Star: Take 3

Chapter 32

STAR POV

The next day, Lucious invited us over for dinner. It was our last night in New York. The dining room was set up beautifully. Lucious greeted us with his usual charm, but there was an edge to his smile that made me wary. Cookie, Jamal, Hakeem, and Tiana were already seated. "Welcome, everyone," Lucious said, gesturing for us to take our seats. "Tonight, we celebrate Take 3's last night in New York."

We all sat down, and the conversation started off light and pleasant. But as dinner progressed, I could sense the tension building. Lucious had a way of stirring the pot. "So, Star," Lucious began, his eyes locking onto mine. "How's your voice holding up? I heard you've been having some issues."

I stiffened, feeling the eyes of everyone at the table on me. "It's getting better," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm working through it." Lucious nodded, but there was a glint in his eye that made me uneasy. "Good to hear. You know, the music industry is tough. Not everyone can handle the pressure."

I clenched my fists under the table, trying to keep my cool. "I'm not just anyone, Lucious. I can handle it." He smirked, clearly enjoying the discomfort he was causing. "I hope so. Because if you can't, there are plenty of other talented singers out there who would love to take your place."

Before I could respond, Alex jumped in. "Lucious, that's enough. Star is doing great." Lucious raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by Alex's defense. "Of course, Alex. I didn't mean to imply otherwise. Just making sure everyone knows what's at stake."

You could cut the tension in the room with a knife,  I noticed Simone shifting uncomfortably in her seat. Noah reached over and squeezed my hand under the table, offering silent support. "Let's change the subject," Carlotta said, her voice firm.  Lucious leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile on his face. "My apologies. Let's enjoy the rest of the evening."

"Lucious, you always gotta turn a good time into a bad one, don't you? These girls are doing just fine without your meddling." Cookie said rolling her eyes. Lucious shot her a look, but Cookie was unfazed. "I'm just saying, they haven't gotten this far for nothing. They earned it." Hakeem couldn't resist adding fuel to the fire. "Yeah, but let's be real. The industry is cutthroat. If you can't keep up, you're out." Jamal shot him a look, his patience wearing thin. "Shut yo ass up, Hakeem," he said, smacking him on the head.

Hakeem rubbed his head, glaring at Jamal. "You shut the fuck up," he snapped, shoving Jamal. "Hey, that's enough!" Cookie's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Both of you, knock it off."

Noah, sensing the tension, decided to step in. "Star is one of the strongest people I know. She's been through more than most, and she's still standing. If anyone can handle the pressure, it's her." Lucious looked at Noah, a hint of respect in his eyes. "Is that so? You seem pretty confident." Noah nodded, his gaze steady. "I am."

The room fell silent, and I could see the wheels turning in Lucious' mind. After dessert, Lucious stood up, raising his glass. "To Take 3," he said, his voice smooth. "May you continue to rise and conquer." We all raised our glasses, but the toast felt hollow. As we left Lucious' mansion that night, I felt relieved.

ALEX POV

Dinner with the Lyon family was intense, and I'm glad that it's over. Before leaving I decided to use the bathroom. "Hey, I'm gonna run to the bathroom," I said. "Alright, we'll be waiting in the car," Ms. C said, giving me a reassuring smile.

As I made my way down the hallway, I noticed a familiar face. It was Marisol, my former maid. She was carrying a tray of drinks, and when she saw me, her face lit up with a smile. "Alex!" she exclaimed, setting the tray down and rushing over to hug me. "Marisol!" I said, hugging her tightly. "How are you? How is Lucious treating you?"

Marisol pulled back, her eyes warm.  "Good. He good to me. Pay well. Family good." I felt a wave of relief. "I'm glad to hear that. You deserve the best, Marisol." She smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thank you, Alex. You always kind to me." We chatted for a few more minutes, catching up on each other's lives. It was comforting to see Marisol doing well and being treated with respect.

When we got back to the hotel I quickly changed my outfit. I wanted to visit my mother before heading back to Atlanta. She was in rehab for her drinking problem, and I needed to see her, to make sure she was okay. I took a Uber to the rehab center.

When I arrived, the nurse led me to my mom's room. She was sitting on the bed, reading a Magazine. When she saw me, her expression hardened. "Alex," she said, her voice cold. "What are you doing here?" I took a deep breath, trying to keep my emotions in check. "Mom, I wanted to see you. To make sure you're okay."

She scoffed, turning away from me. "You mean to make sure I'm still locked up in here. You had no right to put me in rehab against my will."

"Mom, you needed help," I said, my voice trembling. "I couldn't just stand by and watch you destroy yourself." She turned back to me, her eyes filled with anger and hurt. "You think you know what's best for me? You and Lucious? You had no right to make that decision for me."

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I felt a mix of frustration and helplessness. "I did it because I love you, Mom. I couldn't lose you."

She shook her head, her expression softening slightly. "I didn't ask for your help," she said. I nodded, tears streaming down my face. "I know, Mom. I just want you to stop drinking." She reached out and took my hand, her grip firm. "I know, baby." I sat with her for a while, holding her hand, and filling her in on what I've been up to.

SIMONE POV

We were finally back in Atlanta, and I had plans to have lunch with Mike. It had been a wild couple of months. I got the DNA results back, confirming that Mike was my dad. I'm still processing how I feel.

I had Cane, my bodyguard, stop at Chick-fil-A before heading to the hospital. The car ride was too quiet, so I decided to turn on the radio. Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" was playing, and I couldn't help but sing along. "I stay out too late, got nothing in my brain, that's what people say, mmm-mmm, that's what people say, mmm-mmm..."

Cane glanced at me like I was crazy and then switched the station. "Hey, I was listening to that!" I protested, laughing.

He chuckled shaking his head. "What's wrong with Taylor Swift?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. He shrugged. "She's alright, she's just not my cup of tea." I laughed, shaking my head. "Well, I like her." We arrived at the hospital, and I made my way to the cafeteria to wait for Mike. I spotted Mike walking towards me, a warm smile on his face.

"I saw you on Jimmy Fallon. Great job," he said, as he pulled me into a hug. "Thank you," I replied, feeling a surge of gratitude. "It was an incredible experience." Mike glanced at Cane, who was standing a few feet away, keeping a watchful eye on our surroundings. "What's with him?" Mike asked, nodding towards Cane.

"Oh, that's Cane, my security guard," I explained. "It was Carlotta's idea. She thought it would be best to have some extra protection, especially after everything that's happened." Mike nodded, his expression serious. "She's right. It's good to have someone looking out for you."

"So, how have you been?" I asked, taking a bite of my sandwich. Mike smiled, his eyes filled with warmth. "I've been good. Busy, but good. How about you? How are you holding up?" I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of emotions. "It's been a lot, but I'm doing okay." We continued to catch up before he had to get back to work.

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