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  So she was a teeny bit jealous. So what? Maybe she hadn’t given the emotion the respect it warranted. Anything that evoked that amount of passion had to be worth something.

  “You are so pitiful,” Sienna mumbled under her breath. It’s not as if he ever noticed you anyway.

  Okay, so that was a lie. Of course Toby had noticed her, just never as someone he could be attracted to. And with Aria Jordan’s baby face, Sienna doubted he’d pay any attention to the ex-tomboy who used to beat him at street basketball.

  She and Toby had been best friends for longer than Sienna could remember. For some reason, their families clicked. Maybe it was because there were three Culpepper girls to three Holmes boys.

  Sure, there were some tense moments when her older sister, Tosha, and Eli had broken up after dating all through high school. Although, Sienna had no idea what Eli had been thinking to get involved with Tosha in the first place. She loved her, but Sienna would be the first to admit her sister was a certifiable nutcase. Everyone pinned that label on the middle daughter, Ivana, but that so was not the case. Ivana was just a little misunderstood; Tosha was good and crazy.

  Sienna and Toby had been inseparable until high school when each was sent to separate schools. They had slowly grown apart over the years. It had started with Toby’s infrequent visits home after he had gone off to St. John’s University on a basketball scholarship. After the car accident that ended his pro basketball career before it even began, Toby hardly came home at all. They had slipped so far away from each other that he had been in New Orleans over a month before Sienna even heard he had moved back home.

  Just as she was about to change direction and head for the other side of the yard where several kids were climbing up the combination slide, jungle gym and swing set, Toby’s eyes caught hers. He motioned her over with his head. Sienna pasted on a smile, and with legs that suddenly felt as if they carried a thousand tons of lead, made her way back to the picnic table.

  The benches were packed with people trying to cash in on the shaded relief offered by the pecan tree’s wide branches.

  “Can you scoot over a bit,” she asked Eli.

  “Of course, Cee Cee,” he answered with the nickname she’d been called since they were kids.

  The epitome of a tomboy, as a child Sienna hated playing with dolls, much to her mother’s consternation. Every Christmas when she received one she would rip the doll’s head off. Then she would sneak over to the Holmeses’ and steal the new basketball Toby and Eli always got on Christmas morning. Although her mother continued to shove dolls in her face her father soon got the picture and bought Sienna her very own NBA regulated Spaulding.

  “So, what’s going on,” Sienna addressed Toby. The sun streaming through the tree’s branches gleamed off his chocolate colored skin. “I heard you telling your mother you had some big news.”

  “Eavesdropping?” Toby asked.

  “I wasn’t eavesdropping,” she answered. “It’s not as if you’ve ever been known to whisper.”

  “Anyway,” Toby sighed dramatically. “As I was telling the rest of the table, Marshall Kellerman of Over the Edge Productions wants Aria to be a part of the cast for a new reality TV show they’re producing, A Week in the Life of a Wannabe Star.”

  “A wannabe star? With the airplay Aria’s been getting on the local radio stations lately, I wouldn’t exactly call her a ‘wannabe’,” Eli said.

  “The show will feature seven rising stars at different stages in their careers. From people just starting out, to those who have developed a small following, like Aria, to people they consider are almost there.” As Toby continued with his explanation, his eyes lit up with excitement.

  “This show is unlike anything that’s ever been done on television. Everything happens in the span of one week. The show opens up on Sunday night with a performance by each contestant in a venue of their choosing, then America chooses which performer they want to see more of by voting online. There will be live cameras rolling simultaneously in the seven different cities, and the more votes a contestant gets, the more airtime they get.”

  “So the cameras will be switching from one person to another based on internet votes?” Monica asked.

  Toby nodded as he took a sip of his beer. “The American public is in total control.”

  “Sounds pretty interactive,” Eli said.

