Page 27 of Beautiful Harmonies

Rod looked like he wanted to cry as he repeatedly nodded. “We’ll talk more about that after the show,” he said with a smile as my song faded out. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re back with our artist spotlight. If you’re just joining us, we have Deontray in the building!”

I smiled big. Rod was good people. I was so glad he was the one doing the interview. Had it been anyone else, I felt like this wouldn’t have gone as well. “What’s up, what’s up!” I responded.

He chuckled. “So, I’m just gon’ get right to it. When we were talking before the break, you said your mom’s memory was your inspiration, but I want to believe that there’s someone else out there who may be inspiring you as well.”

I chuckled. “Really? You think so?”

He laughed. “Don’t play that innocent role with me, young man. Now, I’m not big on social media, but you have to be living under a rock to miss the trending topic. There is a picture floating around of you walking through an airport hand in hand with country princess, Miss Kamari Carrier. The people… as in me—I am the people… I need to know how serious this is. Is this just a friendship thing or what?”

I lowered my head, trying to suppress the smile on my face. “Kamari is a beautiful woman. I’m a true fan. She has an amazing voice. We met for the first time at the American Music Awards. Although we’ve seen each other from afar and obviously know who the other is, we had never had a conversation until the day of the awards show. I’m not gon’ lie. I’d been crushing on her something serious, but I thought she was too good for me. My rep ain’t exactly a secret.”

Rod laughed loudly. “You got that right. Quite the ladies’ man.”

“Well, when we talked at the studio that day, it was like I’d known her for years. Then on the red carpet at the awards show, it got even more intense. We spent time together that night at the studio again and before I left LA, some personal sh… stuff popped off. She had already left, but when I looked up, that woman had flown back out to check on me. It’s been up ever since. That was when she allowed our spirits to commune, and we became a couple.”

“Wow! That was like a whirlwind!”

“Yeah, it was. When it’s meant to be, it just is. I’m grateful that God allowed us to cross paths, because she’s been nothingbut a blessing to me… her entire family has. They embraced my sister and me like we were meant to be in their family.”

“Man, that’s amazing. Well, I take it that you probably have a flight to catch then. She’s in Houston tomorrow.”

“Possibly. I have to make sure everything is worked out the way it’s supposed to.”

I didn’t want to give away the surprise. I wasn’t sure if Kamari wanted to keep that a secret or not. I knew people would be wondering if I was there after the announcement anyway.

“Well, that’s great. I’m happy for you, man. You look extremely happy. That woman seems to have a beautiful soul, and she surely has a beautiful voice. You have to wish her congratulations also for her win of artist of the year.”

“Absolutely.”

“Well, we aren’t going to hold you. I know you’re a busy man, and I appreciate you taking the time to drop in on us.”

“The pleasure is all mine. I can never forget how much your show did for me when I was trying to make a name for myself. You and this radio station were a blessing to me, and I promise to be a blessing to you guys in return.”

“That does my heart good, Deontray. It really does. Again, thank you for coming through. Y’all be on the lookout for the new album coming soon. In the meantime, y’all wear out ‘No Bounds’ on your devices. Whether you purchase it or stream it, let Deontray know how y’all feel about it by showing your support. Until next time.”

He ended the recording and muted the mics. “I normally answer calls, but there was no way I would have been able to control what they would have asked if I did.”

“I appreciate you changing up your program to protect our privacy.”

I pulled out my phone to look at my schedule. “So, I don’t have anything going on at the end of May. Will that be enough time to promote?”

“Absolutely. Will that be enough time foryou?”

“Yes, sir. I’m gonna make some calls to get the ball rolling when I leave from here.” I stood from my seat. “I really appreciate you.”

“I appreciateyou! I wish they all came back and do what you do.”

I smiled as he opened the door to the studio. My security guard was standing at the front door, and I could clearly see the crowd out there.

“We had to lock the door,” the receptionist said to Rod.

He chuckled. “If that ain’t proof of your stardom, I don’t know what is. Your mom would be proud.”

“Thanks.”

“I called for reinforcement. Once they get here, we can leave.”

I nodded at my security as my phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out to see it blowing the hell up. I’d silenced it before I got here. News traveled fast. When a text came through from Kamari, I quickly checked it.Can you talk?

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