Episode 6
Part 30: Setting the Stage
Jadon sprawled across the bed, staring at the ceiling fan slowly spinning above him. The weight of Mya’s absence lingered, making the suite feel emptier than before. Sleep wasn’t coming, and after a while of tossing, he grabbed the remote and turned on the TV.
He flicked through the channels, eventually landing on CNN. Headlines scrolled across the bottom of the screen, covering everything from global politics to financial markets. None of it held his attention. With a frustrated sigh, he shut it off.
Jadon rubbed his face and muttered to himself, “Time to get back to work.” He opened his phone, searching for the contact Malcolm had given him. Dialing the local number, he leaned back against the headboard and waited.
After a few rings, a voice picked up, rough but friendly. “Hello?”
“Hey, my name’s Jadon Jarvis. I’m looking for DJ Roach. Malcolm Chambers suggested I reach out.”
There was a brief pause before the voice responded, tinged with a thick Bajan accent. “Oh yeah, Malcolm mentioned you’d be callin’. I’m Roach. So, you’re his guy, huh?”
“That’s me,” Jadon replied. He explained his purpose on the island, scouting for talent and getting a feel for the local music scene.
“Ah, that’s what’s up. Me and Malcolm don’t know each other personally, yuh know, but we got a mutual friend. He says you’re serious about music. I respect that.”
Jadon nodded, even though Roach couldn’t see him. “Absolutely. This trip’s all about finding something special. Malcolm said you were the guy to talk to.”
Roach chuckled. “Well, I got connections, and I know where the vibe’s at. Lucky for you, there’s an Open Mic Night happening tomorrow at the Hilton. It’s a regular thing, and it always pulls in some heavy talent. You should come through.”
“That sounds perfect,” Jadon said, already envisioning the event. “What time should I get there?”
“It’s at the Careenage Rum Stop just off the lobby, starts at eight, but come early if you wanna grab a good spot. You’ll see all kinds; singers, poets, musicians. Might be just what you’re lookin’ for.”
Jadon jotted down the details, thanking Roach for the tip. “Alright, I’ll see you there.”
“Cool, man. Just ask around for me when you get there, I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”
Jadon ended the call, leaning back against the headboard. He felt a flicker of excitement. This was the kind of immersion he’d been hoping for, a chance to connect with the island’s culture on a deeper level.
He stood and stretched, glancing out the window. The midday sun bathed the horizon in vibrant golden light, casting crisp shadows across the landscape. Tomorrow night at the Hilton promised to be a new chapter in his journey, one that could shape the rest of his stay.
Jadon resolved to make the most of it.
Part 31: The Rhythm of the Island
Careenage Rum Stop sat just off the sprawling Hilton lobby, a hidden gem that transported its visitors into a scene straight out of a pirate’s tale. The bar’s dim lighting reflected off weathered wooden beams, and lanterns swayed gently above barrels repurposed as tables. The decor felt like a nod to the island’s maritime history…maps on the walls, netting draped in corners, and a ship’s wheel mounted prominently behind the bar.
The atmosphere was lively, with a live band playing on a sunken stage at the far end of the room. The air buzzed with laughter, the clink of glasses, and the occasional whoop of excitement from a corner table.
Jadon entered, absorbing the energy of the place. He approached the bar and ordered a rum punch, the bartender moving quickly as if orchestrating a dance with the bottles. Drink in hand, Jadon took a slow sip, the sweetness of the punch contrasting with the tang of lime. He leaned against the bar, scanning the crowd.
Who here could be DJ Roach? Jadon imagined someone larger-than-life, maybe wearing flashy jewelry or holding court at a table.
The band ended their set, and the crowd applauded enthusiastically. Then the mic was taken by a charismatic man who immediately commanded the room.
“Yo, yo! Welcome to Open Mic Night at Careenage Rum Stop!”
The crowd cheered as the man on stage; stocky, brown-skinned, and dressed in a button-down with rolled sleeves under a vest grinned broadly.
“My name’s Marcus, and tonight, my partner Lyric and I are your hosts. Get ready for a night of talent, vibes, and some surprises along the way!”
He gestured toward a lean young man whose tall, athletic frame carried an effortless confidence. His sun-kissed complexion, warm smile, and expressive brown eyes gave him an easy charisma, while his dark, tightly curled hair, loosely pulled back, reinforced his relaxed, carefree style. Intricate tattoos flowed from his neck down both arms, weaving together patterns, symbols, and script into a captivating tapestry that hinted at a life shaped by experience and meaning. As Lyric joined him on stage, his broad smile instantly connected with the audience. Dressed casually in a loosely fitting shirt and well-worn jeans, he completed the look with layered beaded necklaces, a shell pendant, and stacked bracelets that reflected the island's laid-back spirit.
