Episode Eight

Showtime!

Nerves, anxiety and excitement are in the air tonight, because Natalia will be performing a few songs Get Right Music recently released. The social media blitz Reggie pushed had worked, and her photos and snippets of her voice seemed to be everywhere. The time had come for Natalia, and a few other folks, to stand up and deliver. 

Corynne: You’re lucky you’re with me tonight.
Kelvin: Whaaaaaat? What is that supposed to mean?
Corynne: You see this line forming out here? If you weren’t on my arm you’d be out here mingling with these good folks.

Kelvin busted out laughing.

Corynne: I’m serious!
Kelvin: I know you are, that’s why I’m laughing so hard. I won’t deny you’ve got some pull ‘round these parts, but you might want to look again to find out who is on whose arm here tonight.
Corynne (blushing): Fine, Caveman. I’ll give you that. Let’s go inside and pick out seats. I want to pop in the back and see how things are going. Natalia and I picked out the looks, but I don’t want Gavin and Tara  ruining everything.
Kelvin: I thought you said Gavin was pretty good!
Corynne: Look at you trying to act like you listen to me when I’m rambling on. He's good, but he's not me!
Kelvin (chuckling): I do listen to you! Believe it or not, I find some of the stuff you talk about fascinating.
Corynne: Fascinating, huh?
Kelvin (holding Corynne’s gaze): Fascinating.

Corynne broke the stare and shook her head.

Corynne: Ok, now. I’ve already given you some for the night, and I’ve already made up my mind to give you some more if you behave yourself. No need for all the sweet talk.

Kelvin laughed hard and Corynne joined in. The two picked a table and Kelvin settled in.

Corynne: I’m just gonna poke my head in backstage and make sure everything’s going ok. I’ll come right back.
Kelvin: Make sure you do that.
Corynne: Oh, hush. I’m sure if I’m gone too long you’ll manage to hit on something in here.

Kelvin laughed as Corynne sashayed off to look in on Natalia. She was so preoccupied with getting to Natalia and seeing her handiwork she didn’t notice Deondre headed toward her table. He stopped to talk with Kelvin.

Corynne (knocking on the dressing room door): It’s me, Corynne. I just want to see how everything is going.

Gavin opened the door almost immediately.

Gavin (hurriedly ushering Corynne into the small room): You must’ve gotten my message.
Corynne (confused): Um, not exactly. What’s going on?
Gavin: Between Miss Natalia the diva and Tara the monster, I am about to lose my damn mind!

Corynne laughed and shook her head.

Corynne: I’m not sure if I can help with all that. For all we know, I’ll get in here and add to the problem. At least we’ll look good while we’re acting a damn fool though.

Gavin laughed and rolled his eyes.

Gavin: Deondre does not pay me enough for this!

Natalia looked up when she heard Corynne laughing.

Natalia: Save me!
Corynne (laughing): What is the problem?!
Natalia: Tara wants to scrap the old glamour idea now and go back to the original plan.

Corynne rolled her eyes.

Corynne: What do you want to do?
Natalia: I don’t care as long as it doesn’t keep changing every 5 minutes.
Corynne: Ok. It doesn’t make much sense to change it up at the last minute –
Gavin: Especially since most of the promo that has gone out has those “split personality” pics from the shoot with both looks.
Natalia: Exactly.
Corynne: Where is Tara anyway?
Natalia: She said she wasn’t going to deal with my tantrums any longer and she’s gone off to fetch Deondre.
Gavin: Fantastic. We have how long until show time?
Corynne: Not long enough for this foolishness.
Natalia (visibly upset): I don’t know what to do.
Gavin: Whatever you do you better not cry. My team does not have time to come back in here and beat that face again.
Corynne (laughing): Listen, princess, this is not the end of the world. The change Tara wants doesn’t come until the end of the show anyway. I sent over more than enough stuff to accommodate for any changes, so we’re ready for anything. Gavin here can handle it all.
Natalia and Gavin in unison: Nooooooooooo

Corynne laughed hard.

Gavin: Seriously. I don’t know how much more of Tara I can stand.
Natalia: She’s out of control, Corynne. Really.

Corynne was shaking her head and laughing when Tara began banging on the dressing room door. Gavin and Natalia looked at each other then turned to Corynne expectantly.

Corynne: Oh, good grief! You guys can’t be serious!
Natalia: Please?

Corynne marched over to the door and flung it open. Tara’s jaw dropped in surprise and Deondre smiled pleasantly.

Tara (snippily): When did you get here?
Corynne: Hey, girl! I’ve been here for a minute or two. Just came back to see that everything’s going well with the wardrobe. Can’t have any unhappy clients while I’m trying to get this styling business off the ground!

Deondre kept his eyes on Corynne but didn’t say a word.

Tara: Oh. Well, actually, it’s a good thing you’re here. Do you have anything in your car Natalia could wear for her last song? I’m thinking the whole “old jazz glamour” might be a bad idea afterall.
Corynne (chuckling): Um, Tara? I usually don’t keep clothes just tucked away in the trunk of my car.

Gavin snickered.

Corynne: I did, however, have some extra items sent over along with the prepared wardrobe just in case something happened.
Tara (sighing): Oh, thank goodness!!!

Corynne looks over at Natalia and Gavin, who are shaking their heads and gesturing emphatically.

Corynne: But –
Tara: But what? The show will be starting soon, Corynne. We really don’t have time for all of this.

Corynne, Natalia and Gavin burst out laughing.

Tara: What’s so funny? Natalia, you need to be getting dressed.
Corynne: Look, Tara. I can appreciate all the work you do to create a brilliant stage show, and I think you’ve done a fantastic job here.
Tara: I think so too.
Corynne: But even you can agree it’s a little late in the game to go changing up the wardrobe. Don’t you think so, Deondre?
Tara: Yeah, Deondre. What do you think?

Deondre smiled and took his hands out of his pockets, bringing his fingers to his chin and stroking his goatee.

Deondre: Well, I agree with Corynne –

Tara threw her hands up in the air and rolled her eyes, then crossed her arms in front of her chest. Deondre turned toward her and her expression softened.

Deondre: I think you’ve done a fantastic job with the stage show. The lighting and direction I've seen in rehearsals looks perfect.
Tara (blushing): Thank you. I have been working very hard.
Deondre: But I also think it’s too late in the show to change things around again.

Tara began to pout.

Gavin: The promo photos have already been out!
Natalia: People already have an idea of what they’re coming to see!
Corynne: And when my girl gets out on that stage and blows, there’ll be plenty more shows for us to work on, Tara.
Natalia: Believe that!
Tara (rolling her eyes): Fine. We’ll stick with the way things are. I don’t want to have to hear Reggie’s mouth about promo anyway.
Deondre: Good point.
Tara: So we’ll see you out there then. Do us proud, Natalia!

Natalia smiled and Gavin heaved a sigh of relief as Tara headed for the door. She stopped short before reaching the doorknob and turned back around.

Tara: Deondre? Aren’t you coming?
Deondre (still staring intently at Corynne): I’ll be out in a minute, Tara. As a matter of fact, Gavin and Natalia, if you don’t mind I’d like to have a minute alone with Corynne.

-----

Sitting in the parking lot...

Corey: Looks like the gang is all here! That’s Kelvin’s ride over there.
Patience: Are you sure about this?
Corey: What? Peachy, we’re here now!
Patience: Do not start calling me Peachy again. I’m not playing with you tonight.
Corey (laughing uncontrollably): I’m sorry! You just look so cute! You’re reminding me of our days back in high school. You used to wear your hair like that for your little dance team performances.

Patience rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t help blushing.

Patience: Come on and let’s get inside. I don’t want to be late and end up at a table in the back.
Corey: Ha! That’s not gonna happen. These are my people in here!

Corey and Patience stepped out of the parking lot giggling to themselves and strode right up to the front door, not even tossing a backward glance toward where Simone was waiting in line.

Corey: There’s Kelvin at a table up at the front. We could join him if you want or I can talk to Deondre and see if there’s room at his table. I’m sure he’s up front somewhere.
Patience: Um, sitting with Kelvin sounds fine. I can text Corynne to see where she is, probably working back stage even though her job is well past over. She’ll have good seats too. She likes to see her skills up close and personal.
Corey (laughing): It’s up to you.
Patience: Kelvin’s table it is – until Corynne responds.

Patience and Corey walked over to the table where Kelvin was sitting alone talking on his phone.

Kelvin: I don’t know, Simone. Why don’t you call Deondre or your husband?

Corey chuckled and shook his head while pulling out a chair for Patience. Kelvin looked up at Corey and pointed at his phone. Corey shook his head emphatically.

Kelvin: I gotta go, Simone. The show is gonna start any minute. Hope you get in soon.

Kelvin hit a button to end the call then nodded and smiled at Patience.

Corey: Aye, man, do you mind if we crash your table?
Kelvin: Nah. Not a problem at all. Matter of fact, Patience, your girl is here with me. She went back there to check on things a while ago, so she should be out here pretty soon.
Patience: Oh! Cool! Well then we’ll hang out with you guys tonight.

Patience smiled warmly and Kelvin nodded and smiled back.

Patience: So, here with Corynne, huh? You guys have been hanging out a lot.
Kelvin (nodding): She’s a lot of fun. I like her spirit.
Patience: Right. That’s what we’re calling it these days?

Kelvin and Corey laughed.

Kelvin: You’re funny. We’ve done a little bit of business together, but you could say she’s growing on me?
Patience: Is that right?
Kelvin (chuckling): It is. Don’t tell her, though. She’s already difficult enough.

Corynne, having quietly tip toed out from backstage and around to the table, tapped Kelvin on the shoulder and smiled at Patience.

Corynne: Talking about me to my best friend while I’m not around? I’m difficult and you’re not the brightest. Match made in heaven, I tell ya.

Patience laughed as Corynne took a seat. Kelvin shook his head and laughed at his own predicament.

Kelvin: I just cannot win with you!
Patience: The sooner you accept that –
Corynne: The better off we will all be

Patience and Corynne collapsed into giggles and Corey shook his head.

Corey: I don’t know about you, bruh, but I’m gonna need a drink and some wings if they’re gonna do that all night.
Kelvin: I hear that!

-----

Outside the line was bustling with activity. Elijah and his family were arriving, and their presence wasn’t going unnoticed.

Beverlynn: Eli, your father tells me this place has wonderful food and even better entertainment. I’m looking forward to the evening.
Elijah: Thank you, mother. I’m sure you’ll be pleased. Dad, there’s a cigar bar in here, but I think they let you smoke down in the pit where the performances are held.
Carmichael: Good to know. I plan on enjoying myself tonight, don’t you, Little Lady?
Dominique (blushing): I absolutely do. I know the singer performing, so we’re all in for an amazing night. Her voice is unbelievable.
Elijah (smiling): The firm handles the legal matters for the label she’s signed to. I may have had a thing or two to do with her being discovered you could say.

Elijah winked at Dominique and they chuckled conspiratorily on their way in the door. Simone stopped them, reaching out and grabbing Dominique’s shoulder as she passed.

Dominique: Excuse me!
Simone: Don’t I know you?

Dominique looked at Simone curiously, and a smirk danced across her lips as recognition flickered in her eyes. Elijah stopped when he felt Dominique’s hand tug, signifying she was no longer following closely behind.

