"Okay, good. You got quiet there, for a minute. You almost had me worried."
"We kissed though," she confessed guiltily.
"Ya'll kissed? Bitch, why?"
Reese sighed, applying on her eyeliner in the mirror. "He was the one who initiated it—"
"Oh god, please don't tell me you actually like him."
"What? No!
"Well, I hope not. I mean, I love Cam like a brother, but I've seen how he gets down. That nigga can't keep it in his pants even if his life depended on it."
Her mood dampened a bit. She then came to her senses. Duh, she already knew that.
"And you know what? I should've known he would try to pull this off, too. He was asking about you the other day."
She hesitated. "Really?"
"Yeah, he wanted me to hook you two up together. I was like, 'boy bye'! And look at him, trying to be slick."
Reese didn't know how to feel about that. She didn't know if she should be angry that his game actually worked. Or flattered that he would put so much effort into pursuing her. She shook her head, her thoughts now causing a headache.
"Whatever. It's not going any further, anyway. I held my end of the deal, now he was to hold up his. As long as Free The Heart is well funded, then that's all that matters." She coated her lips with her lipstick, puckering them.
"Yeah, that's true. Well hopefully it turns out well. Anyway, I'll talk to you later. Mandingo just got here," she squealed.
Reese rolled her eyes. "Of course."
Her piece of handy dick.
"And good luck, tonight. Have fun. Muah!" Yasmine congratulated.
"Thanks, love."
They said their goodbyes then hung up.
Tonight, she was attending the annual ceremony sponsored by the Domestic Awareness Association. Each year, the Association honored the most prominent nonprofit organizations in New York City. Although, she was honored that hers had been amongst the few that had been recognized again this year, she truly was in no mood to attend tonight, at all. Truth be told, these events bored her to death. She just didn't have the energy for the small talk, bland food, stiff music, and long drawn out speeches. Not tonight. But as the CEO, she had to show her face and represent.
*
Reese fiddled her asparagus with her fork, fighting to keep her eyes open. The chattering voices had muddled into a blur, the world around her fading into oblivion. Just like she expected. She was bored out of her ever loving mind. All night, she had been forced to listen to the most drawn out speeches, while mingling with the best of them, from the CEO's, investors, grant makers, and a few politicians that had been in attendance. Over the years, she had learned to associate with the top prospects in the business. The more connections she established, the easier it was to acquire funding and prestige. Which had, for the most part, worked in her favor.
The ceremony took place at the Golden Plaza Hotel. The spacious conference room held about 100 guests, each dressed in formal attire, as they sat around gold clothed tables, conversing amongst each other, while classical music played in the background. The place was well catered. The food cooked by the top notch chefs in the city, although personally bland for her taste.
Reese glanced at her phone for the millionth time. God. She had only been here for a couple of hours and it felt like she had been here all night. She took a long sip of her wine. This was her 3rd glass. She knew drinking at a time like this would only make her more tired. But hell! She needed something to take the edge off.
Reese glanced at her board members as they chattered around the table. Everyone seemed so engaged. For what reason she did not know.
With a sigh, she picked up her purse and stood. She needed a bathroom break or she was going to pass out from boredom.
She strolled through the room, passing out fake smiles and simple greetings to everyone who stopped her on her way out. A light grasp on her arm, made her spin around. She cursed under breath at his presence.
"Sharese?"
"Lawrence." She forced a smile.
"Wow, you look...beautiful." He took in every portion of her curves in her black cocktail dress.
"Thanks."
She hated herself for not taking the other exit. All night she had been trying to avoid him. She had worked on being conspicuous tonight, at least enough to be out of his radar. But much to her luck, they still managed to bump into each other.
Despite how she felt, she couldn’t deny how attractive he appeared tonight. Dressed in a black tuxedo and tie, with sleek loafers, he was well-dressed for the occasion. Lawrence really was a good looking man. With his tall, thick built frame, caramel toned skin, bald head and scruffy yet evenly trimmed beard, looking like Boris Kodjoe himself. What a shame.
If he wasn't such a low down, cheater, she probably would've given him a chance.
"It's been a while. How's everything?" he spoke.
"Fine. And you?"
"Good, good. It's great seeing you." He nodded. "I've actually 'been trying to get in touch with you, lately."
"Oh, you have?" She played oblivious.
"Yeah, I left a couple of messages on your phone. Even sent some flowers over, wasn't sure If you got them or not."
"Nope, never did."
"Oh, no wonder. Well, it’s great that I ran into you again. I was hoping if we could maybe go out some—"
"You know what?" She cut him off. "I actually have to step out for a moment. I'll talk to you later, Lawrence. Bye."
"Wait—"
She stepped out before he could say anymore. The sooner this whole thing was over, the better.
As she arrived at the main lobby, a sudden call of her name stopped her in her tracks. With a sigh, she turned around only to kick herself once again. Damnit. She should've kept on walking.
Anna Benowitz.
The one woman she wouldn't piss on even if she was on fire.
