Chapter 1: The Block Is Hot
The sun hung low over East Erwindale, casting long shadows across the dusty parking lot of Car Snatched La. The air smelled like a mix of exhaust, cheap cologne, and the faint, distant scent of something frying from the taco truck on the corner. Not exactly the kind of place you'd expect to find dreams being born, but hey, sometimes life doesn't give you a choice.
Naomi Harper breezed into her seat behind the cluttered reception desk, her fingers already wrapping around the steaming coffee that was her morning pick-me-up. The desk was a chaotic jumble of papers, old car magazines, and a half-eaten pack of stale crackers, but she didn't mind.
Naomi's laptop hummed to life, the screen flickering with the familiar spreadsheet she used to track sales and inventory. She sighed, pushing her thick, black glasses up her nose. Another day in paradise.
"Good morning, darling."
Naomi looked up to see Victoria sashaying towards her, a cloud of perfume trailing behind her. Victoria was a vision in a tight tank top and even tighter skirt her black hair falling in sleek waves down her back. She was the type of woman who looked like she'd stepped out of a music video, even at the crack of dawn.
Naomi raised an eyebrow, "Victoria, it's 8 AM. What kind of glow-up are you trying to achieve at this hour?"
Victoria swatted her away playfully, "Girl, please. You know I never sleep. Speaking of which, I saw Jamie at the club last night. He said he's coming by today to check out that Benz we just repossessed ." She leaned in, her eyes sparkling with mischief, "And of course to see me too."
Naomi rolled her eyes, "Okay girl, your man coming to the job? A new relationship level unlocked.
Victoria's grin was contagious, but Naomi was more focused on the figures dancing on her screen. "Just make sure he doesn't get any ideas about lowballing us, Victoria. You know how he is."
Victoria waved her off, "Pfft, please. Jamie loves me too much to screw us over. Besides, I hear he's looking to upgrade his ride. He's been eyeing that new Tesla." She sighed dreamily, "Maybe I can convince him to take me for a spin."
Just then, the bell above the door jingled, announcing the arrival of their first customer of the day.
Naomi looked up, her eyes widening as she recognized the tall, broad-shouldered figure walking through the door.
"Anthony?" she stammered, her heart suddenly racing.
Anthony, Naomi's childhood crush turned college basketball star turned... whatever he was now, gave her a lopsided grin, his deep dimples on full display. "Hey, Naomi. Long time no see."
Naomi tried to play it cool, but her cheeks were already giving her away. "Anthony, what are you doing here?"
He leaned against the counter, his eyes twinkling. "I’m moving back to Erwindale, and I needed a job, no better place than the family business.
You know, keeping it in the family and all." Anthony said with a shrug.
Naomi's fingers fumbled with the mouse, her eyes darting between the screen and Anthony. "Right, of course. Welcome back."
Victoria, who had been watching the exchange with amused curiosity, suddenly clicked her tongue. "Oh, so that's Anthony! The one you used to swoon over in high school?"
Naomi’s face flushed, "Victoria!"
Anthony chuckled, "Yeah, that’s me.
I see you haven’t changed much, Naomi. Still blushing like a schoolgirl."
Naomi's cheeks burned even brighter, but she managed a smile nonetheless. "Shut up, Anthony. So, what brings you back to town? I thought you were off to bigger and better things in college."
Anthony's expression sobered slightly. "Life doesn't always go the way you plan, Naoms. But I'm here now, and I'm ready to make something of myself again."
Naomi nodded, understanding that underlying tone all too well. She'd been hustling herself, working this job to save money for her dream beauty bar.
She knew that feeling all too well.
"Well, welcome aboard," Naomi said, giving him a genuine smile. "We could use your help here."
The bell jingled again, this time announcing the arrival of a familiar face. Trinity, Naomi's lifelong best friend, swaggered in, her head held high and her makeup flawless. She was rocking a vibrant purple lipstick that perfectly matched her bold personality.
"Hey, Naomi," she said, tossing her oversized purse onto the counter. "Victoria, looking like a snack as usual."
Victoria blew her a kiss, "Always, Trin.
What's up, girl? You look like you're ready to slay a dragon."
Trinity smirked, "Just another day in the life of the baddest. Oh, and I brought lunch." She hefted a large paper bag onto the counter, the tantalizing scent of fried chicken and waffles wafting out.
Naomi's stomach growled in response, and she shot Trinity a grateful look. "You're a lifesaver. I was starving."
Anthony's eyes widened, "Whoa, whoa, whoa.
You can't just dangle that in front of us like that, Trin. That's cruel."
Trinity grinned, "Well look at who made their way back to the Eastside!”
Anthony chuckled, "It’s good to see you Trin.”
Anthony and Trinity hug, with Anthony’s back turned to Naomi, Trinity and Naomi exchange looks and faces, signaling excitement.
Victoria chimed in, "You know what, I could eat. Mind if I grab a bite, Trin?"
Trinity smirked, "Of course not, Victoria. There's plenty to go around."
Naomi quickly grabbed some napkins and plates from the dusty drawer under the desk, setting them out on the counter. She opened the bag, revealing a feast of crispy chicken, fluffy waffles, and a side of Mac and cheese.
"You didn't have to go all out, Trin," Naomi said, but her stomach rumbled again, betraying her words.
Trinity winked, "Girl, please.
You know I can't let you starve. Plus, we've got a lot to catch up on, and food always makes that better."
As they began to dig into the food, the bell jingled again, this time announcing the arrival of Stephen, Anthony's cousin. He strutted in like he owned the place, his eyes scanning the group with a cocky grin.
"Yo, what's good, fam? I see we're getting the party started early today," he said, eyeing the food.
Naomi rolled her eyes, "It's a workday, Stephen.
But you're welcome to join us if you can find a plate."
Stephen's grin widened as he snatched a plate from the stack, "Don't mind if I do." He helped himself to a generous portion of fried chicken and waffles, his eyes never leaving Trinity . "You know, I always say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Especially when it's this good."
Trinity smiled back at him, "Well, Stephen, you're welcome to it anytime."
As the group starts to enjoy their meal, they hear a loud car pulling up in the lot. The sound of the commodores all catch their attention.
Stephen say, “Uh Oh! Y’all already know who that is.” Victoria scoffed, "Only one person drives a car that loud around here. It's gotta be Jamie."
They all stare at each other as they say simultaneously, “Reggie!”
They all shuffle to put away the food before Reggie enters the office.
Naomi swipes a bit of syrup from her lip with her napkin, and Trinity quickly wipes down the counter. Stephen nonchalantly placed his food on the desk, leaning back in his chair like he hadn’t been caught red-handed.
As the door swung open, in walked Reggie, the owner of Car Snatched La, dressed in a dingy brown suit that and some worn out steel toe boots.