127. Art Appreciation 🎨🖌️

While I went to my hotel room to change, Monica text me that she, her parents, Zeke, and his parents went out on a triple date to bond at an indoor spa. I just know they're gonna have a great time.

After I changed into my swimsuit - yes, my swimsuit - I walked out my hotel room and got on the elevator. I was looking forward to swimming in the indoor pool. I heard that this hotel had a huge pool that ranged from 3 to 8 feet.

I also heard that the Rivers booked this hotel for wedding participants and guests only for 3 days, but I don't think most of the guests understood that as 3 days and 3 nights. So, I overheard some of them say they were packing up tonight and checking out in the morning. Unlike them, I was going to use my one more night for sure. This might be the last time I stay in a nice hotel that I don't have to pay for.

When I was seconds away from leaving my hotel room, my phone rang. I was shocked when I saw my former manager's name on the screen. I answered, "Vallie?"

"Jae! I heard you were out of town, but I wanted to chance it to see if you would answer. And I'm glad you did! The team and I miss you immensely. Even though we didn't work together for long, we just wanted to thank you for all your hard work and making our jobs as easy and enjoyable as you did. We were going to mail you a gift, but heard you wouldn't be home for a while. Do you have a forwarding address?"

"Yes, I do." I gave Vallie Zeke's parents' house. They'd know how to care for it whatever it is that my team sends me. "Vallie, it's so good to hear from you."

"You as well. I was supposed to be on vacation like you, but this morning Anaya was arrested and then Ricky was hospitalized. Things got very hectic. With everything else that has happened at RiSe, it's been hard. We're all just playing it by ear."

I think I misheard. Let's rewind that. "I'm sorry, Vallie. What happened to Anaya and Ricky?"

"You haven't heard? You must be out of the country or somewhere without internet."

I smiled, "Something like that."

"Really? It's been all over the news and social media. Anaya Santana was arrested on multiple charges including conspiracy to commit murder regarding T'keyna Brown's case."

My eyes were bigger than they ever been.

Vallie continued, "Hours after Anaya was arrested, Ricky was admitted to the hospital. Rumor is he had a heart attack."

"Oh, wow!" I had no words.

"Well, Jae, I don't want to take up too much more of your time. I hope you continue to work in the industry, develop your talent even more by blessing us with your beautiful voice and positive spirit," Vallie complimented me.

It was nice to hear those words. "I'm going to miss working with you and the whole team. Thank you for everything."

"No, thank you. Enjoy the rest of your day, Jae."

I nodded my head. "You, too, Vallie. Bye."

As soon as we ended our call, I quickly searched the internet for the facts. True enough, there is was plain as day:

▬ RiSE Records' CEO Anaya Santana Arrested on 3 Felony Charges

▬ RiSe Records Double Trouble

▬ President of RiSe Records Hospitalized After FBI Arrests His Twin Sister

▬ Breaking News: RiSe Records is Back in Court

▬ Ricky Santana's Health at Risk / Anaya Santana's Freedom at Risk

▬ FBI Arrests CEO of Record Company with Conspiracy to Commit Murder

▬ New Details Surrounding T'keyna Brown's Murder Case on the RiSe

The headlines were endless. I read atleast two of them before my phone rung again. I don't know if I'm going to make it to the pool at this rate.

"Hey, Monica! What's up?" I leaped onto the bed.

"I knew-I just knew we should've booked a flight for tonight and went straight to Hawaii instead of staying in East Grove for one more day."

Let's not make any assumptions. I asked her, "What happened?"

"E wants to fly back to L.A. to visit Ricky in the hospital."

"What? Is Zeke serious?"

Monica added, "He didn't even bring it up until after me and him were alone. Both our parents think we gonna fly to Hawaii tomorrow, but no. This ignoramus wants to visit a criminal."

I sighed, "You know Ricky is like a second dad to him."

"I don't care!"

She's definitely upset, but strangely I couldn't find a legitimate reason to back her up. Yes, she has every right to be upset. No one should have to spend their wedding night at a hospital. At the same time, a marriage isn't about perfection or happiness 24/7.

I arranged my words before speaking. "Monica, you should have a conversation with Zeke. Approach him, not in anger, but in empathy and sincerity. Try to understand where he's coming from while standing firm in your position. Y'all can disagree, but still be supportive of one another."

Monica was quiet.

I waited for her to speak. I heard shuffling sounds before I heard complete silence. I took my phone away from my ear. "No, she didn't hang up on me."

I shook my head before putting my sandals on, wrapping a towel around my body, and walking out my room with my phone and room key. #notmyproblemtosolve

Once I made it to the first floor, I went to the pool entrance door and scanned my hotel room key. I thought I was about to be the only one in here until my eyes landed on my parents laughing while in the jacuzzi.

"Mama? Daddy?" I walked over to them.

"Why are you not with Monica?" My mom asked me.

I gave the most ugliest look. "Monica is not my daughter. She out with her parents, her husband, and her in-laws."