Anna was the president of Solace, a nonprofit organization in New York City that provided shelter for battered women as well. Over a decade in this business, Reese learned just how much competition there was between nonprofits within the state, especially due to the fight for resources and funding. And with Anna's organization also highly established, hers was in definite competition. It would've been nice to collaborate instead, but Reese wouldn't allow it. She was well aware of the corruption that plagued her organization. With the embezzlement of money, and the stealing of funds, Anna was just one of many that jipped the system. It was repulsive and Reese didn't respect it.
Anna strutted towards her, her blonde bob swaying to the rhythm of her walk. She kept her nose up high, the air of superiority engulfing her like a stale perfume. Her sequins blue dress sparkled under the gleaming chandelier, nearly blinding Reese the closer she approached. Who told her to wear that? Looking like a damn fire cracker on the 4th of July.
Reese forced a smile.
"Hiii! How are you?" Anna greeted as they pressed their cheeks together.
"I'm great, and you?"
"Couldn't be better. And you look lovely, tonight." Her blue eyes swifted over her attire. "That dress looks gorgeous on you."
"Thanks, so does yours."
"'Aww thank you. It's a wonderful night, isn't it? Feels great to be honored for all of our hard work."
"Yeah, it does."
"Oh, and I never got to tell you how sorry I am about the whole situation with Brisco. I know they were a key sponsor in your organization. It's unfortunate."
Her faux sympathy agitated the hell out of her.
"Actually, we're doing fine without them. But I appreciate the concern."
"Oh, I'm sure. And speaking of which, isn't your foundation now being funded by the athlete that raped that woman a few months back?"
Reese paused. Anna batted her lashes, with a jeering smirk that she burned to rip off.
She cleared her throat, swallowing the words that almost spewed from her lips.
"Well, actually you're wrong about that. If you paid attention to the ne
ws, you would know that he was found innocent."
"Aw, we know how the system is, love. You can pay off anything with just the right amount of money. Even your freedom."
"And I'm sure you know all about that. Now, don't you?"
Anna's face plastered with shock.
Reese gave a smile. "Anyway, it was good seeing you, again. Have a nice night."
She spun around and headed to the bathroom.
"Bitch."
Chapter 13
"Move in closer ladies! Yes, beautiful!"
The photographer snapped shots as Cam posted before the camera with two blonde beauties beside him. He stood before the white backdrop, clad in nothing but his gold boxing trunks and mitts, showcasing his muscular physique. Following the photographer's direction, he extended his arms at his side, while the bikini dressed models wrapped their arms around him, enveloping their thighs around his manhood in a seductive manner.
He had been granted the opportunity to grace the cover of the highly publicized, sports magazine, CROWN. His PR game had been on 100. These past few months, he had been all over the media, from doing TV appearances, radio, to magazine covers, sharing his side of the story. If it was up to him, he would remain silent on the whole thing. But with such a major scandal, remaining silent would only do more damage to his career. And he couldn’t afford that. Things already seemed to be looking up for him. By the grace of God, he had been able to gain his boxing license back. Something he never thought would happen. So, although he hated all this publicity, he had to do whatever he could to clean up his reputation for the world to see, and it was going to take hard work and endless effort to do so.
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, that's a wrap! Great job, everyone." The photographer announced and everyone applauded.
Relieved to be done, Cam stepped off the set. He had been here for almost 3 hours, and he was more than ready to hit the gym. The stylists began untying his boxing gloves, as the make-up artists dabbed his face with a fresh rag.
"Aye yo, Bug!"
His 21 year old, assistant, hurried to him in an instant. "Sup?"
"Any missed calls or messages?"
He scrolled through his phone. "Uh, yeah. Slick called, said he wanna meet with you later on this week. Said it was something important. And uh, the club promoter said he can’t meet with you today, but he's willing to reschedule anytime you're free. Oh, and Vance said he won't be able to make it to the party, but have fun for him."
"What about the brown skinned shorty? Any missed calls?" Cam asked.
There was no need to specify, he knew who he was referring to.
"Let me check..." He scrolled through the phone. "Uh, nah."
"None at all?"
"Nope."
"Give me the phone," Cam ordered, when his hands were finally free from the gloves. His assistant handed him the phone, and Cam searched through his history, in hopes of seeing her name but there was no trace at all.
His mood dampened.
Damn.
She was really dodging his calls. He thought after their business arrangement, they would've at least hit it off. He couldn't lie, it was a shot to his ego. He was so used to women bowing down to him. Left and right. And for her to treat him like some regular ol' Joe, even after he wined and dined her at one of the most expensive 5 star restaurants in the city, and on top of that, agreed to sponsor her measly organization, he felt played.
He should’ve just let it go. Fuck it. He had never been the one to chase a woman who didn't want to be chased. He didn't have the energy. Nor time.
But then again...there was just something about her. He wanted her. No doubt about it. And in some deep part of him, he knew she felt the same.
That kiss.
That was all the confirmation he needed. The way she kissed him, her lips pining with desire, he knew. He definitely knew. No, matter how much she pretended she didn't feel anything. And due to his competitive nature, he wasn't about to just give up so easily. Since she wanted to play the petty game of cat and mouse, he'd gladly do so.
