AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“So were they,” Quinn added. “Trent said the owner was very upset. Especially when he learned that a member, not paparazzi had taken the photo. When they find out who leaked that photograph, his membership will be revoked.”
“Does someone have the picture?” Jennifer asked. “I’d like to see it. But not now,” she hurriedly added. “It doesn’t seem appropriate for the dinner table. Later, Teresa, send me a link. My question was strictly about your work with OTB and whether or not you had a chance to talk with the designer about our charity event.”
“I’m sorry, Mom. The weekend was so hectic I completely forgot. I can tell you that for the next two weeks nothing but fashion week will be on their minds. I will mention it to Ace, though, I promise. Everyone breathes a little easier after the first show. I’ll bring it up to him when we’re in New York.”
Ike Sr.’s frown had diminished as London retold the incidents of last Thursday. Her talk of travel brought it back. “New York? You promised your mother and me that you’d take a break from modeling, spend some time at home to reconnect with your family.”
“I am, Daddy. I mean, I will. Before coming home for Papa Dee’s funeral, I had my agent totally clear my schedule for the next three months.”
“Then what happened?”
“Ace showed up in Temecula,” her brother interjected.
London’s head swiveled around to Terrell. “How’d you know?”
“I’ve got connections, sis. Remember that.”
London whacked his arm, looked past him at his wife, Aliyah. “Help me out, Ali. How did he know?”
Aliyah laughed at Terrell’s glare before answering. “He talked to Dexter.”
“Traitor,” Terrell mumbled.
“Hey, I’ve got to stay true to the sisterhood.”
“You’re supposed to stay true to me.”
“He has a point, Aliyah,” Jennifer said. Terrell’s chest swelled. “The proper action would have been to remain quiet and demure while next to your husband and share that information later, when you and Clarisse were alone.”
A mixture of laughs, groans and pushback filled the room. Jennifer picked up her tea, nice and ladylike, and took a sip. Above the rim, she winked in Aliyah and London’s direction. Women unite!
“Is that true?” Niko asked. “The owner of OTB was at the resort?”
London nodded. “Just for a couple days, to get away from the stress of fashion week.”
“And he ran into you,” Ike said, shaking his head. “Poor fella.”
Everybody laughed at that, even London. Obviously Terrell and Quinn knew about it but for some family members her being the face of Ace’s new line was news.
Charli got up for seconds and headed to the buffet. “I don’t get it. If he makes menswear, why does he need you?”
“That news will hit the public later today, if it hasn’t already. OTB is introducing a women’s line. I will serve as the spokesperson.”
Jennifer’s eyes beamed. “Really, honey? I thought you were just doing the fashion shows. Sounds fantastic. But it also sounds like a lot of work.”
“Sounds like you’re going back on your word,” Ike Sr. intoned.
“Just moving the date a little, Dad. One of the conditions in accepting the spokesperson position was that as much shooting as possible could happen during the four-week period of fashion week’s major shows. The rest will be done either in San Francisco or here.”
“Now you’re talking,” Niko said. “At times I’ve wondered whether or not you were dropped off on the doorstep. But bringing positive attention and possible revenue to the city is a definite Drake move.”
“Thank you, Mr. Mayor.”
“Good heavens, Clarisse. In hearing about your tabloid piece I forgot breaking news. Diamond had her baby!”
“What? When? How am I just now finding out?”
“It happened while you were in transit, and quite quickly. Genevieve said she’s exhausted as can be expected, but Mommy and baby Jackson are doing fine.”
Jennifer stood and continued. “Ladies, would you all like to join me for a short jaunt to walk off that massive meal?”