Elijah: Mother, Dad, you guys go ahead. Someone will show you to our seats. Dominique and I will be inside in a minute.
Dominique (to Simone): I do remember you. You’re the one who threw Destiny and Cruz a baby shower. How are they doing? Home with the baby yet?
Simone (smiling through clenched teeth): They’re doing just fine. The happy family is home safe and sound.
Dominique: Glad to hear it. What are you doing out here?
Simone: I came to see the show tonight – take my mind off things, ya know – but I don’t seem to be on anybody’s list.
Elijah: Corey doesn’t know you’re coming?
Simone (rolling her eyes): Must be some mistake. Anyway, I’ve been stuck out here all night, and I hear the show’s about to start.

Dominique snickered.

Dominique: Well, there’s no room at our table, but at the very least we can get her out of this line and in the doors, can’t we baby?
Elijah (smiling and nodding): We should be able to do that. Come on Simone.

Elijah gestured and spoke to the bouncer at the door and they all went inside. Dominique and Elijah shuffled quietly to their table, square in the middle of the room and close enough to feel some of the heat of the stage lights. Simone reluctantly went her own way.

Dominique: My apologies.
Elijah: Yeah. Corey’s wife got stuck outside somehow. We had to get her in.
Beverlynn: Oh?
Elijah: Yeah. If Dominique hadn’t recognized her she’d still be out there waiting.
Beverlynn: Well, now, that’s just dreadful.
Carmichael: Don’t start, Beverlynn.
Beverlynn: What? I’m not starting anything. I’m just observing. No apologies necessary, Dominique darling. It sounds like it’s a good thing you’re around!

Dominique smiled and Elijah squeezed her knee. A slight hush comes over the growing crowd as Deondre takes the stage.

Deondre (clearing his throat): First of all, I want to thank you all for coming out tonight. If you’ve seen the flyers and heard the snippets then we’re glad you’ve come for more. Let me assure you, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re joining us because you’ve just had dinner at this wonderful establishment and you can’t think of anything else to do with yourself or your date this fine evening, please, relax and let this soul music take you away. Ladies and gentlemen, Sal’s in partnership with Get Right Music present for your listening pleasure Miss Natalia.

The room went dark and Deondre walked off the stage. Moments later, lights still low, Natalia’s powerhouse voice rang out strong.

Natalia (singing – low): I am here/this is my song/this is my whole heart/ and I bring it to you

A spotlight centered on Natalia, who stood up from the stool she’d been sitting on and placed the microphone on its stand. She tilted the black fedora sitting atop her wild curls and let her voice ring out again.

Natalia (singing – louder, but still mild): These words come from my soul/where I hold my world/And all that I feel I want you to see

As Natalia gripped the microphone again and walked toward the edge of the stage, applause began to trickle in over the stunned whispers in the audience.

Natalia (singing full force now): Tonight I’ve got a story to tell/listen up good ‘cause I know you gon’ feel me

Applause explodes throughout the room.

Carmichael: Young lady, your friend is up there sangin’!

Carmichael lit a cigar and leaned back in his chair.

Beverlynn: She’s such a small girl to have such a big voice!

Elijah and Dominique laughed.

Elijah: I’m interested to hear these stories she’s got to tell!

Dominique patted Elijah’s hand

Dominique: Will you all excuse me?

Before anyone could answer, and amid a couple curious looks, Dominique got up from the table and hurried toward the bathroom. She’d nearly made it to the opening of the narrow hall when Eric stepped out in front of her, blocking her path.

Eric: Slow down, Pretty! I’ve been trying to talk to you all night!
Dominique: The night just started, Eric. I don’t have time for this.
Eric: Time ain’t what I’m after anyway.

Dominique folded her arms across her chest and rolled her eyes.

Dominique: For the last time, what do you want?
Eric: We’ve been over this a thousand times! All I want is the money you owe me. You skipped town before I could ask you nicely, and now I feel like I’m gonna have to bring out all your dirty little secrets just to get my due.

Dominique took a step closer to Eric, her face within inches of his.

Dominique (almost hissing): I don’t owe you a damn thing. You can do whatever you wanna do with whatever secrets you think you have, but don’t play with me. I’m not the girl you thought you knew. Now get out of my way before I have my man have you put out of here.

Eric stepped to the side and Dominique moved to pass him. He reached out and put a hand on her shoulder.

Eric: Speaking of your man, Dom, how are things between the two of you? I see you’re having dinner with the family. You must think he’s about to wife you. I can see the anticipation all over your face. Let’s hope he doesn’t find out about how close you and the Superstar up there really are. Wouldn’t do to ruin both your dreams with one little video now would it?

-----

Simone ended up sitting at Deondre’s table for most of the night. She had been flirting with him off and on. With Natalia on stage shining and Reggie filming it all and feeding it live online there was no one else at the table to really help him out. He planned to signal for a brief intermission and deposit Simone at the table with her husband where she belonged.

Natalia (singing): I can’t write a song without a melody/just like I can’t stand sleeping without you holding me/I can’t sing a song without a melody/just like I won’t accept the fact that we can’t be

The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, a couple people even stood, and Deondre raised his hand and made eye contact with Tara. Eager to please, Tara had the lights dimmed and Natalia, recognizing the signals, sipped water then took a seat on her stool and began ad libbing a conversation-like piece engaging her newfound fans.

Deondre: Come on, Simone. I’ll take you over to meet some people.

Simone got up and followed Deondre. As they made their way over, she realized they were headed to a table to see Corey and Patience. Much to Deondre’s surprise, Corynne and Kelvin were seated at the same table.

Corey: Aaaaayyyyyyeee!
Deondre: What up! Good lookin’ crowd in here, right?
Corey: It really is! I didn’t really expect this many people in here tonight.
Deondre: Come on, man. I told you I’m looking after your investment. My team can book and sell out a venue with the best of ‘em.
Corey: Your talent up there is really on point too.
Deondre: Yeah, she is. She really does most of the work. Writes her own songs, and you hear her voice.
Corey: Crazy.
Deondre: Right?! We’re just polishing her up a little bit. We needed her! She really did drop in on me at just the right moment. I gotta thank your boy Elijah for the hook up.
Corey (laughing): He did tell me he linked you two up.
Simone (clearing her throat): Good evening, Patience. Kelvin. Corynne.

Corynne smirked and Kelvin nodded his head.

Kelvin: How you doin’ tonight, Simone?
Simone: Just enjoying the music like everybody else.
Patience: It’s good to see you.

Patience nudged Corey in the ribs and he laughed.

Corey: Yes. You look nice tonight, Simone. I hope you’re having a good time.
Simone: You mean like you are here with your little whore?
Corynne: Look here. My friend ain’t gon’ be too many more whores.

Patience started to laugh.

Patience: The two of you will not use my good name to act a fool in here tonight. If y’all wanna fight go outside and keep me out of it.
Simone: Chile, ain’t nobody gotta fight over you. You can have Corey’s tired ass. My sloppy seconds are probably filet mignon to you.

Corynne busted out laughing.

Corynne: You really don’t know? Sweetheart, if anybody was ever sloppy seconds it’s you.
Corey: Ok, ladies. That’ll be enough of that.

Simone glared at Corynne, who was smiling sweetly from her side of the table. Patience looked at them both, shaking her head.

Simone: I can determine when I’ve had enough, thank you.

Corey shook his head.

Simone: Like I said, Patience, you can have Corey’s tired ass. I’ve been done I’ve moved on.

Corey and Kelvin looked at Simone in shock.

Corey: Moved on?
Kelvin: Moved on with who?!

Simone quickly wrapped her arms around Deondre’s mouth and, before he could pull away, planted a kiss full on his lips. Corey, Kelvin, Corynne and Patience looked on in horror.

Deondre: What the –
Simone: Hush. We don’t have to hide it anymore. Let’s go back to our table. I’ve had enough boredom for one night.

The two walked away, Deondre shaking his head and shrugging to himself the entire time.

Kelvin: What exactly just happened here?
Corey: I don’t know, but now he’s her problem and not mine.

Simone laughed out loud.

Patience: Corey! You can’t say that! She’s the mother of your child!
Kelvin: Not to mention that’s your best friend. It’s ok though, bruh. You ain’t gotta show us emotion in here. We know you gon’ cry in the car.

Simone and Kelvin laughed and Patience looked at Corey, concerned.

Patience: Maybe this was a bad idea after all.
Corey: Patience, are you kidding me?! She just gave me everything I ever wanted. We’re over and done and she’s out of my life as much as she can be. That means now the road is free and clear for me to get you back finally after all this time.
Corynne: Slow down there, Cowboy! The ink ain’t even dried yet!

Patience laughed.

Patience: Oh hush. He doesn’t really mean any of this. He’s just trying to secure some booty for the night.
Corynne: And your ass is gonna let him.

Patience and Corynne giggled while Kelvin and Corey exchanged a knowing look. The unspoken conspiracies going on between that group were stifled by Natalia’s return to the stage. Patience squeezed Corey’s hand under the table and Corynne laid her head on Kelvin’s shoulder and Natalia began to sing.

-----

The night was winding down, but Natalia still held everyone’s attention with the honey-sweet stickiness of her voice. Asha, flustered and fresh off work down the street, hustled herself in through the kitchen and made her way up to the front where she stood off to the side of the stage, Kelani close by her side.

Natalia: This here is not a love song/though my heart is all in it/and my words are strong/This couldn’t be further from a love song/it’s more like the tale of a woman who’s been done wrong

Asha waved and cheered, and jumped up and down hoping her roommate would see her.

Asha: I hope she comes down here!
Kelani: She’ll probably want to go backstage and change first. You know how show business is.
Asha: What do you know about show business?! And Natalia’s not like that. She’s pretty down to earth.
Kelani: We’ll see.

Natalia spotted Asha. She waved at her and jogged off-stage down the side stairs where Asha and Kelani were standing. Natalia and Asha hugged.

Natalia: Hiiiiiii! I’m glad you finally made it!
Asha: Oh no! Were you up there waiting for me?!?!
Natalia: Girl, I was squinting my eyes and looking all around out there trying to find where you were sitting. These people up front probably thought I was either blind or high.

Asha and Kelani laughed.

Natalia (nodding toward Kelani): Who’s this? New friend from school?
Asha: Kinda, actually. This is Kelani. She’s the girl who came by looking for you the other day.
Natalia: Oh really? I don’t think we’ve ever met.
Asha: I bumped into her on campus when I was registering the other day, and we do actually have a couple classes together. She wants to be a nurse too.
Natalia: Well, I think that’s awesome. You’ll have to remind me where I know you from though, Kelani. Especially since you seem to know where I live.
Kelani: Um, you don’t know me.

Natalia and Asha look at Kelani in surprise.

Kelani: Let me explain. I am new in town. I came here with my cousin. He is the one who sent me looking for you. Said he knew you from back home and wanted to leave you a message.
Natalia: Hmmmm. Well, what was the message?
Kelani: I don’t remember, but he’s here tonight. I could take you to him.
Natalia: Good idea. Let me do a quick change in the back and I want you to do just that.

Natalia ducked backstage to change into comfortable clothes. She was surprised to find Corynne and Dominique in her dressing area along with Deondre and and Elijah.

Natalia: What are you all doing back here?!

Everyone started talking at once, congratulating her and heaping praise on her head. Natalia couldn’t stop smiling and laughing. She was overwhelmed by all the love! Not too overwhelmed to pull Corynne to the side and tell her she needed to speak with her.

Corynne: What’s up?
Natalia: I’m not sure. I think somebody is stalking me.
Corynne: Stalking you?! Already? Damn, when I go to work I go to work GOOD!

