by Nita Brooks
Adele gaped then laughed. “Don’t be ridiculous. You two are always going at it for no good reason. Look, you don’t have time to get twisted by your sister’s shenanigans. You need to focus on the meeting with Desiree later this week. I can do your makeup and help cover up those scratches. They shouldn’t leave any marks. Give Quinn a few days and she’ll calm down.”
Adele fussed with Nicola’s hair and she brushed her mom’s hands aside. “No, Mom, you don’t understand. This isn’t something for her to calm down over. She’s really mad at me.”
“I don’t know why. You’ve never done anything to her. All of her decisions were decisions she made. We both know she’s not the responsible one.”
“If that’s what we always tell her then that’s what she’ll believe. She can do more. She has done more.”
“What do you mean?”
Nicola swallowed hard. Her eyes met her mother’s. “She’s the one who really fixed Triumph. My original scent was off, and I couldn’t figure out what to do next. Quinn told me how to fix it. I never told her, or you. I should have.”
Adele raised a brow. “So.”
“What do you mean so?” Nicola said the words slowly. Hadn’t her mom understood what she just said.
“People collaborate on projects all the time,” Adele said with a shrug. “Just because she helped you out doesn’t take away from what you created or the work you’ve done since then.”
“But what if she could have come up with something better if she hadn’t ruined her samples?” Nicola had never asked Quinn what had driven her to the lab, drunk and angry, that night. I said yes to Omar that day! Had something Omar said made her sister doubt her abilities?
Nicola locked gazes with her mom. “What if we never gave her the chance because we were too afraid to let her try?” Because Nicola had been too afraid to let go of the attention she’d always craved from her family.
“Look, we don’t have the time to gamble on what ifs. Your sister might have had one brilliant idea, but at the end of the day, you’re the one who got us where we are. Don’t let your sister try to steal anything from you just because she’s going through some type of crisis.”
“But Mom.”
“No buts.” Adele’s voice was firm. She placed her hand on Nicola’s shoulders and forced her to sit up straight. “You get things right with Desiree and leave your sister’s rants out of things. That’s what’s important.”
“What if I can’t do it?” Her voice was small. Full of the fear she’d tried to hide over the past few weeks.
Her mom waved off her concerns. “Of course, you can do it. You’ve always done it. And if you don’t do it, Desiree will choose IHF and our reputation will be ruined. We can’t afford to mess this up with Desiree. Everyone in the industry is waiting to see what we come up with. Now is not the time for you to start questioning your abilities. Forget the fight with Quinn. You didn’t do anything wrong. Your sister will be okay. You’ve got things ready for the meeting, right?”
After that speech, Nicola couldn’t form the words to say she didn’t. That she wasn’t sure if she’d be ready. That she had no idea what to do next. That she was about to plunge them into a potentially crushing situation. If she didn’t come up with something, then her fears would be true. She wasn’t the genius everyone took her to be. She was a fake and a phony. She had ruined her sister’s life only to falter later. The worry in her mom’s eyes made Nicola swallow all her fears.
“I’ll be ready.”
Chapter 30
Nicola’s cell phone vibrated on her desk. She turned away from the three samples she’d been working with and checked the notification. A message from Damien.
I’ll pick up dinner. What r u in the mood 4?
Nicola groaned and rubbed her temples. Last night when Damien asked about coming over, she’d put him off. Saying she was tired from the trip and promising to have dinner with him tonight. She wanted to have dinner with him. Wanted to wrap up in his arms and forget about everything.
That’s exactly what she couldn’t afford to do. Even though she still had no idea how to make anything better happen. Working constantly and trying out different things hadn’t given her the answer. Going on vacation had been a disaster. Maybe spending time with Damien would help.
Pick up Tai. She texted back.
Seven work for you?
Perfect.
