I Wanna Be Wherever You Are.

HEAVEN

I lowered the magazine I was reading to watch Fame wade through the infinity pool. He had his phone to his ear while facing the view from our villa. He belted out a laugh that hit me right in my center. I bit back a smile and pushed my shades onto my forehead to get a better look at him. Gold Cuban link chains glistened against his toffee colored skin. I licked my lips and heaved a sigh. He was so damn fine.

For the past twenty minutes, he’d been on the phone with Puma and Mecca. They were discussing The Come Up’s album which would resume recording once he returned from our trip. I sighed while returning my attention to my latest interview in MusicIQ magazine. Shortly after me and Fame’s cover hit the stands, they reached out to me for a solo interview. The following month, I was in Los Angeles for a shoot on the beach and an intimate chat with their senior editor. 

I bit my bottom lip as I read over our conversation about my career. We talked about my plan to expand my brand, balancing my career and motherhood, and upcoming projects. While I was tempted to share my desire to leave LVRG, I knew better than to divulge such information before discussing it with Puma. 

Months later, I still hadn’t found the courage to tell him. Time was winding down because I had a meeting with Ramir next week. I hated moving in secret, but I needed career advice from someone who wasn't a family friend. I planned to meet with my label after exploring the possibility of dropping a deluxe album or EP to quickly satisfy my contract requirements. The past year had set me up for success. I had enough leverage to convince them to drop another project before year’s end.

When Fame ended the call, he trudged my way. I looked up from my lap just as he pulled my big toe.

“Come here,” he said throatily. 

Butterflies filled my belly and warmth flooded me. I scooted to the edge of the lounge chair.  

“Are you done working now?”

He chuckled. “It wasn’t just work, but yeah.”

I rolled my eyes, feigning annoyance. “Whatever.”

“Don’t be like that. I didn’t trip when you had a meeting with Selimah yesterday.”

“We scheduled that meeting weeks before you surprised me with this trip,” I countered.

“I said I wasn’t trippin’.” Amusement danced in his eyes.

I inhaled a deep breath when Fame ran his hand along my shin. His touch was enough to make my heart race.  

“I need to tell you something,” I blurted out.

His eyebrows met as he pulled away from me. He climbed up the edge of the pool and sat in front of me.

 “What’s on your mind, baby?”

“I’m meeting with Ramir Royce next week to talk about my options label-wise. If I sign with Symphonic Sounds, I may have to move to L.A.”

I held my breath and waited for his reaction. Our schedules conflicted so much these days. I couldn’t imagine how living on different coasts would impact us. 

Fame’s eyes lowered and he nodded. “I figured you’d want out of LVRG after that shit at the holiday party.”

Since arriving in Palm Springs two days ago, I’d debated sharing this news with him. Our relationship was new, but I considered how my decisions affected us. We’d grown so close over the last year. He was more than a boyfriend. He was my best friend too. Our fake relationship had been the best thing to happen to me since becoming a mother. He was just as important to me as Shai and my mother.

“Even if I don’t sign with Symphonic Sounds, I’m still considering the move. I think there are more opportunities for my brand to flourish on the West Coast,” I explained.

Working with Selimah Angel had opened the door for more opportunities with other brands. Unfortunately, those companies operated in California.

“I think you should do it. Your career is your priority, you gotta make moves to keep the momentum going.”

I reached for his hand. He interlocked his fingers with mine before bringing my hand to his mouth.

 “I'm worried that moving will negatively impact our relationship.”

A smile played on his lips. “You think I won’t move to L.A. to be closer to you?”

Fame had given so much to me and our situation over the past year. Expecting him to move for me had never crossed my mind. 

My eyebrows met as I replied, “I… didn’t think that was an option.”

He shrugged. “I don’t see why it wouldn’t be an option. Fortune is out there and I plan on working with Sergio, so it only makes sense. You being out there would only make it better.”

“It’s not set in stone, but I’m seriously considering it,” I reiterated. “I have to tie up loose ends with LVRG first, but I think spending time out west could spark a new level of creativity for me.”

“Fa'sho. I spent a week in the studio with Fortune and we recorded about ten tracks. New environments are always a good way to get the juices flowing.”

I stared into the distance while thinking about what the next few months could look like. 

House hunting. Packing and shipping our things. Meetings with producers. Scheduling studio times. Photoshoots. Making time for my family. 

My head was spinning. The feeling of Fame’s hand on my leg pulled me from my thoughts.

“We ain’t gotta figure it all out today. Just know wherever you are is where I wanna be.”

I couldn't help but smile. 

Fame always knew what to say to reaffirm my emotional security within this relationship. I never had to question where we stood, how he felt, or if this would last.

“I love you so much,” I said to him. He moved from the edge of the pool to the lounge chair with me.

“I love you too, Em.” 

He held my chin between his index finger and thumb then kissed me sweetly. Just when I lost myself in our kiss, he pulled away.

“More,” I murmured.

Fame grinned, then kissed me as I liked, slowly and greedily.