In Harmony

by JN Welsh

  “Tommy? Nyah?” Yaz called their names. They pulled apart and though Tommy held her hand, Nyah’s body ached for him.

  “Coming, Yaz,” he called to her, even though neither one of them saw the young agent.

  “To be continued?” Nyah asked.

  “Definitely.” Tommy stared at her for a long time. “Interesting,” he said.

  “What’s interesting?” she asked.

  “Kissing you in this setting as Nyah,” he confessed.

  “Funny...to me, it feels just right.” She smiled and kissed his lips once more.

  “I want to stay like this with you forever,” he said against her lips. “But I have a client who’s about to pass out from stage fright,” he teased.

  She laughed and tugged him toward the rest of their crew. When they arrived, they found Trinket guzzling her drink with a death grip on Oscar’s hand.

  Trinket saw her and Tommy together. “Everything cool with you guys?”

  “Yeah.” Nyah’s face went hot.

  Trinket smiled and hugged her. “I’m still scared as shit but I’m so happy for you. Both of you.”

  “Thanks,” Nyah said. “It’s showtime. Take these.” Nyah handed over her rose-colored glasses. “Even if you don’t wear them, keep them nearby and remember I’m right out there with you.”

  “Queen.”

  Gladys came over. “Have fun out there, Trinket.”

  Trinket was announced and one of the festival handlers walked her to the stage. Trinket climbed the stairs with legs that Nyah could see wobble from afar.

  “Oh boy.” Nyah worried her lip like a nervous mother.

  “Some nerves are good,” Gladys and Tommy said simultaneously.

  “I know but this is such a big moment for her,” Nyah said and Tommy embraced her shoulders. “She’ll be fine,” he said.

  She squeezed his middle. “Come on, guys. Let’s get out front so she can see us and the crowd.”

  Trinket played the first electronic chords of her set and Nyah lost it. “Go, Trinket.” Nyah’s scream cracked with emotion as she thought back on how hard Trinket had worked to get here. From the first drunk night they met, to their mutual support for one another. They all cheered for her and when Trinket saw them, her eyes locked on them like a focal point for a pregnant woman in Lamaze class.

  Song after song, more of the Trinket that Nyah knew and loved emerged onstage and the crowd rewarded her with cheers and bouncing energy.

  “Holy shit. She’s phenomenal,” Tommy said.

  “Yeah, she is.” Nyah slapped hands with Yaz. She looked over at Gladys, who for all her classical snobbery shouted just as loud for Trinket as the rest of them.

  After Trinket’s performance they all tumbled into the backstage area to greet Trinket.

  “That was crazy,” Trinket yelled, jumping up and down. “I did it. I fucking did it.”

  They joined her in a group hug, bouncing together like they were on a trampoline.

  Oscar kissed Trinket, hard and wild. “You were fantastic, babe. I love you so much.”

  Nyah couldn’t keep still. “You want more, right?” Nyah asked Trinket.

  “Hell yes.”

  “Safe to say we’ve created a monster,” Gladys said.

  “Most definitely,”

  “You heard your client, Boombox. Make it happen.” Nyah patted his ass. “Especially since I’ll no longer be yours.”

  “What?” Tommy stopped in his tracks and Nyah giggled.

  “Come on. We have some celebrating to do before we have to honor her father.”

  * * *

  Pete Monroe always looked larger than life and today was no different. As Carlo ceremoniously announced his long-term client, Nyah watched the jumbotron with images of her father creating, performing and even some images of his home life. The crowd reacted to each one with laughter, cheers and sentimental sighs, and Nyah joined them, her chest filling with pride. Pete Monroe wasn’t just an innovator and an icon. This was her dad who she loved with her whole heart. This was such a big moment for him and when he came to the stage, she thanked all the stars in Heaven that she was here for this.

  “This is a great honor and I thank you guys for coming out and making this old man feel young again. The music is still living, still thriving, and thanks to many of the artists here at Sunburst, the music continues to evolve,” her father said and the crowd cheered.

