Chapter 15
fifteen
. . .
As a traveler, there were two places I was sure I never needed to visit.
Las Vegas, and New York. Vegas always felt off to me.
There was too much happening in a place that didn’t make sense.
I remember stepping outside one of those hotels once, lights everywhere, people everywhere, and still thinking, how is all of this just sitting in the middle of the desert?
New York never impressed me either. As a Chicago native, I’ve seen a skyline, and I knew big city energy all too well.
New York always came across as a louder version of something I was familiar with.
But sitting in the truck with Kier, watching the city blur past me, it didn’t feel the same anymore.
The liveliness of New York was different up close.
Even through the tinted windows, there was action everywhere.
People crossing before the light changed and cars inching forward like everybody was in a rush.
The buildings were stacked so close together it felt like the city was on the brink of being overcrowded.
It was overstimulating, but intriguing at the same time.
Kier had taken countless phone calls since we’d landed.
His tone ranged from aggravated to amused to serious.
I didn’t need to hear the full conversation to know he was handling things.
He had conversations involving finalizing details for the dinner and his party.
His label was officially underway, and I could not have been happier for him.
I leaned my head against the window, letting my eyes follow the motion outside while his voice filled the space behind me.
In another life, he would probably be a lawyer.
Every now and then, he’d pause, listen, then respond like he was three steps ahead of whoever was on the other end.
We came down West Street, and something about the city transformed. It opened up just a little, the movement slowed, and the streets got quieter. By the time we turned into Tribeca, everything appeared more controlled and less demanding.
The driver pulled up to a tall stone building and stepped out to open the door. Kier was still on the phone, but he reached for me without looking, helping me get out of the car. I stepped out, adjusting to the stillness around us compared to everything we just passed.
Inside, we were led straight to a private elevator. The doors closed, and just like that, his call dropped. I was grateful for the silence, because since we landed, it was just us.
“You’ve been busy, with your bossy self.” I teased him.
“My bad, baby. I need an assistant or something.”
“Yeah, you do, but you and I both know that won’t happen.”
“How come it won’t?” He asked, pulling me in and resting his arms around my waist. I placed my arms around his neck and said,
“Because you’re a control freak.” The doors of the elevator opened just as I kissed his lips.
Space and more space were staring back at me.
The floor-to-ceiling windows surrounded the entire penthouse.
Through the windows were breathtaking views.
The city stretched out in layers, and the Freedom Tower cut clean through the skyline while everything else settled around it.
I’d die on the hill that there wasn’t a skyline in this country that could compete with Chicago.
But if I was being honest, New York was fairly close.
“As always, this is nice, Kier.”
“Thank you, I am thinking about buying it. With the label expanding, I am considering making New York my permanent home.”
“That decision is a double-edged sword.”
“Why you say that?”
“Because you love music but loathe the scene. You value your peace and solitude just as much. You’re a workaholic and I’m not going to argue with you about that.
” I laughed, cutting him off before he could respond.
“And because you’re a workaholic, the energy of New York will only amplify that. So be careful.”
“Word, that’s something to really consider.”
“Not really, you just have to make sure there is a balance. You’re the only person that can control that.”
Kier looked at me steadily and offered a small nod.
I wondered if I had overstepped or if he was considering what I was saying.
Another call came through on his phone. He answered it and walked out onto the balcony.
I explored the rest of the penthouse, taking in the décor.
Beiges, creams, and tans dominated each room.
There were three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The kitchen held a massive island and all stainless-steel appliances.
There was a little nook tucked off in the alcove.
I set up my laptop in preparation for my meeting in an hour.
When I went back into the living area, Kier was coming inside. He took his sweatshirt off, tossed it onto the chair, and sat on the couch leaning back. I joined him, resting my head on his chest and shoulder.
“My mother and Al are coming. Are you okay with meeting her?”
I hesitated, then smiled, sitting up to look at him. “I’d love to meet her if you’re okay with it. Who is Al?”
“Her husband.”
“Oh that’s sweet, I didn’t know she remarried.”