  “It’s totally interactive,” Toby answered. “There will be a constant live feed for all seven contestants on the show’s website. And, each night, the show will open with a live clip of what’s going on with each contestant. Then America starts to vote, and as the votes come in the airtime is awarded to the contestant with the most. That means you all will have to cast lots of votes.

  “It’s really different from the other reality shows out there,” Toby continued. “There’s going to be a very small window for editing. From what the producer shared with me, it took serious arm-twisting to get the FCC to even agree to it.”

  “I’ll bet. That’s pretty risky. I’m surprised network TV is going to try to pull off something like this,” Sienna added.

  “I’ve saved the best for last.” Toby rubbed his hands together. “At the end of the week—that following Tuesday—all contestants will participate in a nationally televised competition in Los Angeles. Whoever wins gets a recording contract.”

  “How’d this come about, Toby?” Monica asked.

  “Kellerman was at the club where Aria performed last night,” Toby answered.

  “Well, that pretty much says it all. We all know this girl can sing,” Monica said.

  “Thank you,” Aria replied, her light brown skin turning red from the compliment. “Although it would mean nothing if Toby had not discovered me. I’d still be singing in my uncle’s place back in Houston.”

  Aria gazed worshipfully at Toby. The fact that she had eyes like Bambi and a body like Malibu Barbie was enough to turn Sienna’s stomach, but witnessing her adoration made her want to throw up her fried fish.

  Could she really blame Toby for dating a gorgeous twenty-year-old who practically drooled at his feet? It’s not as if Sienna had ever come right out and told him how she felt about him.

  But he should have seen it, Sienna reasoned with herself. They had been so close. How could he not have known she’d been in love with him?

  “Dang, bro. This sounds like the big time,” Eli said, slapping palms with Toby across the table. “When do you start?”

  “The actual taping doesn’t start for another five weeks. If we choose to do it, that is. I haven’t signed on the dotted line yet.”

  “What are you waiting for?” Eli asked.

  “I don’t want to rush her into this,” Toby answered.

  “He doesn’t think I’m ready,” Aria interjected.

  “It’s not that. I want to be sure they’re not going to exploit you,” Toby countered. He addressed the rest of the table. “You all know how these reality shows can be. When I took Aria from Houston I promised her mother that I would take care of her. She specifically said she did not want Aria to forget about her church upbringing, and I agree with her. She’s got the voice, and that should be enough. She shouldn’t have to dance across a stage half-naked in order to win over fans. I want to prove that you don’t have to ooze sex appeal in order to make it in today’s music industry.”

  “Good luck with that,” Eli said as if he thought Toby didn’t have a chance in hell at proving his theory. “When was the last time you watched a cable music channel? Sex is all you see these days.”

  Sienna had to agree with Eli on this one. An amazing singing voice wasn’t required these days, as long as the performer had a knockout body that she was willing to show.

  “It’s going to be tough,” Toby was saying, “but we’re up to the challenge. I believe in my client’s God given talent.”

  “But even if I don’t win the competition, the national exposure will still be good for my career,” Aria said.

  “Don’t
.” Toby put a finger to Aria’s lips. “Don’t even talk that way. If we agree to do the show, you will win this competition.”

  The intimate gesture caused a spark of resentment to shoot down Sienna’s spine. Seeing Toby’s finger against the girl’s pouty lips made her want to jerk it away and break the finger in half.

  She’d tried hard to like Aria Jordan the first time she met her, but figured she was predestined to hate her because of the girl’s relationship with Toby. It wasn’t fair, but neither was life.

  “You’re right,” Aria said, a soft smile tilting the corners of her mouth. Sienna tried not to roll her eyes. One more gooey-eyed look and she really was going to be sick.

  “So, do you have to move to Hollywood?” Eli asked.

  He shook his head. “We only have to go out to California for the final show. Everything else will happen right here in New Orleans.”

  “Well, congratulations to you both. This should be really exciting,” Monica said. She rose from the table, pulling Eli with her. “Come on, I want to dance.”

