Page 5 of Cause When You Love Someone

Sage hurried out of sight, but Simone giggled before she strolled away. I returned her childish gesture while tucking my legs under my butt.

Once everyone cleared out, my mom retrieved a small stack of papers from a purse I knew she used my money to buy.

“Here.” She guided the documents to my hand.

Amusement brought a twist to my lips as I skimmed over the first page.

“See. You think this is a joke. That’s why I’m hiring someone to look after you.”

“What? I don’t need a handler.”

“You need something, little girl! I’m looking into a few private security firms. I’m hiring a bodyguard.”

I scoffed. “Why not just train me on how to use a gun?”

“Clarke, please. You’re reckless. I saw what you did with a bat and a wig. I can only imagine what you’d do with a gun.”

I jumped out of my seat. “I already have a guard.”

“Chunks was a temp, and he was horrible. You’re not filming right now, but you’re always outside. Did you forget someone snatched your jewelry off your body? My decision is final.”

“Mama, I’m twenty-six. You can’t?—”

“As long as I’m working as your manager, I can do more than you would like to believe,” she interjected. “I’m setting up interviews for next week, so look up some of those companies, and let me know which one you’re feeling.”

Years of being bossed around by my mom taught me when to let her have her way, or at least make her think she was running the show. That’s what I tried to convince myself.

“Are we done? I want to get on live for a few hours.”

“I’m not stopping you, but I have somewhere to be anyway.”

On her way out, my mom asked Sage to go with her. He had been my assistant since I jumped into reality TV six years ago, but on any given day, my mom had him running errands or going to a meeting with her.

When the front door slammed shut, Simone peeked her head around the doorframe. “Is the coast clear?” She bounced over and flopped on the loveseat beside me. “Yo’ mama knows she can fuck up a good day.”

“She can, but she may be right. My ass could’ve ended up in jail.” I caressed my forehead. “I was doing so good, and then I got that message. This man really brings out the worst in me, and he isn’t even my man this month.”

Simone tossed a grape into her mouth. “It’s kind of your fault.”

“Excuse me. How?”

“You’ve been with him off-and-on for five years, and even when y’all are not together, you give him access to you.

That’s why he had your truck in the first place.

That fool has been cheating since y’all made it official.

Plus, he uses your name to stay relevant.

” She freed a breathless whistle. “Don’t get me started on junior being born on y’all anniversary. ”

Dread collapsed my shoulders. “Damn. Kick a bitch when she’s down.”

“You know I don’t mean no harm. I’m just being honest. That nigga does you dirty, and you’re feeling bad about returning the favor.”

“No. I feel dumb for jeopardizing my freedom to prove a point.”

“Well, for what it’s worth, The Pink Room posted the video.”

My head fell back into the couch cushion. “That post puts money in their pocket, not mine.”

“Rock! Don’t give me that look. I’m home, and I’m safe.”

His bald head shined under the streetlights when he adjusted his view downward. “You aren’t safe until you’re in your house. I’m surprised you got so loose at the event, especially since you were by yourself, amongst some questionable people.”

I playfully slapped his arm. “Don’t be so judgy, Rock. I used to be one of those people.”

“Who you used to be, and who you’ve grown into, are two different things. Give yourself a little credit, baby girl.”

Before OnlyFans was filled with coochie and dick, I made bank on the site, performing different genres of dance while wearing very little clothes.

I could’ve happily retired and disappeared with seven figures in the bank, but my indecisiveness kept me around.

Some days, I wanted to move to a farm in the country, and other days, I loved being in the mix of the entertainment industry.

My wavering decision also kept my mom and Chaz perched on a pedestal.

As long as I was in the limelight, so were they.

My full bladder caused me to speed past the nightguard and head straight to the elevator. I danced all the way to my front door, but the second I got it open, everything around me went still.

Candles carved out a walkway leading to the living room, where I found my furniture had been pushed to the side, and a petite lady with a violin was in the vacant space.

Any other day, my heart would have exploded from the sight of red roses situated throughout my haven.

This go around, I viewed the petals as another mess of Chaz’s I would have to clean up.

As I prepared to call Chaz’s name, long, chubby arms circled my waist.

“Are you looking for me, baby?” His naturally hoarse voice lined my ears.

“Chaz, why are you here? What is all of this?”

He repositioned himself in front of me, then inched a new designer bag into my hand. I tried to fight it, but after a few seconds, I felt compelled to make eye contact with the six-foot deceiver.

“Speak,” I demanded.

“I’m hot about my car, but I understand why you did it. I fucked up,” he spat out. “I messed up, and I wanted to show you I’m sorry.”

