by KR Bankston
Armani sighed deeply. He couldn’t get involved right now. There was too much going on. Kenton was making their lives miserable and the other partners were breathing down their necks for a return on their investment. The thought of being with Sydney was still very pleasant to him so Armani didn’t fully dismiss the idea.
*****
Bert was finished with his phone call and getting set to head into Armani’s office. He reflected on his relationship with his partner. He’d met Armani when he was a 13 year-old kid hustling on the street. He’d been impressed with the determination and drive he’d seen in the kid and gave him a job running numbers for him. They’d been through a lot together and he’d watched the kid grow into a man. He’d always been loyal and dependable and Bertram Frailey trusted him.
There weren’t many people he could say that about, black or white, but Armani was one of them. Here it was almost twenty years later and they were running a legitimate company together. Well for all intents and purposes it was legit. The partners would only tolerate it as long as it made money. Bert was truly hoping that Kenton would give them the capital they needed to pay them off and gain complete control.
Bert had been running with the underworld all his life. It was how he made his living. The mom and pop store he’d set up in the lower class neighborhood was simply a front for the numbers and gambling that he ran. It lasted a lot longer than Bert originally believed it would, being a white man in a predominantly black neighborhood. The residents didn’t seem to care one way or the other. They just wanted the services and products he offered.
When Armani approached him four years ago with the idea for the label Bert thought the man was crazy. After giving it some thought however, Bert found that he liked the idea of doing something besides the nothing he was now doing. All his numbers and gambling had pretty much dried up when the lotteries became legal and people no longer had a use for his services. He’d never been interested in the other ends of the business although he’d gotten offers from the partners to become active in the prostitution and extortion operations.
This was new territory for him and Bert actually found it very enlightening. He also found that power and money brought him some fringe benefits he would otherwise not enjoy. Bert was currently bedding a twenty something aspiring model/actress. He knew she was only with him for his money, but he still enjoyed sleeping with her. How many other fifty-nine year olds can boast about that? Bert thought, chuckling. He needed to get the report from Armani on the damage the kid caused this morning.
Kenton was a great artist, but he acted every bit of his twenty-one years. They needed him to behave for at least the next six to eight months. They would have successfully gotten at least an eighty-five percent return on their money. Bert hoped they could keep Kenton roped in until then. The kid was a walking time bomb. Bert reached Armani’s office and knocked before he entered.
******
“Hey man,” Armani greeted Bert.
“Hi Armani,” he returned settling into a chair. “Tell me how bad it was.”
Armani took a deep breath and replayed the conversation with Kenton.
“Do you think he’ll manage to stay out of trouble?” Bert asked.
Armani told him he hoped so, but doubted it.
Bert sighed heavily.
“All the shows sold out?” he asked.
Armani told him they were.
“I’d like to add a Sunday show,” he told Bert.
Bert thought about it for a moment and decided it would be a lucrative move on their part, so he gave Armani the go ahead.
“If we can just get a good six months out of this kid, we’ll be okay,” he told Armani.
“Yeah I know,” Armani replied “Guess I’ll just have to travel with him for the first leg of the tour to keep him in line,” he finished tiredly.
Armani didn’t relish the idea of spending the next six months on the road or with Kenton and his antics, but this label was his baby and he was going to see it live and grow. Bert sighed deeply feeling the same way Armani did, but knowing they didn’t have a choice.
“So what are we expecting to see on the concerts this weekend?” Bert asked.
Armani knew he had to report to the partners and it needed to be good. They’d been patient for the first three years but now they were pushing.
“We should clear at least thirty,” Armani replied.
Bert smiled. “That will be excellent,” he replied. “Make sure it happens, Armani,” he finished giving him a look.
Armani assured him they would be OK.
“Well I’ll leave you to it,” Bert told him rising to leave. “I have a lunch date with Marissa,” he finished, chuckling.
Armani laughed and told Bert to enjoy himself. His old ass is going to have a heart attack messing with that young girl, Armani thought to himself about Bert’s young girlfriend, chuckling as he returned to his work.
*****
“Hey girl,” Tarianna quipped into the phone.
Sydney laughed and returned her greeting.
“So? How did you like Kenton?” her friend asked.
Sydney frowned slightly recalling her meeting with the artist.
“He’s exactly what I expected,” she replied dryly.
Tarianna laughed heartily.
“Yeah, but he’s paid girl,” she replied after she’d gathered herself.
Sydney knew that was a lot more important to Tarianna than it was to her. She wanted a man who was financially secure yes, but there were other factors to consider too.
“Well you’ll get the chance to see him up close and personal again Saturday night, that is if you’re free,” Sydney returned.
Tarianna asked her what was up and she told her about the tickets.
“So who else are you inviting?” She asked.
“I was going to call Nichelle and Jasmine,” Sydney replied.
Tarianna thought about it for a moment and decided they would be OK. She didn’t want anyone around who would be competition. She was going to make Armani notice her outside of work.
