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“Flame out so soon?”
“Not quite. I have someone who needs proof that I’m the drummer for Liquid Obsession.”
“If I do this for you, you have to promise to sit down and make an effort at writing our next hit. Rhys won’t stop calling me. You know I how I hate talking about the same thing over and over.”
While Khadijah speaks, I angle Pedro into the camera frame.
“Fine. I’ll make the effort. If you really want me to succeed with Kenya, you won’t make me jump through these hoops.”
She rolls her eyes. “One hoop, Cam. I make you jump through one hoop and you want to paint me as the bad guy.”
Pedro closes the distance between us. “She really does sound like the lead singer.”
I spear Khadijah with a knowing glance. “You see why I couldn’t risk you meeting Kenya? He picked up on your voice immediately.”
“That’s not fair. You don’t even know if she’s a fan.”
“Wait, are you saying you’re here in Escondido Bay right now?”
“Oh, shit. Did I just make things worse for you?” Khadijah frowns through the screen.
“Believe it or not, you made things easier,” Pedro says. He pats me on the shoulder. “Congratulations, you’re the new co-chair.”
“Deej, thanks. I need I’ll talk to you later.” I hang up and face Pedro. “You know I could have gotten her to sing for you.”
“And I may call on you to do just that. I know someone who would appreciate a private concert. Yes,” he muses. “When I lay everything out, a mini-concert will be just the thing…”
A curious thought niggles my brain, compelling me to walk over to the clock on the bookcase. There’s no denying the quality craftsmanship. I pick it up to examine it.
“What are you doing?”
“Admiring the decor.” I find what I need when I flip it upside down, then I quickly place it back on the shelf. “This romantic interest you mentioned and the reason you’re so invested in Kenya are related, aren’t they?”
His response is to glare at me in steely silence.
“I’m guessing Onyx has no idea that her feelings are reciprocated.”
Pedro sighs and leans against his desk with folded arms. “She won’t until there is a clear separation between us and she understands that I’m not a flavor of the month.”
“It’s like that?”
“You would know. You’re spending time convincing me to let you work with the woman who’s got you twisted while she’s probably pacing my floor and wondering what we’re talking about.”
“You have a point. So let’s get her back inside and tell her the news.”
Pedro calls Ayana to let Kenya in. As soon as she enters, she looks anxiously between us.
“Everything settled?” she asks, a minor shake trembling her voice.
“Yes. And since I have a conference call now, I’ll have to ask you both to leave.” Pedro shuttles us to the door with an arm on our shoulders. “Kenya, say hello to your new co-chair. The first meeting is on Monday. See you there.” He shuts the door on us.
Ayana stares daggers at me, but I’ve just won a battle so I’m feeling invincible.
Kenya crinkles her forehead. “What just happened?” She glances at me, then quickly away. “Oh, I also need to be somewhere.”
“You’re avoiding me.” I grab her elbow and turn her to look into her face.
“Me? Avoiding you? Why would I do that? I mean, it’s not like there’s a reason for me to, right?”
