B008GTHUN2 EBOK Page 2

  The funny part was with all these compliments Darcy was bestowing upon me she had no intentions of giving me a dime in commission. She had burned me so many times that I could smell her bullshit coming from a mile away. Per usual, she would have me bust my ass doing all the work and not only would she take all the credit but when it was time to collect she would once again come up with some excuse as to why she had no money to give me. If Darcy had her way this same song and dance would last forever. She would be rich and thriving in her career while I would continue to be her broke slave but soon the joke would be on her. Darcy had no clue that the game had changed and I was now in the driver's seat.

  I couldn't get to the W Hotel fast enough to meet Diamond for drinks. We had a ritual of meeting at the Whiskey Blue at least once a week to catch up on what was going on in our lives and today I was especially looking forward to it. By the time I got there the after work crowd was in full effect and Diamond was already on her first drink. She must've gotten there early since I was right on time.

  "Girl, if you could've been a fly on the wall and heard my conversation with Darcy you would've fell out. It took all my strength not to fall out laughing at her and I owe it all to you," was the first thing out of my mouth before I even sat down on the barstool.

  "Sit yo' ass down and tell me what the hell you rambling on about," Diamond giggled.

  "I was counting down every minute at work waiting to get off so I could tell you about my day."

  "Why what happened?"

  "What else…Darcy. She came in this morning bragging about getting a new gig and of course wanting to put all the work off on me. I called her out on not paying me my commission for our last major gig."

  "Good for you!"

  "Yeah, and of course she made her same empty promises but thanks to you putting me on I'm no longer fazed by Darcy. I'll forever be grateful to you for that."

  "Girl, stop it. I came to you for the favor…remember. You were ready to give Darcy the middle finger and for good reason."

  "True, but you came up with that brilliant idea and it worked out for all of us. That money you gave me has helped me out so much and it's also made me able to tolerate Darcy."

  "To have to deal with her you deserve every penny. That woman is something else. But I know you can handle her. People like Darcy just prepare you to have the skills to go out there and win."

  "And that's exactly what I plan to do," I smiled. "Okay, enough about that monster, what's going on with you? How was your trip to…where did you go again, North Carolina?"

  "Yeah."

  "I didn't even know you had family there."

  "Yeah my aunt and a few cousins."

  "Oh, so you had a good time?"

  "It was cool. But I'm glad to be back home. You know there's nothing like New York and there's always something to do."

  "You ain't lying and speaking of things to do. I put you on the list for Skee Patron's album release party. His record label is making it super exclusive so it should be really nice."

  "Can't wait!"

  "Oh, and it's a plus one."

  "What! I can bring a guest. I really must be moving up."

  "Shut up! But after that 15 stacks you gave me it's carte blanche for you!"

  "I like the sound of that."

  "So who are you going to bring?"

  "Hopefully Cameron will want to come although he probably is already on the list."

  "So wait, this thing with Cameron has turned into a full fledge love connection."

  "What are you talking about? All I said was that I was inviting him to the party."

  "But it's how you said it and the glazed look you had in your eyes while saying it."

  "I didn't realize it was that obvious."

  "Pretty much but I'm so happy for you! If anybody deserves to find a great guy it's you."

  "He is pretty awesome. Honestly these feelings I have for him have thrown me for a loop. Initially it was just being so physically attracted to him. That tall, lean muscular NBA body, with that smile, the dimples…fuck I'm getting all excited thinking about him now. But besides him being sexy as hell, he's so sweet and considerate. How can I be so lucky to find such a great guy?"

  "Because you deserve it. You give off a tough exterior but you're the sweetest and most generous person I know. So instead of wondering how lucky you are, Cameron needs to be thinking about how lucky he is to have found you."

  "Thank you for saying that, Kennedy."

