Page 1 of Good As Hell

Prologue

HOW THE END OF ONE STORY CAN BE THE START OF SOMETHING AMAZIING

LYRIC

“You don’t have to do this. My mom and dad will help.”

I nod, unable to meet Delightful’s somber gaze.

“I can’t be pregnant going on tour with FADE and Ghadi in two months’ time, DiDi.” I look away from the pleading in her eyes to my jean clad thighs. Jeans that are already tight against my belly. I barely got them on. Panic rushes up my spine right then, like nothing I’ve ever experienced except what for happened to get me in this situation.

I push the feeling down, facing her squarely with the determination I’ve felt since FADE asked me to come on tour with him and his wonderkin brother after they got their big record deal.

“You know I have to get out of here. Chances like this won’t come again.” Unbuckling my seatbelt, I unlock the door. I’d love not having to continue this conversation anymore. I don’t need anyone trying to change my mind.

Delightful is my best friend aside from my sisters, but they are young too young to tell about what’s going on. I tell hereverything. Only I know I can never tell her the truth about this baby I’m not keeping — her brother’s Justice baby, the only thing left of him after he was killed a little over a month ago.

“You don’t have to come in with me. I-I never should have asked you to come.” My throat is tight. I feel anxious. It’s not that I’m having second thoughts — no, never that. I just want to be done with this thing growing in me. Done with this life. My family, this city. All of it.

“No,” she says, quickly unbuckling her seatbelt and scooting over and out of the car. She just got her license. Her parents gave her the car that would have been Justice’s if he lived.

We both get out of the car and head towards The All Women’s Health Clinic. With every step closer to the double doors, I feel like a weight has been lifted. Now my life can finally start.

Chapter One

DISLIKE AT FIRST SIGHT

LYRIC

“Well, look who the cat dragged in.” A huge grin spreads across my face as Delightful turns to smile my way. All the worry melts from her beautiful face as I walk closer to where she’s standing at the edge of the room. She’s hiding from FADE after their bad and very public break-up a few months ago.

“Wow, Lyric, you look amazing as usual.” She gives an approving nod at my outfit.

“I know, right?” Preening like the superstar I am, I turn slowly so she and Flower —FADE’s younger sister and CFO of their company, can get a gander of my outfit, which was sure to be on every fashion blog come tomorrow.

It seems my bestie, and I both decided on jumpsuits, my pants are tied like harem pants and every seam has crystal embellishments.

My skin sparkles with diamond dust that accentuates my dark hues. Along with every dip and curve of my deliciouslyplump body. I always embrace my curves and sex positivity. I know I’m both loved and reviled for my supposed frankness about my life and how I portray it in my art so unapologetically.

Delightful tells me Justice would have been proud of the woman the girl he’d loved since six grade has become. He would have cheered me on with unrestrained pride. I know it and that feeling has carried me for so long. The loneliness I feel sometimes is only alleviated by the thoughts of how far I came alone and why I rather be by myself that settle for less than what he so freely gave.

When I finish my turn, we all giggle at my antics. So many people are so set on never having fun and being stuck up all the time. Not me. After surviving the tragedy of life as a child, I vowed that I would never be made to feel like that again and I would live a life of joy and give as much of that to others as possible.

“Splendid,” Flower smiles, her eyes glowing with warmth. “I think FADE is saving the seat beside him for you.” She nods toward the center of the second row.

I can’t help but notice how Delightful also follows the direction of Flower’s head. Her gaze greedily eating up the tall figure because even from here you can see just how tall he is over some of those assembled.

“I need food first.” I say, moving past them to the bounty set before us.

“You better hurry. The movie starts in five minutes.” Flower warns, looking at her watch.

I hurry over and pile the plate with an assortment of goodies. All gourmet food made to look like fast food. When they just could have had a chain cater it. I mean, the Hot Chicken and burger sliders could have been mom and pop for all I care. Way less pretentious and probably tastes better. That’s one thing I never like about fame. The food is bland. Give me Eagles inBirmingham any day over five-star restaurants in Beverly Hills any day of the week.

When I get to the row I’m supposed to be sitting on, I turn to face the people sitting so I’m not putting the full splendidness of my bottom in their face. Though the seating is stadium like it’s almost like they misjudged the leg room, or is everyone on this row tall as hell?

Kris “The Kronic” Kyrikos is sitting with Miracle right at the end and then further down are FADE’s parents —both tall people, then the Al Rasheed brothers Sadiq and Hassan. They are identical twins, Lovie-Belle waves sandwiched between them though she leans more towards one than the other. They are both gorgeous. Coldly gorgeous with a hint a severity edging their mouths.

“There she is.” FADE waves me closer, indicating I should sit in the seat between him and the twin to the left of Lovie-Belle.

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