Concrete Roses

Maya spent the next few days agonizing over Langley's offer.

A partnership with The Pulse meant funding, a bigger team, and a wider audience. But it also meant playing by their rules.

Wasn't the whole point of Concrete Roses to do things on her terms?

She needed clarity.

So she met Deja at Crown & Coil for a deep conditioning treatment and some much-needed advice.

As Deja worked the product through Maya's curls, she glanced at her in the mirror. "You look stressed, girl."

Maya sighed. "Langley wants to buy Concrete Roses."

Deja's hands paused mid-motion. "Excuse me?"

"He says it's a partnership, but we both know what that means. I'd have to answer to them."

Deja let out a low whistle. "And here I thought you left that life behind."

Maya frowned. "I did. But what if this is the smart move?"

Deja rinsed Maya's hair, then wrapped it in a towel. "Depends on what you want. Do you want Concrete Roses to be big, or do you want it to be yours?"

Maya stared at herself in the mirror.

Could she build this on her own? Could she keep up with the demand, handle the growth, and still stay true to her vision?

Or would she be drowning in stress while Langley and The Pulse kept climbing?