I reached forward for the cup in front of me and took a sip of water before responding.
"I can see where that assumption would come from. I used to tell myself it came with the territory, until some of my peers told me otherwise."
"Right, because girl, I do not have any of that going on over here. And I do not want it." Simone turned directly toward the camera on that last part.
I laughed and shook my head.
"Now, to the good stuff. During your hiatus, word has it that you found yourself a man, and that he's actually here with you today."
I laughed softly. Simone was going off script a little, but I had no problem talking about that man. Not even a little.
"I would say so. It wasn't part of any plan, but things happen the way they're supposed to, and I'm glad they did."
Simone nodded with a smile.
"When you look back at that version of yourself, the one the world knew, what comes to mind first?"
"Lost." I paused for just a moment. "When I first came into this industry, I was a young girl whose start in life wasn't the easiest. I kind of fell into this world and made things work until I couldn't anymore. I am proud of what I built, especially when most people would have crumbled behind the things I went through. But I'm more proud of who I am today. I get to be who I choose to be."
Simone leaned across the small table between us and gave my hand a squeeze with a soft smile.
"That's what I love to hear. Life is too short to live for anyone other than yourself." She sat back and tilted her head. "Now what is this I hear about you living the small town life and even baking?"
I laughed and glanced out at the audience. The moment I looked over, Duke was standing beside the cameraman with a smirk, holding the bag of Skittles he had shown me in the car. He winked at me, and I felt my cheeks go warm instantly. I never thought I would see the day when watching a man eat Skittles would do something to me like that. He absolutely knew what he was doing.
I turned back to Simone.
"Yes, the best town. The way everyone there took me in like I had always been part of their community, it's like something out of a Hallmark movie. I love it. And the baking I get from my mom. I've just finally put it to good use."
Simone lifted a brow and followed the trail my eyes had taken, then smiled wide.
"I see why it's more than just the town that kept you away. You did good, honey."
I knew my cheeks were red. Simone reached out to high-five me, which I returned with a shake of my head. I could only imagine how much Duke's arrogant self was enjoying every second of this from across the room. I didn't know when he had slipped out of the dressing room, but I knew he wouldn't have been able to stay in there with Henderson for too long.
"Girl, don't pump that man's head up too much. I still have to go home with him after this," I joked.
Simone waved for the cameraman to pan over to Duke, who gave a single nod before the camera swung back to us.
"We don't want to leave y'all out. But back to you." She leaned forward. "There has been a lot of conversation about your return. Scripts, meetings, new opportunities. Are you stepping back into acting?"
I paused for a moment. I already knew my answer and there wasn't much to think through, but this was exactly what I had come here for.
"I want to say this first. Thank you to every fan who has invested in everything I've put out. For giving me the chance to entertain you and your families." I paused and let that sit.
I looked out at the audience. It was like they already knew what I was about to say but needed to hear the words out loud. As my eyes moved across the crowd, I caught Henderson charging in from the back. His face was beet red and he was doing a sharp slicing motion beneath his chin, telling me to slow down.
But he was not in charge of me or my life. I had heard enough from him, and it was time he heard that directly from me.
My eyes drifted over to Duke, whose arms were crossed against his chest, a quiet smile on his face. He mouthed two words.
You got it.
With that, every bit of the confidence I needed came rushing back. I returned my attention to Simone, who was waiting patiently.
"I'm sorry. It's an emotional decision, but it is absolutely the right one. I will not be returning in any way, shape, or form. This is my last interview, and I'm glad it's with you, Simone. I have always admired your integrity and the way you treat every person who sits across from you."
Simone placed both hands over her heart with a smile.
