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My phone buzzed, and I saw it was Solomon calling me. When I glanced at the time, I realized he must have been calling to see where I was.

“Hey, what’s up?”

“What’s up, baby girl. How much longer are you gonna be? I wanted to feed you before we have to leave.”

I grinned at the mention of him feeding me.

“I’m finished now. I’m about to head up to our room.” He had been out late last night, so we didn’t get to spend much time together. He had rehearsal and a few other business things to take care of, but I still hated being away from him.

“Alright. I’ll get us something to eat, and I’ll meet you there.”

“Umm, I’m hungry too, bro!” Serenity yelled behind me. Solomon chuckled, but I knew exactly what his response would be.

“You already know I got you. I’ll text Jett once I’m on my way back.”

“Thank you, Solly! You know you’re my favorite.” Serenity snickered.

“I’m already knowin’. I’ll see y’all soon.”

“Okay, I’m about to start getting dressed. Now that my makeup is done, it shouldn’t take me too long.”

“Okay, baby. I’m on my way. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” Butterflies formed in my stomach whenever he told me he loved me. I know he meant it in a different way, but something about his declaration penetrated my heart each time. If no other man on this earth loved me, outside of my brothers, I knew without a doubt Solomon did. The unconditional love I never had to question.

“Yeah, the two of you might have been pretending in the beginning, but I can see beyond the facade. He loves you and not just as your best friend.”

“You think?”

“I would bet every dollar I have on it and in the worlds of Nene, “I am very rich, bitch,” Serenity snickered. I pondered her words, wondering what it would mean for our friendship. Could we really be more than friends?

* * *

“Breathe, baby. The worst of it is over.”

Solomon assured me, kissing my temple.

“It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, but there were cameras everywhere. I was afraid to sneeze wrong out of fear someone would catch a bad angle or something.” I giggled as I breathed a sigh of relief.

“There is no such thing as you having a bad side, but I understand what you mean. I’ve gotten used to it by now, but it can be a little intense. Everything is yelling and trying to get your attention, asking silly questions they know you aren’t gonna answer. It’s all a part of this life, so I don’t trip about it.”

Solomon held my hand as we walked through the building with his security surrounding us. When my eyes landed on Moe, I instantly relaxed because I knew we were safe as long as he was around. My mother decided to stay home so she could spend time with her grandkids, since Rule and Nayeli were in town for a visit. They had been visiting more often, and a part of me hoped they would decide to move back home. Selfishly, I loved having all of my siblings close by.

“Your seats are over here. We’ll have someone come get you forty-five minutes before it’s time for you to go on stage to give you time to change and get settled.” A staff member gave Solomon the rundown of the night. We were sitting pretty close to the front, but Jett and Serenity were in VIP seats at the top. I wished I could have been with them, but I was there to support my man.

Once the show started, I could hardly contain myself as I watched some of my favorite performers and actors take the stage. We were surrounded by so many talented black people, and I truly felt honored to be in the number.

After about two hours, the staff came and got Solomon for his performance. My nerves were through the roof as I waited for him to take the stage. He acted as if he wasn’t nervous, but I could see past his nonchalant demeanor. This performance meant a lot to him, and it was a huge opportunity.

“We are here to introduce the next performer of the hour. This young man is so humble and quiet in person, but when he takes the stage, he transforms into a dynamic performer.” A movie actress named Soleil said as she stood on stage with Phoenix.

“And you forgot to mention he’s fine as hell and he can dance real good. You know what they say about a man who knows how to dance, right?” Phoenix winked as the crowd roared with laughter. A tinge of jealousy coursed through me, but I brushed it off because it wasn’t my place to get upset.

“Give it up for Solo!!”

Everyone cheered and clapped as the two ladies were escorted offstage and the lights dimmed. My palms grew sweaty as the performance started. His dancers walked out and took their positions on the stage as the curtains were pulled back. I saw people moving props in the background as I said a silent prayer; everything went exactly as it was supposed to.

When the music started, I smiled the moment I saw Solo sitting on the front of an old-school Camaro. He wore a blue-and-black flannel shirt and a blue bandana over his head, with a mic near his mouth.