Natalia laughed nervously then told Corynne what Kelani just told her.

Corynne: Come on. We’ll just go out there and find out what this cousin wants. There’s too many people in here for anything to go wrong tonight, and if he’s a weirdo we’ll have Deondre spring for a hotel room until the label can find a better place for you to stay.
Natalia: Me and Asha!

Corynne smiled. She and Patience had been that close and loyal even at that age.

Corynne: Yes, Asha will come too. Let’s get out there and find out what’s going on before this mystery person disappears.

Corynne and Natalia tried to march calmly toward the door.

Corynne: We’ll be back! Gotta go check out something!
Dominique: Hey! I’m coming too!

The three hurried out the door and found Kelani and Asha still standing near the stage.

Corynne: Take us to see this cousin of yours.

Kelani weaved through the crowd and led the group to a table in the back, chattering the entire way about how good Natalia looked tonight and what a beautiful dress Dominique had on.

Kelani: Here we are. Asha, Natalia, this is my cousin Eric. Eric, you remember Asha, and since she’s from back home I guess you already know Natalia.

Natalia’s mouth dropped open and Dominique rolled her eyes.

Natalia: What the hell are you doing here?
Eric (smiling slyly): I just came to see my girls.
Natalia (disgusted): You don’t have any girls here.
Corynne: What is going on? Why are you sending your bird brain cousin to my girl’s house?
Dominique: He doesn’t want anything. He’s just our friendly hometown sleaze trying to capitalize on something.
Eric: Now Dom, is that any way to speak of the man who basically made you?
Dominique: You ain’t make shit!
Natalia: You knew he was here, Dominique?!
Dominique: He called me the other day threatening me with some video. He tried to blackmail me and get me to get money for him from Elijah.

Eric laughed. Kelani and Asha looked confused. Corynne was getting more and more pissed.

Corynne: Cut the shit, Eric. Isn't that what you said your name was? Whatever you’re sellin’ we’re not buyin’ it in here, so slither on back where you came from.

Eric laughed harder.

Natalia: Actually, I want Eric to answer some questions. Namely what the hell he’s doing here, and what is this video Dom is talking about?!

Episode Seven

There's Always Something Broken After a Crash

Corey: Look who finally showed up! See there, Carter? Patience wants to play with us after all.
Patience: Oh hush. I had some stuff to finish up before I left my place. We’re not all on a permanent summer vacation.

Corey laughed.

Corey: Well we’re glad you came over, aren’t we Little Man?

Corey dumped out a bucket of blocks in front of Carter and the little boy squealed with delight.

Patience: Somebody’s having a blast!
Corey: Yeah. He’s still getting used to the place. I’m trying to make it as kid-friendly as I can
Patience: Awww. Maybe you should bring him here more often!
Corey: I plan to. I’ve been thinking about what you said – about using the resources at the firm to deal with the divorce and custody situation
Patience: And?
Corey: And you were right. I’m going to be fair, because I don’t want Carter’s life disrupted more than it has to be, but I want this done and over with quickly and quietly. I don’t want a whole lot of drama around me or my son.

Corey stood up and came over to Patience, giving her a quick hug.

Patience: I’m sure you’ll do what’s best for everyone involved. No one ever wants a knock-down, drag out battle, but with some folks that’s the only kind of fight you can have.
Corey: I hear you, and Simone just might be one of those folks. I can’t live all crazy anymore though. I won’t.
Patience: Well, that’s good. Glad to hear you’re making some decisions about things. That’s always good.
Corey: Yeah. Gotta start somewhere, right?

Patience smiled.

Patience: Right!
Corey: So, what are you doing this weekend?
Patience: I’m not too sure. I know Will is coming back in town this weekend, but I haven’t talked to him much while he’s been gone, so we don’t have any set plans.
Corey: Sounds promising
Patience (laughing): Oh, stop it. He’s working.
Corey: No judgment from me! But if you find yourself free Saturday night you should come with me to Sal’s.
Patience: What’s going on at Sal’s?
Corey: Deondre’s got a new artist down at the record label and she’s performing there Saturday night.
Patience: Ooohhh yeah! Simone was telling me about her! Natalia, right?
Corey: You know I don’t know the ins and outs of that business. I’m a silent investor and I help with some of the legal stuff, but that’s it.
Patience: But you’re going to the show to support, right?
Corey: Absolutely! Gotta make sure I keep getting a nice return on my investment!

Patience and Corey laughed.

Patience: I guess. Corynne’s been working with her. She styled her for her promo photo shoot and she told me she’s working on wardrobe for a performance coming up. Sounds like that’s going to be a nice night!
Corey: Yeah. I’m looking forward to it. I’ve been trying to get back into the swing of being a single man.
Patience: You are a married man.
Corey: Not for much longer, and you should try to remember that.
Patience: Don’t start. Weren’t we just talking about my sort-of boyfriend not too long ago?
Corey: Your sort-of boyfriend who is out of town on business and not returning your calls?
Patience: Um, as I recall, he was calling me and I was, um –
Corey: Otherwise occupied? Let Will know that’s what happens when he leaves his sort-of girlfriend unattended.
Patience: Listen to you! Get yourself a bachelor pad and now you’re talking all kinds of bold. That wasn't cool, by the way.

Corey scooped Carter up and took him into his bedroom. He changed the boy's diaper then put him down for a nap.

Corey: I have no idea what you’re talking about.
Patience: Mmmm hmmm. I’m sure you don’t.
Corey: Seriously. If you’re not doing anything, come with me to Sal’s.
Patience: Boyfriend. I. Have. A. Boyfriend.
Corey: I hear the words coming out of your mouth, but your body language is saying “I’ll think about it.” I’ll take both answers for now.

---

Asha: Excuse me! Heeellllloooo?!
Kelani: Oh! I’m sorry. Hey! I remember you.
Asha: Asha. You came by my apartment a while ago looking for my roommate.
Kelani: I remember. How’s it going?
Asha: Crazy day. I tried to get your attention back there at registration, but I don’t think you could hear me with your headphones on.
Kelani (laughing): Oh yeah. I’ve usually got them up pretty loud. You’re taking classes here?
Asha: Yeah. Pre-nursing major. I’m about to get my nerd on.
Kelani: That’s good! I’m actually thinking about taking classes for nursing myself.
Asha: Small world! It’s a great profession though. Really fulfilling.
Kelani: Right?
Asha: When you came by the other day you were looking for Natalia. Did you guys ever link up?
Kelani: Ummmmm, no.
Asha: I can give her your number if you want.
Kelani (shaking her head quickly): No thanks. I’ll just try again another day.
Asha: Are you sure? She’s kinda hard to catch at the apartment these days. Always in and out of the studio and things.
Kelani: I’m sure. She sounds busy, but these classes are about to take up my time too – on top of work. I’m sure we’ll get it figured out.
Asha: Speaking of work, I’ve gotta run! See you around. Maybe we’ll have a class together or somethin’.
Kelani: Definitely! Hey, where do you work?
Asha: The Blue Dolphin downtown.
Kelani: I live right around the corner! Think you could give me a ride home? My cousin dropped me off, but now that I’m ready to be picked up he isn’t answering his phone.
Asha: Typical.

Kelani and Asha laughed

Asha: Sure, I’ll drop you off since we’re probably gonna be classmates and all.
Kelani: Thanks. I appreciate it.

During the short car ride Kelani and Asha discovered they would be taking anatomy and microbiology together. At the very least they could become friends, right?

Kelani: Thanks for the ride, Asha! I’ll see you in class next week!

Kelani turned to walk into her apartment building and nearly bumped into her cousin coming out. He was talking on the phone and bounding down the steps so fast he almost knocked her over.

Kelani: Eric!
Eric (into the phone): I’ll call you back.
Eric (to Kelani): Lani! Hey! What’s up? What are you doing here? I thought you were gonna be up at the school all day.

Kelani rolled her eyes.

Kelani (with her hands on her hips): I finished early and made it here no thanks to you.
Eric (clearing his throat and smiling over his shoulder at Asha): Well, you’re here now. That’s what matters. Anyway, glad you’re making friends because it looks like we might be here for a little while. I’ve gotta run and take care of something, but I’ll be back later. There’s food upstairs and call your mom.
Kelani: Fine. Hurry back! I wanna go to Cobalt Beach later.

Kelani hurried into the apartment building and Asha drove off, not wanting to be late for work. Eric hit the redial on his phone.

Eric (into the phone): So, like I was saying, Dom, the video is in a safe place. I’m about to go check on it now. Talk to that boyfriend of yours. If you don’t want him to see everything I have you better come up with my money by the time you get back into town.

---

Natalia (singing): There’s no melody/No melody/There’s no you and me/No you and me. Oooooooooohhhhhhhh.
TJ: That was good. Why don’t you try switching them around a bit though. Try there’s no melody/there’s no you and me/ no melody/no you and me and let me see how that sounds.
Natalia (nodding): Ok.
Natalia (singing): There’s no melody/There’s no you and me. No melody. No you and me. Ooooooooohhhhhhh. Ooooohh. Ooooooh.
TJ: Yeah. Like that.
Natalia: Tara said we’ll use that as the closer, so I’ll do some improve at the end.
TJ: Maybe fade it out to a husky whisper
Natalia: Ooh! I like that! You’re pretty good.
TJ: Better than you know

TJ held Natalia’s gaze until she looked away and nervously raked a hand through her hair. His eyes still locked on her, TJ reached out and caressed Natalia’s cheek.

Tara (bursting in the door): We need to run through the show a couple times. I want to make some changes to your routine.
Natalia (startled): Changes? What kind of changes?
Tara: I want to slow it down a little bit and showcase you as just a woman. For instance, your hair. Can you straighten it and have it pinned up? I want you wear a flower in it too.
Natalia: Days before the show you want to make drastic changes to the styling?
Tara: You can’t keep up?
Natalia: I can keep up. I just don’t think Corynne’s gonna like you throwing out the stuff we’ve already picked out. We were going with my hair curly and wild. I can’t see how having my hair straightened and pinned up is going to go with the edgy femme look we already agreed on.
TJ: Here we go!
Tara: Look, I’m sure Corynne will be able to adjust to what I’m trying to do with the show
Natalia (through clenched teeth): What are you trying to do with the show now, Tara?
Tara (smiling sweetly): I want to go with a Billie Holiday-esque stage show. Kinda old glamour stuff.
Natalia: Yeah, there’s only one problem with that

Tara looked Natalia up and down then leaned against a table.

Tara: What’s the problem?
Natalia: I’m an R&B singer. I’m definitely influenced by the greats, Billie Holiday included, but I’m trying to be Natalia on that stage. Nobody else.
Tara: You don’t know what you’re talking about.
Natalia: Tara, you clearly don’t know who you’re talking to. I sing pretty, but that’s not all I’m about.
Tara: Little girl, you have a lot to learn, and I don't mind being the one to teach you.

Natalia had gotten up from her seat next to TJ at the piano. She was on her way toward Tara, and staring her down, when Deondre walked in.

Deondre: What the hell is going on in here?!
TJ: They trippin’.
Tara: Your new artist here is having difficulty being flexible.
Natalia: We’ve been rehearsing and rehearsing and now Tara suddenly wants to change the entire show. She wants a different direction. She wants a different look. She must want a different artist.

Deondre looked at them both and struggled not to laugh.

Deondre: Tara, what is it about the show – that is days away now, mind you – what is it about the show you want to see changed?
Tara: Everything!

