Читать книгу Promises to Keep - Linda Hudson-Smith - Страница 11

Courtney and Monica hustled around the office, making sure everything was shut down and locked up for the evening. Courtney still had to stash in the floor safe the checks and cash she and Monica had just tallied. The company used spreadsheets and generated receipts electronically, but every now and then a handwritten receipt was given out for anything under fifty dollars.

A bank run was only made once a week, normally on Friday afternoons. The Wells Fargo Bank branch the company patronized was located just a few doors down from the office. Courtney, Harrell, Alma and Monica were the only ones authorized to handle bank and credit union transactions. Courtney and her grandmother wrote and signed all company checks, while monitoring all incoming and outgoing expenditures.

“Too many fingers in the pie could ruin it” was a motto both of them swore by.

Courtney looked at her watch. They had less than an hour to make it to a special meeting Darius had set up. J.R. had been invited, too. According to what Darius had told Courtney, he wanted her and her friends to meet a man he was keen on doing future business deals with. He’d also said he had a proposition involving Courtney’s company, which he planned to discuss during the meeting. Darius led her to believe this was an extremely important get-together.

“He didn’t give you any clue as to what this meeting was about?” Monica asked Courtney while shutting down her computer.

“Just that it was important. I hope it’s something good for the company. I can’t get involved with just anything…and Darius is nothing less than extraordinary as a businessman. He has incredible visions for his company. If he wants to involve The Party People in something he’s doing, I’m willing to see if I can get behind his ideas.”

“Girl, you’re just too savvy. Remember all those negative remarks about your visions? You certainly proved those naysayers wrong—and you did it in record time. Just think how far you’ve come this past year.”

Courtney nodded. “It’s also hard for me to believe. I often think about all the bank managers who turned me down for a small business loan. Thank God for federal credit unions. If Papa Harrell hadn’t been a military veteran, I couldn’t have landed a loan there, either.”

“You had strong, brilliant visions for the business and you already know I think your grandparents are the best visionaries around. They’re good to you and for you. As your employee and your friend, I get to cash in on the benefits, too. I love all three of you.”

Courtney smiled. “I know how you feel about us. They do, too.” She frowned. “Do I look okay?”

“You look beautiful, as always. For a girl who hardly ever worries about her attire, you sure have been overly concerned about it lately. What’s that all about?”

Courtney rolled her eyes back. “I just asked a simple question about my appearance.”

Monica gave her boss a slanted glance. “Your tan pantsuit hardly has that ‘off the rack’ look. The spicy-orange shell brings in just the right amount of color, along with the complementary juicy-fruit-orange leather pumps and bag. You’re a fresh breath of spring, looking as if you’re ready to get down to business. The simple but elegant diamond pendant and studs add more sparkle to the glow of your skin and personality. There!”

“Thank you.” Courtney smiled softly. “Your kind but rather long assessment of my outfit put me at ease. I know I’ve been out of it lately. I’m almost ashamed to admit it. Looking good for an engaged man is absolutely insane. Yet, when I’m dressing, I often wonder what Darius would think of this dress or that suit.”

“You and I both know that’s pitiful. You know exactly who you are, therefore the clothes you wear highlight your personality and spirit just right. Enough said?”

“Enough said,” Courtney echoed, “especially if we plan to get out of here to be on time for the meeting. I’ll secure the safe and be ready to go in a couple of minutes.”

“Sounds good to me. I’m going to hit the ladies’ room and freshen up my makeup. I also need to call J.R. back.”

“He probably just wanted to remind you about the meeting,” Courtney offered.

“You’re probably right. He’s excited about discussing business with Darius.”

“I’m trying not to let it get to me. Excitement or dread, we’ll know after we find out what Darius has in mind.”

Jasmine smiled. “Welcome to D.F. Film Productions, Inc,” she said to Monica and J.R. “It is nice to see you again, Miss Campbell. I’m glad you found time to take this last-minute meeting. Darius was really pleased all of you could make it. Have a seat. I’ll let him know you folks are here. Can I get any of you something to drink?”

All heads shook in the negative, followed up by a No, thank you from each of them.

“Okay, then.” Jasmine didn’t push the issue. Darius already had her phone in a nice-size spread from one of his favorite nearby eateries, Jacoby’s Deli.

“Please feel free to have a seat. Make yourselves at home. Mr. Fairfax will be with you shortly.”

Darius looked up at Meyer Chandler, CEO of See-Through Films. “The rest of the group has arrived. Do you have anything else you want to say before we convene in one of the conference rooms?”

Meyer shook his head. “I’m sure I’ll have more queries after the next segment of our meeting.”

“In that case, please come with me.”

Darius got up from the table and walked to his office door with Meyer following along behind him. Darius opened the door and gestured for his guest to precede him. As he made his way to the reception area, he actually felt a little nervous. Knowing he’d soon see the lovely Courtney Campbell caused him to brace himself for the impact sure to come. Her mere presence hadn’t failed to level him yet.

Smiling warmly, J.R. got to his feet, meeting Darius in the middle of the room. “Great seeing you again, man, but I didn’t know it’d be this soon. Both Monica and I were surprised by your invitation. We’re eager to hear what you have to say.”

Darius chuckled. “And I’m eager to say it.” He turned to face Courtney and Monica. “Ladies, I’m glad to see you. You’re both looking lovely.” Briefly, he laid his hand on Meyer’s back. “This gentleman is Meyer Chandler from See-Through Films.” Darius introduced Meyer to everyone, giving his guests’ first and surnames.

Meyer smiled at Courtney and shook Monica’s and J.R.’s hands, his grip firm.

“Now that everyone’s been introduced, let’s go down this hallway and get settled into the conference room.” Darius looked back at Jasmine. “Please have drinks brought in right away. About forty-five minutes from now, you can have the food delivered.”

“As you wish, boss,” Jasmine said, her tone soft and melodic.

Darius ushered his guests down a long corridor and into a well-appointed conference room equipped with the latest in office furnishings and state-of-the-art electronics. A fifty-six-inch Kuro plasma television was mounted on one wall.

Rushing around the table, Darius pulled out two high-back leather chairs for the ladies. Once everyone was comfortably seated, Jasmine rolled a portable serving cart into the room, loaded with all sorts of soft drinks, juices and a clear ice bucket. She pushed the cart to the rear. Smiling brightly then backing out, she nodded before closing the door behind her.

Darius folded his hands and set them on top of the table. “First I want to thank each of you for working your schedules around this last-minute meeting. I’m so happy you could attend. Everyone here knows I’m a filmmaker. I’m currently working on a few special projects that Meyer and I are collaborating on. Both our production companies are fairly new, and it’s our intention to pool our resources and begin producing under one umbrella. Have I grabbed everyone’s attention so far?”

Eager to hear what might come next, they all nodded.

“I’m actually writing a romantic screenplay,” Darius continued. “The story line focuses on weddings, specifically June brides. We’re considering several distinctive ceremonies.” Darius paused to gauge the responses. Since no one appeared to be on the verge of cardiac arrest, he continued, his eyes directly connecting with Courtney’s. “Your catering business will figure heavily into this romantic story line.”