  “But for me this moment is even more special because I get to introduce you to someone very special. Someone whose sound couldn’t be contained in the underground, someone whose knowledge and love of music is as bright and vast as mine. I know, because I raised her. You know her. You love her. And you have become a part of her royal court. Raise your hands, party people, for the one, the only, her majesty and my daughter. Queen Roe! Get up here, baby girl.”

  Nyah stood onstage with her Afro puffs and sunglasses. The fans screamed her name and her father gathered her into a hug. There was no other place she wanted to be than onstage, honoring her father with the mass of people who showed up and showed out for him. She got on the dials with him and claimed her legacy as his daughter. The reveal thrilled the crowds, the media and the press. She spotted Gladys and Evan with Trinket and Oscar and her world finally felt like her own. Damn it feels good to stop hiding. She found Tommy with a dropped jaw, shaking his head in awe at how she’d kept such a priceless moment from him, and seeing his face made it all the more worth it. She laughed and shrugged at him. When she blew him a kiss, he caught it and pressed it to his heart. The cheesy move made her feel gooier than Mallomars in summer.

  The old fears threatened but Tommy had helped by exposing her to larger and larger crowds and knowing what she was getting into helped her remember to keep moving forward. She jumped and danced as she played and her father grooved with her. He laughed at her energy and she bowed to the King.

  As they came off stage, they were greeted with praise. “That was legendary,” someone said as she wiped sweat off her father’s face with a towel. All the while photos snapped of her with him. This time Nyah didn’t hide or throw her hoodie over her head. She stood proud with him.

  Her mother kept a healthy distance like she always did, to give her husband his time to shine.

  “Eva? Come.” Her father signaled her mother to him and slipped his arm around her waist.

  Her mother kissed his lips, her cheeks wet with tears. “You both were so amazing. I’m so happy to see you two onstage together.”

  “Aww, mom.” Nyah squeezed them both in a group hug.

  From the corner of her eye she saw Trinket, Oscar, Gladys, Yaz, and Tommy. Once the initial energy of them coming off stage settled a bit, they approached.

  “That was great.” Yaz clapped excitedly.

  “Thank you, young lady,” her father said to Yaz.

  Tommy scooped Nyah up in his arms and spun her. “You’re remarkable.” He kissed her cheeks and mouth and it took her a second to remember the audience around them. When he put her down she pointed to her father.

  “Pete?” Tommy shook her father’s hand. “What can I say? Greatest performance I’ve seen in a long time. It was great to see you on the stage again. I’m sure that you’ve influenced a whole new generation.”

  “I appreciate that,” her father said as someone handed her father a bottled water.

  “Mrs. Monroe.” Tommy gave her mother a quick peck on the cheek.

  “I always get the Mrs.,” Nyah’s mother complained. “Good to see you again. It’s been a long time.” Her mother gave him a heavy study.

  “This is my colleague Yasmin Rosa,” Tommy introduced her.

  “It’s an honor, Mr. Monroe.” Yaz almost shook her father’s hand off.

  Nyah looked on with admiration as Tommy interacted with her parents. She couldn’t have dreamed of making this mo
ment better. That was, until Gladys, Trinket, and Oscar hugged her.

  “That was the best.” Gladys gave her a sweaty hug. “I danced the whole time.”

  “Queen?” Trinket bowed. “You guys smashed that stage. Especially you, Mr. Monroe.”

  “Call me Pete.” Her father always suggested that. He once told her it made him feel old when people addressed him so formally.

  “Yeah, that’ll never happen,” Trinket said respectfully. “My mama didn’t raise no fool.”

  “It’s an honor, Mr. Monroe. Mrs. Monroe,” Oscar said.

  If Nyah got any happier she’d float. Through all the challenges she had everyone she loved in one place and she didn’t have to hide any part of her anymore.

  Tommy’s hand grazed hers. “Can I steal you for a quick minute?”

