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"Bet."

The lights dimmed again, and we turned our attention to the stage as Egypt took the mic, Averi sitting behind a grand piano. The first few notes hit, and I recognized the song immediately—it was an original and they had practiced with the piano in our apartment a time or two. The song was called Love Lost.

Egypt’s voice came through the speakers; raw, rich, powerful. “There’s no love lost. I did the best I could, working with the material I was provided. It came at a cost; I would change it if I could…”

Averi played effortlessly, her head slightly bowed, her lips barely moving as she softly sang background vocals. I watched, enthralled, as Egypt poured her soul into the lyrics, her voice thick with emotion, the melody weaving through the theater like magic.

By the time they finished, the crowd was on its feet. Averi looked surprised by the response. But Egypt? She soaked it in, letting the applause wash over her like she had been waiting for this moment her entire life.

"They just killed that," I murmured to Creed.

He nodded. "Yeah, they did. Y’all all some stars in this group."

I smiled. "Takes one to know one Mr. NBA."

After the recital ended, we all went out for dinner, celebrating the end of a long semester and a successful night. The restaurant was loud with laughter, our group taking up an entire section as we toasted to finishing the year strong.

“You coming with me afterwards, right?” Creed asked and I nodded. I would never miss an opportunity to be laid up with him. Honestly, sex with Creed was so fucking good, I would be a fool to pass up on it. The way he had my toes curling on a regular basis, the way he constantly put me to sleep; there was no alternative but to leave with him.

“Langston there is no way I’m not coming with you.” I whispered before placing a kiss on his lips. “I owe you a dance anyway, right?”

He smirked, before placing one last peck on my lips.

"So, listen," Arielle said speaking to Averi, Egypt and I, sipping her wine. "I was thinking—Averi and Egypt should take the extra two bedrooms in the apartment."

I turned to them, raising a brow. "Y’all down?"

“Wait, you serious?” Averi asked and Ari and I nodded. We had discussed this only a few nights ago. It was funny how during the school year we had gotten so close to them. We had spent so much time with those two that it didn’t seem real. Averi and Egypt had become some of my best friends and I loved them. There was never anything they couldn’t ask of me and I wouldn’t do my best to accomplish it for them. But that was what it meant to be a Bradshaw. We loved hard and took care of the people we loved the most.

Egypt grinned. "Hell yeah, I’m down."

Averi nodded, smiling. "I’d love that."

"Perfect," I said, lifting my glass. "Then it’s settled."

I was curledup on the couch in my apartment, watching the city lights outside the window when my phone rang displaying Daddy along with a photo of the both of us; same smile, same eyes. Those were the only two things I had inherited from him, the rest of me, was all Sienna including the deep rich chocolate skin tone.

I sighed before answering. "Hey, Daddy."

"Hey, Tootie. How you doin’?"

"I’m good."

He was quiet for a second, then?—

"Baby, you really not gon’ talk to your mama?"

I closed my eyes silently chuckling, my stomach twisting. This was a conversation I had, had with him many times since Barbados. I usually never passed up a phone call with him, but ever since Barbados he had been calling me too much; always trying to make sure I was okay, despite me telling him I was fine.

"No."

"Serenity—"

"Daddy, stop." I sighed. "I have nothing to say to her."

"She feels awful for what she said."

"She should stand on business then."