Page 91

It was as if through my silence he knew there was nothing he could say or do. "Alright," he said, accepting it.

We sat there in silence for a moment. Then, quietly, we agreed to keep the line of communication open— But only for the baby and absolutely nothing else. Then I hung up before going back inside. I curled up on the couch.

“You okay?” Arielle asked rubbing my curls from my face.

I nodded before placing my hand on my stomach and let the reality sink in. This was my life now. No Creed, no Giovanni, it was just me.

And my baby.

26

CREED

"Creed, give me something, man! A smirk, a nod—hell, even a blink would work!"

The photographer’s voice was grating my nerves.

I shifted slightly, forcing my face into an expression that was probably more menacing than modelesque.

"Creed," Sheena muttered from behind the camera crew. "Tighten up."

I barely acknowledged her.

This entire photo shoot was the last place I wanted to be. I had zero energy, zero patience, and I was one second away from snapping at the next person who told me to “relax.”

I heard the photographer mutter something under his breath, then gesture for his assistant to come adjust the lighting.

"Alright, man, let’s try another angle?—"

"Nah, let’s wrap this shit up," I cut in, my voice sharp. The entire studio went silent.

"What?" the photographer asked, blinking.

I huffed. "Y’all got enough shots, right? I hope so because I’m done."

I swung my legs off the chair, about to walk the fuck out, when Sheena stepped in front of me.

“What are you doing, Creed?”

“Leavin’, once you get yo’ ass out my way.” Her eyes widened, head tilting slightly to the side like only a black woman could do to signify I had her fucked up.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" she demanded; arms crossed.

"Sheena, move."

"Not until you tell me why you’re acting like a damn brat."

I clenched my jaw.

“Aye, look… get the fuck on bruh. I’m done doing this shit and instead of being in my business, how about you have these mutha fuckas wrap this shit up.” Her jaw clenched and she rolled her eyes.

“Creed…”

"Man, just drop it."

"Drop it?" she scoffed. "You just embarrassed yourself and me in front of these people and you expect me to just drop it?"

I glared at her.