“Cady, I’ll go so you two can talk. Call me tomorrow,” she said as she got up and grabbed her stuff.
“Nae, you don’t have to leave,” Tink voiced.
Her friend looked between the two of us and smirked. “Yeah, I do. See y’all later.” She hugged her friend before she turned to me. “Titan, I fight niggas or, in your case, shoot your big ass. My friend better be in one piece when I see her again,” she threatened.
“You got it,” was all I said before she disappeared out the door.
Once she was gone, Tink walked to the living room with me trailing behind her. My eyes were glued to her thick ass the entire time.
“Damn,” I mumbled.
When she heard me, she snapped her head in my direction.
“I’on want no problems, Tink.” I threw my hands up in mock surrender.
She took a seat on the sofa and tucked one leg under her as she stared in my face.
“Why are you here?” she asked as soon as I took a seat on the opposite end.
“I came to talk about earlier and apologize,” I said sincerely.
I could see her features soften when she realized I was here to apologize.
“Go ahead.” She moved her hands around, motioning me to go ahead.
“My bad for how I came off today. The shit didn’t come out the way I intended it to, and that was fucked up on my part.” I started. “Now, I did mean the part about us helping each other out, and before you start, I really wanna help you. You seem to have your shit together, and I’on know how you got into the bind that you’re in, but I wanna help you get out of it. If you don’t agree to help me on my end, I want you to allow me to help you.” She started to say something, but I put my hand up to stop her. “You won’t owe me shit. Just look out for a nigga if I ever need therapy and shit.” I smirked, causing her to simper.
“Titan, look. I see your name in headlines damn near every day and I’on wanna be a part of that,” she voiced.
Sighing, I leaned forward. “I can’t promise that you won’t be a part of that shit, but it won’t be the same. You’ll be helping me spin the narrative. If I’m being completely honest, I’m only doing this shit to pacify my mama. I’on like when my ol’ girl is mad at me and right now she’s disappointed as fuck seeing her baby boy’s name in the headlines for more than his accomplishments. That shit is starting to overshadow my career, and I’ve worked too hard for this shit,” I explained.
The silence around us was loud as fuck, and that shit was making me nervous. I looked over at her, and she was staring back at me.
“What would I have to do?” She finally asked.
“Nothing over the top. A few appearances and come to a couple games. I’ll arrange any out-of-town accommodations if you come to those... that’s about it.” I shrugged.
“And what about public affection?” She eyed me.
“I won’t do shit that you’re not comfortable with. The idea is to sell it and not let it look rehearsed. It may be times when I get close, but it’s only for the cameras,” I explained.
I could see the wheels turning in her head and that shit had me anxious as fuck.
“Listen, if I do this, I need you to hold up your end of the bargain, and I’ll do my part.”
I visibly exhaled because the hard part was over.
“You have my word.” I nodded.
“So, when will this thing start?” She asked.
“As soon as I walk out that door. I’ll let my people know, and we’ll go from there. I’ll let them know that everything is a go and we can roll with the flow. Sounds good?” I looked over at her.
“I guess so.” She shrugged.
“Bet. Now give your man your number so I’on have to steal that shit like I did your address,” I joked as I handed her my phone.
All she did was shake her head as she keyed her number into my phone. When she handed it back, I called her so she could have mine. I stood and stretched, and she followed suit.
