"Good morning birthday girl! How does it feel to be ten and..." Gianna's eyes quickly went to the time and mentally did the math, "three hours?"
"I like it." Karter smiled, "Thank you for my gifts, Gigi. I love them." Gianna could tell she already began to play in the care packages since her cheeks were a blush pink that contrasted against her dark brown skin like a cherry blossom tree. She figured the makeup kits would be her favorite.
"You're so welcome." Gianna matched her grin before softening her eyes when Karter expressed how much she missed her. "We'll be in Seattle really soon and after that, the tour is over and I'll be all yours. Maybe we can convince your mom to let you come spend a week or two with me in Atlanta before you go back to school."
"Ooh yes! That would be so much fun. I would love that." Karter was adorably articulate and enthusiastic. "My daddy's calling me. We're about to go to brunch."
"Okay then, I'll talk to you later. Send me a picture of what you get."
"I will. I love you, Gigi." Gianna pouted at the fact that Karter had grown out of her using her unique nickname and picking up the same one everyone else used.
"I love you too! Remember that you can call me anytime about anything!" She told her niece who smiled and nodded her head. Both of them were grateful to have each other in their lives. They said their final goodbyes, and Gianna carried on with getting herself ready for the long day ahead.
She untied her satin headscarf, revealing a slick ponytail that allowed her luxe ear stack to be a starring component of her outfit. She had a range of diamond studs and cuffs and sterling silver pieces in different piercings that complimented the silver chain halter top she wore.
Today, she and Miles were taking a new approach to the joint interviews they'd been doing throughout the tour. Instead of being inside the convention and doing something live, they were going to a studio and recording a short segment that would go on YouTube.
They weren't due to the production set until an hour after Beyond the Bookshelf began, so they had to spend time working the event until it was time to go.
"Are you nervous about our interview today?" Miles asked Gianna as they sat next to each other. He always snuck into a conversation between visitors.
"No, not really." Gianna was on her phone, looking at the picture Karter sent of her birthday pancakes. She looked up to see his eyes already on her. "Are you nervous?"
"No." He said it unconvincingly making Gianna side-eye him.
"That wasn't believable at all." He laughed with her until they were interrupted by a fan walking up to him.
Gianna couldn't help but observe the interaction from the corner of her eye. It was a woman who'd strutted up to their table with a bright smile.
"Hi, Miles! I really love your work. I've read your books and watched your movie and I can't wait to see the new one." She greeted and showered him with compliments, her voice light and flirty.
"Thank you, I appreciate it." Miles, always gracious with his fans, smiled warmly.
"Can we take a selfie?" She blinked slowly, trying to charm him with her eyes.
"Of course." He got up from his chair and went around to make the picture-taking process easier.
Gianna felt like she had no control over her eyes as they followed him. She watched how the fan brushed her hand over his arm as she leaned close to him. She whispered something to Miles that made him chuckle and Gianna's eyebrows slightly raised.
Gianna couldn't hear their conversation, but once Miles responded to the fan, she made sure to get her picture before walking away with a satisfied smile. Gianna put her small stack of books back in the box since Dessi texted and let her know it was time for them to go.
"Come on, let's go." She told him as she grabbed her bag. Since Miles didn't carry around half as many things as Gianna did, he waited for her so that they could walk to the exit together.
As they headed that way, Gianna was going back and forth with herself, wondering if she should bring up what she saw and how it made her feel. She didn't want to seem possessive or jealous, especially since they were only trying to get back together and not officially there yet, but she remembered Miles telling her to always tell him what was on her mind since he couldn't read it. And she knew if the shoe was on the other foot, Miles wouldn't hesitate to speak on it.
"What was funny?" She asked, breaking the silence streak.
"What?" Miles glanced at her, momentarily caught off guard by her question.
"You and the fan who was flirting with you, y'all were laughing." As he looked Gianna in her eyes, he saw an emotion that he'd never seen before.
"That?" He asked, realizing that she watched the whole encounter. "She said that she wanted to be the leading lady in my next film. I laughed and told her that the role already belonged to my girl."
"Oh," Gianna breathed out. The pang of jealousy and anxiety she felt left with her sigh. In its replacement, her heart began to disperse a toasty feeling throughout her body that was matched by the New York City heat that embraced them as they walked outside.
"Your girl, huh?"
"Yeah, you." Miles nodded his head, reassuring her. "Hopefully soon people will know that I'm not for the streets and that I have a home."
Gianna giggled, looking down at the point of her silver stiletto that peeked under her jeans. "Seriously though, I'm trying to do better and communicate my feelings instead of letting it build up and then lashing out. Also not jumping to conclusions. That's why I asked."
