THIS SHIT IS KILLIN ME I thought to myself
"Here I stand against the wall
The air is filled
But yet the core is smal-"
"Again" ordered Devante interrupting Dalvin. Dal sighed relaxing his shoulders prepared to do in again.
For the 12th gahdyum time.
Devantè ran the track back again
"Here I stand against the wall
The air is filled
but yet the core is small
I seen the way that you was
freaking all my homi-"
"Again" barked Devantè "You sound like you from Wisconsin nigha". Dalvin glared as Devantè hit the play button again.
"Here I stand against the wall
The air is filled
but yet the core is small
I seen the way that you was
freaking all my homies
The way you lookin at me
told me that you want me
So come on girl and get with me
i'll give anything to take you'
on the dance floor with me tonight".
Dalvin took a breath smiling that he finally got through that first verse.
I glanced Devantè's way and the irritation on his face spoke differently.
"Dalvin you keep singing like that I'm snatching yo ass off these solo projects and doing them my damn self" he grilled
"K you up"
I couldn't believe my ears. Dalvin actually sounded good and he practically chewed him out. Feeling bad, I decided to made a goofy face at Dal causing him to smirk leaving the booth.
There wasn't any more room on the couch so I had to take the chair next to De. The worse decision ever.
"The Moet and Alizeeee"
"And he starting this shit again" Devantè sighed mushing the button "I told you about riding the melody K".
"Nigha it's my signature. That's how I just sound".
"Nigha just say Alize and not AlLlliiEeeZeEee" mocked De which caused me to hold in my laughter. I turned in my seat pretending I had something in my eye.
De played the track back as K awaited his que.
"The Moet and ALLize
Let's go to my crib
where we can play GAAMMESSS". De rolled his eyes which had my eyes watering swallowing in my chuckles.
Seeing a pissed De soothed my soul. I felt 10x better after earlier today.
"That'll make you wanna keep secrets
Come on, girl let's do this
but i'm tellin you we can do
Some crazy things if you want
Girl your body so damn tight
Come home with me toniiigghhttt".
The track stopped as K wore a smug
proudly on his face. One thing I could say about that man, nobody was gonna tell him how to SANG.
"You know I'll keep ya muthafuckin ass in here all damn night right?" De raised a brow "We can go for 7 a.m. if ya like...". K kissed teeth letting out a breath.
I stared at De in disbelief not realizing he was always aware of his surroundings.
He instantly shot a look back. I held up my hands not saying a word. If I didn't know any better, I say he was challenging me to say something.
"Let's move on to the hook and chorus" demanded Devantè "Let's kill this take and keep that shit tight". K nodded as he placed his headphones back on.
This is your night, tonight
everything's gonna be alright
girl let your body loose
let go and feel the groove
this is your night, tonight
everything's gonna be alright
girl let your body loose
let go and feel the groove
(I just wanna have fun 2 nite
we can have fun 2 nite
i just wanna have fun 2 nite
we can have fun 2 nite
i just wanna have fun 2 nite
we can have fun 2 nite)
The hook was snappin'. I bopped my head a bit singing it as well. This was definitely a groove and Devantè had to be a fool not to put this on the album. K and Dal said they begged De to let them have a couple of tracks for this album
They were actually surprised he agreed to put it on the album.
This would probably be one of my favorite bangers but what was worrying me was what kinda love ballads would De bring?
I know he had plethora when it came to some good old fashion baby makin music. Maybe I should pick at his brain a bit.
"How are those love songs coming along?" I asked "Bet you haven't even started".
"Or maybe I finished them all and need to tweak em a bit" he simply replied unenthusiastic while simultaneously listening to K.
"Wouldn't be surprised" I folded my arms laying back further in the seat "I got a couple written down myself".
"Good. Hope you don't plan on spending too much time on it" he dryly responded "The fellas and I are pretty much done at this point. This just a practice session".
PRRAATTICCEEEEEEEE?!!
You gotta be fucking kidding me!!! Ain't no way in San Josè is this man done. Was he really THAT good?
If we're being honest I had about a couple more songs to work with. One had to be reworked, the other Put Me To Bed was damn near done, then my dumb decided to add THREE MORE SONGS to the tracklist.
