I was waken up by Taraji's assistant... I looked down and Reign was balled up on my chest..

"I'm sorry to wake you Mr. Gray but Taraji asked me to wake your black ass up so you and the beautiful Reign can have some breakfast..."

I stretched out and nodded..

"Okay Marie.. I'll be right there just let me wake up Reign.."

She nodded and went back in..

I lightly shook her..

She finally opened her eyes and looked around..

"Well good morning gremlin feet.."

She smiled stretching out..

"What's good brat.. you still salty because you lost to the Uno Queen?"

She said sitting Indian style..

"Maaan Look! I let you win.."

"Yeah Okay.. Damn we slept out here.. someone could have kidnapped us.."

"Girl we all the way on the top floor 24 flights high.. Ain't nobody thinking about us..."

She smiled..

"Thanks for inviting me over here.. You and Jussie.. I had such a great time.. I'll never forgot this... I got to party with BILL NYE THE SCIENCE GUY! And I smoked some of the best weed I ever hit inside of Jody's baby mama crib.. I got waisted and slow danced for the first time.. I met Mary J. Blige!! Damn man.. My girls gonna trip out about this.. they'll never believe me.."

"That's they're fault.. we tried to invite them.. But I'm glad you had fun.. It can be like this for you always if you'd like..."

She cleared her throat..

"Uh um.. so when we leaving I wanna admire everything before we leave.."

"Well Taraji had her chef make us breakfast so after we eat.. I hope you hungry, I know I am..."

"Yeah I could eat.."

She said standing up..

"Hey have you seen my phone?"

"Yeah I put both of your phones on the charger earlier now come on so we can eat.. I'm hungry.."

Jussie said coming out to the balcony..

We both laughed going in..

All the food on the table looked so good..

"Well good morning Reign.."

Taraji said embracing me with a hug..

"Good morning Ms. Henson"

"Dang I don't get no good morning?"

Bryshere said sitting down at the table..

"Boy please.. Reign have a seat make yourself comfortable.. I hope you had a great time last night.. my parties usually get pretty wild..."

"Oh it was turnt.. I had the time of my life.. I met so many iconic legends It was unreal... I still can't believe Bill Nye be getting down.."

"Oh Yes Girl.. When I met that fool he told me he should have played Jody in baby boy.. we been cool ever since.."

I was cracking up..

"My Mom would have loved this.. I wish she could be experiencing this with me.."

"Why didn't you invite her?"

"She moved back to Grenada a few years back and she loves it.. she says she's never coming back to the states and she hasn't.. I have to go visit her when I wanna spend time with her.."

I said looking down missing her..

"Well we will just have to bring the party to her next time then.. Shit I love Grenada.. Y'all down?"

She said looking at Jussie and Bryshere..

"Hell yeah!"

They both said..

I smiled as the chef made our plates and sat them in front of us..

We began to eat..

"So, how did you all meet?"

Taraji said drinking her mimosa..

"Well I knew her first.. we been knowing each other for years.. we go way back to acting class.. That's my girl.. We just lost contact and I seen her the other day at 'Philly Cheese Everywhere'.."

Jussie said winking at me..

"Yeah and I seen her at the club the night before.. but it just so happens that she knows Jussie and we seen her there when we went to go meet up to eat.. I'm glad he noticed her..."

He said taking a bite of his food and eyeing me..

"Yup. Basically!"

I said drinking my orange juice..

"Welp. You're family now! I like her.. How was that weed Reign?"

"Oh it was top grade.. I almost lost a lung from one hit.. But it help me beat cry baby Bryeshia in Uno.."

Taraji and Jussie bust out laughing...

"Girl it wasn't the weed he just can't play.. I always keep a fresh deck just for him.. he always swear he gonna win and hasn't won one game since I met his ass.."

"Facts, remember last year when he got mad and went back to Philly cause Snoop beat him.."

Jussie said shaking his head and laughing..