TJ snickered and Tara shot him a look.

Tara: I just want it to go in a more glamorous and showcasing direction.
Deondre: That doesn’t sound so bad. Different from what we agreed on, but not drastic. Natalia, what’s your take on things?
Tara: Are you serious? She doesn’t know anything!
Deondre: Natalia? What are you comfortable with?
Natalia: I mean, I’m flexible, but we’ve been rehearsing it one way, and I like the tough girly image Corynne, Gavin and I came up with. The looks fit most of the songs!
Deondre: Most of them?
TJ: There’s a ballad in the mix that might work with whatever Tara is talking about.

Tara glared at Natalia and scooted closer toward Deondre.

Deondre: Why don’t we do this: We’ll do the two songs that go with the looks you already picked out then do this ballad last and incorporate the stuff Tara’s talking about at the end? That way you’re showing some versatility and everybody’s happy. Does that work?
Natalia (nodding): I can do that.

Tara was standoffish and noncommittal. 

Tara (eyeing Natalia): We’ll need to work through the night to get the new stage stuff down.
Natalia: That’s fine with me. I want to be sure I’ve got all the points anyway.
Deondre: Good! Then it’s settled. One of you get Corynne on the phone and have her come over here. Y’all will need to work together to get the new styling right. I don’t want this last minute change to look like a last minute change on stage.
Natalia: It won’t!
Deondre: Tara, you’d better make sure of that. This was your brilliant idea.

Deondre headed for the door and Tara followed him out.

Tara: What was that in there?
Deondre: What was what? There was a conflict and I orchestrated a compromise that kept everybody happy.
Tara: You were supposed to have my back
Deondre: What are you talking about, Tara? I’m watching out for the label’s back right now. You’re supposed to be doing the same.

Tara stepped closer to Deondre and rubbed his chest.

Tara: You’re right. I’m just stressed. Why haven’t you called me or come over lately? I’ve missed you.
Deondre (moving Tara’s hands): Tara, we have a new artist on board. Most of my time has been spent getting things going for Natalia’s project. You know that. I’m stressed too, though, so I can relate.
Tara (angrily stepping back and folding her arms across her chest): Are you sleeping with her?

---

The way Kelvin kissed made Corynne’s head spin. He touched her face with gentle fingertips, but he gripped her hips with firm hands. Corynne arched her back, driving Kelvin crazy, and he moaned in a way he hadn’t in the two years he’d been celibate. By the time it was over they were both drenched in sweat, spent with sloppy satisfied smiles on their faces.

Corynne: I’ve signed the lease and given you a taste. It is safe to say you finally got all you came for.
Kelvin (chuckling): You are something else. What makes you think I got everything I came for already? I can always go for more.
Corynne: I bet you think you can.
Kelvin: Corynne, I can handle you, everything you have to give and then some.

Corynne looked at Kelvin skeptically and held back from rolling her eyes.

Corynne: What do you think you can handle in here, Kelvin?

Kelvin pushed himself up onto his forearm and looked at Corynne intently.

Kelvin: You, Corynne. I can handle you. I mean, I just proved I can handle what you’re dishing out in this bedroom, but take a look at the bigger picture. You’ve got big dreams and ambitions ideas, and I handled those too. Didn’t I?

Corynne smiled.

Corynne: I must admit, I thought you were full of it when you said you could get me a new location for my shop and studio venture. You came through and got me a spot I could only dream of.
Kelvin: Exactly.
Corynne: I can’t wait to get started! I’ll bring Spoiled to Karana Cove and be able to work in a studio upstairs.
Kelvin: That’s what you wanted, right?
Corynne (animated): Yes! I figure with the buzz I should build up from working with Natalia and the potential in my new neighborhood, I should be fighting clients off with a stick in no time!
Kelvin: You’ll be busy. Might need to hire an assistant.
Corynne (giggling): I don’t know about all that. I’m pretty sure I can handle my business affairs on my own.

Kelvin, who had a dreamy smile on his face listening to Corynne wax poetic about the future of her blossoming businesses, leaned over and kissed Corynne tenderly on her lips. The kiss lingered for a moment and Corynne felt flushed when she pulled away.

Kelvin: I like where your head is at.
Corynne: Right. That’s what that was about just now. My head. Got it.

Corynne snickered and wiggled in bed. Kelvin reached out to embrace her again. She surprised him when she scooted closer and nestled in the crook of his neck.

Corynne: You should come watch Natalia’s show at Sal’s this weekend. Her voice is incredible, and most importantly she is going to look AMAZING thanks to me and my makeup artist friend Trish.
Kelvin: Sounds like a good time – for the ladies!!!
Corynne: Oh shut up! You’ll enjoy it.
Kelvin: I’ve gotta swing by and see Cruz and Destiny and their new baby sometime this weekend, but I’d love to come and see some of your work. Might even be able to shoot you out a client or two once I see what you can do.
Corynne: Oh you’ve seen a little of what I can do already.
Kelvin: Is that right? Well, what does a brotha have to do to get you to show him a little more?!

Corynne laughed and started to climb on top of Kelvin when her phone rang. She glanced over at the screen and quickly picked it up.

Corynne: What’s wrong?
Natalia: Tara’s working my last nerve. At the last possible second, as in barely over an hour ago, she comes in and tells me we need to rehearse and she wants to make some changes to the show.
Corynne: What the hell?! Why?!
Natalia: Because she’s a bitch!
Corynne (laughing): Aside from that!
Natalia: She wants to move my ballad to the last spot and change “the stage presence” to be more old glamour and Billie Holiday-esque.
Corynne: She’s trippin’.
Natalia: I know! It was worse than that. At first she wanted the whole damn show like that, but Deondre came in here and we got it figured out. We didn’t want to completely throw away all the work we’ve done up to this point.
Corynne: Right. So, what do you need?
Natalia: I need you to get down here and work with me on whatever “presence” she thinks she’s trying to create. She wants to straighten my hair and pin it up and put a flower in it and all other kinds of madness.
Corynne: Wow
Natalia: I just want a performance that highlights my music and shows who I am. I’m not Billie Holiday. I’m Natalia.
Corynne (laughing): Don’t worry about it. We’ll do a little old glam and we’ll throw a Natalia twist on it. I’ll be up there in about an hour.

Kelvin sat up and began kissing down Corynne’s spine.

Corynne: Two. I’ll be there in two hours. I have to, um, take a shower.

---

While Destiny was released from the hospital after a couple days of observation, baby Lana was kept in the NICU. Rather than go all the way home, Cruz and Destiny stayed at a hotel nearby so they could visit their daughter in the hospital.

Cruz: Thank you, Dr. Rivers. We’ll be right in. Thank you very much.
Destiny: What’s going on?!
Cruz (smiling from ear to ear): They’ve decided little Lana has finally gained enough weight and she is ready to leave the hospital.

Destiny stood up and walked slowly over to her husband as if she couldn’t believe what he was saying.

Destiny: We get to take our baby home?
Cruz (nodding and smiling): Yes, I get to take both my precious loves home today.

Destiny and Cruz hugged, then Destiny picked up her phone from the nightstand and made a call.

Destiny: Monie! Guess what!

Cruz’s smile quickly turned to a frown.

Simone: You sound excited! I guess you’re feeling better today.
Destiny: Much better.
Simone: Well good! Carter’s already with Corey. I was just getting out of the shower. Let me get some clothes on and I’ll be over there to see you and my god baby.
Destiny: Would you shut up for a minute so I can tell you
Simone: Tell me what?
Destiny: The doctors said we get to go home today!
Simone: Princess Lana finally gets to go to the palace?! I’m so excited now!!!
Destiny: Yes! Me too! Meet us over at the hospital. We’re going to get ready then we’re driving over to pick her up. Cruz has had that car seat in the truck forever, and now we’re going to get to use it!

Destiny was smiling hard and walking around looking for something to wear. Cruz snatched her phone out of her hand while she was distracted.

Cruz: There’s really no need for you to meet us at the hospital, Simone. We will pick up Lana together and maybe you can come over later to say hello.

Before Simone or Destiny could get a word in otherwise, Cruz ended the call and set about getting himself dressed and ready for the day.

Destiny (following Cruz into the bathroom): Um, Cruz? Is something wrong?
Cruz (splashing water onto his face): Nope. Nothing at all.
Destiny: Hmm. It seems like something is wrong, because you just told my best friend to “maybe” come over later and say hello to her god daughter.
Cruz: Our daughter. You know, the one we almost lost – and that’s not the only person I almost lost – in a car accident she caused?!
Destiny: You said it yourself, Cruz, it was an accident. Things happen. You act like she was deliberately trying to take us out!
Cruz: Not exactly, but from the conversation – or lack thereof – between her and Kelvin in the emergency department waiting room, I get the feeling she was on her way to take someone out and you and our child got hurt in the process. I'm tired of our family getting caught up in her mess.

Destiny touched Cruz’s shoulder to calm him down.

Destiny: Look, I know she can be a bit much –
Cruz: That’s putting it lightly!

Destiny laughed.

Destiny: I know Simone can be a bit much at times, but deep down she truly means well. She’s been through a lot –
Cruz: I really don’t care about her plight.
Destiny: You’re really mad about this!
Cruz: Damn right! Destiny, you were almost killed!
Destiny: But I wasn’t. I am standing here with you as I would be on any other day, and as I hope to be on every day that follows.
Cruz: I’m not staying in this hotel!
Destiny: I swear you just want to be contrary.

Cruz and Destiny laughed together, then Cruz leaned down and kissed his wife on her forehead.

Destiny: Hurry up and get ready. I can’t wait much longer to see my baby.

Cruz and Destiny drove to the hospital and picked up Lana without any trouble. Cruz strapped her securely into her car seat, and Destiny decided to ride in the back so she could kiss and coo at the beautiful baby girl. She was so distracted with her bundle of joy she didn’t notice the decorations adorning her home.

Cruz (angrily shifting the truck into park): What the hell is this?!?!?!

Destiny looked up, slightly startled.

Destiny: Either we’ve been pranked by the neighborhood teens or there’s a welcoming party inside!

Destiny smiled, thinking of all the fun she’d had at her baby shower. Her smile faded when she realized how exhausted she already was. Cruz noticed the change.

Cruz (marching toward the front door): I’m putting a stop to this.

Destiny shook her head at her grumpy husband and calmly took Lana out of her seat.

Destiny: Well, Baby Lana, things are about to get way more interesting than they were in that old NICU. Let’s you and I go watch the fireworks.

Destiny walked slowly to the front door, which had been left ajar.

Simone: Welcome hoooooooommmme!

Destiny stepped inside the door and saw why Cruz hadn’t made a scene. There was no large group of people waiting with anxious smiles. No music. No loud talking. There was only a makeshift nursery in what used to be their living room and a large spread of food covering their dining room table.

Destiny (with hushed excitement): Simone! Thank you!
Simone: I just wanted to make sure your first week or so went off without too much of a hitch.

Simone looked nervously at Cruz, who wasn’t glaring at her anymore but he wasn’t looking completely thrilled either.

Simone: You’ve got your kitchen and a bathroom down here, so I figured I’d make up a comfy spot on your sofa bed and create a little pop up nursery so you basically have everything in one spot until you get used to the new roles.

Simone turned to Cruz.

Simone: I know you’re still pretty upset with me. I still feel pretty bad about everything myself. I just wanted to try to do something that would help. You guys have always done so much for me. The least I could do was ease the hell week you’re walking into.

