I watched her for so long I started imagining what her laugh sounded like while I playfully bit the inside of her thigh.
“This is a blessing,” she whispered, almost to herself.
“Yeah,” I said, and I wasn’t only talking about the sponsorship.
I slid the folder a little closer to her and forced myself to focus. “So, here’s what’s next. My office is going to email you an outline of the artist fee, expectations, timelines, and the press obligations Aria mentioned. Aria’s team will handle the gallery paperwork, and I’ll make the introductions to my associates by email, so you have everything in writing.”
She nodded, still catching her breath. “Okay.”
“And Rhythm…”
She looked up at me, batting those eyes, like she was eager for me to tell her more, to give her direction, to teach her.
“If anything feels unclear, call me. I got you.”
Her mouth parted slightly like she wasn’t used to somebody making things easier for her. “I will.”
I stood up before my self-control got tired.
She gathered her things and looked up at me again. “Thank you.”
I walked her to the door and opened it, saying, “Don’t thank me. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work with you.”
She held my gaze for a second too long, and I held it right back.
Then she stepped out into the hall. I waited until she was a few steps away before I closed the door. I stayed there for a second, staring at the wood grain. Because professionalism was the only reason I wasn’t calling her back in there, locking that door, and bending her over my desk to show her exactly how grateful I was she existed.
RHYTHM BROOKS
A few days later, me and my best friend, Joi, were at a little hole-in-the-wall that stayed open late and poured heavy.
Sitting at the bar, she slid me my shot and clinked her glass against mine. “To Mothers of the Block!”
I grinned from ear-to-ear. “To Mothers of the Block.”
The liquor burned on the way down, and I blew a breath as if that would soothe the sting.
Joi’s eyes narrowed as she studied me. “Alright. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I insisted, forcing a fake smile.
“Don’t lie to me like I don’t know you.”
I blew a heavy breath and then admitted, “Kodi. I’m still hurt about how he’s been acting.”
Joi sucked her teeth, rolling her eyes hard. “Girl, you already knew he was immature. He can’t wrap his head around anything on this level. I don’t know why you’re surprised.”
“I guess I’m just shocked. I’m trying to evolve, and he’s so cool with being stuck in that quick hustle mindset. Every time it’s his turn to handle something with the kids, he’s scrambling for a quick lick, like that’s supposed to be the plan forever. AndI’m not judging hustle. I’m judging the fact that we’re too grown for it to still be random. If he wants that life, then do what you have to do to be a kingpin or pick a career! Then treating my come up like it was trivial was just the icing on the cake.”
Joi took a sip, then tilted her head. “He still thinks y’all together?”
I scoffed. “In his head, yes.”
She called in a warning tone, “Rhythm…”
“I keep reminding him we’re not together. We’re co-parenting. That’s it.”
Joi snorted. “Kodi don’t believe a damn thing you’re saying as long as he still getting access to the coochie.”
