Kitabı oku: «Promises to Keep», sayfa 4

As Courtney’s car drove away, Darius stood stock-still for several seconds. When he moved toward his car, a snail could’ve bested him had it been a race. In less than two months, he had nearly become a fool over a woman. He shook his head to try to clear the cobwebs from his mind. He shouldn’t be thinking this way, but he had to find a way to keep their relationship from coming to an abrupt end on the third Saturday in May.

If friendship was all they could have, so be it.

Chapter 4

Courtney and Monica hustled around the office, making sure everything was shut down and locked up for the evening. Courtney still had to stash in the floor safe the checks and cash she and Monica had just tallied. The company used spreadsheets and generated receipts electronically, but every now and then a handwritten receipt was given out for anything under fifty dollars.

A bank run was only made once a week, normally on Friday afternoons. The Wells Fargo Bank branch the company patronized was located just a few doors down from the office. Courtney, Harrell, Alma and Monica were the only ones authorized to handle bank and credit union transactions. Courtney and her grandmother wrote and signed all company checks, while monitoring all incoming and outgoing expenditures.

“Too many fingers in the pie could ruin it” was a motto both of them swore by.

Courtney looked at her watch. They had less than an hour to make it to a special meeting Darius had set up. J.R. had been invited, too. According to what Darius had told Courtney, he wanted her and her friends to meet a man he was keen on doing future business deals with. He’d also said he had a proposition involving Courtney’s company, which he planned to discuss during the meeting. Darius led her to believe this was an extremely important get-together.

“He didn’t give you any clue as to what this meeting was about?” Monica asked Courtney while shutting down her computer.

“Just that it was important. I hope it’s something good for the company. I can’t get involved with just anything…and Darius is nothing less than extraordinary as a businessman. He has incredible visions for his company. If he wants to involve The Party People in something he’s doing, I’m willing to see if I can get behind his ideas.”

“Girl, you’re just too savvy. Remember all those negative remarks about your visions? You certainly proved those naysayers wrong—and you did it in record time. Just think how far you’ve come this past year.”

Courtney nodded. “It’s also hard for me to believe. I often think about all the bank managers who turned me down for a small business loan. Thank God for federal credit unions. If Papa Harrell hadn’t been a military veteran, I couldn’t have landed a loan there, either.”

“You had strong, brilliant visions for the business and you already know I think your grandparents are the best visionaries around. They’re good to you and for you. As your employee and your friend, I get to cash in on the benefits, too. I love all three of you.”

Courtney smiled. “I know how you feel about us. They do, too.” She frowned. “Do I look okay?”

“You look beautiful, as always. For a girl who hardly ever worries about her attire, you sure have been overly concerned about it lately. What’s that all about?”

Courtney rolled her eyes back. “I just asked a simple question about my appearance.”

Monica gave her boss a slanted glance. “Your tan pantsuit hardly has that ‘off the rack’ look. The spicy-orange shell brings in just the right amount of color, along with the complementary juicy-fruit-orange leather pumps and bag. You’re a fresh breath of spring, looking as if you’re ready to get down to business. The simple but elegant diamond pendant and studs add more sparkle to the glow of your skin and personality. There!”

“Thank you.” Courtney smiled softly. “Your kind but rather long assessment of my outfit put me at ease. I know I’ve been out of it lately. I’m almost ashamed to admit it. Looking good for an engaged man is absolutely insane. Yet, when I’m dressing, I often wonder what Darius would think of this dress or that suit.”

“You and I both know that’s pitiful. You know exactly who you are, therefore the clothes you wear highlight your personality and spirit just right. Enough said?”

“Enough said,” Courtney echoed, “especially if we plan to get out of here to be on time for the meeting. I’ll secure the safe and be ready to go in a couple of minutes.”

“Sounds good to me. I’m going to hit the ladies’ room and freshen up my makeup. I also need to call J.R. back.”

“He probably just wanted to remind you about the meeting,” Courtney offered.

“You’re probably right. He’s excited about discussing business with Darius.”

“I’m trying not to let it get to me. Excitement or dread, we’ll know after we find out what Darius has in mind.”

Jasmine smiled. “Welcome to D.F. Film Productions, Inc,” she said to Monica and J.R. “It is nice to see you again, Miss Campbell. I’m glad you found time to take this last-minute meeting. Darius was really pleased all of you could make it. Have a seat. I’ll let him know you folks are here. Can I get any of you something to drink?”

All heads shook in the negative, followed up by a No, thank you from each of them.

“Okay, then.” Jasmine didn’t push the issue. Darius already had her phone in a nice-size spread from one of his favorite nearby eateries, Jacoby’s Deli.

