“I really hope this isn’t the girl you’ve been dying to get me to meet. Anybody who ends up getting fucked in the kitchen after their own event has no business being anywhere near one of my productions,” Lauren said.
“Easy, sis,” Day defended. “You said you couldn’t make it.”
“I changed my mind,” Lauren said. “The showcase went well. Everything looks beautiful. Everybody who matters is talking about it. I’m sorry I couldn’t come through this time.” Lauren met Stassi’s gaze. “It looks like you were in capable hands, though. Congrats. You did good work.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it and it’s nice to meet you. I’ve followed your work for a few years and love everything about you and your company. You’re literally goals.”
“You’re sweet, hun, don’t let this one corrupt you,” Lauren said jokingly.
“There will be no corrupting,” Stassi answered, blushing because she wasn’t sure if she could resist Day if he kept pushing up on her.
“I’ma let y’all chop it up...”
“No, I’m not staying,” Lauren said. “Anastassia, right?”
Stassi nodded, smiling because she couldn’t believe that Lauren even knew her name.
“Just Stassi,” she answered.
“I will definitely be in touch about bringing you on. This business is one of friends. Nobody can do every single event, but we look out for one another. I help you; you help me, and we build. Your work is good. I think we can collab on a few things. Maybe bring you on at my company for one event to see if the chemistry’s there first? You good with that?”
“Oh my God, yes. Absolutely. I’d love to work with you,” Stassi answered.
“Day vouches, so it’s a done deal,” Lauren answered. Lauren went into her handbag and removed a card. “Call me first thing Monday morning.”
“I will,” Stassi said eagerly. She could barely hide her excitement.
“Alright, bro, I’m out of here,” Lauren said. Her heels clicked across the kitchen floor until she reached the door. She paused. “I’m looking for my husband. Have you seen, Demi? He claims he had some emergency. Some meeting out of town? What you know about that?” Lauren asked.
Husband?
Stassi had to stop her mouth from falling open at the revelation.That lying-ass nigga. Ain’t no way Charlie knows he’s married.
“Oh, um, yeah. We had something come up with the execs at the distribution company,” Day said. “Nothing to worry about though, Lo.”
Stassi was amazed at how easily the lie left Day’s lips.
Lauren lingered, staring at Day in the eyes but she didn’t speak. She simply nodded before walking out.
“Demi’s married?” Stassi asked.
Day finessed his chin, looking off as he blew out a breath of discontent. “First rule of being in this business,” he paused as he deadpanned on her. “Mindyourbusiness.” Day walked out of the kitchen, leaving Stassi with a conflicted soul. Her sister had no idea that Demi was married, but Stassi knew she couldn’t tell her. If she did, she would ruin the opportunity she had been given.
She’s not even serious about him. She just met him. I shouldn’t have to give this up because of who she’s sleeping with,Stassithought.I’ll just convince her not to see him anymore. This is too big to turn down.
Charlie stood behind Demi. Her arms were wrapped around his waist as she rested the side of her face against his back as he faced the hotel clerk.
“How was your stay, Mr. Sky?” the woman asked.
“Everything was good,” he answered. “Thanks for going to grab my lady a few items. You get that tip?”
“I did. It wasn’t necessary, but thank you,” she answered. “I hope I’m not overstepping here, but you guys are a beautiful couple. I see a lot of people come in here and I’ve never quite seen love look like this. Enjoy your day, Mr. and Mrs. Sky. Come see us again.”
“You hear that, Demi? Mrs. Sky,” Charlie teased as he turned toward her.
“That name a little big for you, Bird,” he replied. “You might grow into it one day. We’ll see.”
Her cheeks warmed as he placed his hand on the small of her back and led her outside to the valet.
