SugarCOAT

96. Time to Talk 🚩

When Monica and I got to my room, I dropped my purse and took off my shoes, cap, and sunglasses before getting in bed.

Monica picked up my things, putting them in their proper places. "No ma'am, I need you to sit-up and tell me what happened today?"

My thoughts ran a mile a minute. Truthfully, I was still in shock. I mumbled, "Ricky Santana."

Monica folded her arms. "What did Ricky say to you?"

Just thinking about it made my skin crawl. "I hate it, Monica. I hate it. Why can't I just quit?"

"Then you're letting them win."

"Win what? The prize doesn't seem worth it," I told her.

Monica sighed, "What did that evil man say to you?"

"He didn't just say it. He removed my hat and my sunglasses. He said he would reveal my identity and make sure my album would never see the light of day if I didn't perform at his New Year's Eve party."

"What?!" Monica exclaimed. "He threatened you?! What kind of sick mess is that?"

"Moni, it's not worth being treated like this. They make me feel like I'm beneath them. I rather go back home and be normal, again."

"Forget that! E is gonna handle this before I do." Monica stormed out of my room.

Even though I knew she would react this way, as much as I appreciated it, I really didn't want to make a big deal out of this. Zeke already told me that he respects Ricky. If Monica talks to him, there's no telling how he will take it. What if Monica ends their relationship if he tells her what he told me? I would rather them be together than break-up because of me. 

I quickly got out of bed and ran after my cousin. The hidden door in the hall was open. I quickly went through it and down the stairs into the game room. I walked past the pool table and caught-up with Monica in the corridor leading to Zeke's room.

I blocked her path. "Monica, it's okay. I can handle this," I pleaded with her.

"Jamie, move out of my way," she gritted her teeth.

"Cousin, I need you to support me... in a different way. Let's go back to my room, and I'll tell you what I have in mind."

Monica pointed at the floor. "This man has a sex tape that he probably leaked himself. It hurt Aja Frost's career who he had a relationship with, and this is not the first time you've said you wanted to quit." She continued, "We are not dumb! You and me know there's more to this life of fortune and fame. They don't call it Hollyweird for nothing. I've reacted to several conspiracy videos about the music industry. Some reactions I didn't post, because they were too in-depth. And for you to tell me that that monster touched you, and you think I'm gonna do nothing about it? Jamie, I'm telling E." She tried to walk around me.

"Please, Monica." I grabbed her arm. "If you tell Zeke, things could get worse. Zeke looks up to him like a second father. Monica, this is my career. I have to do what I have to do even when I don't want to."

Monica put her hands on her hips. 

I told her, "Yes, I said I want to quit. That's just how I feel, but you know this is still my dream. Just give me some time to figure it out. Okay?"

Monica was silent for a few seconds before pointing her finger at me. She is such a mama wanna be. I prepared my ears for the lecture.

"I leave on January 3rd. That's a Tuesday. If you don't give me a good-enough retaliation plan, I'm getting arrested for hurting multiple people. Are we clear?" She asked me.