Her knees damn near gave out.
Tia elbowed her from behind. “Bitch breathe!”
Blain whispered, “This is crazy.”
Him and Tia had made their way around the room, just speaking to people and giving Meadow and Zaire space to do their thing.
Meadow mouthed,I know.
Then suddenly a soft cheer went up near the stage.
“Let’s go, Noodle!” Aku yelled, wiping her face at the gentle love between Zaire and Malik. Her man was truly amazing…truly Oz.
Noodle aka Jacory stepped up to the mic with that shy demeanor and her powerhouse voice. “First, I want to thank y’all for coming out. If you’re here, you’re special to me…otherwise I need that check.”
People laughed and some whistled.
Jacory’s hair was in its natural state, just free and flowing without effort. Her makeup was flawless and her red two-piece set fit the theme perfectly.
Her husband, Bu stood off to the side in red, arms crossed, eyes soft just for her.
Tia said, “bitchhh,” under her breath when she looked at him.
Meadow turned to look but looked away just as quick. She’d never seen a man in glasses look like he birthed the hood. His red cap was twisted to the back but something about his stance said he could get active any minute.
The room erupted in applause when the music started and Jacory’s little hips swayed.
Meadow whispered, “She’s even prettier in person, Jesus.”
Tia fanned herself. “I might cry.”
Zaire leaned down behind Meadow, hands settling on her waist. “You gon’ like this.”
Jacory tapped the mic. “What’s up, family?”
The crowd roared like church.
“I been working,” she smiled. “I got some new things to share with y’all tonight.”
Meadow whispered to Tia, “I can’t believe I’m breathing her air.”
Tia tried to contain her excitement knowing Blain was about to get on her for all that squirming she was doing in his arms, shrieked “I know!”
The first song was smooth R&B wrapped in warm bass. Jacory’s voice floated across the room, rich and soulful as the audience swayed to the rhythm.
Meadow felt Zaire pull her closer from behind, arms around her waist, lips brushing her temple as she leaned back into him.
She could’ve melted right there.
They swooned and bobbed their heads to every song she dropped.
Her first album went down as a lover girl’s classic. This was the one you played because life was good, your kids were beautiful, and the man who’s heart you held in the palms of your hands had good dick. This felt like love in a bottle that you find on a stranded island when all hope is lost.
But then Jacory paused the music and grinned. “Y’all really like that last one— this next one, though…this one’s more personal.”
“You know my heart bleeds red.” She winked at Bu.
Tia leaned in to whisper. “Is this the key to success…fall in love with a gang member?”
