Chapter 28
Indigo
I looked up from the spot I was cleaning just as Cooly walked in, locs tied back, wearing a black designer hoodie and jeans. This was the fourth time in a week. Right behind him was Diamond—the Diamond from New York.
A real smile broke across my face before I could stop it.
“Diamond!” I said, actually excited. I dropped the towel and crossed the studio, pulling her into a tight hug.
She smelled like vanilla and expensive perfume, the exact same scent that used to cling to the Velvet Room dressing room.
“Girl, what the hell are you doing down here? I didn’t think I’d see your ass again. ”
Diamond laughed, squeezing me back just as hard. “Midnight! Look at you, all domesticated and shit. This studio is nice as hell. Smells like money and ambition in here.”
I pulled back, still grinning. “It’s Indigo again. But damn, it’s good to see you.”
“How do you two even know each other?”
Cooly leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching us with that intense stare.
“We met when I was looking for you,” Diamond explained. “She called me to check up, I told her I was down here, she said she wanted to surprise you, so I flew her out.”
Diamond’s eyes swept over the poles and mirrors with appreciation. “Looking at this place got me thinking about opening a small studio up north. Had to come see how my favorite Midnight was doing it.”
I set the towel down, warmth still lingering in my chest. It felt good—familiar—seeing a piece of my New York life that wasn’t attached to pain or survival. Diamond had been one of the real ones.
“You could’ve called first,” I said, mostly to Cooly, but my tone was light.
“Wanted to surprise you,” Cooly replied smoothly. His eyes dragged slowly over my sports bra and tiny shorts before coming back up to my face. “You look good again today.”
Diamond laughed under her breath. “Boy, you are not subtle.”
Cooly ignored her and stepped closer, his hand brushing my waist as he moved past me, his fingers lingering against my bare skin.
I stepped back. He frowned.
Diamond wandered over to one of the poles, spinning lazily around it. “This setup is way better than the one at Velvet.” She climbed smoothly, then dropped into a slow, controlled split on the floor and looked up at me with a grin. “You still got that fire, Midnight?”
I shook my head, smiling. “I’m happy to see you, but I’m not getting on the pole today. Where’s Malik? I thought y’all were glued at the hip.”
Diamond’s expression dropped. She did another quick spin on the pole before dropping down to the mat.
“We broke up. He took over his brother’s club and let that little bit of power go straight to his head.
Started acting brand new—talking to bitches like he was God’s gift, staying out all night, moving funny with money.
I ain’t got time for that. Cut his ass loose. ”
“Damn,” I murmured. “Sorry to hear that.”
She shrugged. “I’m good. Better off.” Diamond hopped up and dusted her hands. “Take me to the beach. I drove past it on the way here. I need water, sand, and a strong drink.”
I nodded. “Let’s go. Wait for me. I’ll be right out after I put some things away and lock up.”
They stepped outside.
I pulled out my phone, my thumb hovering over Malachai’s name. Then I thought better of it. Maybe my two worlds were better left apart.