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Dani had completed the charge Genesis had given her. Get amazing press to counteract the Banks scandal and get people on her side again. Her time in London had been a success, her coverage had been stellar, and the press she’d received after she and Jameson had gone public with their relationship had only added to her positive image.
What a difference a couple of months made.
The doors slid open and they stepped into a bright, sleek, welcoming area. The receptionist, who wasn’t the fan from last time, greeted them.
“Welcome to Genesis, Duchess,” she said, tucking a lock of blond hair behind her ear. “Can I get you anything? Water? Coffee?”
Dani lifted her cup. “Already taken care of.”
She took one last fortifying pull before reluctantly handing the drink over to Tasha.
“I’ll be here when you’re done,” her assistant said, taking a seat on one of the bright orange lounge chairs.
“They’re ready for you in Garamond A. If you’ll follow me...” The receptionist gestured for them to precede her down the hallway that led to the same conference room they’d met in for their previous meeting.
“I’ll take it from here.” Dani was stunned to see Barbara, a Genesis executive, hurrying over.
“Certainly, Ms. Moore.” The receptionist retreated to her desk.
“Duchess, Andrea! It’s great to see you.” Barbara, every inch the business professional in a black sheath dress and pearls, was smiling, but there was a jerkiness to her movements and her eyes darted around them.
“Thisisa surprise! Am I getting the VIP treatment?” Dani asked, shaking Barbara’s outstretched hand.
“Always. We’re so excited to have you,” Barbara said, her voice unusually loud and chipper as they passed several people who openly stared at them.
Dani shot a look over her shoulder at Andrea, who frowned and adjusted her horn-rimmed glasses. Something was wrong. Dani didn’t know the other woman well, but she’d gotten a feel for her at the first Genesis meeting, since she’d been the only Black woman on their team. The behavior Barbara was exhibiting today didn’t jive with her prior impression.
“Is everything okay?”
Barbara slowed her steps. “I was hoping to intercept you downstairs, but I had a phone call that went long.”
Intercept them?What were they, spies?
“What’s going on?” Andrea asked, as they finally reached the conference room door.
Barbara sighed. “There’s been some changes. Just know that I tried to talk them out of it, but—”
The door swung open, and a tall man stood there, his face beaming. “Duchess! I’ve been looking forward to this day for weeks. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
Dani’s brows rose.Who was this dude?
“Where’s Henry?”
Henry Owens was Genesis’s point person and the man Danihadbeen dealing with.
“Henry has the day off. I’ll be leading today’s meeting.”
“And you are?”
“Greg Martin. I’m sure you have many more questions. Come on in and I’ll do my best to answer them.”
Dani shot Barbara a look as they walked into the room and saw many of the same faces she was used to seeing at these gatherings.
“It’s like a family reunion,” Dani said, spreading her arms wide, excitement beginning to take hold, despite her current confusion.
“I hope so. Because we consider you and Mela-Skin a part of the Genesis family,” Greg said, his hand on the small of her back, leading her to a chair at the front of the room, where large floor-to-ceiling windows offered a magnificent view of downtown Manhattan and One World Trade Center.
So, the deal was still on?
