Page 26 of This Side of Beautiful

I dropped my hands. “You really don’t believe you owe anyone an apology? I thought you said you would apologize at the house.”

She folded her arms. “Whoever I owed one already received one.”

“You don’t get it, do you?” I hit the back of one hand in my other. “You blew off a lot of people, canceled appearances and shows. People lost money. Hollow Bones lost money and opportunities. You can’t just get back in the game like you didn’t hurt people. You want a legit shot, then be ready to scoff down humble pie wherever you go.”

Janae straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin. “Or let my talent speak for itself.”

We stared at each other for a few seconds. Neither of us wavered on our stance. My stomach broke the standoff, and we both chuckled.

“Then shoot your shot and hope it’s not your foot,” I said.

She giggled. “I love the way you slide in an insult or a judgment. It’s a good thing I have thick skin.”

“Not trying to hurt your feelings. Sometimes I’m unsure how my actions or words may hurt someone.” I placed my cell in my pocket and strode to the door. “Looks like we’re trending as the new couple. The Hollow Bones gained thousands of followers since Friday night. Probably best we’re getting food to go anyway.”

“You don’t want to be seen with me?” Janae couldn’t quite hide the hurt in her teasing tone.

“I don’t want to be seen, period.” I pulled my hat down farther on my head. A part of me wanted the fellas to say no to recording a song together. I didn’t want the attention she would bring, not quite ready to admit that the more time I spent with her, the more I wanted her. And my simple, foolish heart couldn’t afford to fall for a complicated woman like Janae.

Chapter Nine

janae

Acid, and notfrom hunger,burned holes in my stomach as we walked back into the house carrying containers of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, waffles, biscuits, and grits. Men loved sex and food, and since the only man I wanted to sex in this group was already on my side, I’d settled for food. It had to work. I needed The Hollow Bones to agree to record a song with me. It was my best chance to get back in the game and win again. Landon had been cooperative and accommodating when I suggested buying everyone brunch, and had helped me order their favs. He’d eaten a plain biscuit with a side of sausage to feed his growling belly before we left this Black-owned breakfast spot, willing to accommodate my order quickly once they knew who we were.

Brian, who lounged in the large living area, jumped up when he saw the food. He smiled wide, displaying dimples I’d never noticed, and quickly pulled his locs into a man bun with the band around his wrist. “I was just about to order something. Please say I smell cheese grits. Nothing like Southern cooking.”

I sighed internally.One down. Threemore to go.“Yep. Got butter and cheesy.” I opened the cabinets and found plates and platters. With the help of Brian and Landon, I soon converted the wide marble island into a buffet full of delicious food, complete with orange juice and mimosas chilling in champagne flutes.

I nudged Landon’s side. “Can you tell everyone that food is here?”

Landon yelled, “Food.”

I popped his arm. “I could have done that.”

Brian snickered. “They might not have come if they heard your voice.”

“They really hate me?” I ignored the urge to rub my stomach.

“Hate is relative. Hate you as a human being, hate that you lost us money, hate that we’ve been coerced to perform with you, or hate that you might be the one to get us through the gate? Several hates to choose from.” He tossed a biscuit to Landon, who immediately chomped on it.

I groaned. “That’s not a good answer.”

“It’s the most truthful one.”

“Then answer this.” I straightened the plates into a tighter stack.

Brian gripped the island, his expression expectant.

“Do you want to do a song with me?”

He tugged on his long beard. “It’s not ifIwant to do it. It’s up to the band. We don’t make moves until we all agree.”

“Still, I want to know howyoufeel.”

“He told you already. We don’t make moves until we all agree,” Cedrick growled as he entered the kitchen. A young, pretty woman wearing last night’s party dress followed him.

“You speak for Brian, too?” I said.

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