Page 15 of Unexpected Pass

“Okay, so he invited me here after my date ditched me.”

“He ditched you?”

“Yes. Apparently, his boyfriend wasn’t happy.”

“Boyfriend?”

“Yes, girl. The man is on the DL.”

“Nuh uh.”

“Yes… So, I ran into Kellon. He offered me a ride home. I mentioned how I’d never been to Disney, and he asked me to come with him.” I gave her the shortened version of events. We could dive into the details later.

“OMG! What else?”

“He’s paying me ten thousand dollars to cut his hair… Oh, and he might have called me beautiful.”

I felt like I was back in high school, blushing and snickering through every detail.

“Ten thousand for one haircut? Goddamn! You see how God works?” She started clapping and snapping her fingers. “One NFL player played you, and God sent a better one sniffing up behind you.”

I shook my head.

“Lolo, it’s not like that. Kellon is just being nice. I’m sure bringing me along on a previously planned trip is nothing forhim.” I hesitated. “Besides, I’m pregnant, remember? The only person that’s about to be sniffing behind me is this baby.”

“Phileigh, the man is giving you ten bands to cut his hair. Please. Niggas love playing stepdaddy. That man just met you and flew you to Florida with him. He is interested.”

“Yeah? Well, when I mention I’m pregnant, I’m sure all that interest will dry up just like J. Lo’s career.”

“Or it won’t.” She shrugged, making me stare at her for a few seconds with a look of disbelief on my face.

Even if Kellon Barnes was into me like that, being pregnant was sure to be a deal breaker. He could have anyone he wanted, so why would he choose a pregnant woman? I wouldn’t get my hopes up. I would just enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience and try to garner a new client. After losing Reggie and possibly all his teammates, I needed all the new clients I could get, especially with a baby on the way.

“I’m just using this for networking and crossing off a bucket list activity. Having ten thousand in savings will set me and my baby up well,” I finally replied, stating the facts.

“Well, while you’re networking, I’m trying to figure out what’s in your sauce that keeps attracting these fine, paid NFL players.”

“I got the sauce. You know I’m saucy,” I sang, doing my best Rihanna impression, and we both laughed.

“Well, Saucy Santana, I’m going back to bed. Some of us have clients in the morning.”

“Speaking of… can you…”

“Already on it. I’ll have Tracy cover for you.” She sighed.

“You’re the best.”

“I know I am. Now, good night. Love you!”

“Love you more, bestie.” I disconnected the call. I wanted to crash on the soft bed and fall asleep, but I needed to shower. There was no way I was going out in public with Kellon Barnesnot looking and smelling my best. Grabbing the bag from the bed, I fumbled through it, checking its contents and snatching up the soap and character pajamas. Smiling, I headed toward the bathroom.

“Holy shit!”

Just like the rest of the room, it was gorgeous. I would have to figure out a way to thank Kellon for giving me his room. Placing the clothes on the sink, I made my way over to the walk-in shower and turned on the water before climbing inside. Kellon’s smile lingered in my mind as the water hit my naked body.

“Be for real, Phileigh,” I scolded myself, running my hand over my belly, bringing myself back to reality. This impromptu trip was for business purposes only. I needed the funds. That was it.

“You ready to go?”Kellon asked as soon as I swung the front door of my room open.

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