The Lies I Believed

The Crew

"I don't know what it was," Jade exclaimed. "One minute, I was staring at him crossing the street, then he was right in front of me."

"Dude's a time traveler!" Sha'Kera snickered.

"More like The Flash," I muttered. "Where is he now? I thought he wanted to meet me."

"He does. I told him to get something for me."

"I'm so glad you're all here again," Natalia said. "You guys know I own the best Indian restaurant around, right?"

"I wouldn't say the best," Bella muttered.

"...Did I ask for your opinion? I swear, Bella, I'm gonna strangle you."

"What? You're the one spitting out unpopular opinions."

"What and you're the one who knows everything, because you get patients who complain about stomach problems after eating at my restaurant? They just can't handle the spice."

"You received multiple warnings about adding less spices. People don't like taking trips to the hospital at noon."

"If they don't like it so much, then why is it full every day?"

"...Point taken."

I didn't question why they were arguing. Jade only threw her legs across my lap and watched them. I guess not everything has been the same since I left. They used to be really close. It looks like they've immersed themselves into their work a little too much.

"Anyway! What was it that you wanted to say, Nat?" I shot Bella a look.

"I was offered a spot to compete on a new season of America's Next Great Restaurant."

"Whoa, really?" Jade clapped. "It's been awhile since its first season, right? I never thought they'd come back."

"I'm opening my restaurant at its second site in about a month, but they want me to compete for brownie points. Plus, I'll be able to work off of their budget to speed it all up a bit."

"I wish life was that easy," Sha'Kera muttered. "All I do is pretend I'm not famous when I'm not singing and hope reporters don't show up on the property in the morning."

"At least you have that problem. I don't think the New York reporters like me. I walked past them once and none of them reacted to me being there. Paige was meeting me for brunch once and they ambushed her." I pouted.

"That's reporters for you. If they think you're a has-been, then you're never getting famous again. Unless you do something stupid."

"Ah, well I get to spend time with my kids, so I'm fine with that. Plus. Jasmine and Dominic don't have to worry about being followed to school. Vincent on the other hand..."

"When your father is a renowned CEO and model, it's hard to pretend you're not a little bit famous. What happened when he started school?" Jade asked.

"The reporters nearly mobbed him. If it wasn't for Dominic and Jasmine wanting to ride the bus, I would still be driving them to and from school."

"Well, at least they want to be normal. Just wait until they hit their teens. You're gonna want to keep them from riding the bus every chance you get."

"I know. I'm letting them enjoy freedom while they can. And congrats, Nat. It's about time someone recognized your skills. Are we invited to watch you on set?"

"I don't know." Natalia shrugged. "I'll ask the director. I don't know where we're filming the opening episode. I'll send the deets."

"Jade!" a guy's voice resonated throughout the apartment. I glanced at Jade. She nodded. "I'm gonna put your things in the kitchen."