Stassi handed the folder to Lauren. “I don’t have as much experience as you, but I have been building a pretty reliable clientele. The event that probably put me on the map is the Okafor baby shower. I was the co-planner on that event, and I’ve gotten a lot of business from the guests.”
“Oh, yeah! I heard it was beautiful! My son plays football with Alani’s baby boy. I’ve seen the pictures. Great work,” Lauren complimented. “I’d love to bring you on. I pay a salary and offer a twenty-five percent commission on business you bring in. Of course, it’s easier to bring in business under my umbrella because we have the reputation and established brand.”
“I’d love to work here. You’re not much older than me but you’re so established. You’re respected by all the celebrities. You’re practically an influencer all on your own. I want that to be my brand one day,” Stassi said.
“Well, you’re on your way. You’re doing something right to have Day call in this type of favor, but honestly, you didn’t need him to. Your work speaks on its own,” Lauren said.
Stassi had never felt this type of pride in her work. Her grind was beginning to pay off and it felt amazing. Lauren didn’t even seem like a bad person.
I deserve this job. This has nothing to do with Charlie.
Only, it had everything to do with Charlie, and she was sick to her stomach because she knew one day the shit would hit the fan.
“Mrs. Sky, I’m sorry to interrupt, but you’re needed.”
Stassi looked up at the assistant and then over to Lauren. “Oh, I mean, we can cut this short. I know you’re busy. Thank you for looking at my stuff.”
“I appreciate you for stopping in. You’re absolutely hired. Let’s get your documents together with McKinley and you can start as early as tomorrow. She’ll show you your office and explain the benefits package to you,” Lauren said.
Stassi had never felt so accomplished. She followed Lauren back to the front and her stomach bottomed out when she saw Demi waiting for her.
If he recognized her, he didn’t let on, but Stassi’s eyes grew wide at first sight.
“Hey, baby,” Lauren said greeting him.
The hand to her hip and Lauren’s kiss to his cheek told a story of comfort, a story of intimacy.
Oh, you dirty-ass nigga,Stassi thought.
“Can we go somewhere?” Demi asked, hardly looking her way.
“Yeah, we can go to my office,” Lauren said. “Hey, I want you to meet my new coordinator. This is Stassi. Stassi this is my husband, Demi.”
When Demi finally met Stassi’s eyes, she saw the shift, the slight inkling of recognition.
“We’ve met, right?” Stassi asked. “At the showcase.”
Demi scoffed but didn’t even acknowledge her.
“Handle your business then get with me,” Demi said.
Stassi watched him walk out and turned to Lauren feigning confusion. “I’m sorry, did I say something wrong?”
Stassi shook her head. “No, Demi just doesn’t like new people. The fame requires us to keep our circle close.”
Not close enough if he’s stepping out with my sister,Stassi thought. She was straddling a line and as she watched Demi climb into his car, she prayed her sister didn’t get hurt.
The knock on her door pulled Charlie from her restless sleep and she frowned in irritation as she climbed out the bed. Bails was right at her feet, accompanying her to the door. He was too loveable to be a guard dog. He was emotional support. Her companion when she felt alone, but he followed her anyway like he would do something to this mystery guest for interrupting Charlie’s sleep.
“Who is it?” she asked, irritated as the oversized shirt hung off her shoulder and stopped right beneath the cuff of her ass.
“Quality Pest Control, ma’am!”
Charlie pulled open the door, perplexed.
“I think you have the wrong house,” Charlie said.
“Is Demitrius Sky here? He ordered the service. Said you guys have been having issues with spiders,” the man said.
