“Not directly,” I admitted. “We’ve understood each other more than we’ve defined anything.”
“That happens. I just believe in straightforward communication. You know?”
“Yes, I understand that. I can’t speak for Kier, but I’ve chosen to just go with the flow. Some men get scared off by plans. Kier means a lot to me, and I don’t want that to be the case with us.”
Ms. Theresa smiled but said nothing further. The food came shortly after, breaking the moment just enough. I sliced into my short ribs as she sliced into her beets. I once again felt myself being grateful for the interruption. My fingertips were cold as they always were when I was nervous. She was kind, but the questioning was a lot to take in.
“My husband and I spend summers in Martha’s Vineyard,” she said, cutting into her food.
“Oh really, I bet that’s nice.”
“It is.”
Ms. Theresa spoke briefly about her and Al, and how they love to spend their summers in Martha’s Vineyard, stating she’d love to host me at their summer home at some point. I started to feel more relaxed, until she glanced up again.
“Your sister,” she said. “Kier mentioned she’s an artist.”
“She is.”
“She’s talented?”
I hesitated for a fraction of a second. “She is very talented. That’s part of the reason her and I relationship is strained. She blames me because she forgot her dreams.”
“Hmm. I look forward to meeting her and your friend, too. Kier says she’s also in media.”
My heart dropped when she mentioned Treasure beingin media.“Ms. Theresa, I don’t know. I feel like I need to explain myself. Now that I am hearing this out loud, it doesn’t sound good. My sister is an artist, Kier’s a producer, and I’m the bridge in between. You’re his mother, and I know you want the best for him. Kier is a powerhouse, and protecting his reputation and finances are important so-
“Sibley w?—”
“Wait, I just wanna say this. I genuinely enjoy Kier. He makes me laugh, gives me confidence, and I truly hope this works out between him and me. I’ve had my share of failed relationships, but this between Kier and I feel promising. So, I just want you to know that.”
“That’s good to know, Sibley.” She replied plainly.
She transitioned the conversation to lighter topics, and I was thankful. However, the questions stayed with me. Kier invited me to spend the summer with him but made references about him wanting us to work long term. But what exactly did that mean, and what would that look like realistically? Damn, on the outside looking in, it probably did look like I was scheming. Best friend in media now working with Legacee, sister who sings, and I’m sitting dead in the middle of it all. And besides the optics, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had just been asked questions I should’ve had answers to. What was Kier and I going to do after the summer ended, which was right around the corner?
sixteen
. . .
We endedup at a rooftop lounge in SoHo. The skyline glimmered around us, and buildings illuminated against the night as streams of traffic rolled through the city below. The air was cool enough to sit comfortably without needing a jacket. The music blended into the background, loud enough to vibe to, but low enough to not compete with conversation.
Treasure slid into the booth first, taking her time looking around, probably trying to see if this was a spot she could cut up in. Naomi followed, slipping her heels off under the table the second she sat down, stretching her legs out with a relieved exhale. I sat across from them, taking in the view for a second longer before reaching for the menu, though I knew we weren’t about to take that too seriously.
“I needed this,” Naomi said, leaning back against the cushion. “For real.”
“You always need this,” I replied, glancing at her.
She smirked, sticking her tongue out at me. Treasure didn’t say anything right away, just raised her hand when the server passed by and ordered us a round of shots. When they came, they looked harmless enough, but the first sip told me everything I needed to know.
“Yeah, goodness this is strong,” I said, setting my glass down with a small laugh.
“That’s the point, bestie!” Treasure replied, waving to the waiter again. “That’s why we call it a shot.”
The waiter came back again. This time, we ordered another round of shots and our own individual drinks. We took a couple of group and solo pictures before starting up conversation. “So how are you and Kier, really?” Naomi asked.
I met her eyes, knowing she wasn’t asking just to ask. I wondered if she still harbored guilt about what happened in Houston. I was over it, but even I questioned if Kier still felt a way. Treasure leaned back, watching the exchange like she had front row seats to something she’d been waiting on.
“We’re good,” I said, taking another sip. “What made you ask me that?”
