“Amber is going to be funny on reality TV,” Royce said. “She might end up upstaging everyone and getting her own show.”
“That’s what’s up! I’m glad Royce recognizes greatness when he sees it,” Amber said.
“Speaking of which,” Royce said, “I have someone picked out for the group already. We’ll do the reality show. It’s great promotion for the group, but the girl has been selected.”
Blaine cracked up. “So it’s rigged?”
“It’s not like it’s a competition with rules and contracts,” Camden explained. “We’re just doing an open call. What y’all think?”
“When are we doing this?” Blaine asked.
“This week, while you all are here,” Royce said.
“It sounds like fun,” Akil said. “I’m down.”
“Me too,” Amber said. “Do you have your keyboard somewhere, Cam? I want to let you hear something I’ve been working on.”
Camden stood up. “Come on, y’all can come to the studio.”
Amber shook her head. “No, I don’t want everybody to hear it yet! You know I’m shy about my songs.”
“Okay. Come on, Ambreezy.”
Camden showed Amber to the studio. He started turning on equipment and pointed to a place for Amber to sit. Instead of sitting, Amber closed the door and stood beside it.
“Everything okay?” Camden asked.
“That’s what I want to ask you. Is everything all right with you?”
“Yeah, why do you ask?”
Amber sighed. “You know I saw the YouTube video.”
“What did you think about it? Did you believe it too?”
“Too? Who believed it?”
Camden shrugged. “Dawn asked me about it, and now she’s acting funny.”
Amber puffed her cheeks and blew the air out slowly, as if she had something on her mind.
“Cam, I want to tell you something, but I’m … well, I’m caught in between you and my girl.”
“Spill it, Amber.”
“How do you think things are between you and Dawn, I mean outside of the YouTube thing?”
Camden sat down and tapped a few keys on the keyboard. “Well, I admit that we had a few issues about my leaving, but I think we’re okay. I-I was actually planning to propose while y’all were here.”
Amber’s lips formed a little “O.” “You were? That’s so romantic, Camden.”
“Well, now you’ve got me questioning my decision. What’s up?”
Amber balled her hands into fists and then released them. She bit her lip and sighed again. All nervous gestures.
“I trust that if there was anything that could hurt me, you would say it, right?”
“Oh, don’t do that, Cam. Don’t do the guilt trip thing. Please.”
“You’re the one who dragged me down here. Just tell me what’s on your mind.”
“Let me just say that if I was you I would hold off on the proposal.”
“Why?”
Amber shook her head. “Camden, I can’t give you the details, so can you please just trust what I’m saying?”
“So you know something that if I knew it I wouldn’t want to marry Dawn.”
Amber lifted an eyebrow. “Maybe.”
“Why are you just now telling me? Why didn’t you call? Why wait until we’re all here together?”
“I have been struggling with saying anything, Camden. Like I said, I love both of y’all. I wish I didn’t know anything.”
“So that’s it?” Camden asked.
“Yeah. Maybe she’ll tell you the rest. Give her the opportunity to share what’s on her heart.”
Camden knew Amber almost as well as he knew Dawn. She would never betray Dawn or tell her secrets. For her to open her mouth at all, this information must be so devastating that she would be harming him by not saying anything.
“Thank you, Amber. I know how hard this must be for you. Thanks for the heads up.”
“Love you, Cam! I want you to have the best.”
She threw her arms around his neck and squeezed. He hugged her back.
“Love you too, Amber.”
“Are you going to go to Blaine’s church? I mean are you gonna be a member?”
Camden chuckled. “I don’t know. I just can’t … I know too much about him. I don’t know how to ignore all the stuff I know.”
“I guess it’s a good thing he’s going to be in Oklahoma City. No one really knows his dirt there.”
“Are you going there?”
Amber shrugged. “Not sure. Like we know some stuff about your dad and we serve under him. So, is it any different? Akil wants me to go. Maybe I’ll move out here to Atlanta with you.”
