23. When the Heart Flutters 💓

As I rested in bed with the TV idly on, I looked over at my attire from last night that rested in my purple chair. The silver wig, the purple fur coat, the silver chain shoes with matching chain necklace, and sunglasses were my identity as Jae. The more I thought about it, the more I got excited. This meant that I could still be Jamie without anyone knowing. I can't wait for--

"If you ever had a dream to make it big, then you've come to the right place. This show is a competition full of talent unlike anything you've ever seen before. This is real people, real dreams, and most of all real success."

I looked at the TV to see a familiar man talking while standing on a stage. Then, the commercial cut to a woman who belted out a high note and the judges favorable reactions. Then, I saw Larry, my old co-worker, rapping.

I quickly sat up in bed.

The sound of drums hit with every clip that showed a person that auditioned before going back to the man that was talking earlier. "You don't want to miss this! It's all new and better than the rest. Tune in live every Thursday at 8pm Eastern and 7pm Central. Welcome to The Power House."

The entire stage that the man stood on lit up with electricity before going dark. The man shouted, "Will you be the one to turn on the power?"

Another commercial came on.

Wow! Was that the commercial for Zeke's new show? I hopped out of the bed and got ready for the day. After freshening up, I made an exit from my bedroom to the hall. The feeling of excitement was still at an all-time high for me.

Before I could get to the end of the corridor, I saw Zack walking by. I slowed down my pace and tried to take quiet steps, hoping he didn't see me.

Zack reappeared, "Just the person I wanted to see."

I smiled at him out of necessity.

"Uncle Ricky's birthday party was last night. I couldn't make it, but I knew Zeke would. He's the favorite. I hope you got the chance to wear the necklace and the shoes I bought you. If not, you can wear them another time."

My eyes bucked with surprise. Why didn't Zeke say anything? I shouldn't have assumed.

"You didn't get the note?" He inquired.

I answered, "No. I was in a rush when I opened everything and put it on. Thank you, but please don't buy me anything else. Zeke and I are together, and I don't want there to be any awkwardness between us."

Zack's smile dropped. "Understood, but if you change your mind--"

"I won't." Was that a bit mean of me?

"Jae, have a good day." He turned around.

I think I just made things even more awkward. I decided to take the secret passage way to get downstairs. From the door in the hall to the pool table room, I landed on the first floor on a quest to find Zeke. I wanted to know more about his show. Things seemed to be moving pretty quickly with it.

When I got to Zeke's room, his door was open. I knocked on it before walking inside.

Jaylei looked up from her phone as she stood in the center of Zeke's room. She was dressed in a cream blazer, peach pants, and denim pointed-toe heels. She always looked nice; especially, with her hair in a cute high ponytail. If I didn't want to be a singer, I wouldn't mind doing her job.

"Hey, girl! Zeke told me you were sleeping-in today."

I folded my arms before saying, "I've been up since eight. I was watching TV and saw the commercial for Zeke's new show. I wanted to ask him about it."

Jaylei chuckled, "Yes! It's so funny. I'm glad they let one of the hosts, uhhh... what's his name?" She snapped her fingers.

"Tommy Biggs," Zeke walked out of his bathroom, fixing the sleeves on his shirt.

Jaylei pointed at Zeke. "Yeah! He's from SNL. He did a great job. Your next commercial should have your dad in it."

Zeke walked over to me. "Not gonna happen. He still hasn't decided on being a permanent judge."

Jaylei rolled her eyes, "I bet Zack would."

"Good morning, Jae." He placed his hands on my shoulders.

I think my heart just kicked or fluttered or whatever the heart does when something lovely happens, like your childhood celebrity crush looking into your eyes and saying your name.

I grinned, "Good morning, Zeke."

"I thought you'd still be asleep right now. I planned on waking you up, because we're meeting Ricky this afternoon."

Oh, I didn't forget. That's why I didn't sleep for long. "Yes and I'm so excited."

"Zeke, did you just make plans without telling me? You know today, tomorrow, all week is booked." Jaylei rolled her eyes.

Zeke replied, "Just move things around. We're not going to be at Ricky's for long."

"Ricky Santana can talk. I'll need to put in a 3-hour block for him. Ugh! I'll be in the kitchen rearranging the schedule." Jaylei walked out his room.