Jadon took another sip of his drink, intrigued as the two launched into a freestyle performance.
“You know the beat hits deep, the words don’t sleep, like the tide, we rise and keep the vibe steep,” Marcus begins, his voice confident and rhythmic.
“And like the moonlight glow, we let it all flow, bars on deck, makin’ sure the room knows,” Lyric chimed in seamlessly.
They traded verses, finishing each other’s lines with ease, their words flowing like a conversation set to music. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, the energy in the room building with each clever rhyme and punchline.
Jadon smiled to himself, impressed. The raw talent and charisma on display were undeniable, and the authenticity of the performances was a refreshing contrast to the polished, commercialized acts he often encountered back in New York.
As the applause settled, Jadon felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see a small, slim man standing behind him. He was dressed in a denim shirt left open over a white tank top, paired with crisp, black Jordans. His short Caesar haircut was sharp, and the small piercings in both ears caught the dim light.
“You Jadon Jarvis?” the man asked, his voice steady but friendly.
Jadon nodded. “Yeah, that’s me.”
“I’m DJ Roach,” the man said, extending his hand. His grip was firm despite his slight frame. “Nice to meet you. Let’s catch up after the next set. There’s someone performing tonight I think you’ll wanna meet.”
“Nice to meet you bro. Looking forward to it,” Jadon replied.
Roach grinned and slipped back into the crowd. Jadon turned his attention back to the stage, the rhythm of the island alive all around him. The night was young, and he was just starting to uncover the pulse of Barbados and the talent it held.
Part 32: Front Row Vibes
Jadon leaned back in his chair, the energy of the room sinking into him as if it were alive. One by one, audience members took to the stage, pouring their hearts into spoken word performances. The crowd responded to every syllable, swaying to the rhythm as if the words were music. Each performer brought their unique style, some raw and emotional, others witty and rhythmic.
The scene felt electric yet intimate, like he had stumbled into the heart of the island’s creative soul. Locals mingled effortlessly with visitors, their laughter and applause blending into the ambient sounds of the bar. The smell of honey barbeque wings and rum hung in the air, grounding the atmosphere in its earthy, communal vibe.
Jadon’s attention shifted as he saw Cyrus step through the doorway. The man’s presence was hard to miss, even in the dimly lit space. Cyrus scanned the room until his eyes landed on Jadon.
“Shoulda known I’d see you here,” Cyrus said as he approached.
Jadon grinned, standing to greet him. “What’s good, bro? What you drinking?” he asked, signaling to the bartender.
“Henny, straight,” Cyrus replied, slapping Jadon on the back.
As they waited for his drink, they fell into small talk about the event.
“You been here before?” Jadon asked.
“Man, I’m a regular. This spot’s a hidden gem. They don’t put it in the tourist brochures,” Cyrus said with a wink.
Before Jadon could respond, DJ Roach appeared, his slim frame weaving through the crowd with a casual ease, his earrings catching the warm light as he approached.
“Stay away from this guy,” Roach joked, nodding toward Cyrus as he broke into a grin.
Cyrus laughed and embraced him. “Don’t listen to this man,” he said. “He’s just mad ‘cause I know everybody worth knowing.”
The three of them laughed, their banter easy and natural.
“You met Jadon, huh?” Cyrus said, pointing toward him with his drink.
“Yeah, Malcolm’s guy,” Roach replied, offering Jadon a fist bump. “You good people already.”
“You a talent agent too?” Roach quipped at Cyrus with mock suspicion.
“Nah, man. You know me. I’m just here to mess up the vibe and take all the wings,” Cyrus joked, sending the three of them into another round of laughter.
Jadon pointed toward the stage, where the next performer was setting up. “Place is packed. Where we sitting?” Cyrus wondered.
He looked around, his eyes landing on the lone empty table at the very front of the stage. “Guess we’re VIPs tonight,” he said with a smirk.
Jadon raised an eyebrow. “You sure? Looks reserved.”
Cyrus shrugged. “So?!”
Without waiting for confirmation, he started for the table, Jadon and Roach following behind.
The three settled into their seats as the next act took the stage, their laughter mixing with the hum of the room. Jadon felt a sense of belonging in the moment, a rare feeling in recent. This wasn’t just another business meeting; it was something more. For the first time in a long while, he was fully present, immersed in the rhythm and vibe of the island.
