Crooked G's by S. K. Collins Page A

it?” Latrice asked, looking around for a clock.
    â€œIt’s ten thirty-eight.”
    â€œOh shit! I gotta go.” Latrice hopped up to put on her clothes. She felt sharp pains in her head after every movement she made.
    â€œWhat’s wrong? Why you got to leave so quickly?”
    â€œI got to catch a call that I’m supposed to get at eleven. I can’t miss that shit.”
    â€œI need to get your number before you go.” Clarity walked over to her purse to retrieve her cell phone.
    Once Latrice was dressed, they both exchanged numbers, and promised they would keep in touch and talk about doing business.
    Latrice got in her car and found it very difficult to drive with her excruciating headache. By the time she pulled up to her apartment building, it was 11:02 a.m. She hoped Bay hadn’t called yet and hurried to get out of the car. As she ran through the entrancedoors, she heard the phone ringing. She skipped steps trying to make it to the third floor in time. She quickly put her keys in the door, and once she was running over to the phone, it had stopped ringing. Latrice was devastated.
    Latrice was so blown that she missed Bay’s call that she plopped down in a chair and threw her purse across the room. She knew Bay could easily try to call back again, but the amount of anger he would have when he did wasn’t worth the stress. Bay hated when his instructions weren’t followed through correctly, and those who didn’t follow them received heavy consequences due to their error. He was very violent and Latrice didn’t want to have anything to do with making him upset, and taking out his rage on her when he came out, but it may have been too late. Latrice thought about everything she’d accomplished the day before and hoped it was enough to keep Bay off her ass. She had successfully secured the signing of two different acts and the possibility of a third. She had everything set in place to establish the record label and now only needed Bay’s approval. But she wouldn’t know how Bay would perceive her efforts until he called back again.

CHAPTER 9
    S hakita woke up to the smell of coffee and a fully dressed Eric, sitting on his sofa and staring at her. She didn’t realize she had slept through the night, but appreciated how refreshed she felt as her eyes adjusted to the light.
    â€œDid you sleep good?” Eric asked as he spun his coffee cup around in his hand on the table in front of him.
    â€œYes. It felt like the best sleep ever.” Shakita stretched and then rolled out of bed before she wrapped the satin sheet around her. She walked over to Eric and sat beside him.
    â€œI got you some coffee.” Eric peered his eyes down at the other cup that was on the table.
    Shakita picked up the cup and smelled the aroma coming from the lip opening. “I love Saxby’s coffee.”
    â€œI remember. How could I forget?”
    Eric had known so much about Shakita that sometimes it scared her. He was aware what could make her laugh, make her cry, and everything else in between. He was like her unclaimed soul mate. Shakita took a sip of the coffee and savored the taste of the caramel, espresso, and white chocolate blend. It was exactly what she needed after an incredible night of sex.
    â€œAfter you drink your coffee, you can get dressed and go shopping.”
    Shakita nodded her head yes as she took another sip of the hot delicious brew.
    Eric then rose to his feet. “I’ll give you the money after you finish working tonight.”
    â€œThank you so much, Eric. I appreciate everything you’re doing for me.”
    â€œIt’s no problem. It’s no problem at all.” Eric started to walk away but stopped and turned to her. “Oh yeah. You start on the gold floor at eight p.m.” He then looked at his watch. “So that gives you ten hours to roam. Don’t be late.”
    â€œI won’t.”
    He gave her a