono, he and I would be back on good terms.
Well, at the least I could get some dick here and there until I spoke to Jasmine about their son. I just didn’t want to be at the place we were now; not talking at all and acting as if we didn’t know one another in public.
I parked my car and touched up my lips in my visor mirror before grabbing my purse and getting out. I went right up to his door to ring the bell, then waited for a little bit. No one answered, so I rang the doorbell again, only for his neighbor to peer out of his door.
“Looking for the young man staying there? He’s on the TV set.”
“Huh?”
“He’s on the TV set! The young man!” he hollered angrily, but when I just stared, he waved me off.
“Oh, oh, yes, he is on TV sometimes. He’s like a hype man for his brother; he works his corner.” The old man was over me by that time, so he gave me no response. “But umm, yes, I’m looking for him. Did he leave?”
“Yeah, a few hours ago.” The man took a seat on his porch, hand trembling as he drank what appeared to be lemonade.
“Oh, okay. I can wait.” I went back to my car, reclined my seat, and got on my phone to pass the time.
Just half an hour later, I heard a car blasting loud music, and when I looked in my rearview mirror, I saw Manny pulling up. I quickly got myself together and then climbed out as he parked in his driveway. My heels clicked against the concrete as I made my way up to his car, but I almost tripped seeing some girl get out of the passenger side.
“Alivia.” Manny emerged from the driver’s side. I glanced at him but then directed my attention back to the girl.
“Wh-who is that?” I pointed.
“She’s uh—”
“Nandy. Manny and I are dating. Who are you?” Nandy cheesed, coming around to the side Manny was on.
“You know who I am, sweetie.” I gave her an insincere smile. “We move on fast, huh, Manny?” I turned my attention to him.
“It’s not like that, Ali—”
“Then what is it like, Manny? Because you and I are a thing, right?” Nandy looked over at him.
“It’s not that simple. Go inside, Nandy, and let me talk to Alivia for a second.”
“Okay, but after five minutes, I’m coming to get you.” She took his keys and switched toward the house. I guess she thought that flat ass looked like something.
“Really?” I laughed. “You told me you loved me, but you already have a new girlfriend? Did you lie to her about your son too? Or is she wifey, so she knows everything up front?”
“Alivia, relax.” Manny towered over me, gripping my shoulders. I snatched away from him. “We broke up when you decided that you were gon’ do the tour with Yono. I told you straight up that wasn’t cool, and the shit made me feel uncomfortable, but you didn’t care.”
“I came over here to tell you I wasn’t going to do it!” I screamed, feeling tears drip down my cheeks. Manny paused, mouth open, while staring down at me.
“You ain’t?”
“I wasn’t, meaning past-tense! But now that I know you don’t even give a fuck about me, I’m going to go!” I started toward my car, but I heard him coming after me.
“Alivia!” He gripped my bicep. “I do give a fuck about you. I love you, I told you that!”
“Then how do you already have a bitch claiming you? Huh? You don’t love me! If you did, you wouldn’t have been able to move on so quickly! Men have been asking me out, but I’ve been turning them down, when clearly I shouldn’t have been!”
“Alivia, don’t leave. I can—”
“Manuel! Come on, papi!” Nandy called him. Was she even Spanish? She was such a loser for that nickname.
“No, stay with the bitch. I’m done with you, and I’m going on tour with my ex.” I slipped into my car then quickly shut the door before he could attempt to grab me again.
He stood there as I cranked up, and even after I floored it, peeling off. And to think I almost stupidly sacrificed a life changing opportunity for love.
That was our biggest problem as women; always putting our hopes and dreams on hold for a man when they’d never do the same for us. We were just supposed to fall in line and follow them wherever their dreams took them. But when it came to shit we wanted to do, we had to choose between that and them. Fuck that! I was about to make my money and say fuck Manny!
Thursday evening… private jet tings…
The car sent by Yono’s team had picked me up, and we were now unloading my bags from the trunk. I was a nervous wreck already, because I’d never done a personal deejay job before. I’d always done events, clubs, birthday parties, but never an actual concert, especially for someone at the level of Yono. What if I messed up? His fans would hate me.
“Go ahead and walk, Miss Farms. I can carry everything for you.” The white man smiled at me, gesturing forward.
I walked just as he’d asked, shivering a little because it was cold this evening. We made it to the back where I spotted Yono’s private jet, with the engine already running and ready to go. He was talking to someone who was dressed like a pilot, and as we made it closer, I looked around for his entourage. Where were they?
“So it’s just us flying?” I quizzed Yono, hoping that wasn’t the case.
“Yes, but my team is coming tomorrow.”
“Shouldn’t they be coming now? The show is the day after tomorrow.”
“They’re coming tomorrow, Alivia. Relax.” He touched my shoulder, smiling, and then started up the stairs to get onto the plane.
Inhaling and exhaling sharply, I followed behind him then sat down where he told me to as the man who drove me brought my luggage on. The pilot went over a few things with us, mainly me, since I’d never flown privately before, and then he went to close up the plane.
“You own this?” I buckled myself in then looked to Yono who was across from me.
“Nah, I rent it.”
“How much do you pay to rent it?”
“Too damn much. I just don’t want to commit to buy
ing a plane. And the price is even steeper.”
“But it seems like you could’ve saved the money you spend to rent, to actually buy it.”
Yono smirked then replied, “True. Love how smart you are, Alivia.” I just looked out of the window since the pilot was circling the runway now. “Want some champagne? Or something stronger?” He lifted a bottle, and when I nodded, he grabbed up some glasses.
“Thanks.” I took the flute once it was full and enjoyed the crisp taste after I sipped it.
“So I heard you got a boyfriend after me.”
“Where did you hear that?”
“I’m a well-connected nigga.” He shrugged. “So it’s true? Someone told me he’s Belly’s brother. I ain’t expect that from you.”
“What’s wrong with me dating Belly’s brother?”
“Belly has quite a reputation, and I’m sure his brother is the same type of nigga. When you come up together, you have the same ways.”
“His brother is nothing like him. They were raised in separate households.” I drank some more champagne. “And you don’t have much room to speak on anyone’s reputation. I don’t want to talk about my ex though.”
“Ex?” Yono grinned. “So that’s over with then?”
“Yeah, it is. I’m happy to be single, and I plan to stay that way until I get my money up, and I meet a man who I believe is worthy of me.”
Yono nodded with a smirk lingering on his face.
“Would you be open to an ex being that man that’s worthy of you?” He touched my knee.
“Depends.” I shrugged.
“Well—”
“I’m tired, and I’m about to take a nap. Wake me when we’re close to landing.” I unbuckled myself and then went to the back to lie down in one of the beds.
Some odd hours later, I felt someone shaking me, and when I opened my eyes, I saw it was Yono. He reached his hand out to help me up, and then walked me to my seat to buckle up. About ten minutes later, we were landing, and two men met us on the runway to help us take our bags to the car.
“Since you had a nap, you gon’ be awake for the night, right?” Yono inquired just as the truck pulled up to our big ass hotel. I could tell from the sight of the lobby that it was plush.
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