“And any time we talk to her about Johnson, she distances herself from him. She’d never admit they were involved. It probably ended badly. It’s all over. Johnson’s dead—they’re all dead—Everett, Johnson and Z. Why worry about it now?” Alain said.
“Because it doesn’t add up.” David dropped back into his seat.
***
Tuesday morning I found my manager, Joe Harris, and the rest of the band in the Clemente’s music room. They were in the midst of discussing the next album.
I took a seat on the edge of the group and quietly sipped my coffee. For once, I offered my opinion only when asked.
I had a lot of other stuff on my mind, too. I’d heard Nita had turned down a deal with Uptown Cosmetics before Diana Black called me. I guess I wasn’t surprised.
Nita looked as deliciously beautiful in her sweatshirt and jeans as she did in the most extravagant evening gown. Today her waist long, shiny straight black hair was swept up in a jeweled antique clip, exposing a flawless complexion and soulful brown eyes.
She was a woman who lit up the room with a magical smile. Gossamer Magazine had recently proclaimed her “the most alluring woman on the planet.” On top of that, she had an actual medical degree from a university in England. Plus she had a sultry voice to die for. A voice that could command a whole lot more money than mine.
I know, it sounds like I’m building her up to say what a bitch she is. Well, Nita Clemente is one of the nicest women I’ve ever met. She’s become a great friend. Heck, like Cin would say, she’s family.
After the business meeting, Nita took a seat beside me. “Joe said you’re making a deal with Uptown Cosmetics. It sounds like an excellent opportunity.”
I smiled. “Yeah. I think I’ll go for it. It’ll end up being some big money. I can’t turn that down. But I heard you did.”
Nita looked pensive. “It was tempting, I have to admit. But there are so many considerations—complications. I really need to keep it simple, at this point. Have you discussed it with Alain?”
I frowned. “Nah. He’s so exhausted by the time he gets home at night. Supposedly, they get this weekend off, so I’ll talk to him then. Did Eduardo give you grief about taking the deal?”
Nita shrugged. “Not really. He wasn’t thrilled with the idea, but he wouldn’t stop me.”
I giggled. “That’s one thing about Eduardo. He doesn’t seem to mind all the publicity. He chats with Amanda James like they’re old friends. Alain runs the other way.”
She smiled. “That’s my Eduardo.”
I couldn’t help but notice how Nita’s hair sparkled in the sunlight streaming in through the large windows behind her. She was stunning. I wasn’t surprised every corporation in the health, fitness and beauty industries offered her the world. “With hair like yours, you’re a natural for those cosmetic companies. And I know you want to donate as much money as you can to Paulo’s foundation. I’m surprised you didn’t take them up on their offer.”
“Well, it would involve a tremendous amount of time—I’d have to travel more than I would like. And frankly, I would feel as though I would have to use their products in order to endorse them. Not that they wouldn’t be fine, but I’ve been using Maria’s homemade products forever. I’m sure she would be happy to have me make a fortune on someone else’s product and donate it to charity. But somehow, I feel as though I’d be betraying her. Sounds crazy, I know.”
I drummed my nails on the arm of the chair. “Yeah, well, Maria’s stuff is great. I know since I’ve been using it, my skin’s improved a hundred percent. But I don’t see why I can’t do some ads for another company and still use her skincare stuff. Besides, Diana Black told me they’d be naming a whole line after me—not just skincare, but hair care, color cosmetics, even a perfume. They’re gonna call it Glori Girl. Cute, huh?”
Cat arrived with an offer of mineral water. I grabbed a glass and motioned her to sit.
Nita said, “Glori is going to have her own skincare and cosmetics line.” She turned to me. “Will you have input on the formulations?”
“Formulations?” I rolled my eyes. What would I know about that? “No. Diana Black told me they have everything ready to go. It’s just their usual stuff with my name on it. I guess they make it in a factory with other brands they carry. My name just adds the cachet. So I’ll probably help name some of the products and colors, pick out some packaging. Stuff like that.”