"I'm glad that you did, but Gia, I want you to know you never have to worry about that with me. Every woman is incomparable to you. I will never need anybody else." Gianna smiled irresistibly with beautiful candor. She adored how much he adored her.
"I believe you." She turned to him, the urge to touch him was fighting its way through, but she didn't get a chance to act on it before their ride pulled up.
Miles opened the back door of the SUV for her to get in first, then himself. Dessi and Lance were already inside and ready to go to the production studio.
"So, what you're doing is blindly picking a paper out of the jar and answering some of the most asked questions we found about you on the internet." The set manager explained to the both of them as they sat in the chairs that were in the middle of a white backdrop.
"See? It's simple, you don't have to be nervous." Gianna spoke to him as the crew did their final touches.
"Have you done one of these before? Teach me something."
She smiled, "No, but I've watched them online, and they're fun. I promise."
On the cameraman's count, they introduced themselves and promoted both of their releases. Gianna mostly led their introduction since her glamorous personality dominated his laid-back charm, but it didn't take long for him to start to feed off of her enthusiasm.
"I'll do you first." Gianna took the initiative and reached inside the clear fishbowl and grabbed a folded piece of paper. She giggled when she read the question before sharing it out loud. "Is Miles Delgado's beard real?"
His hand reflexively went up to his facial hair, "It's very real. All natural and homegrown."
"I don't know Miles. It's looking real shiny from where I'm sitting. You don't use Black Ice? Not even a little bit?" She smiled as she folded the paper back up, earning a few quiet chuckles from the crew.
He shook his head and laughed too. "See for yourself." With his instruction, Gianna leaned closer to touch his beard and couldn't help but feel nostalgic as she looked into his eyes, but did it quickly so it wasn't suspicious and she didn't get caught up in the moment.
She pulled back and looked at her hand before showing it to the camera. "Hmm, no transfer. Must be the expensive kind."
Miles reached forward and into the other bowl, ready to do one for her, "What is Gianna Graye's zodiac sign?"
"Aquarius, the best sign and that is inarguable! We're smart, unique, and funny. The lists go on and on." Gianna's gaze hopped back and forth between Miles and the camera.
"They're giving you the easy and nice ones."
"Don't be jealous. You're such a Libra." Gianna laughed while swirling her hand around in the bowl and picking another paper randomly. "Next one. How did Miles Delgado get famous?"
The question amused him since he didn't consider himself a celebrity. Maybe in the world of books, but not enough in real life for somebody to be googling that, or googling things about him in general.
"When I was in high school, my English teacher, Mr. Sinclair, knew that I liked to write, which was a secret back then. We kept in touch during my college years and I would send him things I was working on, and on my behalf, he submitted my short story to a national competition. When I won, that launched my career." Miles went to grab a new question for Gianna, but her intrigue made the attention linger on him for a little longer.
"Why was it a secret though?"
"Where I grew up, being a writer wasn't normal or something that people did. I played basketball at the time too, so I was also focused on that. It was mostly me caring about what other people thought of me, but after all the praise I received after winning, I realized that there's a whole world outside of Oakland. And no matter how a few people thought what I did was lame, there were ten more people out there who were interested in it."
She nodded her head in understanding, "And look at you now, a critically acclaimed author who people care if your beard is real or not."
He chuckled and unfolded the paper for Gianna's next question. "Gianna Graye," Miles said her name with a smile, causing her heart to do gymnastics. "Who are you?"
"I'm a writer, three-quarters from Winston-Salem and a quarter from Seattle. I recently became a published author with my first novel, Abioye, and I'm also a social media influencer. All of my handles are Gianna Graye with an e at the end." She shamelessly plugged herself and was so caught up in talking that she didn't notice Miles pulling another paper out of her jar.
"The perfect follow-up. What is Gianna Graye's book?" Miles asked, completely captivated by her and the things she had to say. Even if he already knew the answers.
A tattooed smile was spread across Gianna's face as she explained the premise of her story for what felt like the millionth time, but she couldn't get tired of it and would do it a million more times if she had to.
Once she was finished, the set manager let them know there was time for one more question.
"Last one on Miles since he's trying to dodge all of his questions." Gianna said with sass in her voice as she grabbed the final question. "Oh, this is a good one." She nodded her head, a bit eager to hear how he would answer this inquiry.
"Put it on me."
"Is Miles Delgado married?" Gianna slightly tilted her head to the side, awaiting his answer as everyone else who watched did as well.
Miles' eyes remained on her and she watched a slew of emotions glaze over them. Though he had a thousand other things he'd rather say, he went with the simplest and most logical thing.
"No, I'm not married." It was legally true but he and Gianna knew that he wasn't trying to keep that answer forever.
