by Anthology
“Baby girl got a lot of nerve,” he said after viewing the posts.
“And of course the media is having a field day with this. I don’t know what’s gotten into Monelle, but she better stop messing with me and mine.”
“She probably saw the pictures of you and Bria and got jealous. You know how females do.”
“Not all females. Just thirsty delusional ones.”
Payton laughed. “You know how they used to handle pests around the way.”
“Man, I don’t even want to talk about some of the things that used to go down on the block. I’m far removed from that drama and I want to stay that way.”
“I hear you. Not pleasant memories at all. We know plenty people still doing bids.”
“You know Joaquin is still trying to get his life together after being in and out of jail most of his life.”
“Has your brother been hitting you up for money?”
“He doesn’t like to ask so I just give it to him when I see him.”
“Good looking out.” Payton nodded.
“I’m not going to let him fall. Even though he’s a major pain in the butt.” Ethan looked down and saw he had an email alert. It was a message from Garrett. He had attached a list of possible endorsements. “Wow.”
“What’s up?”
“Sometimes I just can’t believe how blessed I am. I really hope nothing happens to mess it all up.”
CHAPTER TEN
Bria was just about tired of seeing this girl Monelle plastered all over the internet in connection to Ethan. She knew not a thing was going on between them, but it was annoying to have to deflect all the rumors. The media was trying to create a love triangle and she wasn’t having it.
Kasim walked into her office as he knocked at the same time. “Are you busy?”
Bria put her phone away. “Just letting the wheels turn. How can I help you, sir?”
“You can help me by finally agreeing to go with me to this legends ball. My daughter has flaked out.”
“Flaked out?” Bria laughed.
“Yeah, man. She knows a lot of the artists that are going to be there through me so it’s not anything special to her. We’re old to her.”
“Not old. Just seasoned. Like Lawry’s.” Bria had fun teasing Kasim.
“You got jokes! But for real, it would mean a lot. Your boy is doing his thing so why shouldn’t you?”
“Oh, so now YOU got jokes. You know not to believe everything you read, Kasim.”
“Of course not. I’m just getting back at you for that Lawry’s diss.”
“Okay. In an effort to keep the peace I’ll go to the ball with you.” Bria was fairly confident that Kasim was going to be cool. He knew she was serious about not complicating things on set. She wanted to trust him.
“Thank you so much, Bria. I know you’re digging Aragon and I ain’t trying to trip y’all up, for real. Seems to me there’s enough attention coming your way right now anyhow.”
“Tell me about it. It’s part of being in the public eye unfortunately. You had your share of scandal during your rap career. Can you imagine if you and I did hook up?”
Kasim could imagine it, but he was going to keep that opinion to himself. “I know how groupies can wig out. She’s making desperation moves so be aware of your surroundings when you’re with him. That scandal you referred to caused someone to get seriously hurt.”
“I’m sorry for bringing it up. I should have known better.”
“You don’t have to be sorry. It’s no secret that one of my fans was permanently injured chasing behind my vehicle. Naturally her people sued the hell out of me despite it not being my fault. That never matters when you’re the one with the money.”
Bria hated the negative aspects of a dream fulfilled. She wanted to change the subject. “When’s the ball again?”
“Tonight.”
“Kasim!”
“What? You look good in everything. Just throw on something and be ready at 7.” He tried not to laugh as he backed out of her office.
The ballroom at the InterContinental New York Times Square was decorated with old school posters, concert flyers and vintage memorabilia. West 44th Street was Hip Hop Head Heaven that night.
Bria was introduced to EPMD, Mobb Deep, Redman and Method Man and her all-time favorite, Nas. She caught a glimpse of LL Cool J whom she had met previously at a television award event. She was really anxious to see Queen Latifah. She and Farah wanted to talk about Flavor Unit doing a project with them. Bria was glad she came after all.
She opted for comfort. Shimmery black palazzo pants with satin flats. A black satin camisole beneath a white tuxedo jacket. She wore only one piece of jewelry; an ear cuff lined with small diamonds. The piece looked sensational with her pixie cut. Kasim had praised her outfit with a long whistle when she opened her door.
“Are you going tonight just to make Aragon jealous? Our photos are going to be posted on several sites. A little ‘two can play that game’?”
“First off; I’m not a game player. I’m about being real because I personally always want to know what I’m dealing with and I give others that same respect. Ethan and I haven’t had time to really talk about this woman who’s trying to stir up something. He’s on the road trying to make it to the Super Bowl. But he did tell me she used his parents and he wasn’t even feeling her anymore as a friend. Good enough for me.”
“You are definitely a class act.”
The Legends Ball was rocking. Mary J. and Meth were on the stage performing their classic “I’ll Be There For You/You’re All I Need to Get By”. Bria loved that track. Kasim wasn’t about to dance so she made her way over to a few fans who were jamming in a corner. They were so excited to a “celebrity” they lost their rhythm. Bria eased them back into it with a few hard hitting dance steps and soon they were all having a blast.
Kasim’s old dee jay, Trax, walked over to his table. He stood up and greeted his friend with a hug. “What’s up my brother?”
