Teaser Tuesday: “Pulling Up Is My Specialty.” - FAME
Fame brought his fist to his mouth, stifling his laughter. “You’re funny.”
I took a sip of water, then said, “Not everyone is an expert drinker like you.”
“I guess not.” Those blazing brown eyes zeroed in on me before he said, “I missed you, Emory.”
My heart leapt in my chest at the sound of my name. He made it sound so specific to him. I was so used to hearing my middle name, turned stage name, that hearing my first name had become a luxury.
A luxury I only wanted to experience from him.
“Is that why you had my dressing rooms decorated with flowers before every show?”
Before my show in Miami, I walked into a room filled with roses. On my vanity was a card from Fame wishing me a great show. The same occurred for my third, fourth, and fifth shows. By now it was expected to find a bevy of floral arrangements in my dressing room.
“Wanted you to know I was thinking of you. I like your pictures, by the way. I see you appreciated the effort.”
My cheeks warmed at the mention of the photoshoots I posted on my socials after each show.
“No man has ever put forth such an effort, real boyfriend or not. I know it's not a big deal, but it means a lot.”
I didn’t want to romanticize his actions and make them more than they were, but it was the truth.
“It can mean whatever you want. Now that I know how much you appreciate the gesture, I’ll continue to do it.”
“I’d appreciate your presence more than anything, though. Keep pulling up when you can. That means the most to me.”
“Pulling up is my specialty.”
He smiled easily, and the soft gold lighting from our table’s centerpiece caressed his toffee skin. The sight caused me to feel butterflies in my stomach. Bringing my glass to my mouth, I took a gulp hoping the water would fizzle the warmth spreading in my chest.
Since making his first appearance in the rap duo Fame & Fortune, Keyan "FAME" Martin consistently found himself under the scrutiny of celebrity gossip. His personal life was dissected for public consumption at every turn. Without feeling compelled to address rumors, Keyan navigated life with an unyielding confidence, shrouded in a steel armor. That was until a chance encounter on a random night out with an unexpected acquaintance weakened his armor, thrusting them into another tidal wave of rumors.
Following a heated online feud with a label mate, Emory "HEAVEN" Thomas aimed to gracefully return to the limelight. However, as she reintroduced herself with new music, she unexpectedly becomes the focal point of public attention, now linked as Fame's latest romantic interest. A seemingly innocent invitation sets her world into a frenzy, putting her relationship with the notorious heartbreaker under intense inspection.
When interest in their relationship draws the attention needed to advance her career, Emory and Keyan agree to fake date for a year. Initially, the agreement appeared straightforward, given their complex histories that deemed them unsuitable for love. Then, suddenly, during their shared quiet moments and confidences, adhering to the terms of their arrangement became challenging. Soon, the obstacles that once prevented them from being together became insignificant.
Will Emory and Keyan call it quits before their agreement unravels explosively, or will they submit to the emotional consequences of their choices? Find out in The Other Side Of Fame.