  "It's true. You've completely turned your life around for the better since you got rid of Rico's crazy ass. You've always been a wonderful mother to Destiny, but now you're clearly doing great financially with your investments, of course you're an incredible friend and now you've seemed to find love. Everything is working out for you and I couldn't be happier."

  "Kennedy, stop it, you're going to make me tear up!"

  "Fine, I'll stop. But I have a feeling both of our lives are about to go in an amazing direction and I can't wait!"

  Blair

  "How do you like it?" the beautician asked me as she turned my chair around to face the wide mirror. I stared at my reflection for what seemed like forever before I answered. It was different but not drastic which I liked. My semi makeover was Kennedy's idea and at first I was reluctant about changing my hair but she seemed to know what she was doing so I followed her advice.

  "Kennedy said you would do a great job and she was right. I love it!"

  "I always love a happy customer. Plus I do think the layers and highlights compliment your face and great bone structure."

  "Thanks! And I'll definitely be back in a few weeks." I handed the beautician a tip before stopping at the receptionist to pay my enormous bill and heading out. Kennedy said she was one of the best in the business and had an extensive celebrity clientele list, her prices certainly reflected that. But I was trying to make it in the big leagues so I couldn't half ass on anything. And if the last couple of weeks were any indication of what I had to look forward to then I needed to be on point at all times.

  Instead of getting in a cab I decided to take advantage of the beautiful day and walk home. Plus, I wanted to think about all the great things that had been happening for me, literally overnight and it was all thanks to Kennedy. It started at Skee Patron's video shoot…

  2 Weeks Earlier...

  When Kennedy walked away after giving me a stern warning about what it would take for me to make it as an actress, I stood on the sidewalk trying to sort out the different emotions I was feeling.

  "Are you good?" I heard Kirk ask, shaking me out my thoughts.

  "Honestly, I'm a little nervous…that's a lie. I'm extremely nervous."

  "Relax, it's okay. I'm here as your support, remember."

  "That's right," I gave a half smile. That means you can't leave me."

  "I have no intentions of doing that. I'll be right by your side as long as you want me to. I promise."

  "Blair, they're ready for you," Kennedy called out from a distance. She waved her hand for me to come on so I did and like Kirk promised he was right by my side.

  "Tish said they are ready for you in hair and makeup, so follow me." As we were following Kennedy she stopped mid step. "Is he coming with you," she said pointing towards Kirk?

  "Yeah, is that cool?"

  "Sure, I think it's great. I'm just surprised since you said you all weren't dating." I could tell Kennedy was being sarcastic but I chose not to entertain it. I was already nervous and I didn't need any additional stress. I looked back at Kirk and he had a smirk on his face. I was relieved he found it all so humorous because it made me less tense.

  "Your dressing room is right down there on the left," Tish said, meeting us at the entrance. I have a dressing room! Is what I wanted to say out loud but I knew Kennedy would want me to seem like a pro so I kept the fact that I was pleasantly surprised about that to myself.

  "I have a few things to take care of so I'll let them do what they do but if you need me I
'm only a phone call away," Kennedy informed me before making her exit.

  "This is interesting. I've never been on a video set before. So this is what they do…throw a glam team on you, make you camera ready," Kirk joked.

  "You know I really am glad you stayed. You're keeping me from having an anxiety attack."

  "Don't be so nervous, you're in good hands. You got people doing your hair, makeup, dressing you, you can't go wrong. They'll probably carry you out to the set if you ask them to."

  "Shut up. I'm glad you find this all so funny."

  "Isn't that my job for the day, help you relax and stay calm."

  "Yeah."

  "How am I doing?"

  "So far so good."

  "If I do a really great job does that mean you'll let me take you out to dinner tonight so we can celebrate."

  "Let me get through this video shoot first before we talk about celebrating anything."

  "Listen, when you give me a job to do I always deliver. So I know you gon' nail this shit because I won't let you fail."

  "You know what, I believe you."

  "That's because you're a smart girl. Now sit back and enjoy the moment. This is only the beginning."

