Please excuse ANY errors.

February 14, 1999

~DeVanté's P.O.V~

Yawning, I walked back into the bedroom and out of the bathroom. My eyes scanned past the clock, then focused on it. I sat on the bed beside my fiancé.

"Babe," I called out, shaking my fiancée awake.

Tia turned over, then quickly sat up on the bed with wide and red eyes, "I'm late?" She rushed out of the bed with legs like jelly, almost falling because her body wasn't fully awake.

"Babe," I called out to her, cleared my throat, and stood up. "Babe," I walked to her, grabbing her hand and she turned around. "Chill Tia, you ain't late. The alarm didn't go off though. You said if I was awake at a certain time to wake you up. It's two- three minutes after that time. Breathe," my hand slid down her arms and wrapped around her waist.

It's a few minutes past four in the morning, but she has work to do. Today is the NAACP Awards and my fiancée's film series, The Temptations, has been nominated for a few film awards and a few films of hers. The reason she's up so early is because she's a fashion designer and has certain people wearing her clothing. Yes, she has stylists to make sure everything runs smoothly, but this woman wants to make sure everything goes the way it should.

"Relax, love," I spoke while rubbing her arms as her face rested on my chest. "You just be running around like a chicken with its head cut off."

Tia wrapped her arms around the back of my neck with her chin resting on my chest. "Yes, papi."

"Damn, okay..." I told her, and then Tia pecked my lips as I remained taken aback. "I'm not just gon' bypass that." Tia gave me a look of confusion. "Don't look at me like that. I thought you would never call me daddy?"

"Daddy?" Tia raised her eyebrows. "I said papi, not daddy. I wouldn't call a man- my man," she pointed to herself, "daddy."

"Different but same family, but I like that shit," I held her tighter. "Do it again."

"Mm-hmm, I need to get dressed. Make sure that you're ready by four even if I'm not back by then. Please?"

"I promise that I got you," I kissed her lips. "In the meantime, I'm going back to sleep which is what you need to do. You're going to be burnt the hell out by the time we walk the carpet, love. What's the point of having stylists if you're going to do all of this? The show is more than twelve hours away."

I don't like red carpet walks and neither does Tia. However, her brand is still fairly new and she's trying to get it out there even more. I'm going to do this in support of my fiancé. She's going to win something, I just know it. It's hard for someone black to win such awards, but I have faith that she'll win something.

"I know, but people make mistakes and I want to prevent that. I want to make sure everything is there and pieces are placed on clients as it's meant to be," she replied.

"Okay, let me get some Z's in now that my bladder is empty," I pulled away.

"Good, I'm going to get dressed and I'll be back later to get dressed for the Awards show. Hopefully, I'm not late for myself," she chuckled.

Tia disappeared into the bathroom of our hotel room. We're staying at a hotel in Pasadena, California. It's a standard hotel room with two beds and a bathroom because we're not staying long. We just arrived last night because our flight was delayed. The destination of the Awards show is around the corner from where we are. After the awards show, I'm taking Tia to Malibu for just a few days. Her birthday is a couple of days away and Valentine's Day is today.

"I love you," Tia peered around the corner as I got back into bed.

"I love you," I replied slipping under the blanket.

She disappeared again and I heard the shower running. I turned on the television to put me to sleep, but The PJs just had me in a stronghold. Tia takes a while to get ready for any damn thing and I was still awake when Tia walked out of the bathroom with her towel on.

"I thought you were going to sleep?" Tia asked while rummaging through her suitcase.

"I was, but when I turned on the TV and saw PJ's was on, I just couldn't. It's new, but I love this shit," I replied only wanting to glance at her, but my eyes roamed her body.

She silently nodded with her continuous digging before pulling out some clothes to wear and throwing the lotion bottle on the empty bed.

"Eddie Murphy did his thing on this show," Tia said spreading lotion on her body paying attention to the television while sitting on the other bed.

"Eddie Murphy damn near always does his thang," I licked my lips.

"That's true," Tia agreed and the room fell nearly quiet due to the TV grasping our attention.

Eventually, Tia walked back into the bathroom with her clothes and I focused on the television again. After a while I began to doze off, eventually falling into a deep slumber. By the time I awakened, it was almost half past nine in the morning and I was starving. I showered before bed and we arrived very late, so I'm not taking another shower just to take another one in a few hours. I just need to grab something to eat because I'm hungry, then I have some business of my own to fulfill.

Los Angeles is where everyone is and I AM in Los Angeles County, so this is the opportunity to get some shit done. Of course, Tia is long gone. After getting dressed, I headed out with my security. How and I have been in contact for a while now and we will be working together on his next album. I'm collaborating with Teddy Riley and Tim & Bob. Today we are putting it on paper, so I'm at Jive Records with my lawyer. I'm not trying to get played and do all this damn work. I already have songs that fit Joe's voice.

"Hello, nice to meet you again," I shook Joe's hand.

"Look at you bein' all polite, professional, and shit," Joe dapped me up.

I chuckled, "eh," I shrugged. "Teddy," I shook his hand and Tim & Bob's hands. I know Teddy, but never have I met Tim and Bob. "Hey, nice to meet you both. How's it going?"

"I'm cool man," Tim replied.

"Couldn't be better," Teddy took a seat and I followed suit after shaking the executive's hands.

"This is my lawyer," I pointed to Angela.

"Angela Smith," she introduced, shaking hands.

"I just want two pairs of eyes to look over things," I said making it clear and shook the others' hands.

