Gigi sat on her couch, staring at Carter's business card like it was some sort of riddle. She hadn't expected him to leave her his number, let alone on a slick, black card with gold lettering. It was smooth, no doubt, but she had no clue if it meant he actually wanted to do business with her or if that was his way of telling her to call him on a more "personal" level.

She was tired of getting hurt, and with everything that had gone down with Chris, she wasn't sure if she should even be entertaining another man right now.

Her thumb hovered over her phone screen for a moment before she hit dial on Queen's number.

She needed advice... and fast!

"Yo, what's up?" Queen's voice rang out, light and casual.

"Biiiitttccchhhh," Gigi said, sinking back into the couch.

"Ouuu what happened now?!" Queen perked up. She knew whenever Gigi started a sentence off with "biiiitttccchhhh", some hot tea was soon to follow.

"Okay soooo.... I met this guy last night at work... Carter. You ever served him? Lightskin dude with like some hazel eyes?"

"And he came into the Ivy?"

"Mmhmmm."

Queen shrugged, "Not that I know of but you know how crazy it can get behind that bar sometimes, I could've served him and not known."

"Oh no bitch you would know if you served him!"

"Ouuu he that fine?" Queen chuckled.

"Fine as fuck." Gigi corrected with a laugh, "But anyway... you know I don't usually pay them niggas no attention. Like whatsoever. But Carter?? Whewww... That's all I gota say. And... he left me his business card but I don't know if he's tryna do business or if he was flirting, you know? You think I should text him?"

Queen's response was immediate. "Bitch, stop playin' with me G. First of all, have you seen yourself? You know damn well that nigga was flirting!"

Gigi let out a deep sigh, rolling her eyes even though Queen couldn't see her. "I mean, I guess..." she chuckled again, "But after everything with Chris, I don't know if I can just jump into something else. Like that man just took me to the Maldives. And that shit wasn't cheap. And I told you about all those roses he sent for Vday?"

There was a pause on the other end, before Queen spoke again. "Let me tell you something G—You need to text that man especially after Chris. Respectfully, Chris is a man with a lot of money so yeah he took you to the Maldives and bought 1,000 roses and bought you a new car but did you ever stop and think he buys you things as a way to distract you from the other shit he puts you through? Like be for real—if he wasn't Chris Brown do you think you would put up with the back and forth so much?"

Gigi took a deep breath, letting Queen's words settle in her mind. She hadn't really thought about it that way, but the more she did, the more it made sense. "I mean... you right. I've been letting his money and fame cloud my judgment. But it's hard, you know? When you get caught up and feelings get involved... It really is hard Queen."

Queen's voice softened but stayed firm. "And that's the thing, G. That's exactly how he wants you to feel. The whole 'celebrity' thing, the trips, the gifts, it's all part of the charm."

Gigi let out a frustrated huff, sinking deeper into her couch. "I don't know, Queen. It's just... complicated. I love him. But I see now that love ain't enough."

Queen laughed softly. "Exactly! And that's why you need to text Carter. I'm tellin' you, you've been stuck on Chris for too long, it's time to see what's out there and find you a man without mess."

Gigi's fingers brushed the edge of her phone as she thought it over. Queen was right—Chris was still out there, living his best life, grinding on different women every night, while she just sat here, caught in a web of what-ifs. Maybe Carter was just the distraction she needed. She wasn't looking for anything serious, but maybe she deserved a little fun for herself.

Gigi sighed one more time, still not 100% sure. "I-I don't know Queen, I just don't wana move reckless."

Queen clicked her tongue. "Reckless? Nah. You thinkin' way too much. You wanna keep getting stuck in that cycle with Chris? The man is off on tour, probably fuckin' a new groupie every night. I mean. That's how you met him right? Meanwhile you just sitting here with his ghost."

"Bitch did you just call me a groupie?" Gigi asked, her voice rising in disbelief.

There was a slight silence on the phone before both women burst out laughing. "Okay maybe I was a groupie that night."

"I think the average woman would've turned into a groupie that night." Queen threw in, her laughter still ringing in Gigi's ears. "I don't blame you for gettin' caught up in the hype."

"Okay, okay," Gigi relented, feeling her shoulders relax. "But back to texting Carter, ugh. You make it sound so easy."