They were silent. I felt uneasy. “You think Maria’s gonna be pissed at me?”
“No, Glori, of course not.” Cat was quick to answer.
Nita agreed. “Maria only wants the best for all of us. You know that.”
I fidgeted with my hair. “Yeah. It’s just my name they really want. If Maria had that kind of money to pay me to promote her products, I’d love to. I mean, her stuff is the best. But it’s not like she makes any money with it. She just gives it to friends and family. I’m always offering her money, and she won’t take it. It’s pretty much just a hobby for her and Camellia. Now that she has grandchildren, who knows how much longer she’ll want to make the stuff anyway? Once Debbie has six babies, she’ll be going crazy helping out over there.”
I could see a gleam in Cat’s eyes turn into a slight smile.
“Okay. I know that look means you’ve got something on your mind, Cat. Spill it.” I leaned forward toward her. Nita nodded.
Cat spoke hesitantly. “I can’t tell you what to do, Glori.”
I rolled my eyes. “Tell me what to do.”
“It would be nice to make millions of dollars so you could enjoy life and give your family security. Certainly you will do that through this music business. If you think about how to help others through your success—you can be an inspiration—to make the world a better place.”
I tapped the arm of the chair. “Yeah. Yeah, I wanna do that. Soo?”
“You could convince Diana Black to put the money into helping women live better lives. Giving them jobs, money to help their families, education, hope for a better life.”
“You mean, just giving a bunch of women jobs at her company with my money?” No way.
“She could create a division of her company which would provide women with training and jobs creating natural body care products. Products you would promote. Auntie could provide the formulations and a training guide. It could be a win/win for all concerned.”
I was intrigued. “A win/win?”
Cat nodded. “Yes. You and Diana Black and Uptown Cosmetics would receive phenomenal publicity. Deserving women would have meaningful employment and a decent wage to support themselves and their families. The public would have access to top quality products that are made in an environmentally friendly manner.”
“Wow.” I wasn’t sure I understood everything Cat said, but I knew it was profound. If Cat had a hand in this, it’d mean even more publicity. Millions of dollars worth of publicity for me. The money would come, lots of it. I’d be able to write my own ticket, and what I really wanted was superstar status in music and movies. I’d be an icon, even bigger than Aubrey Rose. I looked over at Nita smiling ear to ear. It would work. “I’m goin’ to New York.”
***
The chaos of three babies and their entourage of caretakers greeted me as I entered the Lambrechts’ kitchen. I took a breath. This used to be such a nice, quiet home.
Cindy bounced her godson on her knee. Maria and Camellia were cooking. Raphael appeared with a newly diapered infant, apparently confused about where to find proper attire for him. Sally, their nanny, offered to trade a pile of clean laundry for the boy and escorted him to the nursery.
I took a seat by Cindy and watched her as she rattled a toy for Freddy. She smiled her hello and turned her attention to the game as he grabbed for the toy. Attention spans of more than a fraction of a second were impossible now with the triplets around. I needed a quick strategy to get them to agree to my plan.
I figured my best bet would be to get Debbie on board first
. Heaven knows, for all the risk putting his life on the line on a daily basis, David’s salary was nothing to get excited about. With six kids they could really use the money. Once Debbie was committed to the Uptown project, Maria would be easy. She’d do anything to help her son and daughter-in-law.
And Cindy would do anything to help Debbie. Cindy was smart—she would see the benefit of this plan immediately. If Debbie needed any more prodding, Cin would be the one to do it. I took her by the arm. “I need to talk to you and Debbie. It’s important.”
Cindy shrugged. “Okay. Debbie’s probably in the nursery with Danny. Let’s go find her.”
Having dealt with the triplets, we found some peace in Debbie’s studio. She opened the windows to a glorious afternoon, sunshine and soft floral scented breezes wafted in through the room. Thank God we finally had some good weather in Salzburg.
I inspected Debbie’s paintings with new interest. Then I told them about Cat’s concept for Uptown Cosmetics.