  “If all you want is a quick minute then you’ve got bigger problems,” her father interjected.

  Tommy stuttered for a response.

  “Dad,” Nyah scolded.

  “I’m just kidding, man,” her father said. “Take your time.”

  When her father was out of sight and earshot, Tommy moved closer to her. “That was one of the best surprises I’ve ever seen pulled off.”

  “I know how to put on a good show,” she said and pointed to her father. “I learned from the best.”

  “That you did.” He smoothed a wayward hair behind her ear. “So what’s this about me not having you anymore?” Tommy asked.

  “Well, you’re a great agent, baby, but let’s face it, we have different goals, so...”

  “So?”

  She went easy on him. “I’m going to have to let you go.”

  “You’re firing me?” He stepped back and checked her seriousness.

  “Yes, but the good news is I’m hiring Yaz.” Nyah cheesed so hard her teeth started to get cold in the air conditioning backstage.

  “Not only are you firing me, but you’re replacing me with my own employee?”

  “Don’t think of this as a failure.” She hooked her arm in his. “When I worked with Yaz for Trinket, we realized that we complement each other really nicely.”

  “Wow.” Tommy hugged her waist. “I’m heartbroken, angel.”

  “We’ll still make beautiful music together.” She winked at him and he laughed. He might be disappointed but deep down she knew that he thought the decision was right.

  “Yes. I plan on making lots of beautiful music with you,” he said and pressed his pelvis against her. “Tonight.” He kissed her neck. “Tomorrow.” He nibbled her chin. “And every day after that.” He finally kissed her lips.

  “We have some catching up to do,” she said.

  “When do you leave for London?” he asked.

  “In two weeks.”

  “Do you have room for one more?”

  “You’re coming?” she asked.

  “I’ll still have to do some traveling and work, but yeah.”

  She jumped on him, her arms and legs wrapping him like spider legs. She clamped him tight and he embraced her. She didn’t have to worry about being without him for her time in the UK. He had no idea how much him coming with her meant. “Tommy! I didn’t want to ask because I know you’re so busy.”

  “You happy?” he laughed.

  “I’m more than happy.” She kissed his face.

  “Me too, baby.”

  The situation was unconventional but she finally felt like they were in harmony and off to a great new start, one where they both were able to be the best they could be to one another.

  * * *

  Acknowledgments

  A huge thank-you goes to my amazing agent, Sarah E. Younger, and to my editor, Alissa Davis, for working with me during the many surprises 2020 had to offer. I accomplished much more than I thought I could because of you both. Special thanks to Stephanie Doig for all your help and support. Thank you to the entire team at Carina Press and Harlequin for helping me grow as an author as well as reach more readers with each book.

  To my family and friends, I love you. You’re the absolute best fans I could ever wish for.

  Finally, to the readers and fans, thank you for reading, reviewing, and sharing my stories. See you on our next adventure.

  Author Bio

  JN Welsh is an award-winning author and native New Yorker. She writes entertaining, often humorous, and provocative tales about strong, career-driven, multicultural heroines of color who are looking for love. Her punchy, flowing dialogue, and mostly big city stories are heartwarming and stick to your ribs.

  When she’s not writing she can be found dancing, wine-ing, rooting for her favorite baseball team, and/or indulging in countless guilty pleasures.

  Superstar or Supernova? Asha “Velvet” Kendall is this close to achieving her dream of headlining the legendary Temptation Festival as half of the DJ duo Bedazzled Beats. Will a chance encounter with sexy-as-sin industry icon Isaak “Zazzle” Van Sandt be the cherry on top? Or the beginning of the end...

  Keep reading for an excerpt from In Rhythm by JN Welsh.

