She Used to Be the Sweetest Girl(56)

“Yeah. I can most definitely see myself here. I gotta make a few adjustments first, but we good,” he said nodding his head. “Yeah, we gone be good here.”

* * * * *

“Are you enjoying yourself!” Marcella yelled over the loud music that blasted through their section.

The club scene on any given day in Atlanta was expected to be live, but Saturdays were when the crowd really came out. SWAY, one of the hottest clubs was in full effect. It had only been open for about six months, and Marcella liked it because it was somewhat low key. That was not the case tonight though. An announcement had been made that she was coming through to turn up and everyone came out to see her.

Bobbing his head to the music, Shemel lifted his glass, acknowledging her question. The clubs vibe was definitely laid back. It was nothing like the clubs back in St. Louis and that was saying a lot. Seeing as though it was still considered brand new, the upkeep of the place was still in good condition. Adorning each side of the dance floor were rows of comfortable booths. Anywhere you stood in the club, you could easily see the dance floor and the DJ booth. Bottle service girls were at your beck and call if you were seated in one of the booths and Shemel needed another one quick.

Without him even having to get one of the girl’s attention, one walked over carrying a bucket full of all the good shit. In the ice sat Hennessy, Patron, Apple Cîroc, and a bottle of Ace of Spades. Telling the girl thanks, Shemel grabbed the Henn and poured him a cup. He had been drinking it before they got to the club and felt like there was no need to switch it up. That’s the quickest way to get tore up. He saw it happen way too many times. One of the girls that came with Marcella had been eyeing him all night. Being the smooth nigga he was, Shemel played it cool. He was only here because Marcella invited him. If she hadn’t, he’d probably be cooped up in his room writing lyrics.

“Hey Shemel,” Marcella’s friend, Tiffany, spoke.

Looking at her attire, Shemel gave her a head nod. She was cute with dark chocolate skin, a small hoop nose ring, and the whitest teeth Shemel had ever seen. He knew she must have been using them teeth whiteners all the celebrities be promoting. The tight fitted bondage dress showed off her flat stomach and the small amount of ass she had. Tiffany stood there smiling, waiting for him to speak. She had done her research on Mr. Shemel and loved what she found out. Not being the one to shy away from what she wanted, she approached him.

“What’s good ma,” Mel replied, before taking a drink from his cup. Licking his lips, he looked over at her, while Tiffany just stared.

“Are you going to sign with Homage? That would be a really good look for you,” she said, excitedly.

The random question came from out of nowhere and surprised Shemel. It had only been two days since the meeting and he had somewhat made up his mind, but was still needing to talk with his dad. After telling him the opportunities and hearing his view of things, Shemel was certain he’d be able to make a decision in the next week. Tiffany had a point though. Him signing to the hottest record label would be a good look, even more so for his fan base.

“Nosey aren’t you?” he asked, chuckling.

“Indeed. I did my research on you, and I think you’d be a great asset to the team.”

“What? You sing too?” he questioned.

“Hell no. I don’t rap either. I’m just Marcella’s friend, but I know my stuff. I’m in school for broadcast journalism. I have to stay up to date on who’s who and what not.”

“Salute to that school shit. You wanna write articles about the music industry?”

“Articles, blogs, new reports, whatever I can get my hands on. Just so happens I’m friends with someone who has connects,” Tiffany smiled.

“Yeah, that’s cool. Make your own connects though. Don’t let who you know be the only reason you make it. Use what ya know to get where you want to be,” Shemel schooled her.

He had learned a long time ago that it was cool to have connections and your friends putting you on, but in the end, you had to let your work speak for itself. A recommendation is one thing, but no one will ever know your full potential unless you let it be known. Once he figured that out, he was good in the streets and with his music.

All Tiffany could do was stare at him, with admiration and lust in her eyes. Not only was he fine as hell to her, but he had brains too. She had met so many rap niggas get in the game and let the industry brainwash them, it was pathetic. She hoped Shemel kept this mindset with whoever he decided to sign with. He was going to be great regardless. Biting her lip, Tiffany stepped closer to Shemel.