Page 8 of Beautiful Harmonies

I threw my phone to the couch and grabbed the blunt from Reggie. My phone went off again before I could even spark up. I just knew it was Mi, but when I saw an unsaved number, I quickly opened the text, knowing it was probably Kamari.

I’m on my way unless you’re smoking. I can’t stand smokey rooms when I’m working. Let me know before this car pulls off.

I glanced at the blunt and rolled my eyes. I stood from the couch and handed the blunt back to him. He frowned. “You ain’t smoking?”

“Naw. Kamari doesn’t like that shit at the studio. Guess I’m gon’ have to settle for a drink.”

He chuckled as I walked to the other side of the room. I could see it plain as day. She was gonna have my ass jumping through hoops of fire to prove I was ready for exclusivity with awoman like her. I supposed I’d better get my shit together for the greatest show on earth.

I’m not smoking,baby.

I nodded at the driver when I received Deontray’s text. He wasn’t about to have me choking and shit while I was trying to work. I hated being in small, closed-in spaces when people were smoking. My dad was a smoker, but he didn’t smoke in the house. He always smoked outside. My mama had bad allergies and couldn’t really take too much smoke anyway.

I glanced at the text again and smiled slightly. I responded to him.I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.

I was somewhat nervous. Despite my reservations about it, I decided to go to the studio alone, with only a security guard. I was pretty sure Deontray had the building loaded with them, but I needed someone there that would have my best interest at heart. If he was the one I needed protecting from, his people would still have his best interest at heart, whether he was rightor wrong. I refused to be a victim of this industry. Trusting anybody in it was a luxury I couldn’t afford.

Still… something in my heart said I needed to feel Deontray out alone, without anyone being in my ear reminding me of his past and the things I thought I knew about him. I had seen him multiple times, but we’d never had a face-to-face until today. Here we were though… already embarking on a work relationship.

When we arrived, my guard opened the door for me, extending his hand to assist me out. I was just sitting there, trying to calm my nerves about what I could possibly be embarking upon. “You okay, Miss Carrier?”

I nodded then accepted his hand as he helped me out of the car. There was something about Deontray that intrigued me. While he had a bad reputation, depicting him as a ho, I still wanted to get to know him on the inside. It seemed his heart was pure, and I couldn’t stop my body from craving what it could possibly have to offer.

I followed Terrence inside. He greeted the other guards and led me to the elevator. My nerves had my entire body trembling. Thankfully, I’d chosen to go to my room and change into some sweats and a T-shirt. I wanted to be as comfortable as possible without showing too much sex appeal. I had my hair pulled up into a messy bun, and I’d washed off my makeup. I literally felt like I was ready for bed.Wait. That isn’t a good thing, Kamari!

As I silently panicked, the elevator doors opened, and we stepped inside. I pulled my phone from my pocket and texted Mulan and Tiana.I’m here. Wish me luck.

Tiana:Luck with getting fucked with that demon dick or luck with making a hit song?

I rolled my eyes. She was adamant about me fucking him to see what all the hoopla was about. Rumor had it that he had dick for days and knew just how to use it, or so Tiana had said. I keptmy nose out of the gossip columns. Who needed them when I had someone like Tiana all in my ear about what was going on in the industry? Because of her, I knew about everything from plagiarism to sex scandals.

Mulan texted the eyeroll emoji then texted,Good luck, Kamari. Don’t pay Tiana’s ass any attention. Ignore her like we normally do.

Tiana: Bitches.

I chuckled as I slowly shook my head.I’m ignoring her commentary but laughing at it at the same time. Thanks for relaxing me. I’m getting off the elevator now.

Mulan: Don’t hesitate to kick him in the nuts if necessary.

Me: I don’t think it will be necessary. That’s what I have Terrence for.

Tiana: Don’t hesitate to suck them nuts either.

I nearly choked when I read that shit. I swore, I could always count on Tiana to say something out of pocket. That was my girl though. When I needed really serious advice, I talked to my mama, because that fool would have me in all sorts of trouble. She almost got us arrested when she decided to slice her ex’s tires. We were running from the police and everything. That shit would have halted my career before it even started.

When we got to the studio, I could feel my knees knocking. Terrence knocked on the door as I texted Deontray.We’re at the door.

Before he could respond, a guard came from around the corner and gave us a head nod, then put in the code to the door. Iwasn’t sure where he was, but I could only hope he’d gone to the restroom and wasn’t slacking on his job. When the door opened, Terrence walked in first. I followed behind him, and when I saw Deontray in a T-shirt and his dress pants, I smiled. He didn’t even go and change. He was dedicated to his craft.

He had a slight frown on his face, but he extended his arm for a hug. I obliged him and said, “Hey.”

“What’s up, baby? Give me a minute to get back with you,” he said as he walked out of the studio.

I glanced over at Terrence, and he gave me a slight smirk. I assumed that he knew what was about to happen. When Deontray came back inside, he looked a lot calmer, and he smiled at me. “I apologize. I had to check and see why Jason wasn’t at the damn door when you got here. He’d gone to the restroom. At least he’d secured the door before he disappeared, but he should have let someone know he was leaving his post.”

I nodded. “You take that sort of thing seriously.”

“Absolutely. I don’t need any mishaps… not for shit I can control.” He smiled slightly and came closer to me. “So you didn’t go to any parties if you’re here already.”

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