Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
I scanned the rest of the space.
The tables were filled with people laughing, talking, and playing games.
Some were sipping drinks or snacking on food, while others were focused intensely on their games.
And there even was a sort of make-shift dance floor where the orchestra had been playing before the cookout began. Now it was packed with tons of people over there dancing together and to my utter shock it was a mixed sea of green and blue.
No one was fighting or glaring at each other.
Instead, a few of the Four Aces appeared to be. . .having some sort of dance off with Rowe Street Mob members.
How many gummies did Jo give out to people?
Then, the speakers pulsed with the smooth sounds of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing,” minutes later it transitioned effortlessly into Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You” and then right into Montel Jordan’s “This is How We Do It.”
Soon the DJ went right into Hip Hop, moving toward new releases.
The beats were so well-mixed that the crowd didn’t miss a step, dancing along as if the songs had always been meant to flow together. The bass thumped through the ground beneath us, making it impossible even for me to not tap my foot or nod my head to the rhythm.
Or maybe the gummy’s effects are happening.
“DJ Hendrix in the house!”
I blinked and turned my view back to the DJ.
“Y’all know how we do!” DJ Hendrix waved his hands in the air with the beat. “We’re taking you back, way back, but with a twist. And don’t think I forgot about my people who love a little something different! We’re bringing in some flavor from the East!”
With that, he spun the track, and suddenly, Teresa Teng’s The Moon Represents My Heart flowed through the speakers.
Moni gazed at me completely confused but rocking her head as the singer belted out Chinese lyrics.
All I could do was laugh.
Everyone on that dance floor continued to dance to the haunting melody.
Yeah. I must be high now.
I also could admit that the transition was smooth, almost seamless and the crowd reacted with surprised cheers and applause, especially from the Four Aces side.
I glanced at Aunt Suzi, who was now swaying to the music.
When DJ Hendrix transitioned from Teresa Teng into Leslie Cheung’s “Monica,” she opened her eyes and rocked even harder, a wide smile on her face.
“Yes! That’s my jam!” Aunt Suzi yelled out, pumping her fist in the air.
Chloe giggled beside her, clearly amused.
And all I could do is stare at my aunt in disbelief.
She must have bullied the DJ pretty good. Or. . .was he prepared and had already put together a good track list?
DJ Hendrix wasn’t done yet. “We’re not stopping! We’re bringing the old school and the new school together. Who’s ready for the Grill Off?!”
The crowd responded with loud cheers, people clapping and shouting.
“And remember, folks,” DJ Hendrix continued, “I’m gonna be down in the South this weekend, at the Emerald Hammer, bringing this same energy! So if you think this is good, you better come check it out. DJ Hendrix, spinning all night long, making sure you feel it in your soul!”
Aunt Suzi let out another cheer, louder this time. “I’ll be there, DJ Hendrix!”
It is the South. No. You will not.
DJ Hendrix laughed. “You heard it, y’all! Aunt Suzi’s gonna be there and you should be there too! This weekend, at the Emerald Hammer! Don’t miss it!”
So Aunt Suzi and him are friends now. Awesome.
Every party in the East would now feature this DJ. My aunt couldn’t help but adopt people.
The DJ continued with mixes of familiar R&B hits merged with classic Chinese ballads creating a unique atmosphere that had everyone buzzing with excitement.
Moni was laughing beside me, her eyes bright as she watched the crowd enjoying themselves.
Even I couldn’t help but feel the infectious energy. As much as I had on my mind, as much as I was trying to keep my cool with what would need to happen tomorrow, it was hard not to be caught up in the moment.
Goddamn it. I needed this.
DJ Hendrix’s voice cut through the music again. “Alright, alright! It’s about that time! Get ready for the best Grill Off you’ve ever seen! We’ve got Chef Foo on one side, Bad Boy Banks on the other! Who’s gonna take the crown? Stay tuned, folks, because it’s about to get heated!”
The crowd roared.
I glanced over at the grills, watching as Chef Foo and Banks prepared to face off. They looked like two boxers gearing up for a championship.
Aunt Suzi was still rocking in her seat, clearly enjoying the energy DJ Hendrix had brought to the day.
As I scanned the crowd, something caught my eye.
Near the bar, I spotted Duck and Thandi. They were dancing together too. Thandi had one hand resting on Duck’s shoulder, the other entwined with his as they moved in sync with the music.