  Chapter One

  “Where there is no Temptation there is no victory.” Asha “Velvet” Kendall repeated the Italian proverb to herself as she climbed the stairs to the Temptation Festival’s minor stage. She scanned the crowd, undulating like a loose-stitched quilt to the electric sounds of Bedazzled Beats. Their sound played through the speakers at one of the Temptation Festival’s small stages. The sun beat down on Velvet’s brown skin, but this was par for the course. She and her bestie Bonnie “Candy” Fairchild powered through, playing their music with smiles and energy that rivaled Ritalin for every attendee.

  Velvet rotated a dial on the controller, layering an echo effect on the song. As the music approached its crescendo, the crowd thickened until the dense group popped like beans on a beating drum. This was what happened when they played. The participants swayed and waved, frantically waiting for the beat to drop. With her hand on her bedazzled headphones, Velvet continued to tease the crowd, and all the while the melody of Candy’s song haunted in the background. Just as the anticipation became almost painful, Velvet picked up the mic.

  “You ready, LA? Let’s go!”

  Both she and Candy released their faders and graced the place with bass. When the heavy beat trembled and the bass covered the crowd, the fans went wild.

  Velvet loved these moments. Seeing people enjoy her music encouraged her to grind harder toward her goals. She wouldn’t be satisfied until Bedazzled Beats played the main stage as headliners at this festival. The fans had voted them here, like they’d done for every other act. She would do whatever she had to do to get them to vote her and Candy to one of the most coveted spots in their industry.

  “Thanks, guys, you’ve been awesome! We’ll see you soon.” Velvet whirled and bopped around on the stage, pointing at individual attendees, shooting out hand-formed hearts and mouthing to them. I see you.

  Candy closed out their set with a remix version of “Be You,” their hottest song. The excited cries of the fans echoed through the festival. The words were easy, positive and catchy, and the crowd sang along. If there was anyone there who didn’t know who Bedazzled Beats were? They did now.

  Velvet gyrated over to Candy, who was entranced by her own set. Velvet draped her arm around her friend’s shoulders and couldn’t think of a better person to DJ with. Their music styles complemented each other and they both wanted to be the best for the Temptation crowd.

  Both she and Candy repeated their farewells into their mics before they unplugged their computers and hurried down the stairs.

  Bernard “LED” Royal clapped his hands and pumped his fists. “You were fantastic, babe.” He reached for Candy, and puckered for a kiss.

  LED turned to Velvet. “Killed it.”

  Someone handed her and Candy towels and bottled water. “Tha
nks.”

  “The crowd was amazing.” Backstage, Velvet weaved through festival staff, and passed artists on their way to or decompressing from the stage, and their entourages who hung around.

  “Hell, yeah,” LED said.

  “This chick was fire. I love you, girl.” Candy raised her hand and Velvet slapped her high five.

  “The way you closed out was epic. I had to hug you to make sure you were real.” Velvet laughed.

  “The Candy and Velvet love fest is in full swing,” LED said and others around them laughed.

  “Don’t be jelly.” Velvet pretended to kiss and make out with Candy.

  “You guys are cray.” LED had been witness to her and Candy’s foolery since they’d been introduced two years ago.

  “You know it.” Candy patted LED’s chest.

  Velvet listened as the crowd cheered for the next performer. “I want the main stage. Headlining here would be everything.”

  “Tall order, but I can see it happening one day. One stage at a time.” LED had always been supportive of her and Candy, but Velvet glimpsed a tinge of doubt. She’d gotten versions of that same line every time she announced her aspirations. Though LED’s version lacked the level of flat-out amusement and condescending notes as others, it still bugged her.

  Velvet didn’t have much time to think about it before they glided down the conveyor belt of the festival assembly line. Hired handlers helped them secure their equipment. They stopped for photographers and videographers who snapped photos of their every move. Most of the cameras angled at Candy whose pixie appeal matched the festival standard. They were ushered to press for comments where she and Candy posed for additional pictures as well as ones in their signature face-to-face pose.

  “How was your first Temptation experience?” a reporter asked.

  “Absolutely awesome,” Candy exclaimed. “The crowd gave us pure love.”