Zeke walked over to his door and closed it. "Did you like the commercial?" He asked me.

I nodded my head, "I did."

"There's going to be a semi-finale night episode, and I want you to be on it."

"To do what?" I asked him.

Zeke licked his lips. "Sing."

I stared at him in confusion.

"As a new artist. Knowing Ricky, you'll be signed in no-time. The way he introduces artists to the world these days is online, nonstop marketing from TV and radio to social media. I wouldn't be surprised if TikTok starts making dances to your music."

I scrunched my nose. "I don't like TikTok or any social media for that matter." I flapped down onto Zeke's sofa. I have to start coming in here more often. Not to say that his room is better than mine, but I gotta start acting like a real girlfriend before Zack doesn't get the hint. I'm sure Bridgette and Warren have doubts about me and Zeke, too.

"You will when you start getting paid from it. One post from you will be one year salary at your old job." Zeke went to his closet.

How does he know how much I made in a year? Should I be brave? Be brave, Jamie! So, I asked him how did he know.

"I did a background check on you." Zeke returned with a pair of shoes in his hands. He sat next to me and put them on. He glanced at me. "Everything was clean."

"I know everything was clean, but I just thought..."

Zeke smiled at me. "Please tell me you did one on me. For all you know, I could be pretending to be Zeke Rivers. This could all be fake." He spread out his hands.

"You're a celebrity. The internet is the best way to get information on you, and it's free."

Zeke lightly laughed. "True. Anyway, tomorrow I fly to New York for business. I'll be out there for a few days. Then, I'll be back to finish up some meetings here. Since we're done recording music, would you like to: A. go with me, B. go back home for a week, or C. stay here?"

As much as I didn't want to do either one of those considering looking lost and helpless if I went with him, going back home after only two weeks in LA, and staying in this big house trying to avoid loneliness and Zack, I knew I had to pick one.

"B. go back home to visit my family for a week."

Maybe, my eyes are playing tricks on me but for a split second, I thought I saw a little bit of sadness in Zeke's eyes. Did he really want me to tag-along with him? I would be so useless and out-of-place. At the same time, he's probably liking the idea of being in a relationship.

Zeke stood up. "I'll let Jaylei know."

"Zeke, wait. Do you really think Ricky Santana can help me?" I asked him.

"Remember when you told me who you would like to work with?"

"Beyoncé?"

Zeke smirked, "No. Aja Frost, and you didn't say who else..."

I snapped my fingers, "Beyoncé, Aja Frost, and Dakota Doll."

"Dakota Doll?" Zeke seemed surprised.

"She's from my state."

Zeke said, "Well, Ricky helped Aja Frost. I haven't heard of Dakota Doll."

"She's amazing," I whispered.

"Let's go get some breakfast before you try to sing one of Dakota Doll's songs."

Oh, he's being funny! Just for that, I slowly got up and rapped the lyrics to Dakota Doll's song "Creamy Crack."

You can love me, love me, love me / I'm so lovely, Dark and Lovely / You can like me, like me, like me, J-U-S-T-F-O-R-M-E / You can touch me, Smooth Touch, touch me up / Got new growth, Roots be actin' up / You can lie me, no-lye, lie me down / On edge control, I lay it down / It's so hard, I got to have it / Creamy Crack, I come back for it / You give me Optimun Care / Run your fingers through my hair / My Motions match my lover / Let 'em know I'm your relaxer, yeah

"She's a singer by the way." I skipped out of his room.

After a full breakfast, Zeke and I met Ricky Santana at a gorgeous condo on the 17th floor. It was all open space and bright as the shining sun. My nerves had returned, and I didn't know when I'd be comfortable, again.

"Zeke!" Ricky Santana came down stairs in a white T-shirt, black sweatpants, and running shoes. If he needed to meet with us another time, I'd gladly reschedule.

Zeke stood up from the sofa and locked hands with Ricky Santana.

In all this light, I could see clearly that Ricky Santana was indeed Ricky Santana. He's a handsome man, but in-person he's unmatched. All I want is my husband to age like him.

Lost in all my thoughts, I was still glued to the couch.

"Don't tell me..." Ricky Santana was burning a whole in my face as I stared straight ahead. "Is this the one and only J-A-B?"