“Yeah girl that’s straight,” Tarianna told Sydney. “I gotta make me a hair appointment,” she laughed.
Sydney thought about it and decided she did too. Armani was going to be there and she looked very forward to seeing him again. What about Tarianna, she thought, knowing her friend had a serious crush on the man. Sydney shook the thoughts and told herself she was just looking. No harm, no foul.
“Girl, I have the perfect outfit in mind too,” Tarianna laughed bringing her back to the present.
“Well I haven’t even thought that far ahead,” Sydney laughed.
“By the way, what did you think of Armani?” Tarianna asked slyly.
Sydney was careful not to disclose her true impression of the man or her growing feelings for him.
“He was straight girl,” she answered evasively.
Tarianna laughed.
“Well Saturday I’m going to make sure he sees a whole new side of me, if you know what I mean,” she quipped.
Sydney laughed and told Tarianna to behave.
“You still have to work with the man you know,” she cautioned her.
Tarianna laughed and told Sydney she only saw that as temporary until they got together and she had Armani taking care of her.
“You are an absolute mess girl,” Sydney laughed.
They chatted for a few moments more until Sydney got another call.
“I’ll hit you up later girl,” she told Tarianna as they hung up.
*****
“Hello?” she answered.
“Hey beautiful,” the male voice replied.
Who is this? Sydney asked herself not recognizing the voice. The man chuckled knowing she had no idea who he was.
“I’m looking forward to seeing you Saturday at the concert,” he told her again seductively. “I’m also looking forward to spending some alone time with you afterwards.”
Sydney was annoyed. Kenton, s
he thought.
“Hi Kenton, how are you?” Sydney replied as businesslike as she could.
I can’t believe this arrogant dog, she thought. “It was nice of you to call,” she continued. “I’m looking forward to the concert also,” Sydney finished making no reference to his comment about them spending time afterwards.
“It’s never a problem with someone as beautiful as you,” Kenton replied. “I’ll let you go now. I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you,” he finished trying once again to sound seductive.
Sydney sighed lightly.
“Well that was really sweet of you and I appreciate it,” she returned. “See you tomorrow night, and have a great show tonight,” she finished, hoping this would end the conversation.
Kenton chuckled lightly and told her thanks.
“See you tomorrow night baby,” he told Sydney and disconnected before she could reply.
This could be a problem, Sydney thought to herself. She didn’t want to be rude and tell Kenton to buzz off, but she didn’t want to encourage him either. Maybe she could speak to Armani and ask him if he could get Kenton to back off. Well just wait and see what happens Saturday first, Sydney thought. She would be all business with him and maybe Kenton would get the hint without her having to involve Armani. Sydney thought about him again and how much she was looking forward to seeing him. I can’t let myself get caught up, she thought, with Tarianna crossing her mind once again. Secretly she hoped Armani wouldn’t be trapped by Tarianna’s games. Please be a better man than that, Sydney wished silently as she headed to her office.
*****
Kenton smiled to himself after hanging up his cell. Now, that’s taken care of, back to business, he thought as he headed back into the theatre to complete rehearsal. Kenton really was attracted to Sydney. She was a beautiful woman and she reminded him of Derica with her no nonsense attitude. Kenton chuckled thinking how she’d tried so hard to act uninterested when he’d flirted with her earlier. Sydney wanted him and he knew it. All the women he met wanted him. He was Kenton. What else was there to say?
He was planning to sleep with the new dancer they’d brought in today. She was pretty enough. Kenton was enjoying his ability to sleep with any and every woman they added to his staff. Black, White, Oriental, Hispanic, it didn’t matter. He had his choice of each of them. He’d found out her name was Samantha. She was white, but thought she was black. He’d already given her looks most of the rehearsal and Kenton knew she was interested. He’d sleep with her afterwards. He’d more than likely have some other woman from the audience after his performances tonight. This is definitely the life, he thought again and laughed out loud.
Kenton saw Armani arrive and frowned. He knew he would have to be all business now and not make any demands on the staff like he normally did. This guy is a real killjoy, Kenton thought sourly as he continued to rehearse.
Armani went directly to the sound area and began working the technicians. “How’s the production going?” he asked Ryan the lead sound tech.
“Good so far man,” he replied and Armani knew he meant that Kenton hadn’t been demanding or impossible today.
“Well now that I’m here I intend to see that it stays that way,” he replied and Ryan smiled.
The rehearsal went on for another hour before Armani told them to call it a day. “Kenton you need to go ahead and relax and unwind for the shows tonight.”
Kenton smiled and thanked Armani, secretly glad to be getting away from the man. He made his way to Samantha, the dancer, and asked her back to his room. She smiled and eagerly accepted. Armani watched the exchange, disgusted again at the kid’s behavior. He is definitely what women are talking about when they say we’re all dogs, Armani thought as he went to confirm all the arrangements for the evening’s performances.
The Master Orchestrator
A story of life, loss, and love
By
KR Bankston
Copyright © 2010 KR Bankston. All rights reserved.
