Just Friends

Together

Imani-

There were a few paparazzi outside the restaurant waiting for us. I never really dealt with paparazzi before, and I am glad I haven't. Every now and then a couple come and ask me for a photo during an event, but I have never experienced anything like this! There were probably about 15-20 of them crowding around the car and lined up outside the restaurant.   

"Stay Close and keep your head down." August whispered in my ear as he guided me out of the car door. He was holding my hand and the butterflies that exploded in my stomach just from that touch distracted me from all the flashing light and other things they yelled at us. Does August deal with this all the time? Will I have to deal with this if we get together? Who am I kidding, August and I would probably never get together. We were to similar and we know way too much about another.

August who is the lady? Are you releasing your album anytime soon? Is this your girlfriend? August look over here!

I could feel his grip on my hand tighten as they were coming closer. I don't know if August remembered, but I was claustrophobic, and this large crowd was kind of freaking me out. I could hear the screams come closer and closer, and my tears lined the brim of my eyelids. I couldn't breathe. Or at least it felt like I couldn't, being claustrophobic wasn't really fun, especially when you are always in the spotlight. My grip on his hand tightened and I lowered my head to hide the tears that we're going to fall. Why was this happening now??

"Take a deep breath baby girl. We are almost there." 

I couldn't tell if August actually said that, or if I was imagining it in my head. But at this point, it didn't really matter because the crowd surrounding us grew larger as onlookers ride to figure out what the big fuss was about. It felt like we were outside for hours, but I knew it only lasted a few seconds. We reached the door of the restaurant, and like a gentlemen, August held the door for me.

"Good evening Mr. Alsina, we apologize for the crowd." a man in a suit welcomed us the moment we walked in, closing the velvet curtains to keep the paparazzi from looking in "Ahh, Mrs. Richards, I want to formally welcome you to Palaminos. Please follow me to your private dining area."

"August you really didn't have to do this.." I whispered as we were being lead to the back. God knows how much he spent on this lunch, and I already feel bad about him donating so much money.

"Chill ma, I always told you I got you." He replied, a smirk dancing across his lips. I simply rolled my eyes in response. When we were dating in high school, he would always say that whenever we went out. It was his way of saying 'I'll protect you' and 'I love you' all in one. Once we arrived into the private dining room, I was in awe. I can't believe he booked this room just for us, it was literally prefect. There was only two other tables spaces, but they were pretty far away, giving us complete privacy. August pulled out the chair for me, like a gentlemen, pushing it back in once I sat down.

"Well you really know how to impress a lady." I said, impressed. He popped his imaginary collar and I laughed. "You really didn't have to do this August, I wouldn't have mind going out to some diner or something low key, you don't need to do all this for me. " I said honestly, getting lost in his eyes.

"You need to stop fussing ma, enjoy the meal and relax. Okay?" He demanded, sternly.

"Okay." 

"God knows that you cant relax on your own, you probably are piling yourself up with work in that company of yours." He said, chuckling slightly.

"Hey!" I exclaimed, pouting a little.

A waitress came to our table, ending the conversation between us. "Would you like any wine to start of your meal?" I shook my head. It was just about 2 and I still needed to go back to work after this lunch. "Not for me, it's too early. August?" I asked. He shook his head

"I think we are good with wine, thank you." I said politely to the waiter with a smile. I turned my attention back to August only to find him staring at me. "What?" I asked, confused. "Do I have something on my face?"

"Nah, your just real pretty." I blushed at the compliment.

"Thank you "

A comfortable silence rose between us. We were enjoying each other's presence while waiting for the food. I kept replaying his compliment in my head, I was not even close to pretty compared to the girls in the industry, but it is nice to hear."

"How did you find me August?"

"Well I visited NOLA last weekend and your mom was at my mama's. "

"Man they might as well sell one house, they are always together..." I said, in mock annoyance.

He laughed at that. " anyways your mama was telling me all about how you moved to Atlanta and your a little lonely so I was wanted to give my bestie a little visit. "

"Awwww. I'm your bestie !"

August rolled his eyes. " don't take it to your head babygirl. Plus, we need to catch up."

I nodded, mentally agreeing with him. Now that I just saw him I was not going to let this chance go to waste. I honestly missed him so much and now that we are in the same city, fate brought us back together. I leaned back in my seat, getting comfortable at the start of the conversation.

"Where did you go after Mel...?" I asked, getting started. "You just disappeared on us Aug."

He opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by the waiter. I looked up to say thanks, but I meet the eyes if someone I never wanted to see.