If this was his world, she wanted no part of it.
Geneva picked her way through JJ-LUV’s entourage. Most were on their cell phones and others rapped lyrics she could never un-hear. She found a couch in the corner and headed to that spot.
Joshua had been in wardrobe and make-up since three a.m. For the video shoot, he would be dressed as a vampire who needed a “woman’s milk” instead of blood. Geneva had cringed at his description, but had agreed to come watch his performance.
A group of about ten women arrived. Their attire consisted of black leotards, with the bottoms out, and five-inch, red-bottom shoes. They each had hair down to their waists and long, black nails. They lingered about the space, waiting for makeup.
One of the women pointed toward her. “Please don’t tell me she’s the main act.” The other women tittered behind their hands and rolled their eyes. Geneva shrank further into the couch.
Geneva shook her head. “I’m just watching.”
“Ronisha, you’re next,” one of the makeup artists called out.
A young woman jiggled her way to the chair. Geneva narrowed her eyes. The woman had a bottom that could be the Pied Piper of men, but her face was another matter. The makeup artist began airbrushing her face. Geneva looked on with much interest. She didn’t believe humans could work miracles until that moment. Within ten minutes, the woman had been transformed into an ethereal beauty.
Geneva put a hand over her mouth. “Wow.”
The girl tipped her chin. “Nadia’s one of the best.”
Geneva nodded. “I see.”
The rest of the woman were made video-shoot ready. Geneva hoped their future husbands would see them fresh-faced before popping the question.
Geneva shook her head. Isabella was rubbing off on her. But it was the truth. Catty. Petty. But still true.
Then Joshua walked out. She felt her eyes go wide. This was JJ-LUV. His swagger. His strut. His sexiness. His vampire costume fit his frame. There were muscles everywhere. Geneva swallowed. She watched him scan the area until he zoned in on her. She placed a hand over her chest and reminded herself to breathe. He strutted her way, barely glancing at the young women vying for his attention.
Geneva’s stomach clenched. Joshua’s gaze held heat. The women took a second look her way. Several mouths dropped. Under the spotlight of his gaze, Geneva felt like the most beautiful girl in the world.
“Hey,” she breathed out. “You look good.” Good enough for me to want a piece of that chocolate bar. Geneva rebuked the thought. She crossed her legs. In seconds, Joshua had transformed the atmosphere. Heat swirled around them, building within her like hot lava.
“Thanks.” He smiled, slow and wide. “Sorry it took so long.”
Whew. “It’s all right. It was worth the wait.” When she heard her raspy voice, Geneva touched her throat. “I think I need water.”
“I’ll get you some.”
Suddenly, his voice blasted through the space and Geneva jumped.
“It’s my new track.”
“What’s it called?”
“A Woman’s Milk.”
“Oh.” She knew her face reddened.
“Let me get your water.” Joshua jogged to the back room. He seemed immune to the lights and music, but Geneva’s senses were on high alert.
The women gyrated and contorted their bodies to the music. The lights dimmed and fog appeared. Golden Liquaz bottles and chocolate lava pools flowed. Gold and cash were strewn about the floor.
Geneva knew she was sitting in quicksand labeled iniquity. She bit her lip. Just being there made her feel different. She was going down if she didn’t retreat. Children of God couldn’t go just any place.
She stood. She had to get air. Her heels click-clacked across the bare floor.
Joshua caught up to her at the door. “Where are you going?”
She gestured toward the video set. “I can’t be in your world. I’ve fought too hard to get where I am spiritually to stay in here. My mind is heating up, and I’m thinking things I have no right to be thinking.”
He scanned the set as if trying to see what she saw. Then he shook his head. “This is just a set. It’s not real. JJ-LUV is a persona. It’s not who I am. It’s just show business.”
“But it’s not to regular folks like me. This looks real. The set, the women, the money. It’s all meant to reel people into what they think is a better life, but the end is death.”
“I have contract obligations. I’m getting out of all this soon, but in the meantime, I have to do what I’m paid to do.” His eyes narrowed. “You’ve been talking to me nonstop these past days. I thought you were interested in getting to know the real me.”
“I do, but I’m not going to lose my standards in the process. I’m celibate. I shouldn’t have come here.” Her chest heaved.
His eyes went wide. “Celibate?” He said the word like it was a juicy apple. His gaze trailed to her lips. His fine body moved closer to hers, drawing heat.
She placed a hand on his chest. “Yes. There are church girls who keep their vows. I’m proud of it. The next man I sleep with will be my husband. So, don’t get tempted unless you plan on applying for the job.”
His eyes darkened. “Girl, you’re making me think crazy things.”
“Welcome to the club. I’ve been thinking dangerous thoughts from the moment I arrived.” She gathered her coat. “Now, go do what you have to do because I’m doing the same. I’ll wait for you at the hotel, and I’ll be listening to some Hezekiah Walker or Donnie McClurkin.”
“I wish you would stay.”
She shook her head. “I can’t watch you rub on those women and then,” she put her fingers in quotes, “drink their milk.” Geneva sounded like a jealous housewife. She felt ridiculous. She didn’t have any claims to this man.
“JJ, we’re ready for you,” the videographer called out. “Time is money.”
Joshua pleaded with her. “I know how it looks but it’s all pretense. None of it means anything to me.”
“Then you can stay here with your pretend world. I’m stepping outside to join the real folks.” She shoved her hands in her coat. “I’ll wait for Joshua at the hotel. That’s who I’m interested in knowing. I have no regards for JJ-LUV and what he represents.” She tilted her head. “You’ve been JJ-LUV for two decades. Can you separate the two? Who is the real Joshua James?”
They called his name again. Joshua held up a hand and then hugged her tight. “I know you don’t think much of me, but you’re the kind of woman a man needs to hold on to forever. And Geneva, I know it’s soon, but I am that man.” His voice dropped. “Be patient. I’m worth the wait.”