She smiled as she put her phone down. Damien was the one thing going relatively well in her life. Even if she didn’t want to let everyone in on what was happening between them. She wasn’t used to having someone care about her at the end of the day. Or even look forward to seeing her. A part of her felt bad about keeping them a secret, but a bigger part of her loved that he was all hers.
She glanced at her phone again. Quinn still hadn’t called. She didn’t know what to say to her sister. What could she say? It wasn’t her fault Quinn rushed into the decision to marry Omar. She might have been wrong for not telling her sister about how she’d helped with Triumph, but that didn’t make Nicola responsible for every decision Quinn had made since. She’d deal with that once this crisis with Desiree was over.
There was a knock on her door before LeShawn came inside. Her eyes were wide and worried. “Um . . . Nicola, I tried to buzz you.”
Nicola picked up one of the vials with her latest juice blend. “My ringer is off on my desk phone. I’m not to be disturbed.”
“Yeah, about that. Desiree is here to see you.”
Nicola’s stomach fell to her feet. She clutched the vial in her hand and spun toward LeShawn. “She’s what? I’m not meeting her until Thursday.”
Desiree walked up behind LeShawn and pushed her way into the door. “I got back in the states early and decided to come by. I’m so excited to check out what you’ve put together. I couldn’t wait to get here and check on things.”
Nicola tried to control her breathing. No! She wasn’t ready. She didn’t feel confident that she’d done anything to make the perfume what Desiree wanted. “Oh . . . things have been great.”
Desiree clapped as she rushed to Nicola’s side. “Good. I was worried after the last few samples you sent. Then your assistant told me you’d gone on vacation. I was worried you wouldn’t be ready for our meeting on Thursday.”
The vacation had nothing to do with it. “I promise I’ll be ready. I’m always ready.”
“Good. Then you wouldn’t mind letting me preview what you’ve put together before we get in front of the entire creative team.” Desiree studied the various vials on Nicola’s workstation with interest.
Nicola almost swallowed her tongue. “I don’t have the final product here.”
Desiree picked up one of the vials and read the label. “These have my name on them.” She screwed open the top. “Is this the latest version?”
As much as Nicola wanted to snatch the vial away from Desiree and tell her it wasn’t ready, she didn’t. Nicola pressed her hand into her stomach. There was no need to stop her now. Knowing what Desiree thought was the only way for her to get to a resolution. “Something like that.”
Desiree raised a brow. “Is it okay if I smell them. I’m sure this is better than what you gave me last time.”
Before Nicola could reassure her that it was, Desiree brought the first vial to her nose and breathed in. She grunted, frowned, then carefully put the vial back down. The process was repeated with each of the three. When she turned back to Nicola disappointment was heavy in her gaze.
“You said these are prototypes. That you don’t have the final product here?”
Those were her final products. She had nothing else. If she were honest with herself, she wouldn’t come up with anything else before Thursday. She was good and screwed. But she’d still hope for a miracle.
“No. The final isn’t here.”
Desiree didn’t look convinced. “Where is it? I want to try it.”
“At my house,” she said quickly. “I took it with me on vacation b
ecause I have to let a scent sit with me for a while. I test it in various settings to see what I like.”
“And that’s what you’ll bring me on Thursday?” Desiree crossed her arms delicately and raised a brow.
The truth was wedged in her throat. She couldn’t give up now. Not when she could use a few more days and possibly do better. Be better. “Yes. I’m sure you’ll love it.”
“I really hope so.” Desiree glanced at the three vials on Nicola’s desk. “Look, Nicola, if you can’t come up with what I want then just let me know. There are other perfumers who can help me.”
There was no way in hell she was going to lose this project. “I’ve got you, Desiree. Don’t worry. You’ll be pleased.”
“I’d like to think so, but honestly, you haven’t delivered so far. Between that and the rumors surrounding your family.”
Nicola blinked several times. “Rumors? What rumors?”
Desiree’s eyes widened. “You don’t know?”
