Rumors

I wanted to take a break, but this signing was a great opportunity. I’ve been away from my fans for an entire year. I figured I’d do this one, then I could slow down a bit. I haven’t had a chance to think about planning the wedding yet.

I was offered a four book deal while in Ireland. My mind was blown by the offer. I’m pulling in more than I thought would ever be possible with only five books out. I slowed down publishing while I was away.

My books were doing well, which gave me some time to plan my next step. I decided to take the time to build up a few books. Two of which are a part of the ones I sold to a publisher.

“Hey, superstar,” I hear sung behind me.

I turn to find Kia beaming at me. We both squeal, pulling each other into a tight hug, rocking side to side. It’s been too long since I’ve seen Kia.

“Ugh, I missed you,” I say.

“I missed you too. I thought that was you. You want some help?” she asks pointing to my boxes of books and the retractable.

“No, no, I’m fine. Felix just went to grab a few things I forgot in the room. He’ll be back to help me set up,” I reply, waving her off.

“Oh my God, it’s bigger in person,” she gushes, grabbing my hand.

“Insane right?”

“Gorgeous. I told you a long time ago that man was in love with you. Honey, a ring like this is a lot more than friendship,” she says pointedly.

“Yeah, yeah,” I grumble teasingly.

“Hey Lakia,” Felix says as he walks up behind her.

“Hi, Felix,” she sings giving him a hug.

“Where is your table?” I ask looking around for her banners.

“I’m clear across the room,” she purses her lips. “Wish I was closer to you.”

“We’re going to catch up after this,” I insist.

“Of course, have you heard from that crazy ass Dean?”

“Nope, I don’t know what she’s up to. Last time we spoke was when she let me know she made it back home safely,” I grumble.

“Yeah, that chick is up to something. I see her. I’m going to give her some space for now, but not for long,” Kia says.

“Don’t I know it,” I laugh.

“Baby,” Felix calls for my attention. I turn to face him. “You have a bit of time before things start. You guys want to go for a coffee or something. Text me where you are and I’ll find you. I got this.”

I beam at him. He is totally focused on setting my area up. He already has books on the table and my banner up.

“Thanks,” I chime.

“No problem,” he murmurs, his focus on his task.

“You hit the jackpot. I can only wish,” Lakia says, with a sigh.

“Your time is coming. I can feel it,” I say, wrapping an arm around hers.

“From your mouth to God’s ears. Tony has been working my last damn nerve. How can such an asshole be the one that gave me such a beautiful son?”

“God works in mysterious ways,” I laugh.

“Umm,” she murmurs. “Forget all that. I wanted to talk to you about something.”

The change in her voice has my attention. We’re walking out of the meeting room when she leans into me. I find myself leaning back in to listen.

“What’s up with this Bonnie chick? At first, I heard her name in some bullshit and I was like whatever not my business. Then, I started hearing your name dragged into the shit,” Kia informs me.

My head whips back. My face compressing. Gossip is always rampant within this industry when you tune in. I tend not to tune in because I’m not for all of that mess.

“What? I haven’t talked to that woman since before I left for Ireland,” I hiss out.

“I told you about these folks. She has your name in all kinds of mess. What pissed me off were the rumors that Felix beats your ass,” Kia fumes.

“What?”

“Yeah,” Kia nods. “I’ve met that man on a number of occasions. He is as sweet as can be. This chick is out here making it seem like you’ve been crying to her because he’s fucking you up and shit. I don’t like it.

“She has your name in author drama, when you’re the nicest person in the world. Authors I know you have met, but none of the shit they are saying sounds like you. Authors that gave her money for that event you were promoting or some shit.

“First of all, when do you have time for that messy shit when all you do is work and take care of your baby? And you never ask for shit or need to. I can’t stand when messy folks try to drag good people into some nonsense. You know I’m the last one to get into some shit, but her ass can come up missing. I promise you we can ship her to my brother in pieces for him to scatter in the dessert.”