“Please feel free to have a seat. Make yourselves at home. Mr. Fairfax will be with you shortly.”

Darius looked up at Meyer Chandler, CEO of See-Through Films. “The rest of the group has arrived. Do you have anything else you want to say before we convene in one of the conference rooms?”

Meyer shook his head. “I’m sure I’ll have more queries after the next segment of our meeting.”

“In that case, please come with me.”

Darius got up from the table and walked to his office door with Meyer following along behind him. Darius opened the door and gestured for his guest to precede him. As he made his way to the reception area, he actually felt a little nervous. Knowing he’d soon see the lovely Courtney Campbell caused him to brace himself for the impact sure to come. Her mere presence hadn’t failed to level him yet.

Smiling warmly, J.R. got to his feet, meeting Darius in the middle of the room. “Great seeing you again, man, but I didn’t know it’d be this soon. Both Monica and I were surprised by your invitation. We’re eager to hear what you have to say.”

Darius chuckled. “And I’m eager to say it.” He turned to face Courtney and Monica. “Ladies, I’m glad to see you. You’re both looking lovely.” Briefly, he laid his hand on Meyer’s back. “This gentleman is Meyer Chandler from See-Through Films.” Darius introduced Meyer to everyone, giving his guests’ first and surnames.

Meyer smiled at Courtney and shook Monica’s and J.R.’s hands, his grip firm.

“Now that everyone’s been introduced, let’s go down this hallway and get settled into the conference room.” Darius looked back at Jasmine. “Please have drinks brought in right away. About forty-five minutes from now, you can have the food delivered.”

“As you wish, boss,” Jasmine said, her tone soft and melodic.

Darius ushered his guests down a long corridor and into a well-appointed conference room equipped with the latest in office furnishings and state-of-the-art electronics. A fifty-six-inch Kuro plasma television was mounted on one wall.

Rushing around the table, Darius pulled out two high-back leather chairs for the ladies. Once everyone was comfortably seated, Jasmine rolled a portable serving cart into the room, loaded with all sorts of soft drinks, juices and a clear ice bucket. She pushed the cart to the rear. Smiling brightly then backing out, she nodded before closing the door behind her.

Darius folded his hands and set them on top of the table. “First I want to thank each of you for working your schedules around this last-minute meeting. I’m so happy you could attend. Everyone here knows I’m a filmmaker. I’m currently working on a few special projects that Meyer and I are collaborating on. Both our production companies are fairly new, and it’s our intention to pool our resources and begin producing under one umbrella. Have I grabbed everyone’s attention so far?”

Eager to hear what might come next, they all nodded.

“I’m actually writing a romantic screenplay,” Darius continued. “The story line focuses on weddings, specifically June brides. We’re considering several distinctive ceremonies.” Darius paused to gauge the responses. Since no one appeared to be on the verge of cardiac arrest, he continued, his eyes directly connecting with Courtney’s. “Your catering business will figure heavily into this romantic story line.”

Meyer’s gaze drew in Monica and J.R. “Monica, from what Darius has said about your role in Courtney’s company, we’re looking at both you and your boss to consult on the catering and wedding planning portion of the script. J.R., we’re interested in having you score all original music. And we hope to get Rest Assured involved, as well.”

“However, you’ll be the man, the point man, the leader who answers to us,” Darius said to J.R. “While we’d like a variety of artists to perform songs on the movie sound track, we want you in charge of music development. Of course, there are still a lot of issues for us to discuss and resolve, but I think we can come together on this.”

Darius had paid J.R. one of the highest professional compliments he’d ever received—and the look on his face showed he was ecstatic over it. “I feel confident we can do it,” J.R. said, beaming. “This is a dream come true for me.”

“With Meyer and me combining our resources in this venture, we’ll have more than enough funds to handle a project of this scope. You will not be working for free. All salaries will be figured into the budget, along with everything else we’ll need to handle in a job of this magnitude. The contracts will be negotiated and renegotiated until we are all on the same page. That I can promise,” Darius assured everyone.

Courtney’s heart felt like it was doing jumping jacks. All she could do was stare openly at the two up-and-coming movie moguls. What they’d said so far had already piqued her interest tremendously.

Darius looked happy and relieved to have gotten his ideas out in the open. “The floor is now open for discussion. I’m anxious to hear your opinions on the project. All constructive criticisms and comments are welcome. However, I don’t handle negativity very well.”

Excited about all the information Darius had related, Courtney shifted around in her seat anxiously. “Can you explain in a little more detail where my company fits into all this?”

