Chapter 67 - NAACP Awards

A/N: Important announcement at the end of this chapter, so look out for that!

Sadé's POV:

— Friday, November 11th

I woke up this morning at the crack of dawn. I had so much to do today, it was going to be so hectic. I rolled out of bed at 6AM, got in the shower, and got ready for my day. When I was done with my morning routine, I got dressed in a cute animated black rockstar sweater dress, my Rick Owens converses, a black Chanel purse, my stack bracelets, tennis bracelets on each wrist, and a pair of black sunglasses from my brand. I threw my hair in a cute messy bun, and did some light makeup just to look presentable for the time being until I would get it done professionally later in the day.

I checked myself out in the mirror to make sure I looked good, and headed to the lobby with my security to meet Jordyn and get the day started.

— Outfit Fitting

My first stop of the day was technically Starbucks so that I could get some coffee in me to wake my body and mind up, but it was really it a fitting for my dress that I would be wearing to the award show. It was designed by Christian Siriano, an American fashion designer for womenswear. His work was absolutely phenomenal! When he emailed me, showing interest in wanting to work with me on a red carpet dress, I couldn't pass it up. He was insanely talented. We came up with the concept for the dress together, him bringing both of our ideas for the design to life.

The dress had this beautiful old Hollywood glamour vibe to it. It was definitely giving rich and expensive! I fell in love with it immediately. It was dramatic, floor-length, and had this semi-long train. It was black and blue colored, had a turtle neck, and a triangular cutout over the chest, but it wasn't exposing too much skin. It was still classy and very elegant yet played the fine line with sexy due to its fitting form, and the way it hugged my hips. There were also a few other small details, but overall it was absolutely gorgeous.

Christian did his finishing touches to the dress as I tried it on, tailoring it in some spots, and changing things that needed some polishing. I thanked him for his work and collaboration, to which he thanked me as well for allowing him to opportunity. We both agreed that we would be business partners when it came to fashion here on out.

— At The Venue, Rehearsals

I had gotten out the black truck with Jordyn and Security, getting ready to go into the venue to do a few practice runs for the show from 10 to 2 when I was suddenly bombarded by flashes: Paparazzi. I was expecting it later on during the day of course, but at 10 AM?! In the morning?? This is ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. Do these people not have a sleeping schedule?

They were yelling all sorts of crazy words and questions at me. Asking me questions about my relationship with Marshall, if we're really dating, or if I'm only using him as a rebound for Zach, Zach and I possibly getting back together in the future (which by the way... ew, gross, never), how I feel about my old apartment being broken into, am I going to sue my neighbor for selling my business as a story to the internet, stuff about the four people that were convicted (which also by the way, I was just informed about that yesterday. These people really do work fast don't they), etc. They were just giving me so much crap. They didn't even have the decency to say good morning to me first, just straight to the point with negativity and flashing lights. I was highly irritated about that, which I'm sure showed on my face. I knew it would be plastered everywhere within the next few hours because for some reason the media loved to see squirm a lot lately. I eventually made it through the crowd with the help of security moving people out of the way, and another one grabbing my hand to lead me inside. I let out an audible sigh of relief once we entered the ginormous building.

"You going to be alright?" Jordyn asked me.

I just shook my head yes in response. She patted my back sympathetically, as we walked to the stage. We were here with the other hosts as well. Even though I was the main host of the night, there were cohosts, presenters, and other people needed for other sections since it was about a three hour show. Team work makes the dream work, of course.

I was mic'ed up, handed a microphone, had been hooked up to a small sound pack, and this earpiece thing so that I can hear all of my commands and cues. In my head, I was wondering if this is what Marshall feels like when he does performances and stuff. It was pretty cool if I do say so myself. I was all smiles as I was going over my lines, being told what to do, where to stand, and where to look into the camera. Jordyn had my phone, recording behind the scenes content. I was going to keep it in my private vault of videos that the public would never see. It was simply for my own personal memories that I would be able to look back on in the future.

