Deception

4: That Old Thing.

Lauren Smith.

It's been two days since my official running into with Hakeem at is club. We've talked occasionally over the past two days, but not enough for me to submit something in on him. I kept the conversation short and simple, not wanting to come off as nosey or anything.

Because the last thing I need is to blow my cover.

Today he was supposed to take me out and around the city for the day, since he offered the other night.

Also, Destiny and I have become more acquainted. She told me about this her natural hair salon that she owns, called "Natural Beauty." This aligned perfectly for me because I needed a job to cover up everything that I'm doing.

I already had my cosmetology license while I was in high school, because doing hair was one of my first passions; especially natural hair. But I was always told by my parents, my mother especially, that being a hair stylist would get me no where.

So here I am.

Destiny offered me a position as a stylist in her shop and I would just have to pay booth rent, which was no issue for me. Although I was still on my job, I was excited to be doing one of my passions on the side.

I finished checking my emails as I got of from the bed as I walked to the en suite bathroom connecting my phone to the speaker, so I could get ready for the day.

My phone dinged, notifying me that I had a message. It was from Hakeem.

From: Hakeem

I'm sliding through to pick you up around 12:30, cool?

To: Hakeem

Okay, that's fine with me 😊

From: Hakeem

Aight, slide me yo address

After sending him my address, I texted Paul, just checking in on him since he didn't answer my phone call earlier this morning. We've been talking more, but I could still sense our animosity.

I just proceeded to get into the steaming hot shower that was already waiting for me. After singing my heart out to Keyshia Cole, I did my makeup while leaving my hair out.

By the time I finished everything, it was about 12:20 and my phone began ringing. Hakeem's name popped across the screen, and I slid across the screen to answer it.

"Hello?"

"Yo, I'm outside of ya crib," his raspy voice filled the room.

"Okay, I'm coming out," I peeped out.

I grabbed my little purse, wallet, and phone, before walking out of the house and locking the door. He was parked on the street in a charcoal colored Porsche Panamera. I watched as he got out of the car, and jogged to my side to open the door for me.

I gave him a small smile as I approached him, "Thank you."

"No problem ma," he smirked back at me, making sure I was inside the car safely before closing the door behind me.

"You livin' nice I see," he said looking back out to the house before looking back at me.

"Yeah something slight. Clearly you're doing the same," I said as I touched the red leather in his car.

"This ain't much, whatchu do for a living. You livin' kinda lavish ain't you?"

"Who are you? The feds? Asking all of these questions,"I laughed as he began to pull off. "And I'm getting back into cosmetology up here with Destiny."