"Well, ladies, you heard it here first! Miles isn't married so somebody out there still has a chance." Gianna concluded their q&a session on a light hearted note. The crew members came and unhooked the mics from them as they were complimented for their performance. Almost as if they were acting.
"They're gonna have you reading thirsty tweets next." Gianna whispered to him.
"Are you going to be in there?" Miles whispered back.
"Please, you wish."
He shrugged his shoulders and chuckled, "I'd like to see it."
*
Miles stood over Chase, extremely concentrated on getting his line up straight and sharp. He had to bust out some clippers and his skills to get Chase and himself right. Miles' dad was a barber so he knew the basics and never paid for anything hair related for himself in his life. Only a few times for a woman or Chase ever since he decided he wanted to grow his hair out.
Once he finished, Miles grabbed the little bottle of rubbing alcohol, sprayed it and Chase winced back. Miles quickly grabbed the towel that was waiting to be used and ran it under cold water before putting it on Chase's forehead. He'd always been dramatic about this part, so Miles and his father found the best form of pain manipulation for him, and if you asked Chase, the water was definitely the reason why he no longer felt the burn.
Chase stood from the toilet, checking himself out and rubbing the few grains of facial hair he had coming in. "Are you ready to go or are you going to be looking in the mirror all night?" Miles joked with him, observing his son who looked like his mini as he dusted hair off of his shirt.
Besides the nearly identical facial features, Chase had two gold chains layered on top of his Kendrick Lamar graphic t-shirt with coordinating Bape sneakers on his feet, and his smartwatch on his wrist since Miles didn't think he was quite ready for a big boy piece yet.
"I'm just making sure I look fly. Don't be a hater." Chase laughed as he reached for the row of cologne bottles, purposely mistaking Miles' expensive one for his own.
"You're the one who has friends waiting on you. But maybe one of them is not just your friend and that's why you're taking so long." Miles said, making Chase look back at him. "Yeah, I noticed. I pay attention."
"Me and Nala are just friends." Chase spoke of the girl who was Ava's other child and his best friend Nate's twin sister.
"Okay," Miles answered plainly and let Chase be in denial about his little crush in peace.
They headed down to the lobby to get into the car that Miles got to bring them to Rollin' Groove Arena, a roller skating rink where Ava and the party planning committee booked this event. This month was one to celebrate two major communities and they were starting with the LGBTQ+ groups.
The venue exuded the retro charm its name gave with a twist of modern flair. Neon lights and disco balls hang from the ceiling, casting a reflection on the glossy hardwood floors where skaters glided and danced. This party was more bustling than usual since the guest list was more lenient and they were in a big city.
It was a must for Beyoncé's seventh studio album, which was notably a love letter to the queer community, to be in the rotation. The funky and groovy sounds added to the space's aesthetic, allowing the skaters and wallflowers to feel like they were in the disco epidemic of the eighties.
Gianna sang along to the lyrics with Kylo as she recorded them, heartily singing about how they were intergalactic superstars. She traded her heels for roller skates and maneuvered on wheels with Kylo's guidance.
"Alright, Dad, I'm good now." Chase dismissed Miles once he spotted the other two that completed his pod.
"I'll be over there if you need me." Miles pointed to the tables which didn't matter since Chase was paying no attention to him. He watched him walk towards Nala who wore a smile as equally as big as his, waiting with skates in his size in her hands.
Miles felt the bittersweet feeling that all parents had while watching their children grow up. Every day he was grateful for Gianna's harsh truths and couldn't imagine missing out on all the moments of Chase growing up.
As he was looking that way, he spotted Gianna who glistened like a diamond under the disco ball, her infectious smile outshining all of the lights and all of the diamond jewelry she wore. He didn't want to interrupt her fun since he knew for sure he wasn't putting on a pair of skates. He wasn't left alone for long since he'd run into so many people he knew in the industry.
"Did I sweat my edges out?" Gianna asked Kylo as they finally rolled off of the wood.
"No, girl. What did you use? Gorilla Glue?" He made her laugh as they went to the table where their things were.
"Perks of having a best friend who can do hair. She tells you all of her secrets." She smiled, leaning inside the booth to grab her purse. "I'm gonna get some food, do you want anything?" Kylo declined her offer as he exchanged his skates for his leather boots and went to mingle with the other guests while Gianna went to stand in the food line.
She absentmindedly looked to the side of her and saw Miles conversing with the guy who she recognized as the director of his first movie. Her eyes wandered over him, taking in his looks.
Her mind began to drift back into old memories that Fallen was keeping fresh in her brain since it made her relive the past. She was close to the part where Gavyn and Jason are intimate for the first time, and it definitely made her purchase a ticket for a trip down memory lane.
