10th Commandment | Revamped

Chapter 8

In Las Vegas,

Fantasia and her friend were sharing a light moment in her hospital room, giggling softly. "I really appreciate you being here for me," Fantasia said to the girl. "You always swoop in to rescue me, and I’m really grateful for that."

"Of course! I’d do anything for you," the girl replied with a playful wink. "But maybe we should stop flirting so obviously and just have some fun together. I know you see me as more than just a friend, and I definitely feel the same way about you." Fantasia glanced away, a bit flustered.

"Right, I remember now—you’re straight. Guess I should head out so you can get some rest," the girl said, starting to walk away. But Fantasia took her arm and pulled her closer, and they kissed deeply.

Just then, Taraji and Taylor walked in. Taylor froze, unsure how to react as the two continued kissing, lost in a whirlwind of feelings—both old and new—taking her back to when Fantasia was her high school friend before enlisting in the military.

Though their friendship had faded over the years, Fantasia always seemed to pull her out of trouble, especially given her friend's risky life as a stripper in Vegas's top clubs, which involved drugs and a whole lot of chaos. Despite this, Fantasia always sent her a monthly check to help out.

Taraji was intrigued and didn’t want to interrupt; she was curious to see how far this would go, but she shielded her sister’s line of sight with her hand.

As the kiss deepened and clothes began to come off, that became Taylor’s cue to make her exit. Taraji found a chair, grabbed a magazine, and propped her foot up, watching over the top while pretending to read.

"Ouch!" Fantasia exclaimed, breaking the moment. "Are you still hurting? I’m sorry, babe. Let's pick this back up tonight at my place, Daddy, please." The girl always called Fantasia "Daddy," which normally made her blush, but today it fueled an unexpected heat. "Later," Fantasia replied with a playful smile.

But then the girl spun around, gasping as she caught sight of Taraji. "Who are you?" she asked, suddenly tense.

“FBI. I need to ask Ms. Barrino—Smith a few questions, but you’re welcome to stay. You might have some insights on this,” Taraji answered, her tone businesslike.

"No way, I don’t know anything! I’ll be in the cafeteria," the girl said, bolting out the door.

Fantasia and Taraji exchanged glances. "What on earth do you want?" Fantasia exclaimed.

"You get shot in the arm, and I drive all the way out here? I’m going to have a word with Taylor."

"And how did she find out about this?"

“Probably that half-naked girl who just left,” Taraji suggested. “Is she your new girlfriend?”

"In Vegas, a new girlfriend can quickly turn into a new wife if you’re not careful."

"True, especially if you down enough shots. Anyway, I’m glad you’re alright. Tell Taylor I’ll be at the casino. Yep, I gamble—just in case you curious," Taraji said before storming out.

A few minutes later, Taylor peeked in. “Is it safe to come in?” she asked cautiously.

Fantasia laughed lightly. “Why wouldn’t it be? I’m all dressed.”

“Your girlfriend wasn’t, though,” Taylor pointed out, eyes wide. “Oh man, you saw that?”

“Not much, really. My sister tends to block my view and act like I’m just a kid who hasn’t seen anything before.”

Fantasia went quiet, looking reflective. “Am I boring you? I could go hang out and have fun somewhere with people my age,” Taylor offered.

“No, not at all. It’s just my life… everything feels heavy right now.”