“Alan, sorry about that, we have a lot going on. Please join us.”
“I’d like to have a moment alone.” He didn’t move.
“I don’t know what to tell you, Alan. Martin and I have a lot to do before a conference call. Can you get Alan on my schedule–”
My assistant activated his iPad to check my schedule.
“Cut the bullshit, Anderson!” He snapped as he took the seat next to Martin. “You know I’m here to talk about the Lotta Love project.”
Martin tapped on his iPad, pretending he wasn’t thrilled to be in the room for this conversation.
“Look, Alan. Graham thought I could–”
“Ha! That’s a good one. Graham thought. You’ve been following Jurnee around like a puppy since she stepped into this office.”
“Um–” Martin started to speak.
“This is how it’s going to be moving forward. I will work with Jurnee on scouting and securing the shop locations for the first two waves. The two of us will work together on opening said locations. Once they are operational, and Jurnee is comfortable, I will transition the project to you to assist her in opening the third wave. Questions?”
“Graham approved this change?” Alan knew the answer to the question before he asked.
Martin rushed to his desk to answer the phone. It puzzled me how he could hear the phone ring when I never did. When I asked him about it once, he told me it was his job to hear the phone ring.
“Anything else?” I flipped open a folder that Martin had left on my desk earlier.
“She’s not ready for this.”
“What?” I couldn’t believe what I heard.
“Jurnee, she isn’t ready for this project.” He stood up and leaned on the front of my desk, “She doesn’t have the capacity to work at this level. This project will fail.”
Slowly, I closed the folder and crossed my arms. “I haven’t known Jurnee very long, but I wouldn’t bet against her for any amount. Guess this is why Graham was eager for me to take this portion on the project over.”
“Good luck keeping her focused.” He blurted out as he headed for the door. “I don’t think you’ll have a third wave to hand over, but we’ll see. Keep me posted.”
“Thanks. I’ll do that.” But he was gone. “Dick!”
“Anderson, your mother really needs to talk to you.”
My head fell back, and I stared at the ceiling. “Shit!”
Martin stuck his head in the door, “I told her if it wasn’t an emergency that tomorrow would be better as the negotiations were not going well.”
“Thanks. That helps.”
“I’m good and deserve a raise.”
The text alert sound on my phone. “What now?”
Bryan - The plan has been activated. The engagement party is on. You’ll all need to be in L.A. by 8pm.
Otis - We’ve had a great run, guys.
Eric - Jesus Otis, we aren’t dying.
Otis – No, but the privacy of our group is
Eric - You’re a fucking movie star. There’s not much privacy.
Bryan - Eric, Otis is right. This will change things.
Anderson - It’s time. Faith deserves this too, and I’m not willing to hide my relationship with Jurnee.
38
Jurnee
The Tak Room was the New York City that I searched for in all the romance novels. The upscale romantic 1950s vibe mixed well with the lively jazz that seeped in at just the right volume. The patrons and staff all seemed to fit. Tugging on the front of my blouse, I didn’t fit.
“I’m underdressed for this restaurant,” I whispered to Soraya.
“It’s not the clothes. It’s the New Yorker attitude you’re sensing. You’re a New Yorker now. It’ll come.”
Glancing around the room, no part of me thought it would come. Whatever it was.
Relief washed over me as I caught my first glimpse of Genevieve and Avery. Both looked radiant with the autumn sun coming in from behind. Gone were the yoga pants and sweatshirts that they both wore while we had dinner and drinks in my backyard with Derrick. A ping of sadness traveled down me like someone looking over the room they grew up in for the last time.
Soraya and Avery hugged and whispered something to one another while Avery squeezed me in a tight hug. This was the closest I had felt to Michigan in almost a month. Soraya welcomed me openly, but seeing old friends made my heart smile.
“You’re looking very New Yorker.” Avery held my arms out as she eyed my wrinkled top. She pulled me in for a second hug and whispered, “I’m having a couple of outfits sent over to your apartment. Derrick