“You may not have been smiling, but I’ve caught you checking her out. I know you. It’s only a matter of time.”
“Damn, you don’t have no faith in yo baby brother?”
“As far as females are concerned… hell nah,” Onyx replied as they stepped from the elevator. They ventured the length of the hall and turned the corner to find Zahra already standing outside the door of the studio suite.
Her bright smile widened, and big brown eyes seemed to shine when she laid eyes on Kas. The lust in her eyes couldn’t be hidden as she took in hisPalm Angelstee, coordinating jeans and Retro Jordan 11s. The seat of her panties moistened as Kas ruffled his curls and smiled at something his brother said. It was like he didn’t know how intoxicating he was, but it was hard for Zahra to ignore. She’d been pining for Kas long before she even met him, and she’d already decided that day would be the day she subtly made her move. She never dropped her smile, showing 32 teeth as Kas and Onyx approached her.
“Good morning, Mr. Zaman.”
“Morning Zahra, and you can just call me Onyx.”
“Noted.” Zahra offered Onyx a head nod then turned her sights on Kas. She became excited watching Kas’ eyes roam her slowly. To her, it symbolized his interest in her. “Kas, good morning. How are you today?”
“What’s up, you ready to sing?”
“I am.”
“Good… I hope you been practicing.”
“I have.” Zahra answered gleefully, nodding her head up and down.
Onyx tried to contain his laughter because he knew Kas was being an ass.
“Ight, let’s get in here and see how that expensive ass vocal training is paying off.”
“Okay, you’re going to be so impressed, Mr. Zaman… I mean, Onyx.”
Once Zahra walked off, Kas formed his fingers in the shape of a gun and put them to his head. Onyx couldn’t do anything but laugh at his brother. As soon as they entered the studio suite, they got right down to business, sending Zahra into the booth. Kas cued up the track and gave her instructions to start from the top. As soon as she started singing, Onyx’s eyebrows shot up, and Kas’ head fell back in exhaustion. They didn’t know how it was possible, but after working with the voice coach, she seemed to sound worse.
“You see what the fuck I mean?”
“Bruh, ain’t no way she sound this bad. We should’ve just let Baby do this shit.”
“I told her the same thing last time we were in here. Like, I don’t know what the fuck else to do. That vocal coach must need some coaching because he done made the bitch sound worse.”
“She is terrible.” Onyx admitted, pressing the speaker button so Zahra could hear him. “Ayo, Zahra.”
“Yes, Onyx?”
“We um, something ain’t working. Do you feel comfortable with how high the melody is?”
“Yes, it’s perfect. Your wife did an amazing job with the reference. It works well because I think she and I sound the same.”
“Fuck nah… I mean, um, it’s possible, but we need to work on a few things. I’mma try to help you out a little. You cool with that?”
“Learning from one of the best male singers since Wanya Morris? Of course, I’m cool with that.”
“Appreciate that. Ight, go ahead and step out the booth so I can give you a few pointers.”
For the next three hours, Onyx tried his best to improve Zahra’s singing by at least 50% but his efforts proved futile. He hated to accept that the girl was a lost cause, so he made up his mind to bring in an additional coach. Zahra had a marketable look and a personality that would fare well with fans. He’d give her development its due diligence and would wait until they’d exhausted all resources before deeming her a flop. Having had enough of her ghastly singing for one day, Onyx decided it was time to call it a night.
“So, I have another vocal coach with different methods than the one you’re currently working with. I'm going to have her contact you to set up a schedule. Hopefully, she can target and fix some of your problem areas. I’ll check in in a few days to see what kind of progress you’re making.”
“Okay. Thank you, Onyx, I really do appreciate all you’re doing for me.”
“No, thanks needed. It’s my job.”
“Got it. Oh, um, Kas, I think it would be a good idea if you put your number in my phone too.”
