Chapter 1

Lena let out a deep sigh as she put her car in park, gripping the wheel for a moment before finally shutting off the engine. Her black Scat had made the drive from Texas to Baton Rouge with no issues, but now, parked outside her new apartment complex, the reality of the move was setting in.

"Whew, aight," she mumbled to herself, glancing in the rearview mirror, adjusting the baby hairs that framed her face. She had her signature look on—big lashes, glossy lips, and a fresh 30-inch red bust-down that was already eatin' up the sunlight.

Stepping out, the Louisiana heat hit her instantly, thick and humid like a warm hug she wasn't quite used to yet. The neighborhood was different from what she grew up around, but Lena wasn't the type to get scared off easily. She liked the energy of it—raw, real, and unfiltered.

Her apartment was decent. Nothin' too fancy, but it was hers, and that was all that mattered. The complex had a mix of folks—college students, working people, and some street dudes who Lena peeped sittin' on cars, dappin' each other up as she unloaded her bags. She minded her business, knowing how to move in places like this.

Lena was new, but she wasn't dumb.

After dragging her bags inside, she kicked off her Yeezy slides and flopped onto her couch, staring at the ceiling. Her apartment was still mostly empty besides a few boxes, but she had a vision for it. This was about to be her little content hub, where she'd be vlogging, going live, and getting back to work.

First things first, she needed to let her followers know what was up.

Lena propped her phone up and hit record.

"Wassup, y'all! It's ya girl Lena, fresh in Baton Rouge! Y'all know I had to come show out," she said, flipping the camera to show off her bare apartment. "Don't mind the mess—I just got here, but trust, we finna get this spot together. I need all my Louisiana followers to tap in! Where the best food at? The best spots to get into? Lemme know somethin'!"

She ended the video, slapped on a song, and uploaded it straight to TikTok. Within minutes, the comments started floodin' in.

"Welcome to the BR, girl! You gotta hit up Tony's for seafood."

"Go to Cajun Crabs, they food hit EVERY TIME."

"Lena in the city now? Oh yeah, it's up!"

Lena smirked, tossing her phone to the side before getting back up. She had a full day ahead—unpacking, shopping, and getting her space right.

Later that evening, after making a Target run and grabbing some quick food, she sat cross-legged on the floor, editing footage for her next vlog. She was locked in, barely noticing how the night crept up on her until her phone buzzed with a DM request.

Ray: You new in town, right? I peeped your page. I stay not too far, I could put you on game about the city.

Lena glanced at the profile. Ray was a pretty brown-skinned girl with long natural hair, a laid-back vibe, and pictures that showed she was always out somewhere lit. She had mutual followers with Lena, so she didn't seem like no weirdo.

Lena: Fasho, I could use a tour guide.

Ray sent a laughing emoji. Bet, I'ma hit you up later this week. Might have you pop out with me and my people.

Lena smirked to herself. She didn't know what she was getting into just yet, but she was down for whatever.