So, I painted with confidence, intention, and everything in me. Because, finally, my dreams were no longer a fantasy.
16
RHYTHM BROOKS
It was well after midnight by the time we made it back to Sincere’s place.
My body felt light from the high of the night and heavy from the exhaustion at the same time. I had smiled so much my cheeks hurt.
I kicked off my heels in his bedroom and slowly unzipped my dress, letting it fall to the floor while Aria’s voice screeched excitedly through the speaker on Sincere’s phone. “That was one of our best shows! We sold almost everything. And the live piece is already spoken for! Rhythm, are you hearing this?”
Sincere leaned against the dresser, watching me with a wide grin. “She’s hearing it. She’s just overwhelmed.”
“I am overwhelmed,” I admitted, laughing softly.
“This is just the beginning, boo!” Aria exclaimed. “We’re talking follow-up shows, talking private collectors, brand expansion! Rhythm, this is only the beginning.”
I couldn’t even respond properly. I just stood there in my bra and panties, shaking my head in disbelief. So many attendees had purchased my art that night. And the prices they paid stilldidn’t feel real in my head. It felt like I was watching someone else’s life happen from outside my body.
As Aria continued to ramble excitedly, I walked into the bathroom to start washing my makeup off, but I really just needed a second alone to breathe and wrap my head around all of this.
As I set my phone on the bathroom sink, my text notification rang. Looking down, I saw that it was Joi. I was able to read the message in the preview:Kodi came back. He was pissed you still weren’t home. He was talking shit about how you must be with the nigga you left him for. But don’t worry. I got this. Enjoy your night.
I stared at the message, thumbs hovering over the screen.
Before I could respond, Sincere came up behind me, sliding his arms around my waist. I could still hear Aria excitedly rambling as he kissed the side of my neck.
“I’m so proud of you,” he murmured against my skin.
I forced a small smile and set my phone down.
“You okay?” he asked, catching the shift in my energy.
“Yeah,” I said quickly. “I’m fine.”
He studied me for half a second longer than I wanted him to. “You sure?”
“I’m just tired. I’m going to wash my makeup off and take a quick shower.”
“Okay,” he said gently, kissing my shoulder before stepping out.
Once the door closed, I leaned against the vanity and let out a slow breath.
Through the door, I could still hear him and Aria talking excitedly about my future. It almost didn’t feel like they were talking about me.
I looked down and noticed new black towels on the sink that were embroidered with the word “Makeup.” They weren’t herethe last time I had been. I remembered complaining one night about ruining his white towels with my foundation and mascara. He hadn’t said much at the time. But he’d obviously gone out and bought towels just for me.
Something about that small, intentional gesture hit deeper than the champagne and applause ever could.
He was paying attention. The gesture made my already fragile emotions threaten to bubble over.
Christmas had been beautiful. New Year’s Eve had been intimate as we counted down while fireworks lit up the sky. Every moment with him had felt intentional and easy.
But all of it had been overshadowed by the nerves of tonight. Now that the show was over, I felt the full weight of what was happening. This was the kind of relationship I had always wanted. It was intentional, supportive, and romantic in ways I couldn’t imagine.
“Joi, are you sure you don’t want me to come get the kids?” I asked for the third time.
Joi sighed like I was irritating her. “Girl, yes. We’re good. These kids aren’t thinking about you. We’re having a good time.”
