“Now that Allen is back in the media, I’ve been averaging about a thousand orders a day. Whenever my name isn’t on social media, it’s less, but still enough to where I should get someone in here.”
“That’s a blessing, baby. I bet if you get someone in here to help, you’ll see an increase in orders. If customers realize shipping times have been cut by even a little bit, they’ll continue to order and will scream to the high heavens about Luxe Addiction. People hate waiting.”
“That’s exactly what I’ve been thinking about. I have the photoshoot tomorrow for the next collection, but after that I’ll be intentional about getting another person in here. Now, where is my sweet and sour chicken,” she said as she reached for the bag.
“Damn, girl. The food isn’t going anywhere.”
“I told you I was hungry.”
Conversation was minimal as we ate for the first time today. Spending time like this was one of the reasons I couldn’t let Celeste go. We didn’t have to be doing much and still enjoyed each other’s company. I simply liked her as a person.
“How was work? I thought you said you were gonna be at the studio well into the evening.”
“I was supposed to be, but I didn’t end up taking on the project they wanted me to be part of.”
“Why not? I thought you were taking as many artists as you could?”
“I am. This one wasn’t my speed though.”
“Can I ask who the artist is?”
“It was Serenity,” I admitted without hesitation.
When her fork slipped from her hand and she started to cough, I knew I’d caught her off guard. Once she had gotten herself together, she pushed her food away and tried to stand.
“Celeste, sit down and finish eating,” I said as I firmly pressed her thigh.
“I’m good. I need to get back on the floor anyway.”
“No. We’re not about to do this. You’re not about to go days without talking to me over a situation that didn’t happen.”
“Yeah but it could’ve happened. You know firsthand how she indirectly caused my last relationship to fail?—”
“That’s why I didn’t bring it to you, Celeste. I was asked to work with her weeks ago, but I never brought it to you because I was on the fence myself. From a professional standpoint, I don’t think Serenity and I connect musically. Secondly, I wasn’t about to sit in this woman’s face for hours at a time knowing she’d caused pain to a person I care about. Had the meeting gone any other way and I took on the project, I would’ve come to you and talked about it. At the end of the day, I’m not Spinna. There wouldn’t have been anything under the sun she could’ve said to me that would’ve made us cross lines.
“If you would’ve told me you weren’t comfortable, the answer still would’ve been no. I’m not putting anything over your feelings. That includes money. That’s just how much I care about you. So like I said, sit yo’ ass back down and finish eating,” I stated sternly.
With an eye roll, Celeste sat and picked her fork up. I’d already prepared myself for the knee-jerk reaction, which was why I didn’t hesitate when I told her who the artist was. Lying wouldn’t have done me any good anyway. Sooner or later, Celeste would’ve heard about the encounter between me and Spinna. To top it off, I would never leave room for any person to have one up on my woman. Celeste was slowly starting to become an extension of me. I was hoping this situation wouldn’tlinger between us for longer than it should. Celeste had more than enough going on in her life right now. The last thing I needed was her unsure of me and my intentions.
Leaning over, I placed a kiss on her temple before going back to my meal. The world would be a better place when Celeste realized there was no ridding herself of me.
CHAPTER 14
Celeste
“Girl, that smile isn’t big enough! Now smile like you mean it,” Jade said as she snapped a picture.
I’d just gotten the keys to my new space and couldn’t believe it. Just a few years ago, I was in survival mode. I was working two jobs while trying to take care of my mother the best I could. Luxe Addiction was an idea I thought would only ever exist in my imagination. To experience opening a second location was mind blowing. This time felt more intense since I had to go through the process of opening the space myself. My hard work and dedication made it possible. Not saying I wouldn’t be devastated if I were to lose my original storefront, but this one was different.
“Okay, that’s enough pictures. My damn cheeks hurt.”
“Please,” she countered with an eye roll. “But anyway, you never told me the plan for the space. Are we moving everything over here or will this be location number two?”
“As of right now, it’s location number two. I have a meeting today with a lawyer to see what can be done about getting the other building in my name. The good thing is, I don’t plan to have this location up and running for another couple months.Christmas or New Year’s is what I’m aiming for. By then, I’ll have a sure answer on the fate of the other building,” I admitted.
“Okay. That sounds like a good plan. The most important part is there’s still a storefront for the locals. They may be inconvenienced by the location change, but they’ll make the drive.”
“That’s true. I thought about everything before settling on this location. Next thing I need to do is move my mother out of that facility. Everything will be ready by this weekend and I can’t wait. Getting her from under Allen’s dime will be a weight lifted from my damn shoulders.”