“Know what? Our company is above reproach. We have worked hard to meet the expectations of our clients and deliver quality perfumes.”
“Maybe so, but your sister also works here. I’m not one to judge other people. I think women and men can and should do whatever they want. But after seeing the video of you and your sister fighting in Cancun, followed by the leaked tape of her affair with that advertising guy, it makes me wonder if you can focus on what I need right now.”
Video of their fight? Leaked tape of Quinn’s affair? What the hell happened in the past forty-eight hours? Why hadn’t anyone called or said anything to her?
Desiree continued talking. Nicola couldn’t follow along. Their fight had been recorded. She shouldn’t be surprised. Camera phones were everywhere. The problem was, how much of their fight was publicized? Had Desiree heard Nicola confess about the making of Triumph?
The words find someone else came out of Desiree’s mouth and snatched Nicola’s thoughts away from what was recorded and back to the problem at hand.
“Desiree, please, don’t look for anyone else. I haven’t seen any of the gossip you’re referring to. My sister and I did have a disagreement, but we’re okay. We’d been drinking and got annoyed.” She really hoped there wasn’t video proof of her admitting to feeling like an imposter when it came to making scents. “As for my sister’s alleged affair, that has nothing to do with me. We want your business and I’ll do whatever it takes to prove you’ve made the right choice.”
“I don’t know.”
“Please. You understand how the media blows things out of proportion. I’m not distracted. You are my number one priority. I will make a perfume that you and your fans will love and wear for years.”
She held out her hand. Her heart pounded in her chest. Her head hurt and she held her breath. Desiree watched her for a second before taking her hand.
“Okay, we’ll see how things go on Thursday.”
* * *
Nicola was going through her books on chemistry, fragrances, and the art of making perfume, when her doorbell chimed. Cursing because she couldn’t afford an interruption right now, she slammed the book closed and hurried to the door. If this was her mom coming to talk to her again about fixing things, then she didn’t want to be bothered.
She’d looked up what was in the media with Quinn. There was grainy cell phone video of Quinn and Joseph out on a date. They’d been caught kissing at a party as well. There was also cell phone video of Nicola lunging at Quinn after getting slapped in Cancun. She hadn’t found any video of their actual argument, though the sites that obtained the cell phone video alluded to the fight being about Quinn’s affair.
If she hadn’t looked at Quinn’s phone, the fight wouldn’t have started. She’d have to find a way to fix things with her sister, she just couldn’t fix it now. Not when Queen Couture’s reputation depended on what happened this Thursday. She’d call Quinn on Friday. She’d fix this on Friday.
When she looked through the peephole she cringed and cursed again. She opened the door and tried to smile. “Damien, hey.”
His bright smile dimmed, and he lowered the bags of food he’d held up when she answered. “That doesn’t sound like you’re happy to see me.”
“No, it’s not that. Actually, I am happy to see you. It’s just not a good time.”
“What’s going on?”
She stepped back and motioned for him to enter. “Work, family, you name it.”
He leaned in to kiss her and she gave him her cheek. The briefest of hesitations before his lips brushed her cheek. When he pulled back there was confusion in his eyes.
“Want to talk about it?”
She shut the door and avoided eye contact. If she looked into his eyes, she’d get lost. She’d break down. Now wasn’t the time for breakdowns.
“Not really. I won’t be good company tonight. Why don’t you take the food back to your place and enjoy? I’ll give you a call at the end of the week.”
Damien’s body stilled. “The end of the week?”
“Yes. I’ve got the presentation with Desiree on Thursday and it’s really got me stressed.”
“I know about the presentation on Thursday. That’s why I thought I’d be helpful and bring you dinner.” He walked into the kitchen.
Nicola followed and tried to suppress her annoyance. He put the food on the island then walked over to her.
He placed his hands on her hips and pulled her close. “Tell me what you need, and I’ll get it for you.”
