Copyright 2012 Camille Leone This story is a work of fiction.

All names, characters, places and incidents are invented by the author or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any similarity to actual persons or events is purely coincidental. All rights are reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in form or by any means without the prior written consent of the author.

Chapter One

Ten minutes late. Ten damn minutes. Donnell paced back and forth behind the stage, anger building at the sparse crowd and that his current lover, who was also his background singer hadnt arrived yet. Fed up at watching so many empty seats not getting filled, he stormed into the dressing room where his lone remaining background singer didnt even flitch. Hands on hips, he stood in front of her until she acknowledged his presence. Well? Naomi kept painting her nails, refusing to get pulled into another one of her dads tantrums. She quit. Said youve been stringing her along all this time about marriage when you knew good and well that you werent ready- Donnell threw his arms out as if he were on stage urging a sold-out crowd to sing along. But weve got a show to do! And? And Im minus a background singer. There wont be any harmony with just me and you. Splaying her fingers, Naomi admired her handiwork. Red was definitely her color. We could add Bobby. Both of them had a vision of sixty five year old Bobby, with his fondness for a whole bottle of whiskey prior to a show, struggling to keep his bass strap secured to his shoulder while forgetting to sing into the microphone and asking whether the thing was on. Naw. Bobbys got way too much vibrato, Donnell grumbled. And he cant stay on key. Why was she being so calm about all this? Aint this about a bit- Ha! And here I was hoping to see you crushed by the news of Leslie running off.

Did I ever tell you how much you remind me of your mother? Naomis over glossed lips alternated from a sneer to a smile. Ill take that as a compliment, considering you married her twice. That only made Donnell fume more. This was turning out to be a rotten day, a fucked up year and right on par with a career unfulfilled. If he wasnt getting mistaken for Phillip Bailey half the time by some con-artist hitting him up for money, asking say man, aint you the brother who did Easy Lover with that British guy? I know you can spare a few dollars. It was George McCrea, who at least got royalties for Rock Your Baby and I Get Lifted. Damn he needed a drink, and not that warm salt water hed been gargling to preserve his voice, something his other daughter insisted on. Naomi, Donnells oldest girl raised one of her penciled in brows at him. Why Naomi decided to shave off two perfectly good eyebrows only to draw a couple of upside down Us on her forehead made no sense to him. Dang Daddy, why are you getting so upset? You had to know this day was coming. I warned you about sleeping with your background singers, Naomi said, and the truth of her words only made him glower more. Naomi simply laughed, blowing on her nails with each chuckle. That makes two singers whove walked out on us. So I guess its a good thing Kikis here. Ill see if Ive got something that will fit her. Akira? No she wasnt suggesting his youngest daughter join them on stage. But shes not a singer- Shes not a lead singer, but shell do fine in the background. She knows every song in the set. Donnell could only manage to stutter an objection. But-but- Spit it out Daddy. Whats the real problem with her joining us on stage? Naomi, in her form fitting sequined dress, high heels and feathered hair cut was asking him what the problem was? Hadnt she noticed how the nineteen year old everyone affectionately called Kiki dressed? The girl lived in hoodies and jeans, and rarely went a day without her baseball cap. Kiki was like the son he never had. She moved equipment, she tuned instruments and worked the sound board. The girl could do it all except . . . Shell never do it, he said, admitting defeat. If you ask her nicely I bet she will. I meant shell never wear a dress.

After a brief stare down, Naomi blinked first, hating to admit her dad was right. No, she wont. But if I can get her to put on a decent top and some leggings then will you at least consider it? No. Okay. So itll just be me and you. Only please dont say I didnt warn you about that fine as hell reporter from Old Soul Greats doing a review of your show tonight. When it rains it pours. His used caddy needed new brakes, Kikis college tuition had to be paid soon and he couldnt put off deferring his taxes anymore according to his business manager -slash booking agent- Sal. Mumbling yet another curse word, he directed Naomi to get her sister. Tell her never mind about taping the microphone cords down. You had her on her knees doing that? Why cant you just use the wireless mics? I dont like em, he grumbled, and she so wished she had her cell phone out to take a picture of his Git offa my lawn! face. Youre just not used to them. But everybody uses cordless mics. Doggone it Naomi! Why do you always have to argue with me about every little thing. Just go get Akira- Naomi nodded towards the door. Its like magic! She comes running even before you call her. Kiki stood there with two different colored masking tape rolls in each hand. Since her sister and father were staring at her like shed stolen something, she just wanted to get their lecture over with. What did I do wrong this time? Oh nothing baby girl. Donnell smiled, looking just as suave as one of his black and white publicity photos. We were just . . . talking. Something wasnt right. Especially when Naomi, who was four years older gave her the same grin. Kiki, daddy needs to ask you something. Uh . . . Donnell coughed and Kiki dropped the tape rolls, rushing to get his mug. You need warm salt water. Then you need some hot tea and honey. She practically mowed down Naomi in her haste to find her fathers stash of tea bags. Wheres Leslie? She usually takes care of this stuff. Naomi let out a squawk of a laugh. Girl, Leslie done kicked our daddy to the curb.