  A calm came over me and I did exactly what Kirk suggested. For the next hour or so I let my glam squad turn me into a video vixen. But there would be no hoochie mama cheap looking outfits. The stylist had nothing but gorgeous gowns and high-end shoes, very classy but sexy outfits for me to wear. When they finished with me I barely recognized myself. Everything exemplified the word super, from super voluminous shiny hair, a super low-cut and super sheer dress and of course super sexy high heel shoes. The silvery, long-sleeve Zuhair Murad dress slivered down my slim but curvy body like they painted it on me.

  "I can't believe this is me," I said, in awe of myself as I stared into the full-length mirror.

  "Damn, I never thought a woman could leave me speechless. Amazing is the only word I can think of right now."

  "And that word describes precisely how I'm feeling."

  "You surely look it."

  Before I had time to drool over myself any longer I was being rushed to the set, as they were tight on time. When I arrived on the scene Skee Patron didn't even try to conceal how pleased he was with my appearance.

  "Where in the fuck did you find her?" he stood and asked coming towards me. "You are fuckin' gorgeous. Where have you been…what other videos have you done? I can't believe I've never seen you before."

  "This is actually my first video."

  "Yes, she's an actress," Kennedy came out of nowhere and said. "She normally doesn't do videos but you are Skee Patron so we made an exception."

  "And you are…"

  "Oh, I'm Kennedy, her publicist and this is Blair."

  "Blair, I'm honored." Skee extended his hand and I shook it. He didn't seem to want to let it go. I could feel Kirk eyeing us but when I turned towards him he gave me a reassuring smile that let me know he was good.

  "Thanks for having me. I'm a fan of your music."

  "Then will you be my special guest for my show at Madison Square Garden in a couple weeks? I'll make sure everything is straight for you."

  "I…"

  "Of course she will," Kennedy said, cutting me off.

  "Listen, I have a boyfriend and I don't think he would approve of me attending this concert as your special guest."

  "I appreciate your honesty and your loyalty to your man. He's a lucky guy. I tell you what he can come too. Both of you can be my special guest."

  "Really?"

  "Yes. I'll have my people reach out to your publicist and set everything up for you. Now let's go do this video. I can't wait for the world to see you 'cause you're fuckin' stunning"

  Skee Patron had me in awe when he walked off. I wasn't expecting him to respond that way and it threw me off. Although I was watching Skee I could see Kennedy staring at me from the corner of my eye. "Listen, before you give me the riot act…"

  "No, no, no, I actually think you handled that very well. My only question to you is who will you be bringing, Michael or Kirk?" Kennedy smirked before walking off.

  "That's a wrap!" The video director shouted as everybody on set clapped their hands and pumped their fist. I had a feeling of excitement and exhaustion all at the same time. When I realized what time it was it made perfect sense. It was three o'clock in the morning. We had literally been going nonstop. I changed outfits three times and we kept shooting the same scenes quadruple times. It was completely draining but I loved every minute of it.

  "You shined like a star out there."

  "Kirk, you're so sweet. I can't believe you stayed here all this time."

  "Yo, I told you I take my job seriously. I wasn't going to be done until you're done."

  "Thank you," I said and kissed Kirk on the cheek. I'll be right back. I'ma go get out these clothes and then we can go."

  "Take your time. I'm not going anywhere."

  I felt like I was walking on clouds as I made my way to my dressing room. This was my first real gig and it was with Skee Patron, how lucky could I be. When I reached my dressing room the first thing I did was check my phone. I had called Michael earlier during a brief break but he didn't answer so I left him a voicemail message. But when I looked at my phone he didn't call or leave a text message. I didn't know if I should be relieved that he wasn't pissed that I was out so late or if I should be disappointed that he didn't seem to care.

  "Blair, I'm so proud of you!" The familiar voice shook me out of my thought about Michael. I turned around and saw Kennedy standing in the doorway.