"'That's cause it is!" Queen shot back. "You making it harder than it has to be. Text him. You deserve that. Hell, you deserve more than that."

Gigi exhaled, leaning forward and grabbing the card again. "Alright, alright. You right."

"Damn right I'm right," Queen said, her voice practically beaming. "Now go on, text him and see what happens."

Gigi glanced at the card in her hand for a second longer. Then, she quickly typed out the message:

Hey Carter, it's Gigi, the bartender from last night. Just texting so you can lock my number in.

Super basic, super cheesy but also super straight to the point. She hit send, then tossed her phone on the coffee table, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves twist in her stomach. She wasn't sure what to expect, but the ball was in his court. She'd left the conversation pretty open so that his next text could determine if he wanted to talk business... or be more personal.

"You did it?" Queen's voice was filled with excitement on the other end.

"I did," Gigi replied with a grin. "Now we wait."

But it didn't take long for the reply to come in.

What's up Gigi? I was hoping you would call, I'm not much of a texter... You free to talk?

Gigi couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips. It wasn't much, but it was enough to make her feel something she hadn't felt in a while—interested.

"Looks like you've got yourself a little situation now," Queen teased.

Gigi laughed softly. "I'll keep you posted. But umm... Let me call you back..."

•••

The conversation between Gigi and Carter had been surprisingly... easy. Flirty, but not too much. Comfortable, but never overbearing. He kept it just enough to keep her intrigued without coming on too strong.

And tonight? A few days after meeting him, a couple of conversations and texts later—she was finally meeting him for dinner.

The restaurant was upscale but lowkey with tinted windows and candlelit tables. Gigi sat at the bar, sipping on a lychee martini while she waited. Soft glam, body-hugging nude dress, heels tapping lightly against the barstool.

She looked good, and she knew it.

When Carter walked in, he matched the vibe perfectly. Tailored olive green suit, fresh shape-up, gold links peeking from beneath his open collar. He moved like a man who didn't have to say much to get attention—and yet, all eyes were on him.

Especially Gigi's.

He spotted her immediately, that smooth grin spreading across his face as he walked over.

"Damn," he said, leaning in just enough to kiss her cheek. "You really tryna make me look bad tonight, huh?"

She chuckled, giving him a once-over. "Please. You keepin' up just fine."

They settled into a cozy corner booth, ordering appetizers and a bottle of champagne before diving into conversation.

And to Gigi's surprise? He was even more interesting than he looked.

"So what kinds of things do you invest in, Carter?" she asked, swirling her drink as she watched him closely.

He leaned back, that charming smile never fading.

"Real estate. A couple of business ventures back home. Whatever grabs my attentions, ya know? I like to keep things diverse."

"Back home? So you're not from here?"

"Nah. Atlanta. Born and raised. I flew out here recently just to explore some opportunities."

She raised a brow. "Like?"

He shrugged. "Luxury properties, mostly. But I'm also tapped into a few entertainment circles—investing in studios, helping artists flip their money smart. You know, leveling up the right way."

Gigi nodded, impressed. He spoke with the kind of confidence that came from knowing the game.

And then he dropped it.

"But before all that? I was in the streets... Real heavy."

She blinked. "Oh?"

Carter took a sip of his drink, calm as ever. "I ain't gon' sit here and bullshit you. I made my money hustlin'. But I knew it wasn't forever. So I got out—flipped it legit. Built something solid. Now? I'm good. No drama. No heat. Just business."

Gigi sat back, processing. She'd met a lot of men with money—but not many who would admit where it really came from.

"Damn," she murmured, smirking. "So basically, you the blueprint."

Carter chuckled. "Somethin' like that. I just learned the hard way. It ain't about how fast you get it—it's about keepin' it."

That line hit different. She just knew Carter was the kind of man that could teach her a thing or two, especially about business. And she loved that.

The conversation flowed easily after that—stories about their pasts, goals for the future. Gigi even opened up about her new brand deal, the one she was finalizing with EvolveFit.

"They want me to be the face of the whole campaign," she explained. "Like, it's crazy. Photoshoots, travel, collabs—it could really be the next step for me."

Carter nodded, clearly impressed. "That's big. You deserve that. You got the energy and the look. That's for sure."

