the desk receptionist of my building complimented as I made my way for the doors.

I was garbed in a satin, snake printed button down that clad to my body enough to display my physique, but not enough to look too tight. It was paired with a pair of black bottoms that I had yet to wear, and Leu Oxfords were tied on my feet. I was quite dapper for the night, but I had to be when I was up against a fashion icon.

With a smile and a thank you, I walked thru the revolving doors to see the black SUV awaiting. The driver opened the door for me and I climbed inside all while pulling up the address I'd been given. Once he was inside, I read off the address to him and he was on his way toward the place.

"Give me like five more minutes." she said as soon as she answered the phone. "I can't find my earring."

"So put on different ones." I suggested.

"Um, no because these are the ones that go best with what I'm wearing. I won't be long. I know it's somewhere around here because I just wore it last — got it! I'm coming now."

I ended the call and tucked my phone away in my pocket. To bypass time, my fingers tapped against the door and I watched the entrance doors. After about two more minutes, she stepped off of the elevator. I stopped the driver from getting out and told him I'd handle it myself.

Just as she pushed out of the door, I climbed out giving her a whistle. "Owee, don't hurt me now."

She wore a white, deep v-neck dress with long sleeves that were wide at her wrist. The dress flowed down to her knees but was fairly loose. However, the cinched waist gave it more style along with her red Balenciaga bag and red and blue Off White heels. She looked damned good. Especially with the dewy makeup she sported adorned by two tendrils hanging in her face while the rest of her hair was loosely pulled back.

"You like?" she smiled, striking a slight pose.

"You look amazing."

"Mind taking a few pictures of me? I don't really take body pictures and this outfit is really cute so—"

"No need to explain." I chuckled taking her phone. "Take a few steps back. Right there."

I snapped about ten of them before I handed her the phone back. She swiped thru them then looked up at me with a surprised face. "Uh oh, I may have found my new camera man."

"I charge twenty dollars a photo."

"Psh. You can't hustle me." I reached for her hand to help her into the truck. She took it and climbed inside, "Thank you and you look good yourself. Snake skin suits you."

"Word?" I closed the door after I was inside. "I wasn't too sure about it but then I was like fuck it."

"Nah it was a good choice. You look nice."

"Thank you." I told the driver what restaurant we were heading to then turned back to her. "You ready for all the chaos of Fashion week? I heard it gets wild for y'all."

"It can get wild but for the last two fashion weeks I've been in, it's been cool for me. But last year, a girl grabbed my shoes on accident and I was left to put on her size sevens and walk. Wanna talk about pain? I was hurt."

I shook my head. "What made you pick modeling for a career. I never saw you choosing to be in front of a camera or being the center of attention."

"Well you know I'd take pictures of random things and at some point I chose to put the camera on myself. I mean it was one of my ways to try and boost my confidence and it did. Therefore, I fell in love with being in front of it because it gave me the love I needed for myself." she shrugged.

"I wish my career choice was that profound." I chuckled.

"Yeah, what made you go down the baseball route? You were madly in love with basketball."

"We can talk about that once we're at the dinner table."

She gave me a simple head nod and we sat in silence for the remainder of the ride. While she seemed to be casually resting, taking in the city night lights as we rode, I was growing anxious. There were so many questions that I know she was dying to ask and I wasn't sure if I could answer them. Well, I could but the backtracking it took to give her an answer was what I was afraid of. I'd just reached a level of calm emotionally, therefore, I wanted to savor it for a while.

"Looks like y'all may have company." the driver announced, making me lean up in my seat.

In front of the restaurant were paparazzi attempting to snap pictures of anyone climbing out of a car in hopes of a celebrity. I smacked my teeth. Paparazzi definitely weren't an issue that I had to put up with so I knew that either another celebrity was in attendance or someone gave the drop on Korin.

"It's okay, it's not that bad. Just walk straight inside." said Korin.

"Everywhere you go is like this?"

"Only around Fashion Week or when I'm in LA."

The truck came to a stop and I opened the door climbing out. As soon as Korin slid forward, they closed in on me to get close ups of her. "Aye, back up off of me man. It's not that serious."

"Give us a little room guys." Korin grabbed my hand to step down from the truck.

"Are you two dating?" one of them questioned with a large camera placed upon his shoulder.

"You excited for Fashion Week, Korin?" another asked.

"I'm very excited. Bye guys." she gave them a wave as we walked into the restaurant.

I rubbed over my eyes to try and adjust my vision from the continuous flashes. Korin pulled my hand down from my eyes.

"It'll only make it worst. Just let them naturally adjust."

"Hey, how you doing? Reservation for Hoffman." I turned to the host.

She scanned the list of reserved names until she reached mine. We were then led toward the back and seated at a table in front of the large floor to ceiling windows. I pulled Korin's chair back and gently pushed it in for her.

