2. Simp

Cin's POV

"You didn't come in to say goodnight last night." She took a seat referring to me as I dusted the counter. I worked as the store's attendant and other functions did pop up as days went by.

"I was tired and I also didn't want to wake you up. Besides, I'm not a kid."

"The more reason to check on old Lauren."

"You're not old you're just…"

"Elderly?" She teased, a smile perched on her lips.

"Not the word I was looking for."

"But one I'm familiar with." I frowned in return.

"With a frown marred across your face like that, you're never going to find a man."

"A lady's life is not just all about finding a man and becoming a missus, some of us enjoy solitude and being free enough to do things without considering other people's emotions."

"You won't grow old with freedom by your side but you will with someone. How I miss my Jack." She gave a grin.

"My world doesn't and wouldn't revolve around a man lady." 

"Keep saying it till you believe it."

"And with that said, I know you're hiding something from me, spill it lady."

"The store hasn't been making much sales lately and we've been managing to pull through, I really appreciate you working another job so we could use your paycheck from this one to foot the bills of the twins but I'm afraid it's not enough Cin, they might have to drop out, it's unfair for you to still spend your earnings from your night job on us. It's unjust of me to allow it."

"I'm not complaining Lauren, they're like my siblings."

"I know but-"

"No buts, they aren't dropping out and I'll continue to take care of them to the best of my ability."

"Again with the hot head. Thank you Cin."

"Don't mention. I hope you didn't tell them about the trust?"

"No I didn't and thank you for that too." She smiled.

I'd set up a trust for the twins and I'd been saving into it to set them up for college, stubborn to Lauren's whims and complaints, and I was filling it up with money from my other job.

"Thanks for also getting rent, electricity and water. Rey told me yesterday afternoon. You're even covering mortgage and the rest. You're a Godsend Cin."

"You're welcome young lady." I gave her a hug.

" I do see the way Tom looks at you though, why don't you give him a chance, he seems like a good one and he's a hunk too, enough muscles for heavy lifting." She teased.

"Eww! No! Tom is lame and definitely not a hunk to me and I will never give him a chance."

" But-"

"Hey Grams." Renata burst through the doors interrupting Lauren.

Thank God.

"Hey Grammy." Rey winked at Lauren before pressing his lips against her cheek.

"Stop calling her that, you're making her seem like an award or something." Renata laughed.

"How was school?" I smiled.

"Same old, same old." Rey shrugged.

"I made you guys a casserole."

"Uhh." Renata groaned.

"Grams can't we have pizza or something different?"

"Sweeties you know that's what I can afford right now."

"We know." They groaned.

"Well we can have pizza." I lightened their mood.

"Really?" Ren's eyes bulged in surprise.

"Sure. Let's order." I grabbed my phone.

"Yeah, a large margarita and a side of fries, large, four milkshakes and one diet coke with a soda." I ordered, looking at their faces as they beamed with joy, nodding in agreement.

"Add a medium bucket of chicken to that...yeah, mixed parts. Thanks."

"You're the best miss Cin."

"I try, I try." I dusted my shoulder off.

"You're spoiling them." Lauren smirked.

"And what exactly do grandparents do?" I reflected the smirk.

"Alright guys, the delivery guy is almost here and I have just two more hours before I resume at my job. So...showers? Now?"

"Yes miss Cin." They rushed home to get right to it.

Lauren smiled at me in approval and I returned it too.

"And there you have it folks, City Glam." The crowd cheered immediately I was done with my performance and I headed to the accountant.

"Hi Larry."

"Hi Glam." He smiled up at me.

"35400." I counted before dropping off the percentage, about to leave.

"How about a drink?"

"I'm good."

"Just one, please?" He pleaded and I exhaled, agreeing to one drink.

"Fine." He poured me a glass of martini and I sipped on the drink.

"Smooth." I commented.

"You're alluring. Do you know that?"

"Might've heard it once or twice." I smirked.

"Your eyes are beautiful."

"Just kiss me already, if that's what you want." 

"Can I?"

"Hit the lights." I said and he hurriedly did before steadily guiding his way back to me before molding lips together, easing our sexual tension.

I broke the kiss and placed my mask back on before getting the lights.

"I have to run." I smiled at him.

"Please don't go."

Simp.

"Night Larry."

"Night." He let out a smile as he exhaled.

I trudged down the street and a familiar car showed up again.

"You don't give up, do you?"

"Not when I need something." He replied.

"Well I don't want to hear it, goodnight." I slipped my headphones on and I tuned him out, walking towards the bus stop, bobbing my head to the loud music.

