Page 6 of Kisses Behind The Spotlight 2: Finale

“Yes, sir, you can get over before this light. It will be quick,” I instructed him, then turned to Travis. “You do not have to leave with me. Just get out of the car right here, and I’ll transfer my ticket to Will. You guys can go together. Have a blast.”

“You sure?”

“Positive,” I encouraged.

“Shiiiiiiiiiit. Will, let’s slide,” he giddily stomped his feet. “Will, grab the suitcases, and I’ll request an Uber. Thanks, babe. Keep me posted on shit with Jameera’s pops,” Travis sputtered, leaning over to peck my cheek again.

I didn’t care that he was excited as fuck to abandon me. If I’m being honest, he was moving too fucking slow for me. The trunk popped open, allowing the cold weather in as Will pulled out their suitcases.

“Thanks for the ticket, Amill.” Will smiled, waving excitedly.

“You’re welcome.” I waved back with a fake-ass smile.

The trunk lowered, and I exhaled deeply before calling my dad.

“Hello.”

“Wassup, beautiful?” My dad answered the phone.

“What is going on? Why did I find out from the internet that they are all in jail?”

“Everybody is already out except for Q and Xain. Jameera is at the hospital with James, and it sounds like he had a seizure that led to the car accident, but his prognosis isn’t bleak, and her family is there with her. Everything is getting handled, though,” he explained. “If you’re coming home, do not bring that boyfriend to family business. He is far from family.”

“I just got rid of him. I’m flying home alone,” I exhaled. “Can you come pick me up from the airport and take me to the hospital so I can be with Jameera?”

“I got you.”

“Okay. I love you. See you when I land.”

“I love you too. Safe travels.”

We ended the call, and I relaxed in the seat for the duration of the drive. New York traffic was always horrible, but Super Bowl weekend was exacerbating the congestion on the roads. I’d be glad to be back in Florida.

After fighting through traffic and crossing the Hudson, we finally reached Teterboro. We were escorted onto the ramp, and Malcolm exited the truck to help me step out and retrieve my luggage. The jet’s stairs were already down, and the flight attendant waited at the bottom.

“It was a pleasure to work with you this weekend, Ms. Haynes. I hope everything is okay with your family back home,” Malcolm said, passing me the suitcase once we reached the stairs.

“Thank you so much. I’ll make sure my dad knows to send you the fattest tip. Turn your phone off and enjoy the rest of your day. Travis and Will can figure transportation out on their own. You were paid to drive me around for the weekend. Not them.”

“I promise you don’t have to tell me twice. Safe travels, Ms. Haynes.”

“Enjoy the rest of your paid time off.”

I turned to take the stairs and settled into the seat where the chicken salad and Cherry Coke I requested were waiting. My phone vibrated on the table as I scooped a mouthful of chicken salad into my mouth.

: I’m going to be in Tampa until further notice, so get rid of that nigga. I’mma break his face if we cross paths.

I’m ashamed to admit my panties got wet seeing that text. That man was a bad habit I wish I’d never started, because my relationship with Travis really wasn’t helping me move on. In fact, it only proved I was ruined for anybody else. I had yet to have sex with Travis, because I kept slipping back into bad habits that wouldn’t die. The last three months with Travis were fun, but we never had a future. He wanted a little clout off my name, and I wanted to see if I could finally move on from my bad habit. If I’m being honest, a small part of me also wondered if seeing me with another man publicly would make my bad habit come to his senses.

Plus, Q calling me out the other day made me realize how fucked up my actions were. My secret indiscretions did not help Jameera’s case at all when Q thought she was cheating. I was definitely guilty of everything my bestie was accused of.

Ignoring the text, I continued enjoying my snack and soda. The last time we saw each other, he still wasn’t ready to take that step with me, and I told him not to speak to me until he was. The fact that we might cross paths wouldn’t make my boundaries budge. Only a compromise could do that.

CHAPTER THREE

Jameera Clayton

“If your wig isn’t sewn down, I’m going to need you to lift it for me to check for contraband,” the female officer requested once we were in the processing room. A pungent odor wafted through the air, and I’d rather be anywhere else. She was smacking on gum and pulling a pair of gloves over her hands.