Chapter 9
Anniversary Party
“Well, don’t you look like money!” Emani exclaimed, stepping into my office. I smiled and pulled her in for a hug.
“Money is my middle name, obviously.”
“And is!” She laughed. “Ya ass been up here for almost two hours. It’s time to get that ass to the party.”
“I’m coming. Just mentally preparing myself.”
“Red looks good on you, friend,” she complimented. I wore a black Alexander Wang tuxedo with a red blazer and black dress shirt with a red bow tie. My shoes were black, suede Alexander McQueen.
“Thanks, sis. You don’t look too bad yourself.” She rocked an all-black glittery gown that was in a V shape in the front and back and swept against the floor.
“Don’t I?” she asked, doing a spin.
“Bighead ass.”
“Whatever. But umm, we keep secrets now?”
I frowned. “What you talking about?”
“I’m talking about you and Layne being an item, and you didn’t tell me.”
“Who told you that?”
“Doesn’t matter. You didn’t, so I feel a way about that.”
“I know Denny told you. Nigga been trying to push up on her lately, so I had to let him know she’s off-limits.”
“Homie seemed a little salty about it. But I expect nothing less from his hating ass.”
“I’m sure he is. His ass always been aggressive when it comes to something he wants. Hopefully he has enough respect for me not to fuck with her after I warned him.”
“That serious, huh?” She smirked.
I looked away to hide the smile that threatened to form on my face, because knowing my best friend, she’d clown me. “She’s everything I ever wanted in a woman. Soft, beautiful, smart, and funny. We can sit and talk about anything for hours, and I never get bored with her.”
“Aww, that’s so sweet, bestie! I’m happy for you. I knew you were smitten by her when ya ass bought that damn Maserati. Now, was I right about what she tastes like?”
She tastes like the sweetest piece of grapefruit I’d ever had.
I wasn’t telling her ass that though.
“I’m not doing this with you, E. You’ll never know what she tastes like.”
She laughed. “Fine. I already know I’m right though. She’s a good look for you.”
“I agree. We’ve been keeping shit quiet around here because she doesn’t want a rep. Even though I don’t give a fuck about what any of them has to say, I still want to respect her wishes.”
“Damn . . . She really got you moving different. I think I might be in love with her ass too!”
“E, get the fuck out.” We laughed and headed toward the door.
“Oh, I invited my baby mama. I’m going to introduce you to her.”
I pressed the button to the elevator. “Oh, you decided to play step mama after all?”
“Hell nah. At least not yet. We’re still new, and I ain’t ready. If shit works out between us, then I’ll meet them little rugrats.”
“You calling your love interest kids rugrats is diabolical, sis.”
“Her letting a nigga put three babies in her is diabolical. The fuck?” I laughed as we got on the elevator.
Once we made it to the fifth floor and the doors opened, I smiled wide at the layout and decor. Everything looked classy—elegant. Just like the woman who put all of this together. “Encore” by Cheryl Lynn was sung by the artist we found at Essence .
The drop chandeliers, black, white, and gold drapes hanging from the ceiling, to the stage that had the band and singer we hired, to the champagne fountain in the middle of the floor, and food display looked beautiful.
I could tell my baby put a lot of thought into this, which made me want to bless her account with more money and pussy with more dick.
Mitchell Wilder, also known as Mitch, spotted me first. He was a silent partner in the company and never attended these events, because he told me he had social anxiety. I understood because I didn’t like being around a lot of people either.
“The man and woman of the hour. It’s about time you all graced us with your presence. I was just about to leave.”
“Mitchell, it’s good to see you, man,” I said, shaking his hand.
“Good to see you too, brother.” His eyes went to Emani. “Emani. How are you doing, beautiful?”
“Blessed.”
“As always.”
“Are you sure you want to leave?” I asked him.
“Yeah, it’s getting crowded in here. I just came to show face and congratulate you on another successful year.”
“Thanks, man.” We shook hands again, and he kissed Emani’s cheek then left.
“Where’s your baby mama?” I asked, eyes scanning the crowd, looking for my lady.
“You’ll meet her later. I see Terrance Williams made it.”
“From Macy’s?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“Oh shit. We need that contract with him, E.”
“I got you. Go get up on the stage, potna.” I chuckled and headed toward the stage.
My eyes caught Layne standing by the fruit bar, with a glass of champagne in her hand, talking to Jennifer and Brandy from my media department.
The red silk gown I had delivered to her home looked delectable on her. I couldn’t wait to rip that shit off.
She looked my way, and I winked at her, proceeding to the stage. Once I made it up, I waited until the performer was done singing, then walked over to her, giving her a hug then taking the microphone.
