Juliana: Have a good time, Alina. You don’t have anything to worry about. Go support your man, and we’ll see you guys at happy hour tomorrow. Cool?

Me: Cool. Thanks guys. I love y’all.

Shay: Love you, boo. TTYL

Juliana: We love you!

DeShaun: Love you … and I can still pull up whenever. Just let me know. Bye!

I giggle to myself as the escalator reaches the top and I shove the phone into my pocket. When I look up, I’m greeted by a smiling Keisha, who stands at the entrance of the second floor like a sentinel. As usual, she’s flawless in a red dress that contrasts her beautiful skin perfectly. Her makeup is pristine with lipstick that matches the dress, and her hair is now in braids that run down her back like gorgeous black vines. She steps forward before the security guy in the black shirt can approach me with an attitude, and we hug.

“Hey, Alina. It’s so nice to see you again,” she says as we embrace.

“You, too. It’s jam packed in here, isn’t it?”

“It sure is,” she answers, flashing a smile. “He really has blown up. I think this book is going to be his biggest ever.”

“It sure looks that way. I can’t believe it,” I say, shaking my head.

“I know I’ve said this a thousand time, but you know this wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for you,” Keisha says. I see a spark of happiness in her eyes as she looks at me, and it makes my stomach tingle.

“You have said it a thousand times, and you're the one who brought the manuscript to my front door against Nas’s will,” I joke with a laugh. “But, I appreciate it. I’m just glad it all worked out between us. Had me worried there for a minute. Let’s just hope we can keep it going.”

Keisha smiles and raises her eyebrows. “Girl, trust me, he isn’t going anywhere.”

I frown. “Awfully confident, aren’t you?”

“See for yourself,” she answers, nodding her head toward Nas and the small group of women seated in a circle of couches. She flashes a playfully mischievous smile before leading me over to the group.

As we reach them, I can hear Nas talking, but I can’t make out what he’s saying. Keisha clears her throat conspicuously, and all talking comes to a halt as Nas spins around and locks onto me.