“Are you serious about that?”
“Maybe. We write together. We sing together. And there are a lot of opportunities for me here. Like I could be in gospel stage plays or something. Maybe Tyler Perry will hire me.”
“You want Royce to get you an audition with him?”
“Royce got it like that?”
“Yeah, he does. This dude is amazing.”
“Wow. I’m impressed with his little self. You think he’d let me live here too?”
“Um …”
“I’m just playing, boy. I wouldn’t want to move in this man’s house.”
“Oh. I just thought of something. I’m only here temporarily. I do plan to come back home, you know.”
Amber looked at the floor. “Something tells me, God might have you here a little bit longer than you think.”
“What is God whispering in your ear?”
Amber just smiled and sat down at the keyboard. She started playing her song and singing along with the music. Camden couldn’t focus on the melody or lyrics. He could only think of Amber’s ambiguous warning.
The only one who could answer his questions and calm his fears was Dawn. He was going to follow Amber’s advice and let her speak her heart.
CHAPTER 34
“The seafood here is wonderful,” Camden said to Dawn. “Order whatever you want, though. Don’t worry about the cost.”
Camden had decided to take Dawn to one of his favorite restaurants since he got to Atlanta—Ray’s on the River. He loved the food and the view. It was a little pricey, but since he’d decided to go forward with his marriage proposal, he figured he should pick somewhere nice.
It wasn’t that Camden didn’t believe or trust Amber. He just trusted God more. He prayed about what to do with Dawn, and he felt peace in his spirit about proposing. He definitely didn’t feel as if the Lord was telling him not to marry Dawn.
“Why would I worry about the cost?” Dawn asked. “I assume you can afford this place if you brought me here, right?”
Dawn looked beautiful. Her hair was swept into a twist on the back of her head. She wore a small amount of makeup, but the pink-tinted lip gloss made her full lips look plump and juicy. Camden tried to forget Amber’s warnings so he could enjoy himself, but he couldn’t.
“So, tell me about the tour. What was it like being onstage? Did you enjoy it?”
Dawn nodded. “It was almost like being at church. Amber and Blaine worked the crowds, and me and Akil sang the harmonies. It’s just different people in the audience.”
“Are you feeling okay about us adding another soprano to the group?” Camden asked.
“I wish you would’ve warned me about that. You knew ahead of time, right? I was kind of embarrassed.”
“Why were you embarrassed? It wasn’t personal.”
Dawn shook her head. “It’s like no one realizes what it’s like to sing with all these phenomenal singers and just be the backup person. I already know I don’t sing like Blaine and Amber.”
“I never knew you felt like that.”
“Now you do.”
The waitress walked up to their table. “Would you like to try our house Pinot Grigio? It’s the special wine of the evening.”
“You want wine?” Camden asked. “I can get the whole bottle.
”
Dawn shook her head. “No. No wine. I’ll have a lemonade, please.”
“No wine? What’s up with that?” Camden asked as the waitress left to put in their drink orders.
“I’m just not in the mood. That’s all.”
“Oh.”
“Camden, can I ask you a question? This has been bugging the heck out of me ever since I watched that video.”
Camden rolled his eyes. “Really? You still on that?”
“What made that interviewer even ask that in the first place? What did she see to make her think that about you?”
“I don’t know. I never met the woman. I think she’s just used to stirring up gossip.”
“And the woman you wrote songs for couldn’t be sure if you were straight?”
“No, she couldn’t. We’ve never been together. So how could she be sure?”
Dawn sipped her water. “Okay, that’s all I want to ask about that, I guess.”
“What? Do you want me to take you to the car and take your virginity in the backseat? Is that what you want? Will that prove anything to you?”
“No. It wouldn’t prove anything, and I wouldn’t want you to do that. I just don’t know about us. It’s been such a long time. We’ve been together forever.”
“And you love me, right?” Camden asked.
