Katie opened the door before Jasmine could even ring the doorbell.
"Woah... you going somewhere?" Jasmine asked.
"No, silly. I saw you coming from the window," Katie said, a bit out of breath like she had just run downstairs. She wrapped Jasmine in a hug.
"Someone has missed me," Jasmine giggled.
"You know it." Katie released her, and they walked back inside.
"Your mom's not back from work yet?" Jasmine asked, looking around.
"No, she said she'll be running late."
"And Irene?" Jasmine asked about Katie's younger sister, who was five years younger than Katie's 23 years. Irene and Jasmine got along well. It was obvious to both their parents that Irene adored Jasmine-sometimes even more than her own sister. Katie didn't mind, though; she saw Jasmine as family.
"The little devil is having a sleepover at her friend's tonight," Katie replied, good-naturedly calling her sister by her usual nickname.
"That's cool. When's the next rehearsal?"
"You didn't know?" Katie retorted dryly. "It's this weekend... at your place."
"My place? How come?" Jasmine asked, surprised. The band usually rotated houses for rehearsals, and the last time had been at Katie's. Jasmine shuddered to think of the chaos that might have ensued if Katie hadn't mentioned it and she'd accidentally scheduled a job that day.
"Yes, your place."
"Thanks for letting me know. I'll cancel whatever plans I have for that day."
"Well, look at you, all business-like," Katie teased.
"Girl, you won't believe what happened at work today," Jasmine said, settling onto the couch.
"Oh yeah? Tell me about it." Katie plumped a throw pillow, getting comfortable for the story.
"So apparently, we had celebrities at the shop today, and I had no idea until Anna told me after they left."
Katie laughed. "That's so you. Honestly, you weren't supposed to be born in this era."
Jasmine swatted her thigh playfully. "Whatever! Anyway, one of them is an influencer. Don't know if you know her." She opened Instagram and showed Katie Jamie's profile.
"OMG! You did Jamie's nails? And she tagged you in her post? Look, you're getting more followers!" Katie squealed excitedly. Sure enough, Jasmine checked her account and was shocked to see she had gained over 200 followers in just two hours.
"She's the real deal," Katie said. "I told you-your work is too good. Be ready for an inflow of new customers."
"Wow, I didn't even think of that."
"You should. So, did they just walk in, or how did they know about The Studio?"
"Jamie said a friend of hers, Scarlett, who I'd done nails for before, recommended our place."
"That's amazing! So tell me-how's Jamie? Is she as bubbly as she seems in her videos?"
"She has a great personality and is super down-to-earth, considering how popular she is. I'd like to work for her again."
"But you said celebrities-who did she come with?"
"Her name is Cassie."
"The only Cassie she's usually seen with is Hadi, Wait you mean the youngest daughter of Hadi Holdings was at your shop? That's huge! How you didn't mess up their nails from nerves is beyond me."
Jasmine laughed. "Come on, we're professionals! And don't forget, I didn't know who they were until later."
"So, how was the golden daughter?" Katie asked with mock curiosity.
"Golden daughter, really?" Jasmine deadpanned, and they both burst into laughter.
"Well, I got the impression she didn't like me. She only acknowledged me after seeing my work-begrudgingly, it seemed."
"Not surprising. It's understandable to be a little stuck-up when you're a Hadi."
"Thank god for modest rich people like Jamie. Honestly, I didn't know much about the Hadis besides their company being huge."
"Not surprising, either-it's you, isn't it?" Katie teased. "Every twenty-first-century person with a phone knows about the Hadi siblings. Cassie, the supermodel, and her brother Khaleed, the new CEO and all-around playboy."
"Funny, I know a Khaleed who works at their company. I went on a date with him recently," Jasmine said, finding it a weird coincidence that they shared the same name.
Katie frowned. "Khaleed Hadi? The playboy and most eligible bachelor featured in every gossip magazine?"
"You mean Cassie's brother?" Jasmine scoffed. "What are you on about? That's not possible. It's just a coincidence. He's probably an executive or something-not the CEO."
Katie stared at her skeptically. "Only one way to find out." She typed his name into Google and thrust the phone into Jasmine's face.
"Is this him?"
In the picture, Khaleed stands confidently in a sharp, tailored black suit, his posture exuding authority. His dark hair, shoulder-length and slightly tousled, is gathered into a neat bun at the nape of his neck. A few loose strands escape the bun, softly framing his chiseled face and enhancing his rugged charm. The white shirt beneath the suit jacket contrasts crisply with the black tie, creating a balanced, refined look. His gaze is intense and commanding, while the subtle stubble on his jaw adds to his charisma. The background suggests a sophisticated, modern environment, amplifying his high-status presence.
Jasmine stared dumbfounded at the image. "It's him, I guess," she whispered.
"It is him, girl. He doesn't have a twin brother. And even if he did, they'd both be filthy rich. Don't get me wrong-I love you-but how the hell did you meet this guy?"
"How did I not figure this out?" Jasmine muttered. The way he carried himself, his charisma-it all made sense now. She'd been texting and going on dates with the CEO of Hadi Holdings.
"I met him the day I came in super late to church," she began.
"Yeah, I remember. Go on."
"Well, I bumped into him. Then he showed up at my workplace and asked for my number. He was so annoying, wouldn't leave, so I gave it to him. we started texting and went on a date."
Katie's eyes widened comically. "You what? Where?"
"We had lunch at KING'S. I ordered a burger, and he ordered one too."
"Oh my gosh. You're hopeless, Jasmine. That should've been your first clue."
"It would've been if I'd known he was a Hadi."
"He didn't tell you?"
"No. I noticed he seemed expensive-his speech, his appearance. I asked what he did, and he said he worked at Hadi Holdings."
Katie laughed. "Yeah, as the CEO."
"Don't make fun of me."
"I'm sorry, but I had to. So, what now? Is he just a friend, or...?"
"Yes, we're friends," Jasmine replied, her confidence wavering now that she knew who he was.
"Be careful with this one. He's known to be a playboy through and through. I wouldn't want you to get hurt. And before you say anything, I know you're not easy, but just be cautious. His last flavor was Jennifer Gunnings-the actress."
Jasmine shrugged. "It's fine. He's not my boyfriend or anything. We're just friends."
"Alright, I trust you. But if you weren't my friend, I'd sell this story to GossipBlog." Katie teased. "'Khaleed Hadi Goes on a Date with Non-Celebrity Makeup Artist!'"
"You wouldn't dare." Jasmine mock-growled.
"For real, though-you sure this hottie is just a friend? You don't have the hots for him?" Katie pressed, staring intently.
"He's attractive, yeah-but just a friend," Jasmine managed, fighting a blush.
"You find him attractive... and you're blushing! I never thought I'd see this day."
"Shut up. Enough about me. How's it going with your boo?" Jasmine asked, successfully deflecting the attention. Katie's blush told her the diversion worked.
"Ugh, he's the sweetest!" Katie gushed.
