“Yeah, I'm actually on my way to the gym now. Nah you go have lunch with your wife, I invited someone to join.” Cameron spoke over the phone, with his AirPod in, as he walked towards the gym.

“Is it Val?” Drew asked in a matter of fact tone, with a small smile over the phone. “Cause if it is, then I ain’t mad at all. She and Alexis are gonna go shopping later this week for the birthday dinner for y’all.”

Cameron chuckled as he put his stuff in his locker. “Yes it is Val. And oh really? She did great grabbing the bouquet, not even fighting off aunt Janice.”

“Listen she’s a banshee, literally, and that scared me that Val got it.” Cameron said in a matter of fact tone, and froze seeing Val at the desk up front in her gear. “Anyway man, imma go get these reps in. I’ll call you later.”

“Aight man. See you this week for dinner.” Drew hung up and went on about his business, for the rest of the day.

Val smiled happily at Cameron, as she adjusted her Actively Black neon pink pinnacle shorts. Looking at his bare arms and wondering what they’d feel like wrapped around her. “Well hey there cowboy. You look nice and ready to go to work.”

Cameron blushed a tad, smiling gracefully at her, as they headed towards the lockers for her stuff to be put away. “Why thank you. You look good yourself, pink is great on you.” He was eyeing her up and down, checking out the curves she had grown over the years. Wondering how her plump ass would feel in his hands if he lifted her up easily.

“I do try.” Val smirked, setting her stuff up in the locker conveniently next to his. “So, are you ready to get these reps in? I normally do these with the girls but they’re getting stuffy ready for the wedding party next month. All you and I have to do is show up and look good.”

“Yeah I am. Been meaning to get back in, since I’ve been slacking lately with all the fun.” Cameron chuckled as he headed to the abductor, while Val went for the stair master. “Sounds easy enough. For you, that’s easy though.”

The way Val felt her heart beating at the subtle flirtation, meant he was back to his not al self when they met. “Don’t let Bianca hear you say that. She still thinks you’re hers by the way. Had a little magical chat in the ladies room mirror, at the reception.”

“Damn. You’re more powerful than I thought.” Camron took a mental note at that and then remembered something. “I’ve been meaning to ask you, why were you gone so long?”

Ah there it was, the sentence she was dreading to hear but knew it was coming. Val sighed gently, stepping off the machine, motioning towards the sauna room to get more privacy. As the two stepped inside, Val sat directly across Cameron.

“So the reason I left for years, no contact, was because I found out about the spell while I was in college. My brothers are the ones who figured it out. They told Drew and then I told our friends. It was my freshman year, going into my sophomore year, and I wanted to come back home to see you.” She began, leaning on her arms and looking deep into his eyes with sincerity. Cameron nodded for her to continue.

“I didn’t want to interfere with what you had going on, especially with Bianca. So I had years of practice to break an old troll spell, while in school might I add. Just to make sure you got back to normal.” Adjusting her sports bra, Cameron couldn’t help but look. Her body was just enticing to him and he wanted more than he could ever imagine. She did catch him looking and it caused her to smirk.

“Your own mother didn’t even know how to tell you, it had to come from me. I did, however, notice that the spell was cracking a bit every now and then, and was glad I came back home in time to finish the process.” She leaned back against the wooden seat, letting the steam open her pores. “Once I did that, I explained to you what I was and what you are, and removed the spell. I’m glad you got rest though, it seemed like you needed it.”

Cameron took all the information he gathered to heed. He didn’t realize how bad the spell was that he was under, along with being at training camp with Isaiah. All he could do was want to hug Val and he did just that. He pulled her into a slightly sweaty and warm embrace, rocking slightly.

“Thank you.” He mumbled gently, as tears began to fall from his amber-green eyes. Her arms wrapped around him softly, rubbing his back. “Thank you for everything.”

“Cameron, you don’t have to thank me.” Val mumbled back as she settled into the hug more before pulling back, getting a good look at him. “I wanted my best friend back and I got him. Took me through hell and high water to get the stuff I needed to break it but, it was worth it.”

He shook his head. “Nope. No ma’am, I’m taking no for an answer. I’m thanking you properly.”

Val crossed her arms and squinted at the gentle giant. “What is it?”

“Answer me this: why didn’t you go to prom?” Cameron eyed her back and wanted a groan from her.

“The truth?”

“Yes!”

A deep sigh escaped her full lips. “I broke my right foot, trying to practice flying on my besom. Witchy word for broom stick. I flew into a creek, my ankle went up and to the left and me to the right.”

“So it wasn't a backflip accident?”

“Nope. It’s healed now thankfully.” Val chuckled and headed out of the sauna to the leg press machine. “Why do you ask?”

Camron smirked at the question and followed her out. “Because I’m redoing prom, as my birthday gift to you.”

“Cameron-”

“Aht aht, no. I’m giving you a night of fun just us two, over dinner on Sunday. Our joint birthday dinner isn't until Friday. So it’s all good.” Cameron wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Besides, you deserve it.”

