Shawn's Apartment

Shawn

They stood in the middle of my living room, bickering like little girls. It was actually kind of funny—cute, even. I'd only met Rebbie once, briefly, but seeing her up close now...

"Wow, I never noticed just how much you guys loo—"

"We know!" they snapped in unison.

I bit my lip to keep from laughing. As much as I wanted to stay and enjoy the show, I knew they needed privacy.

"You know what?" I said. "No one has to go anywhere. Dinner is ready and still warm. There's a bottle of champagne chilling on ice and another in the fridge. Y'all clearly need to talk, so I'll step out."

I realized I was still holding the gifts and set them on the coffee table. "I just need a minute to put on some decent clothes." I headed for the bedroom.

"Damn it, Rebbie," Janet said, following me. "Shawn, this is not at all what I want right now." She trailed me into the closet.

I slipped into a pair of pants and a T-shirt, then turned to face her. "She obviously really needs to talk to you if she came all the way here. She seems worried."

Janet pressed herself against me with a smirk. "What about my love? My needs? Baby, I've got this ache inside me that only you can soothe, Shawn."

I swallowed hard. The effect this woman had on me was unreal.
"Can you please stop being nasty before your sister comes in here and takes her belt to both our asses?" I joked.

I grabbed my shoes and sat on the edge of the bed.

We both looked up as Rebbie walked past the bedroom holding a plate of food, scanning the apartment like she was already settling in. I shook my head, laughing.

Janet stood in front of me, glaring. I looked up at her. "Why are you looking at me like that, J?"

"I'm so glad this is funny to you, Shawnette," she said, folding her arms.

I stood. "Look, I don't mean to laugh. It's just... I've seen the megastar, the boss, the girlfriend—but this? This baby sister version of you is new, and I kind of love it."

She smiled, blushing. "Are you calling me your girl?"

"We'll talk about that later," I said, smacking her butt. "Right now, you're going to talk to Rebbie. I'm gonna sneak over to Gil's and pray he doesn't have company."

"At least someone's getting some tonight," she pouted, following me back into the living room.

Rebbie was already seated on the couch, looking comfortable. I smiled. "Any good?"

"It's delicious, thank you. Did you make this? Because I know my baby sister didn't. She's talented, a jack of all trades—but she cannot cook."

I laughed—then stopped when I saw Janet's face. Clearing my throat, I stepped back. "I think that's my cue. You ladies enjoy yourselves."

I turned to Rebbie. "I'm Shawn, by the way. Not sure if you remember me."

"I do," she said. "The one with the panties in the video."

This time, Janet laughed.

"And that's my cue to disappear," I said. "Make yourselves at home. Call me, J."

Janet lingered behind me, giving me puppy eyes. I mouthed I love you and you've got this before closing the door behind me.

⸻

Janet

The door closed, leaving just Rebbie and me. She smiled and waved.

I rolled my eyes and grabbed the champagne and two glasses.

"Want some?" I asked.

"Yes, please."

I filled both glasses to the rim, and we laughed. Champagne could only help. We drank. She set her glass down while I kept sipping.

She stared at me.

"What?" I asked.

"We used to be so close," she said softly. "I don't understand what happened."

"We're still close," I replied. "We just have different lives now. I have my career. You have your family."

"That's not an excuse." She reached for my hand. "I miss you. And I know there's something you're not telling me."

My throat tightened.

"You need someone here for you," she continued. "Someone to vent to. Cry with."

"I have that," I said quietly. "More than you know. I just don't like bothering you."

"You could never bother me." She leaned closer. "I want the truth."

She touched my face, and my eyes filled with tears.

I stood. I couldn't explain it with words.

Turning my back to her, I let the robe slip off my shoulders. Time had passed, but the bruises were still there—fading, stubborn.

"He's been hitting you?" she asked.

I nodded.

Her hands shook. "No wonder Preston tried to take his head off today."

"Preston's okay," I said. "We talked."

"He did nothing wrong. He was protecting you." She swallowed hard. "You have to let me in, Janet. I need to know what's happening."

"Things have been better since I moved out," I said.

She looked around the apartment. "So you've been staying here with Shawnette."

"On and off," I lied.

"Are you really going to do this to her?" she asked.

I frowned. "Do what?"

"Use her. We all know you like the attention she gives you."

"That's not true," I snapped, walking away.

"Isn't it?" she followed. "Be honest—with yourself and with her."

"What are you trying to say?" I turned. "You know where I stand on same-sex relationships."

"I don't have a problem with gay people," she said firmly. "I have a problem with you hurting someone who cares about you. You need to close one chapter before opening another."

Her words cut deep.

"You're vulnerable," she continued. "Something happened. What was it? Did Shawnette stop giving you attention?"

I exploded. "Don't judge me like your relationships have been perfect! You don't know what I'm going through!"

We both froze.

She looked hurt. "I would... if you'd talk to me."

Silence fell—then a knock at the door.

"What the hell?" I muttered, opening it.

Gil barged in. "I heard the Jackson bitches were having a sleepover without me!"

He went straight for Rebbie's champagne.

Shawn followed him in, holding a plush pink sleeping bag. She tossed it onto the couch. "Sorry. I tried to stop him."

I smiled—just seeing her face eased something in me.

"It's fine," I said, leaning in to kiss her. "Our talk was over anyway."

I took her hand. "Come on. Let's entertain our guests."