  The couple vacated the picnic table, along with a few others who congratulated Toby and Aria before rising from their seats.

  Sienna felt like a big, bulky fifth wheel on a sleek, svelte Porsche. This was one of those times when she needed a significant other, somebody to release her from this uncomfortable situation. Of course, it was just a regular day for Toby. He had never had a clue as to how she felt about him.

  “This does sound exciting,” Sienna said, hoping the measure of fake enthusiasm she interjected sounded convincing.

  It wasn’t totally fake. She was happy for Toby. After all he’d been through, he deserved a little success.

  “It’s going to take some work,” Toby said. “I Googled the names of a couple of the performers Kellerman mentioned last night and they are really on the ball. We’ve got to get rolling if my girl here is going to become a household name,” he said, wrapping his arm around Aria’s slim shoulders and giving them a squeeze.

  She was not going to let that endearment, or the way Toby held on to the other woman, get to her.

  “Well, congratulations. I hope it all works out for the two of you.”

  “Thanks.” Aria smiled.

  Sienna was not buying the Miss Goody-Two-Shoes act. Nobody was that nice. Just in case, though, she returned the smile as she rose from the table. She would fix her mother a plate and head out of here. She’d had enough of that special Holmes bonding for one day.

  “Hey, Cee Cee, wait up,” Toby said.

  Sienna stopped but didn’t turn. He came around, standing in front of her.

  “How many times do I have to ask you not to call me by that name?”

  “I’ve called you by that name your whole life. Why should I stop now?”

  “Because I asked you to,” Sienna answered. “That reason should suffice.”

  “Fine, I won’t call you Cee Cee anymore, if I can help it.”

  “Try.”

  “Can we get on with this? I’m growing older by the minute.”

  “Smart alec,” she muttered. “What do you want?”

  “I thought you and I could go out later this week.”

  Sienna stopped short. She had to take a quick breath. Then another.

  “An old college friend just moved here,” Toby continued. “I thought maybe the four of us could hang out.”

  Sienna’s shoulders drooped, along with her misguided hopes that Toby had finally caught a clue. “I don’t need you hooking me up on blind dates,” she said, edging past him.

  He caught her by the arm. “It’s not a blind date. The grand opening of Jonathan’s new club is this week, and Aria is going to perform. It should be fun. Besides, do you have anything better to do on Friday night?” He chuckled.

  “Excuse me! What do you know about my life?” She stuck out her chin. “As a matter of fact, I do have plans on Friday.”

  Toby’s head reared back. “Really?”

  Yep, that was genuine surprise on his face. Sienna’s teeth started to grit.

  “I didn’t realize you were seeing anyone,” he said.

  So, she lied. That’s what he got for assuming she’d have nothing better to do than baby-sit one of his college buddies. Sad thing is she really did not have anything better to do.

  “I’m surprised Mama didn’t mention you were dating. You know how she’s in everybody’s business.”

  If she didn’t refute his assumption, would it be an outright lie? She had promised to cut back on sinning. Although, in the grand scheme of things, this one lie constituted such an itty-bitty sin. God shouldn’t mind.

  “It’s not anything serious,” Sienna lied.

  “I just thought you and Jonathan would hit it off. I’d fix him up with Aria,” he said, tilting his head toward the table, “but if we sign on for this new show, that’s where all her concentration has to be focused.”

  This time it was Sienna’s head that reared back.

  Something wasn’t right here. Why would Toby want to hook up his woman with one of his friends?

  “My plans may change,” Sienna said, way too curious now. She had to know what was going on between the two of them, but she couldn’t agree to the date after saying just a minute ago that she was busy. “Call me later this week.”

  Toby enveloped her in a bear hug. “Thanks, Cee Cee.” Sienna pinched him on the arm. “I mean Sienna. Dang, girl. Why do you always have to go for blood?”

  “Because it’s the best way to get a person’s attention.”

  She disengaged from his arms, although she would have given up her car and half her wardrobe to remain in his embrace for just a few seconds more.

