The Wrong Side of a Love Song


 
 THE WRONG 
 
 
 SIDE OF A 
 
 
 LOVE SONG
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 D. STEWART
 
 
 
 
 Copyright © 2023
 
 
 D. Stewart
 
 
 
 
 
 All rights reserved. No part of this novel may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing form from the copyright owner.
 
 
 This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
 
 
 
 
 
 Chapter 1
 
 
 Breathe
 
 
 
 
 
 “FUCK!” I sighed, as I looked at my watch.
 
 
 
 
 
 I couldn’t believe my lunch break was almost over already. I have my first meeting with some of the label's big wigs in a few minutes. They want to see what my song writing style is like and if they can use any of my material for any of their current or future artists. First, I need to go into this restroom to make sure that my appearance is presentable though. I’d hate to find out that my clothes got a food stain, that my zipper’s down, or some other mishap that the universe would use to embarrass me.
 
 
 
 
 
 While checking myself in the mirror, I have to smile. I am beyond proud of all that I’ve recently accomplished. I have been trying my hardest to get in with a record label, as a songwriter. I got vocals better than some of these artists that's out, but my passion has always been within the pen. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Today, I got on my fitted red button up shirt with some blue slacks. I decided to compliment the two colors with a brown belt and my brown and navy blue Sperry’s. The shape up is fresh! The locs designed in barrel twists! My almond brown skin is glowing from this exfoliation facial I got two days ago! I’m feeling like a million bucks, and can’t nobody tell me different! Of course I had to pull out my phone and snap a few mirror selfies to post on social media later. 
 
 
 
 
 
 After a few deep breaths to get my nerves under control, I grabbed my iPad and made my way to the board room. I’ve been working tirelessly to perfect my craft and can’t wait to showcase this set of 10 ten incredible songs. 
 
 
 
 
 
 When I entered the board room, Kayla Sharpe, an A&R Director, was sitting at the head of the table alongside her assistant and a few other label associates. 
 
 
 
 
 
 “Everyone, this is the man behind the pen himself, Omari King,” Kayla smiled. 
 
 
 
 
 
 “Good afternoon everyone,” I said, as I scanned the table before ending my gaze at Kayla. I wasn’t sure if she wanted me to hop right into it, or give some sort of small speech, but thankfully she continued speaking before awkward silence could enter the space.
 
 
 
 
 
 “Mr. King has compiled a few of his best written works for us to preview. He has personally delivered the vocals on each demo, without any particular artists in mind, so be sure to listen intently in case you hear something that may work for an artist on our roster. Mr. King, you may take it away,’ she smiled, as she sat back down in her chair.
 
 
 
 
 
 I was beyond nervous, but I knew this was my time to shine and impress everyone. I cleared my throat and linked my iPad to the large screen on the wall. The first page I had up was a list of song titles. 
 
 
 
 
 
 “Here are the latest ten songs I've written over the past few days. The way I listed the songs is based on a story. In a way, each song is somewhat connected," I stated, as I began presenting the story behind each song.
 
 
 
 
 
 “Can you tell us the story behind the list you composed?” asked one of the associates.
 
 
 
 
 
 “I remember being a kid listening to my dad’s music collection. I think of Babyface, Usher, Dru Hill, and Whitney Houston to just name a few. All of their songs told a story from beginning to end. I believe that is one of the key components of making a song great. I say all of this to say - the list of songs I’ve compiled tells a story from beginning to end. 
 
 
 
 
 
 I begin the process of going through my list of songs - singing a snippet of each one along the way. My nerves were all over the place. My stomach is doing a number on me and I’m thinking it’s probably the coffee.
 
 
 
 
 
 “Mr. King, thank you so much for this amazing presentation. I’m sure the rest of the members here in this room can all agree that you’re very passionate about writing. Your overall approach to song structure and use of metaphors help to create a vivid experience that truly pierces the soul. We will definitely be letting you know, before the end of business, if we intend to pitch your material to any of our