No! Kiki seemed genuinely shocked. You should have seen her. She came in here doin one of these numbers- Naomi thrust out her backside, worked her neck and fanned her newly polished nails. Tell your daddy its o-vah! Im joining Curtis Kings band. Theyre leaving on an international world tour, starting in Peoria, Illinois. Kiki burst out laughing. Its a world tour, but first theyre booked in Peoria? Even Donnells eyes widened at that, watching their glee over the woman whod just walked out on him and broken his heart. Naomi had tears in her eyes from laughing so hard. Yeah, and now were one singer short. So I told said youd fill in. Kiki was still laughing, not quite hearing that last part. W-what? Shaking off his sorrow, Donnell went into performance mode. We dont have much time baby girl. Naomis got an outfit for you to wear onstage. On stage? You mean on stage stage? Like performing? Horrified, Kiki looked from her father to Naomi, who was gingerly rummaging through her clothes chest, careful not to mess up her nails. Oh youll look so cute in this! Naomi held up a shiny, off the shoulder blouse that gathered at the hips and reached short of her knees. Ive got some leggings to match it but I dont think any of my shoes will fit you. Kiki backed away, practically moon-walking for the door, fear in her face and voice. Uh-uh. Im not wearing that. Im not going on stage. Tell her Daddy. Naomi watched her dads transformation from a protective father to an experienced sweet talker. His shoulders drooped, he sighed, walking away only to slink back and simply say, I really need you to help me out here Kiki. But- I cant . . . I cant do this right now. Several blinks, as if he were fighting back tears quieted both girls. Leslie, she knew how I felt about her. I poured my heart out to that girl. But I guess she just saw me as an old fool still trying to relive my past glory . . . Naomi had seen this act more times that her little sister. Still, it was a masterful performance. Minus the violins playing in the background. And it probably would have worked on anybody but Kiki. Shaking her head, Kiki woodenly repeated, Im not going out there. Donnell shot Naomi a look.

Let me talk to her, Naomi said, pushing her father towards the door. After a whispered back and forth where Kiki could swear she heard Naomi threatening to punch their dad if he didnt take a hike, Naomi managed to shut the door. Crossing her arms, Kiki waited for Naomis threat. And waited. And waited. Naomi, I refuse to sing. Im not doing it, no matter what you say. Making certain her nails were dry, Naomi plucked her cell phone out of her designer handbag, flipping through a number of menus until she found the one she wanted. This is you, right? Oh God. Oh GAWDDDDD. In that moment, Akira Marie Haskins very bad decision came back to smack her right in the face, because Naomi was in possession of Kikis photo from hell. Senior prom. A barely there dress. Flanked by her girls, there she was front and center with one of the stupidest smirks on her face while looking back at the camera, her thighs obscenely spread in an effort to toot her posterior higher in the air, which resulted in giving a better angle to check out her barely covered butt cheeks. Her gown rode her hips, the extra fabric balled in one fist while her other hand held the phone overhead, snapping a picture shed always regret. Kikis voice came out in a croak. H-howd you get this photo? I deleted it off my phone- Naomis beguiling grin couldnt contain her satisfaction. You borrowed my phone that night, remember? Or were you too drunk- Oh Right. Shed thrown her cell phone in the toilet, after the boy she was supposed to go to the prom with canceled their date that same night. Naomi you wouldnt! I was just fooling around! I dont think Daddy or Mama will see it that way. And what about Grandma? And all those people in our church who think youre just the sweetest little thing- Why are you doing this to me? Oh will you stop with the drama? Leslie is history. And we made it happen. We did it, you and me! We should be celebrating. Arent you glad? Sure I am. But I didnt know getting rid of her would mean Id have to take her place. Naomi had to admit, this was an unintended consequence. But who knew Leslie had been planning to move on anyway? Daddys face said it all. I think he really did care for her. Never saw that one coming. But you didnt tell me Id have to sing!

Naomi grabbed Kiki by the shoulders, shaking her. Grow a pair! Look at it this way. When you go back to school in the fall, just think of how jealous all your classmates will be. Im in college, not high school. Nobody gets jealous at Yale anyhow. You must really hate me to do something like this. Kiki- No, I mean it. You didnt want me here in the first place. Now youre trying to get me to do the one thing you know will make me quit the tour. What is so hard about singing? Youre Donnell Haskins daughter! It runs in our genes. In your genes, Kiki sulked. Im gonna look like the dorky, out of tune daughter standing next to you. Dont worry, you wont have to stand next to me much longer. Kiki didnt like the sound of that. Why? Where are you going? Naomi took her own sweet time strutting to the door, opening it, and sticking her head out to make certain her father was nowhere around. After closing the door, she turned to her little sister with a smile that could light up Broadway. Cause Ive been offered a record deal AND a reality show. BOOYAH!!!! End of Excerpt

Thank you for reading this excerpt. A Song for You is a novella that will be released shortly. If you enjoyed this sneak peek, please like our Facebook page. For more information about our books, please go to: http://wikkidsexycool.com

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