“Wow!”
“I know.”
To think it was the two of them. Their died from an overdose and their father followed not too long after. That’s what scared her straight. If she died, it would leave Isaac alone and he never wanted to do that to him. They were all they had. Until now.
“You and Cam still good.”
“We’re great. I’m concerned about this contract though. They can’t find One Time.” She felt Cameron’s eyes on her and scanned the room until she found him. I’m fine, she mouthed and he went back to rolling around on the floor with the twins. “Cameron wants to hired a bodyguard.”
“Good. One Time is ignorant. I wouldn’t put anything pass him. And I have this for you.” He passed her a set of keys. “I know you don’t need them but just in case. We’re heading out for a few shows before the school year starts. Mi casa is su casa. Although I doubt you’ll need them.”
“Thanks.” She dropped them in her purse. “Do you need me to check on anything while you’re away?”
“If you could grab my mail a couple times a week…that would help.” His tone had become chilly.
“Done.” She looked in the direction of his gaze with the sea of people it was hard to pinpoint the exact person. But she had an idea. “So what’s up with you and Eliana?”
“Nothing.”
“Look sis, I gotta run. I need to say my goodbyes to the folks and then I’m out.”
“The folks?”
“The Carters.”
“Oh,” he really was part of the family. “Will I see you tomorrow?”
He glanced back across the room. “I don’t think so. I want to check on something in Austin before we roll out. Love you.”
“Love you more. Peak in on my place too.”
“Done.” He kissed her cheek and left.
What is going on with those two?
“Babe, you ready to make our rounds?” Cameron kissed her and took Isaac’s empty seat.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
They circled the room. He introduced her to Damian’s parents, Bruce’s parents, and finally they stopped at the Carters.
“Mom, Pops, I’d like for you to met Sydney Jones.” He slipped a protective arm around her waist. “Sydney there are my parents Michelle and Curtis Carter.”
“Lady Bird, it nice to finally meet you.”
Sydney tenses, she hoped their meeting wouldn’t become uncomfortable. Another odd revelation was none of the RSE team seemed to mention, nor mind her past. It was as if Cameron had scrubbed the incident from existence. No sideway glances, no questions, just gone.
“It’s nice to meet you too sir.”
“Call me Curtis baby.” He kissed Sydney’s hand.
“Pops!” She laughed as Cameron groaned.
Curtis blinked an eye and she swore he looked like Cameron with that eyebrow wiggle.
“Mom?” The whine in Cameron’s voice made Sydney burst. She laughed until she cried as the two went at it.
“Baby, pay them no mind. He’s crazy and his children are too.” A flash of humor crossed Mrs. Carter’s face. “And Michelle is fine, dear.”
“Thank you Mrs. Michelle, it’s great to put a face with a name. I’ve heard wonderful things about you both.”
“My boys sure can pick’em.” Curtis stepped closer and Cameron shook his head.
“Go over there and flirt with your wife.”
This was how their day went. The Carters were exactly who she thought and more. Sydney figured they had to be amazing based on their children. She also met the middle son Kyle and his sister Lauren.
They sampled food and listened to music while the kids played. The details for tomorrow’s picnic were finalized, then later moved to another room to conduct the meeting.
They had the line up nailed down and Bruce would send the files to the engineer later tonight. It was official. They had done it. The soundtrack was complete.
Celebratory wine flutes started flowing in, carried by waiters in formal attired.
“It’s time for a toast.” Sydney froze, Cameron kissed her temple. “Don’t worry so much. We always have sparkling cider for Marques.” She relaxed at his side and grabbed a glass.
“Ladies and gentlemen, bring it in.” They gathered in front of Cameron and Sydney, and feeling the extra eyes made her attempt to move aside. But his gridiron grip keep her in place.
“Really Cam?” She whispered for only his ears to hear.
“Damn right.” He kissed her, then turned back to the team. “Glasses up.”
Cameron started his speech and a feeling of pride filled her. The day to day actions of going to the studio and working day in and day out had resulted in this moment. Cameron had lead his team well. And each took their tasks and ran with it. She had learn so much from them and looked forward to many more years to come.
“We are not done. This is truly just the beginning.” He glanced down at her. “I’d like to shout out our new team members, Isaac and Sydney.” The crowd clapped and cheered. “Let’s toast to the RSE legacy, more music, more fans—
“And more money.” Jamal shouted.
“And more money. To RSE…”
She touched her class to his and the others did the same. The men huddle in a group hug.
“Family…”
“Over fame!”
Chapter Nineteen
They managed to convert the RSE Headquarters into an amusement park. Cameron didn’t want to know how much they spent to have a ferris wheel and the petting zoo. He was certain Jamal had squeezed every penny and questioned every dime spent.
He arrived early to meet with security. The annual RSE picnic was a community affair that meant opening the security gates around the premise. Bull and X were a security team out of Atlanta that handled the security for both locations and personal bodyguards for Marques and soon Sydney.