“Yeah, she did. Al is cool. If he treats my mother good, he alright with me. Jarell, Kaori, and a few other execs will also be at the dinner. I got a couple of my childhood homies flying in as well.” I smiled, completely engaged in his excitement. “Did you invite your sister and Treasure?”
“No baby, this is about you.”
“And I’m about you. They are your family, and if you want them here, that’s fine. The dinner is private, but they can come kick it at the yacht party on the Hudson afterwards. Besides, you will need somebody to explore the city with when I’m tied up.”
I sighed, rolling my eyes. “Maybe Treasure, not my sister.”
“I know she’s a lot, Si, but she’s blood. Y’all ain’t gon ever get on good terms if you don’t start including her in your life. That’s all she wants.”
“When did you become a Naomi fan?”
“Told you, baby, your happiness is my priority, and if there’s tension between you and your sister, it will affect that. Besides, I can’t have my girl at odds with one of my artists.”
I sat up, questioning if I heard him correctly. “Your artist?”
“I ain’t gon hold you Si, Naomi dope. I’d be a fool not to sign her. I need to see how serious she is first, so keep it between us.”
“Kier, you are something else,” I added, leaning in and kissing his lips.
“Yep, this is exactly what I need.” Kier adjusted us, laying me on the sofa. He planted himself between my legs after taking his tank off. Kissing me, he ran his hand up my stomach, then his phone rang again.
“Fuck.” He mumbled, kissing my lips before getting up. “What’s good?” He answered.
Kier walked away, and I checked the time. I didn't have much time to spare anyhow before my meeting. I guess us blessing the penthouse would have to wait.
“I gotta run, you wanna roll?”
“I can’t, babe, I have a meeting.” I poked my bottom lip out.
Kier tossed a black card to me. “Book Treasure and your sister at the Greenwich Hotel and get them a couple of flights.”
“Kie—”
“I gotta run, I’ll see you later.”
Kier left, and I headed over to the nook with his credit card in hand.
I pulled up the website to the hotel, booking the rooms for two days from now.
The flights would have to wait, considering I was about to log on to Teams. I put both Naomi and Treasure in a group chat, letting them know that Kier invited them to NYC and I needed their info to book flights.
Part of me felt dread. Damn, I felt bad for not wanting my sister here.
But I was also happy for her future. When she found out Kier was feeling her music, she would be ecstatic.
After my meeting, I showered and made myself comfortable.
Kier came back a few hours later with some oversized slices of pizza.
We both couldn’t help but rave about how good Chicago food was and how New York’s wasn’t even close.
After eating, Kier fell asleep on a movie we were watching. Shortly after, I joined him.
The next morning, the sun spilled through the windows and onto the floor.
I felt the space beside me, realizing Kier was gone.
I reached for my phone, seeing it was only 9 am.
Maybe he didn’t want to wake me. I figured he was in the front room, or on the balcony.
Either way, he left too soon, considering we hadn’t had our morning session or one last night either.
I slipped on my robe, nothing underneath, tying it just enough to keep it in place. When I stepped out of the room, I heard noise down the hall. Then I finally approached, speaking before turning the corner.
“Babe, do you want pancakes for breakfast or me—” I turned the corner. A woman stood there, older and very attractive. “—oh my goodness.”
She looked at me and smiled. The heat hit my face instantly.
I became aware of everything at once—the robe, how it sat on me, what I had just said, and the little peep show I gave her.
“I’m so— I’ll be right back.” The words came out fast, tripping over each other as I tripped over my feet.
Turning, I hurried back down the hall, back into the bedroom, closing the door behind me.
For a second, I just stood there shaking my head. Of all moments, Lord, why me?
Quickly, I got up, taking a second to steady myself before heading back out.
Maybe it was his mother since he did say she’d be here for dinner in a few days.
Maybe an assistant. Either way, I had made an impression, and it’s not the one I would’ve chosen.
When I walked back into the living area, I was sure my cheeks were still giving me away.
“There you are. You must be Sibley. I’m Theresa Stone, Kier’s mother.”
“I’m so embarrassed. Nice to meet you. I apologize again.”
“It’s nothing. Between Jarell and Kier, I’ve seen worse.”