Darius smiled. “My plan for your business is twofold. First of all, your operation will be the one we’ll use as the model for the catering company in the story line. Second, if you’re willing, we’d love for you to provide the catering services—meals, snacks and drinks for the cast and crew while we’re shooting the film—if we can agree on the terms.”

Not only would Courtney agree to sign on herself and her company to these remarkable ideas, she was sure that every red cent these corporations invested in her catering business would get a two hundred percent return in services.

Courtney Campbell was a winner and she’d lend that winning spirit to whatever job she took on. Her heart and soul would be poured into this project. “I’m intrigued with the entire idea. In fact, I can actually imagine a story with a bevy of June brides.”

Maybe I can create beautiful, fairy-tale visions, just like the ones I’ve dreamed of for my own wedding day. Yeah, right! Like that’s ever going to happen. Courtney had mentally staged her wedding day countless times. But she first had to have a man fall in love with her and propose marriage before she could bring to life her vivid mental images.

Monica placed her hand over her husband’s, her heart bursting with pride. “J.R. composes the most beautiful songs. We’ve also written dozens of love ballads together. I think you’re making an extremely wise choice in using J.R. for this project. He’ll do you proud. You can count on him to give it everything he has.”

Admiring the deep love he saw in Monica’s eyes for her spouse, Darius smiled at her. She hadn’t said a thing about how she’d fit into the plans. She was selfless, he thought. It seemed that as long as her J.R. was okay, she was absolutely fine. “There’s no doubt in my mind about J.R.’s creativity and his ability to handle the job we’ve tapped him for. Out of all the people I’d considered for this position, he was the first person I thought of. Once I heard him play with his band, I knew.”

Shocked by Darius’s last remarks, Monica eyed J.R. wryly. “You never told me he came to hear you play. Why not?”

“I didn’t know.” J.R. shrugged. “Just like you, I’m hearing that for the first time. Where’d you see me play?” J.R. asked Darius.

“The lounge at the Roosevelt Hotel. I was absolutely amazed at your sound. You’re a brilliant drummer.”

His eyes widened with disbelief, and J.R. looked at Darius as if he’d never seen him before. “I had no idea you were there.”

“Well, the pleasure was all mine!” Darius looked over at Monica. “As for your roles, I’ve thought of you co-owning the business with Courtney. Since you are her right-hand assistant and one of her dearest friends, joint ownership is a perfect fit for the story line. Like everything else, there are a lot of details for us to iron out.”

Courtney looked puzzled. “When you’re talking about the roles, you are talking about using real actors, aren’t you?”

Darius snickered. “Do you honestly believe there’s somebody out in the world who can play you two ladies better than you can play yourselves?”

Monica’s mouth dropped open. “Are you talking about us acting in the film?”

Hunching his shoulders, Darius turned up his palms. “Why not? I like working with new actors, as well as with veterans. All I’m asking is that you do what you do every day at work and at play. Do you think you can’t handle it?”

Laughing softly, Monica fluffed her hair and pursed her lips provocatively. “I know exactly how to do diva! Oh, this is so exciting!” Monica did everything but jump up and down on the chair she could barely sit still in.

Wanting to hear Courtney’s opinion more than anyone else’s, Darius glanced at her. “What about you? Think you can portray yourself on the big screen?”

“I’d love to play myself or coach another woman to play me. I’ve never dreamed of acting.”

“My money is on you playing yourself, which has little to do with acting, Courtney. I’m confident that you’ll bring something to the silver screen that’s never before seen,” Darius said. “You and Monica will make a dynamic duo.”

Monica blew Courtney a kiss. “For someone who’s just met us, Darius seems to know us so well. We are dynamic, together and apart. I love you, Courtney.”

“Love you, too, Monica.”

The meeting was interrupted when Jasmine and two young men came into the conference room. Platters of deli sandwiches, salads, chips and other accompaniments were set down on a buffet-style table aligned with the back wall.

“Why don’t we get our food and bring it back to the table. I promise not to talk with my mouth full,” Darius joked, laughing.

Instead of resuming the lively topic they’d been discussing, Darius kept quiet, content to wait until everyone had finished eating. He discreetly stole glances at Courtney every chance he got. When she talked, he listened intently to every word she said. He saw how solid the friendship was between her and Monica. The two women touched each other often, either by simply pushing back a strand of loose hair or briefly joining hands. They exuded respect and love for each other.

Courtney waited for Darius to return to the conference room. After adjourning the meeting, he’d asked her to stay on so he could talk to her about the engagement party. Since she had ridden there with Monica, she’d mentioned calling a cab to get home. That was when he’d insisted on driving her. Promising to get right back to her, he’d left the conference room to escort the others to the reception area.