"I'm sorry that we couldn't meet at one of our official locations. As you may know, we're located in Chicago, Illinois, New York City, and are making another location in L.A County. All the contract states is that the album must be released by the middle of next year. We want twelve to fifteen songs. We want something black ladies will enjoy. Sex, romance, and whatever else they like. We just need it all in this album," Donald Weiss, one of the executives stated.

"No gangster music," Henry Todd, artist manager, made eye contact with me when he said that. "They're our main target audience."

Me and Angela quickly glanced at one another. My lawyer is a black woman, but that's not the reason that shit doesn't sit right with me. It's disrespectful as fuck. I'm sure it doesn't sit right with Angela either. There are other black people in the room, but I'm sure they don't care. They say things like this about black people all of the time. Roping all black people or a certain gender into something just ain't right and never will be.

Now, I do understand that I have made gangster-ish music in the past. I even referred to myself as something similar, so I do understand why he looked directly at me. In fact, I'm the only one who has made that type of music in this room. Well, Joe has been featured in some of that type of music and in sure he already knows what they want from him, hence why I was contacted in the first place for this next album. We even made a single together, so this won't even be my first time working with Joe.

I chuckled aloud, "I was well informed of my duties," I replied to him.

"The contract states 'YOU' as in Mr. DeGrate and anyone who signs the individual contracts would have to fulfill all twelve to fifteen songs," Angela stated. "The whole album is twelve to fifteen songs, why would he need to fulfill all?"

"He doesn't," Ronald stated.

"Well, it should have that written on the lines. I'm well aware that there will be multiple songs that we TRY out, but to fulfill all the songs on the album, I would need a percentage increase. I am fine working with Mr. Thomas here on this project, but not under these false or incorrect pretenses," I spoke to them, then continued reading the contract. I even read the small print with my magnifying glass because they try to get you with that too.

"Yeah, I'll have to agree. I'm not signing this either," Teddy replied. "We're not even far in the contract, so I could imagine what other flaws that are written or loopholes y'all are trying to take us through."

"Are you accusing us of trying to swindle you? If so, I can assure you that it's not what that means. It means what I just said," Henry stated.

"It says the "you" as in the signatory. The words aren't conveying what you aimed for, but just admit your faults," I replied. "If I don't fulfill my duties, I don't get paid as stated in the contract. Read over it and fix the mistakes because I'm sure nobody wants to sign the current contract. After we thoroughly read through it and discuss the possible faults, you should just reschedule this meeting."

Black artists have been taken advantage of for decades and he thought we weren't going to read that shit, understand it or bring someone in the legal field along with us. I had shit happen to me before and I'm not taking another chance nor am I as trusting of others as I used to be. I'm not fucking around when it comes to my money or talent. Ronald Weiss squinted at me, pulling his cigar from his mouth with a chuckle.

"I tell you what, you read through it, and IF you find any more faults you can contact the company and discuss it," Ronald stated.

"It's important that we discuss it here and now to avoid any further issues while we're face to face to avoid any miscommunication," I stated. "I shouldn't be the one having to say this with all these people who work within the company know how this business operates."

"I have other business to be handled," Ronald let his cigar out in the ashtray in front of him, then stood up.

"Why would you schedule a meeting so close to ours?" Joe finally spoke.

"I have personal shit of my own that doesn't mean it's a meeting," Ronald replied.

"I'm declining," Teddy stood up. "I'm not doing it. This is just unprofessional. We ain't been in here for more than five- ten minutes and you have to go?"

"Before you go, since Teddy dropped out, that means the rest of us will be doing more work, so I need an increase in my percentage," I told the executive. "I'm in high demand which means I'm a damn good writer and producer. If the contract isn't changed or my percentage isn't increased, then I'm dropping out as well. I have things to do today as well, but I'm here to handle my business."

"Hey man," Joe stood up and began walking to Ronald Weiss. Teddy walked out, while Joe spoke quietly but in earshot, "listen, I REALLY want to work with them on this album. They're some of the most sought-after people in the industry and just the sound we're looking for. This was an inconvenience for everyone, but treating it as such is ain't the way to go."

Ronald came back to the table and took a seat. "How much of an increase?"

"Let's see, Teddy's leaving means that I'll be making more of the beats and writing most of the music, so I want a fifteen percent increase," I replied.

I would have walked out just like Teddy, however, I'm standing on what I said. Also, I'm not going to put my feelings over my money. If declined every deal I've had due to my feelings towards what an executive said, I would be broke. Artists are disrespected, but I don't have to deal with this as often because I'm not much of an artist these days and I have my label. I do want to work with Joe because that guy is talented and I know I have some songs that will fit his voice. It's just that the executives' attitude is pissy, but I don't have to be around that nigga. Most of them have suppressed racism that's shown as just a horrible attitude because they feel superior.

"I think we should do this another time," Angela looked at me. "It gives us the advantage look at things more thoroughly."

I cleared my throat to speak again, "when's the next meeting?" I asked them.

"You will be contacted," Henry replied then walked out with the other people who work at the company.

Tim and Bob said nothing throughout the whole meeting, though it was brief.

"I'm sorry, man," Joe turned to me.

"It's rescheduled," I shrugged. "I'll chop it up with you another time," I told him then shook his hand.

"A'ight," he replied.

"Have a nice day," Angela shook all of their hands and everyone left leaving the two of us in the room. As we walked out, Angela spoke, "I will make a copy and fax it over to you and together we'll discuss it. It'll give you a heads-up on what to look for in the next contract. Next time they pull this, I advise you to decline this project."

My security followed after us, "definitely. Alright, thanks," I replied.

