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  Best Regards,

  Pip

  Assistant to Harini Samuels.

  Colton arrived around seven-thirty p.m. to find Bailey bursting with excitement. She was eager to share her news.

  “You’re not going to believe this, Colton. I just got an email from Harini’s assistant. She’s invited me to lunch at her home.” Bailey talked fast as she often did whenever she was excited about something. “I’ve got to find the perfect outfit to wear…I wonder if I should take my laptop or the manuscript…I—"

  He chuckled. “Babe, slow down.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m just so excited. She invited me to her home. Not a restaurant. This is so cool.”

  “Wow, you must have really made a great first impression.”

  “I hope so.” She took his hand and led him to the walk-in closet in her bedroom.

  “What should I wear?”

  He gave a short laugh. “You’ve got nothing but clothes. I’m sure you’ll be able to find something cute. You look good in everything, babe.”

  “Colton, I really need your help,” she said from within the closet. “I want to impress Harini.”

  “I think you’ve already done that. She did invite you to lunch. We have to celebrate. If I can get you to come out of that closet, I’ll take you to dinner.”

  She peeked out. “Pita Chip?”

  He grinned. “If that’s where you want to go.”

  “I just need to change and then I’ll be ready.” Bailey quickly slipped out of the shorts into a pair of jeans.

  She walked out of the closet, then checked her reflection in the full-length mirror.

  At the restaurant, Bailey and Colton both selected the Chicken Shawarma rice bowl.

  “I really need someone like Harini in my corner. I’m nervous about this meeting.”

  “Babe, relax… she reached out to you for a reason. You have a great story so stop stressing.”

  “You really think so, Colton?”

  Colton lifted his drink in a salute. “I do. You’re a good writer.”

  Bailey reached across the table, taking his hand in her own. “I really appreciate your support. You believed in me when my own family basically laughed at the idea.”

  “When you get that publishing contract, we’ll see who’s laughing then.”

  “I just want you to know this means a lot to me, Colton.” She finished off her food.

  “Thanks for saying that, babe. Hey… sorry about this afternoon. If you want, we can go to Fairmount Park tomorrow after church. I was thinking we could have a picnic…”

  Bailey smiled. “Sounds perfect to me.”

  The idea of taking a stroll or going horseback riding, then enjoying a relaxing and romantic picnic was exhilarating. The last time Bailey was there was with Maurie and Cassidy. They had taken her on a Victorian-style trolley to tour the Colonial-era mansions dotted along the landscape.

  “It’s a date,” she said, running her fingers through her short curls. Bailey lifted her chin. Staring intensely at Colton, she asked, “What are you thinking right now?”

  He broke into a grin. “I’m actually thinking about how sexy you look. Your hair, your eyes, the curve of your hips and the way those hips sway invitingly when you’re walking. Bailey, everything about you screams sexy.”

  She looked up into his eyes, saw them spark and flash and knew she loved him deeply. “I never thought I’d meet someone like you,” Bailey said. “To be honest, when we first met—I believed you were putting on an act to impress me. Here we are four and a half years later and you’re still the same man I met in Hornsby Hall.”

  “I’ve watched you grow, Bailey… into a beautiful and confident woman. Don’t get me wrong—you were cute in that freshman way, but you’ve evolved into straight gorgeous.”

  She laughed. “You’re so good for my ego. I guess that’s why I’m crazy about you.”

  “I feel the same way,” Colton said. “I don’t think I can face a future without you in it. Bailey, you mean the world to me.”

  Squeezing his hand, Bailey said, “If things keep going the way they are, we will never have to worry about being apart.”

  Harini lived in the prestigious Washington Square West neighborhood.

  “Oh my goodness… this is so nice,” Bailey whispered as she pulled into entrance of Le Maision condominiums. Before she had a chance to cut the engine, the uniformed attendant was holding the door for her. Bailey never received this kind of service before.

  “Nice day, Miss. Hargrove,” he said, falling into step with her as she walked toward the revolving doors. “Miss Samuels is expecting you.”

  She stopped and looked at him.

  There was a knowing grin on his face.

  “I guess this happens all the time.”

  “Actually, it doesn’t,” the attendant responded. “Miss Samuels usually does not invite anyone to her home. I’ve worked here for two years and you’re only the third or fourth person I’ve ever let inside this building as a guest of hers.”

  Bailey nodded. “Wow…” Hearing this made her feel special.

  She stepped into the elevator, quickly noticing that there were no dirty mats on the floor, stale cigarette smoke or a mixture of sweat or body order—all the smells she encountered in the one at her apartment.

  Harini was standing at the door waiting for her.

  “It’s nice seeing you again, Bailey.”

  Her eyes traveled from her face to the length of her body, prompting Bailey to wonder if she should’ve worn a suit other than the navy and white sundress. “Thank you for the invitation.”

  “I have a confession. I’m not much of a cook, so our lunch is catered,” Harini said as she led Bailey through the foyer and into the living room.

  “I cook, but I can’t say that I’m great at it,” Bailey responded. “Although I can throw down on some spaghetti.”

