Chapter 7 #2
“No. He just said it wasn’t a regular interview.
What if he expects me to do something crazy?
Like become one of those hired killers on the internet…
or, I don’t know, rob banks… or help somebody disappear in the middle of the night.
” I shook my head in disbelief. “Yeah, I need money, but I’m not built for that kind of life.
I’m not trying to catch a body or end up on America’s Most Wanted. ”
Lainey studied me for a moment, then leaned forward with her elbows on her knees.
“Friend, let me tell you something real. People always say what they would never do… until life backs them into a corner.” She shrugged slightly. “You don’t know how strong you are, or what you’re willing to risk, until something you love is on the line.”
I inhaled deeply, the weight of her words settling in the pit of my stomach.
“That’s not me telling you to go do anything illegal,” she added quickly, her tone softening as if to reassure me. “I’m just saying desperation changes the way people think. But… at the same time, you called him, so that tells me that you’re not too scared.”
“Maybe I’m just curious… or desperate," I admitted, my voice trailing off. “I just don’t know what I’m walking into.”
“Answer me this,” she said, arching an eyebrow. “Did he give creepy vibes?”
I shook my head. “No.”
“Did he give police vibes?”
“Definitely not,” I replied, feeling a sense of relief.
“That’s good,” she nodded, her face lighting up with a hint of hope.
I looked over at her, trying to gauge her level of concern. “You’re not worried?"
“Oh, I’m concerned… but I’m also realistic. People don’t just hand out mysterious job offers unless they saw something in you. It’s up to you to find out what that is.”
Lainey tapped the card against her palm thoughtfully.
“So, what time do you have to go? If you need me to ride with you, you know I’m down.”
“Sorry, friend… he told me to come alone.”
“Let me find out this Marcos nigga plotting to snatch you up, hide you like a little trophy and make you his little hostage wife,” Lainey teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Because let’s be real… you are a bad bitch, and if I was him, I’d keep you too. A little kidnapping might do you good.”
“And why is that?”
“Friend, you need some dick,” she stated blatantly. “Like… immediately. That pussy probably be calling out at night like, ‘HELLO? ANYBODY HOME?’”
I slapped her arm, snorting. “You ain’t right.”
“But you know I am, she grinned, her playful demeanor easing my worries. “But wait… was he fine, though?”
I rolled my eyes. “He was… but definitely your type of fine since you’re into the light-skinned men.”
Lainey clutched her chest dramatically. “First of all, don’t do that. I appreciate all shades of fine.” She paused, then shrugged. “But yes… light-skinned men with good hair and money management skills do happen to find me more often.”
I laughed. “Money management skills?”
“Yes,” she said seriously. “Because love is cute, but bills still exist. But back to the matter at hand. If you go missing, I’ma put ‘Find My iPhone’ on repeat and roll up with a frying pan.”
“I’ll keep my location on for you,” I promised, appreciating her commitment to my safety.
“You better! And send me the address, too! As a matter of fact, send me a picture of him when you get there. Actually, no—send me three pictures. One of him, one of the place, and one of you holding a newspaper so I know it’s current,” she added, her desire for caution unfolding in her wild suggestions.
I shook my head, chuckling despite the knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. “Lainey, you’re ridiculous.”
“I’m prepared!” she shot back with a laugh. “If you're still nervous when you go, lead with this advice. If it smells crazy when you get there… you leave. If it feels illegal… you definitely leave. If somebody pulls out a gun—”
“I’m running before they even finish pulling it out!” I finished, our shared laughter creating a momentary bubble of normalcy.
As the laughter faded, her tone softened again, and the sincerity returned.
“All jokes aside, just follow your heart, boo. You’ve been carrying a lot by yourself,” she said, squeezing my hand gently. “And if this is a real opportunity, you at least owe it to yourself to hear it out.”
I exhaled slowly. “That’s what scares me.”
Why?” she asked, her brow furrowing slightly.
“Because if it actually works, my life could change overnight,” I confessed, the weight of possibility looming large. Lainey nodded slowly, her eyes thoughtful.
“Sometimes that’s exactly how it happens. Just remember who you’re doing this for. It’s for Kyrin… not for any man, not for any fast money just to blow it. You stay focused.”
“I will,” I assured her.
“And wear something cute but practical,” she added, a grin creeping onto her face. “You never know… this could be your last day of freedom; you might as well look good in the mugshot.”
I laughed. “You’re not helping.”
“Girl, I’m keeping you sane,” she declared, giving my hand a final squeeze. “Just… be careful.”
I will.