“Nah, you here fa me.” His eyes flickered up and down before he seemed to remember himself and stood up straight. He was dressed casually with his longish curly hair brushed back off of his face. Deep brown skin the color of agave nectar was poured over a frame that had to have formed from premium genetics and performance-enhancing drugs. He looked to be muscle on muscle and I wasn’t sure how that was possible.
I adjusted my tote on my shoulder and tried not to look as uncomfortable as I felt. “I’m sorry I don’t understand.”
“My agent put the request in through your agency and used her last name. Of course, that ain’t even her last name anymoreso…” He chuckled like there was some type of internal joke but his acknowledgment of deceit had me taking a step back.
“Okay, wait, my boss said nothing like this was going on. Why the fake name or all the subterfuge?” I wanted to back away but I had nowhere to run.
“My name is Money.”
I blinked twice waiting on him to elaborate but he didn’t. “Pleased to meet you but that doesn’t answer my question.”
“I’m a professional football player.” His brows shot up as if he were waiting for my brain to make a connection that just wasn’t there.
“Again, my question hasn’t been answered.”
“Listen, if you want answers just come inside—”
I laughed because he had me completely fucked up. “Sir, I am a woman who spent her childhood watchingForensic Files,ID Channeland allowedFBI Filesreruns to lull me to sleep. I’m not just stepping into anybody’s house without knowing what they’re about.”
“Lady, you came to my house.” He was smiling now as though my refusal was funny to him. Dimples. He had dimples. Favor is not fair.
“Lady? Are you trying to say I’m old?” I wasn’t trying to flirt with this fine ass…man? Young man? He had a childlike face about him so I couldn’t be sure how old he was.
“You know what? I don’t have time for this.” The playfulness seemed to be sucked out of him the second he realized he was smiling. He pulled out his phone and I did the same, trying to reach out to my cousin.
“Mr. Lowry?” My call must’ve connected quicker than his because he was still silent and staring directly into my mouth. I used my cousin’s last name so he understood something was wrong.
“Are you there? I have the client on the other line—”
“No, you have his agent on the other line I’m assuming?”
“Yes. What have you done?” The way he hissed at me had me thinking I’d messed something up but his ass had clearly left out some information. With a glance, I saw that Money had stepped back into his empty foyer and was now speaking to someone on the phone.
“I haven’t done anything. I was told I was here to meet someone by the last name Briggs and this man ain’t them.”
“She is behind schedule but will be there within a few minutes. She said she is coming through the security gate right now.”
I rolled my eyes because this could’ve been conveyed with a text message to avoid confusion. “Fine. But as soon as I’m done you and I need to talk.”
“Whatever,Starbright. I saved you from having to hang around your mama for the next four months. If anything, you owe me.” I could almost hear the mocking grin on his face before he hung up the phone. He knew calling me Starbright was going to get to me. It was a nickname he gave me years ago as a play on my name. He said my spirit shone as bright as the stars and I’d been named correctly.
I wanted to yell but I gripped the air angrily, trying to calm myself down.
“You good?”
Shit. Just that fast, I forgot I was supposed to be making a good impression on this man because I needed a job. If I didn’t get this one I could easily pick up another assignment, but I couldn’t deny that my interest was piqued now about this entire situation. The idea of helping a medically fragile baby tugged at my heart. And for her to be a little Black girl had me feeling immediately protective.
“I’m fine. My cousin is the owner of the agency, and he takes discretion to new levels. He didn’t provide me with all the detailson what I would be out here for so I’m a little thrown off. Forgive my impertinence when you opened the door.”
“Impertinence. Yeah, if you're walking around spouting SAT words you’ll work out just fine. Are you good to come in? My agent is pulling up the drive.” He pointed behind me and I watched as a massive black luxury SUV that looked like it could fit twelve people pulled up and parked. The woman who stepped out was stunning and I could tell that despite how beautiful she was, she was about her business.
The strut she had was one of knowing she was about to accomplish her goals and anyone who thought they were going to get in her way needed to be prepared to take an L. She made her way up the steps with a wide smile on her face as she extended her hand to me. The outfit she wore was from Patricia Warren’s private label and was one that very few people had access to. I was only privy to it because of my family so now I was interested in who this woman was.
“Good morning! I’m pleased to meet you. Sterling Williamson, correct?” She stuck her hand out so confidently I knew that this woman had probably had the world in her palm for her entire life. I took it and her squeeze was firm but professionally inviting.
“Yes, I’m Sterling.”
“I apologize for not being here. A woman isn’t about to walk into some strange man’s house she doesn’t know. I needed to drop something off to my sister and it took longer than I expected. I’m Billy Briggs-Grayson.” She had heterochromia that seemed to make her eyes dance when she spoke. Her smile was warm despite her all-business aura.