Cameron stepped out of his car and Bull walked towards him. His name was Wesley and towered over Cameron’s six foot one inch frame by several inches. Bull looked like a professional wrestler. Cameron feared for the person foolish enough to fall on the man’s bad side.
“Are we set for today? Cameron leaned against his car.
“Yes, Mr. Carter.” He sat next to him with X standing off to the side.
“You can expect the festivities will be concentrated in this area.” Cameron motioned towards the oversized parking lot and open field. They planned to expand the compound soon once the entire team was migrated to Houston.
“We took an extra precaution and have men patrolling the perimeters of the property since it’s open to the public.”
“Good, good.” Cameron nodded. “Call me if you need me.”
“Yes, sir.”
Cameron left them tour the other areas. They had game booths, the food trucks, and the petting zoo for the public. Then a private tent for the RSE team. He rounded the corner of the building and the wives were dashing from one end of the grounds to the other. He scanned the area looking for Sydney. He saw her over by a roast corn truck.
He walked over and waited as she instructed him about the parking and loading areas.
“Hey gorgeous.” He kissed her cheek.
“Hey yourself.”
“This is a really big event.” The awe in her voice made him chuckle.
“I told you. We have a great time and build community awareness. It also serves as a back to school bash.”
“I saw the school supply truck.”
Cameron nodded. “Wait until you see the holiday party. Brione has a Single Mom’s Suite.”
“And Sandi?
“Her focus is through community outreach for women with infertility issues. She turned it into a health festival. Last year we had all types of issues represented. I think you’d like that one too.”
“Chop chop love birds.” Eliana teased from behind him.
“Ha ha ha…” He watched her walk by pushing a helium tank. “I bet they give you a hard time.”
>
“They do, and I love it. I never had sister before, and I’m starting to see that was a good thing.”
They laughed and kissed their goodbyes. They both had work to do.
“I’ll see you at the tent later.” Cameron called out.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Sydney couldn’t recall working so hard in her life. From sun up to sun down people came and went. The music blared and the food flowed with the constant screams from the ferris wheel lingering in the background.
These RSE wives are the truth. Everything went without a hitch as the cleaning crew arrived. She checked with Jamal to confirmed that the vendors were paid. He said yes and she was officially relieved of her picnic duties.
The team would head over to the tent for soul food catered by The Daniels. But Sydney wanted to take a quick shower. It would take her about fifteen minutes to rinse the dirt off her skin and cool off. She thought about finding Cameron but he’d turn a quick shower into a five hour event.
Instead she sent him a text.
I’m heading to use your private shower. I’ll be back.
He quickly responded:
Okay. ::heart emoji::
She replied:
::heart emoji::
Sydney turned crossing the parking lot heading to the main building when she heart, “Looking good Lady Bird.” His tone was velvet yet edged with steel. Her eyes darted nervously back and forth.
“Don’t worry we’re alone. The black Hulk went that way.” He point back towards the tent. “Long time no see.”
She spun around and came face-to-face with her past. She quickly lifted her phone.
“How about you give me that?”
“What do you want?” She didn’t pass the phone. She had to talk with him long enough for Bull to circle back around.
“I want my lady back.” HIs eyes roamed over her figure making her feel like slim. And to think she once feel under his powers of persuasion. But not anymore.
“One Time stop playing games. If you want to talk with me come back during normal business hours.” She turned to walk away and he grabbed her arm snatching her back around.
“This ain’t no game. You owe me. You left the tour and I was sued for millions. And you still owe me an album.” He stepped closer, the anger in his eyes, made her took the next best thing. She kneed him in the nuts and turned for the tent.
“Cameron…Bull…X…” she yelled running on wobbly legs when she felt a yank. In a lightening fast motion One Time pulled her back against his body. He pulled her head back by the length of her braid.
“Bitch don’t you know I’d—”
“You’d what?” His voice was a cool and clear as ice water. Sydney felt relief on second and dread the next. The anger in his eyes caught her off guard.
One Time gripped her throat squeezing tighter and tighter, cutting off the air. “Cam…”
Cameron dove for them, One Time roughly pushed her to the ground. Sydney rolled on her side gasping for air, fighting the dark spots blurring her sight.
“Cameron, that’s enough man. Cam!” Mr. Curtis called out.
Sydney turned over, holding her sore neck to see Cameron driving his fist into One Time face. Damian and Bruce were trying to pull him off with no avail.
“Cam baby don’t.” She tried to get up and Marques grabbed her.
“Cameron, Syd needs you.” Marques called through the commotion. The wives pushing the kids back to the tent. The men trying to get pull Cameron to stop. Security pulling up just as Cameron drove his foot into One Time’s stomach.
“Get this muthafucka off my property.”
“Bird, baby.” He turned as if noticing her for the first time. He picked her up from the pavement, resting her throbbing head on his shoulder. She could feel his rage as if it were her own.
“This shit ain’t over.” One Time called out as Bull and X took him away.
“You come near her again and I’ll make you regret the day you laid eyes on her.” He deadly threat sliced through the air.