"Damn.. remember that song we made on the piano about him as he was leaving"

Taraji said hanging onto Jussie shoulder laughing..

"Hell yeah! I'll never forget.."

I looked over at Bryshere who grabbed some random sunglasses and put them on crossing his arms..

"Awe don't be big mad Bry! You know we love you..."

Taraji said cracking up with Jussie..

I got up and sat by him..

"It's Okay they just messing around.."

I said rubbing his shoulder..

"He'll be alright.. Come on Taraji.."

Jussie said standing up holding his glass of champagne..

"You still remember the lyrics to the song we made up?"

She laughed standing up

"Hell yeah!"

They both started singing:

..

They both said laughing and dancing..

"Whatever man.. I haven't looked at Snoop the same since that night.."

Bryshere said pouting..

I shook my head..

"It's Okay.. You'll get um next year.. At least your got a nice box haircut.."

I said laughing leaning on him..

After we got done eating it was time to go.. Jussie decided stay because he was going shopping with Taraji later on..

He told me he would call and check on me later.. And we promised to keep in touch from here on out..

After Taraji cussed him out for sleeping in her bed

she walked us outside..

"Thank you for all your hospitality.."

I said as she gave both us a hug..

"Anytime dear.. get my number from Bryshere so we can link up.. I'll get your number from Jussie.."

"I will.."

"Is that Taraji?"

Bryshere's dad said getting off the Helicopter..

"Ohh shit! Don't start with me Bryson!"

Taraji said rolling her eyes

"What I just came over here to say good morning.."

"Mmhhmm.. Good morning Nigga.."

"So are those Baby Boy checks still rolling in?"

His dad said laughing..

"Fuck You Bryson.. bye y'all talk to you guys later.. Be safe!"

She said waving as her assistant helped her back inside...

We all got back into the Helicopter..

He held me the whole ride as he was showing me everything the whole way back..

We finally got back..

I waved at Bryshere's dad...

"Thanks Mr. Gray!"

I called to him..

"Anytime! Nice to meet you!"

When we got to the Lobby we stopped at the front desk..

Bryshere rang the bell..

Winston turned around...

"Oh sir I didn't noticed you both there.. Was your party off the Heezy.."

He laughed..

"Winston nobody says that anymore.. and yes.. We had a great time.."

"Good to hear sir and the lady?"

"I had an amazing time Winston..."

"Good to hear.. Well your driver is out front ready to get Ms. Reign back safe and sound.."

He bowed..

Bryshere guided me through the revolving doors as I waved bye to Winston..

He helped me in the back of the limo..

"Winston is funny.. how long have you known him?"

"All my life.. He use to be my dad's assistant but when my dad opened up this building he became the manager over it..."

"You mean that building back there.. That's your dad's.."

"Well, technically it's my moms but she likes to be behind the scenes.. My dad is the in your face business type thing.. and she's the money lady.. she's sort of a.. Well a silent boss.."

"That's dope.. I love to see women doing it Big.. I bet she don't take any mess either.."

"Nope.. she sure doesn't.. Not now, not ever.."

"I heard that..."

We listened to music and joked the whole car ride back to my hotel...

When we pulled up he got out and opened the door for me..

"Well your here.."

"Yeah I'm here.."

"I'm glad I got to spend time with you.."

He said holding my hand..

"Yeah it was alright or WHATEVA!"

I said swaying side to side tryna be ratchet..

He laughed and smiled running his thumb across my face..

"I love that.. that goofy ghetto thing you do.. it's a turn on... I wanna see you more sometimes.. Do you mind if I call and text you.. I mean can we keep in touch?"

I nodded..

"Uhh.. Yeah sure.. I got your number now loser.. I'll lock you in..."

"Okay well I'll hit you up.."

I nodded..

"Ight now go on and walk off so I can watch you from the back like you know I wanna do..."

I smiled turning away twitching from side to side tryna be cute and tripped in the door..

I turned back around facing him..

