Promises to Keep

“There’s a Mr. Meyer Chandler on the line for you. He says he’s from See-Through Films. Should I put the call through?”

“I’ve been waiting to hear from him. Remember his name. It’s an important one.”

“It’s already stored in my memory bank. I’ll transfer him to your private line.”

Jasmine Parker, Darius’s administrative assistant, was young and pretty, possessing a nearly flawless brown-sugar complexion. It was rumored by other employees that she had a big crush on her boss, but that simply wasn’t true. Jasmine never gave any hint of her purported love-jones for him. Her longtime boyfriend was a professional football player, a linebacker.

Darius never thought of Jasmine as a possible romantic interest. At twenty-one, she was too young for him, though she acted very mature. It didn’t matter that she had the kind of body that stopped men dead in their tracks. Jasmine was smart as a whip and ran his office with extreme professionalism. She stayed on top of everything. He loved giving her well-deserved bonuses and a semiannual raise. Jasmine gave a whole new meaning to the term girl Friday.

Darius pushed the button on his private line. “Meyer, how are you? It’s good to hear from you,” he said with tremendous enthusiasm. “I’m glad you called.”

“I’m fine. I’ve been eager to get in touch with you. I’ve done a lot of research on you and your company. You run quite an impressive operation. Your stellar reputation precedes you. You come highly recommended by the powers that be.”

Darius beamed. “Thank you. That means a great deal coming from someone like you. So do you think we might be able to join forces on a few movie and television projects in the near future?”

“By all means, Darius. I’d love to hear whatever you have in mind. When can we get together to discuss some ideas?”

“Why don’t you set aside a few dates and times when you’re available. Then call my assistant, Jasmine. She’ll check my schedule against yours. I want to make things convenient for you. I’d like this meeting to happen as soon as possible.”

“I appreciate it, but I should be the one trying to make it convenient for you. You’re the one who’s set this town on fire.”

Darius was pleased with what he’d just heard. “I’d like to think so, but I haven’t set off enough alarms yet. I look forward to hearing back from you.”

“Count on it. Is sometime next week too soon?”

“Not at all, Meyer.”

“Talk to you soon, Darius.”

Once the line was cleared, Darius buzzed Jasmine on the intercom to tell her about his conversation with Meyer. “Do everything you can to set up an appointment on one of the dates and times he or his assistant gives you. If you can’t find any free space for next week, let me know. We’ll go over my schedule and do some clever juggling.”

“No problem,” Jasmine assured her boss.

“Thanks, Jasmine.”

“You’re welcome, D.F. Buzz me if you need anything else.”

Several of Darius’s employees and associates referred to him as D.F., but Jasmine had been the first one to call him that before it caught on. In front of colleagues he was Mr. Fairfax, yet he prided himself on creating a relaxed atmosphere among his employees.

Darius finally managed to clear his head of thoughts of Meyer Chandler and Courtney Campbell to tackle the mountain of paperwork before him. There were quite a few tasks he didn’t trust to anyone else. He listened to the input of others and received advice from his attorneys and other advisors, but the final decision on how to handle important matters was always his. D.F. Film Productions, Inc. was his baby. He had conceived it inside his brilliant mind and had given birth to what was now a cutting-edge, lucrative company.

Courtney looked cool and relaxed in fashionable melon-colored pants. A navy blue silk shirt and cute, semidressy sandals in the same navy hue complemented the slacks. Her shoulder-length hair hung loose and was salon fresh, with a high-sheen finish. She had taken charge of the bridal shower festivities from the moment she and Monica had walked through the front door of Sonya Wilkerson’s posh high-rise condo.

The Party People had been awarded full-service contracts for the bridal shower, the bachelor and bachelorette parties and the couple’s wedding reception. Courtney had worked closely with Sonya’s wedding planner to ensure that the future bride was happy with all the arrangements.

Courtney set her briefcase on a bar stool. After opening the lock, she removed several packets of papers. She handed Monica a stapled set. “Let’s go over the catering list, line by line, to make sure everything has been delivered.”

