Page 14 of Ride

“A jewelry company.” Laikin seemed pensive, not disturbed or angry from our earlier phone call.

“Nice, what are you wearing?”

He shrugged, removing his glasses. “Shit, I have no clue.” Laikin released a sigh and ran a hand down his face.

“You know, lil sis is into styling celebrities and shit,” Brett announced, and I froze with a hard glare. My goal was to take a few small jobs with some old clients and find a place for me and my baby. Stepping back full force in the spotlight with Laikin would only cause me unwarranted problems.

“Budda,” I grumbled, tossed the last toy into the toybox.

“What? You need a job, and my boy has a commercial. It’s the best way to make a name for yourself.”

Unfortunately, it made sense, but Brett had no idea about the history between Laikin and me.

“This would be perfect, Amena. I can take Kayne to get checked into the daycare, while you go with Laikin to do the gig. Besides, you want to start fresh, right?”

Laikin stared at me with an unamused facial expression.

“They probably already have people to style him.” I shrugged, picking up the rest of Kayne’s books.

Kayne stood off to the side and looked from me to Laikin.

“Come on, Kayne, time to head out.”

“If you want to do the shoot, that's not a problem. Just be prepared to work,” Laikin informed me and I felt like it was jab.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Styling has been a passion of mine for many years. He knew my skills, and even when my ex didn’t want me going to school, I did it anyway and hustled my way to work with big names.

“Brett, my boy, let’s connect in a few days. If you’re coming, then I suggest you meet me there.” Laikin dapped up my brother, rose from the couch, high-fived Kayne, and walked out—without giving me any details about the location.

It seemed like no matter what I did, he disregarded my presence. I plopped on the couch and sighed.

“What’s going on with you two?” Brett questioned.

“Nothing.”

* * *

I laughed with my friends as we walked through the kickback into Skinny P’s family home in Balwin Hills. Loud music echoed off the walls. My mom would have a heart attack if she knew I was not at the sleepover with some friends from school. Laikin promised he would stop over, and I found out through another friend at school that he was at a house party with my brother. We would chill together secretly, so I put on my shortest shorts and crop top showing my belly ring. At school I dressed a little more conservative, especially because my brother was known to get in someone’s face if they tried to step to me.

“There’s your man, Amena.” Shelly nudged me in the shoulder and passed me a cup of spiked punch. I glanced in her line of sight, narrowing my eyes at Laikin letting some bitch stand in his face with her hand on his chest. I stomped over, ignoring the whistles and guys trying to stop me.

A fierce heat burned his eyes.

“This is what we’re doing, Laikin?”

His face fell into a frown. “What are you doing here, Amena?”

“I’m surprised Mommy and Daddy let you out,” Snooty Brianna chimed in, giving her two cents, always trying to get in between me and Laikin, and tossed her hand on her hip.

“Fuck you, Brianna. Go brush your teeth and get the cum off your lip.” Embarrassment reddened her cheeks.

A few of my girls snickered behind me.

“Amena.” Laikin reached for my hand, and I backed up.

“No, you think I’m stupid or something? How many times do I have to catch this bitch in your face?” I snapped.

“Lower your voice. Brett is here.” Laikin cupped my chin to face him and pecked my lips.

---