Simone and Destiny chuckled. Cruz softened but still did not move.

Destiny: Thank you, Monie. It looks like you went to a lot of trouble, but I’m sure it’ll all be worth it.
Simone (smiling weakly): It will be. You look pretty exhausted already. Why don’t you guys take a little family nap. Kelvin got back to me and I’m finally going to get to sign the papers for my new shop. I’ll want to see you and Lana in there for Mommy and Me days!

Destiny laughed.

Destiny: And when I get back on the blog I’ll send a follower or two your way.

Simone headed for the door.

Simone: Do that! You’ll find I tucked your laptop in the side pocket on Cruz’s arm chair. I know you’re shackled to that thing.

Cruz came over to close the door behind Simone. She stopped short and turned around when he came near.

Simone: I know you don’t believe me right now, but I am sorry. The one thing I would never do is want to hurt Destiny. She’s the best friend I’ve ever had.

Cruz nodded solemnly and closed the door behind Simone.

Cruz: I don’t want her back in this house, and she needs to return whatever key you gave her.

---

THE NEXT DAY

Patience: Corey, would you cut it out?! I’m at the airport picking up Will now. I probably won’t be able to go with you to the show at Sal’s. Corynne will be there. Sit with her and she’ll have you laughing the whole night through.
Corey: That’s not the same as sitting with you.
Patience: I gotta go. Bye Corey.

Patience ended the call and put her cell phone back into her purse. She jumped when she felt a tap on her shoulder.

Will: Excuse me, Pretty Lady, I think you’re looking for me.

Patience threw her arms around Will’s neck and almost toppled him over. He dropped his carryon bag and returned her hug.

Will: So, you didn’t miss me even a little bit?

Patience laughed.

Patience: Not a drop. You ready to go?
Will (tentatively): I suppose so

Patience grabbed his hand and gave it a tug.

Patience: Stop toying with me and let’s go. I’ve been waiting for you ever since you left.

Patience weaved through traffic and the two held an easy conversation.

Patience: So, how was your trip?
Will: Productive. I didn’t get very much time to sleep.
Patience: Aww! Are you tired?
Will: I slept a bit on the plane, but for the most part I was in meetings, meetings and more meetings the whole time I was there.
Patience: That’s what going out of town on business is about!
Will: Yeah. I’m used to it, being a consultant and all. I’m glad to be back home. I thought about you and missed you a lot, even though I couldn’t call you that much.

Patience smiled. Will put his hand on Patience’s knee and rubbed her thigh.

Patience: Oh thaaaat’s what you mean by “you missed me!”

Patience and Will laughed, and he leaned over and kissed her cheek.

Will: That’s not all I missed. I missed your smile and your laugh and your crazy student stories. We’re gonna have to catch up now that I’m back.
Patience: We can do that. Do you want to get a bite to eat, or should I just head to your place?

Will caressed Patience’s hair and rubbed her thigh again.

Will: Both
Patience (confused): Both?!
Will: Both. We should head to my place, because I definitely need to eat.
Patience: Oh!

With a girlish giggle Patience zipped across the city streets and was parked in front of Will’s condo before he knew it. The two jumped out of the car, leaving his bag inside, and hurried for his unit.

Will (between kisses on her neck): I think I dreamed about this on the entire flight home.

Patience moaned and the two melted into ecstasy. When they were done Will fell fast asleep and Patience smiled as he snored lightly. She was about to get up for a glass of water when she heard her cellphone ring.

Patience (curious because she did not recognize the number): Hello?

Patience glanced at the clock on the wall and headed into the kitchen.

Female voice: How long have you known Will?
Patience: Excuse me?
Female voice: Will. How long have you known him?
Patience: Who is this?
Female voice: My name is Kaya. I live in New York.
Patience: That explains why you don’t know what time it is.
Kaya: How long have you known Will?
Patience: A while. Why do you ask?
Kaya: So you know he was just out of town this past week?
Patience: I do know that. Why do you have my number?
Kaya: I was with him this week. I’m still lying naked in the bed in his hotel room, as a matter of fact.
Patience (embarrassed): And I’m standing naked in the kitchen in his apartment.
Kaya: You’re very beautiful. I like your name. Will left his laptop here while he was off to one of his meetings and I took the liberty of going all through it. I found your number and some interesting photos.
Patience: Yeah. Thanks, I think. Look, what do you want with me, exactly?
Kaya: I just thought you should know. I mean, I already know the deal. When he’s here he’s mine. I don’t care what he does when he’s at home. I figured he wasn’t going to tell you, though. Knew that when he started ignoring your calls while I was riding him.
Patience: More information than I needed, thanks.
Kaya: You’ve got it all wrong, girl. These days we women need all the information. Gotta get it however you can.
Patience: I guess you've got a point there.
Kaya: Look, I don’t wanna cause any problems. It's just I’d wanna know if I were you.
Patience: Well, I appreciate the call.
Kaya: You don’t now, but you will later. Sweet dreams, Cupcake. Tell Big Daddy Bill Kaya said hi.

Patience stared at the phone in her hand and watched it go dark. For a while she couldn’t move, but as she heard Will in his bedroom beginning to stir the flipped through her contacts and made a call, wiping away the hot, angry tears slowly falling from her eyes.

Patience: Looks like a spot just opened up in my datebook. I’ll be able to go with you to Natalia’s show after all. Practice keeping your hands to yourself. I’m warning you now, I plan to look damn good!

Minisode One

Crushed metal. Very hot, twisted, crushed metal. There is blood. So much blood. And it hurts to move.

Simone: Destiny! DESTINY!!!

The gash on her forehead is spilling blood down her face, but Simone stumbles out of the car and runs to the other side, pulling on the door handle with all her might.

Simone: Come on, Destiny! We gotta get you out of this damn car!

Tears began to mix with the blood trickling down Simone's cheeks, and for a second she slid down to the ground, weeping into her lap. She was so distraught she didn't notice the strange man who approached her.

Stranger: Are you ok, miss lady?

Simone looked up, her wild eyes and blood-and-tear streaked face startling the man. She scrambled to her feet abruptly.

Simone (hurriedly): We crashed into this car. It was stalled. There were no damn hazard lights on!
Stranger: Have you called anyone for help?

Simone was distant.

Simone: Help? Yes! We need help! My friend is inside and her door won't open, and she's pregnant!

Simone turned and violently jiggled the handle on the passenger door.

Stranger: Ok. Calm down. I'm going to call for help. This car up here is mine. Well, it was mine. The hazard lights don't work.

Simone rolled her eyes and let out a heavy sigh, then went back to jiggling the door handle. The man came back with a young woman who was speaking loudly into a cell phone.

Young woman: We need an ambulance! There is a pregnant woman here trapped inside her vehicle. Please hurry!

The woman offered Simone a silent smile then went around to the driver's side and opened the door, climbing in.

Stranger: I'm Eric, and that's Kelani. She's on the phone with help, so someone should be here soon. Are you hurt at all?

Simone shook her head. She was biting her nails, a nervous habit she'd given up, but it had resurfaced when Corey moved out.

Simone (snappily): Aside from this big as cut on my forehead, I'm fine. I'm more worried about my friend and her baby.

Simone's mood had gone from hysterical to aggravated to forlorn. Not only had she caused the accident that would probably kill Destiny and her baby, she couldn't even pull herself together enough to get them any kind of help. The girl called Kelani was in her car feeling Destiny's neck and wrist for a pulse and listening to the dispatcher on the phone, and Simone couldn't think of anything to do with herself more than wring her hands and bite her nails. Eric put his jacket over Simone's shoulders and guided her away from the car.

Eric (lamely): It's ok. Kelani was a lifequard in high school, so she knows CPR. Help will be here in no time and you'll be off to a hospital where doctors will save your friend. Is there someone else you might need to call?

Simone looked around and saw her cell phone on the ground outside the passenger door. She must have dropped it there while she was trying to open Destiny's door. Simone sauntered over to the phone, and as she looked through her phone for her friend's husband's number the paramedics and fire department arrived. Almost instantly rescuers were clawing at the car, trying to get Destiny out. A stretcher was off to the side, waiting. Two paramedics rushed over to Simone, who was clutching her phone tight, terrified.

Simone (holding up her free hand to stop them): I'm ok. This looks bad, but I feel fine. Just please help my friend and her baby.
Paramedic: Why don't you come sit down and let us at least have a look at it.
Eric (encouragingly): Can't hurt none. Go on. I'll keep an eye on your friend.

Simone walked with the paramedics to the back of an ambulance, and she brushed past Kelani, who was gesturing wildly and talking to the police.

Kelani: I wasn't in the car when the crash happened, thank goodness. You're right, though. We should have put on the hazard lights.

Eric was headed over to put a firm hand on Kelani's young shoulder when rescuers finally lifted Destiny out of the mangled car. She looked like she had regained consciousness.

Simone (crying): Destiny! DESTINY!!!

Paramedics snapped into action, wheeling the gurney over and hustling Destiny into the ambulance beside Simone.

Destiny (weakly): Call Cruz

Simone scrolled through her phone's directory and leaned over to hold her friend's hand.

Simone: Cruz, you have to get over to Drew Memorial. There's been an accident. I'm on my way there with Destiny now.

-----

Cruz: This can't be happening!!!

Cruz jammed his phone into his pants pocket and tried to compose himself. The first person he called was Elijah, but he went straight to voice mail and had to leave a message.

Cruz: Meet me at Drew Memorial. I don't have all the details, but Destiny's on her way there now. Call me back.

Next on the list was Corey, whose son, Carter, was in the living room watching television. Not surprisingly, this call also went straight to voice mail.

Cruz: Corey, hi. It's Cruz. I've, uh, got Carter here with me, but something has come up. I have to meet Destiny at Drew Memorial, and I'm pretty sure your boy's too young to be on the hospital floor. Give me a call when you get this. Thanks.

Finally, he hit a speed dial key and called Kelvin, apparently the only man in town who still answered his cell phone.

Cruz: Kelvin!
Kelvin (confused and concerned): Yeah?
Cruz: Thank God you picked up! I'm on my way to the hospital and I need your help.
Kelvin (seriously): What happened?
Cruz: There's been an accident, and Destiny and Simone  are on their way to Drew Memorial. I've got Carter with me, and I can't leave him here, but I have to get over there!
Kelvin: Go. Take him with you, and I'll meet you there. He can sit in the lobby with me while you take care of your wife.
Cruz: Thanks, man. You're the only person who actually helped!

Trying not to panic, Cruz ended the call and bundled Carter into the family truck. The toddler was too big for the infant seat that Cruz had excitedly installed right after the baby shower, but it would have to do.

-----

Simone paced the floor in the waiting room at the Charles Drew Memorial Hospital Emergency Department. She'd bitten her nails down to the quick and was quivering with nerves when Cruz walked through the doors, followed closely by Kelvin, Carter on his hip with his head laid gently on his shoulder.

Cruz: WHAT HAPPENED?!
Simone: It was an accident. There was a car stalled on Whiskey Curve. They didn't even have on their hazard lights!
Cruz (almost snarling): Where is Destiny?
Simone: I think I heard them saying something about emergency surgery. I don't know. No one will tell me what is going on!

Cruz stormed off toward the nurse's station. He didn't have physician privileges at this hospital, but he did know to talk to the triage nurse if he wanted the truth about what was going on with his wife.

Simone (holding her arms out toward Carter): Baby! Oh, my baby! Mommy is so glad to see you!

