“This man has more rules than Cameron.” Devin called out.
“You’re just mad because you’re the only one still single.” Marques yell.
“Are you serious? That just means more ladies for me.”
Jamal shook his head. He left single and came back with a woman of his own.
“Your family is kind of amazing,” Carmela whispered as the others joked around.
He pulled her to him, “Yeah, but we’ll be here all day waiting on the jokesters to stop.”
“Time is money fellas.”
“King Midas is on his throne.” Cameron teases.
Jamal dropped his head, this will never work. “Can I please introduce her to everyone? Please without the extra chatter.”
“Bossy bossy.” Bruce added.
“Stop teasing him. Go ahead Jamal.” Sandra seemed to quiet the rowdy bunch down.
* * *
“His family” waited with smiles.
Jamal started from far left.
“Our fearless leader, Cameron Carter and his beautiful wife, Sydney “Lady Bird” Carter.”
The pair was stunning and she rushed over to hug Sydney. “I’m a fan.”
“Same here.” Sydney gave her a nice squeeze.
“Then you have our music man, Bruce Daniels and his lovely wife Sandra Daniels.”
Sandra wrestled with little ones hold both of her hands. She extended and air kiss and whispered, “I’ll catch up with you later.” She winked. Then Bruce pulled he into a bear hug.
“Nice to meet you.” He said.
“Same to you too.”
“Next we have the prince himself, Marques Carter and the beauty gunning for my throne Brione Carter.” He hugged her and for a minute she almost blushed.
“Sorry.” She cut her eyes to Brione who only chuckled giving Carmela a side hug.
“Women do it all the time.”
“And who is this cutie?” Carmela said to the baby on Brione’s hip. “This is AJ.”
“And thank you so much for helping with the contract situation.”
“That’s what family’s for.” They hugged again because Jamal was moving on.
“Devin Moore is….Devin.”
“Oh J got a woman and got jokes.”
The robust laughter made her feels so happy for Jamal. She glanced over at the joy on his face. This is why he’s so amazing, she thought.
Devin stepped forward and Jamal stopped him.
“Man if you squeeze too tight we might have a problem.” But Carmela knew he was joking by the hidden smile.
“You scared I might take your woman?”
“Oh, he’s a cocky one babe.” Carmela jumped in loving them already.
“He better recognize.” Jamal threw out.
“Don’t worry about him. He’s just jealous.” Devin said hugging her like the rest. Jamal shook his head. Then Devin turned to him. “I thought we were supposed to stand strong in single solidarity?”
“I tried but look at her. She had me in New Orleans and sprinkle some voodoo magic on me.”
Carmela elbowed him so hard he folded over.
“I like her!” A curly head beauty towards the end yelled.
“Sorry La.” Jamal chuckled.
“Uh-huh.” He pulled her close and whispered in her ear.
“Even though you keep a brotha jonesing for that NOLA chick.” Her eyes met his and she wanted him all over again. “I’ll take care you later.” He said for her ears only.
“You better.”
“Come on brother, it’s time to introduce me to the woman that took down the king himself.”
Carmela looked up and the man in front of her was drool worthy much like all the rest.
“La, this is my brother Damian Hughes and his beautiful, talented, patient…saint of a wife Imani Hughes.”
“You better be glad I love you.” Damian pulled Jamal into a hug and she could see the love between them. Then he turned to hug her.
Imani stepped forward and hugged her too. The little guy on her hip pulled at Carmela’s locs. “This must be Wright. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Last but not least is Eliana Marshall. She’s the one who helped with the rehearsal hall.”
“I owe you for life.” She told Eliana.
“No, these guys take good care of me. I was glad to help. But gang we need to get going. We have a big night ahead.”
Carmela felt like she’s been sucked into a major family reunion. The robust group loaded into several Sprinters. She turned to follow Jamal when Sandra stopped her.
“Wave bye to your man. We’ll see him later tonight.”
Carmela turned to Jamal unsure of what was happening. She kissed him.
“Have fun with the ladies?”
Then she heard. “La!”
“Surprise.” Jamal’s eyes twinkled like a perfect night sky. She turned around and saw Nicki with luggage and a garment bag.
“Oh I’m going to give you some tonight.” She crushed her body to his and kissed him to keep his mind on her.
“We can leave now.” Jamal teased.
“Oh no you don’t.” Someone said from behind her.
“Have fun La.”
“I will and thank you Jamal.”
“My pleasure.”
The ladies loaded up in a Sprinter and the men took the kids. She hugged Nicki as they bounced around like kids. Then the driver stepped forward to grab her bags.
“Be careful with one.” She said draping the garment bag across the man’s arm.
“What’s that?” Carmela asked.
“A surprise from your man.”
“I can’t take no more surprises.” She hugged her best friend.
“Yes you can. For once, let someone take care of you.” They walked towards the waiting van.
The first stop was the spa and then dinner. She had a great time with the RSE wives, as they called themselves. But she was missing Jamal and as nightfall came around they pulled up to an amazing downtown hotel.
