Chapter 13
Shane
For weeks, it felt like I had to go through hell and high water to reach my uncle Dennis.
He wouldn’t answer when I called, and on the off chance he did, he rushed me off the phone and never called back.
I knew he was a busy man, but he had employees to run the shop.
Honestly, all I wanted was to ask about my dad since my dad wouldn’t tell me how the visit had gone.
I’d noticed my uncle hadn’t asked me to join him to do anything with the business lately.
I wasn’t pressed, but still thought it was strange that the communication between us had stopped.
If he changed his mind and decided to hand it over to Deontay, I was cool with that.
“He still didn’t answer?” Tripp questioned as I pressed the red icon to hang up.
“Nah. The shit’s starting to be a little questionable.
Just last month, I couldn’t keep that nigga off my phone.
Now he’s going weeks without saying a word to me.
All of this shit happened after he went to see my pops.
Neither of them will tell me what the hell happened and it’s starting to frustrate me.
I want to ask my mom, but I don’t want her worrying about shit,” I admitted.
“I feel you. I’d be on high alert too if somebody switched up on me like that. Just ask your dad when you see him.”
After a lot of convincing, I finally got my dad to add me to his visitation list. I’d be going to see him in the morning, but I’d called my uncle to get a heads up. I hadn’t seen my father in years and wanted to be prepared for anything.
“I am. I was just trying to make sure everything was good with his mental. I’m not leaving that prison until I know what the fuck is going on.
My dad’s trying to handle everything from behind bars and I don’t like that shit.
He keeps telling me to focus on the music, but I can’t focus knowing he’s stressin’,” I explained.
“He gon’ be good. He’s been like that since we were kids.
He’s one of those men who feel like complaining is a waste of time.
I feel where he’s coming from, but I also feel where you’re coming from when you’re trying to help him out.
I wouldn’t take that shit personally though.
Your dad left when you were barely a teenager.
He doesn’t know his son as a grown ass man.
Mentally, you’re still that little boy to him.
I’m glad he’s letting you visit. That’s probably something you both need.
He needs to see his son and you need your father’s guidance.
What’s the plan if you find out Dennis is on some sneaky shit?
’Cus I won’t lie, the shit he’s doing is weird. ”
“I’m hoping I’m overthinking the whole situation.
Dennis been a real nigga since my dad left.
He looks out for my mom every month and has never missed a payment.
I’ve told him several times that he didn’t have to keep doing that, but he wasn’t having it.
Anytime I needed him, he was there. I don’t know though. I’ll see what’s up soon enough.”
Taking a pull from my blunt, I sent a text to Celeste and set my phone down.
Even though that nigga Spinna was at home, Celeste and I had still been stuck together like white on rice.
The more Celeste saw pictures of him out with Serenity, the more comfortable she became with the idea of us.
Since he’d come back from Dallas a few weeks ago, she’d been staying at her townhouse.
Spinna hadn’t tried anything funny with her store or her mother’s living facility, so I was good for now.
Celeste and I had planned for me to meet her mother in the next couple weeks.
The three of us would go out for dinner at Miss Cora’s favorite restaurant.
“I’m about to get up out of here, man. I need to make a run. Let me know if you wanna go to Atlanta with me next week,” Tripp said as he stood.
“The last time you went to Atlanta I was damn near makin’ funeral arrangements. Ain’t no way I’m lettin’ you roll out there alone.”
“Aight, man. I’ll holla at you later.”
After shaking up with my brother, I freshened up and headed out as well.
Today was my first official meeting with Serenity and I hoped this shit went well.
We were supposed to meet when she got back from Dallas, but I was told her schedule had been busier than expected.
I wasn’t tripping since it gave me more time to talk to Celeste.
I wasn’t sure how she’d feel, but I wanted to make sure I’d be committing to the project before speaking with her.
When I pulled up to the studio, I parked and went inside.
My blood damn near boiled when I opened the door and saw Spinna’s ass all in Serenity’s face.
I didn’t give a fuck about what this nigga did in his personal life, but for him to be living like this and holding Celeste hostage was some shit I couldn’t get with.
“What’s up, Shane? Long time no see,” Spinna said as he extended a hand.
As if his hand was covered in shit, I looked down at it before focusing my attention on Serenity.
“What’s good, Serenity? Jay told me this was a meeting about business.”
“Yes, it is,” she countered as she shook my hand.
“Is there a problem with me being here or something?”
“Yeah, it is. When I conduct business, the conversation is between me and the person I’m providing services for. I’m not providing you with any services and you’re not Serenity’s manager or lawyer. So what’s the purpose of you being here?” I threw back at Spinna.
“She’s my business…that’s all you need to know.”
“Nah, that doesn’t work for me. You can either get the fuck out or this meeting is a wrap before it even starts. No disrespect to you, Serenity, but I don’t talk business around any and everybody. If you tell him everything we talk about, that’s your thing, but buddy needs to go.”
“Am I missin’ somethin’, my nigga? If there’s a problem between us, let me know what’s up.”
Before I could respond, the door was pushed open and Jay walked in. It didn’t take long for him to realize the tension in the room.
“What’s up, fellas?”
Spinna spoke up. “This nigga is threatening to end the meeting if I don’t leave.”
“And why is that wrong? If she needs representation, we can call her manager or lawyer. As far as I’m concerned, the two of you are nothing more than coworkers,” Jay stated as he took a seat on the couch.
“This is some bullshit. Why the hell is everything such a big secret now?”
“Spinna, I’m not about to go back and forth with you in my own shit.
Serenity is a grown ass woman who’s sat in many meetings by herself.
Why would this be any different? At the end of the day, business is business.
And if you wanna keep the business you have with me, I suggest you sit in the studio session you’re getting paid to be in next door. ”
Like the bitch ass nigga he was, Spinna stormed out.
Depending on what was said, I had half a mind to decline this whole deal just because of him.
I didn’t like to turn down business, but I wouldn’t fuck up my reputation on Spinna’s behalf.
Serenity’s career was doing well, but she wasn’t the person I wanted to work with when it came to R I’m just talkin’ out loud. Thank you for coming anyway. You’re truly one of the best producers in the game right now.”
“I appreciate that, man. You’re a man who always beats the odds, so I’m sure you’ll figure it out when it comes to her career. I just hope she listens to your advice.”
Standing, I said my parting words to Jay before leaving.
Right before I could get out, I heard hushed voices in the hallway.
When I looked in their direction, the sight of Deontay and Spinna put a crazed smile on my face.
Deontay had seen me with Celeste more than once and I was sure he was being a bitch and running that information down to Spinna.
If they were having casual conversation, there would be no need to whisper.
When the two felt my presence, I gave both a nod before pushing the door open.
Whenever it made it back to me that Deontay had indeed told Spinna about me and Celeste would be the day I pulled up and beat his ass.
The ass whooping was already long overdue and I’d make sure he was aware I’d been sparing him.