“What’s up, everyone? How’s everybody doing tonight?” Applause and shouts sounded. “Y’all give it up for the beautiful Ernesta Vari. She’s been doing her thing tonight, right?” As they applauded, I cleared my throat and looked out at the crowd.
“I want to thank each and every one of you here tonight. All of you play a vital role in making Aromatique as successful as it has been. For five years, we have been making the people smell good with our perfumes and colognes, and I think we have been doing a good job, no?”
“Yeah!” The crowd yelled.
“That’s what I’m talking about. I’d like to thank my staff, my business associates, and my partners for showing up and out during the years, and to show how thankful I am, I have a gift for everyone who’s been rocking with me.
Ms. Grant, would you mind?” Layne nodded, walking over to the cart and pushing it.
“Inside the gift bags, we have our new line that’s set to launch early next month called ‘Lover’s Lane,’ along with a bottle of the finest champagne to celebrate this year.
I appreciate you all for coming to celebrate with us.
I won’t talk y’all ears off, so let’s get back to the festivities.
Much love. Thank you.” I walked off the stage as the band started back up.
“Lover’s Lane, huh?” I heard Layne ask, once I made it to her. My eyes lowered, and I licked my lips, loving that fucking dress on her.
“It’s only right I gave the new line a beautiful meaning.” She blushed. “Dance with me.”
“I don’t think we should.”
“It’s just a dance, baby. Come on.” I took her hand and led her to the dance floor as Ernesta sang Stevie Wonder’s “Knocks Me Off My Feet.”
“You look so extra handsome tonight, Mr. West.”
“And you look even more fuckable.”
“Hush your filthy mouth, sir.” She giggled. “You like how everything turned out?”
“I do. You definitely have an eye for nice things. But I expected nothing less.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you having a good time?”
“I am.”
“Good . . . I have another surprise for you later.”
She laughed. “You and your surprises.”
“I’m just speaking your love language, baby.” She smiled radiantly.
I saw Emani approaching as she smiled at us. “Sorry to interrupt, but Daniel Neilson just arrived.”
“Owner of Bloom Fragrance ?” I asked.
“I see all the heavy hitters coming out tonight,” I said, smiling proudly. “Save me a dance for later?” I asked Layne.
She smiled. “Of course.”
“You look so chic, by the way,” Emani complimented her.
“Thank you, love. As do you.”
“She called me love, Av.” Emani gave a mischievous leer. “You know I love that word.”
“Bring ya ass on!”
Emani laughed.
“Layne, I’ll be right back, beautiful.”
“Okay.” We walked off with me anticipating getting Aromatique into more stores.
For the next hour, I shook hands with my business partners and mingled with my staff. I danced with my moms and Amerie, and it seemed like everybody was in shock with my actions. I mean, I knew they were shocked. I was shocked at my damn self, but I had my woman to thank for that.
My moms headed toward me and hugged me.
“Son, I’m so proud of you. I love you.”
“I love you too, Ma. You raised a dope son.”
She laughed. “That I did. Me and your father are going to head on out. Everything was so beautiful, baby.”
“Thanks, Ma.” I kissed her cheek and said my goodbyes to my family. It was time for me to find Layne so we could head out.
As my eyes scanned the crowd, I found her standing by the restrooms with none other than my sketchy ass cousin.
This nigga gon’ make me beat his ass .
My feet began moving in their direction, but I was stopped by Emani and Terrance Williams.
“Avery West, I’d like to officially introduce you to Mr. Terrance Williams, CEO of Macy’s,” Emani introduced.
“Mr. Williams, it’s a pleasure to formally meet you.”
“Same. I have to say I’m genuinely impressed with what you have here. Ms. Kentfield informed me that you all have been trying to contact my office. I do apologize, but as you know, the CEO life is a bit hectic.”
“I’m aware and can relate.” We chuckled.
“Come by my office next Wednesday, and we’ll talk,” he said, pulling a card from inside his suit jacket and handing it to me.
I smiled. “Thank you. I look forward to it.” We shook hands and he headed toward the elevators.
“We’re on, my baby!” Emani exclaimed, throwing her arms around me.
“Yeah, we’re going to get that contract and blow up even more. Now you need to work on Neilson, and we’re good.”
“Facts!” My eyes went back to dumbass and Layne, who was now looking a little bored with whatever his ass was saying to her. When his hand landed on the small of her back and slid down to her ass, my feet had a mind of their own.
“Avery, don’t!” Emani tried to grab me, but I dodged her and moved hurriedly across the room. As soon as I reached them, I grabbed him by his collar and pushed him inside of the men’s restroom.