How easy would it be to lean into him? Wrap her arms around him, breathe in his scent, and let him hold her. Forget everything she needed to fix and let Damien take care of her instead. The idea was so tempting she leaned toward him. Except, when he let her go all her problems would still be there, and she’d be even further behind because she avoided doing what needed to be done to steal a few moments with him.
His brows pulled together and he placed a finger under her chin. “How did you scratch your face?”
Nicola pushed his hand away and pulled out of his reach. “It’s nothing. I need to get back to work.” She walked away from him and went back to the books she had spread out on the kitchen table.
Damien followed her. He picked up one the books and read the cover. “What’s the problem? You said you had things under control with the scent for Desiree.”
She pulled the book out of his hand. The accusation in his voice ramping up her irritation. “Well I lied.”
“Why?”
Nicola hugged the book to her chest and met his eye. “Because I thought going to Cancun would help me figure things out. Now I know it won’t.”
“You didn’t have to lie to me. If you’re having a problem, we can talk about it. Maybe I can help?”
She didn’t need help. She had to do this on her own. She had to prove to herself that she deserved all the accolades she’d gotten since Triumph. She had to know she belonged here. That she hadn’t hurt her sister by keeping the secret only to ruin everything later.
She turned away from Damien and dropped the book on the table. “If I need help making a bowl for Desiree I’ll come to you. I don’t need your help when it comes to making perfume.”
“Hold up.” He took her elbow in his hand and stopped her from walking away. “Just because you’re having a rough day doesn’t mean you can talk to me any kind of way.”
“I told you it wasn’t a good time. It’ll be better for you to just take the food and go.”
His hand dropped from her arm and he took a step back. “Are you really coming at me like this right now?”
She put a hand to her head. “Look, I’m sorry. I just really can’t focus on anything else right now.”
“You don’t have to. Let me help out. I’ve got dinner. After we eat, I can run you a bath and then give you a shoulder rub.”
Her heart melted at the prospect. The tension in her shoulders was begging her to say yes. She could feel his fingers massaging her back and shoulders. Taking away the
stress and agony of the past few days. His wonderful lips would follow the trail of his hands. They’d make love and he’d make sure her mind was completely clear of everything except what it meant to be in his arms.
Maybe he saw the longing in her face because the tightness around his eyes lessened. He stepped forward and reached for her. If he touched her, she’d say to hell with working tonight.
Nicola held up her hands and jumped back. “Just stop, okay. I’m not giving you any if that’s what you’re here for.”
Damien stopped short. He’d only look more stunned if she’d slapped him. “Who said anything about getting any?”
“Let’s be real, Damien. We both know you ultimately want us to end up in bed tonight. I don’t have time to play around. I’m too busy.”
“I don’t know what you think we’ve got going here, but out of the two of us, you’re the only one whose sought out the other just for sex. I thought we were in a relationship.”
“We are.” She rubbed her temples. She just wanted this entire conversation to be over.
He pressed a hand to his chest. “Then why are you acting like I’m your friend with benefits? I didn’t come here for sex. I came here because I haven’t seen you in a week and I’d like to spend time with you.”
Nicola dropped her hand and met his eyes. “And I said I’d call you in a week. The company’s reputation is on the line. I’m fighting with Quinn. Desiree hates everything I’ve put in front of her. And I have three days to come up with something brilliant. I can’t get distracted with romantic dinners and back rubs. Why can’t you understand that!”
His face closed up. The door to his emotions slammed shut as he looked at her as if she were a stranger. “You know what, I’m going to go.” He turned and stalked toward the door.
“Damien . . .”
He spun around and held up a hand. “Nah, and when you’re done with your meeting, don’t bother to call. I’ve been overinvested in a relationship one time before. I’m glad to find out now before I got too in over my head.”
“Damien, wait!” Nicola hurried after him, but he was slamming the door. By the time she opened it he was in his car. He didn’t bother to look up as he backed out of her driveway.