Page 46 of Love U Down II

We made our way to a little area where several food trucks parked and grabbed something. Then we collapsed at a table together.

“So what do you think about what Drix was saying?” I asked.

“What part?”

“About the industry never ending and everything ebbing and flowing?”

“I believe it. There are people who put out three flops and a hit or three hits then a flop. Not everything is going to sell and one track or album not selling doesn’t mean your music sucks.” She shrugged. “What about you?”

“I can understand that.” I took a bite from my food and exhaled after swallowing. “I didn’t tell him I’m back in the studio with another producer.”

“Why not?” Charm set her fork down and plucked up her water.

“I don’t know. He’s a one man show and he’s just…” I thought carefully. “So hands on with everything.”

“Which means it would make even more sense for you to outsource.”

“Yeah, but I think he also makes me… insecure? Is that the right word?”

“The man that worships the ground you walk on makes you insecure?”

“He’s a perfectionist, Charm, and he doesn’t play about music. It’s fine when I’m recording a chorus we wrote together or something like that, but this is going to be my solo album with songs I’ve written.”

“And you think he’s going to what? Tell you it sucks?”

“I mean, no. Drix loves me and wouldn’t say something to hurt my feelings intentionally but I also know that even after all this time the man makes me fucking nervous. No matter how he talks about music or his album, we both know he’s a giant in theindustry and his opinion means a lot to me. I can’t see myself trying to figure out my sound with him behind the soundboard, because even if he never tells me how he feels about my music, I know he’s thinking something.”

“I get that.” She nodded. “If it’s easier for you to figure out your sound without him, that’s what you need to do, but I would sit down and ask myself why you’re afraid to tell him that, Myome. I don’t think the man is going to flip out because you want to have someone else produce some songs on your album.”

“I already know what the issue is. I don’t want to hurt his feelings.”

“He’s a professional before anything else.”

“To you. To me, he’s my husband before anything else.”

“Valid.”

I smiled and took another bite of food.

“I’ll talk to him.” I looked at my watch as it vibrated and read the message flashing across the screen. “And the producer just let me know he’s available whenever I’m ready.”

“Let’s finish eating and get it done then.” Charm popped another fry into her mouth. “I can’t wait to hear your next future hit.” She winked at me and I smiled and groaned.

“I don’t know what I would do without you.”

“Me neither.” She paused. “Wait. Didn’t Drix sign Allison?”

“Yeah. Really recently. I don’t even know if she’s officially under contract yet.”

“But I mean, if you’re having issues locking in what you want your sound to be, it makes a lot of sense to circle back to the originator of your previous sound.”

“Charm, you’re a fucking genius.”

“I know.” She grinned.

I snatched my phone up and dialed Allison who answered on the second ring.

“Hello?”