xxv. GRAMMY WEEKEND.
January 25, 2018. | Third Person POV.
New York City, New York.

Liked by sza and 1,689,789 others
sedona  it go halle berry or hallelujah 🥤
throwback 2 me in jamaica.

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user1 @marco how tf did u fumble her my ngga???
⤷user2 exactly like like c'mon now???

sza heyyy wifey 😍😍😍😍.
⤷user2 can't wait to see uuuuuuu.

user2 lemme drink ur bath water mamas.
⤷

user45 Kendrick lyrics. taste.
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feliciathegoat camera all blurry and shit.
⤷sedona u gon buy me a new one? 😒
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user55 push 2 start update?
⤷nickiminajsbuttcream the audience would like to know.
⤷user65 exactly.
⤷sedona soon :)

—

The day after Sedona and Kendrick were informed they'd be each other's date to the 60th Grammys, Sedona's schedule was already moving at full throttle. By 5 PM, she was groggily slipping into a pair of oversized sunglasses and a hoodie, boarding a private jet en route to New York City.

Monica, efficient as ever, had arranged for Sedona's longtime designer and stylist, Jules, to accompany her on the flight. Jules wasted no time, opening a portfolio filled with sketches, fabric swatches, and ideas the moment they were settled in the jet.

Sedona pulled out her sketchpad, flipping to a drawing she had been working on for weeks. The design featured carnival-inspired headwear, a jeweled bustier, and intricately detailed pants. "This is what I want to wear for Distraction," She explained, tapping on the drawing. "We start the performance in all black. The lights cut off, there's this dramatic pause, and when they cut back on—bam—I'm in this. Fully paying homage to my culture. Carnival, the colors, the music, the energy—I want all of that to shine through. Let people know I'm not just here to perform. I'm here to make a statement."

Jules studied the design, nodding thoughtfully. "It's ambitious, but we can make it work. I'll reach out to a few of my contacts in New York. We'll need them on board ASAP to pull this off in time."

With the concept locked in, Jules began making calls, tapping into their network of designers to bring Sedona's vision to life. The energy on the jet was electric, and despite her early start, Sedona found herself reinvigorated.

By the time they landed in New York that afternoon, Sedona was exhausted but knew there was no time to rest. Monica had already scheduled a studio session with her longtime choreographer, Nina, to rehearse the performance for Push 2 Start. The two agreed to use an older routine for Distraction, which gave them more time to focus on refining Push 2 Start.

The dance studio was buzzing when Sedona arrived, the faint smell of sweat and the sharp sound of sneakers squeaking against the polished floor filling the air. Nina greeted her with a tight hug, immediately diving into their game plan.

"I know we're on a time crunch," Nina said, rolling her shoulders and motioning for the team to gather. "But we're making this the performance of the night. Trust me, Sedona, Push 2 Start is going to leave people breathless."

Monica, clipboard in hand, was stationed in the corner, issuing orders like a drill sergeant. "Lights need to hit exactly on that first beat drop. I want full synchronization on every move. No one is messing this up."

Sedona threw herself into the rehearsals, the fatigue from the flight melting away as the choreography came to life. Nina was relentless, pushing the dancers and Sedona to perfect every angle, every step, every breath.

By the time the session ended, it was late evening, and Sedona was drenched in sweat but exhilarated. She slumped onto the studio floor, chugging water as she looked over at Nina. "That was fire," She said between gulps.

"Just wait," Nina replied with a smirk. "When we're on that stage, it'll be next level."

Monica tapped her watch. "Alright, people. That's enough for tonight. Sedona, you have another fitting tomorrow morning, so get some rest. We're not playing around with this."

Sedona groaned, but deep down, she knew Monica was right. The countdown to the Grammys had officially begun, and every second mattered.

Sedona stepped into the elegant lobby of The Ritz-Carlton, suitcase in hand, her oversized sunglasses hiding the weariness from her day. She sighed in relief, looking forward to a hot shower and maybe a nap before diving into her next obligation. The night before had been long, with laughter and weed still lingering in her system, but she had managed to power through the meeting earlier. All she wanted now was peace. The marble floors gleamed under the golden light of the chandeliers, and the faint hum of conversation and clinking glasses filled the air. She approached the check-in desk, ready to escape into the comfort of her suite. 

As she handed her ID to the front desk clerk, her gaze wandered—and froze when she spotted Kendrick sitting casually on the plush coaches in the lobby Kendrick, unmistakable in his laid-back stance, flanked by a small group of his team. His signature cool demeanor was offset by the slight smirk on his lips as he glanced at something one of his boys said. Sedona froze for a moment, her stomach flipping—not in nerves, but in that funny way it always did when Kendrick was near.

Monica, who had been walking slightly ahead, turned back to see what caused Sedona's pause. When her gaze landed on Kendrick, she smirked knowingly. "Guess the labels really want this 'Grammy date' thing to stick, huh?"

"Apparently," Sedona replied, squaring her shoulders and continuing toward the desk.

"Hm," Sedona muttered under her breath, a mix of amusement and exasperation creeping in. Their labels were clearly not playing around with this publicity angle. 

