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Benxi
I was anxious, but it wasn’t the kind that made me feel like I couldn’t breathe. My life was about to change. I was free to sign with Mekhi’s record label.
I knew it might be a mistake to go with him, because I was as attracted to him as I was to the music. I’d heard you weren’t supposed to mix up business with pleasure. But I also knew that business was the main reason he was interested in me, so I had no choice but to kick things off this way. My voice was my in. I needed an in because I was falling in love.
I’d never been in love before. I was scared, but I decided if I was going to be in love, it might as well be with him. Like me, he was good looking, smart, and successful. And like me, he’d made his money the old fashioned way. He’d earned it working hard. But the most important reason I wanted to be with him was because he hadn’t judged me about the Elder. There hadn’t been even a tiny hint of anything but sympathy in his eyes. Even after I told him about the money, he still behaved like it was just a part of my past that I didn’t need to feel guilty about. I liked the way he set my mind at ease. It was the complete opposite of what I expected.
I reached for my cell and dialed Mekhi’s number. It was late in Atlanta, but this couldn’t wait.
“B, hey, what’s up?”
“I got your text messages. Sorry I didn’t call, but with the shooting and all...”
“Yeah, I was worried about you,” he said. “Are you okay?”
My heart melted. He sounded like he meant every word. I believed him. No one could tell me Mekhi Johnson didn’t really care.
“I’m fine,” I said. “Things were already crazy. They got crazier with the press after the list was released.”
“Congrats on your Grammy nominations. I’m really, really happy for you.”
My heart skipped. I could hear the genuineness in his voice. I had been nominated for three Grammys. The list of nominations came out a few days before Cig died. Even though he was evil to me sometimes, he was proud I was nominated. But it didn’t matter now. He was gone.
“I’m calling because now that Cig is gone, I want to sign with you.”
He was quiet for a few moments. “You for real?”
“Yeah, I wouldn’t play with you like that.”
“Where are you?”
“Vegas. I’ll be back in Atlanta in a few days. You can set up the meeting or whatever you gotta do.”
Mekhi was silent again. Probably pumping his fist or muting the phone so he could holler. I was about to ask if he was still there when he spoke. “I’m excited about us working together. This is going to be great.”
“I’m counting on it. All of it,” I teased and then I asked, “You aren’t dating anyone are you?”
Mekhi chuckled. “Here we go.”
I frowned. “That model, Zane. I heard y’all was a couple.”
Mekhi chuckled, but I didn’t hear a real laugh. “It wasn’t serious. We were passing time.”
I rolled my eyes. “Is she in Miami or Atlanta?”
“New York I think. I really don’t know.”
“Okay. I don’t like messiness and I could use a favor.”
Mekhi chuckled again. “What’s that?”
“An escort for the funeral.”
Silence on the other end.
I looked down at my feet. “Not a date. Just a friend. I really don’t want to go by myself.”
He was still quiet.
“Mekhi?”
“No, it’s cool. I wasn’t planning to attend, but I can do that.”
I frowned. “You weren’t going to attend?”
“I didn’t have any love for Cig.” His voice was hard.
“He has some homeless artists,” I teased.
“I’m no longer producing rap music. You were the only person on his roster that I was interested in.
“So, okay,” I sang the words a bit. “I appreciate you taking me even more then.”
“It’ll be my pleasure.”
Sooo, he was lying. I could tell it would not be his pleasure, but I got excited about the yes anyway. “I know a funeral is not a date, but I think we both felt a little something in Tampico.”
Mekhi was silent yet again. I wished I had Facetimed him so I could see how he was reacting.
“I won’t deny that, but I’m taking Benxi, my new artist to the funeral of a mutual colleague. I spent that time in Tampico with Bonita Jones.”
“If you say so.” I clicked my tongue. “I’m cool with you taking Benxi.”
“You know I’ve been meaning to ask you how you came up with that name.”
“My daddy’s name was Bennie and my mother’s name was Xenia.”
“That’s righteous.”
“Yeah, I’m deeper than I look. I’m not a real blonde.”
Mekhi laughed, and this time it was a real laugh. I loved the sound of it. I closed my eyes, remembered his touch and his scent. I wanted him. Cig’s funeral was an excuse to get with him.
“I know it’s late. I’ve got an early photo shoot with Essence.” I climbed into bed and pulled the comforter over my legs.
“I’ll text you about the meeting,” he promised.
“A’ight. I’ll see you Wednesday.”
“Benx...”
My stomach filled with that fluttery feeling his voice caused.
“Thanks for giving me this shot.”
“Don’t mess it up.”
He chuckled. “Not a chance. I’m in this to push us both up to the next level. It won’t take much because we’re almost there.”
“Almost theeere,” I sang. “My heart was on the edge of something new and wonderful.”
“That’s what I’m talking about!” I could hear the smile in his voice. “It’ll be the first song we record.”
“I’m with that.” My own smile was so big it nearly cracked my face.
“Goodnight, Benx.”
I pushed the end button on the phone, smiled, and sang, “Almost theeere.”
Almost in love.