“I’m good babe,” I smiled.
The section sat moderately elevated, tucked away just enough to feel private but still part of everything. Bottles lined the table as well as small charcuterie boards. I saw a few familiarfaces and some I didn’t know. I exhaled slowly, settling in, and certainly wishing Treasure was here.
For a second, everything appeared normal again, whatever that was.
Then—
“Look who I ran into?” I watched Kier and the words leave his lips. And even though I knew the person standing next to him, it still caught me off guard. “What a surprise right?”
“Naomi?” I stood, barely recognizing my sister. Hugging her, I questioned her arrival. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to see my little sis. And?—”
“She was telling me how you told her I was a producer and thought it would be a good idea to play some of her music for me.” Kier chimed in.
My mouth hung open. Kier’s frustration and sarcasm were evident. I felt stuck between a rock and a hard place. Do I truthfully deny it and crush my sister’s dreams? Or do I go along with it and become another person in Kier’s life who used him? I was dumbfounded, so I stayed quiet. His eyes bore disappointment and sadness while my sisters gleamed with excitement.
“So where do I put my stuff?”
“Um—” I barely mumbled, still trying to process everything.
“And Naomi, you can meet me at the studio tomorrow morning. I’ll have to squeeze you in before the other artists. Are you ready to work?”
“Of course! Thanks so much. My sister said you were a sweetheart.”
“I’m sure she did.” He added, turning to walk away. Naomi went searching for the bathroom, while I went running up behind Kier.
“Babe, wait. It’s not what it looks like.”
“Look, Sibley, I’m used to it. It’s all good.”
“No, it’s not. Listen to me, Kier.”
“No need, love. I gotta get back to the party. I’m hanging out tonight, so in about an hour or two, I’ll have the driver take you and your sister back to the crib. I’ll see you later tonight, don’t wait up.”
Kier stepped back into the crowd. Was he mad? He had to be, he called me Sibley. He didn’t give me a kiss, hug, or anything. He felt cold and I didn’t blame him. I couldn’t believe everything had gotten turned upside down so quickly. A myriad of emotions cruised through my body, and I get it; the optics weren’t in my favor. It looked fucked up. But still, he didn’t give me the benefit of the doubt or a chance to explain. My heart hurt, and I was sure his did too.
An hour or so later, I was informed the driver had arrived. When I searched for Kier, he was in the middle of announcing something big. I wanted to stay and witness the surprise, but there was tension, so we just left. Naomi talked endlessly about nothing, and I refused to indulge. I was so mad at her. Her lies, herimpromptu visit, everything! Hell, I didn’t even know how she knew where we were. Probably Treasure, I wasn’t sure but I was beyond annoyed.
When we walked in, she was in awe at the beauty of Kier’s home. She dropped her bag and began drooling over it.
“This villa is gorgeous, girl.” She gasped. “Is this where you’ve been all summer?”
“Naomi, what are you doing here? How did you even know where to find me?” I asked her, never answering her question.
“You invited me, Sibley! I quit my job and bought the first flight out. I’m feeling hopeful! Your rapper man seems more excited to see me than you!”
“He’s a producer!” I screamed.
“Why are you so upset, Sibley?”
“Because you just blew up my spot! I didn’t say anything to you about him cutting you a record, giving you studio time, none of that shit! Why would you lie and tell him that?”
“I just thought?—”
“No, you didn’t think! Now I have to undo this mess you created.”
“What mess?! Seems like he’s on board to me. He said I could come to the studio with him. He wants to work with me. He seems excited.”