  Harini chuckled. “That’s one of my favorites.”

  “I’ll have to make you some,” Bailey said with a smile. Her gaze traveled the room. “The food smells delicious.”

  There were a couple of people dressed in black working in the huge kitchen.

  “Bailey… you look a little nervous.”

  She glanced over at Harini. “I have to confess that I’m a little star struck.”

  “You needn’t be. I’m just a woman who gets to do what I love most—write for a living.”

  “That’s what I want,” Bailey said. “To be able to write full-time.”

  “It’s not as glamorous as you may think,” Harini said in a loud whisper. “If you want to get where I am—you’re gonna have to treat it like a business. It’s hard work.”

  “I’m up to the challenge,” Bailey said.

  Harini smiled. “I believe you are. You’re gonna do well.” She rose to her feet graciously. “Lunch is ready to be served.”

  Bailey followed her to the formal dining room. Observing the eight chairs, she recalled what the attendant about Harini rarely entertaining guests, so why such a large table? She dared not ask. It’s none of my business.

  Harini’s next words captured her attention.

  “Tell me about yourself, Bailey.”

  “Well, I’m from North Carolina and I’ve been up here for a few months.” Bailey picked up the napkin and spread it across her lap.

  “So, what brought you to Philly? Your job?”

  “That and my boyfriend,” Bailey responded. “Colton grew up here. He and I have been dating since our freshman year in college.”

  “How sweet,” Harini murmured. “Are there wedding bells in the air?”

  Bailey grinned. “Maybe one day, but I’m not in a hurry to walk down the aisle. I really want to focus on my writing.”

  “One of the reasons I invited you here was to get to know you, Bailey. From the moment we met, I felt that we shared a special connection—like kindred spirits. I see a lot of myself in you.”

  “Really?”

  Harini nodded. “I
had that same hunger for the written word—same as you. Writing is my life and I love it.”

  “So, do I,” Bailey said. “It’s the first thing on my mind in the morning and the last thing at night. Since working on this book, I’ve been so focused that I’ve abandoned my morning devotion. I need to get back on track with spending time with the Lord.”

  “You’re a church girl, huh?”

  Bailey laughed. “My father was a pastor. He died last year.”

  “Oh dear… I’m so sorry for your loss.”

  “He was a good man. He just spent most of his time at the church which made my mama very unhappy. When my sisters and I left home—we went our separate ways and just never looked back. One sister lives in California. She’s married and has two kids. My other sister is in Germany. Her husband is in the Air Force.”

  “Where’s your mother?”

  “She’s in Kansas City with her sister. My aunt has dementia and my mama takes care of her.”

  Bailey noticed that Harini didn’t offer any personal information about herself. She didn’t pry at the risk of offending her. But deep down, she found it ironic that Harini could be so private when she spent so much of her energy exposing the secrets of others on social media platforms.

  Every time Bailey saw one of Harini’s scathing posts, she asked herself why she wanted to work with a woman who attracted so much drama—the answer was clear. Bailey wanted to become published and she felt building a relationship with Harini would help in her quest. She had flaws like everybody else. Nobody’s perfect and who am I to judge?

  Harini struggled to keep her expression blank. Just being in the room with Bailey—she felt her body temperature rise. The girl was oblivious to her beauty and perfectly-shaped body. Her nostrils flared every time Bailey spoke about her writing. Harini wanted to be happy for her, but deep down she couldn’t be—there was a chance she could become Harini’s competition.

  “Come with me,” Harini said, “I’ll give you a tour of my home. Most people are curious to see how I live. I’ve been asked by magazine editors if I would allow them to photograph my home. Thus far, I’ve only let one feature my place. An interior design magazine.”

  Bailey’s gaze bounced around her surroundings. “Your condo is gorgeous. Did you decorate it yourself?”

  “I did,” Harini responded as they walked down the hall. “This is my sanctuary.”

  Behind her, she heard Bailey’s gasp. Without turning, she knew that the young woman had never in her life seen such a luxurious room. It was a sapphire blue and gray theme for the drapes, the bedspread, even the overstuffed chair near the bed. The carpet was a silver color and the furniture a rich, platinum-tinted wood.

  “Wow… this is so beautiful,” Bailey murmured.

  “Thank you.”

  Harini led her to a door at the other end of the hallway. “This is my brother’s room.”

  “He’s the one who sent me the email.”

  She gave a slight nod. “Pip’s my assistant. He handles my correspondence, social media accounts, my newsletter… stuff like that.”

  “It’s nice that he is so supportive of you.”

  Harini agreed. “He and I have always been close. He’s been with me from the very beginning.”

  “That’s great,” Bailey responded. “Do you have any other siblings?”

  “No, I don’t.”

  Bailey thought she detected a twinge of sadness in Harini’s gaze, but it disappeared as quickly as it had come. She changed the subject by saying, “You have a really nice home.”

  Harini grinned. “Thanks, hon.”

  They returned to the living room.

  “Have you been looking for an agent?” Harini inquired.

  “I haven’t,” Bailey responded. “It’s still a work in progress. I figured it was much too soon to even think about agents.”

