Going into my fanny pack, I pulled out my phone and tapped the screen a couple times. “Here’s my info. We’ll set up a time to meet and work everything out then.”
Seeing that I was growing a small demand, Yosiah suggested and helped me set up a QR code that potential clients could scan and get all my contact info. I didn’t even know they had virtual business cards before he told me, but they had been convenient. I was still getting the hang of working and doing more than just social media and brand deals. I now had a separate social media strictly dedicated to my styling and I was still doing influencer work, just not as much as before.
Yosiah had been a great help in assisting me to gain some kind of direction in what I wanted to do going forward. He might not be the most organized person, but he knew business and structure when it counted. He also helped me invest some of the money he was able to get me so that it would grow and I never had to risk being broke depending on someone else’s dime.
“Thanks, boo! I’m going to hit you up ASAP,” Kayleigh mentioned.
“I can’t wait.” I grinned.
We talked a little longer before she walked off with Legend and their daughter who ended up falling asleep in his arms.
“Oh, before I forget, I’m planning a hair show that I want to collab with you on, if you’re interested,” Kinsley mentioned. “I was going to call you to discuss it, but since you’re here, I figured I could put the bug in your ear now. It’ll be in September.”
I wasn’t due until December but I didn’t want to put too much on my plate the closer it got. Still, I enjoyed working along Kinsley, so I would at least hear her out.
“Sure, call me with the details and we’ll talk.”
“I will! Thanks, boo!” After our goodbyes, she walked off and I turned to head in the direction of Simone’s trailer.
“If Aaliyah’s gonna be there, then I’m not coming,” I told Savannah as I moved around my room.
“I know, I know. She’s not invited, don’t worry,” she insisted. “Plus the girls haven’t really been feeling her since that night at the club.”
I leaned against my dresser and sighed.
Savannah was throwing a pool party and wanted me to come. Her summer parties were always a good time, and normally I would jump at the opportunity to go, but this time I wasn’t feeling it.
“Xylina!” Savannah whined. “C’mon, you love my pool parties. Hell, everyone loves my pool parties. You have to come!”
My mouth twitched as I stared at her pouty face on the phone screen.
Rolling my eyes and sighing, I slowly nodded. “Fine. I’ll be there. But, but!” I started when she started grinning. “Don’t forget I’m pregnant, Savannah. I can’t do the shit I used to do right now.”
“I know, I know. Don’t worry. Just come and have a good time, that’s all. Jeez, it’s like pulling teeth to get you to come out and have fun nowadays.”
After talking with her a little longer, we hung up and I tossed my phone on the dresser and looked around my bedroom.
My stomach flipped when my eyes landed on the bed and zeroed in on the papers on top. I’d had them for a week now and it was time I stopped being scared and used them.
Princess must have felt my anxiety because she came over to me and rubbed against my leg while whining.
“I’m okay, Princess. Mommy just needs to put on her big girl panties.” Kneeling down, I scratched her between the ears. “How do you think Daddy is gonna take this?”
She barked, causing a slight grin to form on my face. Sometimes I felt like she could really understand what I was saying.
“Okay, it’s now or never.” Giving her one final scratch, I stood and made my way across the room to my bed and grabbed the papers. I scanned the first page and the knot in my stomach grew tighter, but I knew I couldn’t keep putting this off.
“It’s okay, little baby.” I rubbed my stomach and turned for my bedroom door.
Leaving my bedroom, I walked through the house, heading toward Yosiah in his man cave. With each step I took, my heart pounded louder.
When I reached the door of the mancave, I stood outside it for a few seconds. The papers felt like weights in my hands. My nerves felt like they were shot with adrenaline. Inhaling a deep breath, I pushed it out and balled my hand up, bringing it to the door.
The door was pulled open and Yosiah stood in front of me in nothing but a pair of black sweatpants.
“You need something?” He smirked down at me.
Lifting my eyes, I met his stare. “I need to talk to you.”