“You’re what’s up. You finally got fly honey to go out with you?”
“Not like that, but she was gracious enough to join me after your God daughter bowed out last minute.”
“One small step for mankind…”
“Whatever, man. She’s fixed on Ethan Aragon. I ain’t saying I’m hating, but I’m hating.”
“He’s a professional athlete. A brand new one at that. How long do you think it will last?” Trax pointed out.
“And so I’m supposed to hang around hoping for a shot when they split up? You know me better than that. But I will definitely have more than words for Mr. Star Rookie if he steps out of pocket.”
“Bria’s not much older than Epiphany. You might be asking for problems anyway. Maybe you can arrange a playdate.”
Bria rejoined them at the table. “I don’t know when I became such a life of the party kinda girl.” She laughed and turned to Trax. “Hey, you. Nice seeing you again.”
“It’s nice being seen.” Trax kissed her hand. Kasim rolled his eyes. “Let me get a picture of you guys together.”
Bria stood up and waited for Kasim to do the same. He saw a couple of magazine photographers pulling out their cameras, as well. He shook his head, but stood next to his beautiful boss. His hand involuntarily went around her waist. Several cameras in the room captured their pose.
“I’m really having a good time, Kasim. Thank you for inviting me even though it was under duress!”
“I knew you’d enjoy it. We do a lot of press type stuff together. I just wanted us to go out and have fun. Let you see my other world.”
“Ethan creates music during his off time. Perhaps you two could join forces or maybe you could introduce him to your industry peeps.”
Kasim knew Bria meant well, but the last thing he wanted was to get chummy with her new man. “We’ll see.”
There were several rounds of speeches and many thanks given throughout the evening. To Bria’s surprise, Queen Latifah came up to HER and
asked about setting up a meeting. She’d caught Bria just as she was exiting the ladies room stall. They agreed to meet in a couple of weeks.
Bria nearly bumped right into Kasim as she exited the restroom. “Sorry. I was a little distracted.”
“I just saw Dana so I can see why you weren’t paying attention. Me and the fellas are going to take the party to another venue since things are winding down here. Would you like to come?”
“No, I have to get up early in the morning. As a matter of fact so do you!” Bria chuckled. “But I’m not trying to be a mama bear. I’ll call for a car and I’ll text you once I get home. This is your night. Enjoy it to the fullest.”
“This feels foul. I’ll just take you home.” Kasim insisted.
“How’s it foul when it’s what I want to do? Please, it’s okay.”
Kasim still looked doubtful, but he wasn’t going to argue with her. “The minute you step through the door hit me up.”
Bria stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. “I most certainly will. It may take the car a few minutes to get here so I’m going to say good night to a few folks while I wait.”
“Cool. Good night.”
“Good night.”
Bria wanted to call Ethan, but she knew he was either asleep or on a plane. In a couple of days they were scheduled to shoot his cameo. She couldn’t wait to see him.
Garrett was driving as Ethan sat in the passenger’s seat scrolling through his emails. Naturally folks had made it their business to forward pics of Bria and Kasim at the Hip Hop Legends Ball. And really he couldn’t be mad because Monelle’s pictures stirred up a bunch of mess, too. But the one that really had him heated was the one of Bria kissing Kasim. Yeah, it was on the cheek and looked totally platonic, but he knew Kasim was digging her. He could just sense it.
“This cameo could lead to a slew of others. How do you feel about that?” Garrett asked.
“If Bria’s involved I’d be comfortable with it. Anyone else I’d have to see.”
“Oh, really. You know you and her hooking up could be a good thing.”
“You’re thinking like an agent. I’m not using any relationship I’m in to make me look good or get more press. I have enough of that already.” Ethan tried not to show how aggravated he was.
“Well, I hate to be the one who’s got to tell you that every relationship becomes subject to the public’s opinions about it. Their opinion doesn’t matter to you, but the reason it should is it could ruin your professional life. Maybe not the number of yards you run or the amount of touchdowns you score, but they’ve taken a liking to you because of your good looks and your humility. Anything that appears to dispute that would be like tossing chum into a pool of sharks.”
“That’s some pure bull.”
“No, that’s sports in the twenty-first century.”
Ethan was greeted warmly by everyone at the studio. Bria’s assistant ushered him into her office. “Man, you are sight for sore eyes.”
Bria thanked her assistant and waited for her to close the door. “I missed you.”
“Are you sure? You looked like you had good company in my absence.” Ethan tried to add humor, but his true feelings oozed out anyway.
Bria raised an eyebrow. “Um… you talking when it looks like you’ve got a wifey set up somewhere?”
“More non-jokes.”
“You started it, babe.”
“Yeah, I did. Can I finish it?” Ethan pulled Bria closer and slowly kissed her deeply. Her kiss was as delicious as he always thought it would be. Lips soft and giving. He knew his body was about to betray how excited he was so he had to stop.
“Are you ready for that official date I’m going to take you on? Bria managed to ask after she caught her breath.
