Page 22 of Ride

“Great. Sarai told you about the tour?” Malik inquired.

“Yeah, and I hate it, but what can I do?” My cynical inner voice kept telling me to cancel and focus on the goal of winning to get closer to the championship race.

Malik laughed. “She’s tough, but worth the headache.” Malik ducked when Sarai tried to slap the back of his head.

“Get out of my office, all three of you,” Sarai fussed, and I leaned forward and pressed a kiss on her cheek.

Sincere threw up the peace sign. “We’re out, fam.”

After leaving Sarai’s office I headed to the track to get in some practice time before I headed back to my condo to rest and get some sleep. I promised Kayne that we’d hang out, and I wanted to be in a better mindset—especially if Amena got a hold of the news about us working closely together.

Chapter Six

Amena

My money was running low, but I put in a few calls to some of my old friends in the fashion industry to see if anyone was interested in bringing me on as full-time stylist. I loved working with people who let me do what I wanted without question based on their personality. After I did another walk through the condo and talked with my brother and parents, I decided to go with the place—even though Laikin was only a few doors down. Brett was fine since he thought it would provide me with some security in case anyone messed with us. Personally, I doubted that we could even coexist,let alone work together. On the outside, he was acting like he was fine with his PR team asking me to style him again, but his flat answers gave me pause before I signed my name on the lease. Also, the cost seemed really low, and I wondered why the owner didn’t put up a fight when they found out I was a single mom starting over. The building came with a lot of amenities like a gym, juice bar, and business area. Ultimately, I wanted to have a house for me and Kayne, so staying for a few years to build up my name again meant more than jumping into purchasing a home right now. Standing in the middle of the room, I smiled with glee, taking in the two bedroom, two and a half bath one story unit.

Grabbing my purse and keys, my hand wrapped around my ringing cell showing Winter’s name. Clicking the answer button, I was ready for the harsh words. “I should smack you.”

I snorted at her statement. “Why, friend?”

During the last few years of school, Winter came into my life and helped to keep me sane. Winter was my closet friend, next to Laikin and my brother. She was a feisty, spunky, smart, 5’4” tall redhead with warm, honey brown skin.

“Friend my ass, Where is my baby Kayne?” Winter argued.

“At daycare.”

“Are you all moved in yet?” Winter had never liked Virgil. Many times, she’d questioned whether I was ready for what he wanted. I used to think that she was like my parents, who hated all my relationships. Truthfully, they were right.

I was hard. Winter was strong. “I am.”

“Is he still calling?”

“Of course—from unknown numbers—and making statements like we’re a happy family.”

“Girl, that man is crazy. How is he getting away with that?”

“A few times his team has put up video or pictures showing us out of town and saying I’m taking care of family, and our marriage is good.” Virgil’s family had a vested interest in looking good for the public.

“All lies.”

I stood in pleased surprise at everything coming together. “It sure as fuck is all lies from his camp.”

“Glad you got away and free to get your man back.”

I locked up and went to the elevator. It opened, and the maintenance manager got off. We both smiled in acknowledgement.

I pressed the button for the main lobby. “What man, Winter?”

“Amena, stop being dense. Laikin is your man.”

“He’s not.”

“Well, according to me, he will be if you stop acting stupid.”

Laikin looked pissed that me and his mom were getting along so well and then to see me again at the condo? I figured he would tell Brett to find me another place. “Laikin and I are friends.”

“Friends that want to be more.”

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