Kelvin handed Simone the child and guided them both to a bunch of brown plastic chairs. Simone sat down, cradling Carter, and began to rock back and forth. She was rocking rhythmically and shaking her head when more people rushed into the waiting room. Elijah and Dominique came in first. Corey and Patience were not far behind them.

Simone: You cannot be serious.

Cruz solemnly rejoined the group.

Cruz: They took her into surgery. She lost too much blood and fluid in the accident. They had to do an emergency C-section.
Elijah: Do you need anything?
Cruz: I could probably use some coffee, but that can wait until I find out she's made it out of surgery. I can't believe this is happening.

Corey walked over and put a hand on Cruz's shoulder.

Corey: She's going to be ok, Cruz. We'll all be here to make sure of that.
Cruz (smiling weakly): Thanks.

Cruz helped himself to one of the brown plastic chairs, and Elijah and Corey took seats nearby.

Dominique: Ya know what? You look like you could really use that coffee. I'm going to run to the cafeteria.
Patience: *ahem* I'll go with you. Does anybody else need anything?
Simone: No. No one else needs anything else from you.

Corey gave Simone a look then reached over to rub Carter's back. Patience and Dominique went to the cafeteria without another word.

Kelvin: How did this happen?
Simone: We were actually on our way to meet you at that spot when we crashed into a stalled car.
Elijah: A stalled car?!
Simone: Yes. It belonged to a man and this woman, who tried to help us. The car was just there in the middle of the road on Whiskey Curve, without any hazards lights on or anything, and we smashed right into it.
Corey: Damn, Simone!
Simone: Thanks. I'm ok. I was scared as hell, though. Destiny was trapped in the car, and I was completely in shock. I couldn't do anything with myself. The guy came around and his girlfriend or whatever helped us. She called the ambulance and checked Destiny for a pulse and stuff.
Cruz (absently): You should have someone here look at that cut.
Simone: The paramedics checked me out. As long as I don't need stitches I'm cool.
Kelvin: So you'd rather have an ugly ass scar on your forehead forever?
Corey: She'll probably cover it with bangs.

Kelvin and Corey laughed.

Simone: Actually, now that you're here, I can go get checked out and you can sit with our son.

Patience and Dominique returned with steaming cups of coffee just before a surgeon came out and motioned toward Cruz. The group went quiet as Cruze walked over to talk to the doctor.

Patience (to Corey): Any news?
Corey: I think he's finding out something over there now.

A short while later, Cruz walked over to his friends, visibly distracted.

Cruz: The surgery was a success. They've got her stabilized now, and I should be able to go back and be with her shortly.
Simone: And the baby?
Cruz (with a big smile): A beautiful baby girl. She's early, so they're going to watch her, but she made it through as well.

Cruz smiled as Elijah came over to hug him.

Elijah: I know you were scared!
Cruz: Hell yeah! You'll know something about that someday.
Simone: Thank goodness! Ok, I'm going to go back and get patched up too. This has been one hell of a day, and I didn't even get to do what I set out to do today! Damn shame.

Simone was shaking her head and putting Carter into Corey's lap.

Kelvin: Hey, Simone?
Simone (looking up): Yeah?
Kelvin: What were you guys doing on Whiskey Curve? That's in the opposite direction from my shop, which is the spot we were supposed to meet at.

Simone walked away in silence.

Episode Six

When Tensions Rise

Plush pillows were strewn about the floor around the edges of the bed. The thick comforter had been thrown to the side. The full length of the satin sheets could not be determined, for they were twisted and wrapped haphazardly about the limbs of the couple naked in bed. The air was warm and moist, and the whirring of the air conditioner could only faintly be heard.

Dominique (kissing Elijah’s chest): This was a wonderful idea.

Elijah (running his fingers along the nape of Dominique’s neck): Well, I know it took me a while to come around, and I gave you a hard time even after you told me everything, so I wanted to apologize a little bit and show you I was serious about us starting over with a clean slate.

Dominique: Awww! Babe!

Dominique tilted her head up to kiss Elijah’s lips

Dominique: You also wanted to get a little bit in before I get on a plane to go to work tomorrow! You ain’t slick.

Elijah (chuckling): That might have had something to do with it

Dominique climbed out of the bed and walked over to the window, which overlooked the water. She reached her arms above her head in a stretch then turned around to face Elijah.

Elijah: You have a beautiful body

Elijah pulled a pair of underwear on then came over and kissed Dominique’s shoulder

Dominique (turning around and giving Elijah a coy peck on the cheek): I’m glad you like it.

Elijah: I do.

Elijah took Dominique’s hands into his own and looked into her eyes

Elijah: So, my folks will be in town when you get back. I want you to come with us out to dinner

Dominique hesitated then smiled a little bit. She broke away from his embrace and went and sat on the edge of the bed.

Elijah: Damn. I said come with us out to dinner, not make dinner for the whole family.

Dominique laughed

Dominique: Shut up! It’s not that. And I can learn how to cook whenever I want to, thankyouverymuch.

She stuck her tongue out at him and he sat down on the bed beside her.

Elijah: What’s up? Meeting my mom got you spooked? I’d be more worried about meeting my dad if I were you.

Dominique: Not exactly. I mean, I can handle anything. Just, with everything that’s happened I want it all to be right. Ya know?

Elijah: Dom, we already live together. How can meeting my family be wrong after that?

Dominique: There’s something else I need to tell you.

Elijah: We’ve put Deondre and Kelvin behind us. What more could there be?

Dominique: Remember that girl you gave your card to at your high school reunion? The one you hooked up with Deondre for the music thing?

Elijah: The curly head! What was her name? Natalie?

Dominique: Natalia. I know her.

Elijah (laughing): That’s not a deep, dark secret, Dom. Sometimes I wonder about you. You keep some of the most insignificant things to yourself. Considering you moved here from out of state, it’s ok to tell me you have a friend here from back home. That’s where you know her from, right?

Dominique (nodding): Yeah. We did a little underground video together, she was singing background vocals and I was modeling. All the other girls were giving us both the stank face, so we ended up hanging out together.

Elijah: Welp, the cat’s outta the bag now. The jig is up. Your secret friendship is blown!

Elijah laughed and shook his head. Dominique closed her eyes and tried to compose herself.

Dominique: I’m glad you’re taking this ok. I figured you’d think we were trying to game you or something.

Elijah: Dom, when you’re keeping secrets like interactions with men I know it only makes sense that you’ll keep other insignificant stuff to yourself too. Hard to know what’s safe to tell and what’s not under those circumstances.

Dominique (looking at her hands in her lap): Yeah.

Elijah lifted Dominique’s chin with his fingers until her eyes met his

Elijah: Your past does not matter to me. We’ve all done some things we may not want to repeat in order to get to where we are now. That life is done. We’re doing this right here right now.

Dominique smiled and leaned in to kiss Elijah’s lips

Dominique: You’re amazing. And I can’t wait to meet your mom and dad.

Dominique threw herself back onto the bed and Elijah laid down beside her, brushed a wisp of hair out of her face

Elijah: Dom, I love you. I’m glad you came home.

-----

Just outside downtown...

Corynne (laughing): You are working real hard right now.

Kelvin: I just believe in good customer service.

Corynne: Oh, that’s what this is?

Kelvin (with a mischievous grin): Absolutely. I believe in creating the ultimate client experience.

Corynne: Is that right? Well, I do appreciate the spot you found for me, and I really appreciate you expediting this process.

Kelvin: Appreciate it, huh? How much?

Kelvin moved closer behind Corynne, and she could feel his breath on her neck. She waited a moment before taking two deliberate steps away.

Corynne: Not quite that much.

Corynne was still laughing hysterically at Kelvin when his phone rang

Kelvin: Hello?

Simone: Kelvin. I need to see you. I’m ready to take the next steps to opening my shop.

Kelvin: Simone? I, uh, can’t meet with you right now. I’m with a client –

Corynne: Hiiiiiii Simoooooone!

Kelvin gave Corynne a look

Kelvin: I’m with a client right now, but we can link up tomorrow. The place by The Cut Up is still available.

Simone: Hmph. I know I’m not your only client, Kelvin, but you did say you wanted to help me.

Kelvin: I do want to help you! I just can’t drop everything and jump when you say “go.” What’s with the sudden change of heart anyway? At first you said we needed to move slowly on this deal because you wanted to talk to your husband about it first.

Simone: Not that it’s any of your business, but we won’t be needing Corey’s input on this.

Kelvin: Trouble in paradise?

Simone: I don’t want to talk about it.

Kelvin: Look, I don’t care either way. As long as you can come up with the money – and you do know you’re going to need some of Corey and his daddy’s money – then we don’t even need to talk about anything else.

Simone: Don’t worry about where my money comes from, you just make sure I see this location you’ve been promising me. I want to go today.

Kelvin: Yes, ma’am! I’ll call you in about hour. We can meet at my barber shop.

Kelvin disconnected the call and turned his attention back to Corynne

Corynne: Another ultimate client experience in the works!

Kelvin chuckled then reached for Corynne’s hands, pulling her close to him

Kelvin: When are you gonna stop playin’ me and give me some personal time. I’m obviously interested.

Corynne: Is that what you call it? We’ve got business on the table until I’ve signed on the dotted line.

Kelvin: And after that?

Corynne: After that I’ll think about it.

Kelvin laughed

Kelvin: You’ll think about it?! Still the same tease you were in high school.

Corynne stepped back and looked at Kelvin curiously

Corynne: I’m a little older, which means I’m a lot better now.

Kelvin: Is that right?

Corynne: You know it is. That’s why we’re still sitting here in this office long after you’ve given me your little update.

Kelvin (laughing): Ok. Ok. I’ll wait until we wrap up the business on the table, but I’m not going to back off. Truth be told, I’ll probably come at you harder when this deal is done.

Corynne: Good luck with that.

Kelvin: I don’t need luck. I’ve got a good track record.

Corynne laughed flirtatiously

Corynne: Right. Whatever you say. Now that we’ve got that situated, what was that Simone was telling you about some kind of trouble in paradise?

-----

In a conference room downtown, the Get Right Music family was meeting up to kick off yet another career

Deondre: So, what we want to do is get you in front of an audience next week

Natalia: What?! So soon?!

TJ and Reggie laughed. Tara rolled her eyes

Deondre: There’s no reason to wait! Your voice is incredible and you have original songs. The rest is a matter of finesse from the team over here. Right, Tara?

Natalia turned to face Tara
Tara shrugged

Natalia: I’m excited and everything. I’m just surprised this is all getting started so fast. I can handle anything you throw at me. I’m ready for it all.

Gavin: Have you ever considered getting your nose pierced?

Natalia: I have, actually. You think that would give my look “an edge?”

Gavin laughed

Gavin: Corynne told you that already, didn’t she?

Natalia (smiling): She said my voice and style seem to be soft and feminine but with some edge to it, so I should go with that

Gavin: She’s right. We’re lucky to have her on the team

Tara (clearing her throat): So what do we have on the table?

Deondre: Well, I’m working on getting her some time on the stage at Sal’s to start off.

TJ and Reggie snickered, and Deondre cut his eyes at them.

Deondre: I want to start her off there with just a simple stage show – maybe 3 songs – then I want to get some buzz going. Reggie? Are you paying attention?

Reggie: Sal’s for a simple stage show followed up with some buzz. Got it.