As if on cue, Kendrick looked up and caught her eye. His lips curved into a slow, knowing grin. He whispered something to one of his friends before rising from his seat and making his way toward her. His gaze cut through the busy lobby like a heat-seeking missile. The smirk on his face widened into a full grin, and he raised an eyebrow at her.

"Yo, Sedona," Kendrick called out, his voice warm and familiar. "Fancy meeting you here."

Sedona groaned inwardly but couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips. "Let me guess," she said as she approached, "Your people booked you in here too."

"Looks like it." He chuckled, leaning against the counter. "I'm guessing this ain't a coincidence. Our labels must really want this whole 'power duo' thing to happen."

She shook her head, pretending to be exasperated. "Couldn't even let me have my own space, huh?"

"Hey, don't blame me. Blame the suite." He shrugged his tone light but his eyes studying her closely. "You checkin' in now?"

"Yeah." She gestured to the suitcase in tow. "Long day already. And now I gotta share a hotel with you? What are the odds?"

"Pretty damn good, apparently." He laughed. "I'm on the top floor. Hope they hooked you up the same way."

Sedona rolled her eyes playfully. "Of course, you're on the top floor. Only the best for the king and his crew."

His friends laughed behind him, and Kendrick's grin widened. "And the Queen deserves nothing less, right?"

The banter hung in the air for a moment, playful and light, before she stepped up to the front desk to check-in. Kendrick didn't move, though, waiting casually by the counter as if he had all the time in the world.

When her room was finally assigned—top floor, just as Kendrick had guessed—she turned to him. "Well, it looks like your reign extends to my floor too."

"Good." He motioned to his team. "We'll catch up later, alright? Dinner's on me if you're down whenever."

She tilted her head, considering. "You bribing me already, Kendrick?"

"Call it a peace offering." He shrugged. "After all, we're stuck in this thing together now, right? Might as well make it fun."

Her lips twitched upward. "I'll think about it."

"Bet," He said with a grin, stepping back to rejoin his crew.

Just then, the front desk clerk handed her keycard over with a polite smile. "Your suite is ready, Miss Baptiste. Enjoy your stay."

With that, she made her way to the elevator, her heart a little lighter than when she'd walked in. There was something about Kendrick's energy that was impossible to ignore, and the idea of being stuck in the same hotel as him didn't seem so bad after all.

Once she made it into the elevator, its sleek metal doors were about to close but suddenly a hand stopped it. Before her stood Kendrick, rolling her eyes she could only make room for him.

"Decided to just crash for the night." Was his reasoning but for some reason Sedona thought otherwise.

The elevator ride up was quiet at first, the soft hum of the machinery the only sound between them. Sedona leaned against the mirrored wall, her gaze fixed on the glowing numbers as they ascended. But she could feel Kendrick's presence beside her, a quiet intensity that was impossible to ignore.

Finally, he broke the silence. "So, what's up with you? Heard you hung out with the girls the other night. Q couldn't stop raving about your mango chutney."

His voice was calm, but his gaze was anything but. It was potent like he was trying to read her thoughts before she could even form them. "I do make some good chutney."

She tilted her head, meeting his stare head-on. "But, Why? You keeping tabs on me now?"

Kendrick smirked, his hands slipping casually into his pockets. "Maybe. Gotta make sure my Grammy date isn't out here wildin'."

Her lips curved into a sly smile. "Oh, please. What's the worst I could do? I'm an angel."

"You sure," He said, leaning slightly closer. "About that."

She laughed, shaking her head. "One hundred percent. Nice try, though."

The playful banter eased some of the tension, but it also sparked something more electric between them. The air in the elevator felt heavier now, charged with an unspoken challenge neither of them seemed ready to back down from.

Kendrick's smirk softened into something more sincere as his eyes scanned her face. "You seem different today," He said quietly, his voice barely above a murmur.

"Different how?" she asked, her pulse quickening.

"Just... lighter. Like you're not carrying the whole world on your shoulders for once."

The observation caught her off guard, her breath hitching for just a moment. But before she could respond, the elevator dinged, signaling their arrival on their floor.

The doors slid open, breaking the spell. Sedona stepped out first, glancing back at him over her shoulder. "Careful, Lamar. You're starting to sound like you care."

He chuckled as he followed her into the hallway. "Maybe I do."

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, but she kept walking, refusing to let him see the effect he had on her. As they reached their respective suites, she turned to him with a smirk.

"Goodnight, Kendrick."

"Goodnight, Sedona," He replied, his gaze lingering on her for just a second longer than necessary before he slipped into his room.

Sedona stood there for a moment, staring at the closed door. Her lips twitched into a small smile before she turned and entered her suite.

If this was how the day was ending, she couldn't imagine how the next would unfold.

Upstairs, Sedona exhaled as she entered her suite. The expansive room was stunning, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city skyline. She set her suitcase down and kicked off her shoes, collapsing onto the plush king-sized bed.

An entire week filled with being in New York and the unavoidable feelings that lingered between them both.

What's the worst that could happen?

—

©kashdemi
Volume I- Redamancy.
Chapter Twenty-five.
— ０１／１７／２５
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Grammy weekend is here! Finally! I'm behind excited because I've been pushing my pen and can't wait for you guys to see it.

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

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