“Wow, this is gorgeous. You must’ve spent my entire salary on this,” she said, admiring the ring as she looked back and forth between me and it.
“That and then some. But you’re worth every penny and more.”
“I love you so much,” she said, throwing her hands around my neck. Damn near knocking me over in the process since she was still bouncing up and down.
“I love you, too. Now come on, I need to get you out of that dress.”
“I knewyou had that shit in you when I signed you,” I said, dapping Kru up as everyone enjoyed the music he shared with them.
The listening party had turned out to be a success, as I knew it would, and I couldn’t do shit but look around as I took in how all my hard work and sacrifices had created something so impactful.
It wasn’t just about the money when it came to Hilltop Records for me. It was about the movement that I was able to create with it. I had money and would always have money. But from a young age, I always knew that I wanted to start a record label. I used to dream about it when I barely had enough money to feed myself some nights. Now, it was my reality, and having Kenedi to share everything with only made things even sweeter for me.
“Shit, thank you for believing in me,” he said, smiling.
“You already know. I’m going to get up with you before the night is over. I need to go find Kenedi and make sure she’s good.”
“Alright. You know, I like this woman for you. She got you out here softening up and shit,” he said, laughing.
“Never that. But you wait until you find that right one, you’re going to change up for her, too.”
“I highly fucking doubt it,” he said, tapping my shoulder as he laughed and walked away.
Shaking my head, I walked over to the last group of people I saw Kenedi having a conversation with. After asking where she’d gone, each of them said they didn’t know. Someone in passing said they’d seen her over by the restrooms, so I headed that way.
Once I made it to the women’s restrooms, I knew something wasn’t right. Stepping inside, I saw Kenedi’s purse and phone lying on the counter, but she wasn’t there. Before I could figure out my next move, my phone buzzed in my pocket. Immediately, I pulled it out and clicked the message from the unknown number.
UNKNOWN:
I think it’s time we sat down and had a conversation. And, if now isn’t a good time for you, maybe you can make it a good time.
UNKNOWN:
Picture attached.
UNKNOWN:
I’ll drop the pin. You got an hour.
“Fuck!” I yelled, rushing out of the building and down to my car.
SEVENTEEN
KENEDI
HOURS BEFORE THE PARTY.
The car revving behind me caused me to turn around before I stepped into the store, where Zaveah was waiting for me. Raelynn was supposed to join us, but something came up at work, so she couldn’t attend. As I noticed who was sitting in the driver’s seat, I smiled. I hadn’t expected to see him again until later, but I was always happy to see my man. There wasn’t a minute that I didn’t want to be around him. So, all extra time together was more than welcome.
Once he parked and got out of the car, I watched as he made his way to where I stood. I admired how fine he was and how much his presence commanded the attention around him. He was always so confident and put together that anyone within the same vicinity as him had to stop and pay attention. And that went for both men and women.
“What are you doing all the way out here?” I asked, throwing my hands around his neck.
“I came to give you a kiss,” he said, pulling me into him. Completely ignoring everyone staring as we embraced.
“You drove an hour just to come kiss me?” I asked, blushing.
“You better know it. Now, give me my kiss,” he said, biting his lip before he connected ours together.
