three different apartments that Eric said you could get in to see this afternoon. I’d be happy to take you–”
“I appreciate your help, but I’m fairly confident that I still can’t afford any of the apartments Eric is leasing. I’ve seen his buildings, remember.”
“He is offering the ‘you kicked my ass at poker’ discount.”
“Sure he is. I’m guessing you have a favorite already picked out.”
“Yes, but clearly, you’re not ready for that location quite yet.” He chuckled.
“I don’t even know what that means.”
We stared at one another when we heard Martin greet Soraya.
“Have dinner with me tonight.” He asked quickly.
“Are you sure? You were pretty shitty last time we tried a dinner date.” I cringed at my words.
“Jurnee, let’s get the hell out of here and go get our day drunk on with the girls.” Soraya declared from the doorway.
“Yes, Ma’am.” The pout on Anderson’s face was not lost on me. “The boss’s wife has spoken. I’m out of here.”
37
Anderson
Bryan - Page Six
Otis - Fuck! Which one of us?
Eric - Shit!
Otis - Fuck!! Where is he?
Eric - Morgan’s
Bryan - Any word from his parents?
Otis – Jesus, I hope not. His dad will go to any length to protect his assets.
Eric - I don’t think he’s seen it. He was meeting with Graham all morning. Shit!
Bryan - Someone needs to warn Jurnee. She should talk to Faith. It’s going to explode.
Otis - I’ve got her number.
Bryan - Call her!
Eric - You better wait for Anderson to call.
“Martin.” Scanning the Post, I froze when I found Jurnee’s smiling face staring back at me like it had during the entire dinner. The picture was taken through the restaurant’s window, and it wasn’t lost on me that the photograph had captured the moment she had placed her hand on mine.
Anderson - Fuck! This is from a few days ago. I thought I was careful.
Bryan - Hey, Man. They don’t have her name yet.
Anderson - That’s just a matter of time.
Bryan - Does she know?
Anderson - No way. She just left the office for lunch with Soraya.
Otis - A, she needs to know.
“Martin!” I shouted as I continued to examine the blurb that accompanied the pictures. Mystery Girl… fuck!
Bryan - Introduce her to Faith. If this gets crazy, she’ll need someone.
Otis - A, you knew this was coming. Have you guys talked about the press?
Otis - Man, the only way this goes away is if you start the rotation again.
Eric - That would definitely help.
Bryan - Like Jurnee is going to go for that. If you’re serious about her, it’s time we put a plan in motion.
Anderson - FUCK
Otis - Jurnee is amazing, but you have to be positive you want to do this. Once we put it into motion, it can’t be stopped.
Martin slipped into his seat across from my desk. “You yelled?”
“My parents are–”
He held his hand up, “Your mother has already called. She said she’s been trying to reach you and wondered if your cellphone was working.”
“Shit.”
“I told her you were in negotiations with a potential new client all day but that I’d let you know she’s called.”
“Shit.”
“Also, the Post called to ask for any comment on your new budding relationship.”
“Shit.”
Anderson - Rents called. Martin told them I was in meetings all day.
Eric - Dude, that only buys you about five hours.
Anderson - Fuck.
Bryan - You have to talk to her before the press gets to her. This is it.
Otis - Sorry man, but B’s right. You need to decide if she’s worth going all in.
Eric - The engagement party would be a great time to do it. Bryan’s new album, Otis’ movie, we could ramp both up and introduce Jurnee to our world. B, can we move it up?
Otis - We don’t have a month.
Bryan - It’s up to Anderson, but we can make it happen.
Eric - They won’t if they stay out of sight, but you have to talk to Jurnee.
“Anderson, got a minute?” Alan stood stiffly at the doorway with a scowl on his face.
“Shit.” Martin looked from me to Alan and back. He wasn’t going to leave until instructed, and I had too much going on at the moment to ask him to leave.
Anderson - Shit is falling apart everywhere. Need to focus on work. The plan is a go. Move the party if possible. She’s the one!
A calm came over me as I placed my phone face down on my desk in front of me. Martin smiled, probably sensed the change in my mood. He was very