"Well, excuse me," my mom joked.

My dad laughed, "You looked so beautiful in the wedding, Princess."

"Thank you, daddy!"

My mom stated, "I can't wait for you and A.B. to get married."

I playfully rolled my eyes as I dropped my towel on a chair and kicked off my sandals. "I am not getting married anytime soon."

"Where is A.B.?" My mom asked me.

I slowly eased myself into the pool. I wanted to say "repenting." Instead, I said "I don't know." I went under the water before coming back up.

My mom continued, "Marriage is a big commitment, but I know you and A.B. won't take it lightly."

I hope they don't stay on this topic.

I agreed, "True."

Before they could, I swam from one end of the pool to the other end in 3 feet of course. Then, I swam to the edge of the pool that was closest to the jacuzzi. "Are y'all checking out tomorrow?"

My parents looked at one another before saying in unison, "No!"

We all laughed.

"We have never stayed in a hotel for free, and it's for 3 nights!" My step-dad wore a huge smile. "We are going to enjoy ourselves."

My mom nodded her head. "Exactly!"

I lightly bounced in the water. Then, the thought entered my head. I asked, "Do y'all remember the man that signed me? Ricky Santana?"

My parents looked at one another before looking at me.

"We were thinking you wouldn't want to talk about. It was on the news this morning," my mom informed me.

I definitely would have known about this had Monica been on her best behavior and got out of bed. At the same time, I was glad for it because I wouldn't have been able to focus on the wedding like I was able to.

My dad added, "You did the right thing, suing them for what they did. We're glad you stood up for yourself. Your talent is not anything to devalue. A lot of people, all over the world enjoyed and appreciated your music. I remember reading some comments from some of your fans saying how much they could relate to your songs. Some of them felt like there was finally an artist that represented them. You made good, clean music that isn't very popular today, and you remained true to yourself."

My mom pointed at me. "And you didn't rely on your looks, but your talent. Your talent spoke for itself. You make us so proud, baby."

Is today compliment Jamie day? If so, I'll take it. More importantly, all praises and glory to God. Without Him, I'd probably still be in the industry or worse - singing songs that would've made my parents say otherwise.

"Thank you, Mama and Daddy! It feels good to hear that from y'all." I placed my hand over my heart.

I was going to continue to conversation, but my parents were busy passing looks to one another. It was a beautiful thing to see, but as their daughter I had to I clear my throat.

"Jamie, we'll see you later." My parents rushed out the jacuzzi.

"Okay. Bye!" I waved at them as they flew out the door.

Finally, I'm the only one in this pool. It's been a while since I had some alone time. I swam a few times in the 3 and 4 feet areas of the pool before seeing how long I could hold my breath. When I came up after 8 seconds, I took a deep breath before trying again. After eleven seconds, I came back up searching for air. After wiping my face, the sound of the door caught my attention.

I narrowed my eyes to see A.B. walk from the door to the chairs.

I smiled to myself as I slicked my hair back, off of my face.

Wearing black swim trunks and a white shirt, A.B. turned around. Our eyes met.

"I thought you were asleep in your room," he said.

I sighed, "Sir, just admit you're a stalker."

A.B. took off his shirt and slides. "I don't know what you're talking about."

I walked over to the pool steps and grabbed the handrail before dramatically exiting the pool.

I stood  in front of A.B. and grabbed my towel to dry off with. I glanced at him. "What?"

"Jamie, you are a character."

I giggled, "Next time, don't get close to me on the elevator."

A.B. smiled, "Oh, that! You're right. I shouldn't have invaded your personal space. I apologize."

I put my hands on my hips. "Not like it's the first time you didn't kiss me when you were supposed to."

Oop! Let's see what he has to say to that. I rested the towel on my shoulder.

A.B. took my hand in his. "Please don't be mad, but ever since you told me I couldn't kiss you, I wanted to know if you would follow your own rule, and you have except for on your birthday."

He is not gonna put this on me. "Excuse me. You're in my way."

A.B. arch his brow.

"Move, please," I told him.

With a look of disbelief, A.B. cleared a path for me with his back to the pool. I took a few steps before turning to push him. A.B. made a big splash in the pool. I loudly laugh as he came back up for air.

I almost fell over because I was laughing so hard. I turned around and dried my feet. Before I could put on my sandals, my towel was snatched and I was flying. When my eyes saw the pool, I quickly covered my nose before going under.

When I came back up, I wiped my face. Then, I felt hands on my waist. I looked over my shoulder to see A.B.'s teeth of pure joy. That was not funny!

He released me as I continued to wiped my face.

"I don't hear you talking or laughing anymore," he teased me.

I remained quiet as I thought about my next me. Suddenly, I took it back to my childhood and began to work my shoulders as I silently cried.

"Jamie, are you okay?" I heard the concern in A.B.'s voice as he moved towards me.

Immediately, I dropped my arms under the water and with a huge force, I flung water in his direction. We ended up having a splash-water fight.