I had one of my security guards walk her to her car, while the other walked with me and of course, they came back. Being that I had nothing to eat all damn day, the first thing I did when I left was get something to eat. The food on the West Coast just isn't that good. The West Coast of the USA has the WORST food I've ever tasted. It's crazy because the West Coast is very diverse, but the food is still trash.

I went to the hood for some food, near Skid Row. There's some decent food in that area, but security is a MUST have. After doing all of that, I made a stop at a grocery store and a pickup order. Today is Valentine's Day and I didn't get much of anything because it would be ruined through transport. Baggage handlers are too rough. Also because I already over-packed which is not something I do, but we're spending Valentine's Day and her birthday on the West Coast. I definitely have quite a few runs to make.

"I like this one right here," I pointed with my pinky. "Do you think a picky woman would like this?" I asked the man, Cary.

"Eh, I don't know," he shrugged his shoulders.

"I fuckin' with you," I waved my hands at him, chuckling. "Would your wife like this?" I asked noticing the ring on his finger.

"My wife is a bitch, but she would love it," Cary replied and my jaw dropped in surprise at what he said. I definitely didn't expect that shit, then I closed my mouth again.

I cleared my throat, then turned to Creed, "Creed?"

"What? Do I think his wife's a bitch? I don't know," he shrugged.

"Soon to be ex-wife," Cary corrected.

"Nig- dude, I ain't ask all that and I don't know his wife either," I laughed a little too hard, then stopped myself. "Man, you need a therapist and I'm sorry to hear that. Do you think Tia would like this?" I turned to Creed for his opinion.

"I guess. I mean, you know her better than I do," Creed replied.

"Y'all difficult as hell," I shook my head. "Damn," I said laughing. "I like this set, but I don't like it enough," I put the necklace back down. "Let me see that one," I pointed to another set.

"This one?" The man asked, looking at me for clarity.

"Yeah, man," I nodded.

"Now the flowers and all the other shit, I get, but you could've brought this back home from another store AND it probably would've been cheaper," Creed told me.

"Aye, chill," I told him, picking up the piece and inspecting it. "My lady is a bit like me, kind of nosey."

"I thought you was about to call her a bitch. I was finna say..." Creed side-eyed me laughing.

"Nah," I shook my head. "If I thought of her that way, I wouldn't even be with her, let alone engaged."

"Engaged?" The jewelry consultant asked me. "Ha, good luck with that."

I eyebrows furrowed in irritation. "Look, I ain't ask for your damn life story. I'm just here to purchase your merchandise. I couldn't care less about what you have going on in your life. I mean, I asked one question, but beyond that, everything was uncalled for. Everybody is just bein' unprofessional as hell today."

"It is Valentine's Day, so there are a lot of grouchy ass people mad because they ain't got nobody to share this day with," Creed told me.

"Look at the right side of things, at least your pockets stay full," I laughed.

"My apologies," the jewel consultant apologized to me. "I agree with him though. Valentine's Day is just a reminder."

"I'll take it," I placed it back inside of the case. "Wait, was that your way of callin' me a bitch?" I squinted at Creed. "That shit was rhetorical because I know good and damn well-"

"It was a joke. Chill out," he chuckled. "You spoilin' the woman," Creed chuckled while shaking his head.

Putting Vaseline on my lips, I replied, "I know what I'm doin'."

"It's still pretty early," he replied.

"We're engaged," I replied.

"That too," he replied.

I smiled, turning to him. "What's it to you?" I quietly asked him to avoid people honing in on our conversation.

"Everything that glitters ain't gold."

"Glitter? Tia, my fiancée sparkles," I chuckled. There's a big difference between sparkle and glitter.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"What's that's supposed to mean?" I threw his question back at him, mockingly.

"Nothin'. That looks nice though," Creed said changing the subject as we began walking towards the cash register.

"It does," I agreed, swiping my finger across my itchy nose.

After paying for everything, I left and made a few phone calls to make sure everything was running smoothly with my plans later after the awards show. When I made it back to our hotel room, I washed my ass, brushed my teeth, and got dressed for the event. Also, a few of my artists are nominated for an award. They're also supposed to be wearing Tia's brand. They aren't doing it for free just because I'm connected to them, so the chosen artists are getting paid to do so.

"You on your way back?" I asked Tia on the phone.

"Yeah, I'm actually at the hote- are you ready?" Tia asked me without even finishing her response.

"I'm dressed," I replied checking myself out in the mirror to make sure everything is good.

"I love you, bye," Tia said hanging up and the door opened.

"I love you and hello," I chuckled upon seeing her.

"Oh, wow!" She tilted her head at me while closing the door.

I raised my eyebrows, "'Oh, wow' what?"

"This is the first time I've EVER seen you look THIS good."

"I think the hell not," I said laughing.

My fiancée joined in with laughter, "I think the hell not too if that makes sense. Let me stop with the backhandedness. You look great as always, babe."

"As always is an overstatement. I understand that I have my days, sometimes in a row," I replied.

"As I said, you STILL look good on those days," she said wobbling her head.

"But I tell you about you and it's a problem?" I asked her.

"No, it's simply just me disagreeing with you. No problems at all," Tia fluttered her eyelashes.

"Thanks and you need to stop doin' all that with you damn neck," I said cracking up. "You gon' wobble your head right off your damn neck. You look good now despite what you may think."

"Thank you. Now I need to get ready," she said still in front of the closed door, stripping. "Is the shower clean?"

"It's washed out," I answered her question.

"Thank God! Less work for me," Tia swiped her clothes up and disappeared into the bathroom. "And you too, thank you." She peered her head out of the door before leaving the door a little more than cracked open.

