Catching Kelce

Keep your Enemies Close

Kansas City 

September 2023

Dua

As Travis geared up for another day of practice, I watched him from the doorway, my heart heavy with the weight of the truth I was about to reveal. He has a big away game this week in Florida. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead.

"Hey, Travis," I said, forcing a smile. "I've got a business meeting regarding the new album. I'll catch up with you later, okay?"

Travis nodded absentmindedly, his focus already shifting to the upcoming practice. "Sure thing, babe," he replied, leaning in to press a quick kiss to my forehead before heading out the door.

Once Travis was gone, I wasted no time in putting my plan into action. The sun beat down on the bustling streets of Kansas City as I made my way to the designated meeting spot. Kansas is not as crazy as LA with the press. I have been able to drive around and rented a G wagon for my time here. It's relaxing and freeing to drive and be with my thoughts.

My heart pounded with a mix of nerves and determination as I prepared to confront Shannon, the woman who had been my confidante and assistant for a decade.

As I approached the quaint cafe where we had agreed to meet, I spotted Shannon sitting at a table by the window, her gaze fixed on her phone. Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I pushed open the door and stepped inside.

Shannon looked up as I approached, a bright smile lighting up her face. "Dua, hey!" she exclaimed, rising from her seat to greet me with a hug.

"Hi, Shannon," I replied, forcing a smile as I returned the embrace. But as we pulled apart, the weight of what I was about to say settled heavily on my shoulders.

"Let's grab a table," I said, gesturing towards an empty booth in the corner of the cafe. Shannon nodded; her expression curious but unsuspecting as we settled into our seats.

Once we were seated, I took a deep breath and plunged into the conversation. "Shannon, there's something I need to talk to you about," I began, my voice steady but tinged with emotion.

Shannon leaned in, her brow furrowing with concern. "What is it, Dua? Is everything okay?"

"No, everything is not okay," I said, my voice tightening with frustration. "I know about the fake dating situation with Travis."

Shannon's eyes widened in shock, her face paling as the color drained from her cheeks. "How... how did you find out?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I have my sources," I replied, my tone clipped. "But that's not the point. The point is, you lied to me, Shannon. You manipulated me into a situation I never wanted to be in, all for your own personal gain."

Shannon's shoulders slumped in defeat, her gaze dropping to the table. "I'm sorry, Dua," she whispered, her voice filled with remorse. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I thought I was doing what was best for your career."

"But you weren't," I shot back, my anger flaring. "You were doing what was best for yourself and the label, not me. And now I'm left to deal with the fallout of your actions."

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I struggled to contain my emotions. "I thought you were my friend, Shannon," I said, my voice cracking with emotion. "But you betrayed me in the worst possible way."

Shannon reached out to touch my hand, but I pulled away, unable to bear her touch. "I know I messed up, Dua," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "But please, give me a chance to make it right."

I shook my head, my resolve hardening. "I can't trust you anymore, Shannon," I said, my voice trembling with anger and hurt. "But I'm not going to fire you. That would be too easy."

Shannon's eyes widened in surprise, confusion evident in her expression. "Then... what do you want from me?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"I need your help," I said, my tone firm. "I need you to find a way out of my record deal. I need to break free from the chains of this contract that's been holding me back for nearly ten years."

Shannon's eyes widened in shock, her mouth falling open in disbelief. "But... Dua, that's impossible," she protested, her voice tinged with desperation. "You can't just break a record deal like that."

"I know it won't be easy," I replied, my voice determined. "But I refuse to let this label continue to control my life. I need you, Shannon. I need your help to find a way out of this mess."

Shannon nodded slowly; her expression filled with determination. "Okay, Dua," she said, her voice resolute. "I'll do whatever it takes to help you. I promise."

I nodded, a sense of relief washing over me. "Good," I said, reaching into my bag to pull out a document. "But first, I need you to sign this NDA. If you breathe a word of this to anyone, I'll sue you for everything you're worth."

Shannon nodded, her hands shaking as she took the pen from me and signed the document. "I understand," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

With that, Shannon and I set to work, our minds focused on the task ahead.

After our intense conversation, I knew that Shannon and I had a long road ahead of us. But despite the hurt and betrayal that lingered between us, I couldn't deny the sense of relief that washed over me knowing that Shannon was willing to help me break free from the confines of my record deal.

As we left the cafe, I pulled out my phone and quickly made arrangements for Shannon's temporary stay in Kansas City. I found a cozy rental house not far from Travis's home, knowing that Shannon would need to be nearby to gather information and work on our plan.

"Shannon, I've arranged for you to stay in this rental house," I said, showing her the listing on my phone. "It's close to Travis's house, so you'll be able to keep an eye on things while you work on finding a way out of my record deal."

Shannon's eyes widened in surprise as she glanced at the listing. "Wow, Dua, this is incredible," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for doing this for me."

I smiled, knowing that our partnership was crucial to my future success. "We're in this together, Shannon," I said, my voice firm. "We'll find a way out of this mess, no matter what it takes."

With that, I emailed Shannon all the information she would need for the rental house and watched as she headed off. As I stood alone on the bustling streets of Kansas City, a sense of determination washed over me.