Imagining De in my mind versus how he is in real life was really putting a damper in my performance. I mean he's suppose to be this smooth-talking, body-rocking, get you pregnant with just one look producer and I was sitting here listening to him complain
ABOUT EVERY DAMN THANG!
Hate I didn't have the night sessions. It was like he knew that's when my ideas would come out to play and he just threw a wretch in that.
Fine if he wanted to screw with me, I would screw with him back.
After Devantè was done lecturing K, he played the hook back.
I really was feeling this track. So when it came on, I danced a bit in the chair rocking my hips reciting the words
"Ayeee Aight Diamond I see you shaking somethin over there" gleamed Dalvin.
"This track is dope Dalvin" I turned my chair smiling back "This is definitely the one I'll listen to on repeat".
I was dishing out compliments like ass-whoopings, constantly bragging about Dalvin's production, K's strong lead vocals and Jojo's impeccable Tenor and range.
I spoke nothing about Devantè what's so ever.
"Yo you mind?" He looked over irritable "I'm trying to get this shit together and you fucking up my vibe".
YES!
"I was just saying how great everyone is" I scoffed "Not like you do it".
"That's because I don't give pupils gold stars EVERY TIME they do something right" he glared "It's just what they're SUPPOSE to do". Devantè rolled his hazel beams placing em back on the soundboard.
"Okay you need to chill" I held up my hands "It's not even that serious".
"And you wonder why I don't take your artistry seriously" he huffed
"What?" I sat up "That's not what you said on Arsenio. You said that it was tight and you dug it".
"That was some shit I Had to say" he turned to me "To be honest. Your lyrics sound like...it's on some play time type shit. Basement? Yeah you could've kept that one in ya locker with the rest of them love notes".
OUCH I thought. That one hurt but HE only felt that way. Basement was what got us recognized. Word Play was the icing on the cake that made us a household name.
"Nigha you ain't Quincy Jones" I sneered.
"And you ain't Michael Jackson" he jeered back "So don't be in here trying to START SOMETHING".
"My Nigha wha-"
"Shut up K..." he quickly spoke into the intercom.
"Damn does no one have freedom of speech in here?" I inquired
"If it's beneficial" he simply replied. I rolled my eyes. This asshole always had a smart ass remark to everything I questioned.
"What is YOUR deal?!" I jumped "You have to be thee WORST person to work with. I don't know why they even considered this".
"You just as naive as you look" he chuckled "It's for show. It's to build up sales. We're the top contenders as far as groups go but to be honest
....my ass would've rather work with a male group instead". Both my girls and the fellas sat there one again watching us go at it.
I couldn't win for the life of me.
He was so fucking cocky, arrogant even.
He was 100- no 1000% confident in his craft and here I was ready to run away, crying to my parents that the school bully was messing with me.
Devantè was truly gonna eat me up and spit me out NO QUESTIONS ASKED. And as much as I fathom the idea of if, I didn't want my ass handed by the King
Or maybe I did...Lord just let me make focus
"So you don't believe me and my girls could beat Jodeci?" I questioned. Devantè released another laugh clutching fist to mouth.
"Wheeww. Kid you weren't even competition to began with". Krystal was right he was really on some sexist shit right about now.
He wasn't worried in the slightest just because of our gender.
I looked over at my girls. They were ready to pop off at the mouth, one tear and all of them would come racing over ready to whoop his ass.
I had to stand up for myself for once in my life. I had to believe that me and my group were Platinum hell Diamond-worthy.
"Well..." I sat up from the chair "I really hope you're ready to eat those words because I'ma about set fire to yo ass. Our album WILL triumph yours".
"You talking baby but the words don't mean shit" he grinned. Damn he sounded so sexy
I had to show him how serious I was about this.
"Okay let's place a wager on it then" I crossed my arms. K came out of the booth after listening to us bicker for so long.
Shit if no one was gonna give him a break, he'd put himself on one.
"You sure you wanna do that to your group?" He lift a brow. I wanted my girls in no part of this. If anybody was gonna be humiliated. It was gonna be me.
"No this bet is between THE BIG DOGS. You and me" I pointed to both of us. Devantè laid back for a minute stroking his little chin hair pondering for a moment.
