EJShaun.com

Betrayal was nothing new to Aliyah. She knew the embarrassment of seeing her private photos leaked online. She felt the shame of reading her personal texts shared by friends. People loved to take things out of context. As much as it stung, finding herself in the background of an amateur skate video wasn’t all bad. At least they named it after her.

Aliyah sat in her agent’s office with her arms and legs crossed. Her foot bounced to the music in the video. She liked the song they used.

Tiffany stood behind her, leaning against the door. A chair was open for her, but she chose to stand. She ground her heel into the carpet without realizing. Nobody said anything while the video played.

A large television hung on the wall. Laura watched from the windowsill behind her desk. She wore a navy-blue blazer that brought out her eyes and a skirt that flattered her figure. The petite woman pulled off early thirties, although she never told anybody her real age. Her long blonde hair shined in the sunlight. Her daughter brushed it that morning, leaving a little frizz.

When the video ended, she closed her laptop then hunkered over her desk. The TV shut off on its own. “Well, that explains where you were that day.”

Aliyah huffed.

“What’s the plan?” Tiffany asked, “Should we report it? Try to get it taken down?”

“No, that won’t be necessary.” Laura pushed in her chair. “As far as the video goes, there doesn’t seem to be anything damaging here. Just some skaters trying to hitch a ride. What I’m more concerned about is the image it portrays.” She turned to Aliyah. “This guy you’re seeing, this fan, is he a serious skater? I thought you were past that.”

“No, I am. He’s not a skater—”

“He’s a nobody,” Tiffany interrupted, “A wannabe rapper, at best. He rapped for her at a signing, and he’s been at heel ever since.”

“Hardly at heel, Tiff. I see him like once a week.”

“A rapper, huh?” Laura said, “That does sound more like you.”

“She’s supposed to drift,” Tiffany added, “Once the show starts. We don’t think he could handle it. Half the role is just her making out with Dylan.”

Aliyah winced then shifted in her seat. The two of them wouldn’t even look at each other.

Laura circled to the front of her desk. “Okay, well, I remember you saying this was only a summer thing. Considering your schedule, and the intimacy of your new role, I think distancing yourself would be wise. We can’t be certain how things will go, but I imagine the closer he is, the harder it’ll be. For both of you.”

Tiffany hummed in agreement.

“He supports my career,” Aliyah said, “He’s made that clear since the beginning. He knows what this is.”

Her manager scoffed. “Does he? Cause I don’t. And with this video out, he’s your boyfriend now, Babe. You keep running around like it’s nothing, telling me one thing but doing another.” Her voice cracked. “You don’t get to date in the shadows but work in the spotlight. If you want a puppy you can carry in your purse— fine, but fans still wanna know about pets!”

“Okay, okay.” Laura raised her hands. “Let’s all take a step back. It seems this guy’s already close. Maybe we need to approach this from a different angle.”

The two women scowled.

“Now, I agree with Tiffany here. This video will confirm the rumors, but I’m not nearly as concerned about that as I am about you two. I know it’s been rough these last few years, but one thing I’ve never questioned is your relationship: personal or professional. Friends usually make terrible managers, but with you, Tiffany, I think you’ve proven yourself the exception to that rule.”

Tiffany leaned against the door, looking out the window.

“You’ve always impressed me with your tenacity. You know this business better than most. Your ability to separate the job from your friendship is nothing short of remarkable. You have a keen sense of when to push Aliyah forward and when to pull her back. I even saw it before you were her manager. You’re protective and supportive. Not to mention resourceful. And a little cutthroat. To be honest, Tiff, you’re intimidating as hell.”

She peeked over and stiffened her upper lip. Tears welled in her eyes. Aliyah shed a tear herself.

“You two have as much talent as anyone in the industry. I refuse to believe you’re willing to throw all that away because of something as shallow as pride. If you’re hurting, you need to say something. If something’s wrong, you need to communicate that. Please, for the sake of your careers, talk.”

Tiffany sighed, digging her heel into the carpet. The clock ticked on the wall.

“I feel like I didn’t get any credit,” she said, “After she got that role, she told me it was because of a video Kelvin sent her. I busted my ass to get her that casting, and she raves about a thirty-second clip of him fan-boying.”

