Grown(39)

“After everything I’ve done for you, all you want is your phone back? You should be on your knees, begging me to keep you. Get on your knees, now! Now!”

I hesitate before kneeling. Korey approaches and I have to crane my neck back to look up at him. He steps closer, crotch in my face, and my stomach drops.

“Please, Korey,” I whimper. “I don’t want to fight. I love you.”

Korey blinks, as if the word love broke him out of a trance. He mumbles a curse and brushes by, storming out the room. When the studio door slams below, I exhale the breath I’d been holding, hands trembling.

If only he’d give me back my phone. Then maybe I could convince my parents to back off, just for a little while. They’re making things harder for us. For me, really. But if they give us some space, maybe he’ll return to normal.





Chapter 51


Follow the Rules




Korey’s label organized a small six-city Southern tour to show love to all his loyal fans. Could’ve been nicknamed the Apology Tour or the Love Me Again Tour, after the rounds of terrible press from Candy’s lawsuit.

Still, it’s a blessing. We’re out of the house and back on the road, on a tour bus this time. Korey doesn’t want to do duets but lets me sing background, even though my voice is raspy, and I have trouble staying on beat. Sometimes, during sets, I catch him stealing glances, and I can tell he’s singing just to me.

Korey says love is hard. Love is complicated and a lot of work. The rules are different when you love a celebrity. They’re under so much pressure. And as his girlfriend, I need to support him. Be understanding, rather than be a headache. So that’s what I do. Sing my heart out from the shadows, stage left. Make sure he has plenty food, water, and space when he needs it. He’s given me, and my family, so much. It’s the least I can do for him.

Just follow the rules.

Backstage after our Charlotte show, I pass Richie’s team shooting what’s called B-roll footage for the documentary. Richie’s in the shadows, talking to Jessica. More like consoling her. She seems real upset. Maybe I should . . . no. No!

Mind your business. Follow the rules.

No eye contact, I head straight for the tour bus when I spot her strutting down the hall.

Amber.

She’s wearing a tight pink strapless dress, her hair tight and curly.

What is she doing in North Carolina?

“Hey! Enchanted, right?” a voice says behind me.

A tall Latino man with a thick New York accent stands by the exit. His curly hair shines like silky black snakes.

“Um, yes. I . . .”

“What’s up! Louis Santiago. My friends call my Louie. I’ve been waiting to meet you!”

“I . . . I, um . . . who are you?”

“Don’t worry. Korey and I go way back. He said it was cool if we talk.”

My spidey senses tingle, and I spin around to see if Korey is nearby.

Just follow the rules.

“Um, I think I better . . .”

“Aight, well I won’t hold you,” Louie says, talking fast. “Just gotta say that . . . I think you are an incredible singer. I’ve worked with a lot of artists, but you, young lady, have a VOICE. Even on background, you outshine everyone onstage. Was wondering if you’re looking for representation?”

“You’re . . . a manager?”

“Yup. Manage a couple of artists. But like I was saying, I think we can really make something happen. I know you have allegiance to Korey, but here. This is my card. When you done with your tour, call me. You hear what I gotta say, and see if I’m a good fit.”

Follow the rules.

The card is a beacon of light in his hand. Maybe this is a good thing! I’m only two songs away from my EP goal, and I’ll eventually need a manager once I’m done. I glance over my shoulder until I spot Korey, standing outside his dressing room, talking to someone, but watching me. He’s smiling but his eyes aren’t. Did Korey send Louie my way as a trap? Or did he really want me to meet this guy? Maybe this is a different type of test, one to see if I can handle myself businesswise.

“Um, sure. OK,” I mumble.

“Bet! Looking forward to talking soon.”

The moment I grasp the card and look back at Korey, I know I’ve chosen wrong.





Chapter 52


Two Minutes




Beach lifeguards can hold their breath for two whole minutes. It’s a part of their aptitude test. So that’s what I do. I hold my breath, right before he strikes me.

“Why’d you do it, huh? Why do you keep on disrespecting me? After everything I’ve done for you? I gave you your career and you do me like this?”

The first time he hits me, the sky goes bright white, like I shot up into the clouds.

The second time he hits me, my ears ring like cowbells.

Lightning can’t strike the same place twice. But thunder? Thunder is omnidirectional. You can hear it from every side of you.

“I told you not to talk to men, didn’t I! You look that man in his face!”

The room spins and I’m dizzy from holding my breath while bracing for his blows. Curling into a ball on the bed, I sob. I thought Mr. Hyde was the worst of Korey, but now I see he can be so much worse.