𝐁𝐨𝐲𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 | 𝐒. 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐲

Chapter 13

ALANI CASTILLO

Officially one month post break up. I've been doing good, honestly. Wardell and I have spent more time together than usual. Kiana is back in LA for work so that's probably why. We mostly did family activities with Raelyn but he did accompany me to a FWRD event earlier this week. The paparazzi hounded us with questions about the lawsuit and why Alyssa dropped the case. I ignored them but I feel like I need to release a statement now that everything is over and done with.

I emailed the publicist at L'Agence and asked how I should go about it. Look at me being responsible.

"Ally, this is a four hour flight. You really gonna work this entire time?" Wardell slid into the booth beside me. We were all on our way to Charlotte for his graduation ceremony/ jersey retirement/ Hall of Fame induction at Davidson. I'm always excited to be back there, to see where it all began and reflect on how far we've come.

"Yes, I have things to do." I replied then continued to type.

"Like what? I know you're not working." He said curiously.

"I am actually. Lori pitched that we venture the brand out to a few retails stores. I think it's a good move. I'm just reviewing the proposal."

Wardell sighed then pulled my hands away from the keyboard, keeping a tight hold of them.

"What the hell?" I asked in annoyance.

"I thought the whole point of stepping away from the company was so that you didn't have to do things like this." Wardell says.

"It's still my company. Just because I'm a silent partner now doesn't mean I don't want to be informed on what's going on." I replied. "How about you tell me the real reason why you're acting so needy right now." I pulled my hands away.

"What? I'm not being needy. I just don't want you to overworking yourself. That's it." Wardell replied nervously, scratching the back of his neck.

Yeah right. I know him too well.

"Now I see. You're nervous about tomorrow, aren't you?" I teased. Wardell rolled his eyes.

That explains his recent behaviour. Kiana was out of town so that meant I was scapegoat number 1. This is why he's been spending so much time with me. He's freaking out.

"Wardell, you've faced tougher challenges. Saying a speech in front of ten thousand people should be a piece of cake."

He rolled his eyes again. "Except it's not. I'm supposed to give this inspirational speech tomorrow and I haven't written a single word down yet."

"I'm sure it'll come to you, Wardell. Now can I please get back to work?" I tried to give him my best puppy dog eyes.

He finally lets me get back to work.

"You know, I don't see you in fashion for the rest of your life. With your artistic ability, you can do so much more." Wardell said.

"Fashion means a lot to me. You know that." I said defensively. After all, he was the one who received the first item of clothing I ever sewed. He got front row tickets to watching me find my passion.

"I know, but have you ever considered you're meant for more than styling models for a runway show?" Wardell asked.

Stephen Curry everyone. The most insightful man on the planet.

"No, Wardell. This pays the bills and I'm more than happy."

"Your art." He blurted out. "Have you ever thought of selling your it or having it displayed in a gallery? I've seen what you can do, Alani."