Whirlwind {Slow Updates}

Chapter Five

Vic's tour had finally started and she and I were constricted to Facetime and texts; which, may I add was always uneventful. Between her training sessions with her trainer John, rehearsals, interviews, shows, and all of the different miscellaneous activities she was too preoccupied even to keep her eyes open when we did talk. Most nights I hopped off of the phone to her sleeping face. Our last call, which I hoped to be more successful since John preferred not to travel with her to Vegas, was cut short by a virtual training session. I was starting to have a strong disdain for him and his presence was almost always unwelcomed or inopportune.  I couldn't wrap my mind around why he was such a priority unless he was the "arrangement" that kept her from committing to anyone. Her constant reassurance was never enough to keep the anxious thoughts at bay. Today, we were both set to be in New Orleans for our separate promotional events and shows, which meant we finally had time to see each other. I wasn't supposed to be getting my feelings as deeply involved as I was, but ya girl was stuck.

The day was long and excruciating, but the only thing giving me strength was seeing Vic in a few hours. I bounced from interview to interview, only stopping for a brief lunch to catch up with a few family members.

NOLA Caye was pretty quiet except for small talk here and there from my mom and my cousins. My mind was in a trance so much that I hadn't heard the question that was asked by Cousin Brie.

"Manz... I askedddd is there anyone special in your life? You know the rumor mill is running and we gotta meet the 'special lady' in your life. She has to get the family introduction so she knows not to play with you." I almost choked once her words registered in my mind.

"Uh-uh-who gave you that information?"

" You neither confirmed nor denied it?? Bitch who is she? " my best friend Choie squealed before covering her mouth at the sight of my mother's frown at her obscenities. " How can you keep this from us? Mama Drea told us everything."

"MOM!"

"Well, when she left the house and you kept accidentally calling your assistant by her name... I put the pieces together." My mom laughed before patting my back trying to comfort me.

"Ughhh, this family never lets me keep a secret. Her name is Victoria." I facepalmed my face with my right hand, awkwardly poking myself in the eye with my ring.

"As in On My Mama Victoria?" Brie asked engulfed in her Mimosa.

"Or Ass Like That Victoria?" My cousin Jada further pressed.

"No, wait. It's gotta be Moment Victoria cause I know Manz already tapped that! I just know it!!" Choie said bursting into laughter causing everyone but my mom to join in her interesting comedic relief.

"Y'all quit it!" My face was cherry red at this point in embarrassment. "It's just something casual. That's all. Just enjoying each other's company."

"Well be careful. The whole industry knows that even though she's a sweetheart, she's a little player too. She can break your ass down if you're not careful," Choie's words caused a shockwave through my body. I had momentarily forgotten about the "arrangement" and i was immediately brought back to reality. I was catching feelings and my fear of getting played was being reassured. As I picked up my margarita to try to calm my anxiety, I felt a vibration on my lap.

A text popped up on my screen.

Vic: I miss you! I can't wait to see you! Wear something I can easily take off of you....

This was my first time hearing from her in almost 48 hours. I suddenly felt the need to close my legs at the flashbacks that were running through my mind and the anticipation of the night that was to come. I quickly responded "See you soon" and continued my meal.