40. A Thankful Treat 🙏

When we got back to the River's mega mansion, we immediately settled in for bed.

"You want to watch TV until we fall asleep?" I grabbed the remote as I lied on the left side of the bed.

Monica sighed, "Not gonna work for me. I'm way too awake. Why you so sleepy? You just sang your song in front of a bunch of celebrities at your own party? Like, that really just happened."

I chuckled, "Yeah, I was there, Monica." I slapped my forehead. "Oh, I didn't tell you what happened."

Monica completely sat up to hear the story I had for her. As she sat with her legs crossed, I told her about what Anaya and Ricky said to me at the party.

"They definitely sound like they're related."

"They're twins," I told her.

"Even crazier," Monica added. "And they both... essentially said the same thing - you can't rest until your name is known all over the world."

I shrugged my shoulders.

"Are you ready to be on the go for three or so months?"

I admitted, "I don't think that will be an issue for me. I'm more concerned about the dieting."

Monica pointed at me. "You better get all your cravings out before you start. Do they have ice cream in the kitchen?"

Random! But I'm here for it. We jumped out the bed and left my room. As soon as we turned down the hall, darkness was in front of us.

"I don't think I've ever been out here this late," I recalled. "It's so dark."

"I'm glad I brought my phone," Monica turned on the flashlight.

"Me, too."

We linked our arms together as we slowly made our way downstairs to the kitchen.

Surprisingly, when we got to the kitchen, the lights were on.

Click! Bang! Bam!

We looked at one another.

I whispered, "What was that?"

Monica rolled her eyes at me. "Like I'm supposed to know!"

I started to tip-toe over to the kitchen door, but Monica pulled me back. "You supposed to run away from the noise not go to it."

"I'm not running to anything," I told her.

The kitchen door opened and Zack wore a smile on his face. "Ladies..."

I asked, "Hey, was that you in there?"

Zack held a plate of various cake slices. He put it on the table. "Yeah, I was being greedy and knocked somethings over."

Monica eyed his plate. "What you got there?"

"Oh, some cheesecake, lemon bars, apple pie, German chocolate cake, brownies, blueberry muffins, and chocolate chip cookies," Zack answered. "You're welcomed to try some if you want. I'm gonna go make a milkshake. Want one?"

I smiled brightly. I'd never seen Zack like this before. He didn't seem like the late-night-snack type.

"You ain't said nothing but a word." Monica grabbed a cookie. "Do y'all have ice cream?"

"Loads," Zack replied, "I can show you."

Monica and Zack disappeared into the kitchen while I babysat the snack tray I reached for a brownie. Before taking a bite, I sniffed it. Paranoia was already getting the best of me. I think I sniffed the brownie on all sides before taking a bite.

"Ah! Put my brownie down."

I froze as I turned my head to see -- "Jaylei?" I arched a brow.

She smiled, "I'm joking, girl." She secured the the knot on her pink, silk robe. "Is Zack still in the kitchen?"

I nodded my head as she went in the kitchen. What is going on? Are they no longer hiding that they're a couple? I sat at the table, drumming my fingers.

Then, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I shook.

"My bad. I didn't think you would be down here." Zeke sat beside me.

I asked, "Are you down here for snacks, too?"

Zeke shook his head. "Nah. I heard some noise. Someone got a big sweet tooth, I see." He eyed the snack tray.

"Your brother did that, and Jaylei was looking for him," I told him.

Zeke yawned, "Excuse me. Yeah, she told me they are official now."

I bucked my eyes at him. "That's your assistant and your brother."

Zeke looked at me and smiled, "You're really surprised?"

I guess it was nothing to be concerned about. "Does Jaylei have a room here, too?"

"I'd bet she's sharing a room with Zack," Zeke told me.

His words made me think about our fake relationship. "Zeke, would it be okay if we kept our relationship private outside the house?"

He leaned back in his chair. "Yeah. Only the people in this house, Ricky, and Aunt Shell knows."

"If more people find out, would you be open to breaking up?" I asked him.

