#kareem pace

[wannabecatwriter]

While the elders were busy schmoozing, Tammie and Kareem stepped out for a moment.

“Dude, I’ve got news - I’m not wearing it right now, but I have a ring. Guillaume proposed last week,” she told him.

“Girl!!! Congrats!!! When’s the wedding? Let me know so I can give you a proper present.”

“Well, we’re not sure yet. You’re literally the first person who knows in Brooklyn Heights.”

“Why the secrecy? You’re not scared Maria will try to sink her hands into him, are you?”

“Oh, no. Although, considering her involvement in the Keith situation, she might start rumors if she finds out. You know how vengeful she can be. But no, we’re still thinking through the whole living in two different countries thing.”

“Tams, you know you can’t keep living your life for others. Your aunt is a big girl, she’ll handle you moving to France.”

“I know, but...”

“No buts! Go to France, enjoy the lovely European countryside, your fiance’s delicious wine, and of course, your gorgeous fiance himself.”

[wannabecatwriter]

“And if it comes to any crazy scheme those wackos want to involve your aunt in, you can rely on me. Donna’s like an aunt to me as well and I’m totally fine with telling sketchy scammers to hit the road,” Kareem reassured her.

“Oh, good, you think this whole evening is sketchy too, right?” Tammie asked.

“Duh, one has to be an idiot not to. No offense to your aunt.”

“None taken. She is way too trusting. I wish she’d stop hanging out with Janis. That woman has always been the ringleader and some of her schemes are just as questionable as Chandra’s.”

“Yeah, I guess there are those types of folks in every generation.”

“Unfortunately.”

[wannabecatwriter]

What a strange guy, thought Josie, as Nick trounced off away from her. Why did her aunt introduce them? Sure, he was cute, but he seemed a little off.

Before she could ponder this further, Josie’s gaze fell upon the very last person she wanted to see in this city - Maria Villegas.

Maria... that girl had a way of ruining her day whenever they ran into one another. That’s how it was in Starlight Shores. At first, she was the director’s darling on the set. And then Maria showed up! And then, slowly, her role on the show started to shrink, with her getting fewer and fewer speaking lines.

Sure, Josie couldn’t actually prove anything. But it all started after she and Maria had a row. Next thing she knew, her career was taking a hit.

“Josie? Never thought I’d see you here,” Maria smiled in a way that would’ve come across as genuine to anyone else, but Josie knew better. “What brings you to Brooklyn Heights?”

“Long story. I had to settle things with my ex, but that’s finished now.”

“Oh yes, those things can be a drag. What are you up to now?” Maria asked.

“Not much. I’m just here with my aunt,” Josie nodded towards Chandra, who was busy talking to Donna and Janis.

“You two are related? No way.”

“Yeah, well, we are.”

[wannabecatwriter]

“Yeah, I guess I got lucky. One book got published and it really flew of the shelves, so now all the publishers actually all want to work with me,” Kareem chuckled. “I’m sticking with my OG publisher, though. He’s the one who actually stuck by me since the start.”

“It’s pretty hard to make it in that industry, isn’t it?” Anna understood.

“Yeah, like I said, I pretty much got lucky with someone who took a chance on me,” Kareem admitted. “I’m sure there are many who could write even bigger hits if someone gave them a chance.”

“Maybe you can!” Anna offered. “With your name attached, you could probably help some young authors. Maybe even start your own publishing house?”

“Who knows? Maybe I will eventually,” he nodded. “Do you write?”

“Oh, no. I draw, but creating a story isn’t really my strong point. I leave that to the professionals,” Anna laughed. “Honestly, I have mad respect for anyone creating stories - how do you keep all those details in your head?”

“Hah, I actually feel like that’s easy. Now, art sounds way more complicated to me, so I guess we’re even,” Kareem smiled. “Now, how did all of us artistic-minded folks end up here?”

“Life, man. Life,” Demarcus shook his head. “Bills need to be paid and folks need their drinks.“

“If only we could do it in less unsavory company,” Tammie shot a tired look to where her aunt was chatting with the birthday boy and the others.

“You could say that again,” mumbled Nick, who was about done with his drink and ready to head out. This “high society” was not for him.

[wannabecatwriter]

“So, are you two an item?” Anna asked.

“Are we?” Tammie and Kareem exchanged a look, laughing again. “I don’t even know this guy. Who is this?”

They both laughed at this.

“We’ve been besties since middle school,” Kareem explained. “We did date a bit though, in high school.”

“Yeah, for about a month. And then we broke up and didn’t talk for nearly a year,” Tammie added. “Which sucked.”

“But that’s in the past. We’re tight again these days. And Tammie always invites me to these shindigs so I can get some inspo. In return, I keep her company so that she doesn’t go completely crazy among these people,” Kareem explained.

“Inspo? Are you an artist?” Anna asked, curious.

“I write.”

“He’s being modest. This is Kareem Pace. Maybe you’ve heard of him?” Tammie smiled.

“Kareem Pace?!” Marcus nearly jumped. “Wait, you’re that Kareem Pace?”

“You’re the writer!” Anna understood. She recalled Marcus going absolutely crazy after reading a nail-biting thriller written by this guy. Ever since then, he has devoured most of this man’s works, praising all of them highly.

[wannabecatwriter]

“Hi, can you make us the absolutely strongest stuff you have on the menu?” Tammie asked Anna and Demarcus. “And I do mean strong. We need it.”

She nodded at the others, after which she and Kareem burst out into giggles.

“That guy’s here, so attention should be away from us for as long as he’s present,” Tammie chuckled.

“What is the deal with that anyways?” Kareem asked. “He’s rich, right? I thought everyone here was rich too.”

“Yeah, but apparently, Mr. Eddie was a big hit with the ladies when they were all younger.”

"He still is, as far as I can see,” Anna noticed.

“Oh yeah. He is. Never understood it, frankly. I’ve always thought there was something off about the guy, but I don’t know him that well, so I can’t really say,” Tammie shrugged.

“He does have a certain sort of energy about him,” Kareem said.

“Oh, not you too,” Tammie nudged him.

“What? He’s very inspirational,” Kareem chuckled, prompting Tammie to nudge him again, laughing.

[wannabecatwriter]

Meanwhile, Tammie, who’s been alternating between annoyed and bored for the length of this evening, finally smiled when a welcome face appeared in the lounge.

“Kareem! Finally!” she hugged her friend, whispering, “Dude, where have you been? You’ve been missing out on some majorly juicy stuff here.”

“Sorry, Tams, I was stuck with my publisher. Long story, I’ll fill you in later. But what’s been happening?”

“It’s a right circus in here, man. This was supposed to be a birthday party, but the birthday guy isn’t even here, and MLM stuff is heavily being pushed on the guests. Also, I feel like there’s something weird going on between all those women and that blond guy, who’s been getting drunk all evening.”

“Man, I have been missing out,” Kareem chuckled.

“Right? Come on, let’s get you a drink. The bartenders are nice at least,” Tammie dragged him to the bar.