Mr. and Mrs. Swing

Chapter 15 - Keep The Family Close

Teaneck, New Jersey

11:00 PM

After a long night making calls and booking appointments, I finally turned into the driveway of Devante's house and killed the ignition on my BMW. I threw my head back and closed my eyes for a while, I was tired beyond belief and so ready to go to sleep. I got out of the car and realized the guys were still here. I saw Dalvin's BMW and Jojo's Porsche parked in the circular driveway. I could also hear the dogs barking in the backyard, a signal that they were tired and ready to go in their cages.

I walked up the steps and before I could open the door, it swung open. Devante was standing there and he didn't look pleased.

"A concert? While I'm busting my ass on this album? Really Drew?!" Devante yelled.

"Baby, calm down and let me explain", I said walking into the house.

I slipped off my heels by the front door and headed to the kitchen. I grabbed a wine glass out of the cabinet and my favorite red wine out of the fridge. I felt Devante glaring at me as I poured my wine and took a big sip.

"You finished or you done?", he asked with an attitude.

"Donald, kill the fucking attitude, please. You're not the only one working for Jodeci and busting their ass", I replied, rolling my eyes.

"You right, you right. But YOU KNOW Andre has been on my ass about this album, and I'm almost finished so again. Can you PLEASE explain why we are doing this fucking college show?" he asked, sitting down at the island.

I peeped my head out of the kitchen to make sure no one was in the living room or the entryway.

"Where's K-Ci?", I asked.

"Downstairs in the studio, he's working on some riffs for "My Heart Belongs To U". I came up here because I heard your car come in the driveway", he replied.

"Look, we're doing the show as an excuse for y'all to go to church", I said softly.

"Church? Really Drew? We could go to church here!" Devante said, raising his voice again.

"Nigga, lower your fucking voice, please? I asked Jojo what made K-Ci happy as a kid and he said church. Hopefully, a weekend in their childhood church will remind him what's important and maybe change his mind about rehab. I know it's a long shot but I'm running out of ideas. So if you have a better idea, speak now or forever hold your peace", I said in a tense, yet quiet voice.

Devante tilted his head and looked at me for a second, the way he does when he's thinking about something. I poured another glass of wine and sat next to him.

"You trust me?" I asked, grabbing his hand.

"You're one of the only people I trust,'' he replied with a sigh.

"Then go along with this, please. For me. For Ced" I replied.

Devante let out a long sigh and kissed my forehead.

"For you", he said softly. "And for my brother. I'll shut up and go along with this. Did you create this plan with Jo?".

"Yeah, kinda." I replied with a shrug.

"Figures. That nigga always tryna to do some shit" he said with a chuckle.

"How long are you gonna be in the studio tonight baby?" I asked with a smirk.

"Another hour, why?", Devante asked as he leaned in and kissed my neck.

"You missed Daddy?" he whispered in my ear.