Deondre: That’s where the photo shoot will come in handy. Social media to promote the show at Sal’s then push one of the songs on Mack’s radio show. I want to be working on music for a showcase and a mixtape to capitalize on whatever buzz we can build from the first show. TJ, that’s where you come in.

TJ: Showcase music?

Deondre (nodding): Songs period. I want the two of you in the lab more than you’re at home once we get this ball rolling. Natalia, you are about to have to work your curly-headed ass off. Get ready.

Natalia (grinning from ear to ear): I told you, I’ve been ready.

Deondre laughed at her enthusiasm and patted her on the shoulder

Deondre: Get together with these guys and they’ll help you coordinate your schedule.

Deondre left the room and Tara all but pounced

Tara: We need to get started right away.

Natalia (looking at Tara strangely): Lets go!

Tara: I want to work on your stage show as soon as possible.

Natalia: That’s fine.

TJ: Let’s do this. I’ve got some ideas for the two songs you used to get in the door. Write one more song and we’ll get the music together.

Tara: Have that done within the next two days, because once you have the song selection you can start rehearsing and we can work on your stage presence.

Natalia: Done. I’ll go home and start writing now.

Gavin: Not exactly. We’re gonna go get that nose pierced. I’m not sure whether a small stud or a ring should be your signature, but we’ll figure that out before the showcase.

Reggie: You have a photo shoot scheduled for Friday. We’ll tell Corynne so she can be there too.

Natalia: Sounds good. Anything else?

Tara, Reggie and TJ all look at Natalia blankly and Gavin starts to laugh

Gavin: Come on, chile. There’s a piercing gun with your name on it on the pier.

Gavin and Natalia were headed out the door when TJ reached out and grabbed Natalia’s arm

TJ: Text me if you need help writing. I’m usually good for inspiration.

TJ smiled at Natalia lasciviously, and she didn’t miss a beat, nervous as she was

Natalia: I don’t have your number, but I’m sure you’ll find a way to get your hands on mine. Text me just in case I find myself in a fit of writer’s block.

TJ: I just might do that.

Gavin tugged on Natalia’s other arm and the two headed out the door, laughing and nearly stumbling into the elevator

Natalia: Oh my gawd! I can’t believe all this is happening right now!

Gavin: What? Boss man told you we would take care of you! You’re part of the family now.

Natalia: It feels good – well, mostly

Gavin (laughing): You must be talking about that almost incestuous bit we just walked out on

Natalia laughed and looked up at the ceiling in the elevator

Natalia: What was that about? Geez! I haven’t even got both feet in the door yet!

Gavin: I don’t think it was your feet he was thinking about. Then again, I heard he’s  a freak.

Natalia cracked up

Natalia: You seem to know a lot about the family. What’s up? What do I need to know?

Gavin (matter-of factly): Just like any other clan, we bite and scratch when we fight then kiss and hug when we make up. We’re not always going to like each other, and not everyone will roll out the red carpet trying to be your friend, but believe me when I say some of us like to keep it aaaaaalllllll in the family – but you’ve noticed a little bit of that already.

Natalia nodded at Gavin’s knowing smile. The two playfully linked arms and stepped off the elevator together.

Natalia: I see we are going to be real good friends.

-----

Simone: Destiny, it takes you foreeeeeever to get ready. You’re not gonna have time like this when the baby gets here.

Destiny: Oh, hush. You’re the one who asked me to come along at the last minute.

Simone: I need support! My husband has up and moved out –

Destiny: Lower your voice! Carter is in there taking a nap.

Simone (whispering): I’m in that house all alone and I have to do something to get myself together. I’m seriously thinking about moving on.

Destiny (raising an eyebrow): Just thinking about it?

Simone: Yes, just thinking about it. Kelvin has been really helpful finding me a place to open my salon. Once I get my business up off the ground I’ll be ready to get out there and get my swag back.

Destiny cringed

Destiny: Please don’t say “swag.”

Simone (laughing): You look like you’re about to be sick!

Destiny: I will be if you keep talking like a wayward teenager. Let’s hurry up and get this over with so I can get back. Unlike me, Cruz does need the practice, but I don’t want Carter stuck with him for too long. Believe me you don’t either. He’ll come back home insisting on watching the Spanish channels with the volume on mute.

Simone and Destiny laughed as they headed out the front door and into Simone’s car

Destiny: Ok, now you can fill me in. You told me Corey was talking about moving out, but you didn’t tell me he went ahead with it.

Simone: Yep. After he told me and the counselor he didn’t want to work on our marriage I told him good luck ever seeing his son again.

Destiny: Simone, you can’t do that.

Simone: You sound like him, because that’s exactly what he tried to say. He didn’t come home that night. I checked our account. Looks like he stayed at a hotel for a couple days, but when he finally remembered our address and walked through the door we got into a big ass fight and I told him I didn’t want to see his face anymore.

Destiny: You’re telling me all this time Carter’s been at my house with me thinking you and Corey are working things out in your marriage and instead you’ve been using me to keep your son away from his father? That’s messed up Simone.

Simone: I don’t need a lecture, Destiny. I was trying to keep my family together.

Destiny: That sounds pretty backwards to me. You were trying to keep y’all together by keeping everyone apart? How does that make any sense?

Simone (bitterly): Love doesn’t always make sense. Isn’t that what you told me when Cruz left his wife to be with you?

Destiny: This is different, Simone. There weren’t any children involved in our situation at all. You’re being a selfish brat.

Simone: I’ll be that. Corey will get his. Just gimme a minute to get to it.

Destiny: You’re wrong, and I don’t appreciate you involving me.

Simone: So you’re kicking my son out?

Destiny: No! You know I wouldn’t do that. Carter can stay as long as you need, but this is messed up and you know it.

Simone: Can we talk about something else?

Destiny: Anything! Please!

Simone: What was up with that Dominique girl? You told me you had a funny feeling about her.

Destiny: I don’t really know. Something seemed a little off about her, but I can’t put my finger on it. I just get a sneaky vibe from her, and I don’t like that. Me and Cruz love Elijah.

Simone: I know that much. He and Corey are only barely cordial for two people who work for the same law firm. If that girl messes up I’ll be happy to take Elijah off her hands.

Destiny: I want no parts of that adventure at all

The two laughed as Simone slowly pulled up to the curb near Kelvin’s office building

Simone: Shhh! Wait a minute.

Destiny looked around and finally spotted Kelvin and Corynne coming out of the building
Destiny raised an eyebrow at Simone

Destiny: Does he know we’re coming?

Simone (exasperated): Of course he knows, Destiny!

Destiny: Does he really, Simone?

Simone: Well, he told me to meet him at the place, but we were running early, so I figured we’d catch him here.

Destiny: Catch him is right. You are always scheming!

Simone: I wasn’t! Well, not this time anyway.

Destiny: I can’t with you, ya know that?

Simone (laughing): You love me!!!

Destiny rolled her eyes. Outside Kelvin was holding Corynne’s door open for her and lingering as though he didn’t want her to leave. Simone tried to keep her cool.

Simone: She is really not even that cute

Destiny: Oh my gawd! Simone! High school was so long ago!

Simone: Shut up! You might be getting older, but I’m not. I just keep getting more fly as time goes by.

Destiny: Delusional. You are delusional.

Simone rolled down her window and started leaning on her horn, flailing her arm about

Simone: Heeeelllloooooo! Don’t we have an appointment?

Kelvin turned around and saw Simone then threw his head back in frustration. Simone could hear Corynne laughing and saying something, but she couldn’t make out her words. She was out of the car before Destiny could stop her.

Simone: What’s funny?

Corynne (giggling): You. You are what’s funny, Simone.

Kelvin: Y’all are not about to –

Simone: Get out the car.

Corynne (chuckling and shaking her head): You don’t want me to do that and you know it.

Kelvin (turning to Simone): You’re supposed to be meeting me by the building you want to lease, not here. What are you doing here?

Simone: Clearly I should be asking you the same thing.

Corynne (still laughing): I see y’all have some things to work out. Thanks again for everything, Kelvin. I’ll call you.

Simone rolled her eyes

Kelvin: Aight, Corynne. Don’t have me waiting all long.

Corynne: You’ll wait.

Kelvin (chuckling): You right.

Corynne started her car and drove off, leaving Kelvin and Simone in the street

Simone: So, you got me waiting and waiting while you’re over here smiling and laughing and all in Corynne’s face? Really?

Kelvin: Simone, you are trippin’. You come over here outside my office acting a damn fool and you think we’re about to stand in the street and talk about what I should be doing? I’m a grown ass man, so we’re not gonna do that. Let’s go look at the site and see if you like it. I can have the papers drawn up by the end of the week if you do.

Simone let out a breath and unclenched her fists. She hadn’t noticed her fingers were balled up so tight her fingernails had left marks in her palms

Simone: Fine. I’ll meet you over there.

Kelvin: That’s more like it.

Simone stomped back to her car and slammed the door as she got in. She pulled off with a bit of a jerk.

Destiny: What the hell is wrong with you?

Simone: I’m not in the mood, Destiny. We’re gonna make a quick stop on our way.

Destiny didn’t argue. The silence in the car was deafening and the tension was thick. Simone’s thoughts were scrambled and she rode the curves in the road with as much stability as she was riding all the hurt, anger and frustration in her life. With her vision clouded by rage, she didn’t see the stalled car ahead of her in time to stop.

Destiny: Simone! Watch out!!!

-----

Since she was in the neighborhood, Corynne decided to drop by Patience's house unannounced. She was half hoping to catch her in the act with her new friend Will, but by the time she remembered he was out of town on business Corynne was already at her friend's front door. 

Patience: So, tell me every single thing that happened! I want to know what the kiss felt like!!!

Corynne: We didn’t kiss. We just talked about the possibility of being something other than business associates.

Patience: And?! What did you say?!

Corynne: I told him I’d add him to the rotation and we’ll see how it works out.

Patience (laughing): You are out of control, I swear.

Corynne: Me?! What did I do? I’m giving his ass an opportunity. He better not waste it.

Patience: I cannot. I simply cannot.

Corynne laughed

Corynne: You a lie. Last I heard you could, and DID, with Will! How good was that?!

Patience: Giiiiirrrrlll, I can’t even begin to spell it out!

Corynne (laughing): Fast ass threw that three-month rule out the window for this one!

Patience: I was tempted!

Corynne: I know that’s right. Somebody is gonna be skippin’ through them halls and singing at that chalkboard when the fall semester starts!

Patience: Shut up!

Corynne: And things with your friend? How is all that going?

Patience (suddenly serious and a little quiet): That’s a different thing altogether.

Corynne: Why do you say that?

Patience: Because I really feel bad for him.

Corynne: Nope.

Patience (chuckling): Honestly! After I told him I gave our son up in a closed adoption he was pretty upset, especially with everything going on with him and Simone.

Corynne (giggling to herself): Oh, Simone.

Patience: I’m not saying I want to save him from her or anything like that –

Corynne: You sure sound like you got your cape on.

Patience: Shut up! I’m just being a friend. If I was in the same position I would want him to be there for me.

Corynne: Call it what you want to. Y’all are slowly but surely doing “something.” Makes me no nevermind. I just don’t know why you’re going to throw away all that perfectly good Will to backtrack with Corey.

Patience: I am not backtracking with Corey! We are just friends. Will and I are continuing on just fine.

Corynne: I’ll say! Look who has finally picked up a lesson or two from the master! I’ve taught you well, grasshopper. You don’t owe either of them an explanation for a damn thing you do!

Patience: I’m not doing anything!!!!

