Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Erica brushed the sides of her dress down. Nervousness ran through her body creating goosebumps on her skin. The art gallery was filled with chatter as people gathered around her pieces.
Champagne flutes floated around aimlessly. Clearing her throat she caught Joshua's eye across the room. He nodded his head before turning to look at another artist's work. LaMelo peeked over her shoulder.
"What's good, E?"
Excited to see him she hugged his lanky body, "Cousin, you came...and you brought company."
Erica averted her eyes at the sight of Tina, Lavar, and Gelo. Of course, Gelo gave Erica a hug. She didn't mind seeing them but now wasn't the best time.
"Look, I told them about it once and they decided to fly out," Melo explained gulping his wine.
"New levels and whatnot. Shit is dope." Gelo nudged her trying to raise her spirits.
Looking around Erica asked, "Where's Lonzo and my niece?"
"Couldn't make it," Gelo responded scrolling through his phone.
Squaring her shoulder Erica took a deep breath in and out. Her exhibit was at the back of the room. People began crowding around waiting for the curtains to be drawn back.
"I have to go work but I'll see you all after the show." Before Tina or Lavar could speak Erica turned around and walked away.
Dr. Kimi talked with the owner of the gallery, Max Greenwall. Erica shivered at the thought of talking to him. Kimi waved her over for a conversation. Erica sighed before taking the first few steps.
"Hi, Max. It's nice to meet you!" Erica's smile didn't seem to dent the stone-cold face the man gave her.
"Hello, Erica. I am very excited to see what you've done. I want to inform you that there is a full-time space available here at the gallery. That is if the board thinks you've done well tonight and can fit in with the other artists here."
Erica's smile seemed to diminish at his words, "Okay, great. I guess I'll wait to hear from you."
The man vanished into the crowd leaving Erica to gather her thoughts. Kimi placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Erica felt her chest tightening in anxiety. Seeing a patio she stepped outside to embrace the warm weather.
"You okay?" Josh asked placing a hand on her back.
Jumping a bit she replied, "Yeah. They told me I could possibly take on a role here." She looked off into the distance watching the scenery.
Joshua's heart leaped at the thought of Erica staying in Houston permanently. He leaned on the railing, "It doesn't matter if you get it or not. You're still badass either way."
She laughed, "Don't start Josh."
Erica felt Josh's hand creep up her waist. She moved closer to his body feeling his warmth radiate. Leaning into each other. The sun beamed down on their skin seemingly glistening their skin. They looked perfect together.
Her lips almost touched his when the patio door opened. Erica leaned away framing her face away from the sun. Joshua looked into his empty champagne glass. LaMelo's eyes weaved back and forth between them trying to figure out if he saw their intimate moment. Tina and Lavar followed Melo's footsteps.
"Yo, E, we just saw your work. It's incredible." Melo eased his way between Joshua and Erica.
Erica sent Josh a look before speaking, "Thanks. Uncle Lavar, did you like it?"
Running a hand over his bald head he took a moment to speak, "I never thought you'd be doing something with your life."
Tina gave him a desperate look, "You're coming to Thanksgiving dinner with us, right? I miss you, my sweet girl."
Erica's heart ached at her aunties words, "I told Josh I would move out that week."
Josh looked up from his phone at the mention of his name. What was she lying for? Lavar and Melo stared at Josh.
"Dad, this is Joshua Christopher. He plays ball too."
Lavar laughed out loud, "Man. I seen your stats. Good game the other night."
Josh looked at Erica. Was he always like this? Tina gave Josh an unwarranted hug. Melo scrunched his face up, "Ma, you don't have to do that."
"Any friend of Erica's is a friend of ours, right? Why don't you join us for Thanksgiving dinner." Tina smiled brightly.
"You can't say no now, bro." Gelo patted Josh on the back.
"I guess we'll make a trip to California." Erica's voice was filled with dread.