  “I’ll give you a call after I’ve talked to Jonathan. He’s getting into town on Tuesday.”

  “In that case, I may have to call you. I do circuit training on Tuesdays. I’d have you call my cell, but it’s been acting up lately. I think the battery is going out.”

  “I can leave a message with your Mom.”

  “I’m not sure I’ll see her before Friday.”

  “Why wouldn’t you see her? Her house isn’t that big?”

  “I don’t live with my mother.”

  “You don’t?” His brows pulled together.

  He really didn’t know her at all anymore. Sienna stared at him, a mixture of hurt and agitation streaming through her blood. “God, Toby. At least I know where you live,” she muttered, edging past him.

  “Wait up,” he said, grabbing her arm. “I didn’t know you’d moved out of your Mom’s house. When did this happen?”

  She crossed her arms over her chest. “It’s been long enough.”

  “I didn’t know,” he said again. “Where to?”

  “Forget it,” she said.

  “How can I get in touch with you?”

  “I’ll call you.”

  She left him standing in the middle of his mother’s backyard.

  ***

  Toby lifted his end of the stack of two-by-fours and he and Alexander walked them over to the sawhorse. Positioning the wood so it didn’t fall off the horse, Toby used his free hand to grab his water bottle. He gulped the slightly chilled water, sighing as it traveled a cool path down his parched throat.

  “Don’t you have workers who could have helped with this,” he asked his older brother. Alex’s construction company had just been named one of the top small black-owned businesses in the New Orleans metro area.

  “I would have to pay them,” Alex answered. “You work for free.”

  Toby snorted. He had him there. Alex knew he could get both of his brothers to help out without much resistance. That’s what you got when you sacrificed your future to take care of your younger siblings.

  “How much more are you going to add onto this house, anyway?” Toby asked, dropping the pieces of wood in a pile. “It’s already a monster.”

  “This is it for a while,” Alex replied. “It’s costing more than I thought it would.”

&
nbsp; “That’s because it’s twice the size you’d originally planned.”

  Toby could not remember a time when Alex was not knocking down a wall or expanding a closet. This time, he was adding an entire new wing for Jasmine. The Princess Suite.

  The fixer-upper Alex had bought for dirt-cheap in the city’s Carrolton area was a construction junkie’s wet dream. The house had been in total disrepair, but with his hammer, nails, and knack for turning the abysmal into the amazing, Alex had done wonders. And he roped his younger brothers into helping with every single project.

  “Where’s Eli?” Toby asked, “I thought he was on his way?”

  Alex shook his head, biting his lower lip as he strained to lift the thick driftwood he had found along the bank of the Mississippi River. God knows what he planned to make out of the knotty wood.

  “Ahh,” Alex expelled as he dropped the log. “One of E’s patients went into early labor. He said he’s gonna try to make it if he can.”

  “I wish I had thought of going into medicine. He’s always got an excuse to get out of doing real work.”

  Toby dodged the glove Alex pitched at his head.

  “Stop complaining,” he said, rounding the sawhorse. “You need to do some physical labor. You don’t have basketball to keep you in shape. If you don’t watch it, you might get a pot belly,” Alex said, playfully socking Toby in the stomach.

  “You sure know how to hurt a brother,” Toby said, referring to the crack about not having basketball anymore more than the punch in the stomach.

  Alex had always been a logical, no-nonsense guy who did not believe in making excuses. And he didn’t stand for his brothers doing so either. After the accident that had stolen Toby’s chances for a professional basketball career, he had at least expected sympathy from his older brother. He should have known better.

  After the months of physical therapy were over and the doctors had declared him healed—or as healed as he was going to get—Alex had given Toby precisely one month to dust himself off and get over it. He had told him that life was too short to waste it dwelling on things he could not change. At the time, Toby had not been receptive to that kind of talk. He’d wanted to sulk, to crawl into himself and curse the world for the injustices that had been brought against him.