Page 12 of Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming
That’s an understatement.
Rumor has it that if there’s one thing Parker Hamilton is, it’s vindictive, even with his own kids. Kimber’s husband took a job elsewhere after Parker offered him a position at Hamilton Media and she was cut off. Nobody knows what went down between Kordell and his father, but Kordell was quoted as saying, “He’s dead to me,” leading to Parker releasing a rare statement announcing that Kordell’s inheritance would be split among his other kids, just like Kimber. And Yusef—born Marlon Hamilton—renounced his wealth and married a girl from Zimbabwe, changing his name and taking her surname. Apparently, Parker was not pleased and responded in kind to Yusef.
Ranson continues speaking. “Momma Dola has suffered enough at the hands of my father, and Lee’s business deserves a shot. Parker will not be pleased, and he’ll take it out on some very fine people whose businesses will suffer because of his tantrum. He’ll swallow them all up and spit them out like they’re nothing. These folks worked too hard planning, building and dedicating every waking hour to their dreams just to have him take it all away.”
Lyric nods.
The passion with which he talks about helping people’s dreams become reality makes Lyric want him to win. During negotiations for the job, she made it abundantly clear to Roger that if an assignment comes her way and she doesn’t align with the clients, she won’t take it. This is the type of client and assignment that’s right up her alley. A Black man trying to help struggling Black businesses flourish, and that may be in danger due to petty family nonsense? Not on her watch. Ideas are already brimming in her head.
“You formulating a plan, aren’t you?” Roger asks her.
“I am,” Lyric replies.
Roger smiles. “This is why I’m putting you on this assignment. Please email all the info necessary regarding the Eliza fallout to Artie. He’s taking over. Ranson Hamilton is your focus. This is priority one.”
“Got it. Thank you, Roger.” Lyric turns to Ranson. “Ranson, please come to my office where we can discuss the details of our next steps.”
“Of course. Thank you. Both of you.”
Roger nods.
Ranson and Lyric exit Roger’s office. His phone buzzes.
“Excuse me, I have to take this.”
“Certainly. My office is straight ahead when you’re done,” Lyric states.
Ranson gives her a grin as sweet as honey paired with hooded eyes.
Lyric heads into her office, and as she’s trying to push thoughts of how delectable he is from her mind, there’s a knock on her door, startling her.
She jumps.
“You okay, Fuqua?” Artie smiles, standing in her doorway.
She smiles back. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
Artie is one of her favorite coworkers. He has the unique distinction of being best friends with two of The Firm’s biggest clients—Christopher Rossmore, CEO of Rossmore Wine, and his fiancée Izzie Taylor, CEO of Taylor Made Hair Care. This gives him an insider perspective to the inner workings of rich folks.
He looks like his usual sharp self with his Vera Wang suit and tortoise-shell glasses. He’s a good-looking fellow. His brown skin is similar in complexion to Suchi’s and his eyes are a haunting shade of gray. He gives Aaron Pierre vibes. Lyric knows men eat out of his hands easily.
“Sorry, my mind is just buzzing about this new assignment. I was about to send you all my info on Eliza.”
“Thanks, and I’m not even going to mention how unfair it is that you got assigned to handle the Hamilton situation, even though I know one of them.”
“You just did.” Lyric smirks.
“Well, can you blame me for being a tad bit jealous? That man is finer than frog hair, and I’m stuck with a spoiled princess who says goofy shit about breast feeding. Like other people’s titties are her business.” Artie rolls his eyes.
Lyric chuckles. “Don’t worry. I made sure she understood how detrimental her words were.”
“Did you make her cry?” Artie jokes.
“Shut up.” Lyric laughs.
“Yeah, you made her cry.” Artie laughs, too.
“Don’t talk shit. These are our clients.”