The RSE wives had a pamper suite on the top floor with hair and makeup artists. Once the ladies were all made up Nicki pulled out the secret garment bag. The group surrounded Carmela on the couch waiting for the grand reveal.
“Open it La.” Nicki held up the garment bag.
Carmela walked over and pulled the zipper down and a collective gasp filled the room. “This is amazing Nicki. When did you…how did you…?”
“I’ve been working on it for a while and when your man called I knew this was the perfect occasion.”
The floor length formal gown held a vague resemblance to her typical style with much more grace. The halter top had crystals across the boat neck. The rich purple color looked almost black. She even had matching over the elbow gloves.
Carmela touched the gown amazed by Nicki’s talent.
“You made this,” Brione asked with awe in her voice.
“Yes.” Nicki answered with her eyes locked on Carmela. “Do you like it La?”
“I love it.” Carmela brushed away her tears. She’s cried more in the past months than her entire life. But these were happy tears.
“Well, turn off the water works and let’s get dressed for the banquet.” Nicki hooped.
“What banquet?”
“Surprise!”
They laughed. Carmela felt like Cinderella. She met her Prince Charming and magically her life had changed. He whisked away from that god-awful tour on a private airplane. Meeting new friends. Having an amazing man in her life. Now, if only they could get her music business in order, her life would be perfect.
“La, stop worrying and get dressed. This is your moment to do the unexpected.”
Carmela smiled. “I guess it is. Well, let me get going, I don’t want to keep my man waiting.”
* * *
Jamal waited near the door for the ladies to arrive.
“They’ll be here.” Damian assured him passing him a drink. “This must mean things are going well
between you two.”
“Let’s talk over here.” Jamal motioned to the side.
Tonight’s banquet was the annual fundraiser for Ronnie’s Heart, a nonprofit organization started by Ronnie and Jaxon Reinheart.
Ronnie’s Heart fundraised several times a year to fund nonprofit organizations that had issues with securing funds through traditional means. Most of their recipient organizations were inner city focused and/or services for women and children.
“We’re fine but everything else is unresolved.” Jamal talked with Gabriel about Richard and the man was still MIA. He’d managed to get the tour dates renegotiated thanks to Brione and Cameron. He still had to talk it over with Carmela.
“Talk with me before you talk with her.” Damian’s tone demanded Jamal’s attention.
“Tell me.”
“Not here brother.” Damian gripped his shoulder, leveling his gaze.
“Tell me something.”
“The man is in major debt.”
“Fuck. I knew it.”
“And that ain’t the worst of it.” He leaned forward. “He’s tangled with some bad people.”
“What about La?” He lungs burned from holding his breathe. It seems like she can’t catch a break.
“She’s—”
“Hey handsome.”
Jamal heard her behind him and his eyes sought Damian’s. His discrete nod told him she didn’t hear them. Relieved, he put up the wall he’d used all these years as a guard to keep from ruining her night. She deserved the surprise he had next.
“We’ll talk tomorrow. Take care of your lady.” Damian whispered.
Jamal nodded and turned around. “Oh my god La…”
Chapter 25
Jamal pulled her into his arms. “You look amazing.” Jamal pulled her into his arms. From her elegant updo to her high heels she was breathtaking.
They arrived at the banquet hall a half hour earlier. He’d set today up to hopefully turn things around for her. He thought flying in Nicki and Gabriel to support her would help too.
“You thought of everything. Do you see this dress and my gloves?” She held up her hands, flipping them back and forth. Her happiness made it all worth it.
“I’m not done.” He smiled, knowing he had a couple more surprises before the night was over. Talking with Damian about Richard almost took him away from this moment. But tonight is all about Carmela Franklin. They’d handle the Richard situation tomorrow.
She smile, “I’m not sure my heart can take another surprise.” Then she looked deep into his eyes. “Babe what is it?”
To her surprise he showed no reaction. “You look amazing.”
“Thank you. But you already said that. What is it Jamal?”
“Trust me. Okay.” Her probing eyes made him want to tell her everything.
“We’re good?” She asked.
“We’re more than good.” He held he tighter whispering in her ear. He look towards the others and gave Ronnie the signal.
“We’d like to call our honoree to the podium. Carmela Franklin with Crescendo based in New Orleans, Louisiana.”
Applause filled the room and it took a moment to register. He held her eyes.
“Me?”
“Yes, Sweetheart, you.” He stepped back and joined the others in clapping.
* * *
“I don’t understand.” Her body shook with adrenaline, Carmela felt the temperature of her body shift from cold to hot. Jamal wrapped her hand around his elbow and guided her to the front.
The people parted allowing them to walk to the front. He helped her up the stairs and she still didn’t understand what was happening.
“What is this Jamal?” She whispered through her stage smile.
Everyone stood in the room clapping, she glanced to Jamal on her right. Then she turned to the left and saw Gabriel. What was he doing here?