“Fine, fine. You win. Looks like our week is packed.” Val shook her head and got to work on the leg press, keeping her counting in her head. “Why did you wanna know why I was gone for so long?”

“Drew and I were talking about it at the reception. Figure did ask the lady herself.” Cameron shrugged. “Another thing, how did you brothers find out?”

Val chuckled dryly. “Crazy enough, but not far fetched, she tried hitting on them and she dropped her magic notepad. They picked it up and looked at it; took a picture and sent it to me.”

Cameron pinched the bridge of his nose. “I gotta thank them too.”

“I already did. I made them breakfast for a few days, in the summer I was home. Figured I’d need to use my big cauldron already.” Val shrugged, completing her set and went to spot Cameron on his barbell squats.

Over the next few hours the pair chatted up a bit, even got some push up reps in. Val sat on Cam’s back as he did his set, and was highly impressed and turned on. Next she laid under him for another set of push ups and was dangerously close to kissing him, which she didn’t mind one bit.

“You seem to be enjoying this a bit too much.” Cameron smirked down at her, bumped his nose with hers.

“Maybe.” Val chuckled and looked at him. “You seem to be enjoying it too.” Glancing down at his shorts, she say something pretty nice.

Cameron stopped mid push up and got up quick, grabbing his jacket. “Aight times up. Let’s go eat.”

“Aight fine. Let’s go, you’re paying.” Val shook her head, as Cameron helped her up off the floor.

The pair decided to grab lunch afterwards, feeling thankful to have this time as friends, and may have gotten spotted out by paparazzi as well. Val didn't think anything of it, yet Cameron didn’t care. It was the fact that he got to spend time with his best friend that mattered to him the most.

The week was jam packed with activities for the group, and birthdays were a big hit.

______________________________________________

Birthdays meant something to Valerie growing up, and that meant celebrating each once like it was extra special. When she discovered that she had Cameron both share the same birthday, she knew she had to go all out.

It all started back in the 7th grade, even though their birthdays were during the summer and they met in 6th grade. They made sure to always celebrate together somehow. One year it was a Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio; another was the Dallas zoo as a family trip between them both. Every year was something different and fun, that is until he met Bianca and everything changed for their friendship.

She didn’t like that he spent a lot of his time with Val and had to put a stop to it. Even though they said they were just friends, deep down Val wanted more. Cameron wanted more as well but didn’t know how to express himself. Even though he told her he didn’t like her that way, only as a friend, it grew into more for him as they got older. He realized that expressing how he felt was actually a good thing and he learned that from his mom.

His dad wasn't much help in that department as his only concern was football.

Since then, Bianca had to take matters in her own hands to get them two away from each other. That’s how the Cuban link curse happened, and it was a powerful spell that only an advanced witch could break. When she got the spell added to the necklace, Bianca couldn’t touch it. Why? Because she’s only a low level fairy and it could do lots of damage to her alone but, she had the spell put in it.

It was during the summer before sophomore year, when the necklace was gifted to Cameron just around his birthday. Bianca made sure he wore her gift proudly in front of everyone, a stake in her claim to fame as the rising football star’s girlfriend. It didn’t sit right with Val as they got older and she tried to warn Cameron several times but he didn’t listen. She couldn’t figure out why he was so distant but close at the same time.

As they grew apart and got older, Val found out from her brothers, it was the necklace Bianca gave him for his 16th birthday. There was some strange power behind it and she had to investigate. The spell happened right before she ended their friendship. It took her years to finally find the spell and to discover that the original caster had died eons ago. But the trolls’ book was still intact, even had the love spell anecdote written in it, when she found it on her college senior trip to Norway. The ancestors told her where to go, so she made a graduation trip out of it.

Cameron was thankful for Val to break him free of this supposed curse and that he could go on with his life. Yet he wanted to gift himself something for his birthday first before getting Val’s special plan done: breaking up with Bianca for good.

~Tuesday: Cameron’s apartment~

Looking at the clock, Cameron had sighed deeply in thought about how he’d break the news. He wanted to get it over with and start his new journey off right but Bianca was an obstacle that needed to ge tamed and put to rest.

Hearing his ring doorbell go off, he saw Bianca’s figure in the camera and was confused as to why she was dressed the way she was. In a slutty maid outfit to try to win him over. Sighing, he opened the door for her.

“Bianca, come in.” Cameron smiled faintly, letting her inside. “How’ve you been?”

“Thank you. I really want you to come in me though.” Biting her bottom lip trying to be sexy, she leaned against the kitchen counter. “Oh I’ve been good. Do you like the outfit? I wore it just for you.”

“No actually I don’t and that’s not gonna happen, anymore actually.” Cameron scoffed and stayed by his front door, preparing to escort her out. “I know you’ve lying about everything and I’m tired of it.”