Aliyah tried to speak, but Laura shushed her.

“I know it’s my job, and I know my pay should be thanks enough, but sometimes, it’s not about the money. I did think my spa day might’ve been her way of saying thanks, but then I find out she only sent me away to sneak off with him.”

Aliyah stood up. The two finally faced one another as Tiffany continued.

“That’s twice now you’ve run off on me. I wish you knew how scary that was. I may not support your relationship, but I still support you. Please stop pushing me away. Kelvin ain’t the only one who loves you.”

Aliyah grimaced. It broke her heart to see her best friend so hurt.

“I’m so sorry, Tiff. You’re right. I’ve been a terrible friend. I’ve been so selfish. And careless. You deserve better than this.”

Tiffany raised her chin like she needed to hear more.

“You are the most important person in my life. You always have been, ever since we were kids. I thought you were so cool back then. I remember I used to practice walking like you. You always captured the attention of everyone in the room. I wanted to do that.”

Tiffany snorted.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for you. I’m sorry I don’t show you that more often. With all this bad lately, I don’t know… I guess I just latched onto Kelvin and didn’t see anyone else. It was wrong of me to shut you out. I don’t need to drift. We can boot him.”

“No, Babe, I don’t want that. If he makes you happy, we can figure something out. I just want my best friend back. We used to talk about boys. I miss that. I may not want to know everything, but I want to know some stuff, especially the stuff you want to tell me.”

The guilt tore her to pieces. She raced across the room, bumping into her chair. Her best friend caught her with her arms wide open. They forgave each other the moment they hugged.

Laura circled back around her desk. “I’m proud of you two. Your friendship never ceases to amaze me. I only wish some of my other clients had your strength.”

They chuckled.

“Now.” She gestured to the chairs. “Shall we get back to the video?”

The women brushed themselves off and fixed their skirts. They took their seats afterward, grabbing some tissues.

“First, it might go without saying, but you’ll need to prepare this guy for the fallout. Like Tiffany said, people will think you’re dating now. The spotlight will be on him, too. Establish your story, whatever it is.”

“We have a dinner planned tomorrow,” Aliyah said, “I’ll cover everything then.”

Laura’s phone rang on her desk, but she didn’t answer it.

“Good. Second, regarding his friends, I don’t want to come between anyone, but if you plan on seeing this guy for the rest of the summer, I think you both need to cut ties. Let’s not risk your image any further. I don’t trust them, and one skater will be troublesome enough.”

Aliyah smirked.

“So, he has to choose?” Tiffany said, “An ultimatum? Them or her?”

“In so many words, yes.”

“It’s fine,” Aliyah said, “I suspect they betrayed him, too, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”

Her tone was crystal clear. She could handle it.

“Lastly,” Laura said, “If the dinner goes well, and he agrees to everything, then I think it’s time I meet him. Before you fly out, if possible. I know your schedule’s tight, but the sooner he understands all this, the better.”

“I agree. We can make Saturday work.”

“Great. Then unless you have anything else, I think I’m good.”

The two women glanced at one another then shook their heads.

“I think we’re good.”

They concluded their meeting with a laugh. Laura joked about getting back to the grind. It was a bad pun. She picked up her phone as they left, dialing and waving at the same time.

On their way to the elevator, Tiffany grabbed Aliyah’s hand. “I’m sorry your personal day backfired.”

“It is what it is. Thanks for not throwing it in my face.”

Tiffany bumped into her. “Do you think Kelvin knows already?”

“I doubt it. He would’ve told me if he found something.”

When the elevator doors opened, a few people shuffled out. The smell of coffee lingered inside. Tiffany pressed the button for the ground floor. Luckily, they were the only ones going down.

“So, with your dinner tomorrow, what’s the plan?”

“Well, there’s good news and bad news, so if he gets through the bad, he’ll get the good.”

The elevator hummed, beeping every floor. The music played softly. Aliyah checked her reflection in the doors before they opened.

“So, what’d you think of the video?” she asked.

“It wasn’t bad. You looked good, so it could’ve been worse. They’re leeches, but at least they weren’t obvious about it.”

“Yeah… I thought it was dope.”