Her cheeks warmed, but she kept her composure. "Thank you. I'm just tryna keep my head straight, you know? Make the right moves. With no distractions."

Carter smirked, holding her gaze.

"Distractions like me?"

She sipped her drink, eyes narrowing playfully.

"Maybe."

And just like that? The tension got thick.

By the time dinner wrapped, Gigi couldn't deny it—Carter was different. Smooth. Mature. And most definitely a grown ass man.

But when he walked her to her car and opened the door for her, he leaned in close, his voice low in her ear.

"You deserve everything comin' your way Gionna. And I'm not here to be a distraction. I'm here to see you win... if you let me."

Gigi exhaled, heart racing.

And for the first time in a long time... Chris was nowhere on her mind.

•••

The music thumped softly through the speakers, the dim glow of the pendant lights reflecting off the marble bar as Gigi wiped down the counter for what felt like the hundredth time that night. The Ivy was packed, but she wasn't really there.

Her mind kept drifting—to Carter, to the brand deal, and to this being her last night bartending. 

It was bittersweet. 

Bartending had been her bread and butter for years. It paid the bills. Funded her brand and kept her connected to the scene. But she was outgrowing it now. 

Porsche had insisted on throwing Gigi a massive party filled with the hottest entertainers and influencers, but Gigi had politely declined. She wanted her last night to be a regular degular night dedicated to her regulars.

"Yo, Gigi! You good?" 

She blinked, snapping out of it as her coworker Sade waved at her from the other end of the bar. 

"Yeah, I'm straight," Gigi called back, forcing a smile as she topped off a tequila sunrise for a customer. 

Stay focused. Finish strong.

The crowd was thinning as the night wore on, but the energy stayed buzzing. And then— 

Carter. 

He slid into a seat at the far end of the bar, dressed down this time—fitted black tee, Cartier frames, diamond watch catching the light just enough. He didn't call her over. Didn't do too much. 

Just sat back. Watching. 

And Gigi felt it. 

She made her way over, giving him that teasing smile. 

"Damn, you following me now?" 

Carter grinned, leaning on the counter. "Nah. Had to see you in your element one more time before you retire on me." 

Her chest warmed. She nodded toward the top shelf. "What you drinking?" 

"Something dark. Bartender's choice." 

She reached for the top-shelf bourbon, pouring him a double neat before sliding it across the bar. 

"You ain't have to pull up just for me, you know," she teased. 

Carter held her gaze, voice lower. "Maybe I did. Gotta remind you I'm around." 

Gigi's stomach did a little flip. 

Before she could respond, the next song cut through the speakers—something sultry and low, the vibe shifting. And then the next thing she knew, Carter was sliding a folded bill across the bar. 

"Keep the change," he murmured, holding her eyes just a second longer before leaning back. 

Gigi glanced down—expecting a hundred. 

It was a stack of ten. Crisp, new hundred dollar bills. 

A whole thousand. 

Her breath caught. Carter was far from Drake, but he was definitely tipping like they were in the same tax bracket.

She lifted a brow, smirking as she refolded it and tucked it into her bra. "So you just showin' off now?" 

Carter sipped his drink, his grin subtle. "Nah. Just showin' appreciation for a job well done. It's your last night ain't it?"

Before she could respond, a commotion at the front of the bar caught her attention—her manager stepping up to make an announcement. 

"Alright, y'all! Tonight, we're sending off one of our finest—Gigi! It's her last shift, so make sure you show her some love and tip her well!" 

The crowd erupted into cheers. 

Gigi felt her face heat up, waving them off playfully. 

Carter? He just watched her—calm, collected, but that proud look in his eyes said everything. 

And when the night finally wound down, when the music faded and the lights came up, Gigi knew— 

She was officially done with bartending for The Ivy.

It was time for her to step into her next chapter. But something told her Carter was stepping into it with her.

•••

The phone buzzed on the couch next to her, the screen lighting up with Carter's name. 

Gigi stared at it for a second, biting her bottom lip, heart already racing before she even answered.  

But before she could swipe to pick up, Queen's FaceTime came through, interrupting the call. She groaned but answered anyway, her best friend's face filling the screen as she sat in bed, bonnet on, snack in hand.  