The color drained from her face as she heard him. She was not expecting him to be like this. “Lying about what Cam? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Cameron grew agitated, pinching the bridge of his nose in the process. “Don’t bullshit me Bianca. You know exactly what I’m talking about. You’re not pregnant, for one. And two, you’ve had me under a spell for years.”

“Baby please. You have to listen to me.” Bianca visibly gulped and tried to calm him down. “I-I didn't mean to. I wanted you all to myself and Valerie was hogging you.”

“Don’t fucking baby me!” Cameron’s voice roared in annoyance, eyes glowing bright red, as he stepped closer to her. “You’ve been lying to me for years and all it took was for Val to show me who you really are. I know you’re a fairy and got that love spell on me to keep her away from me.”

She felt like crying, as tears threatened to fall from her bright blue eyes. She didn’t want things to end like this for her future. “I had our whole lives planned together, Cameron. We were gonna get married and have kids, all of that. You love me, and I love you.”

“Love you? Nah, what you did isn’t what someone does to anybody they really love.” He let out a sinister chuckle, looking dead at her. He was his true self this time, letting the incubus rage rise steadily. He kept it at bay as he felt his back tattoo vibrate silently.

“She can’t have you!” She finally blurted out and the tears fell, hoping she’d win him over. Getting closer to him, reaching for his hand. “She can’t have it all. Only me because we belong together!”

“Tell that shit to Ryland.” Once Cameron said that, she gasped and backed up. “Yeah, you didn’t think I’d find out? I’ve known about you two for months. I’ve suspected it but, turns out it’s been since we got together. Ever since the championship game in high school.”

Seeing her world visibly crashing down around her, caused her hyperventilate. Bianca didn’t know what to do but continued to plead her case. “Cameron, you have to believe me, this isn't you. The rage, the anger.”

“Oh but it is! You didn’t know that I’m a demon. Well an incubus rather but nonetheless. It took the spell to break to have my true self come out. Val told me it would flicker here and there on its own, whenever you and I got into arguments. Turns out she was right, because I punched a hole into the wall so hard that it went through the other side.” The further Cameron explained, the more terrified Bianca became, as his voice dripped with venom. “You’re fucking toxic Bianca, and I should’ve seen that sooner.”

Opening the door for her to get out, she broke down further in tears. “We’re done. Remove my number, and give me my key back.” Cameron looked at her one last time, snatching the key from around her neck and slammed the door shut.

Bianca stood there in the hallway confused and crying harder than ever. Like Cassie in Euphoria, she felt like she lost everything in an hour. She had to get revenge on Val for messing up her meal ticket, and she had to come back hard.

Not even a full 5 min later, Bianca had ran into Val as she came off the elevator on to Cameron’s floor.

“Funny seeing you here.” Val gave her a once over, not caring about the makeup she smudged on her face. “Looks like you got your face cracked.”

“Shut the hell up.” Bianca wire she tears that was stained with black eyeliner, and glared at the tall woman before her. “You think you’ve won. Think again, you tall ass bitch.”

Val chuckled in a low tone, adjusting the party invite in her hand to give to Cameron. “The first battle, yes I did. I released him from his torment. He wasn’t in his right mind, hasn’t been for years and you know that.”

“He was fine under my control. Till you had to use your witchy powers on him, to get him out of it.” Bianca seethed back. “Mark my words, if I can’t have him nobody can.”

“We’ll see. Your empty threats and white woman tears, don’t phase me.” Val sucked her teeth as she became irritated by the sight of the fairy. “Besides I heard how he turned you away. He’s his true self now more than ever. The true self he was brought into the world and had to find out on his own, that was buried deep. You couldn’t even tell if he was human or not.”

Bianca hated to admit it but Valerie was right. She knew everything about Cameron and didn’t cross the line not once. But now since he’s back to himself, they might explore that and that made her furious.

“Yeah well, at least he’s been in my bed and not yours.” Bianca spoke before she pressed a button to the ground floor to leave. “At least I can say that.”

“You know what, you’re right.” Val nodded slightly, and headed for her best friend's door. “When he was under that spell and against his will. Now he’s not and doesn’t want to touch you with a 10ft pole.”

“He was focused on my pleasure mostly. Which wasn’t so bad to be very honest, seeing as though he’s really good at that.” Bianca thought she won this verbal match by gloating. Not keeping the true damage she had done to Cameron by putting him under a spell and using coercion, to get what she wanted.

“Yeah, not in control of his body. Again, you’re stupid. Normally I’m a girls girl, but sometimes the dumb ones need to be hit in the face with a lawn chair.” .Val shook her head and then remembered something. “Oh and say hi Ryland for me though. I’m sure he’s glad to know you’re not pregnant.”

The blonde was in total shock and the doors closed on the elevator, sending her down and hearing her phone ring, and was sent out the way to plot her next move.

“Checkmate bitch.” Val smiled and was greeted with a relaxed Cameron and they went on about their day.

