Lacy smiled at the fact she was trying to change the subject. Clever, but not going to work. “Let’s just say I’m an old fashion girl, and I believe you are the reason our profits are dropping.”
Amy’s jaw dropped open. “What in the hell are you implying? I don’t make the deposits, you do. So, I would say our money issues are you.”
“Bull shit, and you know it. I saw you pocketing cash when the show started. And that’s not how we make change, and you know it. A good distraction, but I caught you, and I’m sure our new camera system I installed last weekend did also. Now what do you have to say for yourself?”
“We’re partners, I own half this place, and I never took anything from this dump that didn’t belong to me.” Screamed Amy.
“I pay you a good salary, and you don’t own anything here. I took out the loan, I did the remodeling and I hired all the staff. All you did was pretend to be my friend and share in ideas about the shows. We dreamed of being partners when we started working here, years ago. You just fell short in the part where the cost was to be split, not just the profits and reputation. I kept you on as manager, but you crossed the line when you decided to steal from me. Now get your shit and get out.” Lacy shoved her shaking hands into her pockets and blinked to erase the tears that threatened to fall. She thought Amy was her friend, but she was so wrong.
“You can’t get rid of me like this.” Amy shoved the old chair, slamming it against the wall.
“You owe me. And I plan on collecting. This place could have been something. We could be making millions if you would have just loosened up and made the changes I suggested.”
“All you want to do is make this place a strip club. A place we hated, swore to never be a part of when we got out. These girls are in a better place, and still making good money. A place I’m proud to work at, and you should have been to. Now get out before I press charges.”
“This is not the end, mark my words.” Amy pushed past her and slammed the door.
Lacy reached for her chair and dropped into it. Breathing deep to slow her racing heart. She needed to grab the footage of her taking the money and lock it away just in case. She truly believed Amy was nothing but hollow threats but the anger in her eyes made Lacy cringe. No sense in taking any chances. Not with the opportunity to make her dreams come true right in front of her. She was not going to let anyone ruin it, especially a thief like Amy.
4
Jamison shoved the contracts in his briefcase and rushed to the door. He needed time to confront Lacy. She deserved this chance, and so did he. He grabbed the handle and whipped it open, running right into his mother. She dropped her phone and stumbled back, catching her balance before she fell.
“Jamison, what is the matter with you? Didn’t you see me standing here? Sometimes I’m not quite sure where your head is.”
Jamison grabbed her phone, returning it to her cold hand, and smirked at the thought of what she would say if she knew where his head was.
“I’m sorry, Mother, but you were looking down, and I was looking back. So, I would say we were both at fault, but no damage done. Did you need something? I’m on my way out.”
Her eyes were dark, callous, lacking in any feeling other than greed for what she felt was hers.
“I do need to talk to you. Did you receive the contracts I sent over?
Jamison glanced back to his trash can. They laid on top. He mentally kicked himself for telling the cleaning crew not to empty them. He motioned for her to step forward and closed the door behind him. “I haven’t seen them, but they might be on my desk. I have some files I still need to review before the day is over. But right now, I’m late for a meeting. Can we discuss this later?” He continued to walk to the elevator, hoping she would stay back, go to her office, but no, she was right by his side.
“Stop dear, I just need a moment. I’ll walk with you to your meeting.”
“It’s off site, a designer for the runway.” He upped his pace.
“I’ll walk you to your car, just slow down. These heals aren’t made for sprinting.”
He stopped in front of the elevator, smashing the button for it to open. His aggravation screaming inside him as she stood by his side. The door sprang open and they stepped inside, in silence. The metallic hinges clicked upon closing and the humming of the motor began their decent. The silence was deafening until she turned, standing inches in front of him, blocking his exit.
“I heard you plan on attending the meeting this Friday. I’m going to assume it’s to present the contracts in person.” His mother’s condescending tone grated on his nerves. “But I don’t believe that will be necessary. I’m going to invite them to our meeting tomorrow. Present them here. The atmosphere is a better setting then that old brick building. Why do we even have an office there? It doesn’t fit the image we need to portray.”
“It’s a national landmark.” Jamison said. “A part of the city’s history, and a place you chose to preserve. The city council gave you an award for your generosity. Does any of this ring a bell?”
She brushed off the front of her jacket and meticulously slid her black gloves over her pale, thin hands. “I do, and it was what the office needed at the time, but not today. We have grown, and no longer need to be in that part of town. I’m going to move the staff to the new marketing complex once it’s complete and sell that old place.” She glanced up at him and her smile placed a chill around them. “Getting the contract for Fashion Week will put us in places we have strived to achieve. Being associated with that part of town, and those people, will not be the image I want others to see. I know you understand.”
Jamison stared at the declining numbers as they lit up. He needed out of this metal box. She was sucking the life right out of him. And he could not think straight. He had to come up with something, and fast. He moved closer to her, draping his arm over her shoulder. A gesture she despised. She squirmed beneath his touch and he pulled her closer.
