Page 29 of Certified Pressure

Taffy Royale stood in the back with her hands clasped together, lookin’ nervous but still dressed like she ain’t come toplay. She had on a deep red silk pajama set that flowed over her curves with just enough cling to make you stare twice. The top was tied at the waist, and the pants hung low over some big, furry slippers. Her lashes were still on, and even though she looked like she was bracin’ for the worst, she still carried herself like she belonged. She was big, yeah, and I usually didn’t go for that, but she had a light to her. She was funny, honest, and didn’t try to act like nobody else. She was herself, and I fucked with it.

She looked like she was already halfway out the door, whisperin’ somethin’ to herself.

“Big Taff,” I said.

She flinched like she didn’t believe I actually said her name.

“Come here,” I told her.

She looked up fast, her eyes wide, then gasped like she just won the damn lottery.

“Oh my God!” she squealed, joggin’ her dramatic ass over to me and wrappin’ her arms around my neck. “I knew you saw me! I knew it! Thank you, baby!”

“Chill out,” I said, tryna hold in a laugh. “You lucky I fuck with your vibe.”

“I’mma keep it up! You won’t regret this!” she beamed, then wiped her eyes.

There was only one woman left to choose from now, and that was Imani Blaze.

She was standin’ there like she had a bad taste in her mouth, but I could tell she was nervous as hell. She sighed, flipped her long hair off her shoulder, and crossed her arms.

I stepped a little closer, just to make sure she knew I wasn’t softenin’ shit up.

“Last night, you was talkin’ crazy,” I said, my voice low but cuttin’.

She nodded slowly, like she’d already heard it in her head ten times.

“Flappin’ at the mouth like somebody owed you somethin’, but I’m feelin’ generous this mornin’,” I continued, eyein’ her from head to toe. “So I’mma let you stay… but if you wanna keep standin’, you better keep that attitude in check.”

She looked surprised. “You serious?”

I gave her a look. “I look like I’m jokin’?”

She shook her head quick and hurried over, slidin’ into the line like she didn’t wanna draw no more attention.

I looked at what I had. Fifteen women… All with different styles, energies, and intentions. But the other five? Nah.

I turned toward the ones left behind—Kalea Monroe, Tamara Rose, Aubrii Gold, Brittany Luxe, and Milan Sweetz.

Milan stepped forward like she had somethin’ to say. “Wait… so I ain’t get picked? Like… why?”

I tilted my head slow and looked down at her crusty ass feet.

“Milan…” I said, draggin’ her name out just enough to make her nervous. “Do youreallywanna know?”

She folded her arms. “Yeah.”

I looked back down, then up at her again, and raised an eyebrow. “You sure?”

“I said yeah.”

I gave her the most blank expression I had. “You wore them toes inmyhouse. That’s why.”

Kay’Lo burst out laughin’ in the back. Renza had to turn around to keep from spittin’ out his drink. Even Blaqson let out a low whistle like,Damn.

Milan looked down, embarrassed as hell. “Wow. Are you serious?”

“I’m dead serious,” I said. “Baby, it don’t look like you had ya feet done since the pandemic.”