Diverging paths framed by an unbreakable bond. As childhood friends, they dreamt of shared success, but life dealt them separate cards. Separated by circumstance, their connection persists through letters, each missive a lifeline between contrasting...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
June 1992
"Yeah, I just learned how to play it. Like read the music notes and everything," DeVante said, lounging on a random couch. Justine had called the phone number he sent in a previous letter – a phone designated just for her, ensuring he wouldn't miss her call.
"Ok, Quincy Jones! You always were a fast learner," she teased, eliciting a laugh from him.
"Depends on who my teacher was," he shot back.
"You learned a few thangs from the best. You're right," she responded, a quick giggle escaping her. Though he couldn't see her, he sensed her blushing.
"Imma be down there to see you soon. Just gotta handle some things first."
"I can't wait, Superstar."
"Don't be up there fighting no broads eitha! They might not let me see your pretty face if you keep it up," he warned, and she laughed.
"I can't make any promises, De. But if you wear something nice, I'll try my best." His cheeks grew warm as a grin spread across his full lips.
"I gotchu, Tig."
60 seconds remaining
The computerized voice interrupted, making them sigh.
"It's always a pleasure, Tig."
"Likewise superstar. You sound old saying that tho."
"Remember I'll be there to see you soon! Behave!" he got out just before the beep signaled that the call had been shut down.
Putting the phone in his large pocket, he made his way towards the room where the other Jodeci members were. The speakers blared loudly as he took his seat again.
"The lover boy is back! You ready to work?" K-Ci asked loudly, making DeVante turn towards him.
"Nigga, you need to focus on getting your verse down instead of what I got goin on," he spat back.
"Muthafucka, we been waiting on you so we could lay this shit down. If anyone needs to focus on the music, it's you," he retorted.
"I'm getting real tired of yo ass, K. You got a lot to say about what I'm doing like it ain't beneficial to you."
"Nigga sitting over there writing love letters and running to pick up phone calls for Justine ain't doing me no favors. It ain't bringing me no ass or no cash!"
"You ain't neva get along wit her anyway. So I know that's why you bitchin but have some compassion man."
"De, why would I show compassion to the convict. She always been violent." K-Ci tried to reason.
"To be fair, K. You did have that ass whoopin coming. You kept making remarks about the girl titties," Dalvin added, and JoJo agreed.
"She really do got some tig ol bitties tho!" K-Ci smacked his teeth.