“I do, but I don’t know if I’m in love with you anymore. I keep asking myself that question. If I’m in love with you. And I can never give myself a definitive response.”
“So what do you think we should do about this?”
“I think God’s already done it.”
Now Camden was confused. “What do you mean?”
“Well, He gave you an opportunity far away from me, and it’s allowed me to gain some clarity about who I am and what I want.”
“What is it that you want?”
“I want a man who is proud of me. Proud enough to tell everyone that he wants to spend the rest of his life with me.”
“And you don’t think I feel that way?”
“I think you used to. I don’t know how you feel now.”
Camden touched the bulge in his pocket that contained the ring, but he didn’t reach in and pull it out. He used to be one hundred percent sure she’d say yes when he proposed, but this Dawn was different. Even her face was different and more mature. Her acne was gone and there were little worry lines at the corners of her eyes and mouth.
“I feel the same way about you, Dawn. Maybe you feel differently about me. It’s okay to admit that if it’s true. I’d rather know the truth than continue to live a lie.”
“The truth is … I met someone.”
Camden swallowed hard. Amber had tried to tell him her secret, but couldn’t betray her girl. Dawn had chosen to come clean.
“You say you met someone like it was an accident or something. Did you not try to meet him?”
“I didn’t plan it.”
“Who is he? Did you sleep with him?”
Dawn shook her head. “Not answering those questions. I just want you to tell me that it won’t affect So G.I.F.T.E.D. It’s our time now. I can tell by the reactions we get when we get onstage.”
“The music is the music. Our relationship has no impact on that.”
“Good. Because I wouldn’t want to harm everyone else because you and I aren’t together anymore.”
It took everything in Camden not to explode with anger. Amber knew that Dawn was cheating on him with some other dude. She’d warned him.
The waitress came back to the table and asked, “Are you ready to order your dinner yet?”
“We’re not staying,” Camden said. “Please bring the check for the beverages.”
The waitress nodded and walked away.
“So we’re not eating now? That’s immature.”
Camden stroked the ring again, and felt his nostrils flare. “If you want, I can take you by the McDonald’s drive-thru on the way back to Royce’s house. I know you don’t think I’m spending hundreds of dollars on you. That’s boyfriend stuff. You have to call your other dude for that.”
“Okay, I deserved that. I did.”
“You deserved more than that, but I’m trying to be more like Jesus. I’m extending you grace and mercy.”
“You’re angry. I’m surprised about that. I never expected you to be angry when I told you. You hardly show any emotion regarding me, but you’re angry now.”
Camden was furious, but not for the reason she thought. He could’ve forgiven her for going on a date with someone else, maybe even sleeping with that person. He was the only man she’d ever dated, so her being unsure and testing the waters wasn’t unforgivable.
What enraged Camden was her reason for finding someone else. Deep down, she believed the insinuation that he was gay. After being with him for a decade, she believed the words of a person he’d never even met.
But now they were both free. Camden to pursue his musical dreams and Dawn to find her husband and start having children. Camden hoped that one day Dawn regretted her choice, but he’d never regret chasing destiny.
CHAPTER 35
Ivy and her husband had graciously allowed Camden and the rest of the group to use their church for the open call. Camden was absolutely not in the mood for frivolities, but he had a smile on his face nonetheless. Dawn was quiet, but this was not out of character for her. On the surface it seemed as if all was well.
Amber linked arms with Camden as the camera crew set up the social hall for the event. Dawn, Akil, and Blaine were sitting in the makeup chairs getting prepped for their time on camera.
“She told you,” Amber said.
Camden nodded. “I almost gave her a ring. It was in my pocket the whole time.”
“Seriously? You didn’t believe me?”
“I didn’t want to believe you. I knew that we had issues, but I thought it was just because I’d taken too long to propose. How could she believe that I’m gay?”
Amber shook her head. “I don’t think she believes that. I think that’s the excuse she’s giving herself.”