______________________________________________

~Friday: Birthday dinner hosted by Val and Cam’s parents, at Texas de Brazil~

Texas de Brazil was always busy on the weekends. Val and Cam got ready together, per their parents requests, and made sure to arrive at the same time. Cam drove them both and they had a good time on the way there.

“It’s crazy how they wanted us to dress up in each other's favorite colors.” Cam let out a soft chuckle, casually glancing over at her as he drove.

“Well we both look good in orange and blue, so it only made sense. Val smiled back softly. “Besides, this orange dress fits me better and hugs me right.” She wasn’t wrong as she adjusted her bodycon dress slightly, careful to not rip off her boob tape.

Cameron wasn’t going to argue, she did look good. He was sharp as well with his soft orange short sleeve button up, and black shorts. He also decided to wear his obsidian chain and earrings that Val gave him, to complete the look entirely. Val had on a few silver and gold jewelry pieces to accentuate the shin length dress. They both looked like a love island couple, which made it even funnier.

Once the pair arrived, of course Cameron made sure Val was escorted out like the queen that she is. Which didn’t come as a surprise since that’s how he was raised. As soon as they turned the corner they were met with cheers of happy birthday and hugs. Cameron excused himself briefly, for the restroom. Plus to make sure his gift for Val was still intact.

“Where Ayden?” Val asked her dad. “I told him what time to be here.”

Adrian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, not happy with the scene in front of him. Having his only daughter upset on her birthday wasn’t what he wanted. “We told him too, baby girl. Maybe he’s busy, and he’ll tell you soon. Just focus on enjoying your dinner with all of us.”

“Your dad is right sweetheart.” Diane, her mom, chimed in and placed a kiss on her head. “He knows better and should be here for you. At least Cameron is, and it’s for him too.”

“Your parents are right Val.” Yvette, Cam’s mom, spoke gently. “Don’t worry about him.”

“You’re like another daughter to me, Val. Seeing you like this hurts me.” James, Cam’s step-dad, chimed in briefly. “I’ve known you since you were 11, when you first met Cameron, and if it’s one thing I’ve learned is that you’ve never given up.”

Cameron looked over at his best friend, after coming back from the restroom, not liking the scene before him either. “Everything ok?”

“Not really. I expected Ayden to be here for me at least.” Val shook her head and breathed in and out deeply. Feeling her phone vibrate, she read the text message, and tried not to get angry in the process. “As suspected he’s working. That’s the last time I get into something that's not serious, and expect a different outcome.”

Cameron went into protective mode and held her hand gently, before kissing the back of it. Which caused her to snap back into reality. “It’s about you and I tonight. Our birthday dinner that our parents put together. That’s all that matters this weekend is to celebrate us, ok? Can you do that for me Tiana, and focus on you?”

The nickname she hadn’t heard in years sent a buzz to her ears, in shock and awe. Nodding softly with a sweet smile, she calmed down fully. “I can do that, Naveen.” Saying his nickname back made him smile back at her in sweetness.

The dinner got underway, the two guests of honor sat at the head of the table and the vibes were just loving. Gifts were passed to the two and tears were shed in love and admiration. When the cake came, they blew out the candles together.

Everything was perfect and set up nicely for them, until Val’s boyfriend showed up late. Cameron could feel the energy shift as he walked in the space, looking apologetic with a gift in his hand.

“I am so sorry I’m late.” Ayden waved at everybody and could feel the heated ambiance. “I got you something though. Hopefully it’ll make up for it.”

Opening the jewelry box, which contained a necklace with her birthstone on it. “Thank you Ayden, it’s beautiful.”

“I’m glad you like it. Let me help you out.” He gently placed the necklace around her neck, and kissed her cheek. The kiss felt like a sting and she winced slightly, which caught Cameron’s attention.

“Alright, me next?” Cameron called over one of the servers and was handed the gift bag, which contained a decorative box. Inside it contained a custom cowboy hat in black with her name embossed on the side and blue feathers. A tshirt with Beyonce on it from her current Cowboy Carter tour and a charm bracelet. He knew she couldn’t go but had something up his sleeve.

“Cameron, you didn’t have to do all this.” She put the hat on along with the bracelet, which he helped with and folded the shirt back up. She saw one more box in the bag and proceeded to open it carefully. Once she did she closed it back quickly. “You didn’t.”

Cameron smirked as he leaned back in his seat. “Oh but I did. Open it.”

Opening it carefully, she had tears in her eyes but they were happy tears. In the box contained 2 tickets to Atlanta for the Cowboy Carter Tour. She hugged him tightly and felt his chest rumble in laughter as he hugged her back.

“Girl what did he get you?” Deidra asked in a fake curious tone and then Val looked at her.

Simone chucked slightly but kept her poker face on. “Yeah girl, what did he get you?”

“We wanna know.” Lacey asked before covering her mouth.

Val looked at her girls, stoic and curious. “Bitch yall knew?!”

“We had to keep it a secret. It’s a group trip for next week.” Lacey mentioned while taking a sip of her drink. “Luckily both of yall schedules are open.”

