As a traveler,there were two places I was sure I never needed to visit. Las Vegas, and New York. Vegas always felt off to me. There was too much happening in a place that didn’t make sense. I remember stepping outside one of those hotels once, lights everywhere, people everywhere, and still thinking, how is all of this just sitting in the middle of the desert?
New York never impressed me either. As a Chicago native, I’ve seen a skyline, and I knew big city energy all too well. New York always came across as a louder version of something I was familiar with. But sitting in the truck with Kier, watching the city blur past me, it didn’t feel the same anymore.
The liveliness of New York was different up close. Even through the tinted windows, there was action everywhere. People crossing before the light changed and cars inching forward like everybody was in a rush. The buildings were stacked so close together it felt like the city was on the brink of being overcrowded. It was overstimulating, but intriguing at the same time.
Kier had taken countless phone calls since we’d landed. His tone ranged from aggravated to amused to serious. I didn’t need to hear the full conversation to know he was handling things. Hehad conversations involving finalizing details for the dinner and his party. His label was officially underway, and I could not have been happier for him. I leaned my head against the window, letting my eyes follow the motion outside while his voice filled the space behind me. In another life, he would probably be a lawyer. Every now and then, he’d pause, listen, then respond like he was three steps ahead of whoever was on the other end.
We came down West Street, and something about the city transformed. It opened up just a little, the movement slowed, and the streets got quieter. By the time we turned into Tribeca, everything appeared more controlled and less demanding.
The driver pulled up to a tall stone building and stepped out to open the door. Kier was still on the phone, but he reached for me without looking, helping me get out of the car. I stepped out, adjusting to the stillness around us compared to everything we just passed.
Inside, we were led straight to a private elevator. The doors closed, and just like that, his call dropped. I was grateful for the silence, because since we landed, it was just us.
“You’ve been busy, with your bossy self.” I teased him.
“My bad, baby. I need an assistant or something.”
“Yeah, you do, but you and I both know that won’t happen.”
“How come it won’t?” He asked, pulling me in and resting his arms around my waist. I placed my arms around his neck and said,
“Because you’re a control freak.” The doors of the elevator opened just as I kissed his lips.
Space and more space were staring back at me. The floor-to-ceiling windows surrounded the entire penthouse. Through the windows were breathtaking views. The city stretched out in layers, and the Freedom Tower cut clean through the skyline while everything else settled around it. I’d die on the hill thatthere wasn’t a skyline in this country that could compete with Chicago. But if I was being honest, New York was fairly close.
“As always, this is nice, Kier.”
“Thank you, I am thinking about buying it. With the label expanding, I am considering making New York my permanent home.”
“That decision is a double-edged sword.”
“Why you say that?”
“Because you love music but loathe the scene. You value your peace and solitude just as much. You’re a workaholic and I’m not going to argue with you about that.” I laughed, cutting him off before he could respond. “And because you’re a workaholic, the energy of New York will only amplify that. So be careful.”
“Word, that’s something to really consider.”
“Not really, you just have to make sure there is a balance. You’re the only person that can control that.”
Kier looked at me steadily and offered a small nod. I wondered if I had overstepped or if he was considering what I was saying. Another call came through on his phone. He answered it and walked out onto the balcony. I explored the rest of the penthouse, taking in the décor. Beiges, creams, and tans dominated each room. There were three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The kitchen held a massive island and all stainless-steel appliances. There was a little nook tucked off in the alcove. I set up my laptop in preparation for my meeting in an hour.
When I went back into the living area, Kier was coming inside. He took his sweatshirt off, tossed it onto the chair, and sat on the couch leaning back. I joined him, resting my head on his chest and shoulder.
“My mother and Al are coming. Are you okay with meeting her?”
I hesitated, then smiled, sitting up to look at him. “I’d love to meet her if you’re okay with it. Who is Al?”
“Her husband.”
“Oh that’s sweet, I didn’t know she remarried.”
“Yeah, she did. Al is cool. If he treats my mother good, he alright with me. Jarell, Kaori, and a few other execs will also be at the dinner. I got a couple of my childhood homies flying in as well.” I smiled, completely engaged in his excitement. “Did you invite your sister and Treasure?”
“No baby, this is about you.”
“And I’m about you. They are your family, and if you want them here, that’s fine. The dinner is private, but they can come kick it at the yacht party on the Hudson afterwards. Besides, you will need somebody to explore the city with when I’m tied up.”
I sighed, rolling my eyes. “Maybe Treasure, not my sister.”