“Well, either way, it’s over.”
“Ugh. How is this going to affect the group, though? I don’t like drama.”
“There won’t be any. By the time we’re all together again at home, I’ll be over it. I’ll probably have a new girlfriend. You know anybody you can hook me up with? The chicks here in Atlanta might not be trying to holla with the rumors and all.”
“Oh, gay dudes get women all the time,” Amber said.
Camden tugged playfully at Amber’s puffy hair. She slapped his hand away.
“This hair is a masterpiece, honey. Each strand is laid with love and perfection in mind.”
Camden shook his head and laughed. “Well, the bigger the hair, the less attention given to the ripened produce.”
“You just reminded me, I need to sprinkle some glitter on these babies.”
Camden laughed at Amber as she commandeered a container of glitter off the makeup table and liberally spread it over her cleavage.
“Are you Camden Wilson?”
Camden turned to see who was asking, and he immediately recognized her from her publicity photos. Kenya Summers was much prettier in person, though. Her honey-brown skin seemed to glow, and her almond-shaped eyes were surrounded by some of the thickest lashes Camden had ever seen.
“I am. You’re Kenya Summers, right? Royce speaks very highly of you, and your demo was incredible. I’m pleased to meet you.”
“This isn’t the first time we’re meeting, Camden. You don’t remember.”
Camden shrugged. “I’m sorry! I’m sure I would recall meeting you.”
“My dad was over the Texas Gospel Alliance for many years. I was in the youth choir with y’all.”
“Oh, Deacon Summers! I just don’t remember him having a beautiful daughter.”
Kenya blushed and looked at the floor. “He didn’t. Not back then, anyway. He had an ugly duckling daughter.”
“Now she’s a swan.”
Kenya smiled at Camden. “I don’t feel like that every day. Today, I do. After the makeup crew went to town on my face.”
“Come meet the rest of the group. Royce told them about you, but you might as well meet them in person.”
Camden brought Kenya over to the makeup area. Blaine immediately perked up, as he did whenever an attractive woman was in his presence. Some things never changed. Dawn stared her up and down with a look of pure contempt.
“Hey, y’all, this is Kenya Summers, the soprano we told y’all about.”
Blaine said, “Go ahead and hit a note.”
“Right now?” Kenya asked.
“Yep. I hope you aren’t shy,” Blaine said. “You can’t be shy singing with us.”
Kenya laughed. “Honey, I am not shy.”
“Then go ahead and belt something out.”
Kenya opened her mouth and sang a classic, “I Surrender All.” Her talent was undeniable. Amber shook her head and made the face all the church mothers made when someone really sang a song. Dawn had tears in her eyes, and Akil clapped his hands together. Blaine’s expression was the most priceless of all. He looked absolutely smitten.
“All right then,” Amber said. “Welcome to the group, honey. We’ll take all of that with a side of macaroni and cheese.”
Kenya ran over to Amber and hugged her, which started a chain reaction of hugging. Even Dawn, who was giving her the mean face in the beginning, gave her a squeeze.
“So, how are you going to practice with us?” Dawn asked. “Do you live here?”
Kenya shook her head. “No, I live in Fort Worth.”
“You can’t possibly be from the DFW,” Blaine said. “I know I would’ve laid eyes on you before.”
“I am in Atlanta a lot, but Fort Worth is my home.”
“Y’all remember the Texas Gospel Alliance Youth Choir? She was in it with us. Her daddy directed it.”
Akil tilted his head to one side. “I remember you! You lost a lot of weight. She led us on ‘I Love the Lord.’”
“That’s right! See, Camden, I told you I was there.”
Camden’s jaw dropped. He did remember the girl who led that song because he, Blaine, and Amber had made some pretty mean comments about her. They’d called her the teenage Nell Carter. And Akil’s comment was an understatement. She hadn’t just lost some weight. She’d lost about two people. Two large people.
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