96. Time to Talk 🚩

When Monica and I got to my room, I dropped my purse and took off my shoes, cap, and sunglasses before getting in bed.

Monica picked up my things, putting them in their proper places. "No ma'am, I need you to sit-up and tell me what happened today?"

My thoughts ran a mile a minute. Truthfully, I was still in shock. I mumbled, "Ricky Santana."

Monica folded her arms. "What did Ricky say to you?"

Just thinking about it made my skin crawl. "I hate it, Monica. I hate it. Why can't I just quit?"

"Then you're letting them win."

"Win what? The prize doesn't seem worth it," I told her.

Monica sighed, "What did that evil man say to you?"

"He didn't just say it. He removed my hat and my sunglasses. He said he would reveal my identity and make sure my album would never see the light of day if I didn't perform at his New Year's Eve party."

"What?!" Monica exclaimed. "He threatened you?! What kind of sick mess is that?"

"Moni, it's not worth being treated like this. They make me feel like I'm beneath them. I rather go back home and be normal, again."

"Forget that! E is gonna handle this before I do." Monica stormed out of my room.

Even though I knew she would react this way, as much as I appreciated it, I really didn't want to make a big deal out of this. Zeke already told me that he respects Ricky. If Monica talks to him, there's no telling how he will take it. What if Monica ends their relationship if he tells her what he told me? I would rather them be together than break-up because of me.

I quickly got out of bed and ran after my cousin. The hidden door in the hall was open. I quickly went through it and down the stairs into the game room. I walked past the pool table and caught-up with Monica in the corridor leading to Zeke's room.

I blocked her path. "Monica, it's okay. I can handle this," I pleaded with her.

"Jamie, move out of my way," she gritted her teeth.

"Cousin, I need you to support me... in a different way. Let's go back to my room, and I'll tell you what I have in mind."

Monica pointed at the floor. "This man has a sex tape that he probably leaked himself. It hurt Aja Frost's career who he had a relationship with, and this is not the first time you've said you wanted to quit." She continued, "We are not dumb! You and me know there's more to this life of fortune and fame. They don't call it Hollyweird for nothing. I've reacted to several conspiracy videos about the music industry. Some reactions I didn't post, because they were too in-depth. And for you to tell me that that monster touched you, and you think I'm gonna do nothing about it? Jamie, I'm telling E." She tried to walk around me.

"Please, Monica." I grabbed her arm. "If you tell Zeke, things could get worse. Zeke looks up to him like a second father. Monica, this is my career. I have to do what I have to do even when I don't want to."

Monica put her hands on her hips.

I told her, "Yes, I said I want to quit. That's just how I feel, but you know this is still my dream. Just give me some time to figure it out. Okay?"

Monica was silent for a few seconds before pointing her finger at me. She is such a mama wanna be. I prepared my ears for the lecture.

"I leave on January 3rd. That's a Tuesday. If you don't give me a good-enough retaliation plan, I'm getting arrested for hurting multiple people. Are we clear?" She asked me.

"Crystal," I replied.

"I won't say anything to E about this."

I exhaled, "Thank you."

"However, I'm still going to E's room. I gotta spend some time with my man." Monica walked to Zeke's door.

I shook my head. "Ma'am, I'm not interested in your romantic life."

Monica laughed before going into Zeke's room.

I decided to take the long way back to my room so that I could think. When I got to the top of the stairs, Zack was there. He scratched his chin.

I arched my brow.

He asked, "Have you came up with a plan?"

"What are you talking about?" I walked passed him.

"How to get out of your record deal? Unless you want to stay bowing down to Ricky Santana."

I immediately turned around to look at him. Did he hear us talking?

Zack stated, "I told you some rooms speak for themselves."

"You also said nothing is free when it comes to you."

He walked towards me, closing the gap between us. "Since we have a common enemy, why don't we work together?"

"Common enemy?" I asked.

"You know my father and I have delt with the Santanas in the past." Zack folded his arms. "Recently, Anaya called and tried to threaten me. I thought I made myself clear when we spoke, but last week I caught someone following me home. I know she hired someone. Anaya's tricks aren't new to me. She's trying to corner me, but I'm not afraid of her or her brother. Neither should you be."

For the first time, I wanted to hear more of what Zack had to say.

I asked, "Why is Anaya threatening you?"

"Let's talk in my office." Zack led the way to his entertainment space.

After giving me a bottle of water to drink, Zack sat across from me at his bar.

He smiled at me. "I know where Jaylei is."

My eyes bucked, "How?"

Zack quizzed me, "Are you asking, because you don't know or because you want me to think you don't know?"

I rolled my eyes as I took a sip of water.

Zack chuckled, "You know I thought you'd be easy to crack, but you're the type to make a man like me work hard to get close to you. I barely lifted a finger with Jaylei."

I impatiently waited for him to share how he knows where Jaylei is hiding.

"I assumed she was looking for someone to listen. So, I let her talk. And she told me everything." Zack chuckled, "She even told me how the Santanas had her handle a lot of shady business. She really wasn't innocent herself, but I think she was starting to feel guilty about some of the things she did for them. Before she disappeared, she told me she always wanted to go to Paris. I encouraged her to go and after that, then I didn't see her anymore."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "I thought you broke up with her."

"We were just having fun."

I asked, "Why is her location important?"

"If we can get Jaylei to come back to L.A., we got our best witness to confirm that the Santanas are doing bad business."

As amazing as it would be to have Jaylei testify against the Santanas, I doubt she'd risk her freedom to expose them unless...

Zack smiled at me. "Did you know that Aja Frost was not supposed to have competition at RiSe Records? When she got your song, that was supposed to be her song. When you didn't keep quiet, they had to find a way to fit you into their plan by making your dream come true. Now that Aja Frost is getting more attention than she's ever gotten in her entire career, and she has a new album coming out, the Santanas have to find a way to make her their number one artist, again. How? You ask." Zack winked at me. "By getting rid of you."

My mouth was wide open.

"Aja Frost will perform at the Superbowl, and she will sing your song how it was given to her initially. If you don't wake up soon, the machine that's behind Aja Frost will run you over. People won't even remember Jae the singer. You think your album is yours until you make the wrong move, and that girl re-sings all your music. Jamie, I'm not a nice guy, but I don't believe in taking advantage of the innocent."

I took a sip of my water.

Zack asked, "Tell me. Are you in?"

All I wanted to do was sing and write my own music. Now, I have to protect it.