Sydney cover his mouth with hers. “He’s not worth it. Baby look at me. Cam…please.” She begged, his eyes conveyed the fury in him. She kissed him again. “It’s okay.”
She glanced around and the RSE men flanked their leader. Thankfully the kids were gone and Mr. Curtis stood behind Cameron with a hand on his shoulder. A stab of guilt laid buried in her chest. This was her fault.
Chapter Twenty
Cameron felt it all day. Something was off. He walked the grounds, pacing like a caged lion. He’d hired security, he’d kept an eye on her from afar, and the one moment he turned his back this happens.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
He covered her mouth with his, he could feel her shacking still. “Let’s get you to a doctor.”
“No, go back to the tent. Make sure the kids are okay.”
“Sydney.” This conversation was over. “Guys walk with me. Dad we’ll be back.”
“Y’all stay with him.”
“Yes, sir.” Marques called back.
Cameron carried her to his car and lowered her inside. He closed the door behind her and stepped away from the car. Damian and Bruce stood in front leaving enough space to keep his eye on Sydney.
“Don’t make me catch a case over this dude.” He looked at Damian.
“I got you bro. Let me press a few connects.”
Cameron turned to Marques, “Call Isaac and let him know what’s going on. I’m taking Sydney home.” He dropped his head for a moment flexing his hands. “I’m sorry guys, I lost it. “
“I’d expect nothing less, you have to protect your woman.” Cameron nodded not trusting himself to talk.
“Thank guys. I’ll keep you posted.”
“Family,” Damian called out.
“Over fame.” He hugged each of them before turning to the car.
“Now, Tyson, we need you to go put those weapons on ice. And we’ll close out the picnic.” Devin teased sending the guys into a fit of laughter.
Cameron didn’t know what he’d do without his brothers. He’d left the tent planning to surprise Sydney in the shower for a little interlude only to hear her call out his name. The fear in her voice made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up like guiding devices. He rounded the corner as One Time wrapped his hand around her throat and all Cameron saw was red.
He climbed in the car. “How are you?”
“Shook up but I’m better.”
“I really want to go inside to let them know I’m all right.”
“No Syd.” He turned over the engine. “The guys will let them know. And I’ll text Marques and have him grab a plate for you.”
“Don’t try to distract me with food.”
“I’ll do anything to keep you safe. Now get some rest.”
“Thank you.” Her eyes sagged closed.
The doctor came and checked her out. She had a few scratches and a bruised neck, but the doctor assured them she’d be back to normal by the end of week. Cameron watched her from the corner of his eye. That spoke of the physical wounds by not the mental ones.
“Talk to me baby.”
“Hold me.” She wiggled over to his side of the bed, resting her head on his shoulder.
Cameron did as his lady requested. They stayed around the house for a few days until the bruises on her neck cleared and then he arranged for her go into the studio.
“We got good news today.” She glanced over from her notebook. “They studio executive loved the soundtrack.”
“Congratulations.” She smiled but the light didn’t reach her eyes. He felt like he was failing her all over again.
“Syd, baby I need you to talk to me. I can’t help if I don’t know what you need from me.”
“I want you to meet with One Time.”
He pulled back. She must have bumped her head. “And why would I do that.”
“How am I going to shoot a video without knowing about my contract? I
f he doesn’t release me it could put your entire project in jeopardy.”
“I wish he would. The fact that we’re arguing about this just shows how ridiculous this is. Let him throw his best shot. I’ll bury him and his label in so much litigation, he’s children’s children will fear the Carter name.”
“I’ve already done enough,” she whispered.
“What do you mean, you’ve already done enough? This dude pops up and tries to harm you but it’s your fault. Do you hear how that sounds?” His frustration with the situation was on ten.
“He came looking for me. He won’t let that go Cameron, I know him. How do you think it makes me feel to see you plummeting her fist into a man’s face because of me?”
“It should make you feel protected. That I’m not about to let him place a hand on you and think it’s okay. Granted, I don’t want to hurt another person. But harm coming for my family is nonnegotiable.” He cut through the air with finality.
Cameron got up, “I need some air.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Sydney heard the front door close and reached for her phone. For the past few days she’d been thinking of a plan. There would be no beef if she just finished out her contract. Then they all could go on with their lives.
But not if Cameron had One Time arrested?
She scrolled through her contacts and texted.
We need to talk. Can we meet up?
When? I’m at Club Black VIP lounge.
Give me 20.
Sydney got dressed and put on a baseball cap and a scarf. The bruising on her neck was still pretty bad. She stopped for a second and considered calling Cameron. But the thought of him and One Time crossing paths again had her seeing the heading. Billionaire music executive, arrested in Houston, TX, for attempted murder. Thanks to his junkie girlfriend.
She opened the door to find Isaac about to knock.
“What are you doing here?”
“Cam asked me to come talk some sense into you.” He scanned her up and down. “Where are you going?”
“Club Black.” She stepped onto the porch locking the door behind her.
Rockstar Sinners (Forbidden Chords Book 2) Page 12