We did a couple practice runs of the show until it was perfect. When it reached two in the afternoon, I headed to my dressing room that was at the venue, and took a short 30 minute break before I needed to get ready. While I was on break, I ate a salad with a strawberry banana smoothie, something light because I didn't want any to overfill myself and become nauseous or fatigue. I was texting with Marshall while I ate. He was three hours ahead so he had literally just gotten off of work when I texted him. I'm sure he was still at the studio though.

We continued to text until it was time for me to start getting ready. He wished me good luck, which made me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. He was always so supportive. I loved that we have such a healthy relationship filled with no negativity.

A few others texted me good luck as well throughout the day as it passed, like Hailie, Alaina, Stevie, Trinity, Alabama, and loads of others in my contacts.

— In The Dressing Room

I was currently in the dressing room getting glammed up. I was getting my hair & makeup done by my glam squad while someone was touching up my acrylic nails. I wanted to make sure I looked absolutely perfect. Almost three hours later, nearing 5 in the afternoon, was I finished. My hair was tied up in a chic chignon up-do with an elegant side bang. My makeup was glam style, with a bold black eyeliner, contour & blush, and my signature chocolate lips. For accessories, I went with my stack bracelets of course, a pair of diamond statement earrings, and a large, spiked diamond ring along with a few others. I put my dress on, which hid my navy blue Jimmy Choo heels.

I felt so good in my own skin, and I looked even better. I felt like me again... Like this is just what I needed to get back to my true self. This is where I feel my happiest, my most sincere self. When I'm in fashion, in the spotlight, being authentic. It was my calling. I just... I'm scared to step back into that world again where I'm open because I'm afraid of getting hurt like I just did. I want to, but I can't. I put those dark feelings to the side, stuffing them deep where nobody could see them. I put on a smile, and let my happiness take over.

I made my way to the red carpet where the other celebrities, guests, supporters/fans, and photographers were at. I went through the motions of walking the red carpet, getting my pictures taken, and doing a few small interviews with the people they had there. Everyone showed me so much love, going nuts over my gown.

I ran into Rihanna, Queen Latifah, Janet Jackson, Will Smith, and Angela Basset while I was on the red carpet. We held small conversations, which of course were caught in pictures by the media. They were all incredibly kind.

Jordyn had pulled me aside to show show a few headlines that were being made about me, but they were all positive. They were saying things like how they were happy to see me after being gone from the world for the last two weeks, giving me props for hosting the 54th annual NAACP Awards show, and for the beautiful dress I was wearing. It made my heart warm on the inside slightly.

I made my way inside the venue as I continued to walk the red carpet. I was escorted backstage getting ready by the sound crew and producers to go out there and do amazing. I got hooked up once again with wires that was connected to the sound pack. It was all hidden, however, by them tucking it somewhere in the back of my dress. They connected my sound/ear piece, giving me a microphone. They huge venue was filling up quickly, meaning the show was starting soon.

My anxiety started to creep up on me, but I quickly and easily calmed it down, remembering all the hard work I put in to get to this point to even be able to host one of the greatest awards shows in history, and by remembering all the words of encouragement I was sent by so many people. Even my grandmother called me to tell me she was proud of me... That one touched my soul. She had called me earlier in the day to say that she was proud of all of my success, and knew that my mother was looking down on me with the biggest smile, and that she was here with me in spirit. To say I cried after that phone call was an understatement. It truly meant a lot to me. And then Marshall's words as well, and my bestie's - Theirs meant a lot too. I felt myself overwhelmed with love and happiness. I knew I could do this. I had this in the bag, no doubt about it.

It was 7pm when the lights dimmed, and they told me it was my cue, I took a deep breath before releasing it. The woman who announced small parts of the show through the speakers began speaking, meaning it was time to start walking on stage. I held the microphone tight in my hand as she said the show's introduction.

"Live from the Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, it's the 54th NAACP Image Awards. Here is tonight's host, Sadé Myers!"

