xvii. GIRL TALK.
January 18, 2018. | Third Person POV.
Los Angeles, California.

The sun had long since dipped below the horizon, leaving Sedona's condo bathed in the soft glow of her living room lamps. She was sprawled out on the oversized cream-colored sectional, dressed in an oversized knit sweater and leggings, absently scrolling through her phone with a mug of tea resting on the coffee table. The city twinkled through the floor-to-ceiling windows, a dazzling contrast to the quiet warmth inside her home.

She wasn't expecting company, which is why the knock on her door made her jump slightly. Furrowing her brow, Sedona pushed herself off the couch and padded to the door. Peeking through the peephole, she broke into a grin.

When she opened the door, SZA stood there, black curls framing her face, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. She was dressed comfortably in sweats and a hoodie, a duffel bag slung over one shoulder.

"Surprise!" SZA said, holding her arms out.

"What are you doing here?" Sedona asked, pulling her into a hug.

"I just wrapped up my last show in Honolulu, which was actually insane," SZA explained as she stepped inside. "I don't have another one until Philly at the end of the month, so I figured I'd pop up on my favorite L.A. recluse."

Sedona laughed, closing the door behind her. "I'm not a recluse!"

"Girl, you've been back for how long now, and this is the first time we're hanging out? Recluse," SZA teased, dropping her bag by the couch. "I figured you could use some company before I hit this video shoot for All The Stars eventually."

"Well, I'm glad you came," Sedona said, heading to the kitchen. "Tea? Wine?"

"Wine," SZA called after her. "This feels like a wine kind of night."

A bottle of red wine later, the two women were curled up on the couch, laughter filling the room. The city below sparkled like a galaxy, but neither of them paid it much attention. They were deep in conversation, catching up on life, work, and everything in between.

"So," SZA said, narrowing her eyes playfully as she set her wine glass on the coffee table. "You've been back for weeks now. How's that been? Besides the whole Jamaica zen thing."

Sedona exhaled, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass. "It's been... a lot. Good, but a lot. Reconnecting with everything, finishing up music, running into people I didn't expect to see..."

SZA arched a brow. "Running into people like who? Marco?"

Sedona groaned, sinking deeper into the couch. "Yes, unfortunately. But it's fine. We were professional, and got through it. No drama."

SZA gave her a skeptical look but let it slide. "Alright. What else?"

For a moment, Sedona hesitated, biting her lip. The wine had loosened her up just enough that the words spilled out before she could stop them. "Kendrick and I almost kissed."

SZA gasped, sitting up straight. "What?! Girl, you better spill everything. Right now."

Sedona buried her face in her hands, laughing despite herself. "It wasn't a big deal!"

"A kiss is always a big deal," SZA said, pointing at her. "Especially with Kendrick. Start talking."

Sedona sighed, lowering her hands. "Okay, fine. It happened after dinner. He'd picked me up, we got tacos, and we were talking about music, life, all of it. When he walked me to my door, there was... a moment."

"A moment," SZA repeated, leaning in. "Define this 'moment.'"

Sedona's cheeks flushed as she tucked her legs beneath her. "We were standing close, and he leaned in, and I thought it was happening, you know? But then my neighbor Malik, came running past since he has night runs, and it broke the moment."

SZA clapped a hand over her mouth, her shoulders shaking with laughter. "No! Not the neighbor!"

"Yes, the neighbor," Sedona said, laughing along with her. "It was so awkward. Kendrick just laughed it off, and we said goodnight. But it's been stuck in my head ever since."

SZA sobered slightly, her eyes softening. "Do you want it to happen?"

Sedona hesitated, then nodded. "I think so. He's... different. Being around him feels easy, you know? Like, even with all the chaos in my life, he's this constant. But I don't know if it's the right time, or if he even feels the same way."

"Girl, he definitely feels the same way," SZA said with conviction. "Kendrick doesn't just vibe with anyone. Half of the time he's keeping to himself but if he's going out of his way to interact with you, then that means he's always been about you in some way."

Sedona smiled, the warmth of SZA's words settling in her chest. "You think?"

"I know that," SZA said firmly. "But don't overthink it. Let it happen when it's supposed to. And when it does, you better text me immediately."