Part 33: In the Spotlight
The guys lounged in their seats, enjoying the ambiance. Roach’s demeanor shifted as he leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the stage with anticipation. He licked his lips and grinned. “Watch this,” he said, his excitement bubbling over.
From the shadows, a woman emerged, commanding the room with her presence. She was stunning…light-skinned with curly, black hair cascading just below her shoulders. Her confidence radiated as she sauntered onto the stage, her every movement deliberate and enticing.
Jadon raised an eyebrow, impressed but cautious. The room buzzed with energy as the woman began her performance. The band played a lively, up-tempo number, and she danced in perfect sync, her hypnotic gyrations captivating the crowd. Cheers and whistles erupted, led by Roach, who was practically beaming with pride.
When the performance ended, the audience erupted into applause. Roach turned to Jadon with an expectant look.
“Well?” Roach asked.
Jadon nodded, offering a slight smile. “She’s got presence. I’ll give her that.”
Satisfied, Roach jumped up and disappeared backstage. Jadon and Cyrus exchanged a look.
“Guess that’s his girl, huh?” Jadon asked.
Cyrus shrugged. “Seems like it. Man’s acting like she just won a Grammy.”
They chuckled, but Jadon’s attention lingered on the stage where the woman had just performed. There was something about her, something that felt calculated.
Moments later, Roach returned, his arm draped around the woman. She was glowing from the adrenaline of her performance, her eyes scanning the table as Roach made introductions.
“Fellas, this is Nikki Griffith,” Roach said proudly. “Nikki, meet Jadon and Cyrus.”
“Hi Jadon, hi Cyrus…everybody know Cyrus,” she joked, her voice warm and smooth. She slid into the seat beside Jadon, her perfume subtly filling the space.
“Great performance,” Jadon said. “You’ve got talent.”
“Thank you,” she replied, her smile wide. “I’ve been working hard. Roach believes in me, so I’ve gotta bring my A-game every time.”
“Looked like the whole room believed in you,” Cyrus added, raising his glass.
Nikki laughed. “I hope so. This is just the beginning. I’ve got big plans; albums, tours, even acting. I’m not stopping until I’m global.”
Jadon studied her for a moment, catching the slight glance she gave him, the flicker of something more than professional ambition in her eyes.
“You’ve got the drive,” Jadon said. “That’s half the battle.”
“Oh, I’ve got more than drive,” Nikki said, leaning slightly toward him. “It’s about knowing the right people and seizing the right opportunities.”
Roach interrupted, oblivious to the subtle exchange. “Jadon’s the man for that. Malcolm put us in touch for a reason.”
Nikki’s eyes lingered on Jadon. “Well, then, I guess I’m in good company.”
Jadon smirked, leaning back in his chair. “Guess so.”
The small talk continued, with Nikki steering the conversation toward her career aspirations. Jadon kept his responses measured but couldn’t ignore her subtle flirtations…the way her hand brushed his arm when she laughed, the way her gaze lingered a second too long.
Roach, caught up in his own excitement about her potential, seemed oblivious. Cyrus, however, caught the dynamic and raised an eyebrow at Jadon behind Roach’s back. Jadon discreetly shook his head, signaling it wasn’t something to address.
“So, Jadon,” Nikki said, tilting her head. “What’s next for you while you’re here?”
Jadon chuckled. “More meetings, more work. You know how it is.”
“Maybe we can talk about what’s next for me?” she said, her tone light but laced with suggestion.
“Maybe,” Jadon replied, keeping his tone neutral but meeting her gaze directly.
Roach, noticing the exchange, jumped in. “Trust me, Jadon’s gonna get you where you need to be. You just keep doing what you’re doing.”
Nikki smiled, but Jadon caught the faintest hint of frustration in her eyes. She wasn’t used to being redirected.
As the night went on, Jadon played his cards carefully, balancing between professionalism and the unspoken tension. He knew ambition when he saw it, and Nikki had it in spades. Whether that was an asset or a complication remained to be seen.
Part 34: Boundaries
The next afternoon, Jadon arrived at Just Grillin’, a popular outdoor eatery on the south coast. The smell of grilled fish, chicken, and spices filled the air, blending with the chatter of locals and tourists alike. The casual vibe of the place, with its wooden benches and open layout, was a stark contrast to the tension Jadon felt brewing inside. He spotted DJ Roach seated near the corner, with a plate of grilled marlin in front of him.
Jadon approached the table, keeping his demeanor calm but determined.
“Jadon, my man!” Roach greeted him with his trademark grin. “Hope you’re hungry, ‘cause this place, one of the best grill joints on the island.”
