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Brazil POV

These niggas know they can eat. I'm glad they're in the basement and out my way. "You need some help washing dishes," a voice asked. I turned to see Hakeem. I shook my head no. He sat at the island staring at me. I could feel his eyes burning a hole in my back. "Why you up here staring," I asked. He smiled and my God them golds and dimples had me stuck. "I wanted to see if I could get to know you," he said. I began to speak but he interrupted me, "I know bout ya marriage ma so what's up?" I stood there in shock but before I could answer I heard Asia crying. Saved by the baby! I excused myself to tend to Asia. I put her back to sleep and went back to the kitchen. The few dishes I had left were clean. My phone buzzed.

Unknown: You're welcome Ma 😘 I'll see you tomorrow.

Me: First off how you get my number? Secondly says who?

Hakeem: Well you are my boss... and Lucky and ya brother says y'all have a meeting tomorrow

Me: Ugh Aite don't text me no more

Hakeem: Bet I'll FaceTime you next time

Me: Bye Hakeem‼️

"Earth to Brazil!," Marcellus screamed. "My bad what's up," I said. He looked at me weirdly, "I said I'm gone. Aye and I cashapped you three stacks." I nodded my head and he walked out the door.

I woke up the next morning and did my hygiene. After talking a shower, I decided to wear some high waisted black jeans and a multi color off the shoulder crop top. I laid my clothes on the bed and went to go bath Asia. My baby was up smiling and playing with her feet. "Hey mama baby," I said picking her up. I gave her a quick bath and dressed her in a pink polo dress and white sandals. I combed her hair into three puffs and put her in her play pin. I got dressed and combed out my bob. After putting on my gold sandals and diamond studs, I picked up Asia and began to walk down the stairs. The smell of burnt eggs filled my nose. "Who tryna burn the house down," I said to myself. When I got to the kitchen, I seen it was Marcellus and Porsche. I rolled my eyes at the sight and smell. "If y'all stop tryna kiss, y'all would see these brown ass eggs," I said sarcastically. "Hey wifey," Porsche said cheerfully. I gave her a fake smile and Marcellus gave me a head nod. Don't get me wrong I have no problem with her being with Marcellus , but she be on some fake shit. My cousin, Regan, and her sister used to talk and Porsche fake ass broke them up and got Regan locked up. She think I forgot bout that ass whooping I owe her. "Where you and Asia finna go," Marcellus asked. I gave Asia her bottle and said, "Asia finna go with Darius and Tracy. I gotta meeting at the shop." He nodded his head. I looked at the time. It was 11:00 and the meeting was at 12:00. I gathered Asia's and my things and walked out the door.

It was 11:50 and I was pulling up at the shop. I seen Darius getting chopped by Boe. I got Asia and went inside. "You see ya uglass uncle," I said causing Asia to laugh. He scoffed, "I'm ugly but ya ho ass friends be ready to suck a nigga up! Gimme my niece!!" I rolled my eyes. He always brought up my friends liking his lil 19 year old ass. Darnell, Maine, and Lucky came in extremely loud. "Hey that pretty girl," they said in unison. They played with Asia as I scrolled through my phone. Two messages popped up. The first one was from Marcellus. I rolled my eyes as I opened it.

Marcellus: me and Porsche going to Miami for a week hold it down

I didn't even respond. The next message was from Hakeem.

Hakeem: you look so damn good

Me: Nigga how you know? Yeen here

Hakeem: girl I'm in the security office looking at ya

Me: stop looking at me mane

Hakeem: Anyways after ya Lil meeting wanna go eat

Me: nope‼️

Hakeem: whatever I'll ask you again

I didn't respond. He came out the office staring me down. I couldn't take it anymore. "Um y'all look at my baby almost every day. Can we have this meeting," I said walking into the office. They got up and followed.

"I've been talking to Rashonda about y'all using her products in here," I said. "That'll be straight but is these products exclusively for Cutz," Darnell asked. I nodded my head yes. They began talking about how we needed to expand. "I get that but you gotta look at it like this our beauty shop across the street and the restaurant is two doors down," I explained. They agreed with my point. We literally had the whole block. My stomach began to growl. "What you cookin tonight Zil," Maine asked. I laughed, "A bologna sandwich, Marcellus gone to Miami with Porsche." They all gave me looks of disgust. We discussed a few more things and wrapped everything up. As I walked out the shop, I heard Hakeem say, "Aye boss lady lemme walk you to the car?"