Courtney always inventoried all items to avoid the type of embarrassment she’d endured early on in her career. The cake, of all things, hadn’t been delivered for a fortieth birthday party. An employee had failed to put it into the delivery van. Fortunately, the missing chocolate confection was discovered early enough so it could be retrieved in time. Courtney hadn’t fired the delinquent employee, but she had issued a sensitive yet firm reprimand so it would never happen again.

“It’s all here,” Monica sang out. “Now let’s do our usual last-minute check on the decorations. I recall seeing dozens of helium balloons on the order form.”

“You’re right. They’re stored in one of the bedrooms. We need to bring them up to the front and float them upward. I asked for long ribbons to be attached for easy retrieval.” Courtney looked down at her watch. “Sonya’s guests should start arriving any minute now. She plans to make her grand entry twenty minutes after the start time.”

“One of those, huh?” Monica remarked.

Courtney shrugged. “It’s her party.”

“And she can cry if she wants to,” Monica joked.

Courtney giggled. “In the meantime, let’s get those balloons hovering.”

Courtney and Monica laughed upon seeing the bedroom ceiling covered with silver and blue balloons, inscribed with the names Sonya and Justin. The ladies each began to grab hold of the ribbons. Once they had several in hand, they realized they had too many to fit through the door at one time. Laughing all the while, the women caught and carted balloons from the back bedroom up to the front rooms. Courtney and Monica tried to make each event they worked a fun-filled adventure.

The doorbell rang just as the last batch of balloons was released.

“Time to rock and roll. Let’s get it done.” Courtney hugged Monica before she was off and running to act as hostess until Sonya and her bridal party arrived.

The party was in full swing and Courtney was delighted to see how happy her client was with everything. Sonya had repeatedly thanked her and praised the employees for their expert handling of the party. She was delighted knowing that her wedding reception was in the capable hands of The Party People. They had delivered far above Sonya’s expectations—and this wasn’t even the main event.

Two and a half hours later, Courtney pulled Monica aside. “Do you mind handling the last half hour or so alone? I made an appointment to meet with Mr. Fairfax at his corporate offices.”

“Not a problem. The initial contract was for three hours. Are we billing Sonya for the extra time?”

Courtney frowned slightly. “No, but you’ll be paid time and a half. I wouldn’t ask you to stay later if I couldn’t pay you. The guests look like they’re starting to wind down. Sonya has a dinner to attend later on, so it should be over soon.”

Monica looked embarrassed. “Paying me to stay over the allotted time is not necessary. It was just a question that came to mind. I know we’ve charged in the past for overtime and the clients are made aware of it up front, before signing the contract.”

“Some people you charge and others you don’t. Sonya isn’t someone I’d want to hit with overtime. She’s a wonderful client. Now if she were one of the moody grouches we sometimes get, we’d probably charge her for every additional second,” Courtney said with a wicked grin.

Monica laughed, too. “Go on and get out of here. You don’t want to be late for a date with the gorgeous Mr. Fairfax.”

“Date! Hardly. I’m meeting with the soon-to-be-married Mr. Fairfax,” Courtney countered, lightly pecking Monica’s cheek. “I’m out.”

Chapter 2

After a gentleman said Darius would be a few minutes late for the meeting, Courtney was ushered into his private office to wait for him. As she looked around, she was simply astonished. The panorama of Hollywood from the picture window behind Darius’s desk included a bird’s-eye view of Capitol Records. This was certainly a high-rent district.

Crystal-clear glass and gleaming chrome furnishings breathed high-tech energy into the room. The circular glass desk dominated the space. A high-back chair, crafted from fine silver leather, was supported by chrome arms and legs. The remarkable decor was like nothing she’d ever seen before. It belonged to a futuristic era. Chrome and glass bookshelves, tall and impressive, were for more than show. The white carpet beneath her feet felt thick and plush. Posh sofas and chairs created an elegant ambience. The office, beautiful and luxurious, was manly, yet subtle enough for a woman.

Exquisitely framed pictures on Darius’s desk caught Courtney’s eye. She moved nearer to take a closer look. A single eleven-by-fourteen color photo of a woman made her mouth drop open. Unable to pull her eyes away, she couldn’t help staring.

Talk about beautiful.