“Are you surprised?” Cam asked with a sweet smile. “It was my idea. Plus I remembered you saying, since you said you missed the first few dates, I’d snag ours quick.”

Val nodded and handed him his gift, and waited for him to open it. One he did, he was in awe. The gift box contained a wooden cigar box lined in a burnt orange color velvet. It held 10 cigars of different flavors; a lighter and a cutter. The box was engraved at the top with the words "Congratulations Cowboy. Forever Mr. #13.” Cameron was brought to tears. Mainly because he never had anything done like for him, and having this alone made him miss all the birthdays he and Val missed.

“Valerie, this is amazing.” Cameron looked at her sincerely, as she wiped his tears slipping down his cheeks. “Thank you.”

“You’re more than welcome Cameron. You deserve it and then some.” Val smiled back.

Ayden looked at the scene before him and didn’t feel anything. Why? Because he was already out of the situationship to begin with; mentally and physically. He just wanted to send Val off easily and Cameron knew. He looked over at him as the party ended with a good note.

“Hey Cameron. Can I talk to you for a minute?" Ayden asked cautiously, as everyone walked out to their cars for the night.

Cameron told Val he’d meet her at the truck soon, as she looked between them both and nodded gently. She didn’t even give Ayden a second glance, she was done and it was evident. “What’s up?”

“Listen man, I just want to say I’m sorry to you both and I know she’s over it.” Ayden began and sighed. “I knew when the party was and what time, I just didn’t want to come to be honest. Why? Because I see how you two are together.”

Cameron arched a brow, crossing his strong arms over his firm chest. “Really? And how exactly are we together? Cause we’re just friends and nothing more.”

“Cut the shit Cade.” He chuckled dryly. “Anyone with eyes can see how you two belong together. She didn’t talk to me for months when she practiced that spell, once she got a hold of it.”

“How do you know about the spell? Plus I’m not crossing that line with her.”

“I’m a vampire. A daywalker if you will.” Ayden shrugged and continued. “She doesn’t deserve just anybody, she deserves you. As crazy as it sounds, I believe she does deserve you. We’re better off as friends, like Damon and Bonnie.”

“Crazy ass analogy but I get it.” Cameron shook his head and glanced over at Val, and she waved gently. “I’m just worried I’ll mess up.”

“You won’t. You’ve been better for her since day one.” Ayden patted his shoulder before leaving. “Go for it. She can sell the necklace too if she wants.”

And with that, he was gone. Faster than he could even imagine. Cameron took the words to heart and thought about it logically on the ride home. Val didn’t ask because she was already tired and had plans for the necklace. Playing the words over and over in his head, he made his decision.

______________________________________________

~Saturday: Roller Skating Surprise~

Saturday nights at the roller rink meant one of two things. Either some shit was going to pop off or everybody was going to have a good time.

Hoping everything was going to be peaceful, Val made sure to get the theme idea to Cam in time.

Everyone was there already and had the drinks flowing, vibes going and the music. Cameron was waiting on Val to make her grand entrance because of her outfit.

“Man I hope this supposed 90’s outfit isn’t too much.” Cameron looked at himself as he was dressed in overalls and a multi patterned shirt, similar to what Will Smith wore on the Fresh Prince of Belair. His hair was nicely clean shaved into a low fade and settled nicely with the backwards Dallas hat.

“I’m sure you're fine good man.” Myron chimed in, as he rested his arm around Simone. “Besides once Val gets here, you’ll calm down.

Michael nodded in agreement, waiting for his wife to come around with Lacey and Val. “Besides I’m sure she’ll be fine with what you have on.”

“If not then it’s too late to change.” Brian shrugged with a chuckle.

“Aight aight fine.” Cameron chuckled and his attention was torn from them as he saw Val walk in with the cake, and all her beautiful glory. “Damn.”

She too had on overalls but in black, with a Dallas jersey on and her hair tied down with a matching bandana. Her silver jewelry didn’t clash which made it all the better.

“Hi guys!” She was cheerful greeting the group, receiving hugs. “Y’all look good!”

“Can say the same about you.” Cameron smirked a bit and held her hand, after she handed the cake to the owner to put in the fridge. “Did you plan to match me?”

“Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t.” She shrugged slyly, with a sweet smile. “I have nobody standing in my way to stop me, so yeah I’m good.”

The party went on without a hitch and went exactly how it needed to. Full of laughter and love for the two friends. Cameron didn’t pick it right away but once he did when he was skating with Val, he couldn’t help but smile.

Asking calmly as ever as the song switched to This is How We Do It by Montell Jordan, he was intrigued. “Number 13 jersey huh? How’s you get that?”

“Well I managed to get the first one sold at the stadium gift shop before the season officially starts. I think it looks good with your name on it now.” Val spoke softly. “This was my surprise to you.”

Cameron admired seeing her in his jersey. Better yet, he adored it. Remembering she couldn’t wear his high school jersey because of Bianca, so seeing this now made his day even better.

