The Art of Falling | Szn 1, Episode Nine

She’s Out of My Life | Shameek

“You ever met somebody so addicting, they got you thinking that you trippin’? The type to have all your nigga’s clowin’ ’bout how they lookin’ at you different?”

“Can we ease up on the reverb during this part?” Shameek looked to Phoenix, who did as he asked. “Yup, that’s perfect.”

Sitting back in his seat, Shameek lowered his hat and sipped from his red solo cup. So lost in his own world, he didn’t realize Phoenix was talking to him.

“What happened?” he returned to reality.

“I was asking if you were satisfied with the sound, but never mind,” Phoenix chuckled. “You’re clearly distracted. What’s up?”

Shameek had unintentionally grown closer to Phoenix than he anticipated in the weeks he’d spent in Blue Note Falls. The last thing he’d expected was to make an accidental friend, but he was grateful for the testosterone whenever he needed to balance out his friendship with Gabriella. And the studio was a welcome distraction from thoughts of Kiyanne.

And speaking of, Shameek had to think of an excuse for zoning out. He had no plans to admit that his neighbor had occupied every inch of his mind since she’d run out on him at the pizza parlor. He hadn’t seen or heard from her since that night, which worried him. There were even a few nights when he’d caught himself listening to see if he could hear her coming or going.

However, to his dismay, Kiyanne seemed to disappear into thin air, and Shameek couldn’t stand it.

“I’m just wondering if putting my energy into all this is even worth it,” Shameek finally replied, rattling off the first thought that came to mind.

“You ain’t even got your foot off the ground yet, and you’re already trying to throw in the towel? I know we don’t know each other like that, but you're Gabby’s people, so I’m going to shoot it straight with you; there are people less talented than you whose confidence will put them in a room you’ll never see if you don’t get your shit together. Whatever has you doubting yourself, I suggest you sort it out before you blow it.”

“I hear you, P.”

“I hope so,” Phoenix replied, retrieving his phone. “’Cause I ain’t throwing all my energy into this for nothing.”

Catching Phoenix’s poorly hidden smile as he scanned his phone screen, Shameek laughed. “Do I even want to know who has you smiling like that?”

“The woman who can’t decide whether she wants to be my peace or a pain in my ass.”

“I’m guessing she’s choosing peace today?”

“Yeah, after wreaking havoc all last week,” Phoenix chuckled, returning his phone to the soundboard. “But that’s a story for another day. Let’s wrap this up so we can call it a night.”

“Bet.”

After finishing his session and leaving the studio, Shameek found himself at Gabby’s instead of at his apartment as he had intended. Parking, he jogged to her building and pressed the intercom to buzz her door.

“What up?” her voice blared through the speaker.

“Girl, open the door. It’s cold as fuck out here.”

Snickering, Gabriella buzzed him in. Pulling open the heavy door, Shameek took the steps two at a time to get to her floor. He stepped back after knocking, and moments later, it swung open to reveal Gabriella’s smiling face.

“Hey, brother,” she grinned, hugging him.

“What’s up, big head?” he quickly embraced her before entering.

“Nothing much. I’m working on a few content ideas for a client. What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to pick your brain about something,” he murmured, feeling he couldn’t go another day without figuring out what was up with Kiyanne.

“Uh-oh,” Gabriella plopped onto her couch and tucked her legs underneath her. “Do I need a glass of wine for this?”

Shameek laughed. “I don’t think so. It’s not that deep.”

“Mmhm. I’ll be the judge of that.”

“Whatever, drama queen. Anyway, there’s—”

“A woman?” she correctly guessed.

He chuckled, rubbing his hands together. “I guess you could say that.”

“Do not tell me you got caught up,” her eyes narrowed.

“I did, but not negatively. At least, I don’t think so. I barely even know shorty, but it’s killing me that she isn’t giving me any energy.”

Gabriella’s demeanor shifted from protective to playful. “Aw, look at you,” she pinched his cheek. “Are you blushing?”

“Gone ‘head, Gab,” he laughed, slapping her hand away.

“Okay, what’s her name?”

“Kiyanne.”

“That’s pretty.”

“And so is she. Actually, she’s fuckin’ gorgeous.”

“Have you two hung out a lot?”

