Chapter 1
Kennedi Rachelle “Kenni” Barre
“Well, I love what I’ve seen. These pieces are really going to be a hit, Lawrence. They will be perfect for the vision that we’re aiming for in our spring session.”
“Well, if you’re truly interested, what are we waiting for? Let’s sign the contract now.”
“What about the terms? Are you sure that you’re okay with not being able to negotiate them?”
“Black Glamour Magazineis the elite magazine of black fashion right now. Everyone turns to your magazine to find out what’s trending and what’s going out of season. Models’ careers are made from being in this magazine. Why would I not want to work with you all?”
“I didn’t say that it wasn’t a great idea, but usually, we get people in who are looking to negotiate on the terms because they don’t like them. If you’re saying that you’re good with what we’re offering, then I have to admit you’re the first.”
He smirked and leaned forward. “Kennedi, you have an amazing eye for fashion and detail. I know that you’re going togo far in this industry. I admire how you handle your business and how hard you work. Your name is already known in certain circles. When I tell you that the details of this contract are not of any concern to me because I know that I’m getting a good deal out of this, I mean it. Besides, these terms are only for first-time vendors. Based on the contract, if this works out, future terms are much greater and worth the initial sacrifice.”
“Then why do I hear a but or an addition in that sentence somewhere?” I asked, smiling at him.
I had met up with Lawrence Kerner, a fashion designer, for dinner to discuss having him design some pieces to show off in our fashion magazine,Black Glamour, for the spring season. We loved showcasing various designers rather than always circulating our looks around the same designers and styles. And Lawrence was an up-and-comer who we knew would blow up the scene quickly.
Our fashion editor and my boss, Milicent Jones, was not able to make the meeting, and she requested my presence at the last minute. I had to cancel my dinner plans with my boyfriend, Bryson Fuller, to make this meeting. While I knew that he wasn’t happy about it, I also knew that he had canceled on me plenty of times in the past.
As a criminal defense attorney with his own practice, there had been too many times when he had to leave home in the middle of dinner plans or the middle of the night to see about a client. We never really knew when he might be called away, and for the last four years, I had been extremely versatile where his career was concerned.
I felt like he should be more than understanding where my career was concerned. Over the last year, I had been getting more work opportunities tossed my way, and I had to cancel quite a few plans. Unfortunately, it ended up in arguments with Bryson. I just hoped that tonight wouldn’t be another one ofthose times. I already had a pounding headache, and the only thing I wanted was to go to bed.
Lawrence flashed a beautiful smile my way. He was a good-looking man, and I was certain that he knew it. Those gray eyes held secrets untold, and he had raked his hand through his curly hair one time too many, and it had taken on a just-fucked look. His light brown skin was smooth and unblemished like a baby’s. At five-eleven, he was toned and muscular, but not overtly so. He was a very sexy and attractive man, but he wasn’t my man. So the minute that he started flirting, I knew I had to shut that shit down.
Bryson was a whole package himself. Besides being a lawyer, he was good-looking as hell. At six-four with amber colored skin, hooded, nut-brown eyes, high cheekbones, and full, pouty lips that oftentimes covered a big, bright smile he was giving Shemar Moore vibes. His slightly crooked, broken nose added character to his face, and the tattoos that covered his body, including the one on his face, added an element of danger.
“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get you to go out to dinner with me, Kennedi.”
“We’re already out at dinner, Lawrence.”
“I think you know what I mean. I’m not referencing a business dinner, but something more private and personal. Just you and me so that I can get to know you better.”
“That wouldn’t be a good idea.”
“Why not?”
“Because this is a business arrangement, and I don’t mix business and pleasure.”
“That’s the best type to mix. People often say that, but they don’t realize what they’re missing.”
“I’m not missing out on anything, I can assure you. I have the best of everything, including a man who loves me.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“What? That my man loves me?”
“That you have the best of everything. You don’t have me, gorgeous.”
“And I’m sure that some lovely woman out there would love to have you. So, maybe you should save yourself for her.”
Lawrence reached across the table and took my hand into his. “You’re beautiful, Kennedi, and I don’t want to miss an opportunity to get to know you better.”
“There’s no opportunity open, Lawrence,” I replied and pulled my hand back.
I stood to signal the end of this dinner and the conversation. He stood along with me and took my hand again.