The night ended off without a care in the world, and everything followed into place. Cameron even posted on his Instagram of the party and it didn’t take long for the comments to flood with questions, and ask why they didn't get invited. One separate post in particular though, was of Val smiling in all her loving glory. And of course people speculated and he didn't care one bit. Having folks ask and guess about if that’s his lady, made him feel prideful.

Nothing was going to make him feel bad after this moment. He just needed to execute his next plan, flawlessly without fault. He was nervous but ready nonetheless.

______________________________________________

~Sunday; Prom like Dinner Date~

The last and final event of the birthday weekend, upon Cameron’s request, was set for him and Valeri alone. Which included candle lit dinner and a walk in the park.

He even had a corsage to match her dress, a nice velvet blue shade. His tie and handkerchief matched as well, meshing perfectly with his black suit that was tailored to him effortlessly.

Arriving at her door, he knocked gently and breathed in deeply. After a few moments, he was met with an immaculate sight before him. “H-hi. Wow you look gorgeous.”

There stood Val in a crushed cobalt blue velvet dress, with a corset that accentuated everything, and draped down to her shoes. It also contained gloves stitched to it. Her hair was in pinup curls, and her earrings were gold. Her heels were also gold and had a subtle accent of a scorpion on the back.

“Thank you Cam. I was hoping I didn’t overdo it.” She smiled with a soft giggle. “Ready to go?”

“Yes ma’am.” Offering his arm to her, with a genuine smile. “Let’s go, your chariot awaits.”

Locking her arm with his, they headed to the apartment lobby and were greeted with a stretch limo. Val gasped in awe.

“Cameron, you didn’t have to do all this.”

“I know but I wanted to. Plus you deserve it and then some.” Cameron helped her into the limo, gracefully and then slid in behind her. “Now, let’s go eat and enjoy the evening.”

Val nodded sweetly and let Cameron take the lead throughout the whole night. After years of being away for so long, and was grateful for having this time with him. The dinner was lovely, being as though it was at Monarch Restaurant.

The food selection was superb and met Val’s expectations and then some. She did however only have one drink that she wanted and it eased her nerves.

“Cameron, you’ve truly outdone yourself this time.” Val smiled across the table at the sweet man that has done so much for her, in such little time. “Even with the concert tickets as well. I don’t know how you pulled that off, but I am thankful for that.”

“You deserve it, Valerie. That and more.” Cameron clinked his glass with hers and took in her beauty. “You look really beautiful, Val. Like seriously, I don’t know how Ayden messed up.”

“I wonder the same thing. And I’m surprised yall talked.” Val looked out the window of the restaurant, taking in the city. “Hopefully it wasn’t too bad of a talk between you two.”

“Nah, not really.” Cameron hated lying to Val, to anyone for that matter. He wanted to tell her what they had talked about, but didn’t want to ruin his plans for after dinner. “Just letting me know how great of a woman you are and how much you deserve the world.” He wasn’t lying about that.

Val smiled back at him softly, thinking about that statement and how true it felt and was. The rest of the night went off without a hitch, but ended the night with a view of the city on a hill. The drive wasn’t too bad given that they swapped the limo for his midnight purple Camero.

Val leaned against the hood of the car, taking in the full view, clearing her head of all the moments that’s happened over the past few weeks. Cameron watched intently as she found her breath and center at the same time. She looked so peaceful and calm at the same time. The leaves spun around her gently, the wind was steady and content. Like she belonged in and around nature and Cameron felt honored to witness all of her, in her true raw nature thus far.

“Val, there is something I wanted to ask of you.” He wanted to take the plunge now, and not falter. Reaching for her hand, she graciously let him and even laced their fingers together. Muscle memory, a coping mechanism, when they were scared little kids during a thunderstorm.

“What is it?” She asked curiously, looking towards him as he sat next to her on the hood of the car. “Everything ok?”

“Yes, everything is ok. I just-“ he paused to take in his own thoughts, playing in his head, and how he wanted to go about this. “I’ve been feeling this urge to do something I haven’t felt in years, and I don't know how to go about it.”

Val nodded, stepping in front of him to hold both of his hands. “You can do anything, you know? Just go with how you feel. Express it.”

“That’s the thing though Val.” He began and stared deeply into her honey brown eyes. “If I do, I don’t want to mess up anything.”

The funny thing is, she had a feeling of what it was and was nervous herself. She too felt the urge to go off what her heart felt and wanted to see what would happen. Yet she didn’t want to mess up what they have.

Without remorse, he expressed how he felt. “I don’t want to pretend that I don’t feel anything for you. Cause deep down I do and it’s killing me not having you next to me.”

“You don’t have to pretend anymore. Do what you feel is right.” Feeling her heart beat 1000 miles a second, she looked into his eyes searching for something.