I took off my shirt and blazer because I KNOW Tia will take a while to get dressed and I don't want to sweat my suit out or mess it up in any kind of way. I began knocking on the cracked bathroom door.

"Yes, Donald?"

"Can I come in?"

"Nah, you aren't allowed to see me naked," she said then started laughing. "Come on in."

I walked in and grabbed her clothes, putting them in a bag.

"Donald, what are you doing?" Tia looked at me.

"I'm putting your clothes away because we're checking out of this hotel. We ain't coming back here," I told her, tying up her clothes.

"Then where are we going," she asked as she began washing up again. "I want to get some sleep before we go where you're taking us tomorrow."

"Apparently I'm taking you today, love," I turned on the water and began washing my hands. "After the Awards show, we gon' do our thing. Hopefully, you're up for it?"

"I hope so too because I'm tired right now," she replied. "My energy is low, but the awards show may increase it again."

"Hopefully, you didn't think we were going to not celebrate Valentine's Day, did you? This is our first one together," I replied. "Then your birthday is in two days," I turned off the water.

"Knowing you, not really, but the thought DID cross my mind," she replied lathering the soapy towel onto her skin.

"Well, you might as well uncross it from your mind," I giggled.

"Done," she chuckled. "How was your day? How'd your meeting go?"

Exhaling, I replied, "Unprofessional as hell. I'll tell you all about it later. I'm going to make sure everything is packed up."

"Alright," she replied.

I walked out and did exactly what I said I'd do which is make sure I have everything else packed up. Neither of us unpacked much of anything, so there's not much to do, but it doesn't hurt to double-check. I had my security get our luggage and put it in the car. I have an extra bag for the remainder of the things we still have inside of the room.

Eventually, Tia got out of the shower and did most of everything she needed to do. All except her hair which she didn't get done before we left home. So, she has her hair in an afro. This woman's hair grows fast as hell. Just last year around this time her hair was short with some finger waves.

"Can you please zip me up?" Tia asked me turning around.

"You're turning around which means you assumed I'd say yes," I joked, zipping her dress up.

"And did," Tia looked over her shoulder giving me a look.

"We gon' be some of the most colorful people there," I chuckled.

"Colorful? Donald what are you talking about we're in the neutral color range."

"The ninety's are all about black and dark as colors. We're in neutral colors, everyone is will be in black and shit like that, Tia."

"We're entering a new century, colors will be back in soon," Tia replied. "Plus, we'll stand out. It's great to stand out."

"You puttin' on a necklace?" I asked her as she turned to me.

"No, it'll be too much with this particular dress. My dangle earrings will be just fine," she replied.

"That's why you NEED your stylist here instead of me. They all workin' on the artists. I don't be knowin' what the hell I'm talkin' about," I rubbed my face. "We probably gon' see your ex from Jodeci 2.0. What's his name?" I asked her, snapping my fingers.

"Donald... HELL NO," Tia emphasized every syllable, continuously fluttering her eyelashes.

"Jazz," I finally said his name, then started laughing. "That shit was funny. He was quick to say you were his date. Your voice remained cool, but your facial expression was funny as hell. Your face said it all."

"Because you were trying to be funny. Talking about a real date," she shook her head, rolling her eyes. "I don't have much of a type, but Jazz AIN'T it."

"Leave my boy Jazz alone though. That nigga cool," I told her chuckling.

"Nobody said he wasn't. You brought him up. He reminds me of JoJo in a few ways," Tia put on her dangle earrings.

"A little bit. JoJo has more depth though."

"Because you've known JoJo longer. Duhh, Donald," she crossed her eyes making this stupid face.

"Can you spin for your papi?" I asked her.

Tia bashfully covered her mouth, "Donald," she gasped.

"What? Now you're embarrassed? For what? You called me that this mornin'. That should be my new nickname by YOU," I replied, grabbing her hand.

"Oh, sure. Because I FOR SURE was going to tell your friends to call you that," she raised her eyebrows as she spun around.

"Yeah, a'ight," I said laughing then got serious.

(The DRESS, not the body. Although, this woman looks great too.)

"Damn, woman..." I licked my lips.

"Uh, oh," she eyed me. "I know that look. Let's get to getting," Tia gestured to the door.

"The look of admiration?" I asked her.

"Yeah, that," Tia said playing along, rolling her eyes. "Love, where are our bags?"

"I had our security get all that shit. Why are you changin' the subject? You fine," I told her.

"I know. Thank my parents."

"Ain't your pops a star on My 600 Pound Life?" I asked her and she bursted out laughing.

"You're wrong as heck," she snickered.

"Shit, the way you describe him, it's what it sounds like," I chuckled, grabbing the rest of our things and putting them in a bag.

"I don't like him is why. However, he is a big guy. If it was anyone else that big, I'd feel sorry, but it's my sperm donor, so I don't," she spoke monotonously and seriously.

"DAMN!" I said laughing. "When you don't care, and I mean for real- when someone gets on your bad side, you really don't give a damn. You can become a little harsh and that's comin' from ME."

"Admittedly, yes and you knew that, so what's the problem?" Tia smirked at me, spraying her perfume on her body. "What's more harsh, having multiple biological children, but choosing to ONLY take care of one AND someone else's MULTIPLE children?" She asked me with a smile.

I nodded in understanding. "Look at you talking about we need to go, but ain't even completely ready ya damn self," I chuckled, changing the subject. "While I'm talking, let me put some cologne on." I grabbed it from the dresser and sprayed it. "Almost left my shit too. My good shit."

We eventually checked out and went to our ride waiting for us. We're not late or anything, but there's traffic, so we made small talk. I'm telling Tia about my day and she can't keep her hands and lips off of me.

