Page 12 of Falling Into Gravity

Niah scrolled. “Next, Noodle’s award show run. Three looks, all custom, all high drama. She said she’s trying to go viral this year.”

“She’s always trying to go viral. Let me guess—red?”

“Red, chile.”

Aku sighed. “Okay, I’mma start sketching options today.”

Niah looked up. “Do you still want that sit-down with her or nah?”

“Yes, but I want it short. Like fifteen minutes – max. That’s all I got patience for.”

“For Noodle?” Niah lifted her brow.

She knew how close the two were, so Aku saying she only had fifteen minutes for her best friend sounded weird.

“For Jacory… two different people,” Aku laughed knowing she was telling the truth. Both personalities, she loved beyond the stars. But Jacory was a perfectionist who always felt like she had something to prove.

“Got it.”

Aku flipped to the next page in her binder. “Then we have Devin’s fall campaign shoot. He wants a nature theme—trees, water, maybe some fog.”

“I already secured location permits in the dessert. Photographer’s locked in. Still waiting on fabric swatches from the team in Milan.”

Aku nodded. “Let’s follow up on that by Thursday.”

She wasn’t looking forward to having to work with Devin, but a check was a check and he’d been vital in her fast rise to success too.

Aku paused, stretching out her arms, and let her head fall back. “Why do I feel like I’m forgetting something?”

“You probably are.”

“Wow…thanks.” Aku rolled her eyes.

Niah grinned. “That’s what I’m here for.”

Aku looked over. “You still tryna style too, right? Or you just living in my shadow?”

“Both,” Niah joked. “But for real, I want to build my portfolio this year.”

“Cool. Then take the third look for Devin. I’ll oversee it, but it’s yours.”

Niah’s eyes lit up. “Seriously?”

“Deadass.”

“Say less. I’m on it.” Niah did a little dance and squealed inside. She was stoked to be getting the opportunity.

Aku checked the calendar on her phone. “Also, I’m going to the game next week. Uncle Q got a big match out in the city.”

“Oh yeah, the soccer thing? That’s cute.”

“It’s legacy,” Aku said. “And Esmeray gon’ be there, so you know I gotta show up clean. I’m tryna out-auntie everybody.”

“You already do.”

It was true, Aku was that girl in her family and loved the recognition they all gave her, even though everyone was famous in their own right. Sometimes, she felt her shit was miniscule compared to everyone else’s but they never let her sit in that too long. Don’t get her wrong, Aku loved styling but since she was a little girl her life had been family focused… a flaw to some people but she didn’t care. She wanted a family and rightfully so. When you were raised in legacy and family ties, it was natural to want a piece for yourself.

Aku stood up and walked over to the mini rack near the window. She thumbed through a few pieces for the weekend. “You seen the custom jersey?”

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