Page 9 of Perfect Rhythm
“What’s up, Mama?” I answered.
“Nothing much? Are you back home yet?”
“Nah, not yet. I’m in the air now.”
“Oh, okay.”
I could hear the worry in her voice.
“Relax, Mama, I’ll be back before Jassi gets to the city.”
“Okay, good,” she replied. “Make sure she gets settled in and keep an eye on her when it comes to those men out there. You know fame makes them think they can do what they want, and they’ll prey on someone like her. Oh, and?—”
“Mama, chill. I’m going to take good care of my little sis. She’s in good hands.”
She let out a deep sigh. “I know, son. I’m just still not sure if this is a good idea.”
“Yeah, me either. But it’s too late now.”
My sister’s decision to finish her last two and a half years of college in my city wasn’t something I was thrilled about. But she insisted that BCU had the best journalism program, and Bigg City was the perfect place for her to get hands-on experience. As true as that was, I still didn’t feel like it was the right choice. Bigg City had a way of sucking new people in, and it wasn’t always in a good way. The only way to avoid the drama, the drugs, and the predators was to be aware at all times. Or have somebody who could protect you, which was exactly what I’d planned to do.
“Alright, son,” my mother said, snapping me out of my thoughts. “I’ll let you go. Text me when you land.”
“I will.”
“Love you.”
“Love you too, Mama.”
5
NYX
“Home sweet home,” I said, flopping onto the bed like I hadn’t slept in days.
I rolled over on my side and stared out the massive window. Lights blinked across the city, and just like that, I was reminded of why this view would always be my favorite.
As much as I loved staying in lavish hotels and kicking it with my dance mates, there was nothing like being at home and sleeping in my own bed.
“God, I love the quiet,” I whispered. “It’s so peaceful.”
I smiled as I sat up, thinking about how all I wanted was a long, hot shower and a bowl of dry cereal.
Thankfully, my grandmother loved me enough to stock my pantry with fresh food whenever I was headed back from touring. She would also clean my place from top to bottom.
I could smell the disinfectant spray and fresh scent plugins she’d inserted throughout my apartment. It didn’t matter how many times I’d told her that I was a grown woman, and I was fully capable of picking up after myself, Nani still made it her business to come over once a week and scrub away the smallest speck of dirt. But I guess I shouldn’t complain. Not everyone wasable to say that they had a family that looked after them the way that mine did.
I stepped out of my bedroom and strolled downstairs to the kitchen. As soon as I opened my pantry, I smiled. As expected, it was fully stocked, and there was a heart-shaped sticky note on the box of cereal. I pulled it off slowly and read it out aloud. “I know how much you love these little cinnamon squares, so I got you the family size box. I figured the regular one wouldn’t survive the week. Oh, and I got those little nasty hot chips you like too. I don’t know how you eat those things. Anyway, I love you and see you soon. Nani.”
My phone buzzed, and instantly my smile faded.Please be anyone but Eli.
I glanced at my screen and sighed in relief when I realized it was Skye. “Hey, girl. What’s up?”
“Nothing. I’m just making sure you’re dressed and ready.”
“Dressed and ready for what?”
“Damn, girl, you forgot that quick? I told you we were pulling up on Mecca as soon as we got back to the city.”
