BFF

Make it happen

Dave – POV

I was on the phone with my manager, trying to lock in the five cities I agreed to perform in. But they kept trying to tack on more like they didn't hear me the first time.

"No. ATL cool, Miami cool, Memphis good, Detroit good, and last—Louisiana. Y'all figure out the order," I said flatly, pacing the living room.

Tracy, my manager, sounded exasperated. "But Dave, you know Vegas willing to pay a lot—and Maryland and Tennessee too."

"Nah, bruh. Y'all adding too many. I told my girl a mini-tour. That's it. We going to Cancun soon."

"Please just think about it."

"Get those five in order—or mix and match, I don't care. Throw Maryland in instead of Jersey if y'all want, but only five. That's it."

"Ugh, alright Dave. I'll get it together."

"Yup." Click.

Man... people be mad difficult. I said five cities. They want ten. Like—just accept what I'm giving. I'll hit the others later. It ain't that deep.

In the background, Tia was wrangling Kairi.

"Kairi, stop so I can get you dressed."

"No, Mommy!" Kairi protested, squirming.

"You know I'm not gon' ask you twice," Tia warned, hand on her hip.

Our daughter had been on her little toddler rebellion all week—testing limits. Cute, but stressful.

"Kairi," I said with a stern look. "Get dressed like Mommy said."

She whined but gave in, shuffling over to get dressed like she was doing the world a favor.

Tia sighed, rubbing her lower back. "She knows my five-month pregnant ass can't be chasing her around... got me tired."

I chuckled. "I know, baby."

"Sheesh. Your mom called me, by the way. Why you not picking up?"

"I was on the phone with my manager."

"Oh okay. How was that?"

"Irritating. They don't listen for shit."

"Shit," Kairi said, repeating after me with perfect timing.

Tia spun around. "No, Kairi. Bad word."

I groaned. "What I tell you about repeating me?"

She had this little habit—only repeated the bad words. She knew better, too. I know she's only two, but Kairi got a personality on her. And she don't forget nothing.

She turned two while she was with her mama's side. I didn't even get to see her on her birthday—they were out of town. Tia and I ended up spoiling her with toys and gifts to make up for it.

"Bad butt," I said, shaking my head.

Tia laughed. "I know. Alright, go ahead and play, Kairi."

Before she hopped down, Kairi gave Tia a hug and kiss. Sweet girl.

Then my phone started ringing again—random number. I debated ignoring it but picked up anyway.

"Hello?"

"Where my daughter?" came a familiar voice.

My whole body tensed. "Don't be calling my phone like that, Moe. Why you calling me anyway, Mya?"

Tia looked over, irritated.

"I'm just telling you you're gonna have to keep Kairi for a while. I'm going out of town," Mya said casually, like she was talking about running to the store.