“Mother, we already made plans. The PR department has set up a news release on the steps of that building. The Mayer will attend, along with the city council and a few more names you will know. So, I wouldn’t make any changes. They might question your loyalty to the city, which will look unfavorable upon us, especially to the ones associated with Fashion week. Do you really want that?” He glanced into the mirrored walls and watched her cynical smile change to a face filled with disgust. She hated it when he was right.
She shoved his arm off her and the doors sprung open. “Fine, I’ll leave it the way it is. But I want her gone.” Jamison stiffened. Fighting to hold back his anger.
“And don’t look so surprised.” His Mother said. “She doesn’t’ fit with what we stand for, and you know it, so make that happen before Friday. I’ll make excuses with her clients. Ones we won’t need once we secure this deal. I also plan on being there so have everything ready. And proof those damn contracts. We have to be ready for the camera.”
Jamison stepped out and the doors closed, with her inside. He leaned against the marble wall of the corridor and blew out the breath he was holding. He had to hurry. She needed to know and understand everything that was at stake. It was his big chance to break free and once his mother realizes the truth about the Fashion week contract his career might end before it even begins.
“Maria, come here and look at this, tell me what you think.” Lacy unzipped the garment bag and hung the dress on the hook. One tall enough so it could fall, showing off the tiniest of details. This was just like her first design, and one she felt could be the highlight of this year’s theme.
The gasp behind her echoed in the conference room and Lacy’s mouthed curved up into a big smile. She turned to her friend and Maria’s eyes glistened with tears. A response she was hoping for. This dress should bring tears of joy to everyone. It did hers.
“Oh, sugar, I have to have this. It’s exquisite. Please tell me you did not make it for someone else because it’s mine. We Just need to do a little altering.
My girls will need a little more lace, if you know what I mean.”
Lacy laughed as Maria ran her fingers across the beading that traced along the intricate design. “No, I didn’t make it for anyone. Just me. And I don’t know if there’s enough lace to house those girls, but I’m sure I can try.” Lacy stepped back, her eyes filled with tears as she took a good look at what took her years to begin, but just weeks to complete.
“Did you design this for the Fashion contract?” Maria whipped around. “No, you couldn’t, we just found out about it, oh…please tell me you’ve been hiding a Mr. Lacy. Your battery-operated sex life worries me sometimes.”
Lacy shook her head. “No way do I have time for a Mr. And leave my sex life alone.”
“That’s the problem, it’s alone. My Tommy has a guy—”
Lacy covered Maria’s mouth, laughing at her friends astonished look. “I’m good. If I wanted a guy I would get one. That’s just a complication I don’t need or want in my life.” Lacy lowered her hand and turned Maria’s focus back on the dress.
“This was like therapy. A way to bury the past.” Lacy said as she traced the beaded train.
“Well, did it work? Because this dress is magnificent. The silk underlay is exquisite how it layers in the front and flows to a full train in the back, and this lace. It’s just amazing how you stitched it together, and where did you get this design?” Maria lifted the edges that draped over the princess neckline. “The last time I saw lace like this was on my grandmother’s dresses. It’s so delicate, and—”
“Old Fashion, right? It was a hand me down from my grandmother. She was a seamstress and had boxes of leftover material. I loved the lace she would use. This was my favorite pattern. I first used it in high school. Designed a dress for a competition. Even used it in my outfit I made for the big awards ceremony to. I thought it was beautiful.” But not everyone shared her opinion. The disgust on Jamison’s face when his mother referred to her as Hand me down Lace, crushed her desire to design ever again. But that was then, this is now, and this dress will change the direction she was going, no matter what Mrs. Michaels thinks.
“I believe this dress encompasses the past, and the future.” Lacy vibrated with excitement as she explained. “We can hold true to the, something borrowed, something blue iconic statement. Look closely, the pearls have a bluish tint when the light hits them, and the lace is the something borrowed. It can be a design where the bride-to-be can bring in their own piece of hand me down memory and have it incorporated into the dress.” Lacy wanted to take the nightmare from that night years ago and make something good from it. “So, what do you think?” Lacy asked nervously.
Maria lifted the dress, holding it close to her. “I love it even more. Can we use it in our pitch? I think it would nail our chances to get it, don’t you?”
“Yes, that’s why I brought it. I want to work the marketing design around it.” And let Jamison know I still can make something out of nothing. It’s a reference only he will get. “The theme is the summer bride, why not make the wall all about weddings, and incorporate my dress into it, some way. Maybe on a model, or just replicate the design on the back wall where the interview pod is. A back drop. I think that would be perfect.” Lacy grabbed her sketch pad and her pencil flew across the page. Layering designs for the beginning of the runway, to the curtain. Then the best outlay for the Interview corner. Perfect.
“Girl, those are amazing. Let me add some color and accessorize with the bling it will need to make it pop, and this will be a winning presentation.” Maria etched a few notations on the edge.
“This is going to be amazing. But do you really think we can pull this off in a few days? We still have to present the Dalton Marketing add on Friday.” Maria’s voice broke in a slight panic but never stopped marking areas she thought needed highlighted.
