“Yeah, I’m definitely going to take it easy, but I’ll be ready for class for sure.”
While she was in New York, Bria had booked classes to teach at the American Ballet Theatre. Teaching was another passion of Bria’s that she wanted to explore more. The idea of opening her own dance studio had lingered in her mind for quite some time. Now that she’d grown tired of being in the industry, she felt the time to execute was now.
“Hey, what do you think about me opening my own ballet school in Florida?”
Stella shrugged. “I don't think it’s a bad idea. I’m sure there will be so many dancers who will leap at the opportunity to be under Bria Harvey’s tutelage.”
Bria almost corrected her last name until she realized she wasn’t fucking with Lo anymore.
“Wait, are you going by your married name now?”
Bria shook her head.
“Why not? Is it a branding issue?”
“No, it’s a marital issue,” Bria corrected her. “I’m going to find me a place in New York.”
Stella gawked. “You're having marital problems already?” She glanced at her watch. “You guys have only been married for five minutes.”
“Yeah, and it’s five minutes too long.” Bria couldn’t hide her disdain for Lo. He really wounded her the night at the hospital.
“Wow, I hate to hear that. So, are you getting a divorce?”
Stella wasn’t aware of Bria’s mob ties. She couldn’t explain how The Mob didn’t approve divorce unless there was some sort of domestic abuse. Lo hadn’t laid a finger on her, but he did cause her pain. The agony was so excruciating that she wanted nothing to do with him.
“I haven’t arrived at the point yet, but I definitely want space.”
“Aww, that sucks but hopefully, you guys will work it out.”
Bria shrugged, not having any hope for Lo. He was a man who wasn’t going to change for not even her. So, her hope in him had died. The two continued chatting and eating until they parted ways. Bria arrived at The Westin Hotel where she had been staying at and got straight in the shower. While there, she thought of the direction of her life. She thought her marriage would guide her into new territory, such as marital bliss and possible babies. Before getting married, Bria had it all worked out but now that Lo wasn’t cooperating, she had to look out for herself.
Lo felt like a detective trying to locate Bria. After taking care of Dough, he packed a bag and hopped on a flight to NewYork City. He still had a tracker on her and was able to find her location. With him not having access to call her, he had to dig through bank statements just to find what hotel she was staying at. Admittedly, Lo had never gone through these lengths for a woman. Most of the time, he didn’t give a damn about them. Yet he was suffering without Bria. The two weeks apart felt like two years. He’d even made burner pages on Instagram and TikTok so he could keep up with her. Lo had stolen most of her pictures and made an album that he visited every night before he went to sleep. Ever since Bria had been gone, the nightmares had increased. Her presence was missed terribly. Not having her there when he jolted out of his sleep had been a gut punch. Lo realized he needed Bria, but he was scared he may have pushed her away for good.
He booked a car service before he got to the airport. Descending the escalator, he noticed a man holding up a sign with his name on it. Lo walked over and shook his hand.
“You can follow me, Mr. Crown.”
They walked to a black Escalade and got inside. It was late when he arrived but in New York that meant nothing. Lo made sure to check Bria’s location to assure that she hadn’t left the hotel.
“Where to, Mr. Crown?”
“The Westin.”
The driver pulled away and headed toward Times Square. While in route, Lo thought of all the things he would say to Bria. He wasn’t good with words. In fact, he never had to say much. His body language was his preferred method of communication. Still, Bria deserved an apology for how he had handled her at the hospital. Lo had even wrote down a speech. The fear of rejection teased him in the distance because he was uncertain if Bria would accept his apology. Despite his fear, Lo was still a man, and Dax always taught him that men have todo the hard parts. There were no shortcuts in manhood. Always expect to take the short end of the stick. According to Dax, men were required to take many L’s in life. It was a part of a man’s journey. Lo prayed this wasn’t one of the moments where he had to take a loss since he truly adored Bria.
Once they arrived at the hotel, Lo got out and walked into the lobby. It was elegant with warm tones and abstract lighting. His finesse skills would have to come into play because he needed to see Bria right away. Approaching the front desk, he noticed a Black woman typing on the keyboard. When she looked at Lo, her mouth stretched into a grin.
“Hello, sir. How can I help you?”
Lo licked his lips, staring directly into her eyes. “I’m trying to surprise my wife, and I need your help.”
“Okay,” she chirped. “What can I do for you?”
Lo pulled out ten one-hundred-dollar bills and laid them on the counter. “You trying to make some extra money?”
Immediately, she shook her head. “I’m sorry, sir. I can’t give you any of her information.”
“I don't need you to do that. I just need you to call my wife’s room and tell her that she has a package down here.”
