Page 27 of This Side of Beautiful

“What she mean by that?” Landon asked as he leaned on the counter near the refrigerator, holding a flute of orange juice.

Cedrick replied, “She accused me of speaking for you… like I have control over what you do.” He addressed the woman draping her arms all over him. “You want something to eat before you go?”

“That’s not what I meant,” I replied.

Landon turned to me. “What did you mean?”

“Do you want to stay or go?” Cedrick again asked the woman, who seemed more interested in our conversation than in answering him.

“Of course she wants to stay as long as you let her,” I answered impatiently as I picked up a plate. “What do you want to eat? Shit?”

“Don’t forget to add some pancakes to that shit,” Cedrick drawled.

“Peace… peace,” Brian interjected. “I need peace with my breakfast.”

Landon swallowed his juice, grabbed two slices of bacon, and left the kitchen before I could explain what had transpired between me and his best friend. His quiet exit blew louder than a bullhorn. I had to humble myself. I couldn’t let Cedrick get under my skin. I’d fucked up. Not him. He had every right not to trust me.

Humble pie. “Peace while we eat. Got it.” I smiled at Cedrick. “I don’t mind getting you a plate. What would you like?”

“I can make his plate,” the woman tersely said, and kissed him, marking her territory.

“Trust me, you can have him and his plate.” I raised my hands before anyone said anything. “Sorry… sorry. Peace.”

Cedrick only smirked while she busied herself, preparing his plate like she was prepping for a role as wifey. I’d been on this side of the music business and knew most of these musicians and entertainers played at love. They ran through women like a flash flood, and at one point, I’d gone through men the same way. Along the way, I lost a man who’d tried to be there for me, and with how Landon just left, I might have lost him before I’d ever had him. Who was I to judge Cedrick or anyone?

The internal burn coated my stomach and chest again. I closed my eyes briefly.Breathe in good thoughts and push out any negativity.

I grabbed a flute of orange juice and gulped it down before I plopped a large scoop of cheese grits on Brian’s plate. “More?”

He nodded happily. “I want the whole container.”

“Hey… I want some grits.” Charles walked in, shirtless, his walnut-hued chest completely tatted, rubbing his bald head.

“Bruh, we have women in here. Put on some clothes.” Brian threw a dishtowel at him.

Charles shrugged. “Janae and whoever this woman is have seen more than this. They’ll survive.”

“Mocha,” Cedrick’s random announced.

“That’s your name or coffee flavor?” Charles’s bland, unconcerned tone completely flew over her head.

“My name,” she said proudly.

“No one gives a fuck… especially Cedrick,” Brian said under his breath, and I pinched his forearm. “Quit it, Janae.”

“You want more cheese grits or not?” I replied.

He held his hands up. “Okay… I’ll stop.”

Another woman sporting a club dress led Santiago by the hand into the kitchen. “Looks good, Janae. And you remembered salsa. Thanks.” He rubbed his hands together with a huge grin.

“How do you know she did this?” Brian asked as if insulted.

Santiago only scoffed, picked up a plate, and asked the lady, “What do you want to eat?”

At least he had manners. Santiago could be another ally. Cedrick would be the hardest to convince. Yet he was a businessman first. I had to appeal to his practical side without invoking his obstinate one.

The men moved around the kitchen like brothers, eating, teasing, smiling, and talking. They were a family. These would be my tour mates for the next two months. Ten cities. And I would win them over by taking care of them like I used to take care of my brother. The Hollow Bones would become my family, too. They would love me like they loved each other.

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