My focus drifted to the over-the-top gesture.

“All of this is beautiful, but I don’t deserve it.

I don’t deserve to be manipulated into forgiving you.

That’s what this is. You don’t do things like this unless you’re trying to repair the damage you caused.

A new bag doesn’t make me forget about the bitches! ”

“I know that. I’m apologizing for making you doubt me. That’s on me, Cece. I get it.”

“Chaz, you don’t get it, which makes all of this pointless.”

When I realized my voice was competing with the live music, I released the purse to the floor and massaged my temples.

I tried to leave Chaz in the front room, but he stayed on my heels until we entered my master bedroom. As if there wasn’t a stranger in my house, he got comfortable in the sea of pillows on my bed.

“I’m not playing with you, Chaz. You aren’t spending the night. Go to Tracy’s house. I know your baby mama and your son would love to be with you.”

The intruder bolted upright. “Cut that shit out, Clarke! I love you. Nobody else! I would rather die than live in this world without you. Don’t give up on me—on us, baby.”

Tears filled his eyes, and his teeth sank into his juicy bottom lip. After five years together, I knew Chaz’s game. I knew what he would say before he said it. I knew he’d dick me down then let me down.

Then why do you fall for it?

“Cece, I promise I won’t bother you. Just let me stay the night. I just want to be close to you, mama.”

“I said no!”

In the blink of an eye, anger snatched him by the jaw. His nostrils blew wide before his round frame hurried in my direction, causing me to stumble until my back hit a wall.

“You must want me to break your neck?” he growled.

“You’ve tried that a time or two,” I replied with no emotion. “Why are you here? I blocked you for a reason.”

“Fuck that! We’re going to talk about this.”

“What can you say? I saw a video of you and a woman in my car. The second video was you in another bitch’s bed without no damn clothes on!”

He grinned. “Stop lying. I had on drawers.”

“Is that supposed to mean something?”

“I wasn’t at a bitch’s house. That video is from the time I spent the night at Money’s spot.”

My eyes went around in a circle after hearing his brother’s name. Just like Chaz, Money was as deceitful as he was handsome.

“Get to the point.”

“Remember I told you I got too faded to drive home. I went upstairs and took off my clothes and went to sleep. The bitch must’ve come in the room and shot the videos.”

“Ha! That’s the best you can come up with?” A deep belly laugh climbed up my throat. The harder I laughed, the more he backed away.

“Chaz, I’ve stood by you when you had nothing and when you lost everything.” I squeezed my eyes shut. “We aren’t together, but we’re still attached. I hate it. I don’t want to hate you .”

“Hol’ up! Don’t downplay who the fuck I am.

Part of your success came from being my bitch!

You want credit for holding me down when that’s what you’re supposed to do.

When I was selling beats in my sleep, you were on my dick!

” He grimaced. “You want to act like an ungrateful bitch. I’m going to leave before I break your fucking face.

You talk hot shit when I add value to your life. ”

“You used to! Now, you cost more than you’re worth. We said we were taking a break to figure shit out. I don’t want to be with you. Problem solved.”

When he opened the door, I heard the live music soaring from my living room.

Chaz hustled by the lady without saying a word, though she opened her mouth to speak.

As soon as he made his exit, I dug in my bag and fished for the last hundred I had on-hand.

“I’m sorry for the drama.” I handed the cash to the violinist. “Thank you for coming.” I watched her brows jog up her forehead as she examined the cash. “Is there a problem?” I quizzed.

“Hmm. I only received a deposit. My fee is three hundred, plus fifty for travel.”

My shoulders hunched forward. “Give me a second.”

I returned to my room and locked the door behind me.

Though I wanted to tell the lady to speak with Chaz about the debt, I refused to invite another woman to my heartbreak hotel.

I peeled four hundred bills from my stash, then went to pay the soft-spoken lady.

She already had her things packed and gathered near the door when I returned.

“Here you go. Sorry for the confusion.”

She offered a toothless smile. “No problem. To be honest, it was an honor to play for you. Even for a few minutes.”

“Aww, that’s sweet. Do you watch my show?”

Her palm caught her snicker. “No. I used to be obsessed with your dance videos. I always thought it was beautiful seeing a black ballerina who liked to twerk.”

We shared a short laugh before I said, “Thank you.”

“Do you ever think you’ll dance again?”

“Only God knows,” I replied while leading her out the door.

I didn’t mean to be rude. I just didn’t want to spend another minute going down memory lane. Any time someone spoke of my years as a dancer, I was reminded that I exchanged my passion for profit. I let an injury consume my confidence and acquired fame for things that brought me no peace.