𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑋𝑜𝑛𝑒

𝑋𝐼𝐼

My eyes narrowed, burning into the side of her head. The silence felt heavy, charged with everything unsaid between us. Finally, she glanced at me out of the corners of her eyes, and let out a deep, resigned sigh. "Can we just have a good night?" she said, still staring at the ceiling like it was easier to talk to than me.

"What's a good night to you, huh, Janet? You fuck me and leave, that's it?" The words slipped out, sharp and biting, my frustration spilling over.

"Jesus." She shot up, half facing me, her face contorted in exasperation. "Woman, what else do you want from me? Another goddamn interview? I mean, come on!" Her voice rose, but then softened, her anger tempered by something more vulnerable. "I deal with a lot of shit on a daily basis. You're comforting. You're someone I can go to, to be myself and let my guard down." She sighed, looking me in the eye. "You're my peace."

I scoffed, not convinced. "I'm your peace, really? Then what is Rene to you?"

Her whole body tensed. "Are you really gonna drag this out of me?" she yelled, her face flushing. "Rene and I are separated, alright? There, are you happy now?" Her voice was raw with anger, a vein bulging on her forehead.

"Separated?" I whispered, my voice barely audible over the tension.

"Yeah, we're married. Are you happy now? You know my secrets." She got up from the bed, pacing back and forth, her hands running through her hair in frustration. "You better not tell anybody. Only close friends know and barely any family." She pointed at me, her eyes fierce. "You hear me?"

I nodded, my voice caught in my throat. I had no words.

She stopped pacing, her hands dropping to her sides, her face softening. "I want a divorce."

"Oh," was all I could manage, the weight of that word sinking in.

She came back to the bed, crawling beside me, her body warm against mine again. "I don't want to hurt you, Mariah. I want to keep what we have a secret," she said gently, her tone more like a plea now.

"You have a lot of secrets," I said, the sarcasm slipping through, though I wasn't really angry anymore. Just... tired.

"Is that a crime? When I'm famous, I should be allowed a little privacy, don't you think?"

I looked away, the room suddenly feeling smaller, more suffocating. "I guess."

Her arm wrapped around me, pulling me into her. "Can we have a good night? Please. I really like you, Mariah. A lot," she whispered, her voice tender, pulling at the fragile pieces of my heart.

I nodded, unable to resist her. She nestled into me, holding me close, her warmth comforting despite everything. "Do you have work in the morning? I don't want to rush out again like last time. I actually want to spend some time with you," she said softly, her voice floating above my head. The thought of rushing away from her, like before, felt unbearable.

I did have work, but Janet was worth every stolen moment. At least that's what I told myself. "No, no work tomorrow," I lied, wanting to be lost in her a little longer.

"Perfect. I wanna take you to my place... if that's okay," she added, like I had a choice. How could I ever say no to her? I melted like putty every time, caught in the warmth of her presence, in the palm of her hands.

"Of course, baby. You know I'd go anywhere with you," I glanced up at her, my heart racing just from being close.

"Good, that's the only answer," she teased, pulling me closer. I felt like I was in heaven, nestled against her as her little spoon. In her arms, I couldn't imagine a better feeling, the warmth of her body, the safety in her hold. Time seemed to stop, and I didn't want it to move again.