Page 21 of Kisses Behind The Spotlight 2: Finale

“He ain’t put up a fight; didn’t seem like your type of guy. I doubt you’ll be able to use his services moving forward, so I guess this is me giving you a heads-up to start looking,” I quipped.

“You killed him?”

“Couldn’t,” I sighed. “Khaleesi came to stop me from throwing him over the balcony. Don’t send no nigga affirming tips to get my lady.”

“Xain, get your crazy ass out of my car!” Yaseer fumed.

I reached for the door handle and opened the door but stopped when Yaseer started speaking again.

“And Xain, your crazy ass is fired from my family. I hope you know that.”

“Figured.” I shrugged and climbed out of the Bentley.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Amill

Turning awkwardly in the uncomfortable hospital chair, I tried my best to get comfortable with my MacBook on my lap. Low clicks filled the silent room as my fingers tapped away, replying to emails from my manager. There was so much to do, and I was stressed trying to catch up while Jameera was out of commission. After replying to my manager, I reviewed Khaleesi’s email with a list of potential ideas for our spring launch photoshoot, which was quickly approaching.

Jameera had already made it clear she would be happy with whatever I chose, and I instantly fell in love with the Coastal Morning concept. An early morning photoshoot with the models on a boardwalk and shoreline. The main photo idea was the models standing in ankle-deep water at sunrise, facing the water, wearing the pieces with the tagline: Made for wherever the day takes you. I was sold!

“Oh my God,” Jameera’s loud gasp bounced off the walls in the silent hospital room.

I looked up from the email and walked over to her. She was seated in a chair next to her father’s bed.

“His eyes fluttered open for a second. I swear,” Jameera sputtered, rushing out of the room.

Up until that point, James hadn’t responded, but the doctors told us it was early. Jameera returned with his nurse a few moments later, and I scooted aside and watched intently.

“Hey, James. Can you hear me?” Nurse Kathy asked in a firm tone.

The tension in James’ hospital room was suffocating. We were on day two of the reduced sedation, and if Jameera wasn’t at home resting, she was at the hospital by her dad’s side. I needed James to come out of this shit because my girl was pale, her hair wasn’t combed, and all you saw was stress on her bruised face. Q flew to New York the night prior to do his walk-through surrender and would be back that evening. Until then, I was with Jameera.

There was no response.

“I promise his eyes fluttered open,” Jameera announced.

“I believe you,” Nurse Kathy affirmed, squeezing her arm.

“Let’s switch spots, and you give it a try,” she encouraged, stepping away from the bed.

“Dad. Can you hear me?” Jameera quavered, anguish lacing her choppy tone.

The door swung open again, and one of James’ neurologists rushed inside. He pumped hand sanitizer into his palm and joined them at the bedside.

“I hear you saw James’ eyes flutter.”

She grabbed her dad’s hand and continued speaking. “If you can hear me, please give me a sign. Anything. I’m right here.”

His hand briefly tightened around Jameera’s, and we all saw it.

“You see! He squeezed my hand!” Jameera exclaimed.

“I saw it,” the nurse announced.

“That’s great. He’s responding to commands today. That’s encouraging!”

“Does that mean he’s waking up?” I inquired.