"Aight" he answered "Yo. Ya'll nighas take five, I want to speak with Diamond real quick". The guys were heading out but the girls were still hesitated on letting me handle Devantè alone.
"It's okay" I lifted my hand "I got this". The girls look to each other but then followed behind the guys as they made their way down the hall to the grab some refreshments.
"If I win..." I paused "I want you to announce LIVE on the radio station that I'm one of the greatest songwriters you've ever worked with".
"Okay sounds fair" he nodded but said nothing. I waited. Waited some more. Waited a little longer after that.
"Okkaaayyy it's your turn" I said.
"I'm aware" he nipped his lip "I want the same"
"Okay cool then it's a be-"
"I'm not done" he interrupted. I awaited for him to finish.
"I want you to announce that I AM the greatest producer alive" he paused for a second "While I'm fucking you on top of my balcony. I want the WHOLE neighborhood to hear that shit".
My throat instantly closed up.
And he would use some sort of sexual gesture as leverage. If I said Yes and I lost, I'd be doing EXACTLY what Slink warned me of...If I say No. Hell he's win from belittling me once again..."
"You could've asked for a million dollars but no..." I replied "You want me to fuck you".
"First off. You don't HAVE a MILLION DOLLARS" he sat up towering me "And second. I would be fucking YOU". I stared up at his skyscraper of an ass contorting my lip to the side.
"You don't have to do it" he smirked "I mean it's a win-win either way"
"How so?" I tilted my head
"Because me fucking you would be an reward within itself" he answered "Maybe some of my talent could rub off on you".
"Don't kid yourself Devantè" I eyed him "It ain't all that".
"And how would you know?" He brought his hands to the front "You never had it". He was right. I never had it and I wanted to have it. Shit this would be a win win in a sense of speaking
But what about my girls and would I just be another piece of ass to him, if only he knew why I'm riding so hard on this.
"Tik Tok baby" he clicked his tongue. My eyes found its way to his chest then they began to roam around. I needed to win this. I had just had to
Hearing him say I'm the greatest would mean everything to me. I took a step back as I deeply inhaled.
"....Swing" I began. I brought my hand up "You got yourself a deal".
Devantè lifted a brow as he brought his hand up as well. His large fingers wrapping around my tiny hand as I tried my best to give him a firm shake.
He lend down.
"I'll be looking forward to bending that ass over" he chuckled. "You'll be calling me Daddy Swing instead".
"And I'll be looking forward to wiping that ugly smug off your face" I smirked. I was lying like hell. Ain't no way this man could EVER be ugly in my eyes.
God. You put too much sexiness this this one right here.
With the lick of his lips he nodded again and released my hand. We stood there for a moment staring into each other's eyes.
Damn. He's just...just so
"Aight man we back" spoke K stuffing his hand in the small bag of Cheetos "When we gonna wrap this up?".
Devantè removed his hazels from me to K walking away as I stood there watching him sway. I had to get my head in the game before they arranged my funeral
CAUSE OF DEATH: My back being broken into.
📝
"Diamonnddd Noooo" my sister gasped then whispered "You knew he was gonna try to fuck you. I'm quite surprised though"
"Why?" I simply asked stirring the pot of rice that would accommodate our meal tonight.
We were having smothered baked chicken, French green beans and buttered rolls. For dessert, Banana Pudding.
The label had set us up with two sets of studio apartments, of course me and sissy were roomies and we could be closer to the studio.
It had everything we needed for the most part and the guys had our address if ever something were to occur and they needed to get to us.
"I don't know you just don't TAKE risk like that I guess" she shrugged "But I am proud of you sis for standing up to Devantè. He's such an ass".
"Wasn't he?" I quickly turned "I mean I'm all for tough love and discipline but damn that man was intense".
"You can say that again" my sister vouched "Can't see how the fellas do it".
"Well at least you guys are getting along with the rest of em" I moped
"Don't even play Diamond because you get along with them too" she teased "You just want to be up under De's abrasive ass".
"That I do" I admitted "He's my icon and I wanna learn so much from him but it's hard when we're constantly bumping heads".
"Well that's because he's in a competitive state of mind right now" she added "Not to mention their album will drop in a few more months..."
"You're right. I shouldn't expect anything out of this" I went back to stirring "You think he meant what he said about my songs. Are they really child's play?".
