As I drove to the shop, I felt myself getting nervous. I almost never do business by myself so my stomach got butterflies. i mean boss bitch or not, I still get nervous before I have to do something new.

I opened up the shop and got everything set up for the day. Ralph and Layla were the only artist doing tattoos today. As soon as they came in, they had clients so I started setting up the back for my meeting. I called Carmen and she came to cover the desk for me.

Everything was ready when Carmen came back to tell me my meeting was here. I followed her up front and was greeting by a Lenny Kravis swagged out guy. I smirked before shaking his hand.

"You must be Payton"

"And you are the beautiful Micah"

"Would you like some water?"

"Sure"

I looked at Carmen who went to get it.

"We can head to the back---"

"Actually if you don't mind I had a.... well you could call him a business partner planning to attend and meet me here"

"I'm fine with that"

We stood there and talked for a few minutes. Ralph and Layla came in and immediately went to work. After a while we headed to the back and Carmen was going to bring his partner back.

"So Payton what exactly can I do for you" I sat back and crossed my legs "I know it's about a video but lets talk details"

"Alright" he smirked "I've started directing a lot of music videos. Not to brag but it's getting to the point where a lot of celebrities are booking to work with me. That being said I want to add a choreographer to my team. I've seen the videos of you dancing and teaching classes thanks to Shawn. I think we could do some great business together"

"Wow" I smiled "I thought this was just for one video"

"I mean it is. I want you to do this video with a new artist I'm working with. Well he's not new but I wouldn't say he's super mainstream. He like his privacy too much"

"I can understand that"

"This can be our test video. After this I know for a fact I need you to do choreography for Chris Brown's pills and automobiles, but other than that I don't have anything. Now I will say some videos I'm going to just need a leading lady kind of thing. A sexy video girl and you fit the mold. Plus I don't have to worry about any scandalous shit happening with hoes fucking with artist"

"I get it" I laughed "So let's talk about contracts. I'm cool with signing a tentative contract and after this first video us doing a more permanent thing"

"I like you already! A woman who can talk business!"

"Stop" I laughed "But I do know a couple of lawyers that I'm sure can draw it up for us. What would the pay be looking like per video or would this be an hourly thing?"

"Well I wanted to go with per video and I want to depend it on what you have to do. I know at minimum I'm willing to give you $900 of the budget plus like 200 per day that we working because you might have to change some thing. That's if it's a small scale but for like Pills and Automobiles we talking at least $1200 plus the 200. Then for videos with you just being the leading lady I would a slid $500 per day that we out there working"

Inside I was screaming as I took notes but I kept it cool calm and collected.

"I think this will be a great partnership" I nodded my head

"As do I Ms. Micah"

"Call me----"

"B?"

I looked at the door and Carmen was standing there with David Easton Brewster Jr., my best friend that I hadn't seen since I was 15 and away from Mom and Ralph. I cocked my head to the side thinking I was hallucinating. Once I saw his smile, I knew it was real.

I jumped up and we ran into each other's arms. I felt myself crying as he kissed my forehead.

"What kind of business meeting is this?" I heard Ralph ask Carmen

We pulled away and he wiped my tears.

"How you been Sunny?"

"How I been? How you been? When did you get out? I thought I'd never find you again!" I said holding his face

"That's a long story for another time"

"Excuse us" Carmen spoke "Room of confused people here"

"Oh shit" Easton said laughing

"How do you two know each other" Ralph folded his arms

"Ralph this is EJ---"

"From Harlem?"

"Yeah man" he extended his hand to Ralph "I already know you Raphael"

"Thanks man" Ralph shook his hand

Easton nodded knowing what he was talking about.

"Easton and I grew up together...kinda"

"Kinda?" Carmen raised her eyebrow

"My temps moved to Harlem and we met in middle school. We became best friends and he was my protector----"

"More like bodyguard" he laughed "I was fighting niggas left and right because of Micah. Then again she fucked a couple broads up for me too."

"When did yall lose tough"

I looked down remembering the day.

"I'll have to tell you that story another time sis"

"Well I'm glad you to know each" Payton stood up "This will definitely be a beautiful business relationship. Get me that contact as soon as you can"

"I will"

"Aye P" Easton smirked at me "I'll meet you at the hotel. I gotta take my best friend to lunch"

I laughed "You know I'm not turning down food"

I hugged my brother and best friend before grabbing my person and heading out with Easton. He open the door to a pearly white Range Rover and helped me in. I smiled at him as he got in and started the car.

"Now where can I get me some good ass soul food"

"Ma Too on 21st has the best soul food. And it's in the raggedy ass hood so you know it's fye"

We laughed as he pulled off and we began vibing to the radio.

I walked into Ralph's shop surprised that Micah wasn't at the desk. Just as I was about to call for Ralph Micah came walking in laughing.

"Baby" she ran up and hugged me "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

"It's cool I just wanted to see you"

"Awwl" she kissed me "How's your day going"

"It's straight... Tim called me earlier"

"Oh lord"

"It's nothing too bad" I chuckled "I told you every couple months my sister and them have a couples dinner... well it's tonight"

"Really?"

"I honestly forgot! If you don't want to go----"

"We can go" she shrugged "I already know it's gone be some shit but I'm having a damn good day so fuck it"

I laughed at her before pulling her into another kiss.

"You are amazing woman! Just for that, I should tell you I already invited Keith and he agreed so Cam will be there"

"Fuck yeah!"

"Don't forget I'm going" Reagan came from the back

"You shitting me" I laughed "Hilarious! What changed your mind after shit two years"

"Well yall already met Ralph for one and two I have my girl Micah and Cam to get ruthless with"

"Fucking right sis"

We laughed and joked talking back the dinner plans before I headed back to work. As soon as I walked into my office I was surprised to see Tim standing there looking at the newly displayed picture of Micah and I.

"What brings you here bro?" I nudged him "I get the feeling it's not good news"

"I mean it's not bad I just want to give you a heads up"

"What?"

"You know Khari is still invited and according to Gabby she's planning to get you back"

I laughed "Get me-- yo what the fuck is wrong with her?"

"Not going to lie. I think David down plays the fuck out of what you got going with Micah and been gassing her and Gabby head about yall getting back together"

"She needs to chill"

"Just make sure you let Micah know"

"She already feel like it's gone be some shit. Plus I told Keith to come with Cam so she won't be alone... And Rae just told us she was finally gone come since we've already met Ralph"

"Oh shit! This gone be a shit show shit show"

We both laughed and talked a little more before he left. I shook my head knowing that tonight was going to be the definition of fucking crazy.