“No,” Shameek stood, pacing the floor. “And that’s the damn problem. We’ve only chilled once. If you can even call it that. I took her to The Upper Crust last week, and everything was cool. Then, her sweatshirt sleeve pulled back to reveal a scar on her wrist, and she freaked out and bailed.”

“Yikes. Really?”

“Sis, I swear, the last time I saw someone move that fast, they were running from the police. I haven’t seen her since.”

“Um, and how could you have? You stalking her?” Gabriella raised an eyebrow.

“No, fool. She’s my neighbor.”

“Well, it would have been nice for you to mention that at the beginning of this story, doofus. I thought I was going to have to report you.”

“Gabby.”

“Alright, alright,” she held up her hands. “Back to being serious. From what little you’ve shared with me, it seems like she has a rocky past.”

“Shit, I do too. I just feel bad about her reaction. I don’t want her to think I’m judging her, though none of this should matter. I barely know her. There’s no reason I should have to play I Spy to get her to hear me out.”

Gabriella’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Uh-huh,” she clasped her hands.

“What?” Shameek asked, pausing his pacing.

“Nothing, nothing at all, brother,” she grinned. “I’m just in a good mood and ready to help you hunt down your girl.”

“She’s not my gi—”

“What else do you know about her besides her name?”

“Nothing other than that she works at an art gallery.”

“Well, there’s only one gallery in Blue Note Falls. The only one worth talking about, anyway. What are your plans for tomorrow?”

“Hendric is supposed to—”

“Aht,” Gabriella cut across him before he could finish his sentence. “Whatever you and Hendric have planned can wait. We’re going on a field trip.”

“I am not popping up at Kiyanne’s job,” he frowned, deducing her plan.

“Fine,” she shrugged. “Then I’ll do it for you.”

“Gabriella.”

“Listen, I don’t even know why you came to me if you didn’t want these results. You know I’m the friend who makes things happen. The gallery opens at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, and we will be there at 9:55. Do not be late,” she stood and patted his shoulder. “Now, are you hungry?”

Part of Shameek couldn’t believe Gabriella’s antics, but he shouldn’t have been surprised. Her personality had been the same since they met. So far, she hadn’t changed and likely never would.

Plus, as much as he hated owning up to it, Shameek wanted to lay eyes on Kiyanne again to ensure she was okay—even if she still wanted nothing to do with him afterward. So, following Gabriella’s instructions, he fished his phone out of his pocket to see if he could rearrange his plans with Hendric.

*

“Man,” Shameek hugged, nudging Gabriella. “If I have to listen to one more painting lecture during this stupid ass tour, that’s your ass.”

“You were the one who didn’t want to ask the people at the front desk if Kiyanne was here. So now we’re stuck on this tour, hoping you can see her. Suck it up and deal with it.”

“Because it’s weird as hell to pop up at someone’s job and ask for them. I’d look like a damn stalker.”

“Aren’t you?” Gabriella snorted at Shameek.

“If my memory serves me correctly, this was your idea.”

“And I’m starting to regret offering my damn services,” she fussed in a hushed whisper. “Got me out here helping you and have the nerve to complain.”

Shameek grunted as she jammed her elbow into his ribs.

“And this is our amateur exhibit,” the tour guide revealed. “One of these incredible paintings was crafted by our very own Kiyanne Waters,” she continued, making Shameek cough. “It’s the newest piece, titled, ‘A Beacon in the Midst of Darkness’. It’s something she recently completed after spontaneous inspiration.”

Gabriella didn’t hesitate to raise her hand.

“Yes, ma’am?” their guide smiled.

“You said the painting was completed by one of your employees? Can we meet her? I’d love to ask a few questions about the painting.”

“I’d be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.”

“No offense,” Gabriella’s smile widened. “But I’d prefer to hear the artist’s personal account. There’s nothing like hearing it directly from the artist, you know?”

Shameek held back his laughter at Gabriella’s attempt to butter up the guide.

“I know exactly what you mean,” the woman replied. “I’ll see if I can find her for you.”

The other members on their tour talked amongst themselves as Shameek focused on the painting, admiring Kiyanne’s talent.

“Okay, you said she worked at a gallery. You didn’t mention that she was an artist. Your girl is talented as hell.”

