Chapter Six – Blast from the past. #2
When the segment ended, I received accolades from the production team, from the host, and even from the people who came to work out with us.
I had a quick moment to freshen up, which was needed after the time in the sun, and then they had a scheduled meet and greet inside another part of the studio.
I walked into the room full of people cheering and holding items for me to autograph.
My girl is a celebrity! I could almost hear Tayvion’s voice in my head. I just nodded to my invisible advocate and got to work.
For a moment, I thought my surprise guest, that blast from the past, had left early. Maybe she realized I wasn’t at all receptive to having her around. Was that really the case, though? I was just trying to save face for the cameras.
Just when I thought I wouldn’t have to face her or the answer to that question, I spotted her at the very end of the line. Did she do that on purpose? I took a long sip of my water as she approached.
“Jenna, hey!” I greeted her cheerfully, affirming in advance I hadn’t forgotten her at all.
“Oh, so you do know who I am?” she giggled, but I could hear the sense of aggravation and relief in her voice. “I was ready to have my feelings hurt.”
“Of course. I just didn’t want to lose my place out there.” I nodded. “The worst thing would have been for me to trip and fall on my face.”
“We wouldn’t want that.” She smiled. “Well, I’m so glad to see you here doing your thing!
When I saw you were coming, I just had to get my tail over here.
That was a great workout. I may just have to add it to my routine.
You know I’ve been trying to get better at keeping up with that.
I haven’t really run since college, and I keep saying I’ll get back into it, but life is so busy.
I mean, I barely had time to fit in my hair appointment.
The girl I go to is talking about moving away, which may not matter all that much now that I think about it. ”
“You still ramble when you’re nervous.” I laughed at the way she chewed her lip.
“Yeah, I guess I never outgrew that.” Jenna shrugged. “I’ve been working on it.”
“There’s no need to be nervous, Jenna. We’re old friends,” I reassured her. “Just take it easy.”
“Well, once upon a time, we were more than friends.” She looked up at me through those long lashes, and I suddenly remembered how she had hooked me the first time around. Those doe eyes got me every time.
I glanced over my shoulder to make sure no one heard her.
“Sorry, this is a professional appearance for you. I shouldn’t have brought that up.” She took a step back from me.
“It’s okay. You know me. I like to keep business separate from my personal life.”
“I remember.” Her words were laced with heavier meaning.
“Do you live out here now?” I quickly changed the topic. “I hadn’t realized you'd moved.”
“I’ve been out here for about five years now, but actually, I’m about to move back home. I want to be closer to my mom. She’s getting older and needs more help. My older siblings all have husbands, wives, and babies, so as the only single and childless sibling, I’m stepping in.”
“That’s honorable of you.”
“I’m not doing it for praise.” She shook her head. “It’s my mother. I love her, and I want her to be okay.”
“I’d do the same for my mother.”
“Look, I know this must be weird, but…” She hesitated.
“Since I’m moving back home, and I mean, you still live there, I think it would be cool if we could get together and really catch up.
Life has taken us both in vastly different ways.
There was a time when I didn’t think reconnecting was possible, but I really want to get to know you again. ”
“I’m not sure about that.” I didn’t mean for it to sound like I didn’t trust getting to know her, but that was exactly how it sounded. “Jenna, I mean—”
“Shontae, I just wanted to see if we could be friends again, nothing more.” There were those eyes again. “You remember we were friends before, right? It’s crazy, but even after all these years, I still miss that relationship. Just because love didn’t work out for us doesn’t mean friendship can't.”
“Look, I’m not going to pretend as if this is something I’ve considered.” I had—many years ago, but I had. “Honestly, I thought I would never see you again.”
“Yeah, same. I guess I have had more time to think about it than you have.” She chuckled. “You didn’t get a flier letting you know I’d be here.”
“Is it alright if I think on it?” Damn it. Those eyes had me already bending to her will. “I mean, there is no real reason for us not to. Like you said, we’re two completely different people now. Right?”
“Right.” She pulled out a card from her bag and handed it to me. “Here’s my information. There is no pressure at all for you to call me, but I would love to hear from you. Maybe we could meet up for a simple lunch or something. Just to catch up.”
“Okay, yeah. I’ll think about it,” I repeated.
As if the universe was sending me a message, the moment Jenna walked away from me, I got a notification on my phone. I looked down to see an email from my therapist offering to fit me into her schedule in two days.
I quickly responded to confirm the appointment and wrapped up my duties on set. There were still a few more interviews, photo ops, and press statements to record. Once that was all done, I was sent back to my hotel with a large gift bag and a ton of swag I would likely never wear.
I could give it to Meka; she was always ready to accept any freebies she could get.