plate too.”
“Of course . That’s the least I can do.”
“Thanks baby. Have you heard from D yet? Has he made it to New York?”
“His flight should’ve landed about twenty minutes ago. I figured he’d call when he got settled.”
“Yea, I’m sure he will. Well, you go on up and I’ll see you in a minute.”
“Thanks again, daddy. You’re a lifesaver.”
Denise wrapped her arms around his neck before going inside.
***
“Happy Friday all!”
“Happy Friday!” They all yelled back.
“I’m not going to take up too much of your time, but I do have a few words I’d like to say to you. First, I’d like to start by telling you guy’s thanks for all of your hard work. You have gone above and beyond the call of faithful employees. Without murmuring or complaining, at least not to me,” she winked, “you do anything I ask you to do and I appreciate it. This cookout is a simple token of my appreciation and I hope you enjoy it. Also, if you would be so kind as to thank my father-in-law when he comes up I’d greatly appreciate it. He has been slaving over those hot coals all morning.”
Denise smiled.
“The food smells delicious. Thank you, Mrs. Chatman,” Sarah said.
“You are more than welcome. Keisha also has one more thing for you guys and she’ll give it to you by the end of the day. Enjoy your lunch and thank you again.”
CHAPTER FOUR
DJ grabbed his carryon bag and briefcase then departed the plane. He turned on his phone as he took the escalator down to the baggage claim area of LaGuardia airport. A muscular built man wearing all black, standing about 6”9 stood holding a sign which read: MR. DJ CHATMAN. DJ made eye contact with the man as he got closer. His shoes had a shine that you could literally see your reflection in.
“I’m DJ.”
“Good morning, Mr. Chatman. Right this way,” the driver said as he lowered the sign and turned to exit out the revolving doors. “How was your flight?”
The driver opened the door , took DJ’s bag and placed it in the trunk.
“The flight was a breeze. I slept right through it. I’m so used to flying now that they rarely bother me anymore.”
“Good,” he replied before getting in the car.
“I’m sorry, but what is your name?”
“Pardon me. I’m Stephen.” He turned around with his hand extended.
“Well, thank you so much Stephen for picking me up this aft ernoon. I really appreciate it,” he said with a firm shake.
Stephen pulled off and into traffic as they headed up the Deegan.
“You’re more than welcome sir. Do you visit New York often?”
“Actually, I do. I d o a lot of work out of New York so I have a little spot in the city.”
“Oh, really? What kind of work do you do, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“I’m a music producer.”
“ Gotcha. That explains my reason for taking you to Quest Records.”
“Exactly.”
“Well, congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
DJ unlocked his iPhone. “Call Denise,” he spoke.
Calling Denise .
“Hey baby!”
“Hi beautiful. How’s your day going?”
“It’s great! Daddy grilled and everything was perfect. Thank you.”
“You’re more than welcome. Did you finish your articles?”
“Yep. I finished and emailed them to Rosemarie. Now, I can finish up this book.”
“What about the speaking engagement?”
“I’m going to work on something in case I’m able to take it; however, the book is my first priority.”
“I thought I was your first priority.”
“Awe, you are sweetheart.”
“ Well, I’m glad to hear that. Well, I’m in the car on my way to the label. I just wanted to call and check on you before things got too hectic.”
“I appreciate that. I’m so excited. Make sure you call me when you get in tonight and call daddy, too. He asked me had I heard from you yet.”
“I’ll call him when I finish.”
“I’m proud of you and I