"Talkin' about he got other shit to do, unprofessional as fuh- babe?" I looked at her and she stopped kissing all on me. "As I was saying- where was I?"

"He said he had other things to do," she reminded me.

"I didn't think you were even listenin'," I told her.

"Why wouldn't I be listening?" She asked me with a confused look.

"You're kissing all on me, distracting me and whatnot, so I figured you were distracted as well," I replied.

"I can't do both?" Tia pulled back.

"I'm sure you can, but you're making me lose my train of thought," I whispered against her lips. "You got my mind is traveling elsewhere."

"My bad," she chuckled. "I won't interrupt you, papi."

"Tsss," my hand went down my face as my head shook from side to side. I rested my head on the headrest with my eyes closed. "Babe, you got to calm down. Chill out."

Sitting there calmly, Tia gave me an innocent look. "Donald, I'm as calm as they come. That's all on you. Calm down."

I squinted at her, "yeah, because of YOU," I said pointing at her with my thumb.

"I'm sorry. I'll let you continue peacefully. You smell so good though and look it too. That's my favorite cologne."

"I know it is. I knew what I was doing," I cackled. "That's exactly why I'm wearing it." I laughed with my shoulders.

"Purposely, huh?" Tia raised her eyebrows at me.

My laughter stopped and I eyed her. "I fucked up by sayin' that shit, huh?"

"Says who, papi?" Tia placed her hand on my shoulder.

"Your expressions says it all. You're unquestionably going to fuck with me all damn day now," I said licking my lips.

"Mm- mmn, no I won't. Not at an awards show, I won't," Tia replied.

"Afterwards?" I asked her.

"It's Valentine's Day," Tia smiled.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I squinted at her.

Tia leaned in close to me, and whispered with her lips brushing against my earlobe, "whatever you want it to mean, papi," She pulled away sitting in her seat with her legs crossed.

Unbuttoning my top button, I finally spoke again after a few seconds of complete silence, "wh- whatever I wan- want, huh?" I asked my fiancée with a shaky voice.

"I'm listening," Tia gestured.

"Damn that," I waved my hand at her statement. "What that mean?"

"Donald, are you going to finish what you were saying or what?" Tia scoffed with a chuckle. "So tell me," she folded her hands on her lap, sitting poised.

I pressed the speaker button as we made it to the front of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. "Aye man, spin the block. Don't stop when we get there."

"What?" Tia asked me in disbelief.

"I want to hear this shit," I replied to her.

"Why hear when you're the one running things, I'm sure?" Tia cocked her head to the side. "Also, you'll just see later on tonight," Tia said leaning closer like she was about to do something but pressed the button. "You can stop when our turn comes up."

"You sure?" Redd asked me through the speaker.

"Yes," Tia replied and let go of the button.

"You gon' let me get out like this?" I gestured to my lap.

"You have very large hands to match," Tia hinted with a wink.

"I've got to calm down first," I told her.

"This wasn't on me this time. You let your mind wander."

"Because you placed me in that position. Don't pretend," I squinted my eyes at my fiancée.

Tia grabbed my hands, "I kissed you and that's it," she held her hands up in defense.

"The mind games you play in these situations are wild," I shook my head. Tia rubbed the side of my face and slid her fingertips down the side of my neck. "Ss- Babe, don't touch me. Period. You'll just make things worse," I moved my head away from her.

Tia placed her hands in her lap, then pulled out a mirror. "I got you," she said checking her lipstick. "However, I think I should wipe me off of you."

I closed my eyes with a deep sigh, pointing my finger at her, "see- You-" I wiped my clammy hands on my pants as Tia wiped my face and neck with some wipes.

"All done," I opened my eyes to see her smiling at me. "You're okay?" She asked me now side-eyeing me.

"No," I replied. "Do I look okay?" My eyes widened.

"You're like a teenage boy with your hormones," she chuckled. "One thing occurs and your mind wanders."

Our car stopped and there were cameras everywhere. "Well, I'm almost thirty, so I guess that's a good thing."

"Good and bad," Tia replied finishing her lips. "Bad for times like these. Good for the rest, I believe."

It's the fact that she's making me wait and I agreed too. I also respect it, but my mind wanders one hundred times harder. No puns intended. I reached into my pants adjusting myself, and then placed my shades over my eyes. Redd knocked on our door indicating that he was about to open it. He opened it and I stepped out of the car covering myself with one hand with my other hand held out to her. Tia looked at my hand, then grabbed it with hesitation and got out of the car. Tia fixed her dress before we started walking down the carpet. We're not even at the main carpet yet, this is just the entrance.

"Damn, these flashing lights are blinding the fuck out of me," I whispered.

"Tell me about it. My eyes are hurting so bad," Tia replied to me, squinting ahead. "At least you're wearing shades."

"You need to get you some damn contacts if you're going to go without your glasses that you should be wearing every given moment of your life," I chuckled.

Tia turned to me, sticking her tongue out, wobbling her head and the paparazzi ate that shit up.

"Your optometrist told you to wear shades in the sun and with these damn flashes I'm sure," I told her as we stopped, waiting in line as pictures and questions were being asked on the main carpet. I pressed up behind her. "I'm on your time today," I whispered lowly.

Tia froze, then looked up at me. "Mm, I have no idea what that's supposed to mean, but by all means... Be on my time." Tia shrugged.

"You know what the fuck it means," I pecked her lips. "Later though."

Tia wiped my lips with her thumb with a small chuckle. "Nope, I don't," she grabbed my hands as we walked forward because it was our turn.

"Power couple here," Chrystal a known news reporter spoke and Tia and my head looked around. "Why are you both looking around?"