Jadon forced a polite smile as he slid into the seat across from him. “Smells good. Let’s get to it, though. We need to talk.”
Roach tilted his head, still smiling but now sensing Jadon’s serious tone. “Alright, boss man. What’s on your mind?”
Jadon leaned forward slightly. “Look, I’m grateful you offered to help me navigate the scene here, but there are some boundaries we need to clear up.”
“Boundaries?” Roach raised an eyebrow.
“Yes. First, no one is supposed to know why I’m here—not Nikki, not anyone. This is a professional trip for me, and I can’t have word getting around, especially not with the kind of work I’m doing.”
Roach nodded slowly, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. “Alright, fair enough. I might’ve gotten a little ahead of myself with Nikki, but she’s chill. She won’t say nothing.”
“That’s not the point,” Jadon countered. “This isn’t about trust; it’s about control. If we’re going to work together, it has to be on my terms. That means no dropping my name or my business to anyone, understood?”
Roach leaned back in his chair, his smile fading into a more serious expression. “Aight, I hear you. No more loose talk. My bad if I overstepped.”
Jadon nodded, softening his tone. “I get it. You’re excited. But we’re here to find talent, not to create unnecessary hype or false expectations. Nikki’s good, but she’ll be treated like anyone else. No special treatment.”
Roach looked thoughtful, then extended his hand across the table. “Deal. We’re on your terms. No hype, no games. I respect the hustle.”
Jadon shook his hand firmly. “Good. I think we can make something happen here, but it has to be clean and focused.”
He walked over to the cashier and placed his order. Minutes later he returned to his seat with grilled shrimp with rice and peas, then turned back to Roach. “Let’s keep things professional moving forward, yeah?”
“Yeah, man. I’m with you,” Roach said with a genuine smile returning to his face. “You’ve got my word.”
The two continued their lunch, easing back into lighter conversation. Roach regaled Jadon with stories about the local music scene, and Jadon shared a few tales of navigating the entertainment industry back home. By the time they finished their meals, the air between them had cleared, and they were ready to move forward with a mutual understanding.
As Jadon walked back to his car, he felt a renewed sense of focus. There was real talent on this island, and if Roach could keep his enthusiasm in check, they might just be able to make something extraordinary happen.
Part 35: Pursuing Opportunities
Jadon stood at his doorway, momentarily stunned by Nikki’s sudden appearance. Her confident grin was paired with a bold gaze that made it clear she wasn’t there by accident.
“Nikki, how’d you even find me?” he asked, his voice tinged with surprise.
She leaned casually against the doorframe. “Small place, Jadon. Everybody knows everybody. Word travels.”
Jadon looked past her down the hallway, scanning for any clues. “Huh. Alright, come on in,” he said, stepping aside.
Nikki walked in, her sharp stilettos clicking softly against the tiled floor as she surveyed his spacious suite. She turned to face him, her confidence unwavering. “You look surprised. Did you think you could shake me off that easily?”
He smirked, crossing his arms. “Not easily, no. But showing up unannounced? Bold move.”
“I believe in pursuing opportunities,” she said, her voice steady. “No time for regrets, Jadon. I think we could help each other get to the top. So, here I am.”
Jadon didn’t respond immediately. He admired her determination, though he wasn’t entirely sure what her angle was. “Alright, you’ve got my attention,” he said, gesturing for her to sit.
Nikki perched on the edge of the couch, her posture poised yet relaxed. “Look, I know Roach means well, but he’s not thinking big enough. You? You’re thinking globally. I want to be part of that.”
Jadon sat across from her, studying her carefully. “And you think showing up here is the way to pitch yourself?”
She tilted her head, smiling slyly. “I think showing up here shows you I’m serious. I’m not waiting for someone to hand me a shot. I’m making my own.”
Jadon leaned back, impressed by her candor but wary of her approach. “Alright, Nikki. Let’s talk. Tell me why I should even consider working with you.”
For the next hour, they talked. Nikki spoke passionately about her goals, her hustle, and the way she wanted to represent Bajan culture on a larger stage. Jadon found himself intrigued by her vision and impressed by her persistence. Her youthfulness was balanced by an ambition that reminded him of his own early days in the industry.
As the conversation wound down, Nikki stood up and stretched. “Alright, enough talk. Let’s go for a ride. Clear your head a bit.”
Jadon raised an eyebrow. “A ride?”
Nikki grinned. “Yeah. I’ll drive. You trust me, don’t you?”
“Not sure about that yet,” Jadon replied with a chuckle. “But let’s see where this goes.”
