Temptation. | CB

018.

TEMPTATION: CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Atlanta, Georgia.

It was the final day of the year– the day that Joey had been waiting for. His release party for his highly anticipated EP project was to happen later today, and he was optimistic about everything going smoothly. His promotion towards his project was a success, so there wasn't any doubt wavering in his mind that today would be anything less.

He spent the whole day making sure things were in line at the venue. He was hoping to run into Quentin soon, to tell him about what he had in line to pay off all of his debt. Joey didn't harp down on it too much and remained patient. He figured that he would get his chance sometime between tonight and tomorrow.

As he scoped the scenery of the venue that the label had for his upcoming event, he noticed Teyana around. The two's relationship had miraculously gotten better, despite the turmoil that it found itself involved in. Sitting next to Teyana was Leah. Joey decided to add himself into the mix, keeping his mind astray and away from worry.

"Leah, you seem distracted," Teyana said, giving her a knowing look. "What's going on?"

Leah hesitated, biting her lip. She glanced at Joey, who had always been more perceptive than he let on. "It's nothing. Just...thinking about the party."

Joey chuckled. "Come on, Leah. We all know you're not thinking about the party. What's on your mind?"

Leah felt her cheeks flush. "It's Cassius." she confessed. She couldn't help it. Every time that his name was mentioned, her heart skipped a beat. "He's been on my mind."

Joey exchanged a glance with Teyana, then turned to Leah with shaking his head with a grin. "See...I knew you two was messing around. I'm here for it."

"I wouldn't say messing around." Leah voiced as she chuckled. "I mean, we're good friends. And the vibe...it's there."

"Look— If you feelin' him, you should tell him. Shoot your shot. I think you two would make a great couple."

Teyana nodded in agreement. "Yeah. Cassius is a great guy. And who knows? Maybe he feels the same way about you."

"It ain't too far off, too." Joey added, "I know my friend all too well. With his sneaky ass."

Leah's heart fluttered at the thought, but doubt still lingered. "I don't know. It's unprofessional, no? And I wouldn't want to ruin our friendship."

"Sometimes, you have to take risks," Joey said softly. "You never know what could happen unless you try."

Leah nodded, her confidence about approaching the man rising through the roof. All of what she romanticize about the two seem to be valid. Hearing it from the man's closest friends solidified it for sure that she had a very good chance of landing things with him. And she wasn't going to anything else for an answer.

While Leah was grappling with her feelings, the start for the release party came closer.

It was now within two hours of beginning, and Jovanni was at home, prepping herself to support her twin brother. As she applied her makeup, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and saw it was their father, Clifford.

"Dad." she answered, trying to keep her voice light.  "How are you doing?"

"Jovanni, babygirl. I'm good. How are you? How's Joey doing?" Clifford's voice was filled with concern, but Jovanni knew better than to take it at face value.

"I'm doing good. Like always. Joey... he's doing better than I thought. He's considering therapy," she said cautiously. "It's a step in the right direction."