"No reason," Tia replied and I just chuckled. Power couple? We're one regular ass couple.

"Are you guys not a power couple?" Chrystal asked us.

"We don't think of ourselves as such. We're as regular as they come," I shrugged with a nervous chuckle.

"You may think that, but others aren't," Chrystal replied. "Congratulations on the engagement."

"Who said we were engaged?" Tia asked her, smiling.

"The large rock on your finger," the lady pointed.

I gasped aloud, holding her hand up, "who put that there!?"

"I have no idea," Tia said with risen eyebrows. "Santa did make a few stops a couple of months back though."

We all started laughing.

"Thank you," we both replied in sync.

"See y'all even speak as one," she chuckled. "I'm surprised you're even speaking. You're usually unusually quiet, DeVanté. There you have it folks, they're engaged! You heard it here first. It's confirmed that they're engaged. How'd he propose?" She asked Tia.

"How he did it is a long story, but it was absolutely beautiful," Tia looked up at me, smiling. "Marvelous."

"When's the wedding?"

"That's private information," I spoke up even though we're not entirely sure when our wedding will be. We just know that it'll be in the summer.

"Well, okay. Who are you wearing, DeVanté?"

"This? This is all my lady right here, my fiancée's gear," I stepped back. "Tia. She's all over me. From head to toe," I pointed, looking into the camera. "Not only is it the best, but it's nice and comfortable too."

"Yeah, we love a supportive couple. I've spoken to a few artists with your brand on," Chrystal replied. "Are you wearing your own brand too?"

"Yes. Yes, I am," Tia responded as I held my hand out and she spun around.

What about Elijah, isn't this a joint brand? No, not this one. This is all my lady. Tia has her own shit. The brand Tia has is solely expensive, and Elijah didn't want to take this risk. Tia and Elijah's brand is inexpensive. Tia knows her business, so she knows that it has to either be expensive or inexpensive to draw in customers. Wealthy people who like to show out don't like to wear what "regular" people wear. Elijah did do good on that dress he made for Tia for the proposal though.

"I love it and y'all are matching. And the bawdy is banging!" Chrystal exclaimed.

My mouth shaped into an O and I nodded in agreement. "Damn," I whispered looking at my fiancée.

"Most of the artists you've spoken to are under Da Great Productions," Tia gestured to me. "DeVanté."

"Can we take your pictures?" Chrystal asked us.

"Yeah, sure," Tia replied.

"I want a picture of each of you alone, then together. Y'all look cute!" She replied.

Tia walked to the Step and Repeat wall. I fixed Tia's dress and pictures were being snapped as I did that. Chrysal's team aren't the only ones snapping photos of us. When they finished taking individual photos, I stepped in and we took some together, then some on my own.

"Thank you," Chrystal told us.

"You're welcome," we spoke in sync again.

"Oh, my God," Chrystal said laughing, then moved on to the next person.

We walked a little further before we were asked more questions by a few people. We turned to a guy.

"I'm Larry and new to this. I see that huge rock on your finger and so has everyone else. We haven't heard from either of you since last year. Does this confirm your engagement?" He asked, sticking the microphone on our face.

"Yes, we're engaged," we spoke together again and Tia shot me a smile, thinking the same thing.

"Okay, that's good to hear and it's confirmed. Now Tia, are you close with your family?" Larry asked Tia.

"Sometimes," Tia replied.

"Specifically, your brother and stepfather? Are you all on good terms?"

"You know, what is close? Everyone's definition can vary," Tia replied deterring the topic.

"Well, you said sometimes, what does that mean?" Larry stuck the mic in front of Tia again.

"Well, according to the dictionary, it means on occasion, but not all of the time," Tia replied with a smile. "Some... Times..." She repeated.

"Okay, how did he propose?" He asked Tia then looked at me. "How did you propose, DeVanté?"

"That's private," I replied. "You ready?" I asked Tia and we walked away without her verbally answering my question.

We skipped some people because we started to feel overwhelmed with the questions and/or they were asking the same damn things which can become annoying. We did stop and speak to a few others before walking into the auditorium where everyone was conversing.

"Nigga, wassup!?"

I heard almost as soon as we got inside. The person spoke in a playful manner. Oh, my God this man is loud as fuck. That can only be one of two people and it ain't no damn K-Ci. Pac dapped me up.

"Oh. Wassup, man?" I dapped him up. "Mostly work," I answered his question.

"Shit, that's good to hear. I heard your ass is engaged and shit?" Pac asked me. "It's in the magazines, so I don't know how true that is and I don't see no damn ring on your finger."

I shook my head laughing. "It's not traditional for a man to wear one. Shit, you ain't and your ass has been engaged for a while," I said laughing. "You one loud ass nigga."

"Aye, I can't help it, man. I feel good."

"That's those weeds and tweeds, man. I see it in your eyes and shit," I joked.

"So you engaged for real?" Pac asked me again. "Your ass ain't really answer my question."

"Positive," I chuckled, nodding cooly.

"To Tia ol' big-headed ass?" He asked me.

"Watch it, nigga," I pointed at him before taking another bite. "I'm the ONLY one who can call her ass that," I chuckled. "But yeah, it's true."

"Damn..." He gave me an impressed look. "I can't believe YOU, Mr. Swing, himself, is getting married. Never thought you would be the one to be settling down with ONE woman. Y'all moved fast. Y'all just got together not too long ago and shit. Y'all gon' have some ol' water head ass kids soon too, huh?" He joked.

"Same as you," I replied. "Shit, you got one on the way."

"I'm invited to the weddin', right?" Pac held his arms out to his sides as he asked the question.