She led him downstairs to the hotel parking lot, where a sleek silver Mercedes convertible waited under the shade of a Casuarina tree. Jadon let out a low whistle. “Didn’t peg you for a luxury car kind of girl.”
Nikki winked, pulling the key fob from her pocket. “I like to keep people guessing.”
Jadon climbed into the passenger seat as she started the engine. The car purred to life, and with the top down, they sped off, the wind sweeping through their hair.
Nikki navigated the coastal roads with ease, taking them toward the island’s west coast. After about 20 minutes, they pulled up to a beachfront restaurant nestled along the calm, turquoise waters. It was a picturesque spot, the kind of place where tables were set right in the sand, and the sunset painted everything in shades of gold.
“This is my favorite place,” Nikki said as they parked. “It’s low-key, but the food? Unmatched.”
Jadon smiled as he stepped out of the car.
As they walked toward the restaurant, Jadon couldn’t help but feel curious. Maybe this detour wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
Part 36: Instagram Worthy
La Caban was another postcard-perfect gem, with an ambiance designed to stop scrollers dead in their tracks. Nikki grinned as she stepped into the restaurant’s sandy seating area. “Told you…Instagram worthy,” she said, her tone playful. Jadon couldn’t help but admire her energy. She was an intriguing mix of ambition and spontaneity, someone who seemed determined to carve out a space for herself in the world.
They chose a table near the water’s edge, where the view stretched uninterrupted over the serene waters of Batts Rock Beach. The sea shimmered like molten gold as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the limestone cliffs dotted with luxury villas.
Nikki’s chatter was vibrant, filling the space between them with stories of her life as a dancer. “Working with Machel Montano and Alison Hinds was a blast,” she said, referencing two of the region’s biggest names in soca. “But it’s not enough. Barbados is... well, it’s home. But it’s also a box. I need more space to stretch, to reach.”
Jadon leaned back in his chair, watching her intently. “You seem to be doing pretty well for yourself,” he remarked. “It doesn’t look like you’re boxed in at all.”
Nikki laughed, pulling her phone from her bag. “Check this,” she said as she swiped through her Instagram. She handed the phone to Jadon, who scrolled through her page, filled with professional shots from dance performances, sultry portraits, and candid clips of her life.
His eyebrows lifted when he noticed her follower count: over 120,000. “Damn,” he muttered, impressed. “How’d you manage to get so many followers?”
“By just being authentically me,” she said, her voice casual but confident. “I don’t fake it. People like that. I’m not trying to be someone else; I’m just give them the real version of me, that gets noticed.”
Jadon nodded, intrigued by her candor. “Alright, I see you. But you’re still here in Barbados. If you’ve got this reach, what’s keeping you?”
Nikki’s expression shifted, the light in her eyes dimming just slightly. “The right opportunity,” she said, her tone serious. “Look, I know my worth. I know what I bring to the table. But there’s only so far you can go here. I’ve got everything lined up except that one thing to get me over the hump. The right team, the right project... something big enough to launch me.”
Her passion struck a chord with Jadon. He knew the feeling she described, the gnawing hunger to break through, to prove yourself. But he also knew the grind and the risk.
They sat in silence for a moment, both drawn to the horizon as the sunset painted the sky with streaks of pink and orange. Waves rolled gently onto the shore below, the rhythmic sound grounding the weight of their conversation.
“This is unreal,” Jadon said, breaking the silence, his eyes on the shimmering water. “Places like this... they make you believe anything’s possible.”
Nikki smiled, her earlier intensity softening. “Exactly,” she said, her voice quieter now. “That’s why I brought you here. I wanted you to see that I’m not just chasing some pipe dream. I’m serious, Jadon.”
“I can see that,” he admitted, glancing back at her. “You’re a lot of things, Nikki, but one thing you’re definitely not is unseroius…or boring.”
She laughed, her face lighting up again. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
The server arrived with their food, grilled mahi-mahi for Jadon and a plate of jerk shrimp tacos for Nikki. They continued their conversation over dinner, the lively rhythm of Caribbean music playing faintly in the background.
By the time the sun disappeared completely, leaving the sky a dark indigo speckled with stars, Jadon found himself more impressed by Nikki than he had expected. She wasn’t just “high octane,” as he had first thought. She was smart, driven, and, above all, fearless.
As they left the restaurant and headed back toward the car, Jadon glanced at Nikki. “You’re good at selling yourself, you know that?”
Nikki smirked, opening the car door. “That’s the easy part. Now I just need someone to buy in.”