"Even more beautiful, right?" Zeke sat down next to me.

I glanced at him and smiled.

"Stand up for me. Let me check."

Sir, you're asking for a bit much. I forced my knees to strengthen before standing up. Ricky Santana and I locked eyes.

"Zeke, hear me when I say this, but she is the most beautiful girl you ever dated." Ricky Santana looked at Zeke. "Are you sure you want the world to discover this hidden treasure? You can keep her to yourself, you know?"

If this man didn't stop with the compliments, I might buy my own plane ticket back home and stay for a month.

Zeke finally answered with "It's her dream."

I looked at Zeke. He put a lot of emphasis on the word her.

"Forgive me," Ricky Santana held out his hand to me.

If I give him my hand, he's gonna know I'm nervous.

I immediately felt Zeke's hand on my back. "Jae, you got this."

I took a deep breath before placing my hand in Ricky Santana's hand. He said, "Take the stage and sing any song you want." He led me around the couch to a literal wood platform that resembled a stage. He helped me up the two steps before releasing my hand. I turned around with the wall of windows behind me.

Zeke and Ricky sat on the sofa that was facing me. You know you got some money when you have sofas that are back-to-back. Just crazy money!

I thought to myself as I looked up at the ceiling that just so happened to have a skylight. How Sway? We're not even on the top floor. Focus, Jamie! Suddenly, the words just left my mouth.

I hadn't sung this song in years, but I remembered every word. By the end of the song, my nerves were completely gone.

Ricky Santana gave me a standing ovation.

I covered my mouth as I laughed.

"Amazing! I can't remember the last time I heard that one. Can you sing another song?" He asked me.

"Sure," I replied.

Ricky Santana took a seat. "Sing one of the songs you wrote."

Caught off-guard, I looked at Zeke for help.

Zeke licked his lips. "Sing 'Suga.' It's upbeat."

"Okay," I cleared my throat before singing. "Suga, suga, suga, suga, suga baby..." And because I forgot the lyrics to the entire song, I did a lot of vocal improve and acrobats before clapping my own hands.

Ricky Santana quickly stood up and clapped with me. "J-A-B, I really like that one. Now, please have a seat." He directed me.

I readily retired to the couch next to Zeke.

"J-A-B, help yourself to food and drinks in the kitchen. Zeke, follow me."

Zeke stood up and followed Ricky Santana out of earshot and eyesight.

I got up and went to the kitchen on the right side of the condo. After getting a small bottle of juice and a banana to snack on, Zeke and Ricky Santana met me in the kitchen.

"It is with pleasure that I would like to work with you, Ms. Jae. I know you will be successful. Give me about one week to get back with you."

My eyes grew with excitement. "Really?" My feet slightly came off the ground.

Ricky Santana smiled at me. "Zeke and I talked and we agree that the hair and fur coat is a great look for you as a new artist. And you can be known for that look and not get noticed when you're like how you are now. I think it's a great idea. You're going to set trends."

"This is amazing! Thank you so much," I expressed.

"You're welcome. Now, I have some more business to take care of. Stay as long as you want. I'm going to my office." Ricky Santana looked at Zeke, "Remember what I told you."

Zeke slightly grinned, "I'm-I will."

I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Come by, anytime, Jae. See you two, later," Ricky Santana disappeared upstairs.

"You ready?" Zeke asked me as he pulled out his phone.

I whispered, "What did y'all talk about?"

"You, of course," he answered. For the first time, Zeke didn't give me any sarcastic response or did that go over my head.

I left it at that and followed him out of the condo and back to the car. Maximo opened the door for me and helped me inside. Zeke got in behind me.

Before Maximo could drive off, Zeke closed his eyes. There's no way he was tired. I'm the one that just finished performing.

I tapped his knee.

"What's up?"

"Can Jaylei change my flight to tomorrow night instead of tomorrow morning?"

Zeke opened his eyes. "Why?"

"I want us to hangout a little more before the long week of separation," I admitted.

"You have my number. Just call or facetime me." He closed his eyes.

I sighed. He's back to the answering me like a fed-up parent. Oh well, I tried. Tomorrow, I'll be the fed-up parent dealing with my cousin Monica. Deep down, I'm glad to go back home. I miss my family.