"Diamond you meant for those songs to be child's play" she walked over "You were in High School when you started taking your song writing seriously.
You wanted to give your listeners a chance to go back down memory lane. What it was like to have your first crush
First Heartbreak
The first time...Going all the way. That's what you said right?".
"I did" I agreed "That's exactly what I said. So why does his words affect me so bad".
"Because 90% of those songs were written for/about HIM" she said as if I were an idiot.
"He's a jackass for saying that shit to you" she implied "Had he known the truth he'd probably ease up on you".
"I wouldn't want him to" I spoke "I don't need Devantè going easy on me. This is THAT motivation. The drive I need to make his ass crumble". A sudden spark of inspiration hit me.
"I'll be back" I brushed past my sister handing her the metal spoon "Keep stirring!!!".
I shut the door to my room quickly grabbing my notebook flipping to the song I was reworking.
I crossed out the old chorus jotting down the new one.
BOY THAT MOUTH MOVING BUT WATCHU GONNA DO
COME PUT THAT THANG ON ME WHILE YOU LISTEN TO MY GROOVE
YOU SAY I CAN'T WORK WITH WATCHA PACKING DOWN THERE
BUT CAN YOU SEAL THIS PACKAGE BABY HANDLE WITH CARE
DA DA DA DA DA DADADAH DA DA
DA DA DA DA DA DADADAH DA DA
That was all I had for now but it was good so far. Hm maybe going head to head with King Swing wasn't messing with my Mojo.
I just had to use him every which way. Whether romantic, tedious, charming, revolting, I had to flip this around and use it to my advantage.
I could do this. I could really beat Swing at his own game. Shit I should've changed that bet.
I should've said it'd be me fucking him while calling out MY name but that wouldn't get under his skin like I wanted
I felt flustered in the face thinking of the many ways I could make Swing come.
Whew that would be a sight to see.
He had absolutely no idea what he was doing to me or maybe he was. I mean he obviously knows how infatuated I am with him
But he didn't know to what degree.
Suddenly, I heard some familiar voices coming into the apartment making me hop to my feet racing to the door.
"Heyyy there's my little Thriller" smiled K holding his arms out to hug me.
"We found these lost souls on our way here" spoke Demi pointing back with her thumb
I shook my head walking to his tall frame wrapping my arms around him. I immediately hugged Dalvin and Jojo right after.
"What are you guys doing here?" I asked placing my hands on my hips.
"We just wanted to stop by and apologize for De's bitch ass behavior" answered KCi "We know you southern ladies not use to all that rudeness".
"Well shit ya'll need to meet my Mammaw" answered Tati "She'd have Devantè in shambles after she done with him". Everyone laughed.
"Wouldn't doubt that, but please don't take anything what he said to heart" spoke Jojo "I know my bro and he's just under a lot of pressure right now".
"He is. I mean what's up" I shifted my weight.
"Oh it ain't like that" jumped Dalvin "He just working with other artists while trying to finish up this album.
He's a multitasker like that".
"Oh you guys mean the group Sista, Playa, and em" I snapped my fingers "I guess I can understand that".
"Yeah and his ass already don't sleep enough as it is" added K "Looking like he in a abusive relationship".
"Na- Naw dog that's you and Mary" Dalvin pointed over. The girls held in their chuckles.
"Where is he?" Tati asked.
"Studio" they all answered.
"The fuck he still there?" scrunched Krystal "He still alive?".
"Trust me. He LIVES there" answered Dalvin "Especially working on any project of ours".
"When does he ever have time to relax?" I asked showing serious concern.
"A quarter past NEVER" chuckled K "He's a workaholic man. We can't even get him to take a break". Well that's depressing.
"Hey you guys staying for dinner?" I raised a brow. The guys looked at one another then back to me.
"Shit we are now" said K taking off his jacket. Dalvin and Jojo did the same.
The girls helped the guys get settled in while me and Krystal made the plates for everyone.
We all sat in the living room watching In Living Color like one big happy family. It was nice and they had no intention on sleeping with any of us. They were real gentlemen even Dalvin spoke of a video concept that would involve T-Boz.
I'm glad things were going good for the two of them. K, on the other hand, was telling us about the time Mary almost ran him over while leaving the studio.
