Company

Chapter 131

"You're funny." Drake kept his back turned to Rihanna as she clearly hinted that she wanted to start a conversation that may not be in her favor. He remained silent continuing to towel off his neck and face, beads of sweat trailed down his shoulders and forearms. the back of his shirt had caught whatever sweat dripped down his back.

"Thanks for coming out tonight." He replied pulling the damp shirt from the top of his torso and tossing it on the couch of his dressing room. He turned around and smile.

Rihanna frowned, almost confused as he completely ignored her stab at an argument, she folded her arms across her chest and leaned back against the wall. "So you're going to act like we haven't been back on and you just did what you did in front of all of Toronto!? In front of me!?

"Back on? Do what?" He said looking genuinely lost in the conversation. A much colder Drake had appeared, more closed off, straight to the point. Drake had finally seen Rihanna as exactly what others had been trying to tell him she was. A business partner, seeing her as simply the friend she was better off being. "When were we back on? at what point were we back together? We recorded some much-desired music, gave the fans a visual, and performed it here and there for them. We gave them what they've been asked for! We went out for some publicity for your album and mine, got everybody talking... not sure where you were confused? We're working. This is work." He said back keeping a straight and soft face, he almost seemed childlike speaking to her softly as if he was a parent breaking down rules to their child, making sure not to raise his voice or sound annoyed.

Delivering a dose of medicine that Rihanna had dosed out to him many times before. Always assuming the two were back on but it was simply just her needing some attention from him for a short period of time, the attention from a man that was genuinely in love with her. "You serious Aubrey, You know damn well these last few months have been more than fucking work! At what point did YOU think this wasn't more!?" Her voice raised a few octaves, her bajan accent was thicker than he had ever heard, she cocked her head to the side demanding an answer.

Drake slightly smiled and looked around the large room realizing her frustration simply came from him blowing her off first before she could call their fling void until they reunited again. "I let something good getaway knowing this wasn't going to last, I made a business choice, making you and I money. I agreed putting you, my career, and money first knowing my current situation was opposed to me working with you! but I still pushed that shit to the side and did this, I lost something better than I've had SINCE YOU! This became WORK when you decided to reach back out to Chris. You know I don't like him, why would you think I'd be cool with you speaking to him!? Even if it was in some just checking in you shit. You and I? Business partners, fellow artiest making musical collaborations. That's it. Thanks for coming out tonight, I really appreciate it. I know Toronto did as well. You're more than welcome to join us out tonight... you, Mel, everybody. If not? I understand your reasoning." He nodded his head with a smile and ran his hand up and down her arm, she frowned at his touch and frowned harder as she realized he was softly pushing past her to continue about his business.

Sandie clung to her son's large warm hand. her small body several inches below his he towered over her in a protective manner. "You did so good! I'm always so proud of you!" She said again for the 12th time, she gloated about Drake to him, genuinely excited to see him perform anytime. "Where is Rihanna? She's not coming with us again tonight?" She asked looking up at him while tugging onto his fingers.

He looked down at her for a moment but showed no remorse for his actions taken against Rihanna just hours before sending her on her way, he showed no facial expressions to give up the small white lie that he was getting ready to tell his mother, even though it was clear he was not smiling to begin with. "No, shes got other things to do tonight, other appearances." He simply said without changing his posture or voice. He knew if he told his mother the truth he'd have to explain everything to her right then and there. Sandie would not allow him to enjoy the rest of his night unless he had given her an explanation as to why he and Rihanna were done with one another after just a few months of reuniting again. She nodded her head understanding and not thinking anything of it, surely she had her own schedule that too needed to be followed, after all, she was Rihanna.