Lacy knew it would be tight, but not impossible. The contracts not even theirs but showing a little piece of their vision should help give them the edge. “We are the Amazon Women of the design world. We stop at nothing. So, let’s put on our Wonder Woman capes and get both plans complete.”
Lacy leaned over the draft and they both got lost in their thoughts. A light touch on her shoulder spooked her and she jumped back, running right into Markus.
“What are you trying to do, kill me? And didn’t you see the do not enter sign on the door?” Lacy sucked in a deep breath, trying to slow her racing heart, and moved in front of the drawing on the table. The last thing Markus needed to see was her idea.
“I did, and I knocked, then yelled your name. But both of you were so into whatever that mess is on that paper, that no one heard me. What are you doing?” Markus leaned forward, and Maria shoved him back.
“No peaking buster. This is girl stuff. Nothing you would be interested in.” Maria said as she leaned back over their drawing.
“Who cares anyway. I already got a call from corporate to get my suit ready. So, I guess they’ve picked the team they wanted. And what’s with the dress? Someone getting married?”
Lacy was fuming but refused to let him see. There’s no way they were getting her contract. She was going to make sure they took the time to see her design before he ever gets a chance to sign off on anything. “Like Maria said, girl stuff. Now, did you need something?”
Markus rolled his eyes and headed back to the door. “Yes.” He said without turning around. “You have a visitor, someone named Amy and Mrs. Michaels assistant stopped by also. He took pictures, and measurements.”
Lacy jumped up, rushed towards him, grabbed his arm and swung him around. “What for, and why?”
Markus jerked free and the disgusted look on his face made her stomach turn. “For the big announcement this Friday. The one where I get offered the best contract in a marketer’s career. Now come get this girl out of here. She gives me the creeps.”
Lacy raced down the hall to the reception area. Her eyes darted over the whole room. No one around other than the receptionist, Chelsea.
“Hey Chels, Markus said I had someone here. A girl named Amy? And a corporate guy. Do you know where they are?’’
Chelsea was dependable, but she was a corporate hire. They believe only a certain look fits their employees and she had it. Blonde, beautiful, and well trained, for them. Almost like a corporate spy. That’s why Lacy had this area designed. To keep her up front, and out of their work area.
“Mr. Rikter, from PR, stopped by to get the layout for the press conference they are staging from here. Your friend, and I say that lightly, Lacy. We really need to watch who we invite into our establishment. She was not the type the Michaels want seen here.”
“She’s not a threat and won’t be back once you tell me where they went.”
“Mr. Rikter used your friend to assist him, which surprised me. They went towards the conference room. I thought they might have found you. Because when they returned they left together.”
Lacy grabbed the table and leaned against it. Having Amy with anyone from corporate was bad, really bad. Especially the PR department. Lacy had to find her. She grabbed her phone and dialed Amy, it went right to voice mail. Shit. She left a message, one that would leave Amy thinking she had something big coming. That would get her to return the call. And when she did she would put an end to this nightmare. But right now, there was only one person who could help fix any damage that might have been done already. She swallowed her pride, and the pain that still rips through her at the thought of his name, and dialed a number she kept on her phone, yet never used.
5
Jamison raced towards the old brownstone. The one he had driven by many times. Hoping to catch a glimpse of the girl he searched years for. He attempted many calls, tried to set up a few meetings. Something always got in the way. He would have months out of town. A last-minute meeting that would make him turn around as he walked up the steps to her door. It seemed like a coincidence over the years, but he now wonders if his mother had some way of knowing his intentions. H
e knew his mother’s thoughts on Lacy, but he didn’t care. He was going to explain it all. The award night, his years of searching for her, the masquerade party, everything. He pulled up to the corner and looked up at the large brick building. His eyes widened, and his heart raced. There she was. Pacing in front of the door, she turned just as his phone rang. He glanced down and smiled.
Jamison crossed the street and she looked up. Her heart jumped from her chest and her hand fell, dropping her phone upon the concrete step. Jamison raced across the street and she froze as he bent to her feet, picking it up.
“Hey there.” Jamison said as he placed the phone into her hand. “I—”
“Don’t understand? Why are you here? I wanted to do this over the phone.” Lacy said quickly.
“Do what?” Jamison asked.
“Talk, I have something we need to talk about. Just not here.” She glanced around, biting her lower lip. Searching for an ounce of courage to pull this off. “Rickter, from PR is here. And I know he will report right back to your mother.” She turned, shoving the door open. “Follow me.”
Lacy grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. Rushing down the empty corridor. She peered around the corner. Chelsea was not at her desk. She stepped forward and Jamison pulled his hand free. She turned and glared at his smug face.
“Lacy, what are you doing? Why are we sneaking around?”
She led him down the hall, into the conference room. She stepped inside and closed the door. Locking it behind them. She closed her eyes. Willing her heart to slow down. She was locked in a room with a man who can make her melt just by his voice. She needed to get in control. She could not afford to lose her job and if his mother found out her career would be over.
“We are not sneaking around. Just being cautious.” Lacy said as she slowly opened her eyes.
Seduction in a Suit: An Office Romance Collection Page 27