“Then I hope you don’t mind me doing this.” Cameron pulled closer by her waist and kissed her deeply. Feeling her hands snake around his neck, the kiss grew hungrier and deeper. Her tongue swiped his bottom lip and slipped in with ease making the tension rise gently. He groaned against her lips and welcomed the sudden new feeling and didn’t want to leave this space.

Once the kiss broke, Cameron rested his head on hers and took a second to breathe. “Damn. That was-”

“Mhm.” Valerie chuckled softly, tracing his jawline with her nails. “Something else.”

This is what they both needed and wanted. What the stars had aligned for them both to find one another, again. Come hell or high water, he was not going to let her go.

______________________________________________ ______________________________________________

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Souline sighs, lifting the camera downwards to show her face again but she’s peeking around her to make sure Cameron is still busy, “Like? I’m confused. We just got here—two days ago but still. We relaxed the first day because we got here late. Then the day after? Man has a whole itinerary—which is fine because we love a man that can make plans but also? Why are you trying to do laps in the pool at six in the morning? And then think we’re gonna go on a hike by eight? This is what it’s like dating an athlete—now I understand mom. You married one in the nineties! S.O.S. And that’s on Rihanna, I swear to God.”

The crystal water from the view breezes by smelling of salt and light like floral that eases the brief stress from Souline. She flips the view to the turquoise waters and pastel colored buildings in the distance off to the right.

Slowly panning over to the left towards the dining area was a mistake.

The yelp she lets out is enough for her to realize she’s been caught.

“You done talkin’ shit so we can put this work in or what?” Cameron Cade stands by the edge of the wall, shoulder pressing into the stone as his eyes are set on his dramatic journalist of a girlfriend.

She stops recording.

“…and if I say no?”

Cameron puffs out a humorless laugh, “Then you don’t get that Prada bag that you’ve been eyeing for weeks—which I put on hold here this morning at that boutique we drove by and that Dior bag might just turn up missin’. Your choice.”

Souline’s nose crinkles in irritation when she peeks down at the exact Dior bag that’s hanging onto her wrist. She takes a deep inhale, shoving her phone back into her bag. Then she lifts her head meeting his challenging indigo-eyed stare, “I will not apologize for having an excellent breakfast.”

Cameron frowns.

“It was balanced. Sufficient. There’s benefits to exercising after devouring food, believe me when I say that, big back. You’ll be thanking me later since you’re missing out on Pilates this week.”

Souline’s mouth drops while she picks up on the teasing in his tone. A faint dimple appears on the side of his cheek as she steps towards him, finger pointed in his direction, “Did you just call me a linebacker, Cameron Samuel Cade?”

“Nah. Didn’t say all that,” Cameron rolls his eyes at the middle name drop as he meets her toe to toe, “Far from a body shamer baby. Love all that you are…but that doesn’t mean I’m not gonna be on your ass, especially when you’re on my team.”

Souline hated how much she liked hearing that.

Which was unfortunate.

It was making a perfectly reasonable argument much harder to win.

She keeps her chin up though, moving to step around Cameron but he simply matches with her, tossing his arm over her shoulder, and tucking her into his side.

It was all, “Slight work, I promise,” as they ride in the red Moke back to the Villa.

Cameron Cade was the only one looking like a bombshell—as if the concept of fatigue was foreign to him. While Souline lay on the mat, bare knees up swaying from side to side, folded hands pressed against her damp forehead, she fought hard to catch her breath.

It had to be over an hour of exercising.

Cameron’s definition of light exercise was completely different from Souline’s.

This was actually relaxing to him.

How sick!

She was used to thirty minute Cardio on her own every now and then. She’s also only been to Pilates with her sister and her friends once or twice—but that was THEIR thing.

Souline just wanted to try it out.

She even gave into the propaganda.

Now the Pilates reformer that Cameron actually set up back at her place was collecting dust if her sister wasn’t over taking full advantage of it.

She should have known better messing around with a dedicated athlete.

“C’mon, Soul. Up. We hitting the chest raises next.” Cameron calls out, dropping down from the pull-up machine.

Souline peeks over as Cameron is making his way over to her. Her heartbeat is in her ears as she slowly shakes her head.

“…I’m cool.”

“What?”

“I said…I don’t wanna be a gym baddie no more.” Souline pushes up onto her elbows and even that feels like a crime but her eyes sit on the shirtless 6’5 man standing over her, “The more I do these sessions with you? The heller the nah.”

Cameron blinks at her, leaning forward to smack at her calf, “I let you have your five minute break. Hydrate some more. Then get those dumbbells. I’m not playin’ with you.”

He turns his back but that doesn’t stop him from feeling Souline’s glare.

She scoffs and drops back down, head lolling around like a bad ass kid throwing a tantrum in store. Soul thinks she’s muttering to herself just as Future’s voice fades into a Don Toliver track, “…got me feelin’ like Chante Moore: just leave me alone, nee-ga.”

Cameron whips his head around, “Oh you a real comedian huh? Watch this.”

Being dragged by the ankles and tossed up into the air like Souline was suddenly on the cheerleading squad again (that she hated so bad) was insane work, truly.