"I meant to do that.. that was on purpose!"

"Sure it was.."

He said trying not to laugh..

"It was.."

I said taking my hills off and walking away fast..

I wasn't even paying attention and bumped straight into someone dropping all my things..

I looked up and it was Brandon..

"Here you go.. You dropped your phone.."

He said handing it to me..

"Thanks.."

I said fixing my dress...

"Do you ever have an off day?"

He laughed..

"Yeah I'm actually off today, I came up here to pick up my check.. All this money this hotel makes and they still didn't set up direct deposit.."

"That's crazy.."

"Where you coming from?"

"Just a little party nothing to special..."

"Oh well maybe we can link up later.. I would love to take you out.. nothing to crazy or fancy.. Just a good old laid back time.."

"I don't know Brandon..."

"It's cool.. well if you change your mind here's my number.."

He wrote it down on a paper and handed it to me..

I smiled..

"Sounds good.."

"Have a good day Reign.."

He said walking away..

Lord that man knows he's fine...

I went up to my room and came straight out my dress I couldn't wait to take a shower but first I had to call Candice.. I mean I love Hunter and Sherry but I tell Candice EVERYTHING..

"Hellooo"

She answered sounding all happy...

"Oh lord you and August must have did the nasty..."

"Uh... Yeah something like that.. So what's up.. what happened tell me everything!"

"I had a great time Girl.. Taraji is cool as hell.. I got so waisted.. I met so many famous people and they were all cool.. AND BITCH!"

"What! What happened?"

"I got to party with Bill Nye.."

"Bill Nye.. You talking about the science guy girl?"

"Hell yeah and he is so crazy.."

She was cracking up..

"I mean I'm glad you had fun but what happened with you and Yazz?"

"You mean Bryshere.."

"You know exactly who I'm talking about.. What happened?"

"Well he was real sweet to me.. We slow danced all night.. we smoked together and then I whipped his ass in Uno and we fell asleep on the balcony together.. we ate breakfast the next morning and that was that.. he brought me back..."

"BORING! You didn't let him hit that?"

"It's not all about sex Candii!"

"Shit.."

"Anyways were gonna keep in touch.. or at least he said he would.."

"Well at least you had a good time.. I can't believe you met Bill Nye.."

"Girl I met everybody it was lit as fuck! Sooo I have a problem though.."

"What what's up.."

"Well remember Brandon from the hotel.."

"You mean Fine ass chocolate nigga from the lobby.. Yeah what about him?"

"Well I bumped into him on my way up and he asked me could he take me out tonight.."

"BITCHHH WHAT!! And what did you say?"

"I said I don't know.. but he gave me his number.."

"You have to be the dumbest person I ever met!"

"EXCUSE ME!"

"You literally get handed a bucket of the finest dicks on the planet and just turn them all down.."

"I didn't turn him down.. I just don't want to lead anyone on.. that's not my steelo."

"Girl you mean Yazz.. from what I'm hearing it's fair game.. He's not your nigga you can do what you want.. Now go on that date with that sexy ass chocolate Nigga and I don't wanna hear anything else about it.."

"You really think I should go out with him?"

"Hell yeah! You better or I will myself! Now get out there and be the best hoe you can be tonight, it's not like you'll see him again anyway.."

I starting fake crying..

"I love you so much Candii! You always know how to help me embrace my inner Hoeizm..."

"Always Girl! We've been tight since the 2nd grade what kind of BFF would I be if I didn't encourage you to bring out your inner freak here and there... I would help you out but August is already having a fit cause I didn't call him that night we went out.."

"Girl you need to leave his ass"

"Leave him.. HAVE YOU SEEN HIM?"

"Yes Candi..."

I said shaking my head picking out an outfit

"Okay and have you heard his sexy New Orleans accent.."

"I guess girl.."

"I'm telling you the dick got my mind all messed up that's why I can't leave.."