“I certainly am. But I’m also ready to try us being exclusive. There’s always going to be chatter; true or not. I know how I feel and so do you. I’ll protect you, you protect me. I’m seeing the importance of a tight circle and I want you to be down.”
Bria stared into his eyes. She had no doubt he was serious. And although she told herself plenty times she did not have time for a relationship, Bria knew this was more than that. “I’m not wanting a boyfriend. I’m wanting a partner in life. Someone to build with. You’re busy, I’m busy. It’s going to take true commitment to even see if we’re meant to be a couple.”
“Football and television shows both have season finales. We’ll make the most of the blocks of time we have. You have money. I have money. We’ll fly to wherever the other is. All I know is you stay on my mind. All the time. I have to see it through.”
Bria raised his hand to her cheek and then kissed it. “You are a good man, Ethan. I accept your invitation into your circle. It’s definitely where I want to be.”
Ethan lifted her up off her feet and kissed her again. “That’s what’s up. Man! I’m bugging right now.”
Bria wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m bugging a little bit myself, but it feels good.”
He sat her down on her desk. “I didn’t have much of an opportunity to tell you about Monelle while on the road. It wasn’t a conversation I wanted to have over the phone so I might as well get it out the way now. She and I used to kick it off and on for a couple years. Teenagers doing what they do with their friends from around the way. We were never serious. And that was mutual. After I was drafted and made it to the Giants, she resurfaces and thinks she has a chance because we have some kind of history. I accompanied her to her birthday party as a favor. Remember when I mentioned doing the right for the wrong person? That’s where I was that night you texted me. There’s a reason why she was never my girl. But I was through when she used my parents to take those pics and then posted those crazy comments. I can’t even be her friend anymore.”
“Wow. I honestly didn’t think anything crazy about that whole situation with the posts, but I’m glad to know the whole story. Are you good?”
“Yeah, man. I get heated when I think about it, but I’m trying to keep my cool. She’s so not worth it.”
“I’ll take your mind off all of that.” Bria smiled coyly. “But right now we have a scene or two to shoot. Are you ready?”
“I studied the script while on the planes and while we were in hotels. I’m nervous, but I know my lines.”
“You are going to be great, I know it.”
Bria hopped off the desk and lead him out to the set. She wanted to hold his hand, but decided to keep it all the way professional. Ethan stopped in the hall. “Is there any history I need to know about you and Kasim?”
“No, there isn’t. I care for Kasim because he’s a good man. I’m grateful to him for doing such a good job with the character of Donte. We’re friends, but I wouldn’t date a co-worker nor do I have those types of feelings for him in the first place. He’s handsome. He’s older and ultra cool. But that’s it for me.”
“You know he likes you though.”
“He’s not a Monelle though.”
Ethan let that slide. Bria was not the one for nonsense, but after what Monelle pulled, he was going to keep his eyes on good old older cool dude Kasim.
Farah caught some of their conversation and waited for a pause before rounding the corner to join them. Ethan’s two scenes were with her and she wanted to wish him luck and give him some encouragement. “Hey, my people. Are you ready to knock this out the park? Or should I say are you ready to catch the winning touchdown?”
“You can be so corny sometimes.” Bria laughed while she gave Farah a hug.
“Good thing you write great dialogue for me!”
“Let’s make it happen.” Ethan followed the ladies to Farah’s office set. Kasim was sitting off to the side with a script in his hand. He wasn’t reading it. Ethan walked up to him and extended his hand. “Good seeing you, man.”
Kasim took it and shook it. “Same here. You’re doing your thing out there. Bring us a championship.”
“Thanks. We’re giving it our all.”
“So you’re kicking it with my wife. I got my eye on you.” Kasim grinned.
Farah stepped in. “Journey is a big fan so she’s excited to write a piece about you. Just be yourself. This is pretty much how real life is for you. A piece of cake.”
Ethan made up his mind that he didn’t like Kasim Patrick and Kasim Patrick didn’t like him. He didn’t care, but he’d behave himself for Bria’s sake. He was really ready to give the brother a hearty F you.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Monelle laid across her bed watching the latest episode of 3 Bethel’s Way. She was only tuning in because Ethan was the special guest star. Stories about him and Bria Coppock were all over the internet and the entertainment shows since they made their relationship public. She was salty about it because it made her look like a fool. Monelle didn’t think they’d really become a thing. Now it’s like they were the new Ciara and Russell.
She stayed glued to the television until the end of the show. Ethan had done an excellent job. He hadn’t let his nerves show at all. Monelle knew he had to be nervous. He hated speaking in front of the class when they were in school. His grades proved he was a great student, but public speaking rattled him.
Monelle was trying to think of a way to get to speak to him since he was no longer answering her calls or texts. Her cell phone rang. She had ignored it while the show was on, but she saw it was her girl Awilda calling. “What’s up, chica?”
“That’s what I’m calling to find out. You’ve disappeared off the face of the earth. You okay?”
“Just licking my wounds. You know how I feel about Ethan.”
“Yeah, we all know. But don’t you think it’s time to let that dream go?”