Hanging over his shoulder like this was NOT it.

Low-key Souline was starting to wonder if Cameron had intentions of trying to kill her.

She would never voice this out loud since that’s a sensitive topic to even joke about—with the whole cult scandal thing but we can all keep a secret.

Right?

His large hand smacks right at her backside, made her hiss and consider jamming her elbow into the back of his head but since she was a considerate girlfriend, who was mindful of his concussions, she decided against that.

“Knock it the fuck off, Joe Jackson.”

“Aye now, don’t you ever compare me to that bitch.”

“Then act like you have some sense, Cam.” Souline bites back while said man starts to lower her back onto her feet, “We’ve been at this for two hours.”

Cam sucks his teeth at her and looks at his watch, “It’s only been forty-five minutes.”

Only?

“Of hell!”

“You a quitter?”

“Yup.” Souline nods her head obnoxiously, “I sure am!”

Cam snorts, “Aight then go. And have fun writing about me in your journal like Moesha.”

A flat look is immediately sent his way when he attempts to wave her off.

It’s like he sees what she’s imagining in her head before she even does it. Almost as if the old scar on his scalp tingles like a left in too long relaxer just before she lunges at him.

He could have stepped to the side but the last thing he wanted was for Souline to ever get hurt.

So he meets the force with a grunt.

Her shoulder is digging into his torso, he curls around her like he’s about to yell, “hut,” with a devilish smirk.

“There she is.”

Cameron Cade holds strong around her tugging, amusement taking over his body.

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆

Three hours later…after some much needed rest that Souline was actually right about…

Cameron manages to persuade Souline into another outing in town during the late June afternoon.

She’s passenger side beside him in the apple red Moze, glossed lip combo wrapped around the thin black plastic straw, lightly sipping on the fresh pressed juice from the smoothie bar Cam suggested they taste test.

He told her to pick one for him since the menu was only in French and she so happened to be fluent in it, while his mom ended up calling at the moment they were deciding. So he stepped out of line after Souline called out her hello’s to the woman, before Cameron moved to the side to chat with his mom privately.

“How’s everything going, baby? You guys having fun and staying out of trouble?” His mother asks but he already knows what she’s hinting at.

Cam almost smirks to himself at the memory of pushing Soul’s buttons at the villa’s gym to cushioning the back of her head in the steaming shower before her damp body met the slippery tile.

“As much good trouble that’s allowed, ma.”

The woman that gave him life warns, “Cameron Cade.”

Cameron laughs, sliding past that, “Wanna hear the latest about the ring?”

“Yes, Father God!”

“You sure?” He instigates.

“As sure as I am that my president will always be black.”

He grins.

Cam sadly left his, “Take A Hike!” Right in the cup holder after three sips.

“What’s wrong? You don’t like it. I thought it was fitting?” Souline geninuely questions.

With one hand on the wheel, Cam clears his throat, “These are juice cleanses. My stomach is talking and telling me I gotta take it slow. There’s definitely kale in that. I can tell.”

Souline’s mouth forms into a “o,” with a nod of her head until she breathes out a laugh.

It’s Cameron’s turn to send her a side eye.

“I know you’re not laughing.”

“I’m not. I swear.”

“Got you that bag and now you don’t know how to act.” Cameron sits up in the driver’s side then glances over at his girlfriend, “…Did you set me up?”

“What?!” Souline gasps, still laughing, “I would never, CC.”

Her fingers reach out to pinch his cheeks together, cooing.

Cameron stares over at her hard, for as long as he could until he turns back to the road, dodging his face from her hold, quietly wondering if he’s gonna make it.

His stomach was at an easy five but he wasn’t trying to discuss bowel movements right now.

“Do you want me to drive?” Souline offers.

“Did you poison my ass?”

“For an athlete, I thought you would be used to cleanses by now. You said you wanted a juice? So I picked just like you asked.”

“Couldn’t have selected one to boost my glow or help my muscles after back to back workouts?”

Souline knows exactly what other workout he was referring to.

She beams at him, “That’s what mine is.”

Cameron sucks his teeth as his stomach flips again when he fails to avoid a bump in the road, “Foul as hell. So we at war now?”

“No.” Souline rubs at his thigh in hopes of comforting him and making him see she wouldn’t be that petty after everything that went on today, “We’re on vacation.”

She sits back against the passenger chair, her thumb rubbing over Cameron’s knee cap as he caresses his own set jaw.

Her drink sits beside his, between them, a sigh leaving her as the wind whips all around them and inside the car.

“…appreciate the bag tho.”

He meets her stare, humor in her’s now as her hair floats all around her.

“You’re lucky we’re so locked in…otherwise we’d be beefing for the rest of our stay, that it might start some more rumors in the headlines.” Cameron tells her, she laughs moving to smack a glittery kiss against his cheek.

Souline knows that wouldn’t be true.

The rumors of breaking up—that is.

They’re too attached.

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆ 𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆ 𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.