“I know she’s a lot, Si, but she’s blood. Y’all ain’t gon ever get on good terms if you don’t start including her in your life. That’s all she wants.”
“When did you become a Naomi fan?”
“Told you, baby, your happiness is my priority, and if there’s tension between you and your sister, it will affect that. Besides, I can’t have my girl at odds with one of my artists.”
I sat up, questioning if I heard him correctly. “Your artist?”
“I ain’t gon hold you Si, Naomi dope. I’d be a fool not to sign her. I need to see how serious she is first, so keep it between us.”
“Kier, you are something else,” I added, leaning in and kissing his lips.
“Yep, this is exactly what I need.” Kier adjusted us, laying me on the sofa. He planted himself between my legs after taking his tank off. Kissing me, he ran his hand up my stomach, then his phone rang again.
“Fuck.” He mumbled, kissing my lips before getting up. “What’s good?” He answered.
Kier walked away, and I checked the time. I didn't have much time to spare anyhow before my meeting. I guess us blessing the penthouse would have to wait.
“I gotta run, you wanna roll?”
“I can’t, babe, I have a meeting.” I poked my bottom lip out.
Kier tossed a black card to me. “Book Treasure and your sister at the Greenwich Hotel and get them a couple of flights.”
“Kie—”
“I gotta run, I’ll see you later.”
Kier left, and I headed over to the nook with his credit card in hand. I pulled up the website to the hotel, booking the rooms for two days from now. The flights would have to wait, considering I was about to log on to Teams. I put both Naomi and Treasure in a group chat, letting them know that Kier invited them to NYC and I needed their info to book flights. Part of me felt dread. Damn, I felt bad for not wanting my sister here. But I was also happy for her future. When she found out Kier was feeling her music, she would be ecstatic.
After my meeting, I showered and made myself comfortable. Kier came back a few hours later with some oversized slices of pizza. We both couldn’t help but rave about how good Chicago food was and how New York’s wasn’t even close. After eating, Kier fell asleep on a movie we were watching. Shortly after, I joined him.
The next morning,the sun spilled through the windows and onto the floor. I felt the space beside me, realizing Kier was gone. I reached for my phone, seeing it was only 9 am. Maybe he didn’t want to wake me. I figured he was in the front room, or on the balcony. Either way, he left too soon, considering we hadn’t had our morning session or one last night either.
I slipped on my robe, nothing underneath, tying it just enough to keep it in place. When I stepped out of the room, I heard noise down the hall. Then I finally approached, speaking before turning the corner.
“Babe, do you want pancakes for breakfast or me—” I turned the corner. A woman stood there, older and very attractive. “—oh my goodness.”
She looked at me and smiled. The heat hit my face instantly. I became aware of everything at once—the robe, how it sat on me, what I had just said, and the little peep show I gave her. “I’m so— I’ll be right back.” The words came out fast, tripping over each other as I tripped over my feet. Turning, I hurried back down the hall, back into the bedroom, closing the door behind me.
For a second, I just stood there shaking my head. Of all moments, Lord, why me?
Quickly, I got up, taking a second to steady myself before heading back out. Maybe it was his mother since he did say she’d be here for dinner in a few days. Maybe an assistant. Either way, I had made an impression, and it’s not the one I would’ve chosen. When I walked back into the living area, I was sure my cheeks were still giving me away.
“There you are. You must be Sibley. I’m Theresa Stone, Kier’s mother.”
“I’m so embarrassed. Nice to meet you. I apologize again.”
“It’s nothing. Between Jarell and Kier, I’ve seen worse.”
“So sorry,” I apologized profusely. I couldn’t help myself. “Do you know where Kier is?”
“He went to show my husband the amenities here. He should be up in a while.”
“Well, are you hungry, Ms. Theresa? I was planning to make him some pancakes.”
“Pancakes? He hates pancakes.”
I paused, genuinely shocked. “Really? I’ve made it for him several times. He’s never said anything.”
