INFLUENCE

CHAPTER ONE: Two weeks had passed since the argument that shook the city. The Avi Lanez studio glowed its signature neon. Novi Avi's color, electric green, bounced off the walls, reflecting the big bold letters printed behind him: AVI LANEZ Novi adjusted his headphones, chain resting against his fitted black tee. Locs fresh, caramel skin glistening under the lights. The comments were already exploding & he hadn't even introduced his guest yet. Then she walked in, YETURAH! Her island twit swooped into a neat ballerina bun, edges layed sharp. Silk, wine red bodysuit hugged every curve like it knew its purpose. Thigh high mocha boots swallowed her legs whole. Gold hoops, matching neckless, light face beat. Lips glossy, face contoured to the gods. Novi's eyes dragged over her for a full second too long. He licked his lips without thinking. The chat caught it. Avi Lanez Livestream Comments: fan4lanez: NAH NOVI U GOOD?? 💀 greenheartsluv: HE WANNA TAKE HER DOWN RN 😭😭😭 StuntinglikeYeti: that bodysuit is CRAZYYY 😍🥵 messybxtch17: HE LICKED HIS LIPSSSS I KNOW WHAT THAT MEAN 😈 Novi cleared his throat, pretending he wasn't fighting for professionalism. " let's welcome a very special guest, you guys have been wanting her here since I started this live podcast 2 months ago. Welcome, the love of my life Yeturah". She was blushing, as she slid into the comfy leather seat like she owned it. " you always making me blush Novi" she said unable to hide her love. Towards the middle of the podcast, Novi leaned forward. Very gentle, very soft, very careful. "Aight baby, let's talk about it. Every-time I post us, somebody gotta come with the hate, fans getting ignorant, misgendering you, saying slick transphobic shit they wouldn't dare say to me in person. How do you deal with it all?" Novi asked She took a deep breath, spine long. " people online talk loud because real life never asked them to", she added " my existence bothers people who don't have one" the chat lost control once again. Avi Lanez Livestream Comments: rawrawreal: OH SHE READDDDD 🤭 dontplaywithsis: SHE ATE THAT W NO SIDE DISH🍽️ lanezarmy: Novi look like he wanna kiss her right now omg 🥹 Novi said under his breath, " I love you so much, you so fucking fine" thinking the mic wouldn't pick it up. The chat went ballistics after he said that. Novi shifted, voice softening into his signature closing segment. "When life gets loud who keeps you going?" He looked at her with that stare. The stare that made half the fanbase in-love & the other half jealous. Yeturah didn't answer fast. She inhaled, looked down, then looked directly at Novi. "My real ones. The ones who show up without noise. The people who don't need attention to be present". She didn't say names, & didn't need to. The two people she was talking about know who they are although the fans only know about Novi. Brooklyn's POV: Twelve hour shift complete. Precision, grace & a fake smile got Brooklyn through yet another day at Rosé. Her burgundy 12 inch bob was pushed into a sleek low ponytail. Her outfit stayed sharp throughout the day, cream button down, high waist light brown flared trousers, Prada heels, & a fitted vest that took professionalism up 10 notches. Clock out time came. 9:00 pm on the dot. She powered down her computer, gathered her folders, & straightened her desk like she wasn't sprinting out of there mentally. Just before she reached the elevators, Mrs. Stewart appeared. Like a bad omen. Perfect as ever in her overpriced suit. Mr. Stewart slithered up right behind her, predictable as always. They blocked the exit like security guards of Hell. "Goodnight, Brooklyn. Get home safe wouldn't want something to happen to someone so..... delicate" Mrs. Stewart said with that venom coated smile. Mr. Stewart followed up " we're depending on you, try not to leave anything unfinished tomorrow. We need efficiency." Brooklyn gave a slight nod even though inside she rolled her eyes, " I hear you both, have a good night. I will see you all tomorrow" she walked toward the lobby, as Mrs & Mr Stewart went into their glass office & gathered colleagues to watch & gossip about Brooklyn. Brooklyn felt them judging, talking, & labeling but tonight she didn't care. Exhaustion took over. When she stepped off the elevator into the lobby, someone stepped into her path. Zinnia, her mother. Heavy perfume, cheap fur coat, lips tight with manipulation. " Brooklyn. Perfect timing" Zinnia didn't even say hello. Brooklyn's chest tightened "Ma. What're you doing here?" Zinnia sighed dramatically, shaking her head. "Your little brother needs new shoes, I'm struggling & need help." There it was. The guilt trip, always the guilt trip. Brooklyn closed her eyes for half a second, counting to 10 in her head. " Ma, I don't get paid until Wednesday & I just sent you money last week. You can't wait?" Zinnia folded her arms. "So you don't care if Zion suffers? God doesn't approve of selfishness Brooklyn. The path your on now is an abomination, & now your turning your back on your own family too?" The "God" line stabbed, she always weaponized religion against Brooklyn's transition. Brooklyn swallowed hard, jaw tensing. " How much" she asked voice low, defeated. Zinnia perked up instantly. "$500". Brooklyn didn't argue, didn't hesitate, negotiate or respond. She simply opened her Chase app & sent the money to Zinnia via Zelle. "Check your phone", Brooklyn said quietly. Zinnia's whole face lit up like Christmas, she said " see? I knew you'd do right by Zion. He's going to be so happy." Brooklyn nodded once & walked away before her mother could add more poison. The cold night air slapped Brooklyn's cheeks as she slid into her uber. By the time she reached 145 Henry St, 11201 unit 5, her luxury apartment, the guilt & heaviness lingered. But her home softened it. Keys down, shoes off, clothes peeled away. Her bathroom wasn't big but it wasn't small either, the perfect size for hot showers that washed off the day. She stepped out with steam hugging her skin, burgundy bob now pin-straight & falling perfectly around her face. She put on a soft pajama set & made a quick dinner. Lemon pepper salmon, jasmine rice, & roasted broccoli tossed in garlic oil. She poured herself a glass of Barefoot pink moscato. Turned on the tv & tuned into Chicago med season 8 episode 14, where Crockett is fighting between saving a patient & following hospital politics. Brooklyn sank into the couch, finally letting her shoulders drop. Halfway through the episode, plate finished, she grabbed her phone. AVI LANEZ Podcast Clip What keeps you going?: Yeturah: "my real ones. The ones who show up without noise." Brooklyn loved the post immediately, a slow warm smile tugged at her lips. "I hear you Yeti" she whispered. She took a sip of wine & for the first time today, her heart felt lighter.