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“It starts with knowing and understanding yourself, Conner. You have to be open and honest about why you’re drawn to specific traits and characteristics within people so you recognize why you need them or if you truly need them at all. I can help if you let me.”
She cut her eyes at Cali who bit back her smile when Conner nodded. “I’d like that.”
“Me too,” Dr. K said and stood. “Well ladies, that’s our time.” After Conner and Cali both stood, she extended a hand to Conner. “It was a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for sitting in with us today.”
“Thank you for letting me.”
“That was Cali’s decision. It was her session. I hope you’ll schedule one of your own.”
Conner’s brows pinched “I’ll think about it…”
“Great, that’s a start. Have a good evening, ladies. Cali, I’ll see you at your next appointment. Conner, I hope to see you soon.”
After they left the office, Cali hooked an arm through her sister’s and leaned into Conner’s side. “You did good.”
Conner’s eyes rolled. “I didn’t do shit.”
“You showed up, Conner. You paid attention and you asked questions. That’s enough.”
“She seems okay. I might schedule an appointment.”
“You want to go back, we can do it now?” Cali was still figuring out her own shit but she was also eager to see her sister in a healthy space as well.
Conner shook her head. “You can show me how to do it online. You can do that, right?”
“Yeah, you can.”
Cali wouldn’t push. She made Conner a promise she was determined to keep. No hand holding. But after today, in her heart she felt more optimistic about Conner getting her life together and she’d consider that a win, even if just a small one.
“Look at all these vehicles. This building can’t possibly accommodate this many people. I look too cute to be crammed in there like sardines,” Conner fussed as War pulled up beside the building next to valet.
“You’re worried about being crammed, I’m worried about being shot or shot at.” Cali frowned, surveying the door which had a line of people waiting for their turn to enter.
“This isn’t that type of vibe, love, or I wouldn’t have brought you with me. A friend rented the space for the night and these are all his people.” He reached for Cali, gripped her chin, and leaned across the seat to sample her lips while two attendants opened her door and Conner’s simultaneously. “You’re with me. If bullets fly, they won’t touch you.”
“Damn, Cali, this nigga is offering to play Superman for you.” Conner smirked before accepting the hand of the man waiting to help her out of the back of War’s truck.
“She’s so damn extra.”
“She’s right though. I’m your shield, baby. But again, this isn’t that type of vibe, so relax and let’s enjoy our night.” He winked and got out, letting the attendant know to step back. He helped Cali out. While she tugged on the end of the dress that clung to her body, he enjoyed how good she looked in the army green dress that caressed her curves.
With War’s body shielding hers, she walked with confidence at his side while they made their way to the entrance. The security stationed at the door lifted his chin in acknowledgement as they bypassed those waiting. As soon as they were inside, the thump of the bass began to vibrate and pulse. Cali surveyed the club, taking in the clean classic look. The place was basically a lounge but had been converted to more of a club atmosphere for the evening. The tables were gone and replaced with leather and velvet sofas staged throughout the building.
Sheer black material hung from the ceiling, creating partitioned sections and there were portable screens that showed highlights of the crowd flashing across them. The one centered in the building had a visual of a handsome young guy leaning against the wall, looking off to the side. Next to him were the words “Casualty of the Come Up” in fancy bold letters and below it, the name Kidd.
“This is an album release?” Cali glanced at War as they reached the bar. He moved her in front of him and towered against her back. Conner took the spot beside Cali so he blocked them both but only made contact with Cali’s curvy frame.
“Yeah, my boy JB started managing a few people a couple years ago. His artist Kidd is the first one to take off. He’s nice.”
“He is. He had a feature with Sire and that shit was fire. You know him?” Conner asked, glancing at War over her shoulder.
“Nah, not him but I’m cool with JB. Why, you trying to meet him?”
“No.”
“Yes.”
War chuckled when Cali and Conner offered conflicting responses, but he kissed Cali on the shoulder and gave Conner hope. “I’ll hook that up for you.”