"Aight, spill. Why you lookin' like somebody just snatched your edges? What's up?" Queen asked, popping a grape into her mouth. 

Gigi exhaled, running a hand over her hair. "It ain't even all that. I just..." She hesitated, glancing at her phone screen where Carter's call still lingered in her notifications. "I don't know. I feel like I moved on kinda fast... or maybe I didn't. Hell, I don't know." 

Queen blinked, sitting up straighter. "Hold up. Fast from who? Girl, Chris been moving how he wanted to. If anything, you didn't move fast enough. Me personally? I would've been doing my own thing."

Gigi shrugged, shifting her legs under her. "Yeah, but... it's just weird. I know it's only been two weeks week but... I'm actually happy, Queen. Like, he treats me good. And talks to me like I matter... and it's lowkey scaring me." 

Queen raised a brow, unimpressed. "Oh, so you scared of healthy now? Girl, don't make me cuss you out. If this man got you smiling like that, then stop overthinking. You deserve that shit. Chris had his chance." 

Gigi sighed but nodded, chewing her bottom lip. "You right. I just... I'm trying to be cautious, you know? And it's been a minute since someone really moved like this with me." 

Queen nodded, her expression softening. "I get it. But don't cheat yourself out of being happy just 'cause you scared. You deserve to feel good. For real."

Before Gigi could respond, her phone buzzed again—Carter.

Queen side-eyed the screen with a smirk. "Awww, it's your lil' Atlanta zaddy again? Go ahead, girl. Don't let me hold you up. But you better not start pickin' him over me, I mean that." 

Gigi rolled her eyes, laughing. "Girl, shut up. I'll call you later." 

Queen winked before ending the call, and Gigi immediately swiped to answer Carter's. 

His voice hit her like a warm blanket, low and smooth as ever. 

"Damn, you finally pickin' up? Thought you was dodgin' me." 

She smiled, leaning back into the couch. "Boy, stop. You know I wasn't dodgin' you.*" 

He chuckled, voice softer now. "Just checkin' in on you though... You good babygirl?" 

Gigi exhaled, closing her eyes for a moment. "Yeah, I'm good. Just... thinking too much."

"Thinking about what, huh? Talk to me." 

She hesitated. "I guess... just us. I wasn't expecting this to feel so—easy. I told myself I was gon' chill, take my time, focus on me. And then you pop up, being all sweet, and now I'm over
here questioning if it's too much too soon." 

Carter didn't miss a beat. His voice stayed calm and steady. 

"You just ain't used to being treated right. And I get it—you been through some shit. But I ain't here to play games. It's just me... tryin' to get to know you better. That cool with you?" 

Her stomach flipped. His words hit way too close. 

"...Yeah. That's cool with me." 

Silence lingered, but not awkward. Just heavy. Like they both felt the shift. 

Then his voice dropped lower, that gravelly edge creeping in. 

"Aight... so when am I seein' you again? I been thinkin' about you all day." 

She could feel her cheeks heat, rolling her eyes even though her stomach flipped again. 

"Stop playin' Carter, you don't wana see me." Gigi joked with a giggle.

Carter smiled. "I'm deadass. I'll be back in town Friday. Can you make yourself free for me?"

Gigi smirked. "I could..." 

Carter chuckled. "Aight. Bet. Ima hold you to that. Sleep tight Gionna." 

"You too, Carter." 

When the call ended, Gigi sat there for a moment, her heart still racing. She wasn't sure what this was, but for the first time in a while, it felt... right. Something about Carter's confidence, the way he made her feel like she was worth the effort—she couldn't deny it. She hadn't expected her night to go this way, but maybe it was just what she needed. And when she finally picked up her phone to set an alarm for the next morning, her mind was completely clear.

•••

The steakhouse was upscale, the kind of spot where the lighting was low, candles flickered on the tables, and the scent of sizzling butter and rosemary lingered in the air. A jazz trio played softly in the corner, adding just enough vibe without being overwhelming.

Gigi sat across from Carter in a fitted black dress that hugged every curve just right. Her soft curls were styled half up, cascading over her shoulders, and her gold hoops caught the light every time she shifted. She felt good tonight—calm, confident.

Carter matched her energy effortlessly, dressed sharp in a tailored black suit with the top two buttons of his shirt undone. His Rolex