“He or she is definitely meant to be here. Just like we were meant to meet. I don’t believe in coincidences, Phileigh.”

“I guess I don’t either… it’s just… This was all so unexpected.” I dropped my head, but he slid his hand underneath my chin and lifted it.

“The unexpected things are sometimes the best things that happened to us.”

We stared at each other for a moment. The comfort I was finding in this stranger was weird but needed, and all of a sudden, I didn’t want to have to leave his presence.

“What time are we leaving in the morning?”

“Your flight leaves at eight.”

“You’re not flying back with me?” My heart sank.

“Nah, I got more press shit to do. I got you a first-class flight back, though,” he stated, and I nodded my head.

“More press?”

“Yeah, the chaos continues for me. I have a few game shows, Brittani Shephard, and then I’m appearing on all the late nights.”

He said it like it was nothing, like his life wasn’t what dreams were made of. He’d just name dropped my favorite talk show host like it was nothing.

“Brittani Shepard? Wow! I love her show. I can’t believe you’re going to be on it.” I squealed. “I always dreamed of being in the studio audience.”

“Why not join me?’

“Join you?” My eyes widened in disbelief. Was this man extending another invite for me to join him out of town?

“Yeah. Why not?” He shrugged.

“I mean… I’m pregnant. I have a regular job. I got to get back to work, and do I need to remind you we just—” I rambled, staring at him like he was insane.

“I mean… I like being in your presence… You still owe me a haircut, and time is relative. Plus, you make me feel… at peace.”

Damn, did he always say all the right shit? I stared at him speechless once again. How could I counter that?

“What do I have to do to get you and baby Phileigh Cheese to come to New York with me?”

“New York?”

“Yeah, to see me film the Brittani Shepard show.”

“Even if that was logical, which it is not, my bestie is not going to let me off another day.”

“It’s a business trip, though. I still need a cut. I know bestie would support you making twenty grand.”

Twenty grand! For one haircut? I shouldn’t have even considered going. I needed to get home, see the doctor, and start figuring out my life as a soon-to-be single mother, but the offer was New York City with Kellon Barnes, Brittani Shepard, and twenty thousand dollars.

“Lolo does love it when I take celebrity clients.” I shrugged. “You drive a hard bargain, Mr. Barnes.”