The crowd erupted in cheers and claps. A huge smile was plastered across my face as I blushed through my brown skin as I waved to the crowd. The spotlight was placed on me as live music from a band played through the room as I continued walking to my designated spot to start speaking.

"Welcome to the 54th annual NAACP Image Awards live!" I said excitedly through the microphone as the camera panned to me.

Millions of people were watching this live across the world on top of the thousands that were right in front of my very eyes, and outside of the building. They all looked so gorgeous. The room was filled with all different shades of brown, representing the black community specifically, but also the hispanic/latinx community, and all other communities that were considered the minority.

"Mhmm, look at y'all. Let me just take a look at you, mhm. Look at us!!" I enthused, complimenting everyone.

"I see so many black kings and queens in this room tonight. Each of you are a shining example of drive, determination, sacrifice, and success. But if it's okay with you, I want to take a moment and focus on the black women: Tonight we put you front and center because you know me, you already know! Keke Palmer, Angela Basset, Lizzo, Beyoncé. The newly minted EGOT, Viola Davis, ladies and gentlemen!..." I began reciting my speech that I had to write to for the show.

"...And it's about damn time that I give a shout-out to all the beautiful black men in here tonight: Jonathan Majors. Ryan Coogler is in the building. We also got our brother, the lyrical assassin, killing the acting game, Cliff M-E-T-H-O-D," I moved the microphone to the crowd as they finished the lyric.

"MAN!" The audience cheered eagerly.

"That's right, Smith in the building." I said referring to Clifford "Method Man" Smith, "We have so much to celebrate. We made a lot of history this year. Hakeem Jeffries became the first black lawmaker to lead a party in congress. Claudine Gay became the first became the first black president of the Harvard University. And a major shoutout to Supreme Court Justice Katanji Brown Jackson, thee first black woman to sit on the nations highest court..." I proudly stated, incredibly found of my people and how far we've come in this world - in todays society.

I continued on with my introductory speech, giving props, making jokes here and there. I then went on to talk about other important topics, such as racial issues briefly, and getting started with the show. I went through the categories of the awards, handing them out, announcing winners, and performances. It was a beautiful night, a smile placed on my face the entire time.

Marshall's POV:

— Meanwhile In Detroit

I had been in the recording studio all day today then came home so that I could start putting together Sae's little room that I was making for her. All the materials, equipment, and items had come while she was gone, and during the last few days. Her room was going to be on the first floor, right next to my in-home recording studio that I had. That room was initially intended to be a musical room, but I already have a sneaker room, an arcade area in the basement, and a man cave somewhere else in the house. So there was really no need for it. I hadn't used it after all these years so why not give it to her.

I had already gotten the walls painted yesterday, and was currently putting in furnishings, artwork, a small carpet, technical stuff like a computer, camera, some fashion things like a mannequin, sewing stuff, sketching things, ya' know... All those things women need to do that type of shit. To be honest with you... I only knew about a little bit of the things I was putting together, and the rest I was so damn confused on what they were or what it did, but I knew it was important to have so I got it for her. I was hammering shit, screwing things, hanging stuff up, I was even on a ladder at some point. It was a whole ordeal, but I wasn't complaining because I knew my lady would be absolutely amazed with the outcome. I knew she was going to love it. I'd do anything to see her smile.

— Later That Night

I had finished the room an hour ago, and had showered off all the sweat from my body and gotten into a pair of basketball shorts and a sweatshirt. It was finally 10pm, which meant that I could finally see my girl host the award show. I was so incredibly proud of her. I forced all the guys at the studio to watch it too. They said they were going to watch it regardless, but I wanted to make sure they showed my girl support. Let's be real, she was starting to grow on them. They treated her like their own, like a little sister almost.

