Page 33 of Ride

Tisha sent an attachment. I licked my lips and shoved at Sincere, who was looking over my shoulder.

“Man, move.” I tapped out of the thread and laid the phone on the couch, puffing on my cigar.

“Sarai should be down at the restaurant anyway. Fooling with you will have me on some husband and kids shit I had no plans of doing.”

“According to who?”

“The way you protected your woman earlier I can see it in your eyes.”

“Yeah, you smoking more than cigars if you think that shit.” I put the cigar out, turned the TV off, then downed the rest of my Hennessy. I picked up my wallet and keys to lock up and left the suite.

Chapter Eight

Amena

Our last night in New York was a celebration of the guys making an impact with all the interviews before we headed back to California. Glasses clinked together around the table. According to Sarai, her company was looking good. It was one of the biggest public relations firms to have a twenty percent increase in brand awareness for their clients. Also, thanks to Sarai for tagging me in her posts, I had already lined up more clients, and my phone was ringing off the hook. The only downside was that more people were finding out about my past. After the last interview for “Morning Rise America” with Laikin, Mom called, saying how news stations were camped outside their home.

“For sure, give it up for Sarai and her team for blessing us with a kick ass stylist.” Sincere was the biggest flirt and jokester, never took anything serious, and getting under Laikin’s skin was his mission by bringing me up.

“Sincere, don’t make me kick your ass,” Laikin growled, gulping down his cognac.

Sarai giggled and I shook my head, ignoring him.

Twirling the pasta around my fork, I slipped the food into my mouth, feeling all the flavors sparkle against my tongue.

Dining in a five-star restaurant, while fans lined up outside waiting for pictures, reminded me of the life I could have if I stayed married to Virgil. I couldn’t lie to myself and say Laikin was just as high profile as Virgil. Even though we had history, some parts weren’t all bad. He’d been able to look out for me even when I tried to refuse his help.

Sarai drank the rest of her wine. “Amena, so many people are wanting your information. I can see you as the top stylist to the biggest celebrities.”

“Already got endorsement deals wanting me to sign once I get back to town. That means you’ll be needed ASAP, sis,” Sincere said, and Laikin toasted to his comment.

“Laikin, soon as we get back home, the announcement of your deal extension is happening. Are you prepared for even more eyes on your life as the face of Pierce Motors and the responsibilities of cutting out the bullshit with Callie?” Sarai asked.

The waitress brought her dessert, and I declined with a wave of my hand.

“Callie is not on my radar. As soon as we get back, I’m focused on my career.” Laikin sat forward, elbow on the table.

“Man, I’m ready to hit the club,” Sincere said, rubbing his hands together.

Laikin agreed, slapping hands with Sincere. “I’m down.” A few fans approached our table, and Laikin signed a few autographs.

Sarai peered at them both. “No.” Their dynamic was hilarious.

“Amena can come along as the chaperone.” Sincere’s mischievous grin gave away his thoughts.

The sheer idea of being around them both with women scrambling for attention was not appealing. “No way. I’m tired and need to check on my baby.”

“Come on, man, you have to celebrate, and Sarai will come out if you’re there.” Sincere tried to convince me to go.

“He is right about that,” Sarai responded.

My eyes widened in surprise.

“Right, Laikin?” Sincere asked.

Laikin shrugged. “She’s grown.”

I pushed my hair back over my shoulder and agreed to hang with them for a few more minutes, but if anything got out of hand, then I would immediately turn around and go back to the hotel.

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