Total pages in book: 149
Estimated words: 142866 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142866 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
“Sorry!” I grin over at her. “We’ll keep it down.”
I make a conscious effort to focus on the show, but I’ve seen the episode so many times. As an executive producer, I’ve been involved every step of the way. Turns out I didn’t have to sacrifice my relationship with Maverick to break into television. Neither did I have to depend on Maverick’s money or name. I did it myself, helping Soledad cultivate and refine her raw talent and parlaying it into this opportunity. We did it, and I think it was supposed to happen this way all along. Oh, Chapel’s show is on the air. Zere followed through on that promise, and it’s doing well, but that wasn’t my destiny. I had two paths in front of me. One led to an opportunity I could recreate for myself, but denied me Maverick. The other led to the only man who has ever made me feel safe and secure and adored and respected and seen.
I chose right.
When the show is over, everyone eats from the tables set up all over the park loaded with the Grits catering menu. Soledad sparkles on camera as local news stations interview her and capture her reactions. I stand a few feet off, close enough in case she needs me.
“You happy?” Maverick asks from beside me, tangling our fingers. “With the show, I mean?”
“Yeah.” I smile at my girl getting all the light she deserves. “This is the first of many opportunities. She’s ready for them all.”
“Hendrix!” a reporter calls, walking over to join us with mic in hand. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.” I don’t need the spotlight, but I’m always ready.
“Can you share what’s going on with Aspire’s legal troubles?” the reporter demands, thrusting the mic toward me.
I lift my brows, surprised by the direction of the question, but not unprepared.
“CFE has done everything in its power to delay our day in court,” I say. “Meanwhile, there are Black women who could be receiving grants to assist with their businesses. These grants are modest, but they can make a huge difference to the folks who need them.”
“But you’re still running the venture capital fund?” the reporter clarifies.
“Oh, yeah. With Hue we are headed toward our first unicorn. We’re proud of CannaDo, a female-led company pioneering innovative methods for dispensation of legalized cannabis. We’re still going strong on that front, but I cannot emphasize how important this case is. If they defeat us, they set precedent for other grant-based equity efforts. Dismantling affirmative action was just the beginning. They’ll be coming for other programs designed to shrink the wealth and education gaps created by historically racist structures in this country.”
“And what about you, Mr. Bell?” The reporter shifts her mic and her scrutiny to Maverick. “There was quite a bit of controversy when you withdrew your bid to buy the Vipers, but then Andrew Carverson was ousted, pressured to step down and sell the team. You swooped right back in and bought the controlling shares. Any updates?”
“Update is that we’re going for a ring this year,” Maverick replies with an easy smile and an arm around my waist. “We’ve had a lot of distractions with the transfer of ownership, but the team remains focused on winning. Coach has asked my father to serve as an adviser, which feels right since he devoted so much of his career to the Vipers. So I think all is well as we gear up for the new season. A winning season.”
“And did you hear the news about Zere?” There is a glint in the reporter’s eye as she looks between us, searching our faces for a reaction Maverick and I are both seasoned enough not to give her.
“No, sorry.” Maverick keeps his expression pleasantly indifferent. “Haven’t heard.”
“She and her fiancé, Charles Filmore, are expecting their first child,” the reporter offers, her sharp gaze pinging between Maverick and me.
I gasp, pleasure winning out over playing it cool.
“That’s amazing,” I say, my smile genuine. “I’m so happy for her, for them.”
“Yeah,” Maverick agrees, his grin sketching faint lines around his eyes and mouth. “I hadn’t heard, but that’s fantastic. I wish them only the best.”
The reporter looks slightly disappointed by all the goodwill and nods before thanking us and walking off to find the next story.
“I’m truly happy for Zere,” I say, dropping my head to Maverick’s shoulder. “I know how badly she wanted a baby.”
“You can tell her yourself next week in New York when Chapel is doing promo for her show. I hope this heals the last of whatever tension might exist.”
“I think it will. I’ve had some contact with her during the first season of Chapel’s show, and we were amicable. Hopefully this can move us into warm and friendly.”
“Speaking of move.” Maverick dips to whisper in my ear. “When can we leave? I’d like you to myself for a little bit.”