The lady with a caramel complexion was positively stunning. Any man would love to hold and caress the slim, petite body, dressed in an alluring, cobalt-blue silk dress. In another picture of the same size, Darius wore a dark, double-breasted suit. He stood directly behind the lady, his fingers locked together at the middle of her waist. Satiny ginger-brown curls nestled back against his broad chest.

Candice, Courtney easily surmised. This beauty had to be Darius’s Candice. What a lucky woman, she thought, hoping Candice treated him as wonderfully as she would if he were her man. Though she didn’t know if he deserved special treatment or not, she somehow felt he was worthy of whatever goodness this world had to offer. He seemed genuinely kind and compassionate.

In an eight-by-ten picture was a lovely woman with a nearly flawless coffee-and-cream complexion. Her midlength, dark brown hair was sprinkled with salt. Standing next to her and much taller than the woman was a handsome, stately-looking man, who called to mind the expression silver fox. Every strand of his wavy hair had turned completely silver. The couple looked into each other’s eyes with adoration. His parents, she surmised.

Darius slipped quietly into the room. Unnoticed by Courtney, who appeared focused on the pictures atop his desk, he watched her. As he drank in her natural beauty, his heart started to race. The effect she had on him was profound, something he’d never experienced before. The view from behind was sexy, spellbinding and thrilling.

Feeling someone’s presence, Courtney turned and saw Darius standing there.

Impeccably dressed in a light gray, pinstriped suit, a pink silk shirt, with a complementary white, pink and gray silk tie, Darius exemplified a successful tycoon. The fashionable attire looked exquisite on his fine physique.

Courtney smiled brightly. “Good evening, Darius. It’s nice to see you again.”

Darius smiled gently. “The feeling is mutual. Would you like something to drink?”

Courtney nodded her assent. “Cold water would be nice. Thank you.”

Darius walked over to his desk and picked up the phone, punching in the red intercom button. “Jasmine, please bring in a few bottles of ice-cold water and a platter of fresh fruit. I’m starving and way past ready for my dinner order.”

“Right away, Mr. Fairfax.”

“Thanks, Jasmine. You’re the best.”

Instead of sitting down in the swivel chair behind his desk, where he conducted most of his business, Darius opted for one of the plush microfiber sofas. He wanted to make Courtney feel at ease.

She took a seat. One click of her thumb opened the brown leather briefcase. “I’m letting you call all the shots,” she reminded him, smiling softly.

“In that case, we’re ready. Have you come up with any other inspiring ideas for the surprise engagement party?”

“Based on the things we discussed yesterday, I think I have a couple of good ones. Since I can’t confer with Candice, I only have your brain to pick.” Reaching into her briefcase, she removed a few sheets of paper and handed them to him.

“I sketched a few ideas for centerpieces to include the angels you mentioned.”

A light knock came on the door before Darius could respond. The door opened and in walked Jasmine. She set a metal tray on the rectangular chrome table situated in one corner of the vast room.

Jasmine was dressed beautifully. Courtney thought she was stunning; her attire had class and style. She imagined guys giving off shrill wolf whistles whenever Jasmine walked into a room or strolled by. Clad in a red silk blouse and slim navy skirt, the young woman was a looker. A wide red patent-leather belt spanned her slender waist.

Getting to his feet, Darius was eager to introduce the two dynamic women.

“Jasmine Parker has been my administrative assistant for the past couple of years. I can count on her when I can’t rely on anyone else. A one-of-a-kind employee, she’s loyal to me and committed to running the office to the best of her ability. I’d be lost without Jasmine,” he told Courtney. “She agreed to stay on until our meeting is done. This young, innovative lady has a great future ahead of her in film.”

Courtney took Jasmine’s extended hand. “So nice to meet you, Jasmine.”

“Same here,” Jasmine assured Courtney, smiling sweetly.

A couple of light pleasantries were exchanged between the two women before Jasmine turned her attention back to her boss. “Do you need anything else before your dinner arrives, Mr. Fairfax?”

“I’m good for now. Thanks, Jasmine.”

“I’m just an intercom buzz away.” She smiled at her boss then quickly excused herself and hurried out of the room.

Courtney’s eyes followed Jasmine until the door shut. The lady was intriguing.

“It looks like you surround yourself with beautiful women.” Courtney wanted to swallow her tongue. What a provocative thing for her to say to a client. It was asinine.

