Page 13 of Mister Musician

“Obviously you’re not. I damn near had a heart attack when Elizabeth called and said you’d collapsed. And of course people started posting videos of it on social media.” She sucked her teeth as she released him. “We hopped on the first flight out.”

“If you’re okay, we need to make sure we send out a statement immediately that lets your fans know you’re good to continue the tour,” Tristan said.

Cartier’s lips were flat and chin high as she glared at Tristan. “Do you want her here right now?”

“Not at all,” Saint admitted as he used his passcode to open the iron door. “I don’t have the energy to fight with her ass though.”

At the sound of that, Cartier took control, and that was what Saint needed and expected. Since learning that they shared the same father fifteen years ago, they’d become each other’s protectors. Usually, Saint was up to bat for Cartier, but there had been a few times over the years where women tried their luck and learned his younger sister was nothing to play with.

It could have been the fact that they hadn’t grown up together that made them fiercely protective of one another. Whatever the case, Saint had Cartier covered on all sides, and she was just as ’bout it when it came to Saint too. Saint had several friends that he would even consider brothers back in Memphis, but Cartier was his whole heart… his best friend… hissolemate. The person he knew God had placed in his life towalkthe rest of his days with. There weren’t too many women he felt safe with and could trust, and along with his grandmother, Cartier was at the top of that list.

“Saint needs some personal time right now. You can call me later, and I’ll let you know when he’s ready to discuss business.”

Tristan laughed as Saint opened the iron door and unlocked the wooden one with his key.

“I know you think you’re his little protector, but I’m still his wife and manager. I’m not leaving until we talk.”

“You can leave voluntarily, or I’ll drag your ass to your car.”

“Tink.” Hosea’s tone was filled with warning as he stepped between the two.

“Nah. I’ve had it up to here with her ass. She’s the reason my brother passed out anyway. Tristan knows what she’s doing.”

“I’m doing my job!” Tristan yelled, crossing her arms over her chest.

“No, you’re working my brother to death because he doesn’t want to be with you. Now you’ve got about five seconds to turn around and head back to your car before I drag you over there like I said.”

“Just go,” Saint pleaded. “Because when she beat yo’ ass, you gon’ be mad at me.”

Hosea covered his mouth as he laughed quietly, but Saint was telling the truth. As much trouble as Tristan started, she couldn’t fight well enough to defend herself when the time came. If she had the upper hand, she could get a few punches in, but Tristan wouldn’t have been a match for his sister—at all.

With a huff, Tristan walked away, but she yelled, “I’m calling you to discuss business tonight,” over her shoulder.

Saint knew she would call, and he planned to have his phone cut off completely. Anyone who truly needed to get in touch with him could do so on Cartier or Hosea’s phone.

“Can’t stand that bitch, bruh, I swear,” Cartier grumbled under her breath as they all stepped inside of his home. “Do you need anything?” she asked, closing the door behind them.

“Nah. I’m just about to crash for the time being.”

“Do you have food here?”

“If it’s food in the refrigerator it’s probably expired.”

“Okay. Give me your keys and we’ll grab a few things. I’ll cook so you’ll have something to eat when you wake up.”

“Aight, sis. I ’preciate you.” As he pulled Cartier in for a hug, he added, “Both of y’all.”

While Saint may not have called Cartier to come and see about him on his own, he was glad his sister had showed up. He didn’t know what he was going to do about the shows or Tristan for that matter, but having his sister and one of his closest friends by his side gave Saint the confidence to do whatever he needed to do to prioritize what was best for himself for a change.

ChapterEleven

Saint

November

Three days after Saint collapsed,he announced that he was canceling the rest of the shows on his tour. He made it clear that his team would guarantee all tickets were refunded and that dates for a later tour would be announced within a few months. Canceling the rest of the tour was one of the hardest things Saint had to do. It was less about his health and more about him taking a stand with Tristan. The tour was a means of control that he needed to be released from. She’d proven for the final time that she didn’t give a fuck about him, and going forward, Saint would make her stand on that.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to talk to her?” Cartier confirmed as Saint accepted her phone.

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