Page 12 of Unexpected Pass

She pointed her finger at Phileigh while placing the other hand on her hip, trying to assert dominance. My mom didn’t play about random women coming around. She always ensuredthey knew she didn’t play about her son. Mom was terrified of me getting involved with the wrong woman and ending up in some mess. As far as she was concerned, all women were gold diggers and after me for my money and status. She was usually right, but this time was different. Phileigh wasn’t on any of that.

“Phileigh, my mother, Charlie Barnes. Mom, this is Phileigh.”

“Mother and agent,” my mom shot over my shoulder.

“I’ll be right back.”

I glanced between my mother and Phileigh. I could see the discomfort on Phileigh’s face as she politely smiled and waved.

“Ma, chill.” I took a deep breath, pulling her down the aisle and to the back of the plane. “Her name is Phileigh. She’s a barber, and she is coming with me.”

I lowered my voice, not wanting Phileigh to hear our conversation. She seemed like the type who would take off if my mother did too much.

“A barber? How old is that girl? You just got your hair cut before the game. So, I’m confused.” She crossed her arms. “You know how I feel about you bringing a stranger around, especially right now. That girl could be anyone waiting to run and tell Hollywood Tea Room all of our business?—”

“She’s twenty-six, a year younger than me, and she’s good people, Ma.” I respected her opinion, but I wasn’t about to go back and forth with her about this. Phileigh was coming no matter what she had to say. “I promise you I got this under control.”

“Kellon, I’m just trying to look out for you, baby.” She sighed, and her eyes darted in Phileigh’s direction. “You know how these women are.”

“I know, Mom. Phileigh not like that, though. She’s never been to Disney. I need a traveling barber. It’s a fair exchange.”

My mom stared at me, giving me those eyes that always made me tell the truth.

“Can you please make sure she has a private room on our floor with a fireworks view in case she wants to watch from there?” I pouted, giving my mom the puppy dog face I’d used since I was three. She was never able to resist it.

“Okay, fine.” She finally caved. “But I’m doing a background check on her.”

“It wouldn’t be right if you didn’t.”

I honestly didn’t expect anything less. I was going to have Doug run one anyway. As chill as Phileigh seemed, my mama had taught me to be skeptical of everyone I allowed in my space. I was going to let Mom have this one, though.

“Mr. Barnes, the plane is about to take off. I need you all to take a seat,” the stewardess said as she walked past us.

“Come, let’s go over your itinerary.” Mom patted me on the arm as she made her way to her seat.

I followed behind her, taking a seat next to Phileigh. I couldn’t help but notice her slight fidgeting. She was nervous.

“They’ve granted you early entrance to the park for riding rides. Then we’ll meet with the media before heading to Magic Kingdom for the parade. Make sure to look over the schedule. It’s packed.”

Ma handed me a sheet of paper that held tomorrow’s itinerary. I looked it over, taking notes as I sat in the seat next to Phileigh. She was quiet. Her eyes darted around the jet before landing on me.

“Your mom doesn’t like random women, huh?”

“Naw,” I said gently. “You’re good, though. You’re not random.”

Phileigh looked at me. Her legs bounced.

“Nervous?” I questioned.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this. I’m on a private jet with Kellon Barnes. Am I dreaming? Even worse… Am I stupid?”

I couldn’t help but smile at her innocence as I reached over and pinched her beautiful thick ass thighs.

“Ouch!” she yelped. “Did you just pinch me?”

“I did. You’re not dreaming,” I said, making her giggle. “On some real shit, don’t think about any of that. Just think about the magic of it all… all the rides, food, and fun we will have.”

“You make it sound like a fairytale.”

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