When I See You

Chapter 10.

Taraji POV

2 months later
"How have your film days been going?" Keith and I were in the middle of conversation about work.

"It's been going pretty well, but I am exhausted honey," I took a bite of my pasta that my mom had made for everyone.

"I know mom you really puttin that work in them 12-hour shifts," Jussie jumped in the conversation as he took a sip of the water he had in his cup.

"She needs to fall in love and have more children," my mom nodded in.

"I'm too old to have kids ma, and Jussie is more than enough," we have this conversation too often. She wants me to have more children or adopt and settle down and marry. I am too damn grown for this conversation. She used to run this convo to the ground when I was younger.

"Plus, mom's been dating Tyrese,"

Me and Tyrese have been consistently dating for the past two months. Ever since Fantasia told me that we'll remain platonic. We've both been respectful of one another's relationships. I won't lie and say that sometimes we don't get flirtatious but nothing excessive. I've learned how to deal with myself when it comes to her.

If I ever start to feel my neglected emotions come up, I convince myself that it's just Shug and Celie.

I know how I feel for Fantasia. Very clearly so. But a wise man once said, if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with.

Tyrese treats me well. He's the very romantic type. He's come to the set a few times to bring me food, drop off flowers and to pick me up from work. I've taken a huge liking to him. I may be falling for him. Danielle, Corey and Colman seem to approve. Fantasia, however, very clearly dislikes him. She lies and says that she does like him and that she thinks he's great. But whenever we talk to one another she likes to pretend as if he doesn't exist.

We rarely talk about Kendall. I'm not sure where she stands with him. But I find myself the same way with her when it comes to him. I don't like him. But everyone knows it, even him.

"She don't love him. I've seen her in love I mean Terrence, she was in love with him,"

"Don't mention his name in my house," I glared at my mother. The last thing I want to talk about is his ass. "It's going to piss me off, all I want is peace on my day off. Can I do that?"

"I know he wasn't good to you T. I'm not referring to that part. It's just the way you loved him, that was real love. I haven't seen you in love like that since,"

I turned my head. "Well i was being manipulated, abused and taken advantage of. I was probably never in love, just a victim,"

"Mmm," was the only thing she said.

"Momma B, this food you've made is hittin," Keith quickly changed the subject.

"When's the last time you've spoken to your father?" My mother looked at Jussie for an answer.

Keith looked at me with apologetic eyes.

"Grams please I don't want to talk about this,"

"Okay just answer this one thing," she turned towards me.

"Why are you with Tyrese?"