Page 2 of Brown Sugar
I snatch my phone back and return to staring at the photo ofmine, like I had been doing before I was interrupted.
Amari and everyone else might be obsessing over the fact that it’s Grammys weekend. I’m nominated for seven Grammys—including Best R&B Album and Album of the Year—but I’m more focused on whatelseis this weekend.
Tomorrow marks four years with Shawn.
My heart flutters just at the thought. We grew up in the same city and both happened to find fame and fortune on our own. Shawn through his NBA career. Me at the age of sixteen when I was signed to Smash Records. We reconnected years later at an industry party and have been deeply in love ever since.
I promised when I flew into LA, I’d come through his hotel and spend a few hours with him. He’s got a game tonight while I have the Grammys. But because his hotel is further out in the city, we’ve been stuck navigating LA’s afternoon traffic.
Being late to practice and my costume fitting doesn’t matter to me so long as I get to wrap my arms around Shawn even for a few minutes…
It takes us another half hour to make it to Shawn’s hotel. My finger hovers over his name on my contact list as I debate whether to call him and let him know I’ve arrived. I smile, deciding against it.
The surprise will make the situation evenmorespecial.
Amari calls after me as I rush from the limo and leave her and my security behind. A habit my manager, Tommy,hates. He says it’s dangerous since I’m as famous as I am. I say it’s my life and I’ll do what I want, when I want.
…even if ninety percent of the time I end up having to listen to him and my label.
As I jog up the carpeted front path leading into the Prism Hotel, several passersby recognize me. A few scream out my name while others fumble for their phones to take a picture. Used to being recognized just about everywhere I go, I don’t miss a beat. I spin through the revolving glass door leading into the hotel and approach the front desk.
The clerk gapes at me, completely starstruck, as I ask for the room NBA player Shawn Lassiter is staying in. In the elevator, I can’t stand still. I’m smiling ear to ear, bouncing on my feet. My eyes remain glued to the bright red digital numbers on the screen as the elevator takes me to the top floor.
The second the doors open, I’m hurrying into the hall.
Some would say I’ve been foolish focusing on my relationship with Shawn so much when I have a flourishing music career. Mom and Amari both warn me he’s really the only man I’ve ever been in a serious relationship with, so I should take things slow. Be cautious and focus on my music.
But what they don’t get is that Shawn is the source of a lot of my best-selling music. The love songs I’ve written and recorded would be nothing without Shawn serving as an inspiration. It’s because I’ve fallen in love with him that I’m able to do what I do.
That I’ve had the success I have…
I come up on his room and tap my knuckles against the door.
On the other side, voices shout in competition with the blaring music. Someone announces room service must be at the door.
I almost laugh listening to the footsteps pad closer.
The door flings open, and I’m afforded a view into the living area of the hotel room. Sure enough, Shawn has some of his friends and entourage over. I don’t recognize most of them, including the guy holding a drink who’s answered the door.
But I’m not paying attention to anybody else in the room. I only have eyes for Shawn.
Andthe woman he’s holding and kissing on.
2
KIANA
“Baby, will you hold up a sec and let me explain?!” Shawn calls, running after me.
“What is there to explain, Shawn? I saw it with my own two eyes.”
“You didn’t see what you think you saw!”
“Oh really? Because it looked pretty damn clear to me.”
I smash my finger against the elevator button, looking anywhere but at him as he jogs down the hall to keep up with me. When the doors slide open, I rush inside. He follows, trying to reach for me.
“Get out of the elevator, Shawn.”