The room faded into a haze. She never shied away from the stage but tonight was different. A beautiful woman in an evening gown stood on the other side of Gabriel at a podium. She announced that Crescendo was the selected charity for the night’s fundraiser and she couldn’t stop crying. She hoped someone recorded it because her racing heart drowned out most of her speech. It was all a blur until Jamal and Gabriel stepped back and then lowered an oversize check in front of her. She glanced down and noticed the zeros first. The the words one million dollars.
The room began to sway and she blacked out.
* * *
Panic rioted through his body. Thankfully he had an arm wrapped around her waist. Carmela stood on the stage smiling but he felt her body trembling. He stepped away for a brief moment to present the check. She glanced down and nearly tumbled to the floor.
He carried her off to a private area and Marques took the stage to distract the banquet attendees. He held Carmela to his chest as Nicki fanned her. Gabriel looked as shocked as Jamal felt.
“Should we call 911?” He asked for the millionth time.
“She’s done this before. She’s never been big on surprises.” Gabriel said.
“And y’all didn’t tell me?” He could strangle them both.
“What? I didn’t think she’d pass out.” Nicki said. She leaned closer. “La, open your eyes before this gorgeous man of yours kill me.”
Jamal turned his head up towards the sky and chuckled. “This isn’t funny Nicki.”
“I have to keep you laughing to keep you from killing me.” She shrugged. “Gabriel you’re her brother. Try to talk to her.”
“She’s fine. Just give her a second.” Gabriel insisted.
“I told you I didn’t like surprises.” Carmela mumbled and Jamal’s heart started beating again. She looked up at him, “Did they really give me a million dollars?”
“Actually it was—”
Jamal looked at Nicki who snapped her mouth closed. Gabriel laughed at the silent Nicki.
“It was what?” Carmela asked trying to push herself up.
“How are you feeling?” Jamal asked trying to assess the situation.
“I’m sorry that I ruined your surprise. I think the mix of that cough medicine and champagne from the spa got to me.”
“Are you sure? We can call a doctor.” Jamal assessed her eyes to see if they looked hazed over like before.
“I’m fine really. Is that Marques singing?” She turned her ear to the banquet hall. “Help me up I’m missing it.”
Gabriel outright laughed this time. “That’s La for you.”
Jamal sat back and shook his head. The woman passed out and popped up to hear Marques sing.
“Do I need to keep my eye on you and my brother?” He teased searching her eyes.
“I only have eyes for you. But I’ve never seen him perform live before. I missed him at Essence and Nicki will never let me hear the last of it.”
Nicki shrugged as if this all made perfect sense.
“I’ll let you go back if you take it easy. And if I see anything suspicious I’m taking you straight to the emergency room.”
“Agreed.” Carmela kissed him. “Now, tell me the amount? Please Jamal.” She cupped his face kissing him repeatedly.
“It’s two million dollars for your building.”
“All of it?”
“Yes, they have some stipulations but it’s all for your building.”
“I think I’m all cried out.” She wrapped her arms around his neck so tight he couldn’t breath. “Thank you. I owe you. Wait? Are you going to help me?” She pulled back looking into his eyes.
“Yes sweetheart. We’ll get squared away but first Marques.”
Chapter 26
Carmela woke the next morning on a natural high. She crawl out of bed letting Jamal sleep in. He’d been from Louisiana to Georgia to Texas taking care of everyone. She tiptoed out of the room pulling the door closed behind her.
She still couldn’t believe they had the money for the building. She had a meeting today with Ronnie about the stipulations but Carmela didn’t care w
hat they said as long as construction could start again. She wondered where Gabriel stayed last night.
She walked around the suite as she called her brother.
“Good morning drama queen.”
“Oh shut up. I was overwhelmed.” She sat on the couch. “Where are you?”
“A few floors down. How are you feeling?”
“Amazing. We’ll finally get a building. It seems unreal.”
“I can’t imagine. Then giving you two million dollars. I gotta give it to Jamal, he’s on it. He handled the contracts and now Crescendo.”
She glanced at the closed door. “Have you heard from Richard?”
“You didn’t see his recent outburst?”
“No. What outburst?”
“What’s your suite number?”
She told him. “What outburst?”
“I’ll be there in a few minutes. Wake Jamal too.”
“He needs to sleep.”
“La, he has as much invested as we do. Wake your man.”
“I’m tired of everyone telling me what to do.”
“I’ll be there in five minutes.” He disconnected the call.
She opened the browser on her phone. Her fingers typed “Richard Franklin.”
News articles and blog posts popped up. She scrolled down the page and they kept populating. She skimmed the titles clicking on the most recent title, “RSE Takeover.”
The read the article and with each line her heart broke. She heard a knock in the distance but she couldn’t move, not until she finished reading the lies Richard told.
“La what’s that?” Jamal sat beside her after opening the door for Gabriel.
“Richard went to the media. I thought you knew.”
“What did he say?” Jamal asked.
“That RSE is trying to takeover La Frank Records. That I’m being brainwashed by you and I quote those damn Carters. Oh and that I’m embezzling the fan funded money.”
She tossed the phone on the table unable to read anymore of his lies. Not only had mismanaged the funds but now he’s blaming her after she’d done everything to fix it.
Rockstar Savages Page 19
