Page 4 of Beyond The Stars

Brenden’s pale hand rested at the small of Siasia’s back. “I’m paying double tonight,” he announced, not caring about anyone hearing their private conversation.

Champ cackled.

Siasia’s stomach bubbled.

Ally yanked her friend towards her. “Brenden, not tonight. I need her,” she continued to pull Siasia as they found the nearest exit. When she felt Champ’s presence, she grilled her. “I’ll call you later.”

“What did I do?” Champ whined with her hands in the air. “You always picking her side.”

“Because she’s not childish enough to make me do it, like you are. Now, I will call you later.”

Siasia didn’t gloat nor did she feel like she had won. Brenden’s words knocked her back to reality. There was no shame in her—okay, well, maybe just a little shame. But still, she usually held her head high. The issue tonight was, she hoped to be just a college girl; not her usual hoe-self. Brenden reminded her that there was no difference between the two. Siasia was both—a parttime college student and a prostitute. The party was in a college student turned party promoter’s top floor apartment. Their descent down the stairs was silent as the music in the background faded out. Every few steps, they passed other students. When they made it to the parking lot, Ally held Siasia’s hands.

“I love you… every version of you. Okay?”

Siasia nodded. “And I love you too. Thank you for never judging.”

A short breath escaped Ally’s lips. “Girl, please. I would never do that. I know the real you. The you the world doesn’t deserve. And the same people so quick to judge you, really want to be you. Now, I don’t know what Qamar’s fine ass said to you but get up there. I have a good feeling about this one, girl.”

“Well un-feel it. That nigga trying to get the same thing Brenden’s white ass was just trying to get. The only difference is this nigga upped the wage.” Siasia pursed her lips.

“All the more reason for you to carry ‘yo ass to wherever he told you to be.” Ally reached in for a hug. “I love you though and be safe.”

“I will, friend.”

“Oh and let me know when you get to him and when you get home.”

“Okay.” Siasia unlocked the door to her car, using the key.

The key fob needed a new battery but it was too expensive for her to replace it at the moment. With the amount of money Qamar was about to give her, she would be able to replace it and get the four new tires she needed. It took her car a few tries for the motor to turn over but after a few prayers, it cranked up. Her old Toyota Camry had seen better days but she was going to drive it until it caught fire. The radio didn’t work and she didn’t have a fancy screen on the dashboard like the new cars had. Still, Siasia was thankful for her reliable transportation.

Lynn Beach University had been voted one of the best campuses in the country because of its lush green lawn and street-lined palm trees. Lynn Beach was a college town that had a large tourist population. The surrounding large cities also added to the city’s economy, so for many reasons it was the perfect beach town for singles, college kids, and families alike. It was home for her. Born and raised, Siasia dreamed of traveling to other places and once the opportunity presented itself, she wouldn’t hesitate to explore the world beyond Lynn Beach.

Rounding the last corner of the parking garage, she finally made it to the top. Qamar stepped out of his Corvette looking good as hell. Siasia chewed her lip as she parked, leaving a parking space between their cars. Hesitantly, she exited the car.

“I thought you was going to leave me hanging.” Qamar smiled; his light brown eyes twinkled under the stars.

Her longs legs carried her to him. Standing at five feet, five inches without heels, she stood almost eye level to him in her four-inch, thigh high boots. “I don’t play when it comes to my money.” Siasia held out her hand. “Money first.”

Qamar’s head fell back. “Oh, you don’t play about that paper, huh?” He went to the trunk of his car where he kept a bookbag filled with five thousand dollars. It was his just-in-case money.

Siasia watched his every movement, always on alert due to her profession. When he returned with the crisp blue faces, she relaxed. “Thank you.”

“You thought I didn’t have it?” His thick brows rose in anticipation.

“I mean I knew you were good for it but assumed you would want to Cash App it to me or something.”

“You take Cash App?” Qamar asked.

“Hell no.” She laughed with him joining her.

Silence surrounded them, before his deep voice pulled her eyes to his. “Come chill with me,” he suggested.

“Where?”

“Anywhere. Where you want to go?”

Her eyes went from his retro Jordans to his crisp fade that tapered into freshly retwisted locs. His features were novelesque—his strong jawline that made his beard look perfect with beautiful golden-brown irises housed by sexy ass, downturned almond eyes. A dangly diamond moon earring hung from his ear, looking like it cost more than everything she ever bought or owned in her life. The softness in his eyes eased her wandering mind, telling of a story that she was safe with him.

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