New Story: Between Reel and Reality

King’s Palace!

It’s been a l’il minute. I acknowledge that. I take accountability.

Let’s move on, ‘cause I got a gift!

For MONTHS, I’ve been trying to figure out a story for my lesbian audience (lowkey, that’s what has been keeping me from posting content here). “Between Reel and Reality” came to me a few weeks ago, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. This story centers on the possibilities of a second chance, growth, navigating fame, trust, insecurities, and secrets. It has a lot of depth while aiming to be an enjoyable, entertaining ride.

For all my “velvet paradise” readers, this will not interfere with that story at all. Once again, I have a Wattpad contract with “velvet paradise” (I promise you, it’s not as lucrative as it sounds; it just sets me up for better potential of blowing up). I have to post every week by Sunday, or I lose my benefits, so “velvet paradise” is SECURED. LOCKED in.

As promised, if you’re a subscriber, you’re gonna get the first look at any new content (no matter how inactive I am). So, here we go!

Cover

Summary

After two years of minimal contact, Hollywood presents an irresistible offer to former lovers Amel Anais Cross, an R&B icon, and Cierre Shanti Holyfield, a renowned actress. Despite their strained history, they're cast as romantic leads in a blockbuster action-thriller film.

As they channel their characters' love and sacrifice, the past resurfaces, unleashing long-forgotten emotions and unresolved tensions. Each scene becomes a potential threat, risking the fragile facade of indifference they've carefully built.

Surrounded by a star-studded cast and a no-nonsense director, can they bury their personal strife to deliver a convincing performance? Or will the lines between reel and reality blur, reigniting a passionate affair?

Cast

The Mains

Victoria Monét as Amel Anais Cross (29)

Pronouns: she/her; they/them
Birthday: May 14th
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Hometown: Houston, TX
Nickname(s): Mel, Meli

Amel, a former bantamweight champion in mixed martial arts, has spent the past eight years dominating the music industry. Driven by immense ambition, her next conquest is the world of major film acting.

Shannon Thornton as Cierre Shanti Holyfield (31)

Pronouns: she/her
Birthday: July 21st
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Nickname(s): Cici, Eir

Born into a lineage of exceptional talent, Cierre has exuded star quality from the moment she came into the world. Her acting journey, which began in childhood, continues to blossom, with her roles multiplying and improving, establishing her as America's beloved, bisexual sweetheart.

The Buddies

Jerrie Johnson as Zaina Rayne Griffin (29)

Pronouns: she/her; they/them
Birthday: November 15th
Zodiac: Scorpio
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Nickname(s): Zain, ZG

ZG is a world-famous basketball talent, but also well known as Amel's treacherous twin. Both have an astronomical amount of women ready and willing to shoot their shot.

Kofi Siriboe as Trevon Farris Wright (32)

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Birthday: August 3rd
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Nickname(s): Von, Von Van Gogh

Hip-hop's hardest producer who is the constant coolhead Amel can turn to. Married in black-love matrimony to Nayeli, he is also close with Cierre. He's been trying to get Amel and Cierre back on good terms for years.

Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing as Nayeli Iyla Wright (32)

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Birthday: September 5th
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Nickname(s): Yeli

Being an architect is the least coolest thing on Yeli's resume. Over-prepared for any disaster, Cierre can always consult Yeli when in need. Thanks to her healthy marriage with Von, she's also a love guru to her friends.

Precious Lee as Kerani Joi Raymond (27)

Pronouns: she/her/that bitch
Hometown: Miami, FL
Birthday: October 19th
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Nickname(s): Keke, Rani

Despite her youth, Keke poses as much of a threat as her besties. She's a full-figured model who runs a clothing store, stocked with her specially designed threads for plus-sized individuals. In addition, her personality is as alluring as her beauty.

August Alsina as Tarian Odan Kendrick (30)

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Birthday: February 21st
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Nickname(s): Tari

Tari, a devoted plant daddy, spiritually inclined, and immaculate photographer, has captured Cierre's heart. They've been official for six months, and he doesn't plan to get off that lady anytime soon.

