Page 23 of Certified Sin

“Yeah, I know.” I exhaled deeply.

“Okay.” She slapped her hand on the table. “What about Reese?”

“What about Reese?” I inquired.

“So you don’t think he’s fine as hell?” Monae narrowed her eyes at me like she was tryna catch me in a lie.

“I mean, yeah. But bitch, I just told you how he read me. There’s no way Reese sees me like that. He thinks Sin has my head gone.” I expected her to tell me he was wrong.

“Well?” Monae twisted up her mouth.

“Mo!” I yelled, and she threw her hands up.

“Girl, you know you’re whipped by the dick. It ain’t no secret. And to tell you the truth, you haven’t had many sexual experiences, which is probably why you’re acting like this.”

“It’s plenty men out there who packing better than Sin Sizza, Ronnie,” she added. “Let that man go his way, and you go yours. Hell, get under Mr. Reese.”

“Mo. That’s Sin’s best friend. I’d really look bad out here.” I can’t believe she expects me to hop in bed with his friend. They’re already talking about me online like I trapped Sin in a relationship. They’ll have a field day if Reese and I ever go there.

“Who gives a fuck? I just want you to be happy, bestie,” Mo defended. I pouted, touching her hand.

“Aww, you know I love you.” She held up her empty cup.

“Enough to buy me another coffee?”

I giggled. “I got you.”

A Few HoursLater

“Mr. Masindi, I can assure you this is his best offer.” My phone vibrated. I looked down to see Sin’s name, and I hit ignore. He’d been calling me for the last three hours since I left lunch with Monae to come to this meeting, and I’ve yet to respond.

“How about this number as a signing bonus?” I slid the paper across the table for BCE’s newest prospect and his manager. Shayla stood behind me, looking on.

“Ms. Russell. You know every record company in New York is after my client right now. Surely you can go up a little higher on the price?” I peeked at the client to study his facial expressions.

His face tells me he wants to take the deal. Instead, he does what his manager wants him to do. Although he’s right when he said nearly every company jumping at the chance to sign him, Dante Bodegaisgone be the next Maxwell, and Beast wants him on his team.

“Mr. Bodega, what will it take for you to sign on the dotted line today?”

His manager tried to interrupt, but I held out my hand.

“I’m speaking to Mr. Bodega,” I stressed before continuing my pitch.

“I know you have family in Texas, some in Arizona. Tell me what you want. Sign with us today, and I will make it happen for you.”

Dante cleared his throat and glanced at his manager for a second before looking back at me.

“Can you guarantee my family will be taken care of?”

‘Done!” I slid the contract closer to him.

His manager tried multiple times to get in the middle, but he ignored him. His ass just wanted to go with whoever has the fatter check. I knew from reading his file that the only thing he loves more than singing, is his family.

Dante took the pen to print his name while I did a lil’ happy dance in my head. After he signed, he gave the paper back to me, then stood up.

I reached out my hand for a shake.

“Thank you so much for this opportunity, Ms. Russell. Please tell Beast I look forward to working with him.