“What I’m doing works, so why would I take the risk?” Carl finally says.
“What risk? Typically, my fees are five-figures a year, but in exchange for you allowing me to stay for a week on your bus, I’ll give you one month free.”
“So it’ll cost me nothing?”
“Not a dime.”
Carl nods as he mulls over my words.
“I could get started right away if you’d like. I already have an idea pinging around my brain.”
“I have to say, it’s a tempting offer,” Carl admits.
“You’d be a fool to turn me down.”
“I have a no drama rule on my bus. Are you going to be able to agree to that?”
“Absolutely.”
“And will you be okay seeing Bianca and Natasha milling around?”
“Just so long as they’re okay with me.”
The flicker of conflict in his eye slowly dies. “Fine, you’re hired.” He turns to Toxic. “Go fetch Natasha.”
Toxic shifts uncomfortably in his seat. “Why?”
“So I can ensure there will be no drama between her and your girl.”
“Ah, there is something I’d like to ask of you,” I say. “I’d like my pregnancy and our business relationship kept a secret from everyone, including the people who work for you. My family can’t know about this.”
Carl looks annoyed but nods in agreement.
Once Toxic leaves, Carl fixes me with a hard gaze. “Why do I feel like you’re going to cause drama aboard my bus?”
“Maybe because the other two women you let on had, but I assure you, I’m not a child and will not act as one.”
Shaking his head from side to side, he mutters, “Damn strays.”
Natasha enters the room, her eyes growing round when she sees me.
“You can’t have her!” she blurts. “So get your Satan ass off the bus!”
“Sit down!” Carl growls.
Natasha gestures at me frantically. “You don’t understand, this woman is?—”
“Sit down!”
Natasha takes a seat, her eyes never leaving me. I cast her a Cheshire smirk and give her a little wave.
“At Toxic’s request, Samantha will be staying with us for a week.”
“Fuck, no!” Natasha blurts.
“Are you causing drama?” Carl asks with a raised brow.
“No, but I guarantee you, she will.” She looks at me, sneering. “They sent her as a trojan horse, to retaliate against giving Bianca a place to stay.”