Corynne: Right. I know. Your phone’s buzzing over there.

Patience snatched her phone up off the coffee table and gave Simone a look

Patience (to Corynne): Behave yourself.

Patience (answering the phone): Hey Corey. What’s up?

Corey: Not too much. You busy?

Patience: Not too much. Hanging out with Corynne. Relaxing with what’s left of my summer before fall starts up.

Corey: I heard that. Well, I was just settling in to my new place kinda nicely and I was calling to find out if you want to come over? You can tell me what you think of my decorating skills.

Patience busted out laughing

Patience: Your decorating skills? I doubt you have more than a couch and a bed in that place, Corey. Who are you foolin’?

Corey (chuckling): You might be right. Well, come over here and help me then! You know how to do this stuff!

Patience: You just want me to come over there.

Patience turned to Corynne and shrugged her shoulders. Corynne shook her head and laughed quietly

Corey: I need your help! I understand if you’re busy though. I’ll just sit over here in my empty apartment all alone.

Patience: Oh, shut up! I’ll come over and keep you company for a little while, but this is my vacation, so you’re not going to use up all my little time

Corey: Whatever you say. I’ll text you the address when we hang up. Call me when you’re on your way.

Patience: Yeah, yeah.

Patience hung up the phone and flopped down on her couch

Patience (moans): What am I doooing?

Corynne: I don’t wanna hear that. You know exactly what you’re doing.

Patience: Don’t you start.

Corynne: Oh, I better not start? Ok. While your fine ass man is away you’re about to run over to Corey’s brand new bachelor pad to play and I can’t start? I have now heard everything.

Patience: I am not running anywhere. I’m just going to keep him company for an hour then I’ll be back over here giving myself a manicure and pedicure.

Corynne rolled her eyes and stood up to leave

Corynne: I hear you, but I see your ass too. Remember that!

Patience and Corynne laughed and promised to call each other later. Once her friend was gone, Patience shrugged on a sweater and slipped into a pair of ballet flats. Her hair was already up in a messy bun, so if Corey thought she was getting dressed up for him he was sadly mistaken.

Patience (into her cell phone): Quit laying around in your boxers. I’m on my way.

-----

Natalia blew through the front door of her apartment like a hurricane. She nearly ran right over Asha, who was following along with some strip fitness dvd she bought last week.

Asha (gasping for breath): Ouch! Where’s the fire?

Natalia laughed

Natalia: Sorry, Asha. I’m under a time crunch. I have to write a song basically overnight because Deondre and everybody have this crazy schedule lined up for me and I have to go to work tonight!

Asha (impressed): Ok, Superstar! You ‘bout to leave ya girl behind in your dust in a minute!

Natalia gave Asha a half hug and a huge smile

Natalia: Never! You’re the only sane person I know out here!

Asha: What about Dominique?

Natalia (laughing): Like I said, you’re the only sane person I know.

The two laughed and Asha switched off the tv

Asha: Sounds like they got you working pretty hard up there! That was fast!

Natalia: I know, right?! I thought I was gonna start off singing back up for acts they already have, but I guess they’re putting me front and center.

Asha: They better! Your “singing in the shower” voice blows most of these chicks out the water easily on their best days.

Natalia (smiling): I try! I want this so bad! I mean, I want to be heard. I want to tell my kind of stories.

Asha: And you’re gonna do it. I know you are.

Natalia: You’re coming with me!!!

Asha: Um, I can’t sing.

Natalia: But you can dance.

Asha: No, I can’t.

Natalia and Asha laughed and leaned back on the couch

Asha: I do have something in the works, though

Natalia: Oh? What’s that?

Asha: I thought you had to go to work and write!

Natalia: Please. That can wait. Besides, if I need help, TJ will help me out.

Asha: Who is TJ? And since when have you ever needed, or wanted, help writing a song?

Natalia: I won’t. Blah! Look, it doesn’t matter! Tell me what you have going on!

Asha: Ok. Well, I went up to the community college a few weeks ago and started looking into taking some classes. I’m officially going back to school for my degree!

Natalia: Asha, that’s great!!! What are you going to study?

Asha: Something nerdy. Don’t laugh.

Natalia: I’m not gonna laugh! Tell me.

Asha: I want to be a nurse.

Natalia: Asha, that’s awesome!

Asha: You think so?

Natalia: Hell yeah! Somebody’s gotta be the smart one around here!

Asha laughed

Natalia: When do classes start for you?

Asha: In a couple weeks, actually. I wanted to tell you because I’ll probably hardly ever be home, but with you getting all Hollywood songstress on me, you probably won’t be here much either.

Natalia: Deondre did say he wants me and TJ in the lab more than we’re at home soon.

Asha: Again with this TJ business. Who is this person?!

Natalia (laughing): It’s not what you think. He’s part of “the family.” I’m supposed to be performing at Sal’s next week, so me and TJ are putting together three songs for that, then we’ll need a few more for a showcase and mixtape. Something about a radio show.

Asha: Damn. Big time.

Natalia: Oh, hush! I’m not hardly big time. There’s still so much work for me to do, and even after I do it all, I still need people to like what I do.

Asha: Girl, please. People are going to love you. Stop acting like you don’t know.

Natalia: I just want this to be great.

Asha: This is already great!

Natalia: You’re right. I’ve come this far. Might as well keep on going.

Asha: That’s the spirit!

Natalia: You have to promise to help me though

Asha: You don’t need me!

They both laughed and Asha threw an arm around Natalia’s shoulders

Asha: You won’t need me, but I’ll be right here.

Natalia’s phone sounded, interrupting the moment

Natalia: That’s a text. It’s probably not even important.

Asha: As long as it’s not Dominique needing a place to stay again!

Text message from TJ: Still need that inspiration?

Natalia laughed and tossed the phone on the couch

Natalia: I’d better go get ready for work before Starla calls cursing me out.

Asha: Ok. I’ll be out here sweatin’ until I drop this weight.

Natalia: Don’t hurt nobody!

Asha laughed

Asha: Oh yeah! Nat! Somebody came by for you today.

Natalia stopped in her tracks and turned around slowly

Natalia: Somebody like who?

Asha: I don’t know. Some lady. She seemed nice enough, but she didn’t leave her name.

Natalia (suspicious): What did she want?

Asha: Said she had something to talk to you about, but she’d come back another time. It was weird. She didn’t say much, but she kept looking at that goofy picture of me, you and Dom that we took at the pier last week.

Natalia: Hmmmm. Are you sure it wasn’t my mother?

Asha (huffing and puffing): This chick was way too young to be your mom. Nice try though. Maybe you gave her your number at a party or something then never answered when she called.

Natalia: That’s a possibility. I damn sure ain’t gave my address out to anybody though!

Asha: Oh well. It was weird, but it’s whatever. I wouldn’t worry about it.

Natalia: I’m not.

-----

Patience felt strangely nervous when she arrived at Corey’s apartment. With her hand up in position to knock, she nearly turned on her heel and went back home when Corey opened the door.

Corey (grinning): Hey

Corey reached out and pulled Patience inside before she could answer

Patience (finding her voice and trying to keep her balance): Slow down! Sheesh!

The lights were low and there was music playing. She wasn’t sure, but Patience thought she smelled incense.

Corey: Come in! Sit down and get comfortable! I thought you were gonna play me.

Patience laughed

Patience: Would I do that?

Corey: Hell yeah!

Patience (still laughing): I would, but I’m in a good mood today.

Patience walked through the living room looking around

Corey: You like it?

Patience: It’s not bad in here! Not bad at all.

Corey: I cleaned up a little bit since you were coming.

Patience: Am I a fool? You haven’t been here long enough to get a welcome mat, much less make any kind of mess to clean up.

Corey laughed

Corey: You think you’re so funny. Sit with me and talk. I want to know what’s been up.

Patience plopped down next to Corey on the plush black sectional sofa, he lifted her legs and put her feet up so she could stretch out on the chaise lounge

Corey: Relax

Patience: Ok! Geez! So what’s been up?

Corey: Not too much. I’ve been trying to catch up with you!

Patience: Me? Why you been trying to catch up with me?

Corey: Because we need to talk. Specifically, I’ve been meaning to thank you.

Patience: Thank me? What did I do?

Corey: Yes, thank you. You’ve helped me a lot.

Patience crossed her arms over her chest and gave Corey a look

Corey: I’m serious! You were there to listen to me when me and Simone were going through our stuff. You’re the one who gave me the courage to move out. I’d still be living miserable from day to day at my own home!

Patience: And instead you’re living here in this apartment all alone? Some help that has been!

Corey smiled

Corey: I’m not alone now that you’re here.

Patience smiled and Corey scooted closer to her

Corey: We’ve been through so much together, Patience. I just want you to know I’m glad I have you in my life. You bring so much joy with you.

Patience: Corey, I’m just being a good friend the way you’ve always been to me.

Corey: Don’t do that. Don’t act like you’re just returning a favor to me.

Patience: I’m not?

Corey: Patience, do you remember what you said to me the night before I left town? Our last night together?

Patience: I said we were linked so deeply the distance wouldn’t even make a difference.

Corey: It’s been that way ever since.

Patience stood up abruptly, ran a hand over her hair self-consciously

Patience: So, how have you been liking your new place? Different from your house with all that space, huh?

Corey: It’s smaller, but it gives me things I couldn’t get over there

Patience: Like peace and quiet?

Corey: Yeah. I can actually hear my own thoughts over here!

Patience laughed and sat back down, hoping Corey had gotten her hint and would keep his distance

Corey (grinning): And you can come over. That definitely wasn’t happening with Simone in the house.

Patience: Not even a little bit

Corey fell silent and stared down at his hands, fingers interlocking. Patience put her hand on his shoulder

Patience: Carter misses you too, Corey.

Corey: I can’t even describe how it feels to be away from him like this. He’s gotta be wondering where I am by now.

Patience (laying her head on his shoulder): I’m sure he does wonder

Corey (desperately): What am I going to do?

Patience sat up straight and tugged at her sweater

Patience: You’re a lawyer                        .

Corey: Yeah, but I don’t do family law, and I wouldn’t represent myself anyway.

Patience: Ok. Then you’re a lawyer who works in his father’s law firm. How hard can this really be?

Corey: I really don’t want to drag my boy through court.

Patience: Well then go home and settle things with Simone like a grown up.

Corey: That is not my home any more. I don’t think it ever was.

Patience gave Corey a hug, hoping it would shake the frown slowly transforming his face. He was beginning to look tired. Worn. Defeated.

Patience: I’m here. Let me help you.

Corey: Patience, you already help me so much. You’re really the only person I have in my corner right now.

Patience: What about your parents?

Corey: They don’t know. They’re going to have a fit when I tell them, but they don’t know yet.

Patience: It’s going to be ok, Corey. I’m going to help you because that’s what friends do.

Corey: It’s more than that though. I almost ruined everything between us, and I’m definitely paying for that now, but –

Patience: It’s fine!

Corey took Patience’s hands into his own then reached up and stroked her cheek

Corey: It’s not fine, but I’m here now and I’m going to make it up to you. I’m going to show you how much I appreciate having you back in my life, back by my side where I need you.

Patience tried to speak, but she couldn’t find the words. Before she could get her lips to move Corey’s mouth was on hers, soft but firm and insistent, like he wanted her to know he had no plans to let her go. Conflicted about losing herself in time – and Corey’s arms – Patience ignored her phone when it rang and Will’s name and picture popped up on the screen