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Me: Are you asking or telling?

Bestie: Do you ever ask when you want me to do something?

I giggled because he made a valid point. I never asked when I wanted something from him, and he never asked too many questions.

Me: We’re not talking about me, but I guess you have a point.

Solomon wasn’t much of a texter, so I wasn’t surprised when I saw a FaceTime call come through.

“I thought you were at the studio working?” I inquired as soon as his face appeared on the screen. His deep dimples and perfectly white teeth were always the stars of the show whenever he smiled. Surprisingly, his mean ass hated smiling, so most people were deprived of this treat.

“I was, but I decided to turn in early. As soon as I told the team we were doing our official pop out on Friday, they started emailing me outfit ideas and a bunch of rules and shit. I ended up muting them and turning my phone off for a little while.”

“Are you nervous?” I probed to see where his head was at. A part of me was on edge because Solo rarely went out in public, and I didn’t want to do anything to mess up his image.

“Naw, what is there to be nervous about? I’m about to eat good as hell plus, I’m pulling up to the fair with the coldest girl in the city on my arms. If anything, I’m feeling real blessed.” The smirk on his face stirred something inside of me, but

I kept my internal thoughts to myself.

“You don’t need to gas me up. I already know the bitches are gonna be pulling at your clothes while trying to knock me out of the way.” I joked, even though, I was sure it was going to be crazy.

“Naw, it should be a pretty cool day, but even if things get out of hand, I have security in place to make sure we’re straight.”

“Well, thank you, boyfriend. I’m glad to know you’re already taking care of business.” I snickered.

“Always. When it comes to you, I’m going the extra mile. I can’t have anybody messin’ with my Honey Bee.”

My family and friends gave me many names, but Honey Bee was by far my favorite. The bond we shared was special to me in ways no one understood. Solomon was my rock, my secret keeper, and my confidante. If I couldn’t trust anyone else in the world, I knew I never had anything to worry about with him.

“I’m glad to hear it,” I spoke through a yawn. I hadn’t realized how tired I was, so I welcomed the rest.

“Alright, well, I just wanted to hear your voice before I call it a night. I have a song that’s been nagging at me, so I’m gonna smoke and see if I can finish it before I have my next session at the studio.”

I could hear the excitement in his tone, and it caused me to smile. Solo wasn’t someone who was quick to express emotions openly, so you had to really know him to see the signs. His dimples were on full display, which let me know whatever he was working on was going to be a hit.

“I can’t wait to hear it. I can’t tell by the look you’re giving, you’re about to go crazy.”

“Truth be told, your opinion means more than most. I’ma hit you up in the morning. I love you, Honey.”

“I love you too.”

We ended the call, and I closed my eyes almost immediately. I was actually looking forward to the fair. It might have been our first pretend date, but I still wanted it to be special.

NINE

solomon jackson

“Why are you asking all shy and shit?” I nudged Honesty as we walked through the fair entrance. I wanted to be low-key, but it was hard while my bodyguards were following us. Big Moe decided to help, but Mama Elantra wanted to come along too, so they were walking behind us. Hell, most of the family was here because they attended it every year. I used to come when we were young, but I hated large crowds, so I normally avoided places like the county fair.

“I’m a little nervous. People are already taking pictures, and we haven’t even made it all the way onto the fairgrounds. I guess it’s really hitting me that my best friend is a celebrity.”

Honesty claimed she was nervous, but the way she was looking and stealing the show, I had no doubts she would fit right into my world.

“You’re being dramatic right now. I might be a celebrity to the outside world, but I’m still regular ol’ Solly where it concerns you.” I told her, taking a moment to truly take her in while I admired her beauty.

“You look good. I can’t remember if I told you or not.”

Honesty blushed as she walked through the entrance, tucking her hair behind her ear, which was something she did when she felt nervous.