In the Life (7 page)

"Yeah, we can go."

"Why do you look like that's not what you wanted to say? Is there a problem with going?" My comment caused Curtis to look at him with an inquisitive expression.

"Um, uh, of course not," he started to stutter. "It’s just I was hoping that tonight could be just for us… and Curtis of course." Curtis started laughing.

"Naw, you had it right the first time, nigga. Your horny ass wants to blaze his ass, remember?" Me and Morris both started laughing as well. After a few more minutes, Morris had to rush off. All this time, we had not realized someone had been paying attention to our conversation.

Chapter 11

This was all so surreal. I was sitting at the very trendy Dolce restaurant in West Hollywood with movie stars. The décor was great. Black leather chairs and table cloths, dramatic lighting, and an isolated fire behind the fully stocked bar gave the restaurant a high class feel. Morris was sitting to the right of me and Curtis was on the left. Lailiana sat across from Morris. We were munching on the bread and amuse bouché while we conversed and waited for the entrees. I didn't know how I should be acting around all of these celebrities. Since Morris had been working with them for some time now, he was not fazed one bit by them.

"So has Morris shown you all of the sights yet?" Lailiana asked me and Curtis.

"Naw," we both said in unison. Morris gave Lailiana a look.

"Sights? Hell, I aint even seen no damn sights. I am always on set. You know that." Lailiana reached across the table and placed her hand on top of his.

"Well, what about all the places I showed you. I thought I gave you a great tour." Lailiana said that a little bit too flirtatious for my taste. I looked over at Morris and he had this awkward grin on his face. Curtis was hitting me under the table.

"Yes, it was real cool, but I think Curtis and Tre could benefit from the tour, as well." Lailiana started to smile brightly.

"That's a great idea! Why don't we go out before you two leave? I am always looking for a good reason to let loose and have fun with my schedule being as hectic as it usually is. And who knows, with three PHYNE men like you following me around, the tabloids may have something new to write about." We all laughed… well at least faked a laugh. Shit, the tabloid is what got us to this point in the first place.

My meal was okay, but nothing special. The portion was so small that I finally understood why everyone in California was so skinny. The poor babies obviously don't eat. After finishing my meal, I excused myself to go to the restroom. On my way out, I bumped into a familiar stranger.

"Oh, I am so sorry," I said after crashing right into him. I don't know what I was doing that I didn't see him coming my way.

"It’s no problem, dude." When my eyes actually focused on his face, I saw that I was right in front of Breion Grey, one of the best neosoul singers out. I always had thought that he was attractive, but up close, he was flawless. His skin was an even toned caramel and his hair was curly. It looked like he definitely didn't have "nigga hair". I tried to play it cool. If I had learned anything today, it was not to be star struck.

"Umm, you have a good day." I tried to get back to my seat, but Breion wasn't going to make my getaway that easy.

"Wait a minute. You are Morris' homeboy, right." That right there, definitely made me stop. How did he know that? I guess my face gave away how puzzled I was. "Oh, my bad. I am in the movie too. You may not have seen me on the set, but I was there."

"Damn, how many people are in this movie?" He laughed.

"I know, right. But this is my first film and what better role to play besides a singer. I mean, it’s not a big stretch."

"Is it a big part?"

"Well, you are just going to have to wait until the movie comes out to see that now, won't you?" If I didn't know any better, I would swear that he was flirting with me.

"I guess I will have to wait. Hopefully, Morris will get me a ticket to be at one of those premieres."

"If he doesn't invite you, I definitely will." Okay, now this is definitely flirting. It is time to tear myself away from his sexy ass.

"Uh, I think that I need to get back to the table." I started to walk away. I needed to. No matter what came out of his mouth next, I was leaving.

"So I will see you on the set later, right?" I didn't answer. I just kept going.

After the restaurant, I decided to go straight back to the hotel. Morris and Curtis had gone clubbing with some of the other cast members, but I didn't feel up to it. Even though it was our last night in California, I just wanted to go to bed for some reason. I had planned to spend all morning and afternoon with Morris before our evening flight. Morris said he had something special planned for my last day. I couldn't wait to see what that was.

When morning came, I was ready to see my guy. I woke up and hopped right into the shower. I could tell that Curtis must have had fun clubbing with celebrities because his ass was still knocked the fuck out. After getting dressed and ready, I tried to call Morris to see what was up, but he did not answer the phone. I didn't know if I should go downstairs and partake in the continental breakfast the hotel offered. Who knows, maybe Morris had brunch plans made up already. However, after an hour or two of waiting for a callback, I caved. The breakfast was over, but there was a Burger King in walking distance of the hotel. I figured that, much like Curtis, Morris must have partied a little bit too hard and maybe even had a hangover.

I ate my food in the room and watched some television. Finally, Morris called while I was watching old Saved by the Bell episodes.

"Hey baby. What you doing?"

