Page 6 of Going for Three

I asked the question already, knowing what response she’d give me. “In a picture-perfect world, things would work that way, but in this one, it’s complicated. With your father’s failed career hanging over your head, you already have had to work twice as hard as others to be respected. Unfortunately, sometimes we are drowned by our parents’ shadows, and you don’t make it any better with the way you behave.”

@americassweethart:

@americassweethart:You just don’t quit!

I chuckled softly, expecting nothing less from her at this point.

@mrmostlikelytowin:lol keep on. Damn eyes going to get stuck in the back of that big head of yours.

@mrmostlikelytowin:I can’t win if I quit

@americassweethart:Whatever. You like this big head!

@mrmostlikelytowin:And do so when you going to let me take you out?

@americassweethart:And that’s where you lost me. I already told you it’s not happening.

@mrmostlikelytowin:We’ll see about that baby girl

“You’re not even listening to me,” Deborah fussed when I lowered my phone.

I didn’t even deny it. “You got any other manager friends?”

She tossed her drink in the trash then sat up in her seat. Tucking her hands under her chin, she gave me her undivided attention.

“What do you mean?”

“Do you think you can find out who manages Charmony Hart?”

She raised an eyebrow. “The influencer?”

I nodded with a grin. “Yeah… her.”

“Ugh, why?”

I pocketed my phone and shot to my feet. “You asking too many questions. Can you find out or not?”

She softly drummed her fingers on top of her desk, then sighed. “I guess. Don’t go trying to ruin that girl’s life.”

“Nah, I’ma make that shit better. Anyways, I’m heading out for practice. Get me that info ASAP.”

I ignored all her warnings as I turned to leave. Despite all she had to say, my phone pinged with the information by the time I slid in the driver’s seat of my G-Wagon. Charmony thought her resistance would turn me away, but she had another thing coming. She was mine, and no one could tell me otherwise. Not even her.

“First,I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight. I am obsessed with the work I was able to do with Lolly Olly cosmetics. Please test out whatever catches your eye because I promise it’ll be worth the purchase. Every product used to create tonight’s beat is on display here, and our staff can get you color matched for any foundation or concealer you might need.”

I paused, taking a minute to admire the crowd. This was my purpose in life. Seeing the excitement in the eyes of multiple women filled me with joy and gratitude. It felt good to know the support I was receiving was genuine. They could be doing anything, but they were here to celebrate with me. We had high hopes for this collaboration, and it felt good to know my Spirit hadn’t lied about my future success. I knew this launch wouldopen the door for more opportunities on even bigger platforms. All I had to do was stay consistent.

With a slow exhale, I prepared to say more when I saw him. I stood dumbfounded with the microphone suspended in the air. A cocky smirk morphed his face into a handsome masterpiece. I gulped a mouthful of air, hoping it’d revive my confidence, but it only made my cotton mouth worse. The only thing I could do to escape him was close my eyes. But then like magic, I could only smell his seductive cologne.

I figured my mind was simply playing tricks on me, but the scent only increased in intensity until it became my every inhale. My heart continued to thump so loudly I didn’t need to open my eyes to know he was standing in front of me. It was confirmed when fire erupted on the surface of my skin when his hands covered mine. He gently removed the microphone from my hands.

“Oh my God...” I whispered softly.

A second later, I was being pulled away. My cheeks flamed with embarrassment. I couldn’t believe seeing him made me freeze up like that, and now, he was leading me to God knows where.

Silence surrounded us a minute later as a door was closed. “You can open your eyes now,” he whispered.

Unable to stand still, I wiggled my legs before doing exactly that. Kianis was standing in front of me with a curious expression.

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