"Whatever.. But if you don't hit me up because of his ass again ima come hunt you down so you better let him know! I missed you girl.."

"I know I missed you too Rei.. Now go freshen up.. and if you see sexy chocolate naked tonight try to sneak a video.."

"Bye Candii..!"

"At least a picture DAMN.."

"Bye CANDII.."

I said laughing hanging up..

I hopped in the shower and stayed in there feeling the steam.. I thought about the times Julius would hide me.. That was the lowest point in my life.. I never wanted to feel that way again.. He made me feel worthless.. I never felt sexy enough.. I started to lose confidence and he manipulated my mind making me feel like I wasn't worth being seen.. He made me think no one would ever want me.. But eventually I pulled my self out of that hell hole and built myself back up.. I promised myself to be the most confident, sexiest, proud woman in my skin.. And I started back journalism to help other women feel comfortable in their own skin too..

I wouldn't be all the way right if I didn't let him know what he did to me.. Why I left him and how much he hurt me..

After I got out the shower I got myself together..

I got dressed and called Julius.. I needed to meet up with him if I was ever gonna fully move on..

He answered after the first ring..

"Reign.."

"Hey Julius.."

"I'm glad you called I was thinking about you.."

"Oh really?"

I asked rolling my eyes..

"Yeah.. I always think about you every since the day you left me.."

"Oh okay.. well I was calling to see if you were free?"

"Like now?"

"Yeah.."

"Oh yeah.. I can always make time for you.."

"Good ima text you this address.. can you meet me there?"

"Yeah wherever.."

"Cool I'm headed out now see you there.."

I said heading out texting him the address..

The vallet pulled up with my car and I headed to one of my favorite places to relax when I'm in Philly..

Their downtown botanical garden..

It seems like we pulled up at the same time..

👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾

He followed me as I found a place for us to sit and talk..

We both sat..

"You look beautiful as usual.."

I nodded..

"Thanks. I hope your girlfriend isn't mad.."

"Who!? Man fuck her.. she alright.. I'll trade all of this for you Reign.."

"No you're good trust me.. I'm surprised you agreed to meet me out in public.. but I guess it's easy for you to be seen with me since we're over now.."

"Reign look I'm sorry..."

I placed my hand up..

"No need.. Look the reason I called you here is because I had some things to get off of my chest to you.."

He sighed..

"I have a feeling like this isn't gonna be good.."

He checked his phone and put it back in his pocket..

"I'm all ears Reign.."

"I just wanted to tell you exactly why it is that I left you that day.. Well technically I gave you a decision and you let me walk out.. and it was the best decision I could have ever made for myself.."

"Look Reign I.."

"Please just let me finish..."

I paused looking at him straight in the eyes so he could see my emotions..

"When I first met you it was beautiful... but weeks turned into months and I started to wonder why we never went out anywhere.. Not once did you take me anywhere.. When I asked you why you told me it was for the better.. the way you would blatantly disrespect me every night and go out with other women.. and then tell me that the camera adds on weight.. You made me feel like I was nothing... The only time you were good to me is when you wanted to have sex with me.. I believed you because I thought it was just love.. But it wasn't love... I never felt beautiful.. I hated my body, I hated myself.. and I thought I needed you because nobody else would want me.."

He grabbed my arm as I wiped the tear before it fell..

I snatched away from him..

"But then one day I looked in the mirror and seen the beauty.. I realized if you couldn't except me for who I was that's your problem.. I left you and reinvented myself.. I took back my power.. I will no longer allow anyone to play me.. I'm glad you didn't see it in me because I had to see it in myself.. Bottom line is it's taken some time to build myself up and I feel good..

My body is the SHIT! And I won't ever let anyone take that away from me again.."

"Reign I know I was a fucking idiot back then.."

"Still are!"

"Okay I deserve that but I was young and stupid.. I don't think the way I use to.. I hate that I made you feel that way.. I can't change the past.. I can only prove that I'm a better man.."