Trevon stood up. “If I didn’t know better, I would think you were jealous.”
“For what. Man, I can get any woman I wanted and believe me, Shareeka isn’t one I would call wife material.”
“Watch your mouth. That’s the woman that I love.”
“You need some help for real. You’re so confused, you don’t know who you love.”
“I better go before this gets out of hand.”
“Yes, you better.”
Trevon was at the door and was about to leave out, when he stopped, turned and asked, “What did you want to talk to me about?”
Garrett changed his mind about warning him. He was a big boy; let him deal with the situation. “Nothing. I figured it out myself.”
“Whatever man. I’m out of here.”
Garrett threw up his two fingers making the peace sign.
~ 10 ~
“Hailey, I have a rep on hold from Entertainment Tonight,” Jackie entered Hailey’s office and said.
She put her hand on the phone receiver. “Take a message. I’m on the phone with my designer.”
“But, they want to set up an interview.”
“You’re my assistant. You know more about what’s on my calendar than I do. Make the appointment.”
Hailey could hear Jackie saying a few things under her breath. Hailey didn’t mean to snap at her, but Jackie got paid good money to be her assistant and she was tired of holding her hand. “Back to you. I need the dress pronto. The event is this weekend.”
“Anything for you dear,” Fazio said, from the other end.
“Don’t make me regret it. I saw that last dress you designed for Parris Mitchell, Casper’s wife, and I want mine to look even better.”
“I have one that I designed with you in mind. I’ll send someone over to take your measurements and it’ll be ready for Saturday.”
“Thank you Fazio. You’re a dear.”
“Smooches to you too.”
Hailey scratched off finding a dress on her to do list. She was confident that Fazio would come through. She should credit R & B singer Parris for turning her on to his designs. There weren’t enough people of color behind the scenes of fashion.
Speaking of Parris, she thought it was past time, she gave her new friend a call.
“Has Casper been staying out of trouble?” she asked, after going through the pleasantries.
“You know your friend. He’s a handful but I love him.”
“No mushy stuff please,” Hailey teased. “Tell CJ, the hit maker I called. I don’t want to hold you long. Just called to see how you were doing.”
“We need to get together. Girl, it’s been far too long,” Parris responded.
“I know. Let’s do lunch. My treat,” Hailey said.
“I have a better idea. Why don’t you and a date come over next week for dinner?”
Hailey didn’t know how to respond. She wasn’t sure she would have a date. Folks would laugh if she admitted that. Most men looked at her as a trophy piece but she was looking for more. “I’m free Thursday. How about then?”
“Sounds good to me. We’ll see you around seven,” Parris confirmed before getting off the phone.
Trevon, next week, it’ll be you and I going to that dinner. You’ll see.
***
Garrett rarely got a chance to see Hailey in her work element. She seemed to light up when she was on stage talking to her guests and studio audience. He watched the taping from a room not far from the stage.
He listened as Brenda gave him an update on Hailey’s case. “It’s good to hear that the fan mail has stopped. Let’s think about re-assigning you.”
Brenda said, “I would keep me on for at least another few weeks.”
“Oh no. I know you didn’t say that. Working for the diva Hailey.”
Brenda laughed. “I admit when I’m wrong. She’s not as bad as I thought she would be. Don’t get me wrong; she does have her moments; but for the most part, she’s down to earth.”
“Wow. I’m shocked,” he said, as he handed Brenda an envelope containing her payroll check.
“Thanks Boss man.”
“If anything comes up, let me know. On Saturday, you can have the day off. I’ll be escorting Ms. Barnes to a party.”
“It wouldn’t be the same party I’ve been invited to now would it?”
“You’ll have to wait and see,” Garrett responded.
“I wasn’t going to attend. But I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
He ignored Brenda’s curiosity. The show was about to end and he wanted to avoid Hailey until Saturday. He made a quick get away. He heard Hailey yelling his name as he turned the corner, but he pretended like he didn’t.