Chapter 10 - The Setup for Season 2
Monique sat in her living room with a half-empty glass of wine and a phone full of screenshots she had no business saving. The more she scrolled, the madder she got. The photo of Keisha in Marcus's arms was still floating around the group chats like a wanted poster.
Derrick was in the bedroom, TV blaring some game he wasn't even watching.
Monique was tired. Tired of looking stupid. Tired of pretending she still had the upper hand. And tired of seeing Keisha's name lit up on her phone screen like she was Beyoncé dropping an album.
So she made a decision.
If Keisha wanted to play games, Monique was about to flip the board.
Meanwhile - Marcus's Condo
Marcus leaned against the counter, phone to his ear, voice smooth. "Yeah, Keisha… dinner this Friday. Just us. No parties, no drama."
Keisha chuckled on the other end. "You sure you're not just trying to rub it in Derrick's face?"
Marcus grinned. "Oh, that's just the appetizer. You're the main course."
Across Town - Derrick's Mood Shifts
Derrick was scrolling his phone when he landed on a video. Marcus and Keisha dancing, her gold gown shimmering under the lights, his hand snug on her waist. The clip had over a hundred laughing-face reactions in the chat.
Something in his chest tightened.
He grabbed his keys.
Saturday - Miss Gloria's Beauty Bar
The shop was buzzing when Tasha came in with fresh tea. "Y'all… Monique told me she's meeting with Derrick's cousin. Says she's got some 'unfinished business' with Keisha."
Miss Gloria set down her pressing comb. "Oh Lord, here we go."
Keisha, mid-brow wax in the next chair, just smirked. "She can bring her cousin, her man, and her ego. I'm still gonna look better doing it."
Sunday Evening - Cliffhanger
The camera would catch it like this if this were a show:
Keisha, in her condo, slipping into a deep red dress for her dinner with Marcus.
Marcus, sliding on his watch, smirking like he's about to start trouble.
Derrick, pulling up outside Marcus's building, fists tight on the steering wheel.
Monique, getting into a car with Derrick's cousin, lipstick sharp enough to kill.
One text pops up on Keisha's phone before she leaves:
Unknown Number: Enjoy your night, Queen. Crowns fall fast.
Keisha stares at it, tilts her head, and smiles.
Fade to black.
To be continued…