' 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗠𝗘 𝗦𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗜𝗡 ' › D. SWING

20.

Rhonda.

Here we are at RCA records, letting the label hear our finished album. Oh, yeah. I forgot to tell you. I formed my own music group by the name of SWV, but this time I was actually part of it. Surprising, right? Yeah, I guess writing all of those songs and developing the skills I have over the years actually paid off. I had perfected the art of production and even decided to be the lead vocalist with Nasir's influence of course. Thanks to him, I was becoming more confident in my craft and more creative than I've ever been. He was heaven sent. Like God had made him just for me. We never argued and he always made me feel like I was worthy of being loved. Everything was working out for me and I was beyond grateful.

"Perfect! I love it!", Joe Galante said with excitement. He was the current CEO of the label and was all about diversity in music. He had just about every genre on the label and we were happy that he had chosen us to be a part of it. Our sound was different from the other girl groups that were currently out and he knew the kind of money we could bring in. All businessmen see dollar signs and that was fine with me, because I was a businesswoman. I knew the ropes and negotiated with him for weeks to get a great contract that wouldn't end up biting us in the ass. I was the manager and the lawyer when it came down to getting things done. Studying at the library about the laws of the music industry paid off for us and now we were on our way to becoming stars. I didn't care much about the fame, though. I just wanted to do what I loved, which was music.

After doing choreography for Jody Watley, Salt N' Pepa, and TLC this year, I was getting my name known individually as well. I was happy. Truly happy. Nothing could take that from me.

***

( a week later )

The label had already made CDs for the album, distributing them out to stores and now it was up to us to make sure that people actually go out to buy them. We had multiple radio interviews and tv appearances. We had the radio stations play Right Here while we performed it on the tv shows, making that the first single. The feedback from the listeners and viewers was something we didn't expect. With requests to replay the song again and again, we were racking up tons of plays though the label didn't want that to be a single.

Right Here was inspired by Nasir. He was insecure about our relationship, afraid that I was going to go back to Donald. I guess you can say the song was a way to confirm my love for him.

Within a matter of weeks, the single was being played in multiple states, including California. I was hoping the guys had heard it. I worked hard on trying to reach out to K-Ci and JoJo and have them sing on the album for the song I had written called Always On My Mind and Dalvin to rap on Give It to Me but I had to settle for someone who sounded somewhat similar to them instead because I couldn't get a hold of them for some reason.

I hope they're doing okay.

The doorbell rang, taking me from my thoughts and I went to look through the peephole to see Tionne standing on the porch, opening the door to let her in. Just as I was about to say hello, Dalvin appeared from around the door frame, smiling brightly with his arms stretched out toward me, "Sis!" I squealed and ran to him, wrapping my arms around him as he hugged me back, rocking side to side briefly before stepping back and letting them in.

"Oh my goodness! I'm so happy to see you!", I exclaimed, smiling as he walked in along with Tionne.

He laughed, "Happy to see you, too. Look, I got somethin' for you from you-know-who. He wanted me to give you this." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper and a small jewelry box, handing it over to me. I looked at him with confusion, unsure if I should open anything from Donald. It would put me in a weird place and possibly mess up my relationship with Nasir, which was something I didn't want to risk. He was really good to me.