Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 96733 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96733 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
“Sim, right?” I say to her.
“Yes, I am Sim. Symphony is my given name, but I’ve grown accustomed to answering to Sim. I would prefer you call me Sim.”
“Good to know,” I say and stand.
“I should get to know you if you’re returning to New York. I am the captain there. If you go to California, you will want to make contact with Roni.
“DJ is also a New York Captain. Cole doesn’t like it, but it’s so. It is better to reach out to me,” she says so matter-of-factly.
“Captains?”
“Oh, you still don’t know. I’m sorry I misspoke. I have said nothing. We will sit with the others.”
With that, she shuts down. Almost like a robot. I’ve met Roni and DJ.
The two give off badass vibes, although that’s par for the course around here. Sim comes across like a silent killer. I don’t pry any further because I don’t want to be next on her list.
“Ah, there you are,” Val says as we approach the table. “I’ve been learning a lot about you. You’re not my little innocent songbird, are you?”
“I’m innocent until provoked.”
“I knew I liked you,” she says.
“Come, sit between us,” Tasha says, waving me over.
Sim steps aside, and I go to sit between Val and Tasha. I look around at all the smiling faces. So many shades of brown and complexions of beauty.
However, I know this is a complex bunch. Mothers, wives, and something more that I’ve yet to figure out. This is without a doubt a sisterhood.
Everyone falls into a cheerful banter. The laughs keep coming, and my smile stays on my face. When LaSalle, Uri, Logan, and Misha return to the table, we all return to our seats as well. That’s when the real fun begins.
True Life hasn’t put out an album in a few years, so I’m hyped to hear them play. I think Pook would have liked their music. I, for one, am a fan. Kitty and Rage have such great chemistry on and off the stage.
A movie was done about their love story. I loved it. I’m totally fangirling tonight.
After their set, I notice the Black brothers making their way to the stage. I look around and find mischievous smiles on the women’s faces. A few have thrown on capes.
It has gotten cool in here. I have on Trev’s tux jacket to keep me warm. The capes are just a next level diva move; I wish I would have thought of it before leaving the house.
Seven old-fashion mics on stands have been lined up on the stage, piquing my interest. I look at Trev, and he shrugs his shoulders. That’s when Crush, the drummer from True Life, begins to play, and Rage joins in with a guitar. Nicholas … no, is that Gavin?
“Is that the mute?” I whisper to Trevor.
“Yes. He can still breathe, darlin’. He doesn’t need to speak to play a horn,” Trevor says in amusement.
“Duh, you’re right. He’s really good. I know this song.”
They’re playing “Can I Call You Rose?” by Thee Sacred Souls. I really like this one. The Black brothers stand on stage causally, picking at invisible lent on their tuxes, fixing their ties, running their hands through their hair, and tugging at their cuffs.
What I’m not expecting is the vocal track that comes on to accompany the live playing. In one smooth move, all seven brothers slide to the mics.
Wyatt grabs his and tilts it forward as he lip-syncs as if crooning into the mic. The other brothers are the background singers as they do a slick two step. During the song, they wave their wives up on stage.
The ladies go up on stage, and the guys begin to lip-sync to them as they dance with them to the song. It’s a swoon-worthy performance. John spin Roni until her back is to his front, and he seems to be singing in her ear. Ryan has Carmen’s face in his hands as he sings against her lips.
All the men in the attendance stand and hold out their hands to their significant other. Soon all the couples are swaying to the sweet song. I place my head against Trev’s chest as we dance together.
I look up when he seems to be holding me tighter than necessary. He’s staring off into space, rocking his jaw as if agitated.
I reach up and cup his jaw. He drops his gaze to mine and gives me a smile. I search his face as worry sets in.
He’s been a bit different since he and the others returned. It’s as if he’s forcing a smile. I give him a questioning look, but he shakes his head.
He then dips his head and takes my lips tenderly. I hold his face to mine. He deepens the kiss. It turns passionate and possessive real fast.
Suddenly, the sound of a record scratching fills the air. I break the kiss and look toward the stage. The brothers are looking around like they’re innocent.