"Your waiter will be with you soon." the host informed us before she walked away.

I sat down in my chair and picked up the menu. This was actually a restaurant I hadn't been to before which was why I brought Korin out here. The dinner was so that we could talk and dive deeper into what we'd missed out on over the years, but at the same time I wanted to try something new.

"Ou' lobster salad. That sounds good. I think that's what I'm going for."

"Oh word? Your mind made up already?"

"Yes. I've been craving seafood." she sat the menu down. "I might turn around and try the shrimp casserole."

"Yeah nah, I think I'm going with the steak. I haven't had a good one in a while."

"Well see you have more options than I do. I've cut beef and pork from my diet so I'm quite limited when it comes to meat."

He hissed. "Sounds like a empty plate and a sad life. It's not in me. I would never, ever, ever give up oxtail. Not in a million years."

"Please don't remind me." she closed her eyes. "That's the only meat – aside from sausage that makes me want to give in."

"What made you take that route?" I rested my chin atop of my folded hands.

"I just stopped eating beef. There wasn't anything spectacular about it. I just noticed I hadn't incorporated it into any of my meals and just kept it that way. As for pork, it just wasn't all that and a bag of chips to me – again, other than sausage. But I will say that I don't get tired after I eat anymore. I'm still energetic and ready to move."

I nodded. "Okay. So, if I'm to eat either in front you, you're not gonna go all holy meat and sanctified on me right?"

"Correct." she chuckled just as the waiter approached the table. He introduced himself then began to take our others. Once he returned with the drinks, Korin began to speak again. "Now back to the question from the car. What happened to basketball."

"You were there, Kori:" I sighed.

"There for what?" she frowned.

"You were at the basketball game where my mama came in high off of whatever she was on, telling me that I had to take care of myself."

"What? Gio I don't remember you ever telling me that."

"I didn't because nearly everybody heard her say it. She came in looking a mess and just told me that I had to go with her sister because she needed to leave."

"Okay I remember her showing up to one of your games and she looked tired and worn out but you never told me what she said. I didn't even know that was the night she left – oh my god. It makes sense now. That was definitely the last time I saw her and you spent the night at your aunt's that night."

"Yeah and had the skin tore from my back because the game lasted too long and I came in late." I scoffed. "I was glad we lost that night because I never wanted to step foot on that court again. She'd ruined it for me."

"Oh my goodness, but how did you get into baseball?"

"My uncle was the coach of the team in Houston and wanted me to use my energy for good so I tried out. The first year of playing I fell in love with it. I didn't think I would because I didn't care for baseball before then but it's my baby now."

She smirked. "I'm happy you're playing because you actually love the sport. Were you happy about drafting to the Mets?"

"Hell yeah! You know New York was the city I dreamed of living in — shit both of us. I don't even know why I was surprised to know that you lived here."

"Because dreams change all the time." she slightly shrugged. "Life hits and situations change."

"How's your mom? She still fine as hell out here in these streets?"

She chuckled but then shrugged. "I presume she's good. I haven't spoken to her."

"Y'all on bad terms right now?"

"Yeah, I'm on bad terms with all of them if we're being honest. It's just a bunch of bullshit."

"No, no tell me." I reached across the table and touched her hand.

"Remember when I told you Courtland died hating me?" I nodded. "Well I'm still not forgiven for his death or all of the things I said back then. My mom and Khloe claim to have forgiven me but they really just follow in the steps of Justice and he hates me with all of his being."

"Nah I don't believe that. You and him weren't like you and Courtland but he didn't play behind you. I remember him always calling you his heart in human form."

A bitter laugh escaped her lips as she stared out of the window with tears forming. "Like I said, situations change and they make people change. He's not the same."

"It must be bad."

"Just know that I've been alone for the past eight years. My family exists but I'm not apart of it. It's one of the reasons why I don't care that I work so much because who am I spending time with other than Eli and Noey? No one. I created this reality so that I could help take care of a family that I don't have. No matter how many times I reach out to them the love just isn't reciprocated. I know Khloe wants to be close with me but something holds her back. It's like every time Justice and I bump heads, she falls back."

"Korin—"

She held up her hand. "I'm sorry. I'll be back."

I watched her walk across the restaurant toward the bathrooms, feeling bad for bringing up the subject. One thing that I didn't plan on doing tonight was bringing her to tears. I wanted tonight to just be us going out together and hopefully finding out a little more information about evolved us. In which we are, but I still didn't want any tears.

What I thought would be a quick break to gather herself, turned into ten minutes. I hadn't necessarily realized how long she was taking until the waiter placed the food on the table.

"Can you leave the tops please? I need to run the to the restroom."

"Uh sure." he sat the plates down and left the lids atop of the entrees.

I gave him a thankful head nod and stood up. I headed in the same direction I'd watched Korin go until I spotted the bathroom signs. I trailed over to the women's and knocked on the door. No one said anything nor could I actually hear women inside speaking, therefore, I pushed it open a little. Enough for my voice to travel thru but not enough to view anything.