*
A sudden knock on the door broke Reese's concentration. She let out a sigh, frustrated. Clearly, she wasn't going to get any work done with all of these disruptions every five seconds.
"Come in."
The door opened and Naomi peaked in.
"Sorry again, for the disturbance. But you have another gift."
"Didn't I say get rid of it?" She sifted through her paperwork, not even bothering to look up.
"Yeah, but...it's anonymous."
Reese paused and looked up. Naomi slid inside the office, holding up the small decorated gift bag.
She waved her inside. "Let me see that."
Her brown skinned, afro haired, assistant walked toward her desk, as Reese stood up. She took the bag from her, staring at the nameless tag attached to it.
"Is it from a special someone?" Naomi said sweetly.
Rese gave her a stern look, and her smile faded.
"Uh, anything else I could do for you, Ms. Wilson?"
"Have you finished faxing out the paperwork I told you to do?"
"Um, not yet. I'm almost—."
"Well, finish it. And I'll call you back in when I need you, thanks."
Naomi nodded and stepped out of the office, shutting the door behind her. Reese opened the gift bag to see a small white box and a card buried under the tissue paper. With a raised brow, she took out the box and opened it, only to grow more confused. She slowly picked up the keychain, attached to two miniature boxing mitts designed with the cartoon characters, Tom and Jerry. It suddenly made sense to her.
The boxing gloves...
Of course.
She opened the envelope and read the note inside.
How much longer are we gonna keep playing this game?
She read the words over again, wondering what it all meant. She then glanced at the keychain, then the note again. When the message became clear, she blushed.
Cute.
Real...cute.
She plopped in her seat, shaking her head. Didn't he get the hint? Their deal was done, they had nothing else to discuss. Just weeks ago, his foundation had donated 2.1 million dollars to Free the Heart. And it was well appreciated it. However, that was it. They had both fulfilled their ends of the bargain. There was no need for him to continue reaching out to her.
Obviously, Mr. Lewis couldn't take no for an answer.
She picked up her cell and dialed his number.
"Oh, she finally answers. Hell must be freezing over right now."
She rolled her eyes, fighting a smile. "So, I'm guessing you didn't get the hint."
"What hint?"
"That I'm not interested."
"Ouch, damn. You hear that?"
"What?"
"My heart breaking."
She stifled another smile. "Anyway, I got your gift."
"Oh, you did huh?"
"Yeah. The whole cat and mouse thing, real cute.”
"I try."
"What do you want, Cameron?" She leaned back, gnawing the top of her pen.
"To see what's up with you. Whatchu doing later?"
"Why?"
"I got a little party at my house tonight, and I want you to come."
"A party?"
"Yeah."
"Hmm."
"What, you don't like to party?"
"I do. Just not the type of partying you're into."
She heard about Cameron's wild ways. The last thing she needed, was to step into some sex filled party with nothing but weed, naked strippers and rowdy men.
"Don't worry, it won't be nothing too crazy. Just a few friends, some drinks, food, and some music. You'll have a good time."
She twirled her pen as she stared out her window, contemplating.
"I'll think about it."
Chapter 14
"Bruh, when I saw shorty's face the next morning, I swore I woke up to the Scream mask. I ain't slept right since."
The air filled with laughter. Cam fell over, unable to even breathe. Just hearing his good friend, Bryson, recount a funny story about a woman he met in Vegas last weekend, had him damn near in tears.
Tonight, he had thrown a get-together at his New York City penthouse with about 40 of his closest friends in attendance. No slew of celebrities, apart from the very few he was close with. Just the realest people he knew. From his entourage, some friends from his old neighborhood, and of course beautiful women. Every now and then, he threw intimate parties like these. It always felt good to be around some genuine people. They helped to keep him grounded. It was so easy to get caught up in the world of Hollywood, and even he had fallen victim many times in the past. But ever since his prison stint, he realized that there were only so very few people he could trust.
The party was held on the terrace. With the bartender serving drinks at the bar, the chef preparing exquisitely cooked food, and the DJ playing music from the booth, everyone seemed to enjoy the festivity, as they ate, drank, lounged, and conversed amongst themselves.
The warm summer night air deemed perfect for the occasion. He was posted up against the balcony, with his closest friends, Deshawn and Bryson. They had been at his side, since day one. All from the same neighborhood, they shared countless memories together, good and bad. Each playing a major staple in his life. They had supported him through his most trying times, and were the only few that kept him in check whenever he got too caught up in the lifestyle of fame. They were his brothers. And for that, he would always be there for them. No matter what.
"That's why from now on, I tell bitches to wash their makeup off before I hit, real talk," Bryson continued.
"You can't be serious, man." Deshawn replied.
"I'm dead ass serious. Shit, you never know what a chick really looks like underneath."
"Aye, that don't sound like a bad idea." Cam laughed, taking sips of his drink.
"Speaking of which, I definitely see some bad bitches up in here though." Bryson rubbed his hands, scoping the women in the party. "Gotta give you props bruh, you always keep some A1's around you."
"It wouldn't be my party without 'em." He shrugged.
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