Zeke seemed to think about my question before replying. "Before we get to that point, I think we should try to do all that we can from this point on. Jae, I chose you as my protégé, because I knew you weren't going to be after my money. If I can get you to do one more thing, please don't rush this to be over before it starts. You can get a lot of benefits with me now. Let's see how far you can get before you fly solo. Alright? And don't pay too much attention to what people will say. The rumors can get outlandish."

"I'm a little scared about that."

Zeke told me, "Don't be. Right now, you got me. Long after this process, we'll still be friends."

I nodded my head. Zeke was such a kind person. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll find another person quite like him in this industry. I'm going to take his advice and milk this cow.

Laughter consumed the kitchen.

"What's going on in there?" Zeke stood up from the table. Just as he was about to go in the kitchen, Monica and Jaylei came out with four glasses of milkshakes.

"Baby, don't throw out the rest. Your bother is here." Jaylei went back in the kitchen.

I scratched my brow.

Monica folded her arms. "Sir, why didn't you tell us your new Netflix movie premiered today?"

Zeke asked her, "What's today?"

Monica copied him, "Hmmm... I think it's Friday, well, Saturday morning now."

I lightly laughed. "Is it true? You have a new movie on Netflix?" I asked Zeke.

He turned around and answered, "I don't remember."

Jaylei came out the kitchen with a milkshake in her hand. "Here you go." She handed it to Zeke.

"Thank you. If my assistant would've reminded me, I would've remembered," Zeke spoke loud enough for Jaylei to hear.

Jaylei rested her hands on her hips. "What did I not do?"

"He's talking about the movie you told me about." Monica grabbed another cookie.

Jaylei narrowed her eyes at Zeke. "Don't start, Zeke. Besides, Zack and I are going to watch it. Hey, we should all watch it in the movie room."

"No, it's too late." Zeke tried to decline.

At one in the morning, we all headed to the movie theater room. Yes, the movie theater room that I don't recall getting a tour of, but we're here.

There was a huge screen with several seats in front of it. Zack said there were 50 seats. Who is coming over here like that? Well, now I know where I'll be when I want to watch a movie. On one row we sat in the following order: Zack, Jaylei, Monica, me, and Zeke. With milkshakes and desserts, the bathroom was going to get a lot of business - coming soon.

The movie title flashed across the screen, and I thought I was at the movie theater for real. How cool to be sitting next to the man that made this movie: The Best Kept Secret.

Long story short, it was about a man - the actor was very handsome - who woke up one day with a baby on his doorsteps. With the help of his friends, he tries to narrow down who the mother could be. It was a Romantic Comedy, and it was really good. We all applauded Zeke when the credits rolled.

Stuffed with sugar and near sleep, we all got up and headed to our separate ways. As Monica went back to my room, I followed Zeke to his room.

"Go to bed, Jae," he said without turning around.

"I just have to ask you one more question." I tried to catch up to him.

He asked. "What is it?"

"Am I your best kept secret?" I teased him as I mimicked the actress from his movie.

Zeke chuckled, "No more movies for you. You need to go to bed."

I lightly laughed, "I'm joking." I stood in front of him. "Before I forget, I just want to tell you that I appreciate you and everything you've done for me. I'm new to all of this, but I won't pretend like I know-it-all. I may make some mistakes, but I won't be a fool, either. I'm glad I met you... Thank you, Zeke." I smiled at him.

He put his finger to the corner of his eye, pretending to cry.

I smacked my lips. "Stop it!"

"You're welcome, and I thank you." Zeke winked at me. "Go to bed."

I waved, "Goodnight, sir."

"Goodnight, ma'am."

I turned around and headed to my room, before turning down a hall, I peaked to see Zeke was watching me. Strangely, he was becoming more like a brother or someone I could look up to or reach out to if I needed anything. Sadly, I don't think I'll ever be able to pay Zeke back, and I don't think that's what he wants from me. I believe there's more to Zeke's story.

I finally made it to my bedroom. Monica was knocked out. As she lightly snored, I started to get in the bed. Then, I stopped and got on my knees. With my head bowed, I prayed. Thank you, God for bringing me this far. I hope I've made the right decision, and I hope I'm able to learn and grow from this. I need your help to direct me in the right path. I pray for strength and faith. Amen!