Cindy sipped some tea. “It’s a great idea. Cat is a genius when it comes to figuring out the best ways to help people. Most of the charities they support with Paulo’s foundation don’t just give money to people. They benefit the people on a lot of different levels. She’s one person who’s making a huge difference in the world.”
“Yeah.” I turned to Debbie, sitting by the window nodding agreeably, if not patiently. Debbie had a one track mind lately—well, maybe two tracks. David and those babies. I knew she’d be out the door to the nursery again if I didn’t get her hooked. “That’s why I’m here, Debbie. Listen up, and I’ll tell you how you can send your six kids to college.”
“College?” Debbie asked.
I smiled.
***
Saturday morning Alain rolled over and opened one eye. It was late, almost nine o’clock. Where was Glori? It was usually Glori who would sleep in. He was the early riser. But after this grueling week at work, and a night with her, he was worn out.
He heard the clatter of the breakfast tray as Glori stumbled through the door. “Shit.” She did have the mouth of a truck driver, but he loved her more than he could say. Glori was an original.
“Alain, did I wake you up?”
“I was awake.” He sat up and propped pillows behind him, drawing her into the bed with him. He grabbed the tray before she could dump the contents on the floor, and placed it on the nightstand.
“I did the best I could to make breakfast for you. At least it’s better than those raw eggs I see you with. Gross.” Glori snuggled into his body and kissed him.
Her lack of ability and interest in cooking was not a problem. She had so many more talents that made up for this minor flaw.
“I bet you’re hungry. I made all your favorites for you.”
He surveyed the tray and saw that, indeed, that was true. The last time she had made that volume of food for him, she confessed she was being blackmailed with some nude photos taken of her as a fourteen year old. Of course, he stepped in and saved the day.
He took some toast. “Is there something you wanted to discuss, Glori?” He noticed that guilty look cloud her pretty face. God only knew what it would be this time.
“Well, I’ve been working hard all week on a deal that’s gonna be a win/win for everyone.”
The dry toast caught in his throat. He coughed. “A win/win for everyone?”
“Yeah. But I need to go to New York to finalize the deal. Cat and Cisco, and probably Maria, will be coming along too. It’d be great if you want to come too. But I know you’re busy. What do you say?”
“I say I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Glori explained the concept for Uptown Cosmetics’ new division as best she could. She used financial terms she obviously heard from Cisco. And she used cosmetics terms she obviously heard from Maria. But the enthusiasm was pure Glori. How could he refuse her?
He certainly wanted to. Why couldn’t she be satisfied with her life in Salzburg? Why was she compelled to have her face known the world over? Why couldn’t she understand he needed her all to himself?
His appetite vanished.
Chapter Four
Monday morning Alain walked into the conference room to find Jimmy sitting alone. He slouched in his chair, his legs propped against the table, staring at his cup of coffee. He looked dazed.
“How was your weekend?” Alain took a seat beside him.
“Fine.” Jimmy sniffed.
“You don’t look well.”
“I’m great. Got drunk. Picked up some Italian chick, screwed her all weekend. It was great.” Jimmy put his coffee mug down and held his head.
“Sounds great.” Alain frowned. “What’s going on?”
General Pearson appeared in the room, followed by Eduardo and David. He motioned to David to close the door behind him and threw the latest issue of Gossamer Magazine on the table.
Pearson took his seat. “I’m sorry you have to endure more publicity over this, Hollinger. I didn’t know you and Aubrey broke up.” The General cleared his throat.
“Yes, Sir.” Jimmy’s voice was weak, and the room went deathly quiet.
Alain couldn’t help gawking at the photo and a wave of nausea overtook him. Jimmy adored this woman who was now on the cover of a magazine kissing another man. It made him want to vomit. How could she hurt his best friend like that?
He glanced up at his colleagues’ faces and saw their shock and confusion. Jimmy stared straight at the table.
Pearson began with the business of the day. “As you know, Tamara Everett has received a check for one million dollars.”
