Just Can't Let Go

Watching how Trés handled Phoenix made me uncomfortable. I was relieved and feeling guilty at the same time. I knew what I had to do.

“Tiera, let everyone know we’re starting thirty minutes late.”

She nodded. “Certainly. Anything else?”

“That’ll be all.” I picked up my cell, walked outside. Phoenix was in the parking lot shouting at Trés. I got in my car, locked the door, and made the call.

Soon as she identified herself, I said, “Hi, Dakota. It’s Devereaux Crystal.”

“Good morning, Ms. Crystal. Mercedes told me she gave you my number. Glad you called. What have you decided?”

What all had my sister shared with the detective? I noticed Phoenix jabbing his finger toward Trés’s face. Trés told me to stay out of it and I was.

I answered, “I’d like to move forward with the investigation.”

“Great! What’s your e-mail address?”

I sat in my car giving her the requested information. A police car drove onto the lot.

“I’ll e-mail you a questionnaire and a contract within the hour. Soon as I get everything back, I’m on it,” she said. Then she asked, “You still there?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah.” I had heard her, but it took a minute for what she’d said to register. “Thanks, bye.”

Phoenix got in his car, then sped off. I expected my cell to ring. It didn’t.

Having my fiancé spied on was one of the most difficult decisions I’d made. When I’d awakened this morning, I wasn’t sure about hiring Dakota. When Phoenix showed up here, I still wasn’t convinced. The way his head snapped when I called Ebony’s name, that was my deciding factor.

I dialed my mother. Hadn’t spoken with her in a few days.

“Everything okay,” she asked without saying hello.

“Yeah, Mom. Are you available for dinner tonight?”

I told her, “It’s okay if you don’t have time. I understand you’re always too busy.”

“No, I want to. It’s just that I have a date. Can we do eight?”

“Yes, eight is good. I’ll text you the restaurant.”

“Okay, I’ll see you then,” she said, ending the call.

I invited Mercedes, Alexis, and Sandara via text message. Not sure what would come out of the investigation, my entire family had to be on my team. I was not too proud to ask for emotional support. Prayed my relationship with Ms. Etta wouldn’t change if I had to break up with Phoenix. Nya loved her grandma.

Told myself, “Dev, stay positive.” It was hard now that I’d seen the excitement in my man’s eyes for another woman.

Entering the studio, Trés said, “What I told the police in front of Phoenix should take care of your fiancé not being around for the rest of the season. Hope you don’t mind, I had a chat with Ebony. Told her her having a manager was a good idea, but hiring Christal Jordan, the owner of Enchanted PR is best because Christal is the best. Ebony needs a corporation and a team, not an individual. No disrespect to Phoenix, but what contacts does he have in this industry? Don’t let him tag on to your success. Make him build his own.”

I was kind of numb right now. My heart didn’t feel love or hate. Trés was right about Phoenix making his own way. It was time.

“Tiera, let everyone know I’m ready to start the shoot.”

She scurried toward the dressing rooms.

I told my friend, “I’ve hired a private investigator to find out what Phoenix is doing.”

Trés nodded. “Not a bad decision. When Sophisticated Side Chicks ATL start trending on the regular, all of our personal lives are going to be all over Dish Nation and TMZ. Best to know what you’re dealing with than to have your life become a spinoff of your own show.”

“Our show,” I said, giving Trés a tighter than usual hug.

Ebony, West-Léon, and Travis came out at the same time. My jaw dropped at how beautiful they looked together.

The black suit West-Léon wore was fitted. I loved the way his blazer hung open to expose his bare chest that had the right amount of shine. Travis’s white slacks were tailored to his athletic physique. His shirt was unbuttoned with one side slightly tucked in his pants.

Ebony was that boss bitch standing in gold seven-inch heels. Not many women could walk in those shoes. I might make that height Ebony’s signature. Her simple white dress had a plunging neckline that exposed her navel. The edges accenting her cleavage were trimmed in black leather. Her lips were the sexiest blazing shade of red.

Trés and I watched AJ Alexander and his team direct West-Léon and Travis to stand on opposites sides of Ebony. She crossed her arms, placed one foot slightly in front of the other.

Looking at Ebony, I could see how any man would be attracted to her. I was no lesbian but watching her was making me hot.