Reaching into her briefcase, Courtney pulled out the file on the Fairfax event. She quickly scanned her notes. Everything was right on schedule. Unless Darius wanted to change something, she had everything under control. She did need to ask him about the invitations he was designing. They should go into the mail at least ten days before the surprise reception. Courtney looked up when Darius reentered the room, butterflies fluttering throughout her stomach.

Darius sat down. “I want to go over the plans for the reception, but I first want to know what you really think of the movie idea. Your expressions were hard to read when we discussed it as a group. Is there something you’d like to add?”

Courtney was surprised by his remark, thinking she had shown plenty of enthusiasm over his announcement. “I have nothing to add. I think it’s a brilliant idea. I’m excited about it and I love how you’ve worked my catering business into the story line, not to mention hiring us to handle the catering on the set. You already know how Monica and J.R. feel about it. I can’t wait for the project to begin. In the meantime, it won’t be long before we’ll finish up your event.”

“I’m looking forward to that day. I can hardly wait to see Candice’s face. She’s excited easily, so this surprise will be over the top for her. Thanks for the fine job you’ve done thus far. I’m confident that everything will run smoothly.”

“That it will. Everything is right on schedule. However, I’d like to know if you’ve come up with the final design for the invitations.”

“The design is done. The invitations will go in the mail as soon as the printer delivers them, in plenty of time. The mailing labels are printed already.”

“Good. Glad you’re on top of the invitations.”

He grinned. “On top of it, huh? Exciting choice of words!”

Blushing, Courtney found it hard to meet Darius’s eyes. She’d like nothing better than to have him on top, but that’d have to happen in a different lifetime.

Courtney handed Darius her checklist for his event. “The list will tell you where we’ve we been and where we have to go. Nearly everything is done. As for the bride’s parents, you haven’t mentioned them. Are they aware of the event?”

“Yes, most everyone is.”

Darius fell mum as he looked over the list, reading all the notes Courtney had written down in detail. Her handwriting was beautiful, very legible. He liked how thorough she was.

Darius smiled. “Just when I think I can’t be any more impressed by you, you prove me wrong. Your work ethics are remarkable. You should teach a class on how to run a business. Your communication skills are impeccable. Working with you on this film will be an experience I’ll never forget. I already feel it.”

Courtney’s eyes softened, filling with moisture. “Thank you.” She didn’t dare say another word, not as choked up as she felt.

Darius consulted the clock on the wall. “It’s getting late. Let me get you home. I’m sure you’re ready to take a long soak or a steaming hot shower so you can relax.”

And, oh, how I’d love you to journey there with me. Courtney gathered the papers she’d removed from her briefcase and slid them back in place. She got to her feet. “I’m ready to go home if you’re ready to go.”

Courtney was more nervous than she’d ever been when she was alone with a man. Darius had asked to come inside and check out her recently purchased home, claiming he also had a keen eye for interior decorating. Was this man’s list of credentials endless or what? She had a feeling he’d be tops at whatever job he tackled. He was so astute.

She disabled the alarm. “Let’s start here in the marble foyer and work our way to the back of the house.” She opened a hall closet to her left and set her briefcase inside.

Darius’s eyes drank in every inch of the Italian marble foyer designed and fashioned in a variety of rich earth tones in a striking diamond pattern. The vast amount of space was large enough for a decent-size table and a single chair nesting on each side. Surprised by the lack of furniture, his mind went to work filling in the empty spaces.

He gave her a puzzled look. “Why so bare?”

Courtney shrugged. “No time to shop for the things I want. I’m very particular. I’ve looked up furnishings on the Internet to get an idea of what to do with this much space. Visiting a few quality furniture stores might really help me get a feel for things.”

“Have you ever heard of Buy Direct? I’m a member. If you don’t mind, I’d love to take you to a showroom. There’s one in Sherman Oaks. What’s your weekend schedule like?”

“I only have one event, a baby shower at noon tomorrow. Hallelujah! We have a retirement dinner at 7:00 p.m., but Monica and other staffers are covering it.”

“How long do you expect the baby shower to last?”

“It’ll probably run about two hours. According to the hostess’s wishes, the food will be served first. That’s all we have to take care of. We should be out of there by 2:00 p.m.—possibly earlier.”

Knowing he should carefully word the request he had in mind, Darius stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Where should I pick you up?”

Courtney failed to hide her surprise. Although he’d asked a lot about her schedule, she hadn’t expected him to make her shopping needs a priority. “You don’t have to do that. I can look up the warehouse online.”