My head is spinning. How the hell did all of this happen. Felix has never lifted a hand to harm me. Why on earth would anyone try to start a crazy rumor like that?

I knew something wasn’t right with that woman. I start to play back conversations. It dawns on me that all she does is talk about people’s business. I never gave it much mind. I was either working or dealing with things in the house when she called.

Never in my life did I think she would start telling rumors about me. I mean, she doesn’t know a thing about me. This is so unreal.

“Come on, this can’t be serious,” I breathe out to Kia.

“Girl, we can get Vanity on the phone if you like. That Lisa chick that was supposed to be Bonnie’s partner called her and spilled everything. Apparently, Felix came home cursing you out one day while you were on the phone with Bonnie or something,” Kia says, lifting a questioning brow at me.

My brows draw to the center of my forehead. I scrape my mind for what in the world she could be talking about. Felix has a foul mouth, he cures all the time. You’re not a Black if you don’t curse like a sailor.

However, I can’t think of a time in my life that he has ever cursed me out. Our little fights don’t last long enough to be fights. Neither of us can stay mad at the other long. At least, Felix doesn’t let me stay mad for long. I think our longest fight was when my dad crushed the party Felix threw for me when I returned to Cali.

Kia and I enter a restaurant and sit at a table, as I try to think of what in the world that crazy woman has been spreading around. I shoot Felix a text to let him know where we are. It’s in the moment that I place my phone down on the table that it clicks.

“Oh my God. You have to be kidding me,” I gasp.

Kia looks at me with concern in her eyes. This is so crazy. I remember the one time Bonnie has to be talking about. I’m so pissed I start to see red.

“What?” Kia asks.

“It was so long ago, I forgot. She called me while I was writing. I tried to get off the phone with her, but she just kept going. She mentioned something about my book reviews and I couldn’t help myself. I went to look.

“Felix walked in and found me crying over what I’d read. All he said was, ‘What the fuck?’ He wasn’t cursing at me. He was reacting to me crying and the reviews being up on my screen.

“That heifer has lost her mind. How are you going to take something so small and turn it into my man beating on me? Like, seriously. If she has that much time on her hands, maybe she should be the one writing books. This is insane,” I grunt.

“That’s what Vanity said. That the chick takes little conversations and turns them into elaborate tales. There’s one more thing I haven’t told you,” Kia replies.

“Do I even want to hear it?”

“Hear what?” Felix’s voice rumbles as he sits beside me.

I turn to see his eyes searching my face. I can tell he’s picking up on the change in my mood. That calculating mind is working overtime to find the problem, it’s source, and a solution.

When I turn to Kia she’s biting her lips, looking at me nervously. I nod for her to continue. I won’t hide something like this from Felix. Especially with him being involved.

“Bonnie, the one that invited Kaye to that bogus event, she’s been starting a lot of shit with Kaye’s name mixed up in it. She’s also been telling people she’s your PA. Bragging about how close y’all are and that she works with you to hash out your books and she’s apparently your editor to boot,” Kia adds.

“The fuck?”

“The Hell?”

Felix and I bark in unison. Kia gives me a look, which I know means she thinks I should fill Felix in on the rest. I huff, turning to him to get him up to speed.

Felix’s ears are so red when I finish, I know he’s pissed. His knee is bouncing under the table. I want for him to say something when I’m done. It takes him a few seconds while his jaw works under the skin.

“I looked into her before,” his eyes narrow. “I didn’t find a Bonnie whatever her last name was supposed to be. I only left it alone because you left and didn’t plan to do her event. I wanted to ask you more questions, but you had so much on your plate while the movie was being made. So I dropped it.

“I want everything. I want her number, access to everything she’s ever sent you. Just give me your laptop,” Felix fumes.

“Okay,” I nod.

I know if anyone can deal with this, it’s Felix. I’m not about to stress myself out about that nut. I can’t believe the mess she’s made. Worse is the fact that some of the authors that believed her mess know me enough to come to me and ask.

None of them have. If not for Kia, I would never have known about any of this. Unbelievable!