Page 80 of False Start
Cory and I took Noah up on tickets to the premiere of Danielle Brooks' new film. When Noah said we could walk the red carpet, I said yes automatically, hoping for some cute pictures for my socials. Never in a million years did I expect to be recognized!
Still dazed, I start towards the reporter, a diminutive, brown-skinned woman with a crown of wild, bright red curls. She extends the microphone in my direction and I slow.
"Uh, yes?" I answer hesitantly. She gives me a big smile in return.
"Ms. Jeffries, I'm Lachelle Baker, here with Thicc Entertainment. Thanks so much for your time."
I barely hide my shock.Thicc Entertainment?!They've been my favorite online magazine and YouTube channel foryears, featuring all things curvy and plus-size, from beauty, to editorials, to movie premieres.
I smooth my suddenly damp palms against my dress.
"Of course, Lachelle. Anything for Thicc Entertainment."
"Are you here to support Danielle Brooks this evening?" She's got the reporter voice down, though a hint of a Brooklyn accent still shines through.
"Yes," I respond, angling myself so the cameraman behind her catches my best side. "I-I'm a huge fan, and I'm always down to support a curvy woman of color thriving in the entertainment industry."
Somehow, her smile gets even wider.
"As you know, that's what Thicc is all about. Now, can you tell us about your outfit this evening? You are lookingfierce!"
I step back and allow myself to preen.
"Thank you!" I blush. "This is actually a prototype for one of the designs I'm developing for my new line."
"A new line?" she gasps. "Your style collabs with Kendra Gray have made you one to watch in the last few months. Are you thinking of making the jump to designing?"
"It's actually the other way around," I laugh. "Kendra and I met when I was on the Bailey Maxwell design team. I'm sure you already know she killed it during New York Fashion Week back in February."
"Who could forget thatdress?!" the reporter gushes, and my insides feel warm and tingly from the praise, even if my name wasn't in any of the articles about the show.
"Well, we hit it off and, when I told her about my plans for a plus-size line, she was on board immediately. She's now part muse, part business partner, since her knowledge of the fashion industry is unmatched."
"Wow! We at Thicc Entertainment can't wait to hear all about it," she says. "Now step back, and give us your best vogue."
I do as instructed, hamming it up as is tradition with Thicc. I make a point to show off the Air Jordan 1 High OG Colette's that Coryfinallylet me wear. It only took three weeks of begging and a promise not to leave any scuffs or creases. I, of course, threw in an enthusiastic blow job or two, though that was hardly a chore when your man looks like Cory. I mean,damn!
"Thanks, Ms. Jeffries," she says when the photographer signals he's got enough pictures. "Enjoy the film!"
I wave and return to Cory's side, continuing down the red carpet.
"So…that was awesome," Cory whispers, letting his lips brush against my neck.
"Aren't you glad now that you let me wear the Colette's?" I ask. He smirks.
"Ask me at the end of the night." I smack his arm playfully. "No, what I'm glad about right now is that my girl is aboss, soon to be fashionicon, and she's letting herlowly boy-toyput together a business plan and investment strategy for her upcoming line."
"Oh, baby," I squeeze his chin in my hand. "You're so much more than a boy-toy. You're myman-toy."
He barks out a laugh and we link arms as we enter the Ziegfeld Ballroom.
Almost a year ago now, I woke up in this gorgeous man's bed, hung over and still consumed by my trauma. I wouldn't let anyone close enough to love me for fear they wouldn't stay. Cory went through his own journey, too, shedding everyone's preconceived notions about who he should be, or who he should bewith. Now he proudly takes my arm ashimself.
We take our seats in the lavish venue and I don't know where to look first. Lush flower arrangements adorn every table, lights cascade from the ceiling creating a starry night effect, and I've spotted several actors that I'm sure I'll swoon over once I regain the power to speak.Glamorousdoesn't cover it.
Before I can take it all in, the lights dim, and Cory leans over to plant a kiss on my lips under the cover of darkness.I love this man.Despite the false start, we're stronger now than ever before. I can't wait to find out what lies ahead.