The Best Intentions
Jared Piper was on the phone with his personal assistant trying to tie up loose ends. His wife, Morgan, was celebrating her 31 birthday in a few days and he was throwing her a huge surprise party. Smiling inwardly at his genius, managing to keep it a secret from her, Jared reflected on their life together. He and Morgan had been married for the last 9 years, after dating for two. They’d met at the book release party of her best friend Trinity. Jared thought Morgan was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen with her striking caramel complexion, hourglass figure, deep probing brown eyes, and biting wit; so he had to have her. He managed to score her number under the guise of a friend who needed a literary agent. Jared asked her out to lunch and after coming clean with her about his true intentions, Morgan continued to see him. Their love affair was deep and instantaneous even from the start. Jared popped the question a year later, with them having a long engagement and marrying the next year. They’d been blissfully happy since.
He smiled again thinking of their decision to finally start a family. Jared couldn’t describe how excited he found himself thinking of the prospect of them leaving couple-hood behind and enjoying family-hood instead. His phone rang and he smiled seeing Morgan’s number on the caller ID.
“Hey baby,” Jared greeted her amiably.
“Hey you,” Morgan returned happily. “I wanted to see if you had found anyone for the other ticket we have to the game tonight?”
Jared frowned slightly, having forgotten all about the ticket. They held season tickets for the Magic and tonight they had two extra.
“Who are you bringing,” he asked trying to buy time and think.
“If you can believe it, I actually managed to talk Trin into coming,” she replied, chuckling at the end of her statement.
Jared was impressed. Trinity Sorenson was Morgan’s best friend. A very sweet and attractive woman, who had unfortunately experienced very deep tragedy at an early age, causing her to basically withdraw from life socially.
“Wow, that is quite the achievement,” he replied as an idea came to mind. “I’ll see if I can talk Brian into coming,” he returned as Morgan told him that sounded good.
“Both of them could use a good night out,” Morgan replied as Jared readily agreed. “They’d actually make a great couple,” Jared mused aloud.
Morgan giggled and told him she agreed.
“We can’t let them know we’re trying to set them up though,” she threw back as Jared agreed.
That would definitely be the kiss of death. The two of them conspired a while longer before hanging up. Jared was still smiling as he dialed Brian’s number and prayed he could convince his best friend to come with him tonight.
Two Blind Mice
Trinity Sorenson
Smiling Trinity signed the book and cheerfully took a photo as the fan requested. She was a best-selling author and she loved interacting with her fans. Trinity recalled starting her writing career almost at the exact time she and Michael met, some twelve years ago. She was 19 years old, a sophomore in college majoring in Journalism, when she met Michael; tall, sexy, and the starting linebacker for their college team. Trinity was taken completely by surprise when he approached her one day at the café while she was enjoying a cappuccino and asked her out. She never thought he’d paid her any attention when she accompanied her sorority friend, Tiffany, to one of the many frat parties she was invited too. Trinity never got caught up in the whole Greek thing. She very much liked being a party of one. Michael told her that’s what attracted him to her. “You’re very secure with just you,” he told her softly after their third date, when she’d finally let him kiss her. “It’s going to make our being together so much easier,” he’d added, establishing the beginning of their relationship together.
Trinity and Michael dated for the rest of their college tenure, marrying six months to the day of graduation. Their marriage and life together was surreal. Her books took off almost immediately after they married
and Trinity was soon doing major signings, even having a couple of her novels made into feature length films. Michael was a major sports agent, signing various unknown, but now household name, athletes out of college and even some high schools. They traveled extensively, seeing the world and having fabulous vacations together. They’d talked about children, but decided to wait on their seven year rule. They wanted to just be a couple for a while, and then move on to becoming a family, knowing that having a child would change everything for them. Michael was supportive of her career and he understood her crazy moods when she wrote. They had their share of arguments just like any couple, but they never went to bed angry and they definitely never stayed angry. Three years ago, at 12:39AM, that all changed. That was the fateful night a Florida State Trooper showed up on her doorstep and told her Michael was dead. He’d been involved in a car accident with another driver who was texting and driving, crossing the median and striking her husband’s car at well over 100mph. He’d been killed as well, but honestly, that was no consolation to Trinity.
The funeral had been a nightmare. She had to sit there and endure as everyone fawned over her, not understanding she couldn’t function. She couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t hear. She couldn’t think. All Trinity knew was emptiness and pain. Michael was lying in front of her in a box. His eyes were forever closed, his laughter cut short, his warm touch removed from her. Never again would Trinity find herself encased in his strong arms, listening to the rhythmic beating of his heart as he sang softly in her ear, or whispered how much he loved her while making love and bringing her unimaginable ecstasies. Her soulmate was gone. Trinity shut down then and never restarted. She had gone through life from that day to this functioning, but never truly living. Dating was out of the question, even now, three years later. She smiled slightly, thankful to have a best friend like Morgan. Even though she knew her friend felt she should be dating again, she didn’t push it, and she never set her up on blind dates.