My Slime

08. The Clapback Queen

The condo looked like something out of a luxury magazine. The navy blue velvet couch stretched out in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, accented by champagne-colored throw pillows that shimmered softly in the light. A large, round mirror hung on the far wall, reflecting the space and giving it a sense of depth. Polished coffee table books lay stacked neatly on the table, and an artful cluster of candles added warmth to the sleek, modern vibe Rosa had created.

Rosa was putting the final touches on a few decor details when Shanae's phone buzzed. She glanced down, her brow furrowing at the notification from The Shade Room.

She tapped on the video and, as soon as it started playing, her expression hardened. "Yo, G... You might wanna see this."

Gigi turned from the full-length mirror, her stomach already tightening at Shanae's tone. "What now?"

Wordlessly, Shanae held her phone up so Gigi could see, and Rosa, who was arranging a vase on the coffee table, leaned over to peek at the screen.

The video showed Chris seated in a podcast studio, looking relaxed, with a playful smirk as the host asked the inevitable question. "...If you had to put a label on it... For the record—you and Gigi are just friends?"

Gigi's heart thudded, her stomach twisting as she watched Chris smirk into the mic, his tone casual but cocky as he said, "I'm single, but she's in a relationship with me."

Gigi tried to brush it off with a small laugh, shrugging like it didn't bother her. "That's just Chris being... Chris."

But Shanae wasn't having it. Her expression tightened as she looked at Gigi, her voice laced with irritation. "Really? You just okay with this?"

Gigi forced out a chuckle, waving it off. "I mean... he's just playin'... Right? Like... He was bein' funny."

Rosa's eyes narrowed, picking up on the crack in Gigi's voice. She set the vase down, crossing her arms as she gave Gigi a knowing look. "Gigi, honey... Don't pretend it's fine if it's not. He just went on a whole platform, with millions watching, and made it sound like you're tied down to him while he can do whatever he wants. That's a slap in the face."

Gigi's laugh faded as she looked away, the forced smile slipping. "I mean... yeah, but that's just his personality, you know? It's... it's not that serious." She knew she was lying to herself, but the only way she knew how to deal with her feelings right now were to deny them.

He had to be joking... Right?

Shanae folded her arms, her protective instincts kicking in hard. "It is serious, G. He's out here makin' you look like a damn fool. That wasn't some cute, flirty joke—he's makin' it seem like he can have you whenever he wants while still doing whatever it is he wants to do."

Rosa nodded, her tone softer as she tried to comfort Gigi. "She's right, Gigi. I know it's hard to hear, but you deserve a lot better than to be his punchline."

Gigi's face flushed as the words sank in, the embarrassment gnawing at her. She bit her lip, trying to hold back the sting of disappointment. "I just... I don't know man, I've never done anything to him. I don't know why he would—" Gigi's voice broke as a single tear escaped her eye.

Shanae immediately consoled her, "It's okay sis, let it out..."

Rosa sighed, her voice unexpectedly warm. She and the girls weren't the best of friends, but she hated to see Gigi in such a fragile state. "Chris doesn't know how to prioritize anyone but himself." She gave Gigi a sympathetic look. "I learned the hard way, but I moved on. I'm with a Lakers player now, someone who actually shows up for me—and I'd be happy to introduce you to some of his friends if you're interested."