Page 42 of Perfect Rhythm

SHADE

“I heard you showed your ass again,” I said, leaning forward in my seat beside Mecca.

After having to raincheck lunch with Nyx and her grandparents because Jassi called about a flat tire, Mecca hit me up asking to meet up at the studio.

I wasn’t in the mood to hang around while he did all the extra shit he liked to do while he was creating, but I showed up anyway.

Mostly because I wanted to see if I could talk him into finally chilling the fuck out with Skye.

“Damn, you heard about that shit, huh?” He scratched his head before taking a pull from his blunt.

“Who the fuck didn’t? Man, you need to chill. That shit ain’t cool. You’re embarrassing yourself, and most importantly, you’re only widening the divide between you and Skye. Do you really think any of the bullshit you’re doing is going to win her back?”

He shrugged. “Look, I’m just trying to fix things the best way I know how.”

“Yeah, well, it ain’t working. Please stop.”

“What’s up? Did she say something to you?

” Mecca’s whole vibe shifted, and I could see his mind spiraling.

I couldn’t tell if it was just the weed or if it was actually something more serious happening in his head.

Either way, I didn’t like it, and it made me feel like I needed to keep trying to get through to him.

“No, she hasn’t told me anything. I just know women, and when they’re fed up, there’s absolutely nothing you can do to change their minds. You’re better off just backing off and giving her time to see if maybe a friendship could be salvaged.”

I knew I was reaching with that last part. Skye was never going to forgive him for the shit he’d done.

“But what if I don’t just want to be her friend? How do I deal with that shit?”

That was a tough one. I knew that from personal experience.

“You just have to find a way. You can’t force someone to do what you want them to do. Hell, she couldn’t even force you to stop fucking other women.”

Sucking his teeth, he waved me off. “Man, that’s different.”

“It’s not different. You decided what you were going to do, and you did that shit repeatedly. You have to live with that.”

Mecca’s shoulders dropped, and he leaned back in his chair.

Slowly, he spun around, smoke filling the air as he stared at the ceiling.

I prayed like hell my words sunk in. I needed him to pull it together and start focusing on the music, especially since the little bit he played for me earlier sounded like shit.

“So, you really think I should let her go, huh?”

“Yeah, I do. If for no other reason, do it because you love her. She deserves to be free of all the crazy shit you put her through.” His sigh deepened, and I placed my hand on his shoulder. “Trust me, you’ll be glad you did it, and so will she.”

“I hear you,” he said with a nod. “The last thing I want to do is keep causing her pain. I’ve done more than enough. But you know what this means, right?”

“What?”

“I’m going to have to fuck as many bitches as I can to get her out of my system.”

I frowned. “That’s what got your dumb ass in this mess in the first place.”

“You’re right.” He chuckled. “But I’m here now. Might as well make the best of it. Plus, that’s the only time I don’t think about Skye. Well, unless the bitch that’s supposed to be better than her isn’t, and trust me, there’s been quite a few mediocre hoes.”

“I bet.”

“I mean, Brookia was the only one that even came close to doing what Skye could do.” Laughing, he slammed his hand against my chest. “I guess that’s how she ended up getting a baby put in her.” He laughed again, but I didn’t find the shit funny.

“Speaking of the baby, what’s the plan with that? It’s been all over the blogs that King ended their engagement. Have you talked to her? Is she still having the baby?”

“Yeah, I talked to her, and yeah, she’s having the baby.” He slid his hand down the back of his head. “She’s been pretty devastated about the whole thing.”

I eyed him for a moment, my mind trying to register the chill sound in his voice. It was almost a twinge of admiration I witnessed. “Bro, did you fuck her again?”

“What?”

“You heard what the hell I said. Did you fuck Brookia again?”

“What difference does it make? Skye won’t say shit to me, and Brookia’s having my baby. Might as well.”

“So, that’s a yes.” I shook my head. “Yeah, you need to leave Skye the fuck alone ASAP. Focus on your baby.”

“Look, like I just said, Brookia gets the job done. I’m not passing up on some good pussy.”

The door to the studio flung open, and before I could see who walked in, I felt the energy shift.

“Yo, what’s going on in here?” Enzo shouted, downing champagne straight from the bottle. “Why is it so damn quiet? Where the fuck is the music?”

“Look who it is. What’s up, big bro?” Mecca said, getting up and dapping Enzo with a quick side hug. “Didn’t think I’d catch you in here tonight.”

“Yeah, well, you know I had to slide through once I heard you were in the building.” He grinned. “Oh, and I got a little treat coming for you too.” He looked back at his security guard. “Aye, Crank, call them bitches we saw earlier and tell them to come up here.”

That’s my cue.

I stood up and gave Mecca a nod. “I’m out.”

“So soon?” Enzo questioned while placing his hand on my shoulder.

“Get your hand off me before I break that bitch.”

He lifted his hand and stepped back. “You know, one day we’re going to have to squash this beef between us.”

“I’m not squashing shit.”

“Well, I think you should reconsider.” He shrugged. “Especially since we’re practically family now.”

I frowned. “What the fuck are you talking about? We don’t share blood nigga.”

“Not yet. But if your little sister keeps kicking it with my nephew, that may change one day.” A smile spread across his face. “I saw the two of them on their date last night. I must say, my nephew has good taste.”

Before I could catch myself, Enzo’s shirt was clenched between my fist, and I’d slammed his bitch ass into the wall. “I thought I told you to stay the fuck away from my sister.”

“Well, in my defense, I didn’t go near her. My nephew showed her off to me at the restaurant that I own.”

“I don’t give a fuck what he did.”

“Yo, Shade, chill,” Mecca pleaded behind me, his voice tight.

“You heard your boy,” Enzo said, his smug tone making me squeeze tighter.

“Fuck that nigga. I’m talking to you.”

Enzo’s eyes darted over to Crank, and the sharp click of a gun being cocked echoed in my ears.

But Trace wasn’t far behind.

He returned the gesture, cool and calculated. The only difference? He locked the door behind him, preparing for war.

“If this is what we’re doing,” Trace spoke, “I hope everyone’s shit is fully loaded. Otherwise, your ass is dying in this bitch today.”

“Yo, let’s not do this,” Mecca begged again. “It’s not even worth it.”

I didn’t move. “Fool, my sister is always worth it. If losing my life means taking this hoe ass nigga off the market, I’m with it.”

“Yeah, but I’m not,” Mecca shot back, sounding like a bitch. He got like that after smoking for too long. “I’ve got fucking plans, and don’t none of that shit include dying in this damn studio. A nigga was just trying to make a little music.”

Ignoring him, I tilted my head while glaring at Enzo. “So, what’s up? Are you accepting the second chance this fool is trying to give you? Or are you taking your last breath tonight?”

Trace moved in closer and pressed his gun against Enzo’s temple, not giving a damn about his security. “Answer wisely motherfucker.”

Enzo let out a heavy breath. “Fine, you don’t want me to talk about your sister, I won’t talk about your sister.”

“Wrong answer,” Trace replied and pushed the gun against his head a little more. “You got one more try, and you better get the shit right this time.”

I didn’t intervene.

“I won’t think about her either.”

“Thank you.” I released Enzo’s shirt, and everyone dropped their weapons. “And on that note,” I gave his chest a smooth pat, “I’m gonna head out. Y’all have a good night. Oh, and Mecca, remember what I said.”

He nodded, seemingly relieved that things didn’t go the way they could have gone. “I got you.”

“Bet.”