Page 14 of A Minute Past Midnight

“Juliana, what the hell?” I whispered aloud to myself. I couldn't believe what I’d done but didn't regret one moment of it. His leaving me in the wee hours of the morning told me that he may have regretted it. The way he fucked me had me believing I’d wake up still wrapped in his arms, but unfortunately, I woke up to an empty bed and a deliciously sore vagina.

I looked on the dresser across the room and noticed my clothes and other items sitting neatly on top of it. Stretching my limbs, then swinging my legs from the bed, I walked almost like a robot over to my things and noticed a note and a stack of cash lying next to it.

I snatched the note up and read it.

My beautiful Cinderella,

I’m sorry I had to leave you, but I want you to know I truly enjoyed you last night. It was well-needed. You gave me more than I expected, and if I could have stayed longer, I would have, but work got in the way of my plans for you.

Anyway, your purse felt a little light, so I wanted to fill it. It’s definitely not what you deserve, but it was all I had in cash. Take care of whatever you need and let me know if you need more. Here's my number. Call or text me anytime.

See you soon.

(734) 717.7114

-Samir

I set the letter down and picked up the cash, counting out almost $4,000. My knees almost buckled, and I had to put my palms on the dresser to stop myself from falling. It wasn't much, but to a chick who had sixty dollars and lint in her purse, it was a lot and just what I needed to buy me more time in my raggedy apartment.

Looking at the time on my phone, it read 6:09 a.m. Checkout time wasn't until eleven, so without thinking any further, I climbed my ass back in bed and fell asleep with a smile on my face.

Having a one-night stand paid off. Literally.

It was after noon when I finally made it back home. I paid the cabby and got out, heading inside when I saw Mya coming out of the building. She wore a two-piece gray Bulgari skirt set, with all-white Alexander McQueen sneakers, and a small white, gray, and black Goyard bag.

Mya always dressed fly in designer wear, which made me wonder why the hell she lived in this place.

“Well, well. Don't you look freshly done in.” She giggled.

I smirked. “What are you talking about?”

“Girl, you ain't that damn innocent. I fuck with it though. It's about time you let somebody own it.”

I shook my head and hid my amusement. “Have a good day, Mya.” She laughed and continued her stride toward the driver’s side of a 2025 silver Range Rover.

I frowned in confusion as my eyes went from this raggedy apartment to the brand-new luxury sports vehicle.

“Mya!” I called out before she could get inside the truck.

“’Sup, sis?”

I walked over to her. “I'm not trying to be in your business, but what exactly do you do for money, and why do you live in this hellhole?”

She laughed again. “I don't live here, pooh. My elderly aunt does. I come by and spend some time with her for a few days or just drop her off some things and be on my way. You wouldn't catch me dead in this motherfucka. No offense, babe.”

“None taken.”

“But to answer your other question, I work as an assistant at Frost Riverfront Architectural Firm. The pay is great, and it comes with benefits.”

“You think you could put in a good word to get me in? HOE—” I stopped, noticing the acronym I used to describe my job and laughed. It was funny because they truly were some hoes. Mya joined me. “Anyway, the firm I'm working at doesn't come with benefits, and the pay is poor. I can barely pay my bills.”

“I feel you.” She looked down at her phone before looking back at me. “I'll tell you what. I’ll come by tomorrow, and we’ll have a day together to put a plan in motion. I don't believe they're hiring right now, but I can put you on to something to get you more money.”

“As long as it doesn't involve sex or drugs, I'll do anything.”

“I would never. You don't even look like you know how to sell drugs or pussy anyway.” She laughed. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow around this time, so be ready.”

I smiled, feeling hopeful. “Okay. Thank you, Mya.”