***⚠️SMUT: Read at own risk if you're under 18!!
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•• FLASHBACK STARTS ••
I remember the day (or should I say night) like it was yesterday. The night my best friend trapped me into having his baby. Well... I don't know yet if it's his- but y'all get the picture.
📍Los Angeles, California
Myself and the cast of Sistas & Zatima were all gathered in Hollywood along with tons of other actors/actresses. We were there for an urgent meeting held by SAG-AFTRA.
On that fateful day, myself along with thousands of other actors all across America, learned that we would be going on strike effective immediately. That essentially meant that we would be out of work for an unknown time period until a fair negotiation has been reached. Needless to say, people were left panicking and distraught over the unknown future. Especially those who deem acting as their main stream of income- my former best friend - is one of those people. Me on the other hand, I was bummed out by the news but definitely not stressed because my podcast KIPS was taking off like a rocket, so thankfully, money trouble was the least of my worries.
After receiving the bad news, my castmates and I went back to the hotel. As soon as we arrived at the main foyer, everyone dispersed to their respective rooms to go and wallow in self-pity. Everyone except me and Devale. We decided to stay at the hotel bar and "talk." Looking back... I should've just gone up to my room!!! Because now I hate hotel bars and I can strongly say that it's all because of Devale. No, seriously, EVERY TIME I find myself stuck at a hotel bar with him, shit always goes horribly south.
| Hotel Bar |
"D. I don't know why you're so stressed out about this strike. I mean, aren't you the one who's always preaching about the importance of having multiple streams of income?" I asked him after the waiter took our drinks order.
"I know, but I heard through the grapevine that this shit could last for months, maybe even years!" He said frustratedly.
"Well, if that unfortunate turn of events happens, then you'll just have to practice what you preach!" I say in an encouraging tone.
"Trust me, I will, and I have been doing that! It's just that acting is the gig that brings in the biggest check, you know?" He sighed, and I just nodded. "I have gang responsibilities, yo. Feeding/ raising four kids, Kay's parents also live with us. It's a lot!"
"I know, but at least you and Kay have the podcast and that Patreon channel. Doesn't that bring in enough funds?" I asked sincerely.
"Barely," he scoffed. "Don't get me wrong. I love Kay and my family, but it's times like these when I wish I wasn't married to a home engineer." He said, causing me to burst out in laughter.
"Married to a what?" I ask, holding back my laugh. "Come on, yo! You know exactly what I mean" he said, causing me to laugh again.
Every time we hang out, Devale finds a new and "fancier" way to describe a housewife. Like, bro, just say housewife!! Nobody is gonna judge. Anyway, I totally get where he's coming from, and that is part of the reason why I will NEVER date someone who works in the same industry as me. Just in case something similar to this strike happens and ends up affecting both our streams of income.
"So aren't you a little bit worried?" Devale asked me, and I nonchalantly shook my head.
"My man isn't an actor, so I'm good!" I said proudly.
"Is he still your man, though?" He asked smartly.
"What is that supposed to mean?" I scoff. Devale has a tendency to act jealous of the men I have in my life. Which I don't get because he has a whole ass WIFE, so he's the last person that should be getting jealous.