The Fam

Law Roach as Jorel Voshon "Jojo" Hill (45)

Pronouns: he/him; she/her
Hometown: Houston, TX
Birthday: December 11th
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius 
Nickname(s): Jojo, Unctie

Unctie Jojo played a crucial role in inspiring Amel to start boxing and martial arts in her childhood. Now, her manager and secondhand, Jojo, continues to keep Amel humble while looking sickening.

Marlon Wayans as Elias Javion Holyfield (51)

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Harlem, New York City, New York
Birthday: June 7th
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Nickname(s): Eli, E.J.

E.J. Holyfield is a hilarious comedian who gets funnier with life's experiences. Even with his prestigious status, he actively seeks young talent to uphold his legacy. Cierre and her siblings come to him often, seeking corny dad jokes and life advice.

Kenya Moore as Rozlyn Elara Holyfield (52)

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Birthday: March 27th
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Nickname(s): Roz

Roz's face card hasn't declined since Michael Jackson had the world in his palms. While she is renowned worldwide for her acting and modeling, at heart, she is a dramatic, social-media-obsessed mother who loves sharing pictures and tagging her kids.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Kamari Alaric Holyfield (33)

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Birthday: February 11th
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius 
Nickname(s): Mari

The eldest of Holyfield children has starred in award-winning drama films but is now pivoting to directing and producing his own films. Though he's a focused visionary, his favorite days are when he can chill with his wife, Mylah Holyfield, and their six-year-old twins, baby girl Noa and baby boy Lio.

Keke Palmer as Mylah Joelle Holyfield (33)

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Birthday: July 29th
Zodiac Sign: Leo 
Nickname(s): Lala

Married to Kamari, comedian, actress, and singer, Lala takes over any stage she steps on. Her charisma can't be beaten, leading her to gigs on top of gigs. Her twins, somehow, remain her biggest fans as she empowers Black women worldwide.

Brett Gray as Damir Isai Holyfield (28)

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Birthday: May 2nd
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Nickname(s): Dami

Dami is the youngest and most lowkey among Cierre's siblings, but he inspires millions of queer people. He has fearlessly embraced his identity as a bisexual transman since coming out at twenty. A skater, surfer, activist, and owner of a one-stop trans essentials store, he's the most challenging family member to keep up with. 

The Opening

CIERRE

The nostalgic scent of a rural Southern granny’s home envelops Nayeli and Von’s Bel Air property. Von, sockless and wearing his trusty brown “Unc sandals,” fearlessly commands the grill, conjuring smoky barbecue ribs and sizzling steaks. His robust frame effortlessly syncs with the funky melodies of Earth, Wind & Fire as he pays no attention to Kerani, his taste tester, teasing him. Standing, hands on her wide hips, the supermodel and fashion stylist reprimands the grillmaster for his ashy-ass ankles.

In my white Balenciaga sneakers, I carefully balance a pan of my renowned creamy baked mac-and-cheese, ready to join the vibrant food spread. The serving table beckons, adorned with Kerani’s bacon-infused collard greens and Nayeli’s crispy, flavored chicken wings. Under the gentle glow of string lights and the descending sun’s celestial gold, my recipe’s irresistible cheesiness intensifies. 

The mingling scents of our combined spices usually stir a ravenous hunger within me. However, intermittent spasms irritate my intestines, disrupting the usual appetite-inducing effect.

Bile builds in my esophagus, urging me to flee the impending Super Bowl event. I dash into the mansion, clutching my cashmere pink turtleneck. Concealing my face with my passion twists, I rush past the kitchen, my head lowered.

“Mmm-mmm!” a mouth full of gooey goodness reprimands. 

Damn!

Alright, so here’s the teaser. When should I post? I wanted to give y’all two chapters, but the second isn’t finished. Vote on the poll on my official website.