Page 37 of Perfect Rhythm

SHADE

“Well, last night was quite the shit show,” I muttered to Trace as I dropped into the chair at my kitchen island and pulled the breakfast plate toward me.

“Most definitely. I can’t believe you managed to get that nigga home before getting his face bashed in.”

“Yeah, me too. Thankfully, Ocean was in a decent mood, and not on some other shit like he usually is.”

I took a sip of my coffee, then took a bite from my toast. It was pretty late to be having breakfast. But seeing as that was one of my favorite meals of the day, I really didn’t care too much about it being halfway through the afternoon.

“Have you called to check on him?”

“Who? Mecca or Ocean?”

“Shit, Mecca. I know Ocean ain’t fucked up.”

“Yeah, you're right. But no, I haven’t. I’ll check in on him in a few. First, I need to get some food in me and get my mind right. I used way too much energy to get that fool in the car.” I shook my head. “This whole thing with him and Skye got him losing his damn mind.”

Trace nodded. “I know. One minute, he was crying because she wouldn’t talk to him. The next, he was talking about killing her ass if he finds out that she’s giving his pussy to another nigga.”

“Oh yeah, I heard that dumb shit.”

My phone rang.

It was Jassi.

“What’s up? You good?” I answered.

“I’m fine. But I need a favor.”

“What’s new?” I laughed. “What you need?”

“I need me and Xandie’s name to be added to the list, so we can get into Noni G’s listening party. I know you can get us on there.”

I sucked my teeth. “What makes you think that?”

“Because you have connections, and you’re practically in love with the woman that just so happens to be best friends with her cousin.”

I rolled my eyes. “If I recall correctly, you told me to give Nyx space. So, asking her to see if Skye can convince her cousin?—”

“Nope, don’t even try it. We both know you can go another route if you need to. Now, be a good big brother and get us in.”

I sighed, because of course, she was right.

It was an easy ask, especially since Noni G and I were on the same label.

Noni G was that girl, and her album dropping next month was already being called the most anticipated female release of the year.

She was known for her catchy, attitude filled hooks and laidback vibes.

Her talent was undeniable, and the same could be said for her younger sister.

But there was no competition between them… just mutual respect.

“Fine. But just so you know, I’ll be there and so will every other big name in the city. Don’t do anything that’s going to make me embarrass you in front of everyone.”

“I won’t. I’m going to be on my best behavior like I always am. You’re the problem.”

Laughing, I said, “Yeah, whatever.”

“Jassi, girl, you’ve got to finish telling me about the plans for this date,” Xandie called out in the background.

“Date? What date?”

My sister huffed, then whispered something I couldn’t hear. She was probably cussing Xandie out for blowing up her spot.

“Jassi, what the fuck is Xandie talking about? What date? With who?”

“You don’t know him. It’s a kid from my school.”

“Hmm...when is this date? I need to be there when he picks you up.”

“None of your business, and no, you don’t.”

“Yes, I do. Text me the information. I want to know what time he’s picking you up, where you guys are going, and what time he’s going to have you back home.”

“No, no, and no. I’m not a child. You can’t?—”

“Jassi, this isn’t optional. Either tell me or I’ll go find out on my own.”

Again, she huffed. “Fine, I’ll send you the details…minus that last part. I’m grown. I don’t have to report what time I’m getting dropped off like some teenager with a curfew.”

“Yeah, okay. Just send me the info. Do it now.”

“Not until I’ve got confirmation that you got us on the list.”

“Wow, really?”

“Yes. It’s an even exchange, and I expect you to deliver.”

“Whatever. Bye.”

“Goodbye.”

The line went dead, and I shot my assistant a quick text telling her to get in touch with Noni G’s assistant about the list.

My phone lit up again, and I answered on the first ring. “What’s up, O?”

“Not shit. Yo, Mecca need to get his shit together. I almost left his mother without a child last night.”

“Yeah, I know. He’s got a lot going on right now.”

“Oh, I know. That shit has been all over the blogs. But that’s what his bitch ass gets. Why in the hell is he out here screwing bitches raw? Especially Brookia’s ass. Every nigga in the industry done hit that.”

“Man, you know how niggas get when they start mixing business with pleasure. They lose all common sense.”

“Well, don’t nobody need to lose a damn thing when it comes to her. I can’t believe somebody thought they could turn that hoe into a housewife.”

I shook my head. “Yeah, that shit is crazy.”

“Hell yeah, it’s crazy. Her called off engagement is breaking the damn internet,” he said. “Oh, and speaking of engagements, I thought your girl Nyx was done fucking with ol’ boy.”

I frowned, confused by what he was referring to. “What are you talking about? Who’s ol’ boy?”

“Eli,” he replied. “Have you not seen FDL this morning?”

“No, I haven’t. Feel free to fill me in though.”

“Shit, according to the front page, her and Eli are engaged.”

“What?”

“Hell yeah. I saw pictures and everything. She doesn’t look too happy in any of them, but it definitely looks like a celebration. Maybe an engagement party or some shit.”

A slow burn flared in my chest.

Is that why she needed fucking space?

Why didn’t she say anything when we talked?

“Aye, I gotta go. I’ll catch up with you later.”

“Hold up…you straight?”

“Nah, I’m not fucking straight. But I’ll holler at you later.”

“Alright, let me know if you need me.”

“Will do.” I ended the call and turned to Trace, jaw tight. “Tell Antone to get the car ready. Oh, and figure out where the fuck Nyx is. Now!”