  "Thank you! So you think I did a good job?"

  "No, you did a great job! Much better than I expected, which makes me, feel wonderful. Now here, fill out this form with your information so they can send you a check."

  "I'm getting paid for this?"

  "Hell yeah! You're a much sought after actress…at least that's what they think." We both laughed. "But soon you will be. This is just the beginning, Blair."

  "Wow, last week I felt my life had no direction and today I have a publicist and I was the lead in a Skee Patron video. I can't believe this is happening for me."

  "Well it is."

  "Thank you so much, Kennedy."

  "You welcome but Diamond is the true angel. Because of her we're both winning right now."

  "You're right about that. But ever since we were little girls Diamond has been a gem. She's been through so much but she always thinks about everyone else first. I hope things work out between her and Cameron because she deserves some happiness."

  "I hope so too. The three of us have to get together for drinks and celebrate the new direction our lives are going in."

  "I agree. Lets make it happen!"

  "Will do. And I'll be calling you tomorrow. Now that you've done this video, I'm going to start making some calls and get things lined up. I'm also going to solicit some of the photos that you and Skee took on set to the blogs. They love stuff like this."

  "Work your magic because you definitely seem to know what you're doing. Oh, and before you go here's the information you needed. I haven't received a paycheck in so long I'm feeling like a new woman."

  "Well, if I work this project the way I intend to, there will be plenty more of these coming in."

  "I hope you're right."

  "Trust me I am. Get a good night sleep and I won't be calling you early in the morning because hell, by the time you get home the sun might be coming up." Kennedy laughed and quickly disappeared.

  By the time I dressed and made my exit Kirk was patiently waiting for me. I couldn't help but feel slightly guilty for thinking so negatively of him just because he was an NBA player. On the other hand Michael would've never sat and waited for me fifteen minutes let alone hours.

  "Hey, Superstar. You ready."

  "Shut up. You're the superstar."

  "In my eyes you're the superstar and soon everybody else will know it too."

  "Kirk, th
ank you."

  "For what?"

  "For making me feel good about myself."

  "If all I have to do is tell the truth then I'll always make you feel good. Now lets go 'cause I know you tired and I damn sure am," Kirk smiled putting his arm around my shoulder. I didn't even feel the need to move his arm away because it felt natural.

  "We're here."

  "Already, gosh that was quick."

  "Yeah, you were quiet during the entire ride I thought you might've fallen asleep."

  "No, I was daydreaming. Can you daydream at night?" I couldn't help but giggle at the question.

  "You're silly but I don't think there's a specific time of day set aside for daydreaming. I think all you have to do is be awake. Of course I could be wrong. So what were you daydreaming about?"

  "Just the direction I want my life to go in. For the first time I feel like I have a real chance at accomplishing something, you know being somebody."

  "Blair, you are somebody."

  "I mean somebody I can be proud of."

  "Why aren't you proud of yourself now?"

  "I'm not in school, I don't work, and all I do is depend on a man who makes me feel like I'll never be good enough. Gosh, you must think I'm so pathetic. I can't believe I'm telling you all this."

  "I don't think you're pathetic but I do think you're way too hard on yourself. Today was great for you; don't let it end with negative thoughts. Go upstairs and get some rest."

  "You're right. Are you going to call me later on?"

  "I would love to but I don't have your number."

  "Aha ha ha…that's funny and you're right. Get your phone out so I can give it to you."

  "Are you sure you want to do that because once I get those digits I'ma be blowing you up."

  "Please do." After I gave Kirk my number I stared at him for a few seconds before giving him a kiss. I couldn't help myself. He had these beautiful perfect white teeth with enticing lips. I just wanted to feel them and see if they were as soft as they looked.

  "Wow, that was unexpected but nice."

  "Sorry, I know I shouldn't have done that."

  "No need to apologize. If you like you can do it again and make it longer this time."