  “I read your outline and I have to say that you did a great job fleshing out your story.”

  “Thank you,” she said. “This means a lot coming from you, Harini.”

  “I have a great eye for talent. Real talent.”

  They talked at length about the writing process.

  An hour later, Bailey said, “I’ve taken up enough of your time. Thank you so much for lunch and everything.”

  “You’re welcome,” Harini stated. “We’ll have to do it again.”

  Bailey stood up and grabbed her purse. “I’d like that.”

  Harini walked her to the door. “My doorman will see to it that you get home.”

  “I drove my car.”

  Admiring the ring on her finger, Harini said, “I haven’t driven in almost five years. I guess I was thinking that less people are driving now that we have other options.”

  Bailey smiled. “It’s cheaper for me to just put gas in my car and go.”

  She left and drove home.

  It was depressing to walk into her dreary little apartment after spending a few hours at Harini’s condo. Bailey glanced around and released a long sigh.

  Voices from next door grew louder. Her neighbors were fighting again. Soon, the baby would start crying.

  As if on cue, Bailey heard a loud wail.

  “I’ll be so glad when I can afford a much nicer place,” she whispered. “I’ve got to get my book published. All my hopes and dreams are pinned on this book.”

  Chapter 4

  Thin spaghetti straps exposed Bailey’s shoulders, the silk material hugged her curves and the plunging neckline provided a provocative glimpse of her neck, even-toned skin and cleavage. She ran her fingers through her short dark hair.

  Colton was due to arrive at any moment for date night. They decided to order take-out and enjoy a quiet evening at her apartment. Bailey wasn’t in the mood to go out after such a long day at work.

  A few minutes after eight o’clock, the doorbell rang.

  “You look beautiful,” Colton said when she opened the door. “I thought we were staying in tonight.”

  Bailey grinned. “We are.” She hugged him. “I’m so glad you’re here.” Noting the expression on his face, she said, “Don’t go there with the whole I can be here all the time.”

  “What are we doing?” Colton asked as they settled down to watch television in the living room.

  She looked over at him, confused. “What are you talking about?”

  “Bailey, why won’t you let me move in here with you? We love each other. What’s the problem?”

  She released a long sigh. “You know, I haven’t heard you mention anything about an engagement ring or better yet… marriage, Colton.”

  “So, we have to be engaged?”

  “No,” Bailey responded, “We would have to be married.”

  “Are you serious right now?” Colton wanted to know. “I know you a PK but that’s like on some real old-fashioned level. We’ve been together for almost five years.”

  “I’m fine with the way things are between us,” Bailey stated. “You’re the one who wants to just cohabitate. I’d rather have marriage and I’m not going to compromise on that.”

  “You know you’re the only woman for me, Bailey. You know we belong together.”

  “Knowing all that isn’t going to change my mind, so you’d better renew your lease or find another apartment.”

  “Maybe you don’t love me as much as you say,” Colton muttered, his gaze pleading.

  “That’s not going to work with me,” Bailey responded with a chuckle.

  “I can’t believe you’re being so stubborn about this. Think about the amount of money we could save if we live together.”

  “You just refuse to give up.”

  Desperation seemed to fuel his words. “Babe, we can get engaged if that’s what you want.”

  “Colton, I need you to really listen to me. I’m not trying to manipulate you into anything,” Bailey stated. “I’m just not going to live with you or any other man before marriage.”

  Colton sighed in resignation. “I don’t like it, bu
t I’ll respect your decision.”

  Bailey could tell he wasn’t happy, but she had to stick to her guns.

  The movie started, putting a stop to the discussion of living together.

  When it ended, Bailey noticed that Colton wasn’t as talkative as he normally was.

  He’s upset with me.

  “Colton, I love you,” she said.

  He nodded. “I know that. I just don’t think you should let your parents influence your decisions.”

  “My dad raised his children in the same way that he led his church. He gives us what the Bible says. It’s up to us to follow the laws of the Lord.” Bailey met his gaze when he glanced over at her. “If I allowed my father to rule over me, you and I wouldn’t be sleeping together.”

  Colton smiled. “Lucky me.”

  Bailey cut her eyes at him. “Don’t sound so happy about it.”

  “You talk about wanting to quit your job and write full-time. We could save your income by living together.”

  “You said there’s something going on with your company,” she pointed out. “You may not have a job much longer.”

  “I’m just trying to be supportive, Bailey. If you’re home, you will have more time to write.”

  “I appreciate your wanting to do this for me, but Colton… we have to be practical. You know how much I love you, but we’re ever going to agree on this topic. I want a husband one day—not a live-in boyfriend.”

  “Oh, I know she not trying to send me a subliminal message,” Harini blurted. “Pip… come here…”

  “What’s happened now?”

  Startled, Harini uttered, “I wish you’d stop sneaking up on me like that!”

  “Why are you always so jumpy?”

  “I’m just upset. Kaile Jefferson clearly don’t know who she messing with… all the stuff I know about her… I know all about her foreclosure and bankruptcy. Instead of trying to attack me on the sly—she needs to take a class on money management.”