Page 50 of I Think They Love You

“I fucked up.”

Her face remains expressionless, as if she’s not the least bit shocked by this revelation.

“I forgot to sign the contract for the Rigel,” he admits.

Cheryl studies him. Then, she laughs. It’s more disbelief than mocking, but it stings just the same. “Nephew,” she says mid-guffaw, “you’ve had some slipups before, but this truly drags the bar straight to hell.”

“I know.” He squares his shoulders. “I need your help.”

“You needJesus.”

He expected that response. The aunties never play favorites. They’re equally critical of Denz and his sisters. But Cheryl’s already shown her allegiance to Team Kami. Still, he’s not giving up.

“I can’t tell my dad what happened.”

“Clearly,” she agrees.

“I made an error.”

“Acriticalerror.” Cheryl rests her hands on her hips. “Denzel, you’ve earned your spot here. Mostly. But things like this can’t happenifyou’re the CEO. You can’t forget to sign off on payroll. To hand out IOUs while your staff’s bills, mortgage, and childcare go unpaid.”

“I wouldn’t forget.”

“Current evidence says otherwise,” she counters.

Denz wants to fight back. He’s no longer that ten-year-old boy being scolded for using his auntie’s favorite Versace bathroom towel as a cape to play superheroes with Jordan. But his mom’s in his head. Her unbreakable rule. He’s only going to win this war by showing Cheryl respect, even when she’s not offering him the same.

“What’s in it for me? If I help?” Cheryl asks.

Denz lifts the cheesecake bag higher. She looks unimpressed.

Plan B it is.

“Braylon’s coming to the mayor’s gala.”

She crooks an eyebrow up as if to say,And?

“I’ll make sure you get to talk to him.” He inhales deeply. “Alone. Before Auntie Eva.”

There it is. Intrigue lights up her brown eyes. Jordan inherited his mom’s incredibly competitive nature. Any opportunity to have an edge over her sister, Cheryl happily takes.

When they were dating, Denz kept Braylon away from his extended family. There was never a formal introduction. A Meet the Aunties over dinner. Is it his fault that when they came home for summer, Eva was vacationing with Orlando in Paris? Or during holiday breaks, Cheryl was visiting Jordan?

It was a coincidence. He didn’tplanit that way… is the story he’s been telling for years.

Cheryl’s mouth twitches. “I can ask him anything I want?”

“Within reason,” Denz bargains.

This is a dangerous game. Offering Cheryl the chance to conduct her own TMZ interview with his fake boyfriend. But he’s desperate.

Cheryl pretends to consider. A minute passes before she opens her clutch. Two clicks later, her phone’s to her ear.

“Dahlia? Hey, girl. It’s Cheryl Carter over at—Yes. I’m fine. How are the kids?” She paces in a small circle while talking. “I need a favor.”

Denz peeks over his shoulder. God, he hopes no one else is around to hear this. Especially not his dad.

“I know it’s a”—Cheryl’s eyes cut to him—“foolish,rookie mistake. If you help us out, I can promise a certain Grammy-winning R and B artist’s son will host his sweet sixteen at the Rigel this year. Yes, Usher. You know Tevin’s producing his comeback album.”

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