“Seriously, Ajori,” she said, scrutinizing the card again, flipping it over as if it might reveal more secrets. “This is one of those cards that either leads you to a six-figure opportunity… or a Netflix documentary about some crime ring.”
I chuckled, shaking my head. “See… this is exactly why I almost didn’t tell you.”
Lainey grinned. “I’m joking… kinda.” Then her expression shifted. “Seriously, sis, that’s tax-bracket-changing money.”
“That’slife-changing money,” I corrected quietly, my heart heavy with the implications. “For Kyrin.”
She didn’t interrupt that time.
“If what that man said is true, that money could get him into that private program faster than anything else.” I paused. “But the problem is… I don’t even know what the job consists of.”
"Did he give any clue?”
“No. He just said it wasn’t a regular interview. What if he expects me to do something crazy? Like become one of those hired killers on the internet… or, I don’t know, rob banks… or help somebody disappear in the middle of the night.” I shook my head in disbelief. “Yeah, I need money, but I’m not built for that kind of life. I’m not trying to catch a body or end up on America’s Most Wanted.”
Lainey studied me for a moment, then leaned forward with her elbows on her knees.
“Friend, let me tell you something real. People always say what they would never do… until life backs them into a corner.” She shrugged slightly. “You don’t know how strong you are, or what you’re willing to risk, until something you love is on the line.”
I inhaled deeply, the weight of her words settling in the pit of my stomach.
“That’s not me telling you to go do anything illegal,” she added quickly, her tone softening as if to reassure me. “I’m just saying desperation changes the way people think. But… at the same time, you called him, so that tells me that you’re not too scared.”
“Maybe I’m just curious… or desperate," I admitted, my voice trailing off. “I just don’t know what I’m walking into.”
“Answer me this,” she said, arching an eyebrow. “Did he give creepy vibes?”
I shook my head. “No.”
“Did he give police vibes?”
“Definitely not,” I replied, feeling a sense of relief.
“That’s good,” she nodded, her face lighting up with a hint of hope.
I looked over at her, trying to gauge her level of concern. “You’re not worried?"
“Oh, I’m concerned… but I’m also realistic. People don’t just hand out mysterious job offers unless they saw something in you. It’s up to you to find out what that is.”
Lainey tapped the card against her palm thoughtfully.
“So, what time do you have to go? If you need me to ride with you, you know I’m down.”
“Sorry, friend… he told me to comealone.”
“Let me find out this Marcos nigga plotting to snatch you up, hide you like a little trophy and make you his little hostage wife,” Lainey teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Because let’s be real… youarea bad bitch, and if I was him, I’d keep you too. A little kidnapping might do you good.”
“And why is that?”
“Friend, you need some dick,” she stated blatantly. “Like… immediately. That pussy probably be calling out at night like, ‘HELLO? ANYBODY HOME?’”
I slapped her arm, snorting. “You ain’t right.”
“But you know I am, she grinned, her playful demeanor easing my worries. “But wait… was he fine, though?”
I rolled my eyes. “He was… but definitelyyourtype of fine since you’re into the light-skinned men.”
Lainey clutched her chest dramatically. “First of all, don’t do that. I appreciateallshades of fine.” She paused, then shrugged. “But yes… light-skinned men with good hair and money management skills do happen to find me more often.”