Page 99 of Love U Down II

“I know, because after I heard about it, I went back and watched the footage.” He smiled. “I’m proud of you.”

“Come on. You know I’m not easy to take down.”

“Yeah. I know.” He exhaled. “There won’t be no more pressing or cornering you going on though.”

“And we know that.” I smiled at him. “Is that the only reason you came to see me today?”

“Nah. I just wanted to look at your pretty ass face and make sure you didn’t need me to get anything done for you before I headed into the studio.”

“Nah. I think I’m good. Steven, Allison, and I are hopefully going to lock in something for Sundaze to wear to their next performance then I have some work to do for my portion of the fundraiser.”

“How’s the fundraiser shit going?”

“What part?”

“All of it.” He shrugged. “Have you already locked in performances and guests and shit? Finalized layouts, the order of the lineup, who is going to be in charge of lights and music, picked out security?”

“Uhm, I’ve locked in lights, music, and the group you hired for security is actively getting on the job training at some other businesses so they’ll be ready to go by then. But the lineup and guest performances are somewhat in the air.”

“Well, what’s going on with that? You need help picking?”

“Maybe.” I exhaled. “I don’t think many of our artists have experience in front of super large crowds and performing at a fundraiser is different than a concert.”

“Baby, they’re either going to sink or swim. Mix ’em in with some vets and throw their asses over the ledge. Shit. I’d be more worried aboutwhatthey’re going to perform instead ofhow.”

“Meaning?”

“They ain’t got that much music and the music they do have needs to go through some kind of approval. I’m not telling you how to run this process, because it’s yours and I trust you andlove that you feel comfortable and confident stepping into your role as CEO, but…” Drix cleared his throat. “I have a suggestion.”

“Okay.” I leaned back in my seat. “Let’s hear it.”

“You don’t need to just have tracks sent to you. You need to hear them perform that shit live to hear their breath control and how they’re going to look on stage. Pull rank and make them prove to you that they deserve to be on that stage, Twin, because if not, I can get the slots filled with vets who ain’t new to this. This is risky. You only get a first impression once. So yeah, this could be good for the label but it can also flop for us and them.”

I nodded.

“You’re right.”

“And you’re doing amazing,” he added. We both looked at his watch as it beeped. He sighed but pushed up. “If you need me, call me.”

“Okay.”

“A’ight.” He walked over and kissed me. “I’m proud of you.”

“I’m proud of you too.”

“Love you.”

“Love you.”

Drix slid out of my office and a few moments later Steven stuck his head inside.

“Drix told me you may need me again.”

“Yeah. I think we need to draft an email about this fundraiser.”

“Okay.” Steven nodded. “Let’s do it.”

I glanced from my phone screen to Genie rapping in front of me. She sounded amazing but stood in one place as she performedand I was slightly worried about what her presence would look like on a full stage.