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girl. I hope that I get to go on the tour with you.”
    Mystique lifts an eyebrow as if she doesn’t believe me. “Okay, Sunday. I’m gonna let that slide. I noticed that you and Sam didn’t have a reunion at the wedding.”
    I laugh out loud. “I know you didn’t think that was going to happen. He should’ve brought a date so he didn’t look so lonely.”
    â€œGirl, you are harsh. And you brought DeShawn with you? That had to be uncomfortable. Do they know each other?”
    â€œThey met when we went to Destin, a couple months ago. But Sam and I were still together then, so it didn’t really matter.”
    â€œI wish my drama was as uncomplicated as yours. I’ve got a child running around my house that doesn’t belong to me.”
    â€œAre you serious? I just thought she was doing that for show and that she would come back and get her baby. Who does that?”
    â€œA trifling, deadbeat skank. She’ll be back though, because Zac’s been paying her child support for two years. I guarantee she doesn’t want that gravy train to stop.”
    â€œWhat if she doesn’t come back? Are you ready to be a stepmother?”
    Now it’s Mystique’s turn to laugh. “I guess. With the help of round-the-clock nannies. I’m not even gonna act like I’m the domestic type. I don’t know what to do with a toddler. I did play with dolls, but they were never babies. They were always grown-up girls in a singing group. I played Dreamgirls with my dolls.”
    All of this happening with Mystique and Zac helps solidify my decision to stay away from Sam. I don’t think this stuff with Rielle was totally random. This is one of those a-ha moments, my mother always like to talk about. She would say that God was trying to tell me something. I just hope I can slow down long enough to hear Him.

5
    E van Wilborn, the head of our record label, Reign Records, is in lecture mode. Bethany, Dilly, Dreya a.k.a. Drama, and I are sitting like ducks in a row in Big D’s studio, while Big D sits back quietly. It’s not like him to be silent—he’s our manager. But I think the more that Evan steps to the forefront, the more Big D plays the background.
    â€œDrama and Sunday, I know y’all are gonna bring home at least one Grammy for Reign Records. It’ll be our first.”
    Dreya gives me a sly glance out the corner of her eye. We’re both nominated for Best New Artist, and I’m nominated for Song of the Year for “Can U See Me.”
    Dreya didn’t make it a secret that she’s jealous of my nominations. She told my mom that she hopes I lose, because I don’t deserve to get any awards until she’s had her time to shine. She’s got it twisted.
    We haven’t really spoken much since I had a Thanksgiving meltdown after I found out Dreya tried to get me dropped from the record label. Dreya was pretty heated at our holiday dinner too, because she found out that I’m a millionaire now, and her cash flow is severely limited. Plus, she’s moved in with Evan in New York City, so I barely ever get to see her.
    â€œBethany and Dilly, I’m glad that the two of you are able to put your differences aside to perform your single. Actually, the fact that all of you have been asked to perform is an incredible win.”
    â€œWe’re going to be in the Grammy pre-show, though. Nobody even watches that,” Dilly says.
    â€œThat’s the exact opposite of the attitude you should have!” Evan roars. “Every time you take the stage you should look at it like your chance to gain a new fan. Don’t ever let me hear you dog an opportunity again.”
    Sufficiently checked, Dilly lowers his head and stares at the floor. “Chin up!” Evan says. “Don’t ever let anyone take the wind out of your sails like that.”
    Dilly snaps his head back up with a confused look on his