Chapter 8
SIENNA
This morning, I woke up to a plethora of messages from Domino, my parents, a few of my loyal clients, and social media. My face was on several blogs, and the captions had my mouth gaped open.
My phone rang, interrupting me from overreacting.
I answered Domino’s call with a, “What is it?”
Kevanna chuckled. “Don’t be mad at me. I was calling to make sure you didn’t lose your mind.”
Sighing, I chuckled with Domino’s wife. We’d been friends since the eighth grade. If anyone knew how much I hated being the topic of conversation, it was Kevanna.
“Girl! You know my nerves are so bad right now,” I stated.
She laughed harder. “I gotta say. This is the first time I’ve ever seen you blasted like this, boo.”
Squeezing my forehead, I agreed. “Hopefully, things will die down soon.”
So far, no one connected me to my family.
It was coming, though. I felt it. While I loved my family, dearly, the weight of being a billionaire heiress carried its fears.
Sure, I had money at my disposal. However, looking over my shoulders twenty-four-seven wasn’t how I wanted to live my life.
Plus, it was hard to make genuine connections without someone out to use me.
“Hopefully,” Kevanna said. “You looked like you had fun, though.”
“I did,” I replied. I had too much fun. I’d been to plenty of pro-sports games. Sitting courtside watching Synder play was an experience. Watching him play on television couldn’t compare to being in the thick of things.
Before the game started, Synder came over to where I sat, leaned down, and kissed Whimsy’s forehead. The way he looked into my eyes afterwards said that he wished he could’ve given me a kiss, too. I dashed it away with a goofy, “Have a good game.”
Needless to say, I was oblivious to the cameras going off, snapping that moment. There was nothing I could do about it now. If I knew my family, which I did, they were already sending extra security to look after me.
“Glad to hear that, boo. If you need anything, call me. Here’s your cousin.” Kevanna gave Domino the phone. His laughter wasn’t welcomed.
“Really? That’s all you have for me?” I questioned him.
“Yep. I think this shit is hilarious.”
“Well, it’s not.”
“I’m already prepared to hang up on a bunch of people come Monday morning. They gon’ blow yo’ boutique’s phone clean up.” He cackled.
“You know what? Bye, Domino.” Lightly chuckling, I shook my head and hung up.
The last call I wanted to make was to my parents. I had to, or they would’ve been on the next thing smoking. I assured them that everything was fine. Of course, Ellie had something to say.
Ellie: Should’ve known he was hot. You ran out of Niceville Shores like a world champion sprinter.
Me: Stay in a child’s place, El.
Ellie: Never. Not when it comes to my sister.
For a second, I smiled. I loved when Ellie’s soft side peeked through.
Me: Love you, too. Now get outta my business!
Placing my phone on the bed, I went into the bathroom and did my morning routine. Today was Sunday, and according to Synder, he took Whimsy to church as often as he could. So, I wanted to prepare something quick for breakfast, then get Whimsy ready.
Thirty minutes later, I plated loaded bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches with a side of fresh fruit.
I had already bitten into my sandwich when Synder appeared.
He was dressed for service in all dark grey.
His tie was plum colored and matched his designer shoes.
He knew how to wear any-fucking-thing. I was convinced of it.
“Oh, this my shit right here,” he said and grabbed my sandwich off my plate.
“Uh-uh! How you gon’ take my sandwich?” I fussed.
He bit into it. “This one got a lil’ mo’ flavor in it,” he answered. “Mm, this shit is good.”
Nose turned up, I hoped it deflected from the heat slicing through my body.
“I like ya dress,” he mentioned around another bite of my sandwich. I got another sandwich and bit into it.
“Thanks,” I mumbled. The dress was the only thing appropriate I had to walk into a church I’d never been to. If I was back home, I would’ve worn whatever was comfortable for the day.
“You been on the internet?” he asked.
Chuckling, I replied, “Unfortunately, I woke up to a barrage of messages.”
“Damn, my fault.”
“No, it’s okay. This is really the first time this has happened.” I shrugged. “You’re famous-famous and unattached. So, there’s that.”
He grinned. “Yeah, there’s that. I don’t wanna cause you any trouble wit’ ya man.”
Gulping, I started not to squelch his curiosity. Then again, it wouldn’t have hurt anything.
“I don’t have a man, so there’s that.”
His low chuckle was mysteriously scary. “Good to know,” I thought I heard him mumble under his breath.
“What’s that?” I questioned.
“Are you almost ready to go?” he asked.
“Oh… Sure.” With a slight frown, I watched him leave the kitchen. He glanced over his shoulder, smiled, then popped the rest of the sandwich into his mouth.
Releasing the deep breath I held, I hurried and scarfed down my sandwich, then went to prepare Whimsy for church. Her closet was immaculate and the size of a studio apartment. She had everything from designer threads to expensive jewelry, some of which she’d probably never worn.
This was my life. From a baby, I was given a life of luxury. That was why I created my boutique. I wanted to give every child their dream of feeling like a prince or princess.
Quickly, I found the perfect outfit for Whimsy, grabbed her shoes, a little purse; then hurriedly washed her face, brushed her teeth, and lotioned her skin. I dressed her, then tackled her hair. Ten minutes later, she was ready.
“Oh, aight,” Synder stated when we met him in the living room. “I see what you did.”
Grinning, I was proud of myself. “You two match. I think it’s cute.”
“I propose… You change to match us.”
My eyes bucked, and he cracked up.
“I’m just playin’, Baby. You already breakin’ the internet. The last thing we probably need to do is fuel the fire, huh?”
His eyes peered down into mine. Filled with mischief, they were. Although I couldn’t put my finger on it, Synder had something up his sleeve. He all but told me so when he smiled.
“As soon as I leave church, I’m heading to the arena. You gon’ be courtside waiting for me, tonight, right?” he questioned.
Stupidly, I blinked up at him. That was part of what he wanted me to do. So, asking me felt deeper than the surface level.
Still, I said, “Whimsy and I will be there.”
He smiled again. “Good girl.”
Sadly, my Sunday morning was a blur. I was stuck on the last damn thing Synder uttered to me. I repeatedly replayed that line.