Page 42 of Kisses Behind The Spotlight 2: Finale

“Awww, thank you. We can find some ways to give them away. I’m getting dressed now so I’ll be up there in a little bit.”

“No, Jameera, I’m a grown man. I don’t need you sending your fiancé down here to babysit me. I also don’t want you spending the day of your launch in here. I’m about to go to PT, and I’m kicking Q out because I wanna be alone. It’ll be my last time in solitude for a while since I can’t live alone right now. I’mma tell you a secret,” he snickered. “Sam didn’t want me to tell you, but I don’t care. Ever since I stopped being lethargic, Sam doesn’t stay here when y’all switch shifts. He comes in, we talk shit to make it look good because you insisted someone be here around the clock, then he slides. I’m fine. They’re even talking about discharging me today pending my PT’s assessment. My neurologist is already on board.”

“Okay, we weren’t expecting that so fast,” I admitted, my words choppy from brushing my teeth. “I can get the guest bedroom set up right now.”

“No, I’m not coming to stay with y’all.” He laughed like I was performing on ComicView. “I haven’t seen my house or my own bed in weeks. I’m going home to get in my own bed and go to sleep.”

“Dad—”

“I’m eating, walking, and using the bathroom on my own. Plus, I’m being discharged to Sam’s house. We are two single men. I love you, Jameera. But that’s more my speed. Ya know?”

“Fine, just as long as you aren’t going home alone,” I begrudgingly conceded, capping my toothbrush.

“Don’t sound so down, beautiful. If you want to do something to help me, take Amill to that spa y’all like and run up a tab on my card,” he offered while the mouthwash swished around in my mouth. “Sam bought a new house. After y’all leave the spa, you can come over and check on me.”

“Okay. I love you.”

“I love you too. I’m going to give Q the phone back now.”

Shuffling sounds filled the background before Q’s voice came through the phone again.

“Sounds like he could talk some sense into you because I haven’t been able to.”

“He did. I’m about to get dressed and get the longest massage they offer. This has been a long road. I’m so happy he is finally leaving the hospital. I appreciate you for spending so much time in the hospital. I know you hate them.”

“Anything for you,” he commented. “Go have fun. Sam just got here, so I’m about to take off. I have a few things to handle before I head home. I’ll call you later. I love you.”

“I love you too,” I bubbled.

We ended the call, and I checked Amill’s location. She was in the building.

Me: Get dressed. My dad is paying for whatever we want at the spa.

Amill: I’m already dressed, boo, and I need a fill-in so he is right on time. Coming to your place now.

I hearted the message, went into the closet, and changed into a Moon & Muse set. Easy on and easy off. I needed a deep tissue massage, and then I was going to my favorite stylist for a hair detox and deep conditioner. It was time to reset my hair.

Amill knocked on the door, but I was in the bathroom, so I unlocked it with my phone and continued stretching my hair.

“Where are you?” Amill shouted, entering the house.

“I’m in my bathroom,” I hollered.

A few moments later, Amill entered my bathroom dressed in the same Moon & Muse set with a pair of bedazzled dunks.

“The website didn’t crash this year, and we sold out in six hours!” Amill placed her hands on her knees and slow twerked. I quickly joined her, ecstatic that our hard work paid off.

“I guess the delays paid off,” Amill remarked once we finished our dance session.

“I’m grateful either way,” I chirped. “Now for the question that I’ve been dying to ask since the other night. You ruined Quincy’s birthday dinner with both of your boos, then lied about meeting us at the casino? How could you keep a secret like that from me?” I interrogated, swatting her arm.

“I’m sorry, bestie. But I don’t know. I didn’t know Q knew. I’m sure Karmello told him because Stepp swears he never told him.”

“Karmello definitely told him. Either way, why wouldn’t you tell me? I would’ve helped you decide earlier. I always hated Travis,” I blurted, returning to the sink.

Amill cackled.

“I’m serious. As soon as you told me about him. I was like… a streamer? Then it just got worse when he started that argument the day of Q’s birthday party. Like, no nigga, you can’t come. Y’all barely been together for sixty days.”