Nina’s smile went away as she got down to the matter at hand. “Sooooo what’s the problem?” she asked. “He wants to get into fashion, which is an exciting career.”
“It’s a hustle in itself.”
“Everything worth having is hard. We know that!” Although they were in totally different lanes and industries, they both were working overtime to be respected in their chosen fields.
Jio looked at her for a second, wondering if she was just referring to Cairo or something deeper.
“He’s a mixed kid from North Carolina,” Jio said. “Moving to New York with sketchbooks and dreams. This city gon’ eat him alive if nobody watches him.”
“Just make sure that doesn’t happen.”
Jio glanced back at her.
“Babe, I’m trying to watch my own back.”
Nina shrugged like it was nothing, although it wasn’t.
“You’re busy. I can take him out. We can run in a couple of stores so I can get a feel of his fashion sense. Give me your card, I’ll show him a real good time,” she said with a wide grin on her face.
“He doesn’t need to go to Chanel on the first day, babe.” He’d dated materialistic women before, but none compared to the damage that Nina Marcelle did to his pockets.
“Well… he does, but in all seriousness, I was thinking fabric stores and maybe a few thrift shops too.”
Jio’s face twisted.
“Baby, I have never thrifted a day in my life.”
Nina snorted. “Why am I not surprised?”
She thought he was going to make a slick comment, but he shocked her when he said, “That’s actually a good idea.” They’d been cooped up in the crib for two days, a lil’ spin around a couple of blocks didn’t sound too bad while Nina entertained his little cousin. “Look at that,” she teased. “I’m working my way into the fam!”
“You’re always useful to me, baby… wanna sit on it before you go?” he asked as he pulled his dick out of his boxers.
η
Nina stood outside of one of her favorite vintage boutiques to find hidden gems in the city. She wore wide-leg jeans, a fitted white crop top, and oversized sunnies. Her hair was pulled back in a low ponytail. Just in case the wind picked up, a yellow cardigan was draped over her shoulders. She dressed casual on purpose but added a lil’ flavor since this kid was supposedly a fashion guru.
Jio thought it was cute that she wanted to impress his lil’ cousin.
“Look at you,”he cooed as she slid her feet into a pair of denim Dior sneakers.
Nina was good at keeping it simple but still looking like a walking lick. It was never her intention to scream RICH, but she was raised on the notion that wealth was quiet. She was one of those chicks that you could just tell came from old money. She spoke well, smiled often, and had a presence so warm and welcoming that strangers naturally gravitated towards her.
She was texting Ephrem when a black truck pulled to the curb. She missed him and wanted to get food later if he was up for it. Nina had to repair their friendship. She would lose hermind if they fell out again over something stupid. Jio swore that he was going to be home when she made it in, but she knew he wouldn’t be, so there was no point in rushing back to an empty crib.
The truck door opened and a young kid hopped out with a leather backpack against his chest like a shield.
Nina didn’t know what to expect but it wasn’t who she saw. She pushed her shades closer to her eyes to hide her judgment. Cairo was tall and skinny. His arms were covered in tattoos that she knew had a story for each. His skin was light brown like the color of her favorite coffee creamer, hazelnut. His haircut was tapered around the edges, and loose curls fell over his eyes that told her he’d been through some shit. He wore baggy shorts, dirty Timbs, lime green Rugby socks, and an oversized shirt. To top it all off, he had a Gucci scarf tied around his neck. Nina could tell that he had his own style for certain, but in Nina’s eyes, that’s what Fashion was all about.
“Cairo?” she asked gently.
He nodded. “Yeah.”
“I’m Nina.”
“Jio’s girlfriend! Nice to meet you,” he said, flashing her a striking smile.
Nina blushed, “Same.” She stuck her hand out for him to shake it but he swept her into a bear hug.