"Shit, I can't make any promises, so probably not, but we'll see," I replied being honest.

"What y'all doin' here?" Pac asked me.

"My fiancée was nominated for a few things and I have some artists nominated. I'm here in support of all of them," I replied. "I'm proud of her man. I'm proud of US. So many accomplishments."

Pac smacked his lips, "man- nigga, you just wanted to say that fiancée word. Look at yo ass, man." He smiled, patting my back, "a nigga feel like a proud father. It's good to see you still hangin' in there tight."

"Speaking of father, you should be one soon, right?" I asked him, going back to what was said earlier.

"Yeah, I'm nervous as hell," Pac shook his head. "I just want to get this shit right. I had no example of a father."

"Aye, it's all a learning process. Just like marriage. You married ol' girl yet or are y'all still engaged? One of Quincy's many daughters. What's her name again?" I asked him.

"Kidada," Pac chuckled. "Yeah, we just went to the courthouse. Damn nigga, you got big!" He did a double-take. "You used to look like a strong crackhead. Now you look like some beefy mothafucka!"

"Nigga, we used to be around the same damn size."

"Exactly! Your ass is way taller than me, so you're supposed to be bigger. Us being the same size equates to you lookin' crackhead strong," Pac said laughing.

I sat down, "crackhead strong is wild. What the hell you doin' here?"

"I was nominated for best actor and I'm being paid to wear this chicken suit," Pac pinched his suit.

I started laughing at him. "It doesn't look bad. Everybody here is wearing something similar. Shit, it looks like a fuckin' funeral in here with all this black."

"Except your ass. You are the most colorful nigga in here. Everybody else wearing black and/or white. You on the other hand- what color is this?" Pac asked me.

"I don't even know what the hell to call this color. My fiancée did this. Her shit looks fly, doesn't it?" I inquired.

"It's fly," Pac nodded. "Where she at? I ain't seen her in a lil minute."

"Somewhere around here," I gestured around. "We're wearing the same base color, so you find her if you look hard enough. That and her Afro."

"Congratulations, man," Pac dapped me up. "Y'all asses move fast. I was still processin' y'all bein' together and shit. I knew it was possible back in the day."

"Congratulations to you too, I guess. Last time we spoke, you sang a different song, so I'm not sure," I chuckled. "On the kid and marriage," I added.

"Thanks. Eh, man, sometimes you got to do what you got to do regardless," Pac shrugged. "You got to roll with the punches nigga."

"Well, I'll catch up with you another time," I replied because he sounded stupid and I was tired of the conversation, then I walked away.

The things I've learned about Tupac over the years is that this man is contradicting everything he says and what he believes. He says one thing, then does another, or vice versa. One minute he wants to be a thug and part of the problem, then the next he gets all philosophical. I don't hold any hate or anything towards him, I just don't want to listen to that mess at all.

After mingling for a while, I paged my fiancée to see where she was because she's easy to spot, but I can't find her. I'm tired of speaking to everyone now, it's been forty-five minutes to an hour. Yes, we made it to the place early AND the events hardly ever start when they say it would start. I do need to wash my hands though. It's nasty as hell, but I don't know how many people shook my hands throughout this hour or so after adjusting myself earlier.

"Babe?" I heard Tia called out to me and I turned around to see Tia and Redd.

"I was wondering where you went," I replied. "I thought that I could spot the afro in the crowd, but couldn't."

"I was in my seat. People are yapping away and my ears and mouth got tired of replying and listening," she chuckled. "I have to use the restroom and need your help."

"What you want me to do, hold you over the toilet?" I said laughing.

"Haha, yes, I do." She replied so monotonously. "I actually need help with my dress because I'd have to take the whole thing off to pee. It's too fitted to lift."

I knocked, then opened the door, it's an individual bathroom and not a restroom. The whole hallway is that way. "I have to wash my hands anyway," I said as Redd handed Tia the wet wipes, and then I closed the door behind us. "I don't know how many people shook my hand today," I chuckled.

"That's nasty," Tia shook her head at me. "That's exactly why I don't like to shake people's hands," Tia stood at the sink washing her hands.

"Well, it smells like nobody has been in here yet," I chuckled, taking my turn, and washing my hands.

"Possibly, but most of everyone has been here for about two hours and did everything they need to do before getting here."

"Nah, I smelled a few smelly asses. How do you COME to an event smelling like ASS?" I asked her. "If a mothafucka smells like ass, then it should be at the end of an event."

"Some people aren't taught how to take care of themselves or have people to tell them they stink or whatever. They also may be immune to their own funk. It is what it is," Tia shrugged as I dried my hands.

I unzipped her dress and she took it off. "I mean, that could be it. That doesn't mean we should suffer. Ass and breath stank as fuck."

"I did smell a few people, but I'm not sure who because there were groups of people," Tia replied.

"They need a tongue scraper. That shit changes it all up. No more morning breath when done at night," I replied as Tia squared over the toilet. "I ain't EVER been in the bathroom with a woman as she used the toilet. This is some other type of shit. Damn, you sound like you've been holding that for a while. Didn't you go before we left?"

"Before I showered," Tia replied midstream, "so it's been a while."

"I'm not gon' lie, I haven't pissed in a while, so I have to go too," I told her. "After hearing the water then your piss probably triggered the fuck out of me."

"I get it," Tia said still going. "Lucky we didn't do leg day yesterday."

"Damn, what you been doin', drinking water all day?" I asked her laughing.

"Bingo," Tia replied. "I'm so dang on tired."

"Did you eat?" I asked her.