“I’m assuming you’re talking about Jasmine for one, but who else are you referring to?”

Cheeks aflame with embarrassment, Courtney pointed at his desk. “The ladies in the photographs are also stunning.”

“Ah, Candice and Mom. They are beautiful. Candice’s inner spirit matches her physical beauty.” He suddenly grew silent, his eyes misting. “Candice needs protecting. She’s very fragile. I try hard to make sure she’s always happy.”

Courtney looked concerned for Darius. He looked so sad all of a sudden. “A surprise reception should make her happy. I’m sure she’ll be pleased.” She wanted to ask him more about his mother, but something told her not to. The fact he hadn’t offered any personal information about her, not even her name, was enough to deter Courtney from making any inquiries.

“I’d do just about anything for Candice, including laying down my life. I’m her fiercest protector. Our relationship is immovably strong and refreshingly honest. I’m beyond certain that no one can ever come between us. We are in each other’s blood.”

Darius’s comments gave Courtney chills and goose bumps. She’d never heard any man voice his feelings for someone in such an emotionally moving way. Whatever Candice had or didn’t have, she had a fiancé who loved her, a man who was willing to die for her. How many women were able to say that? Courtney could only imagine what it might be like to have someone communicate with her in such a profound way. That he hadn’t included his mother in his statement had Courtney thankful she hadn’t opened up what might be unpleasant for him. She just didn’t know what was what.

Courtney thought about the one and only serious romantic relationship she’d had in her adult life. Unfortunately, the liaison had turned out to be a huge, painful disappointment and failure for her. She often thanked God for bailing her out of the toxic situation before she’d fallen hard for Michael Scottsdale, a corporate executive.

Unwittingly, excruciating heartbreak had been waiting for Courtney around every corner. By the grace of God, she’d been led onto another path, but only after she’d taken an unfortunate detour to Michael’s cheating, unfeeling heart. Many women had fought hard in the trenches to become number one in the life of this successful man—in hopes of winning him over. Just as many ladies had lost the battle, including her. Yet losing had really turned out to be a win for her in the end.

All the endless, lonely nights in Courtney’s life were as much her fault as anyone’s. Safeguarding her precious heart had become as important to her as breathing. She preferred to be alone than to have her leisure time filled with a meaningless relationship. Loneliness was sometimes a hard row for her to hoe, yet she had finally found peace in merely sharing her time with girlfriends and others with whom she’d forged mutual bonds.

Courtney spread out on the coffee table several sheets of paper that outlined her plans for Darius’s special event. Everything had been illustrated in painstaking detail. “Please take a minute to look at what I’ve come up with.”

“My time is yours. That’s why I asked you to meet me here in my office.”

Courtney nodded. “In that case, I’ll wait for your comments.”

A knock came on the door again. Just as before, it opened and Jasmine stepped inside. Walking across the room to the corner table, she set down the tray and left the domed top in place. “Can I get you something other than water to drink?”

“Water is fine.” He looked up at Courtney. “What about you?”

Courtney nodded. “Water is perfect for me, too.”

Darius smiled warmly at his assistant. “Thanks. The food smells wonderful.”

“It came from Miss Lilly’s.”

He grinned. “Cube steak, gravy and mashed potatoes?”

Jasmine laughed. “Your favorites are what I always order from Miss Lily’s. Hot applesauce and a salad are there, too, along with thick wedges of cornbread and sweet potato pie. If you need anything else, just let me know.”

“I will,” he said. “Thanks again.”

Darius stood and moved over to the table, inviting Courtney to join him. Once she was seated, he sat down and said a humble blessing over his meal. Picking up his fork, he took the first bite of cube steak, closing his eyes to savor the delicious taste. The meat was tender and the thick, dark gravy was seasoned perfectly.

Scooping up a forkful of mashed potatoes and another piece of steak, he held it up to Courtney’s mouth, shocking her silly. He noticed the reluctance in her eyes. “You just have to taste this wonderful dish. Please indulge me. You won’t be sorry.”