Sedona laughed, clinking her glass against SZA's. "Deal."

Later that night, after they'd moved on to discussing SZA's upcoming video shoot for All The Stars, Sedona stretched out on the couch, her voice laced with admiration.

"So this shoot," Sedona said, "It sounds incredible. And I'm assuming that you're going all out with the visuals."

"We are," SZA said, her excitement palpable. "It's all inspired by African art and culture. Bold colors, intricate designs, the whole thing. You should come through. I want you to see it."

"Seriously?" Sedona asked, her eyes lighting up.

"Seriously," SZA said. "It's in a couple days, and it's gonna be magical. Plus, it's about time you get out of this condo and soak up some creativity."

Sedona smiled, her heart feeling lighter than it had in weeks. "Alright, I'm in. Thanks for inviting me."

"Of course," SZA said, leaning back with a grin. "We're overdue for some real girl time anyway. And the shoot is just the start."

As the two women talked late into the night, Sedona felt a deep sense of gratitude. For the music, for the friendship, and moments like this—where everything felt just a little less overwhelming.

Sedona and SZA stayed up long past midnight, the city lights below casting a faint glow through the windows as their laughter and chatter filled the condo. It was one of those rare nights where time seemed to stretch, the hours melting away effortlessly.

"Okay, real talk," SZA said, pulling her blanket tighter around her shoulders as she sat cross-legged on the couch. "You and Kendrick almost kissed. You're vibing. The energy's there. But what's stopping you from just leaning all the way into it?"

Sedona took a deep breath, swirling the last remnants of wine in her glass. "Honestly? I think I'm scared. Everything with him feels... different. It's not just some fleeting thing, you know? And what if I mess it up? He's been such a solid presence in my life. I'd hate to lose that."

SZA tilted her head, her auburn curls brushing her shoulders as she regarded Sedona thoughtfully. "I get that. It's scary when something feels real. But girl, you can't live in the 'what ifs.' You'll drive yourself crazy."

Sedona chuckled softly, setting her glass on the table. "I know you're right. I just... I need to figure out how to let go of the overthinking and just let it happen."

SZA leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "You know what I've learned? The best things happen when you're not planning them. Look at my career. Look at my life. Half the time, I didn't even know what I was doing. But somehow, it all worked out."

Sedona smiled, her shoulders relaxing as she absorbed her friend's words. "You always know how to make things seem less complicated."

"That's because it's not complicated," SZA said with a grin. "You're making it complicated. If you want Kendrick, let it happen. If you're not ready, that's cool too. But don't let fear decide for you."

Sedona nodded slowly, her mind racing but her heart feeling lighter. "You're right. I needed this talk. Thank you."

"Anytime," SZA said, stretching and letting out a yawn. "Now, enough about the deep stuff. Let's talk about how you're gonna slay at this video shoot tomorrow. What are you wearing?"

Sedona laughed, shaking her head. "I wasn't even thinking about that yet. Being comfortable is my thing."

"Well, you better start," SZA said, standing up and motioning for Sedona to follow her. "Come on, let's raid your closet. If you're stepping into my world, you gotta look the part."

Half an hour later, Sedona's bedroom was a whirlwind of clothes, shoes, and accessories as SZA meticulously curated an outfit for her.

"This," SZA said, holding up a cardigan. "This is the one. Bold, effortless, besides it's cute."

Sedona raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "It's a music video, not a gala. And I'm not even going to be in it."

"Exactly," SZA said, smirking. "You're not just attending this shoot—you're showing up. And let's be honest, Kendrick's gonna be there, so why not remind him what he's almost kissing?"

Sedona groaned, throwing a pillow at her. "You're ridiculous."

"I'm just saying!" SZA laughed, dodging the pillow. "You're a whole vibe, and it's time to act like it."

—

©kashdemi
Volume I- Redamancy.
Chapter Seventeen.
— ０１／１０／２５
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Happy New Year! May 2025 be filled with blessings, wealth, good health, and all your troubles be put away. I have good faith in this year and hope it can only grow.

Finally, a Solana x Sedona interaction. Keep in mind that SZA's on tour this entire time hence why their interactions have been nonexistent.

Thoughts on the chapter? And what do you expect for the next one?

Stay tuned for the next chapter, & til next time!
- shea