I wasn't sure if it was safe to have him in the apartment but as long as the rest of them were here, I guess we'd survived.
Of course my mind was still on De.
I wondered if he had anything to eat all day. What if he's been working for so long he'd past out, I couldn't sit here with this good nutritious meal while Devantè was starving, I had to do something.
I removed myself from the group as I headed into the kitchen.
"Going for a second plate sis?" asked Krystal "You're usually full off one".
"Umm I was thinking...De would probably like a plate" I managed to get out avoiding the stares I was getting from everyone.
After I was done placing the lid on the container, I looked over and the crew was STILL eyeing me.
"Omg what?" I huffed.
"I mean it's just that you two were at each other earlier today and now you wanna feed the homeless" spoke K. I giggled.
"I just didn't have the heart to let him go without I guess" I admitted.
"Good looking out Diamond" spoke Jojo "He'd really appreciate it".
"Let's surely hope so" I sighed. "I'll be back in like 30". I waved to everyone as I took off downstairs and out into the cool New York weather.
I hated being cold. New York was something wicked with her bad self but thankfully the studio was a couple blocks away nothing a cab ride couldn't fix.
Shivering into the building, I walked down the patterned maroon carpet. It really looked like a motel here after dark walking down the dim lit hallway.
Studio A was to the left. The red light was on and the door was closed shut with the music blaring.
Prepping myself to be cussed out, I knocked on door hard enough for him to cut the music off.
The door flung open and there he was in all his grumpiness, he peered down at me with tiresome eyes. Ah my Poor baby.
"Forget something?" He asked.
"As you can see" he peered up at the red light sitting at the top of the door "Kinda busy right now" I rolled my eyes.
"My mind that's what I lost" I rolled my eyes while holding up the plastic bag to his level. Devantè gently grabbed the bag out of my hand analyzing it.
"What's this?" He eyed me. "A bomb?"
"The girls and I made dinner" I blew the swoop of hair from in front of my eye already over this.
"The guys stopped by earlier to check in. We fed them...and last I checked it was FOUR of ya'll".
"So you brought THIS all the way down here for me?" he quizzed "Why not get one of them to bring it?"
I was about to let him have it til he brushed the hair from my face and tucked it behind my ear.
DAMN WHAT WAS I SAYING AGAIN?
"Uh thanks" I uttered out.
"No problem....as you were saying" his hazels spilled into me under the red light.
"Oh I was saying" I recalculated "Us southern women always make sure our men eat". Devantè, for once laughed at my Southern Twang.
"You know once you feed Dalvin he's not gonna stop coming right?" He lifts a brow. Now I was tickled.
"Well we don't mind" I smiled "I just...wanted to be thoughtful and bring you a plate".
"Mhm" He smirked "So is this A 'go easy on me daddy' peace offering?". Damn this man knew how to get me going.
"Uh no it's a YOU NEED TO EAT TO STAY REJUVENATED FOR THE COMPETITION" I corrected "When I...beat that ass".
"Naw never that" he shook his head "But thank you Diamond. For real this is real sweet of you and shit".
"No problem De" I aired messing with my fingers "Well I'm fixin to head out. I'll see you around okay". Devantè held a look on his face like didn't want me to go
And I didn't want to leave.
I really wanted to see what it was like to be the man behind the shades. To see him at his most vulnerable. Writing songs was more than putting pen to paper, it was emotional process
Baring your soul, peeling back those those layers, exposing you nakedness to the world with your lyrics.
That's where I wanted to be with him. Would you let me Mr. Swing?
Lightly clearing his throat, he took a step back lightly placing the bag on the futon.
"Ay. Um at least lemme walk you out" he spoke. "Just so you safe know what I'm saying".
"Seems like the Southern hospitality doesn't fall far from the Big Apple" I joked. Devantè smirked grabbing his jacket coat off the hook.
"Yo you corny as hell". He closed the door and we were walking down the long hall.
It's not like I expected him to invite me in anyway. He didn't want any distractions and as an artist myself, I could totally respect that.
📝
If I had to choose an awkward movement, besides the time I got nauseous doing my MLK speech in 4th grade, this would definitely be runner up.
