“On her side,” Tasha replies. “Calling the awards out for being performative and saying the walk out was long overdue.”
“What?!” we say in unison.
My breath stutters. “You’re joking.”
“I’m not.” She tilts the screen toward me. “And you really won’t believe who started it.”
I take the phone. My eyes grow ten times the size.
Jabari’s Instagram fills the screen.
My throat tightens painfully.
The post says:
“Being as talented as I am, I can recognize talent in anyone. That being said, the amount of work, time and effort I’ve seen being put intoRudeGal Gaming’s “Chastity”was refreshing, especially considering they’re indie driven. It’s time we stop giving these award shows so much merit whenthey’re clearly biased.?Good job telling the industry to fuck off, Francine. I look forward to the next release.”
I laugh again,stunned. “Look at that, Zee. Your brother’s got my back more than you do. Ain’t that a bitch?”
Za snatches the phone from my hand and reads it carefully, her expression changing line by line. When she looks up, her brows knit together.
“Seriously, Frankie,” she says, voice clipped. “We’re using Jabari as a measurement of morality? Of all people?”
“Yes,” I shoot back without hesitation. “Because he’s got the spine to back me.”
Tasha steps closer, lowering her voice like she’s trying to keep the situation contained. “I don’t know, Frankie. It’s pretty dicey to make a statement like this so early into our career. Maybe we should put something out. An apology, at least.”
I turn on her. “I ain’t apologising for shit.”
Za’s composure cracks. “Oh for fucks sake! Listen to reason, Francine.Thisis not a good look. At all. You’re so quick to fly off the handle, you’re not thinking it through.”
“You aren’t being a good friend right now, Za.” That takes her aback but I continue. “Right or wrong, I back you.Always. And you can’t get off your respectability high horse for once and stand on my side? You let Jabari do it instead?”
Her eyes flash. “First off, don’t you ever say I’m not a good friend to you. Second. Howdareyou compare me to Jabari? After everything? Seriously Frankie?” She pauses as she realizes. “And when did you two get so close? Why is he even speaking on this?”
I stop breathing for half a second.
Fuck.
I need to leave.
“I don’t know,” I say finally. “But I’m glad he did. Seems like I can’t expect the same from you.”
Za’s mouth opens. Then closes.
“That’s not fair,” she says softly.
I wipe away the last of my tears and take a step away. “Neither is tonight.”
“Frankie, wait—” Za reaches for my arm.
I pull back.
“Where are you going?” she asks.
I turn just enough to look at her. My eyes burn, my face still tight from crying, my chest still unsteady. “To get that drink.”
“Alone?”