"I was busy," she came up with an excuse. "And I wanted to make sure my dress fit without looking bloated. My menses are coming soon."

"So let me get this straight, all day you ran on an empty stomach and no calories?" I asked her.

"Positive," Tia nodded. "You probably didn't eat either though, did you?"

"Negative, I ate a fat-ass sandwich and some fries this morning. It wasn't that good, but it was fat and juicy. Pause," I chuckled, shaking my head.

"It's a burger, not a penis, Donald. A booty and breasts can also be fat and juicy," Tia said pulling up her underwear. "So you went all the way to the hood, huh?"

"I did. It's where I find decent food. The best thing Cali has is Pastrami and I really want some at that moment," I handed her the dress I was holding.

"Many people say that," she pulled her dress up.

"Too bad you'll never experience that kind of meat," I told her.

"Apparently I'm not missing out on anything," Tia shrugged her shoulders and I zipped her up.

"After I pee, can you zip me up too?"

Knowing I was playing, Tia squinted at me and without hesitation, answered, "yeah, sure."

"I don't want you nowhere near there," I told her. "There's no way. Not here because you're constantly on bullshit."

Tia made a closed mouth smile as she washed her hands. "Thought so."

After I finished doing what I needed to do, we walked out of the bathroom.

"The show has started," Redd told us.

"Really?" Tia asked him. "Good, we won't have to sit as long."

"Damn," I said laughing lowly.

We walked to our seats and they're just finishing the intro and it's dark now. We made it to our third-row seats in the middle section. We're not paying all that damn money just to sit in the front when the cameras will find our faces in the crowd and zoom in anyways. We sat there for a while, just watching and listening, quietly. Only clapping when necessary. Blair Underwood and Mariah Carey are the hosts. It's not them, but we're bored. There were a few performances such as BB King, Eric Clapton, George Benson, and more. They called out nominees and winners for some categories and they're currently in my fiancée's category.

"Outstanding Television movie or Movie Series nominees are Ruby Bridges, Mama Flora's Family, The Temptations-"

I clapped louder with noise this time.

"-Always Outnumbered, and The Wedding." Blair ripped open the envelope, "and the winner is-"

"The Temptations!" Mariah announced in the mic.

I hopped up clapping and hooting, Tia stood up cheesing from ear to ear, and hugged me.

"Oh, wow," Tia whispered.

"Gon' up there and accept that award that you deserve," I told her as we hugged one another. "Congratulations."

Tia pulled away and I only walked with her to help her up the stairs. Tia has a dragging dress and it's easy to fall up and down the stairs with that dress. I walked back to my seat, clapping as she made her way to the podium. She was handed the award because producers are the ones that receive awards in film.

"First, I'd like to thank everyone who participated in the making of The Temptations. Everyone put so much work and time into this project which led to this award. Hard work pays off," Tia held the award up. "I also want to thank everyone who watched The Temptations Mini-series and the ones who voted. Thank you so much," Tia said keeping it short and simple.

Tia was then led backstage. She also won another award in a different category for another film. In the end, she won two awards. Three of my artists won an award. I spoke with my artists and some of the people who worked on the album with my artist. Regardless of the others not winning or the one who did win not winning all that they were nominated for, I'm proud of them. After a while, it felt like I had to go. Well, there's always a dinner afterward, but I don't want to go. Plus it's Valentine's Day and I have plans.

"You want to stay for their dinner?" I asked Tia once she made it back to me.

"Hell, no. Let's get the hell up out of here. There are too many people and I'm drained," Tia answered my question and I combusted into out laughter, not expecting she'd say what she said the way she did.

"Shit, I'm on that same type of energy," I agreed. "I'm ready to go. You still tired?"

"Nope, just achy and hungry. My feet, back, and head hurt a bit. We were so close to the stage and it was extremely loud. I felt it in my chest."

It's still loud due to everyone speaking at once, but the two of us are close enough to hear one another. On our way out, Tia received many congratulations from others. I, of course, congratulated my artists, even the ones who didn't win because they still worked hard and it takes a lot to even be nominated. Apollo led us out of the building because Redd was already outside getting the car.

We entered the car that is now decorated with her Valentine's gifts, flowers, and balloons. It's not too much, but it's something. Almost the entire day has been about work and it's past eight o'clock at night and we haven't celebrated our first Valentine's Day together. I didn't even wake her up with flowers or anything. Tia likes gifts just as the next person, but she appreciates these types of things more.

"Oh, my God," Tia said scooting over in the seat. "This is beautiful!" Tia said looking shocked.

I sat on the opposite side, across from her and the door closed. "You like it?"

"I do," she spoke full of excitement. "I thought we were ending our night."

"Happy Valentine's Day," I picked up the large bouquet.

"These are humongous. Larger than my head," she said about to pick them up, but I pulled them away.

"Wait. Wait. Wait." I chuckled. "This is corny, but will you be my Valentine?"

"Oh, my God. I thought you'd never ask!" She threw herself over my lap, kissing all over my face, playfully.

Tickled, I grabbed the back of her head, stopping her. "Stop with the theatrics, love." I laughed so loud. "Damn."

She removed herself from my lap, fixing her dress on the seat across from me. I then handed her the flowers. "These are huge! Heavy too," Tia sat them on the seat, then sat beside me. Tia wrapped her arms around my neck, hugging me with her face in my neck. "Thank you, Donald!"

I wrapped my arms around her. "You're welcome, but you didn't even open anything," I chuckled.

"Still," she smiled, pulling her face out of my neck. "Thanks."

"Damn, Tia, I'm really proud of you. You know what's crazy?" I cocked my head to the side, looking at her.

Word Count: 9,515

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