𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑋𝑜𝑛𝑒

𝐼𝑋

Then, as if out of nowhere, Emily's face flickered in my mind. The guilt hit me like a punch to the gut. I quickly shook it off, turned on the car, and sped out of Janet's driveway, breaking more than a few traffic rules on my way home. My thoughts raced just as fast as the car. Emily had been so excited about attending the Blockbuster Entertainment Awards with me tonight, a big deal given my new position as Planet Groove's hot new interviewer. I had been getting all kinds of attention lately, photoshoots, red carpet invites, magazine covers, it was the kind of success I had always dreamed of. But now, it felt like everything was more complicated than ever.

She had asked me weeks ago if she could be my date tonight, and at the time, I had eagerly agreed. But now, with Janet also going to be there, I couldn't imagine Emily being there too. The idea of them both in the same room made me anxious in a way I hadn't anticipated. I knew I had to come up with something to keep Emily at home, anything to avoid the mess that could unfold if they crossed paths.

I gripped the steering wheel tighter, running scenarios through my head, trying to think of an excuse that wouldn't hurt her feelings. Emily had been so supportive, always in my corner, and the last thing I wanted was for her to get caught in the middle of this mess. I was treading a fine line, and as the night approached, I was starting to feel the weight of the choices I had to make.

While opening the apartment door carefully, I moved with caution, hoping to go unnoticed. But I heard her, the sound of her footsteps approaching quickly. Emily came around the corner, already dressed up and glowing. She was stunning, even more so than usual. My girl was always effortlessly fine, but tonight, she looked like a model. Her hair was styled up, the way I loved it most, and her makeup was flawless. Her beauty hit me all at once, making it hard to catch my breath.

Despite being late, she didn't look angry, if anything, she seemed worried. The moment she saw me, she let out a small sigh of relief and hurried toward me, pulling me into a tight hug. The urgency in her embrace caught me off guard, but I sank into her warmth, feeling her arms wrap securely around me.

"I was starting to think something happened," she whispered softly, pulling back just enough to look into my eyes. There was a tenderness in her gaze that made me feel guilty for what I was about to do.

"Why are you so late, baby? We're going to be late," she said, her voice soft but laced with concern. Hearing how much she cared only made the guilt weigh heavier on me. I could see the genuine worry in her eyes, the way she was trying to hold it together despite her anxiety.

I yawned, playing it off like I was exhausted. "I'm sorry, I got caught up at work," I mumbled, trying to sell the tired act. She followed me to the bed, where I collapsed like I was waiting for it, sinking into the mattress as if it was the most natural thing to do.

Emily sat beside me, rubbing my back gently. "How was the interview? How was Janet? Did you tell her how your girlfriend wants floor tickets to the Velvet Rope concert?" she asked with a playful grin, her wit shining through as she teased me.

I forced a laugh, trying to keep it light. "No, baby," I said, chuckling nervously. "I kept it professional."

"Well, I can't wait to see it when it airs on BET," she said, still rubbing my back. Then her tone shifted, more eager. "Come on, I want to walk the red carpet!" she added, her excitement clear.

"I know, baby. You look red carpet ready," I said flirtatiously, glancing up at her, admiring how gorgeous she looked. She smiled that soft, toothless smile that always made me weak.

"I wanna see you get dressed too," she teased, nudging me gently.

But I hesitated. "I can't," I said, and her face fell dramatically.