I walked from the kitchen with my popcorn & Diet Coke, placing it on the coffee table in front of me as I sat on the couch in the living room. I turned on the BET channel, waiting for my girl to appear, then there she was. When she stepped out on the stage I was mesmerized. She looked stunning. Her dress was beautiful, her lips were so full as she smiled, her eyes sparkled, and she had this golden glow to her. I felt my senses heighten, and my feelings grow. I haven't really had the time to think about my feelings for her lately, but I knew they were intensifying. I knew there was obviously something more than just a likeliness there. Love? Possibly, but I don't know yet... Like I said, I haven't really had the time to sit down and just think about it.

That wasn't the point though, right now was about supporting my lady. I am so damn proud of her. I haven't known her long enough to say I knew her when she started from nothing, but I can say I've known her long enough to see growth. She's always making moves, always in her bag, always doing something. She's a hardworking, independent, intelligent, young woman that I value very much. She's done a lot in these past few months that people could only dream of doing on their entire lifetime. I really don't even know what else to say other than I'm proud of her.

I watched as he did her speech on TV, gave out awards, did little bits, and announced performances. She even dedicated a segment in the show to all the lives of black people that were lost to police brutality, racial injustice, and that were targeted just because of the color of their skin. I could see the emotion when she spoke about it because it was something extremely important to her. That was something we always agreed on when we had deep discussions about things happening in the world: How fucked up it is, and how these coward cops get away with these crimes, killing people, because they're white or have money, or whatever the case may be. I heard the angst in her voice, and how she so desperately wanted to spread awareness. I was proud of her for that too. For using her voice and her platform to make a change.

"Tyree Nichols may be the most recent tragedy that we've heard of, but we also mourn every loss that didn't receive national attention. What each of these people have in common is that they were targeted because of the color of their skin." She frowned as the camera panned to a list of names displayed on a screen on the stage, "So let's keep all these families in our prayers. Let's do something, and let's find a way to love each other more and more everyday. Because that commitment to love within our community is why the Image Awards was created in the first place. This is our show, where we recognize our incredible gifts that we've given to the world. Even when others do not. When we stand up, speak up, and support each other! To continue this celebration please help me welcome our first presenter from Abbot Elementary & nominees this year: Sheryl Lee Ralph and Janell James." She spoke into the mic.

See what I mean when I say she's so damn smart and intellectual? She's able to discuss any topic, and make you listen, learn, and understand the severity of it. The whole room was taking in her words, taking them to the heart. She was touching everyone's soul in that moment because we can all agree that America needs to do better. We as people need to do better.

Anyways, I continued to watch her throughout the night as I snacked on my popcorn and my drink, laying on the couch. I even saw my boy Curtis win an award for his show/production along with a few others.

She was doing such a great job on stage. She wasn't stumbling over her words, read everything perfectly, and wasn't putting on any type of weird act like others normally would. She was her real self. I had a grin planted on my face the whole time. I was just so happy for her that I couldn't help myself.

Some time later, she was announcing my all time favorite category: Hip-hop.

"Hip-hop turned 50 this year y'all. It's all good, they got a new knee!" She joked, giggling, "What started with two turn tables and a microphone has grown into thee most preeminent music genre in the world. It's everywhere, influencing movies, television, broadway, fashion, language, sports, and politics. Hip-hop is a global culture." She introduced the subject with respect.

The show didn't end until midnight, but I watched the whole thing in its entirety regardless. Sadé did so good. I couldn't wait until she came back tomorrow so that I could give her the biggest hug & kiss to tell her what a beautiful job she did up there on that stage, and how many people she inspired. All whilst my eyes were focused on her through the screen, I saw all happiness she embodied & the passion written on her face. I know that's where she belongs, and that it's her true calling. She better not fucking quit this shit, Yo. Because I can see it now, even through a damn screen, that she oh so clearly still has a passion for the spotlight, for social media, for all of it. Fashion may be her passion, but so it this. It's clear as day, and I know she can't deny it even if she wanted to. I'm just proud of my lady, dawg. That's it.

A/N: Special announcement 📣 A new book is underway! It's an interracial Eminem imagines/shorts book! I will be taking request for it as well so you can send them via messages! ‼️ It will be posted sometime tomorrow 🤭 Love y'alls 🫶🏾-🤎