As if she'd called his name, Miles looked right into her gaze as his friend's words started to become one with background noise. Gianna didn't feel embarrassed that he'd caught her staring, only subtly smirking before turning her attention back to the line in front of her.
Miles quickly wrapped up his conversation before making his way to the same line. He thinks he remembers hearing Chase say something about being hungry.
He smoothly eased his way next to her. "Having fun?"
"Yes, but it would be better if you put on some skates and got on the floor with me."
"I'll save the both of us that embarrassment because if I fell, I would take you down with me."
"Wow." She dragged the word, "That's very sick behavior. That's the thanks I get for trying to get you to have a good time?"
"Yeah. Look at me. I don't look like no rollerskater."
"I'm looking." She clearly eyed him and his all black attire up and down. "I'll admit that you don't look like one. But just know that's boring." Gianna pushed herself forward since it was finally their turn. She ordered everything that sounded delicious to her empty stomach and Miles added onto her ticket since he wasn't about to fight with Gianna about who was paying for it.
"Where is Chase? I know you're not eating all of this." Miles pointed him out on the rink for her to see. "Who is that? Not he has a little girlfriend." Gianna smiled, finding it so adorable.
"That's Fred's granddaughter. The old CEO."
"Ava has a kid?" She asked, her shock evident. Juggling running a multi-million dollar company and being a mother sounded crazy to her, but Ava was doing it gracefully.
"She has two. Twins. Chase and them have been friends since they were little, and I guess they like each other now or something." Miles' face turned up on its own as he said it.
"That's what happens when puberty hits. But it's so cute. Little nepo babies." As she thought about it, it was funny how they were the only kids there but were so caught up in their own little world that they blended in with the adults.
"You ordered all of this food and don't even have on shoes. How do you plan on carrying it?" Miles asked as the workers started to give them their things.
"My shoes are heels, and they hurt, so I'm keeping the wheels for a little bit longer. And that's what I have you for, to treat me like a princess." Gianna pursed her lips together, meaning everything she was saying.
"I called you princess one time and now you're running with it." Miles laughed, grabbing the tray full of snack-like foods and Gianna held the drinks.
"I am a princess though, always have been. Don't act like you don't know this." She rolled and guided him to the table she'd claimed.
"Well right now, you look like you work at Sonic but alright." Gianna gasped offendedly, not believing he just roasted her like that.
"What happened to sweet Miles who went out of his way to be the first person whose book I sign? I want to sit with him." She fake pouted while finally taking those skates off.
"You went on camera, asking me if I use Black Ice, knowing damn well I don't. You deserved that." Gianna smiled and rolled her eyes before eating a few french fries and slightly moving her shoulders to the beat of Michael Jackson's Rock With You.
After Chase made a quick appearance to grab some grub from them, Gianna and Miles talked about whatever topic their conversation flowed to. He asked her thoughts about the book, but she was being super secretive about it and brushed him off.
"Well isn't this a full circle moment?" Gianna spotted Ivy first since she was facing the direction she walked in. She slid her feet into her shoes and stood up to hug the woman who helped her career so much.
"It's been so long. I'm happy to see you." Gianna and Ivy exchanged smiles.
"Girl, I'm happy to see you! And everything you're doing. It's amazing." Ivy took a seat in the booth with Gianna, across from Miles.
"Nice to see you too, Ivy."
"Hello, Miles" Ivy rolled her eyes at her fake frenemy. "Like I said before, this is such a full circle moment. Y'all two together again? I'm hearing that you're the dynamic duo around here on the teacher and student vibes, which I did not know was the case by the way."
"That was a long time ago." Gianna dismissed it, "And we're friends. What are you doing here?"
"I just came to see the family while everybody's in town since I'm not on the road with you guys. It's great seeing the both of y'all but I've got to make my rounds before it gets too late." She hugged Gianna once more. "Be grateful that everybody at my party was drunk and doesn't remember you two making out."
"Leave." Miles shooed her away like an annoyed older brother, letting the two of them be alone again.
"You know, Gia, I've been wanting to tell this to you," He started, making her look up as she drank out of the soda can.
"What?" Gianna asked as she gave him her undivided attention.
"I'm just so proud of you, even though that word doesn't express it enough. You're doing everything that you said you would all while carrying yourself beautifully. You were born for this job and you prove it more and more every day why you deserve your spot. I'm so happy to be here witnessing it all unfold for you."
She suddenly felt a familiar feeling in her chest that she could only associate with Miles and the fear that came with the territory of fully opening up and committing herself to him. As words of gratitude flowed from her lips, she analyzed the emotions she felt right now and hoped that by the end of these last few weeks, she could only feel one emotion, love, when her heart beat this particular pattern.
🤭 how are we feeling??