“How many times do I have to say she isn’t my girl?” he chuckled, admiring how the teal and violent colors collided on the canvas. For it to be an abstract piece, it was so precise that it almost blew Shameek away.

“The guide said this was spontaneously inspired,” she nudged his shoulder. “Do you think—”

“I wouldn’t even let my ego set me up like that,” Shameek laughed.

“Are you sure they asked for me?” Kiyanne’s voice found his ears as she turned the corner. “I don’t know why anyone would—” she stopped speaking when her eyes landed on him.

“Yes, I’m sure,” the tour guide smiled, gathering her group. “I’m going to continue the rest of the tour while you talk.”

An uncomfortable silence blanketed the three as the rest of the group moved away, leaving them alone.

“Well, hi,” Gabriella was the first to break the silence. “I’m Gabby. Publicist, blogger, and his sister,” she pointed to Shameek.

Recovering from her shock, Kiyanne returned Gabriella’s smile. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Kiyanne.”

Shameek, however, didn’t speak.

“Say something, fool,” Gabriella elbowed him again.

“You have one more time to put your hands on me, and that’s your ass,” he fussed, frowning.

“Okay, well, I have better things to do than to hold your hand through this. I’m going outside to make some calls. Handle your business,” she fussed before turning to Kiyanne. “It’s nice meeting you too. And hopefully, I’ll see you around sometime.”

Without another word, she left the two alone.

Shameek was the first to break the silence. “Sooo,” he shoved his hands inside the pockets of his sweatpants. “The guide said you had inspira—”

“Don’t even try it,” she tittered. “You are not about to make my art about you.”

He shot her a crooked grin, “I mean, I’m just saying. The timing is wild.”

“Boy, whatever,” she dug the toe of her sneaker into the ground.

“Where you been, Kiy?” Shameek boldly asked.

“I’ve been with my mom for a while, working on a few pieces.”

“Damn, I’ma be heartbroken if you say your mama inspired this and not me.”

Kiyanne sniggered. “You are so conceited.”

“And you make my life difficult, woman. What happened the other night? I thought we were vibing?”

“We were…” Kiyanne's words trailed off as she looked at the ground.

“But?” Shameek urged.

“But you don’t need a woman like me in your life.”

One of his eyebrows rose. “Says who?”

“Says me. There’s so much you don’t know about me.”

“Trust me, there’s a lot you don’t know about me as well,” lifting his hand, Shameek pointed to the tattoo he’d gotten after a gang initiation years ago. We all have scars. Some are just more visible than others,” he moved closer and took her hand. You don’t have to feel obligated to share everything with me upfront. I’m patient enough to wait until you trust me. But you owe me a redo on our date.”

The corners of Kiyanne’s mouth turned up. “And when did we agree that you buying me pizza was a date?”

“Just now, when that’s what I said it was.”

She kissed her teeth, trying her hardest to appear annoyed, but Shameek could see through her façade. Kiyanne was just as interested in him as he was in her.

“If you want to stick to your MO and be stubborn, that’s perfectly fine with me. Either way, I know how this ends.”

The tip of Kiyanne’s tongue touched the corner of her upper lip. “And how is that?”

“With me getting what I want.”

“Have you been this arrogant all your life?”

“Mmmm, I prefer to think of it as confident. Arrogant has a negative feel to it.”

Releasing a tuft of air, Kiyanne placed her hands on her hips and twisted her mouth as she studied him. “I know I’m going to regret this…but fine. Since you want to spend time with me so badly that you were willing to stalk me, we can have a pizza redo. You can come over tomorrow night, and I’ll have everything prepped.”

“You’re fine, so I’ma let the comment about me stalking you slide,” he chuckled. “And I don’t know if I trust you to prep the food. You might try to poison me.”

“Well, this is what you wanted, so I guess you’ll have to step out on faith and trust me,” she said, her smile so warm that it made Shameek feel like he’d give her anything she wanted.

Taking her hand, he rubbed his thumb across her skin. “Cool. Pizza at your crib, it is. But if I get sick, that’s your ass.”

“Whatever, negro,” Kiyanne laughed as he pulled her into a gentle, unexpected hug. Honey and Shea invaded his nose, putting Shameek entirely at ease.

“I’ll see you tomorrow night, shorty. And you better not stand me up.”