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I knew Kayla’s feelings were hurt but I had to do what I had to do; I was tired of living this lie and hurting her at the same time. My publicist didn’t think it was a good idea, but I didn’t give a damn. I wanted to be done with that fake shit. On another note, shit was going amazing with me and Dashawn’s upcoming series. Tatum had placed an article in the next edition of Media Frenzy and the word was now out. We were getting so much support and calls for the cast it was amazing. I couldn’t seem to get me and Tatum’s lunch date out of my head. We were vibing so good and enjoying each other’s company. I couldn’t seem to get her sexy ass out of my head and this shit was different for me. It had only been a week and I was thinking about her ass day and night. I kept saying to myself I could never be in a serious relationship with someone like her. I had too much baggage and I couldn’t unpack that shit.

“Yo bro, you didn’t hear me walk in?” Dashawn asked while entering the meeting room.

“Damn bro, nah, I didn’t my fault. What’s good with you?” I asked while dapping him up.

“I wanted to check in with you today, no work related stuff just wanted to see if you wanted to go hooping or out for a drink or something.” I didn’t have any friends and this was one of the things Dr. Barrel and I discussed for one of my assignments. Being an only child and not really dealing with family or friends was one of the things I wanted to work on.

“Sure, why not, I wasn’t really doing shit anyway.”

“I’ve noticed, you own this whole entire studio, you are the bossman you should be doing other shit with your life. You give lonely vibes bro, get you a wife and kids. I’m telling you it’s the best thing I ever did in life after my fucked up childhood.”

The way he said fucked up childhood had me curious but I wouldn’t dare ask what happen. I felt like he didn’t know me that well to share his business. I chuckled while shaking my head after what he said.

“What you shaking your head for?”

“You sound just like my therapist.” I said wishing that didn’t leave my mouth. I never discussed me going to therapy with anyone before.

“Therapy, huh, I’ve been looking for a good one since I been back in Jersey. How is it? Is it working for you?”

“She cost a pretty penny, but she’s the best. I see my life turning around since I’ve been going to her. I can refer you if you want.”

“I do, what’s her name?”

“Dr. Phoenix Barrel.”

“Oh yeah, I heard about her. Thanks bro, I’ll be sure to reach out to her. Now let’s go shoot some hoops then we can hit one of the clubs over Philly.”

“OK, let me close out these emails then we can head out.” Dashawn sat on the couch in my office and waited for me to get finished with what I was doing. Then we headed out to go have a good time. I couldn’t even tell you when I went out and did some shit other than therapy or work related stuff.

* * *

I was sitting in our section in The Billionaire Lounge with my eyes on Tatum. I had spotted her ever since she walked in the door. The fact that we called ourselves going somewhere we would be out of the way was crazy. The minute we walked in the door and asked for a spot in the back, folks just been walking over to us.

“Why don’t you just ask her to join us?” Dashawn said with a huge smile on his face.

“What you always smiling for.” I asked.

“Man, it’s obvious you’re interested in her. I saw that when you had the meeting at the studio. You had your eyes planted on her like I wanted her. You just didn’t know my heart belonged to one woman.”

“It isn’t even like that, me and her are usually at each other’s throats.”

“That don’t mean you not interested.”

“I guess, how long you been married?” I asked trying to change the subject.

“I’ve been married for three years and together for six. My wife changed my life in so many ways.” He smiled.

“That’s dope, I wish I saw that in my future.”

“Why don’t you see that in your future? I thought you were engaged before?” I didn’t wanna bring this up but I figured what the hell. We had been talking about private shit all day. Plus, I felt comfortable around him, his vibe was cool.

“That was all a scam that my publicist thought would be a good idea, since the media kept up with the gay shit. They never seen me in a relationship so they just took the first thing they came up with and ran with it.”

“Yeah, those people can be a bit much, but I still say invite her over. You never know what can happen between the two of you. Love is a beautiful thing and you should try it one day.” Dashawn’s phone rang and he answered it; he said a couple of words then hung right up.

“I’m going to head to the bathroom and on my way I’ma tell Tatum to come on over, since my wife is on her way.” I chuckled while shaking my head. I guess it wouldn’t be an issue we were just some friends having a nice night out.

“Make sure you tell the men at the door we trying to be lowkey so keep the groupies and the camera men away from our section.”

“They know already, I left some extra cash up there for them to shut it down from letting people in here, so we should be fine. I’ma be a little minute because after I use the bathroom I’ma go to the side door to meet my wife.” Dashawn said while getting up and heading over to where Tatum was sitting. About ten minutes later Tatum was headed my way and we stared each other in the eyes until she made it to our section.

“Hello Poetic!” She smiled.

“Hey, you, what you doing here out alone?” I asked.

“I come here every now and then when I need some time to myself. The question is what brought you out? I never see or hear of you being out.”

“Yeah, I usually stay in. I hate all the attention and people in my face. So, when I do go out I try to go where the people don’t frequent at. That’s why we all the way in the back and Dashawn paid them to stop letting people come in.”

“I see, do you mind if I join you?”

“Nah, come on, I know Dashawn already told you I wanted you over here.” I chuckled.

“He did, but I didn’t believe him.”

“Why wouldn’t you believe him?”

“Because we not working, I didn’t think you cared for me. I just thought you tolerated me when it came to business.”

“I’m not even going to lie, you did rub me the wrong way at first, but that lunch meeting we had kind of changed my feelings about you just a little.”

“Just a little, huh.”

“Umm… maybe more than just a little.” I smiled sliding over tapping the seat so she could sit next to me. Tatum sat next to me and her perfume danced in my nostrils. I swear every time I saw her she looked so fucking good. Today she had on a tight fitting black dress that show cased all of her curves, with a crop red leather jacket. On her feet were a pair of red strappy heels that were laced up her thick legs that happened to be the same red as the jacket. Her curls were all over her head giving her a wild look. She didn’t look like she had on make up just a little red tint to her lips. I was feeling this look.

“Are you good Poetic?” She asked bringing me out of my thoughts of her.

“Yeah, I’m good. I was just taking in your beauty.”

“Why thank you, Mr. Pain! Whatever they did with the mean Mr. Pain leave his ass right there because I think I’m feeling this one.” She giggled.

“I’m not mean at all it just depends on how you handle me. Now what you drinking pretty lady?”

“Did somebody say drinks?” A loudmouth stepped into our section the way Dashawn was holding on to her. I could tell it was his wife.

“Y’all gotta excuse her we don’t get out much with three kids under the age of ten.” He chuckled causing me to do the same.

“I’m sorry y’all I’m so excited to be out.”

“You good, I can totally understand. I don’t have no kids but work takes over most of my life.” Tatum spoke.

“Well, I’m Symphony and what’s your name?”

“I’m Tatum.”

“Nice to meet you Tatum and you must be Poetic. The man that been having my baby staying out late and working his ass off.” She smiled while holding her hand out for me to shake it.

“Yes, that would be me, nice to meet you, Symphony. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“My baby always talking about me.” She smiled while kissing his lips.

“What you want to drink baby?” Dashawn asked.

“Get a bottle of Azul, some shot glasses, and a bottle of pineapple juice. Y’all ok with drinking Tequila?” Symphony asked.

“Yeah, I’m cool with that.” Tatum responded. I didn’t drink much, but I was going to have me a drink or two tonight. I don’t know why I felt so comfortable around Dashawn, Tatum, and Symphony but I did. I was going to use tonight to get out of my comfort zone and have me some fun with some potentially new friends.