She sucked in a deep breath and then slid into her car. Justin put her guitar in her back seat.
“I’ll see you later. Thanks for the picnic,” she said.
He knocked on the top of her roof as a form of goodbye before she drove off. It wasn’t quite chemistry and it wasn’t quite loneliness. Friendship. Justin gave her friendship, and it was one she appreciated.
Chapter 8
Remind me what I’m getting again for coming to this thing with you?” Charlie asked, as she stepped out the car and handed her keys to the valet of the five-star hotel.
“My undying love, sis,” Stassi answered, laughing. “We should have self-parked this ugly-ass car, though, Charlie. You got me pulling up looking poor.”
“It’s work, right? Does it matter how we pull up?” Charlie asked. “Take care of my baby, here. She’s my prized possession.” Charlie pointed at the valet, warning him but her smile was endearing. “It’s old and ugly but it means the world to me, and if it doesn’t start right away, just give it a little gas.”
The older man smiled and accepted the key. “You got it,” he answered.
Charlie’s black, lace bralette left nothing to the imagination, but her thin figure made it less seductive and more high fashion. Her skirt was black and skin-tight, with two slits that rode up so high her red thong showed when she walked.
“This looks like a big deal,” Charlie said. “What did you say this guy did again?”
“It is a big deal. If I nail this tonight, I’ll likely book five more jobs before I even leave,” Stassi said. They stepped inside the hotel and headed into the ballroom, bypassing the crowd as they headed for the kitchen.
“Let me just make sure my staff has this in order and then all I have to do is make sure everything goes smoothly,” she said.
“You’re not working the kitchen tonight?” Charlie asked.
“Nah, she’s working the room tonight, meeting a few people,” Day said, walking up to them, interrupting. Charlie didn’t miss her sister’s blush and she can’t say she didn’t understand. Day was just one of those men. He commanded the room, the type to make you misplace your words midsentence. Charlie felt the urge to pat her pockets in search of them because his sudden presence had certainly stolen her moxie. He examined her first, then swayed his gaze toward Stassi.
“You and your friend showing out at my event,” he said.
“My sister. This is Charlie. Charlie, this is Day,” Stassi introduced. “He’s the man of the hour. Dynasty is his company.”
Charlie’s stomach fell out of her. “Dynasty? Like, the music group?”
“Yeah, and I’m not exactly the man of the hour. I’m a partner at the label. Let me introduce you to my man. He was super impressed by the setup, said we got to get you on the team so we can use you for future events. Told you I’ma put you on,” Day said.
He turned and cupped his mouth with his hands. “Yo, D!” he shouted.
Charlie knew before he even walked over to her who would come. Demi approached and Charlie’s stomach knotted. He was freshly faded, lined to precision, but he looked royal. A blue so dark it almost appeared black rested against his skin as he wore the Yomi dashiki, tailored pants, and Gucci loafers.
Is he African?She wondered.Would explain the dick.
She had never seen a more regal man. Black and blessed. His weird-ass was pre-occupied in his phone as he headed their way. He didn’t have to look up because everyone moved out of his way, some vying for his attention as he passed. He lent it to no one as he sipped his drink. Charlie was frozen. She didn’t know if she should flee or stay. He looked up ather and she saw her presence affect him. Shock and a bit of appreciation flashed across his face as he took in every inch of her body before coming back to her face.
“This my man...”
“We know one another,” he said.
“Not really,” Charlie said. “Not really at all.” Charlie turned to Stassi. “I’m going to get a drink. Let me know if you need me.”
Charlie started to walk away but Stassi was on her heels. “Is that-”
“Yup, that’s his bitch-ass,” Charlie said before Stassi could even finish her sentence. “Nigga is alive and well, so he chose to fuck me and then ghost me.” Charlie couldn’t put enough distance between her and Demi.
Stassi had to grab her arm to get Charlie to stop. “Hey, we can go if you want. My team can handle this.”
“No, I know how important this is for you. The networking is worth more than the commission. I’m cool. I’m just keeping my distance. Go ahead. Do your thing. I’ll be taking advantage of the open bar.”
“Are you sure?” Stassi asked.