"Waiting for you," I responded. I looked over to Curtis and he was still dead to the world.

"You got me bored waiting for you."

"Oh. Umm baby…" I knew I wasn't going to like what Morris was about to say next. I could hear it in his voice. Something wasn't right.

"Yes? What's wrong? We are hanging out today, right?"

"Baby…"

"So, what is stopping you now?"

"The director wants to reshoot the kidnapping scene that we shot last week. He decided he wanted it to happen during daylight instead of at night. I don't know how long this all will take, but you know you are more than welcomed to come to the set and watch."

"Watch?"
I wasn't happy it all, but I had to understand. It wasn't his fault. However, I was still feeling salty about the whole thing.

I did end up going to see Morris. To my dismay, the director had called for a closed set so you can imagine the fun that I was having. Curtis had stayed back at the hotel. I had predicted right. He had the hangover from hell. I was about to go back to join him, but I was stopped before I could leave.

"So I see that you are still here." I looked over to see Breion walking towards me. He was looking too sexy. There was something about him that really turned me on. He had a swagger about him and we all know there is nothing sexier than a fine nigga with a swagger.

"Yeah, but I leave today. I had come down here to see Morris, but…"

"He is on a closed set." Breion finished my statement and I nodded.

"I guess I should be getting back to the hotel. I mean, I need to make sure all my stuff is packed and everything. Hopefully, Morris will be done in time enough to take me and my boy Curtis to the airport."

"It’s possible however, I know if I was your man, I would make sure that I would have more than enough time for you. You definitely wouldn't be wandering around some movie set waiting for me." Breion licked his lips and I almost came in my pants. But what was he trying to imply about me and Morris. I think he read what I was thinking through my eyes. "Yeah, I know that Morris is your man. I can see it in the way you look at him."

"Am I that obvious?"

"Naw, you're not. But it’s easy to pick up if you are someone like me who is captivated by your every move." I know that this conversation is leading to nowhere good, but I couldn't help myself. Like I said earlier, there was just something so sexy about this man. You could even hear it in his music. It’s like he exhaled sensuality.

"You watch me like that?"

"Yeah… I do."

"I think it’s time for me to go… you know… packing and stuff."

"Well, I can give you a ride… I mean, if you don't mind making one stop with me. It will be fun. I promise you." I was playing a fool's game, but I followed him out the studio. Where we were going was a mystery to me, but that was kind of exciting. What was the harm in getting to know Breion a little better? He could become a really great friend. Well, at least that's what I kept trying to tell myself over and over again as he opened the passenger door for me to jump into his black BMW 6 Series Convertible. This was just going to be an innocent afternoon… right?

Chapter 12

Whenever you feel so gone

Like no one can understand

Hiding, in search of calm

I will be here as your man

When the victories are few

But the pain seems to surround

Know where you can run to

Because I will always be around

I will always be here

You don't have to ever fear

Until now becomes forever

I will be your protector

As Breion sang his song, I sat back in awe. He had taken me to a recording studio. I thought it was so cool to see him at work. In the matter of a half an hour, he and the producer had written this great song and they even asked me for my input. Does this mean I have songwriting credit? I mean, I did help with a few words. Wait a minute… what if this gets nominated for a Grammy?! I could have a fucking Grammy! Am I getting a little ahead of myself? Maybe… but who cares?

Breion was singing the hell out of that song. I thought his vocals were perfect, but he insisted on wanting to go back and rerecord different parts. When he was done, he came out of the booth smiling.

"Why you cheesin like that?"

"You know I was thinking about you while I was singing, right?" I couldn't control the sigh that came from my mouth. I mean, I thought that Breion was a really cool guy and I would be lying if I said that I wasn't attracted to him, but I had Morris and was happy with him. We were rebuilding from the whole Lailiana issue, but I knew that was just a test that would ultimately make our relationship stronger.

"Breion… you know…"

"Yes, I know about you and Morris and I don't want to interfere with that. I just can't help what I feel."

"Come on now. You don't even know me."

"Not yet, I don't. You can't blame a brotha for trying though. Just give me a chance."

"And how do I do that? I live in Philadelphia and you live way out in…"

"Philly," he said with the biggest smile on his face.

"You’re from Philly?"

"Yeah, born and raised. I thought for a second that you were going to say you live in
Mississippi or something. I mean, that's some accent that you have there. It’s cute."

"I’m from Alabama, actually."

"So can I get your number? Maybe we can chill sometime when I am in town." Once again, that voice in my head was saying that I was playing a fool's game, but I ignored it. We programmed each other's number in our phone. As soon as I had saved his number, Morris called me. That should have been an omen right there.

"Hey babe, where you at?" I looked over at Breion. I knew I couldn't tell Morris exactly where I was at. Even though nothing was going on between the two of us, I knew that saying that I was in a recording studio with an incredibly attractive and talented R&B singer would not be a good thing. So, of course, I lied.