“You won’t be as impressed. Let’s settle on visiting the warehouse around three-thirty. Is that cool?”

Oh, no, Courtney thought, groaning inwardly. She couldn’t keep putting herself in the lion’s den. Darius’s offer was a kind one and she did need to furnish her house, but she was concerned about spending more time with him than was necessary. She wondered how she’d handle working on a film with him. They’d be thrown together day after day and for hours on end.

Yeah, but other people will be present; safety in numbers.

She sighed in concession. “Okay, you win. What if I just meet you there?”

Darius shook his head. “I hope you don’t see us as at odds. This offer wasn’t made for one of us to win or lose. I’d rather pick you up. Now that I know where you live, it’s not a big deal. My condo is not too far from here.”

“Three-thirty,” she happily conceded, mentally admitting how much she liked spending time with Darius. He certainly was an interesting specimen. Besides, her fascination with him would end when the vows were taken.

Darius smiled. “Now that we have that settled, I’d love to continue the tour of your charming digs. I already suspect this palatial home has strong character.”

“Loads of character, Darius. Every nook and cranny was thoughtfully crafted by the architect. That’s why it’s so important to me to fill it with signatures of grandeur.”

Darius nodded. “Powerful notion, one I believe you’ll convey in a telling way.”

Strolling leisurely, Courtney guided Darius from the foyer and into the formal areas. Separated by an impressive archway, with intricate etchings in gilded frames, the living and dining rooms were gracefully spacious.

“These two rooms are so elegant.” Darius mentally measured the breadth and length of the space. “I’m already imagining the tones I’d use. I’m a lover of color but various shades of whites or lightly tinted beiges in antique satins or brocaded materials are what I envision for the sofas and dining room chairs. Gold or silver accents could be used as a counterbalance.”

“Interesting concept.” You have no idea how interesting. “The colors alone speak to character. I’ve been thinking of pulling up all the carpets and installing hardwood flooring in both formals. Spills would be easier to take care of on hardwood.”

“You’ll have to come see my place. You can get a lot of good tips and ideas from my decor. I had the same thoughts about carpet versus hardwood. I went with top-of-the-line marble tile for my formals. It’s even easier to care for than ceramic tile.”

“Hmm, I think I’ll look into marble. I love my foyer. All I have to do is run a dust mop over it and then a wet sponge mop to take care of it. I hate vacuuming.”

He grinned. “You don’t have a housekeeper?”

“My company is doing well, but with no furniture in the house, other than in the master suite, how would I justify hiring a housekeeper on a weekly or monthly basis?”

“I love having a housekeeper, but I see what you mean.”

Courtney took Darius outside where the pool and Jacuzzi were located. The patio had piped-in music and was designed with white pillars on all four corners. An abundance of tiny blue-and-white lights had been strung around the patio areas and on the trees.

The pool was obviously well-maintained. The aquamarine waters were sparkling and the Jacuzzi was nice and clean, with not a single leaf in sight. He quickly shut off the vivid image of himself and Courtney naked in the Jacuzzi. He couldn’t allow himself to go there, not with the project they were about to embark on. Who would ever have thought he’d become so intrigued with the woman he’d hired to handle his catering? Beyond intrigued, he thought. She had him going on all cylinders. Perhaps he had some serious reconsidering to do. Time was of the essence.

Smiles came so easily to Courtney when she was with Darius. His mind worked very much like hers. She had already decided on the very same colors he’d mentioned for the formal areas. It was as if she’d somehow received an important vote of confidence on her decision.

Courtney definitely believed in divine intervention. Maybe God had put Darius in her life to fulfill certain purposes. No two paths were ever crossed without rhyme or reason. You might not know why folks were in your life at first, but you’d eventually discover and learn the lessons someone dropped in to teach.

Courtney hoped she wasn’t just making excuses to be in Darius’s company, especially on occasions when it had nothing to do with their contract. He also had big plans for her company. It was already on the map and she knew the areas of service could always be widened. One office in one city was fine for now, but she had dreamt of her company becoming known statewide. She used to think it was a bit grandiose on her part, until she reminded herself of the same businesses launched in cities in all fifty states.

Southern California today with tomorrow always on the horizon.

“Can I trouble you for a cup of coffee before I leave? That is, if you have time.”

“Come on in the kitchen. I don’t drink coffee in the evening, but I could sure use a glass of chilled juice.”

“Maybe I’ll join you in what you’re having.”

Darius followed Courtney back through the French doors, from where they’d entered the patio area. A little more time in her company was pleasing to him, more than it should be. He was certainly grateful that she hadn’t rejected his idea to stay longer.