Chapter 20 #2
JJ’s face clouded for a minute, and I worried that he might misinterpret my reference to the famous Italian Formula One driver as an insult.
Then recognition crept across his face. “A’ight, boo.
Imma show you what racing looks like.” He chuckled as he whipped past cars on Seventh Avenue like they were parked.
I’d never been so grateful to see a valet stand in my life.
The sports bar’s name, Red, was illuminated in red neon lights across the side of a building that was surrounded by a throng of photographers swarming a red carpet.
“Shit, JJ, it’s a total scene,” I said, taking in the flashing bulbs and commotion. We had climbed out of the car and were waiting for the valet ticket.
“Yeah, I didn’t think it would be all this.” JJ shrugged. “He said it would be chill.”
“Jerome Jermaine, it’s MC RedHot. Even I know that the man does not know what chill looks like,” I yelled over the din as I dug in my bag for a lipstick.
“You used my government name, so I know you’re annoyed.
” JJ surveyed the thick line of people waiting to walk the carpet.
While most of the men were dressed like they were at a Knicks game, predictably, the women looked like they going to an upscale club.
My face must have appeared panicky because he put a finger under my chin and tilted my face upward.
“Nicole Rose, you look better than all these women combined,” he whispered, then he bent down to press his lips against mine.
For a minute, I closed my eyes and let my lips relax into his, feeling his tongue lightly exploring my mouth.
Then I remembered where we were. My eyes snapped open just in time to catch Luna over JJ’s shoulder, watching us with an expression so venomous I could practically see the green heat glimmering in her eyes. I pushed JJ away, but it was too late.
“JJ, let’s just go,” I told him, motioning with my chin toward Luna. He’d obviously forgotten himself as well since he’d already informed me that he didn’t want to go public as a couple.
“Oh snap,” he said, turning me around so neither of us was facing the curious crowd.
It didn’t matter how chaste we appeared as the valet searched for our car keys because the damage was done.
The rumor mill had started, and Luna would make sure that everyone would be talking about my “thing” with JJ in the least flattering terms.
We ended up having dinner at a discreet restaurant in Tribeca, trying to enjoy the quiet before the storm.
My two-way was blowing up before we got to dessert.
The only message I opened was from Kiara.
It read: I’m trying to do damage control, love, but Luna is running around this RedHot party telling everyone that she saw Jerome Jermaine with his tongue down your throat and his hand on your ass.
She and the other party hags have folks taking bets on whether you slept with him to get one of his artists on your next cover or for clout. Remember that this too shall pass.
I came in the next morning to find Barbara waiting for me in my office. Her red leather pantsuit told me she meant business.
“Hey, Barbara, I thought you were in Chicago for some sales meetings,” I said, trying for a casual tone.
“I was, but since I’m hearing tales about my new editor that I simply do not want to believe, I flew back at the crack of dawn this morning.” I chewed my nails as I waited for her next words. “So, I’m hearing that you’re sleeping with Jerome Jermaine.”
Barbara searched my face. It was her turn to wait while I struggled to find an appropriate answer.
“Well, yes, JJ and I are seeing each other,” I replied.
“We were trying to keep it a secret, but Luna caught us sharing a moment outside MC RedHot’s sports bar opening.
” Barbara did not move, continuing to regard me with an eerie calm.
I hazarded a defiant comment. “I’m not sure why it’s such a big deal, though.
Neither of us is married, so who cares if we’re dating? ”
At that, Barbara’s expression finally shifted into disbelief.
“Are you serious right now? I know I call you newbie a lot, but I did expect you to have more common sense than this. I thought you would have learned your lesson after whatever went down with Alonzo.” She closed her eyes and inhaled slowly.
“You are aware that being EIC of Sugar has you on full display, and you already know that half of the urban world thinks you’re one step up from a video ho.
So, you thought that openly dating JJ, who is one of the most promiscuous music executives in the business, was a good idea? What do you think that says about you?”
I was too busy turning over the words most promiscuous music executives in the business and one step up from a video ho to immediately process what she was saying about my reputation.
Not getting the reaction she was looking for, Barbara went on.
“Nikki, I took a chance on you. You already know that we can’t afford any mistakes, and we only have a short time to prove that this company is viable.
So, the first thing you do is fuck the person I introduced you to in order to help you better understand the urban music business? ”
“That’s not fair, Barbara.”
“Um, so what, Miss StyleList? I never promised you fair. What I did tell you is that I see everything that happens in my office.” She pointed her index finger at me.
“You promised me that you understood how important this job is. Sugar is a million times better than before you got here, but we are very, very far from being out of the woods.” I started to reply, but Barbara interrupted.
“I do not want to hear it. Get back to work, keep your head down, do what you’re supposed to do. ”
With that, she stomped out of my office. I could see people on the floor, so proud of me and of Sugar just yesterday, looking skeptical once again as they watched Barbara slam the office door of their new EIC, no doubt knowing exactly why.