Page 28 of Unexpected Pass

“I work in my best friend’s shop as a barber.” She was downplaying herself. I ain’t like that shit.

“Phileigh is a celebrity barber,” I added.

Brittani raised an eyebrow. “Really? A female barber? I love to see it! How did you get into that?”

“It’s a family tradition kind of. My dad was a barber for thirty years,” Phileigh answered, her confidence beginning to peek through.

“I love it! You know… I could actually use a barber for some future segments,” Brittani said. “If you’re open to it that is.”

Phileigh looked at me. All the color drained from her face.

“Oh my God. Are you serious?”

“Of course. Now, don’t ask me for all the details because I’m still working it out, but yes. A beautiful plus-sized female barber is something my show needs, sugar.”

“I’d be so honored!” Phileigh replied, her face lighting up at the opportunity.

“Great. Do you have a card, or what is your contact information?” Brittani asked.

I backed off a little, allowing Phileigh to connect with Brittani with a huge smile on my face. This was the opportunity of a lifetime, and I was glad I’d helped with the connection.

“I just met Brittani Shepard! And she took my number for a possible spot in an upcoming segment! Can you believe it?” Phileigh ran over to me once she was done talking to Brittani. She could hardly contain her excitement.

“Congratulations. You handled that like a professional,” I said, leading her out of the building toward a waiting black SUV. I was stuck doing press for the rest of the day, but Phileigh didn’t have to be.

“You mean that? ’Cause I was so nervous, but she was so nice that it made it easier.” She continued on about her encounter as I opened the car door for her.

“I think you made a good impression. Maybe this will lead to some great opportunities.”

“Maybe. She stepped inside the SUV. “Today was unbelievable.”

“I’m glad.”

“That’s Kellon Barnes!” a random voice called out.

“I better get back inside before I’m swarmed.”

“Wait. You’re not getting in?”

“Naw. I have press all day. My mom is going to take you to my crib, get you settled, and take you to grab some clothes.”

“Um… okay.”

“I’ll see you back at the house,” I told her. “Play nice, Ma,” I said as security led me back inside the studio building.

I sat quietlyin the back seat of the SUV, glancing out the window and taking in the sights of New York. I’d never been to a city this big before. It was beautiful. A mix of excitement and nervousness filled my head as I tried to figure out how to strike up a conversation with Ms. Barnes. I couldn’t believe Kellon left me alone with his mom. From our prior encounters, I’d gathered she didn’t like me much, and I could fully understand why. In her eyes, I was a strange woman sniffing around her son for a come up.

Though it was far from the truth, I felt like a strange woman sniffing around this man. I still didn’t know what my pregnant ass was doing here with Kellon. He wanted to get to know me, pregnant or not, but I knew he would change his mind about mesoon. On top of not being the beauty standard for an NFL star, I was with child. No successful, wealthy man wanted to be with a woman expecting another man’s baby.

I knew the idea of me and Kellon being together was far-fetched, but I would enjoy the ride while it lasted. I’d already crossed off two bucket list activities. I’d been to Disney, and now, I was in New York City.

“So, Phileigh…” Ms. Barnes called my name, interrupting my thoughts. “Have you ever been to New York City before?”

My wide eyes staring out the window had probably already answered that question.

“No, ma’am. It’s my first time on the East Coast.”

“Wow! A girl named Phileigh who has never been to the East Coast. Now, I’ve heard it all.”

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