Page 22 of Beautiful Harmonies

“Real shit?”

“Yeah. I think we can do one of my songs and one of yours.”

“You would share your stage with me like that?”

“Absolutely. I told you I’m a fan. I love your music and the way you sing.”

“Mm. That’s good to know, baby.”

I kissed her lips and started singing one of my all-time favorite songs, “All I Do is Think of You” by Troop. Those lyrics were so fucking true in this moment. I wasn’t in love with her yet, but I was more than sure I would be soon. I thought about her all the time before we even met. It felt like I already knew her because I fantasized about her so much. To know she was reading up on me, trying to know about me as well was kismet.

When she started singing the background vocals, a smile broke out on my lips. We would make beautiful music together. I gently stroked her cheek with my thumb as I continued to sing my heart out to her. Her cheeks stared reddening as I stared into her eyes.Damn.This shit I felt for her was so intense. I didn’t understand the why and how, but I was grateful for both.

When the carpulled up outside of my parents’ home, my nerves took off for the races. They trusted me to make wise decisions, but I knew they would question this one. Deontray’s reputation wasn’t a secret to anyone. While most of it was speculation, I found a lot of it to be very credible. So I was sure my parents did as well. They kept up with the happenings in the industry, just like Tiana and Mulan, so they could keep me abreast.

Once the driver got out and opened the door for us, Mi’Junae said, “Damn, who is that?”

I looked up and saw my brother. I got so excited. I hadn’t seen him in months. The minute my feet touched the ground, I ran to him. “Jayden! What are you doing here?”

“I had to make a trip back to make sure I saw you before you left again. I miss you.”

“I miss you too!”

When I finally released him from the hug, Deontray and Mi had joined us. I turned to Tray and said, “This is my brother, Jayden. Jay, this is Deontray… my boyfriend.”

His eyebrows lifted as he shook his hand. “Boyfriend, huh? That’s interesting. You tryna be spur of the moment now?”

I rolled my eyes. “This is his sister, Mi’Junae.”

Again, his eyebrows lifted. I was hoping he didn’t say anything about that video, because I was more than sure he’d seen it. “What’s up?” he said to her as he shook her hand.

“Hey. Nice to meet you.”

He nodded. I didn’t miss that he and Tray hadn’t said a word to each other. If Jay didn’t really want to talk to him, then I could imagine how things would be with Daddy. Glancing at Tray, I could see that he didn’t seem to be fazed by Jayden’s demeanor toward him. I supposed he was used to it. I grabbed his hand, and I knew he felt the tremble in it. Before we got to the door, I turned to him.

“It doesn’t matter what anyone says, or for that matter, doesn’t say. I make my own decisions. I’m not worried in the least bit about this decision. I feel it in my soul.”

I slid my hand over his cheek so he could feel my sincerity. He grabbed my hand and kissed it. He smiled at me then kissed my lips. “Thank you for that, baby.”

When I turned back to walk inside, my mama was standing there, looking excited as ever. I chuckled as we walked inside. She kissed my cheek then said, “Hello, Deontray. I’m Katrina Carrier, Kamari’s mother. I’m sure you remember, since we just met the other day.”

She was nervous, and it was too cute. “It’s nice to meet you again, Missus Carrier. This is my sister, Mi’Junae.”

“Hello, Missus Carrier.”

My mama hugged them both then said, “Y’all come on in.”

She flashed me a smile, and we followed her through the front room to the family room, in back where Daddy was. When we walked in, he stood from his seat. He hugged me and said, “I’m glad you had a safe flight, baby.”

“Thanks, Daddy. This is my boyfriend?—”

“Deontray. Nice to meet you,” he said, extending his hand.

My eyebrows lifted slightly.Hmm. That was interesting.“Nice to meet you as well, Mister Carrier. This is my sister, Mi’Junae.”

“Nice to meet you, young lady,” my daddy said as he extended his hand to her as well. “Y’all have a seat.”

I was practically in shock as I sat next to Tray. He grabbed my hand and gave it a squeeze as my daddy said, “Congratulations on your award, sir.”

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