I would steal glances at him but he never looked my way. His focus was on getting me home so he could get back to work
"Look the food wasn't for you to go easy on me" I spoke out.
"I didn't intend to" he simply replied watching the traffic lights change every 10 seconds.
"Oh" I said counting the cracks on the cold concrete beneath my feet. Trying to converse with Devantè was a task so I decided not to bother him anymore.
"So I listened to Come Play while everyone left the studio" he revealed. My head instantly picked up to over to the 6'2 celebrity
"Wha- I thought you hated that album" I blurted out
"Hate' a strong word" he huffed a laugh exhaling the winter smoke from his mouth.
"Okaaayy so why are you listening to it if you STRONGLY disagree with it?" I turned to him.
"Because you're a good storyteller" I admitted "Whatever you said...Felt like I was there...". WHAAAAT???
"I mean that's the point" I shrugged but checked myself "That's what I want my fans to envision. Taking a drift down memory lane".
"That's your strong suit you know" he added "You know how to paint a pretty picture". So glad it's cold because I knew my face was frozen as hell.
"Ah...I don't know whether to thank you or cuss you out" I chuckled
"It's like that with me" he chortled "I can be Hot & Cold at times. It takes certain people to roll with a nigha like me". I WANNNA ROLL WITCHA BAABEEE ALLL NIGHT LONNGG
"I see" I nodded "Your brothers told me that you had a lot on your plate. Is that why you were coming at me like you were?".
"Oh that had nothing to do with what I had going" he looked down "You really were getting on my nerves".
I could do nothing but laugh. I had to admit I was trying to crash his session.
I thought I was saving the guys from Devantè but they were use to it, guess I had to fall in line.
"Thanks for letting me sit in a session with you all" I smirked "I know that was hard for you". De bit his lip shaking his head.
"The Worse. Biggest Mistake EVER".
"Ahh whatever" I dragged but giggled. De pressed his middle finger and thumb together releasing a sharp whistle as the cab came to an abrupt stop.
Now I was really impressed.
"The whole world stops when D. Swing calls huh?" I teased. Devantè went over to the cab opening the door for me.
I walked over fixing to hop in.
"Now you're starting to get it" he winked "Get some rest Kid. You'll need it". I shook my head at his suaveness.
"What about you?" I tilted my head.
"Sleep for the weak" he spoke "I'll rest when I'm dead". I hate he said that. Now I'd be worried about him for days to come til this competition was over
"Fine. Well at least bathe" I wrinkled my nose "Smell you all the way from Mississippi".
"Don't play with me Diamond" he smirked leaning on the door "You been under me all day, you never once complained".
YOUS TWOS GONNA STAND THERE TALKING OR IS SOMEBODY GETTING IN. THE METTA STILL RUNNING the taxi driver tapped on his money maker of a device.
Devantè reached into his pocket and pulled out a whole bill tossing it to the front.
The driver grabbed the Bill holding it up to make sure it was real then shoved it into his leather coat
PROCEED
"You really think you cute don't you?" I inquired "This the kinda thing New Yoakkers do?".
"Naw this the kinda thing a nigha like me do" he grinned "You dealing with a Hit Maker now. Act like you know".
"Devantè if your head wasn't so far up your own ass. I'd actually admit you pretty aight" I smirked
"You will" he looked eyed me" Ya little ass needs to finish yo shit instead of sitting out here flirting with me".
Now I was blushing forreal but played it off.
"You wish....King". Damn that was me actually flirting. Devantè eyes shifted but with back to normal as he embedded his lip into his teeth.
"Word".
"...Is Bond" I finished. Devantè looked confused. I looked down thinking how that phase came out of nowhere.
"What that mean?" He asked.
"It's a Southern thing" I explained looking up "It's likeee...whether we like it or not, we have to work around one another but I'd still look out for you
So my word is bond when I say I gotchu".
Devantè looked at me once more taking in the new motto.
"Word Is Bond then" he spoke "Now go home. Daddy gotta work".
I chuckled. "Jerk"
Dipping down to get settled in the backseat, De closed the door tapping the top of the car.
The cab driver took off to the streets leaving my heart with the producer of my dreams. I could sleep better knowing he'd eaten.
Tomorrow though. Wouldn't know what that day would bring.