Page 30 of Perfect Rhythm
“Look, we’re just?—”
“Oh my God, I knew it! The internet has been buzzing nonstop about the chemistry between you two. I’ve always said it was just acting,” she ranted. “But baby, that little lap dance did not give acting. It definitely gave...my man, my man, my man.”
I shook my head.
“I’m just saying. Y’all are fire together.” She paused, then tilted her head to the side. “Oh, but wait, isn’t she still dating that soap opera guy, E?—
I slammed my hands on her shoulders and turned her around to face the stack of boxes. “Focus less on the shit that doesn’t concern you.”
“Wow, so you’re really going to do me like that? Pull me into what may be the greatest love story ever told, and just leave me hanging?”
I laughed. “You’re so damn dramatic.”
“I’m serious, Shade. I need to know if you guys become a thing.” She squealed in excitement. “Do you know what it would be like for me to have Nyx Fenton in my space every day?”
“Every day? You do know she’ll be with me, right? That means I’ll be around every day too.”
“Trust me, if you have Nyx on your arm, you can hang around all you want.”
“You’re something else,” I mumbled.
“Mmhmm. But don’t forget. I need to know if?—”
Stopping her before she continued, I nodded. “I promise, you’ll be the first to know when I get the girl.”
And I’lldefinitelyget the girl.
13
NYX
I double-tapped my earbuds to change the song, lowering myself until my butt was just inches from the floor. I was halfway through my third set of squats.
Sweat dripped down the side of my face, then onto my shoulder. I was wearing a black tank with leggings and a waist trainer.
It felt good to be in my father’s gym. I mean, it was cool to try out the different places while on the road, but there was nothing like being in the comfort of my father’s place.
“Hey, baby girl,” I heard a soft voice speak behind me.
Smiling, I pulled the earbuds from my ears and turned around. “Hey, Mama. What are you doing here?”
“Me and your father were on our way to grab some food after church, and he decided to stop in to check on things. I saw your car outside, so I figured I would come in and hug my baby.” She pulled me in for a tight squeeze, not caring that I was drenched in sweat. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“I’ve missed you too.”
She took a step back and looked me over. “Well, you look good. I see you haven’t missed any mealsorany workouts.”
“No, I haven’t.”
“Good. I can’t have you out there on that road turning into a skeleton. Speaking of which, why don’t you come with me and your father to eat?”
I looked myself over. “Mommy, do you see how sweaty I am? I stink.”
“Oh, please. You’re fine.”
“No, this is not okay to be sitting down at a restaurant. You’re not about to have folks talking about me.”
She leaned forward and sniffed. “I don’t smell anything but strawberries and whipped cream, and maybe a little salt added in from the sweat.” A giggle escaped her lips. “You don’t smell bad at all.”