Alain knew his colleagues were as displeased about that as he was. Almost every nickel of Senator Everett’s massive wealth was due to criminal activity. But there was no comment from Pearson’s men. The gloom only deepened.
Pearson continued, “The President has decided she should receive the balance of the money she paid to Colonel Johnson.”
Jimmy had obviously had enough. “Permission to go vomit, Sir.” He left the room.
***
Alain fell into his chair and cursed the pile of work waiting on his desk. With Glori out of town, he had no excuse. He’d stay here until it was done.
Loudly insisting to his friends he would be fine, Hollinger slammed his office door shut as Clemente and Lambrecht left for the day. Alain stood at the connecting door to see him slouched in his chair, listening to his messages, a litany of petitions from Aubrey to please, please call her. He repeated the messages. He rubbed his eyes and erased the messages.
Alain didn’t know what to say.
The General’s secretary, Betty, knocked as she entered the office. She peered around the door at Jimmy. “Aubrey called me and said you haven’t answered her messages all day. Which means to me, she probably was up all night calling you.” Betty hung on the doorknob and pointed at him. “I don’t want any more calls from her, crying on the phone to me. You call her, and get this straightened out. You hear me?”
Jimmy rolled his eyes. “Yes, mother.”
Betty smiled. “Good. See you tomorrow.” She closed the door behind her. He put his head down on his desk.
Late that night, Alain roused him. “Time to go, Hollinger. You want to get a beer?”
“Nah.” His head fell back on the desk.
It was useless prodding him. Jimmy refused to move. Alain hadn’t a clue how to deal with this. He sat on the edge of the desk, and set off a cascade of paper. Jimmy paid no attention.
As he scooped them off the floor, fear crept through him. It was that same fear that had plagued him as he stopped the blood gushing from Hollinger’s femoral artery only a few short months before. At least he knew what to do then. Now he was at a loss.
Alain pulled up a chair and kept silent watch over his friend.
***
He woke up when Clemente’s voice echoed through the hall the following morning. He watched Jimmy open an eye that almost cleared a stack of paper.
&nb
sp; Alain worked a crick out of his neck. “How do you manage to sleep on a desk with piles of paper and crap all over it?”
“No problem.” Jimmy rubbed his face. He looked like hell. He got up and staggered to the bathroom.
Alain called after him. “You need to do something about Aubrey, Hollinger. You can’t go on like this.”
***
Diana Black was in a good mood. An army of paparazzi had followed Cat, Cisco, and me into the lobby of Uptown Cosmetics in Manhattan. A contingent of security guards kept the press at bay. Uptown Cosmetics would be the talk of the town.
Diana beamed from behind her enormous desk as she greeted us in her sumptuous office overlooking Central Park. “Glori, I was so looking forward to meeting your fiancé. I thought you’d bring him along to protect you.”
The second Cisco came through the door behind us, she forgot Cat and me. Diana made no effort to hide her pleasure as she scanned him from head to foot. Who could blame her? Six and a half feet of gorgeous—tall, dark, handsome, and rich. Thick black hair, amazing blue eyes. He was the oldest of the Clemente brothers. Cisco was just thirty, but he’d made fortunes for himself and others in the currency markets. He was as sexy and good looking as he was smart.
“I can see you brought another bodyguard.” Diana strode over with her right hand extended.
I stepped in front of him, suddenly and effectively ending the fantasy. After all, he was married to Cat. Diana used her unshaken hand to pull her silk suit jacket around her and motioned us to sit.
I figured I should be the center of attention. That’s a trait you want in a spokes-model. I supposed it was one she and I shared. She summoned her secretary to serve refreshments.
“Cat, I’ve got to tell you I—and my entire staff—were so impressed with your aunt’s products. And I love Glori’s idea of working together for the betterment of women everywhere.” She nodded to me. “It was so generous of you to volunteer to be the spokeswoman for this project.”
In the Name of Glori (The Redemption Series: Book 3) Page 4