It was about midnight already.

Next Day

I'd just completed my performance, dropped the share off at the accountants office before stalking home, hoping Rey wouldn't pick me up today, I didn't enjoy endangering the kids life. I was fine with taking the bus.

The car from the previous day pulled up again and I didn't heed once more.

Some folks don't just take hints.

"Fuck off!" I barred, taking out an airpod just for added impact.

Almost immediately, my purse was snatched and I ran after the mugger without all my strength and might, I was an athlete -if intense yoga counts.

I'd been just a few inches away from the mugger, almost getting to him when a car from nowhere slightly collided with him, causing him to crumble to the ground.

I hurriedly grabbed my purse, dishing him a fierce kick to the ribs before slinging the nurse over my shoulder, preparing to walk to my initial destination.

"Hi."

"Because you hit him with a car doesn't make you Superman. Beat it!" I sassed, scrolling on my phone to find a perfect song.

"I've been trying to get your attention for three whole nights now."

"You still won't get it anytime soon. I don't escort random men home just because of my job and secondly, I'd never be caught dead in your mangy sheets. You would never get my attention." I spat.

"Are you sure about that?" He smirked and I quickly realized what he was referring to.

"You staged it all." I whispered, looking around, more bewildered than bothered.

"I've got a proposal you might find worth your whil-" I interrupted him with a flying kick to the ribs.

"Sicko." I spat.

"More proof that you're the right person for this."

"I don't want to know about your dumb idea, I'd rather lick an asteroid than be invested in whatever it is you have to say."

"Fiery. Just perfect." 

"Stop addressing me like some piece of steak or something." I was getting ticked off so I took the decision to exit the setting.

"She sure has some skills, boss." The 'mugger' rubbed on his ribs as he spoke to the 'boss'."

"Sorry about that Bryan." He gave an apologetic smile.

I threw a nasty look at Bryan.

"You don't want to hear me out?"

"No bruh." I rolled my eyes.

"Would it get your attention if I told you that those cute little twins you seem to care about, would have a decent dinner due to my huge purchase and heavy tip at the bookstore this evening." He smirked.

Rey and Ren?!

"Don't you dare touch a strand of hair on their head and the rest of their body." I warned through gritted teeth as I stared him down, my vision going red as my blood pumped faster, my ears going hot at the sudden flare up.

"Easy there tiger."

"Say the fucking proposal." I bit down on my tongue to prevent irrational and reflex actions.

"According to research, you're the best at what you do and you fire a mean bullet." He said to me, an unsure look in his eyes.

"That's not me anymore. Besides how did you know that?" I looked over my shoulder, scanning the empty road.

"An old acquaintance and one helluva digging. You cover up your tracks so damn well miss Glam."

"I left that life behind. Sorry, not sorry."

"I really need your services."

"Nope." I strolled.

"Trust me, I really do, more than the twins."

I huffed. "Fine. What's in it for me?"

"A million." He sighed.

"Triple it." I tested the waters.

"Done!" He replied and my jaw dropped.

"And I get to do what I want too." 

"Done. But I also get to call the shots, I'm the employer nevertheless."

"Sure sure." I rolled my eyes.

"Pick me up at the bookstore, the day after tomorrow, 11am sharp, I have to drop off a letter of resignation and one last performance for old times sake." I strode off.

"We can drop you off." He offered.

"Where'd you think I was heading to?" I cackled as I pulled the car's door open before settling into the seat and shutting it right after.

I turned in my seat to throw another nasty look at the surprisingly good looking 'mugger'. He threw me a smile and I frowned.

"I can't wait to get to know you better." Bryan laughed and I frowned harder.

"I can." I mumbled.

"Could you stop there?" I asked and he did.

"Hold on a sec." I peeked through the window towards the small kiosk in the dark alleyway.

No lighting.

Definitely not open.

"What's wrong?" He looked out of the window too.

"I guess it's time to find out whether or not I can trust you."

"I understand but I don't follow…" he was confused.

"Here, this is about thirty grand, you'd pay it into this account." I unfolded the ruffled piece of paper.

"You can either go in person or send one of your muggers to the bank. My plug is currently not in as you can see so you'd take this and deposit it into that account."

"That's all."

"Yes, that's my game of trust."

"Okay, got it." He handed the cash and piece of paper to Bryan.

"Good. We can leave now." 

In no time, we'd arrived at my house and I already got ready to alight.

"Goodnight Glam."

"I don't go by that here, be very careful." I warned as I alighted from the vehicle before slamming the door shut.

"Night Cincinnati!"

"Fuck off!"