"Korin? You alright?" a woman gasped and I could hear Korin tell her it was okay.

"I'm fine, Gio. I'll be out in a minute."

"Aight." I let the door close back and walked back over to the table. Another minute or two transpired before she came around the corner and took a seat. "You cool? You were gone for a while."

"Um, yeah. A woman was in there crying because she just found out that her husband may have given her HIV."

"Oh shit." my eyes widened.

"Yeah...so I gave her a little comfort."

I shook my head. "So women really do be in the bathroom acting like best friends huh?"

"It's hard seeing another woman upset or crying and not offer any words to help her. I'm sorry for worrying you though."

"I didn't know what to think you were in there doing? But you're good right?"

"Yes." she gave me a smile. "Crying doesn't always mean I'm having some inner breakdown."

I held my hands up. "I just want to make sure you're alright because if you're not we can take this to go."

"No, you wanted to come out to dinner and talk and that's what we're doing. Now tell me about recovery." she removed the lid from her food.

" and hit my bed or I will be a hot mess tomorrow." I checked the time on my phone and it was nearing ten.

"Damn my fault. C'mon." Giovanni slid his chair back, standing to his feet and reaching for his wallet.

"I got the tip." I popped my clutch open and retrieved a twenty and a ten, placing it on the table.

Gio gestured for me to walk first and I did. Along the way to the door, however, I could feel his hand gently resting upon my lower back. But I didn't say anything about it. I chalked it up as his form of protection since we had no idea whether the paparazzi were still present outside. In which, we found out that they were when we pushed out of the doors. Questions were once again spewed our way but I spotted his driver parked in a parallel parking space.

He started to climb out but stopped and I assumed Gio told him that he had it. I walked around the truck, Gio opened the door, and I climbed inside. The driver flashed me a smile and I gave him one in return as we waited on Giovanni to shut the door.

"Where to?" the driver asked.

"Back to her place. 91 Leonard Street."

"Thank you for dinner, Giovanni." I fastened my seatbelt. "I enjoyed myself."

"Whew." he wiped fake sweat from his forehead. "Does that mean I get a second date?"

"You're lucky you got this one. I was just in a good mood from the pretty flowers."

"Yeah right. My apology didn't move you?"

"Not in the least bit." I joked causing him to smack his teeth. "But on a serious note, no more pushing me away. Talk to me. Actually tell me what it is that you don't want or do want from me and we'll be good."

"Completely understood." he playfully nudged my leg. I nudged his back and he wrapped his arm around me, pulling me into him and kissed my head. "Aye, wassup with you and Asani? He still treating you right?"

"He was but we're not a thing anymore."

"Uh oh. What was the deal breaker? He still couldn't drive the boat properly?"

I elbowed his side, making him laugh. "And no that wasn't it. I just couldn't offer him what he really wanted. He wants a family and all of that good stuff that I'm in no position to give right now. I'm chasing the bag so babies and marriage are on the back burner."

"So he couldn't drive the boat but still wanted to blast off in that bitch? Hell nah." he laughed to himself.

"I just don't understand why that is so funny to you." I tilted my head.

"Because – you know what? Lemme leave that alone." he shook his head and looked out the window.

"Noooo, you had so much to say just then. Say what you have to say big fella."

He glanced over at me with a cocky smirk. I raised an eyebrow, daring him to say it. "Just know that I never crash, babygirl."

"Hm. That's what your mouth says but there's always a contrary."

"Too bad you'll never know huh?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "Too bad."

The truck came to a slow stop in front of my building and I collected my clutch ready to make my exit. Giovanni slid out, allowing me to follow suit. I wrapped an arm around his neck for a hug and thanked him for the night again.

"Be safe and have a goodnight." I pulled away. "Hopefully we can hang out when my schedule clears up and we're both free."

"Yeah, that sounds good to me." he nodded while stuffing his hands into his pockets.

"...Why does this seem so awkward?" I pulled at my dress with a slight laugh.

He dropped his head with a soft laugh. "I don't know, but I'm going to go so you can go to bed. You have a busy week ahead of you. Goodnight."

"Let me know when you make it home."

He kissed the top of my head then climbed inside of the truck. I walked toward the entrance of the lobby but not without looking back at the truck. Something felt weird about us going our separate ways and I was clueless as to why. Nothing too crazy was said nor did we show any out of the norm affection so I was stuck.

I traveled to the elevator and mashed the button for it to open. As I waited, I unlocked my phone to check for any notifications I may have received while I was out. Korin, we have nothing to talk about! You've been trying to have the same conversation and yet nothing still has been said so leave it alone. Not everything can be reconciled. A message from my dear brother Justice in response to my request to have a conversation alone — without my mother's presence.