Despite her surprise, Courtney took the proffered food. She wasn’t keen on eating off his fork, but she did so rather than making a fuss over it. It was the closest she’d come to sharing a kiss with him. She decided not to deny her desire to taste the full, sensuous-looking lips that had wrapped around the fork first. She suppressed a satisfied moan. “It is delicious! Where’s this restaurant located? I’ll have to give it a try.”

“Perhaps we can go to dinner there together. I’d love to take you to Miss Lilly’s.”

Not sure of an appropriate response to such an inappropriate comment, Courtney said nothing. It was wrong of him to ask her out to dinner. Maybe Candice didn’t have a man who loved her. Or perhaps his suggestion was perfectly innocent. It was possible she’d read too much into his remark. She quickly convinced herself that had to be it.

As he picked up one of the sketches, he drew in a deep breath. “Did you say you sketched these designs?”

“I did. I love art. There was a time when I thought I might pursue it as a career, but learning all I could about catering kept me too busy to take on anything else.”

“There’s no reason why you can’t do both. These sketches are exquisite. You have quite a creative eye.”

“You think so?”

“I know so. I’ve taken a few art courses in my day. It dovetails with my desire for filmmaking. They’re both artistic talents. I love sketching. Sculpting, too.”

Courtney nodded. “That’s great! Which sketch of mine do you like best?”

He pointed at the drawing with the angel’s wings fully extended. “It’s beautiful. I love the soft shades of lavender you chose. The wingspan suggests a flight to me, a journey into paradise, which is where I hope Candice will always live.”

You can make sure of that by sharing paradise with your precious Candice.

“Where is paradise for you, Courtney?”

Courtney lowered her lashes momentarily. “I haven’t given it any thought.”

Darius looked totally surprised. “You’ve never thought of paradise, of what it might be like or what you’d want it to be like?”

Courtney did everything she could do not to grit her teeth. Why did Darius care about her paradise? Why was he pushing her on the issue? She hadn’t given up on living an idyllic lifestyle. She just tried very hard not to think about it. Her illusions about heaven and love on earth had been shattered a long time ago. Love and happiness would come as a complete surprise if either found her, since she simply wasn’t searching for them.

He looked closely at Courtney. “I seemed to have hit a nerve. Who hurt you?”

Getting up from the table, Courtney walked across the room and stood at the window. As she looked out at what many would happily refer to as paradise, she fought to keep her emotions in check. As she glanced toward the Hollywood Hills, she saw the sun playing hide-and-seek with the jagged mountain range. The colors in the sky were the same soft ones she’d used to sketch one of the angels amid a lovely floral arrangement.

Courtney suddenly stiffened. Darius was right behind her, close enough for her to hear and feel his breathing. As his hands came down gently onto her shoulders, she balled her fists tightly. What did he think he was doing? Why was he touching her so tenderly?

He felt her go rigid and backed off. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I shouldn’t have gotten so personal. I promise not to do it again. Think we can get back to work?”

“I’d like that very much. I came here to work, Darius.”

“I understand. Can we sit back down now?”

Instead of a verbal response to Darius’s question, certain that her voice would quiver, Courtney claimed a seat on the sofa, hoping she could get back to the business at hand. He had unnerved her and her wild attraction to him only made things worse. Under different circumstances, she might have answered his personal questions with a daring remark or a passionate kiss. But he was a man about to be married and they shouldn’t be getting personal, period.

End of story.

Darius looked over the catering catalogues once again. “Candice loves seafood, but I’m afraid of it spoiling, not to mention the smell. What do you think?”

“All foods can only be kept out for certain periods. Seafood is kept on ice when it’s out. My staff and I will see to it that nothing is left out past the recommended time. Cooked seafood doesn’t smell bad. What types are you interested in?”

“Shrimp, cracked crab and lobster are her favorites. If I decide not to go with seafood, what other suggestions do you have?”

Courtney handed Darius a few menus she’d already put together, boldly typed on parchment paper. “Give yourself time to look these over before making a final decision. We have time. Maybe you’d like to get other opinions or even consult Jasmine.”

Darius smiled. “You’re very thorough. I feel I can trust your judgment. Too many opinions can sometimes cloud a vision. I’ll stick with your suggestions, but there’s one thing I’d like to say. I don’t want to order any alcoholic beverages. You may think it’s an unusual request, but Candice doesn’t drink.”