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“Thank you, Papa.” I didn’t bother telling him that I could pay myself. Not only did he pay my bills, but he had six figures deposited into my bank account monthly. None of that would matter to him. I wouldn’t infringe upon the pride he felt providing for me.
Our lunch was served, and we continued to talk. He filled me in on what had been going on at his company. Papa Port’s wealth came from his technology, internet, and communications company. Green Technology sold several different kinds of electronic devices, provided internet services, and cell phones with individualized plans.
A few of my family members worked for him, but that didn’t stop him from wanting me there too. I’d done a lot to separate me from the Green name and didn’t see myself working for Green Technology any time soon. A part of me thought maybe if I was blessed with a husband and children, after that, I’d consider working for my grandfather. Too many men from my past had used me to get to him, and I would never let that happen again.
Several Hours Later
I didn’t have any idea what Chandler wanted to meet with me for, but I wouldn’t deny that I was happy to see him. He asked me to meet him at Puff, which was a cigar lounge in the arts district. I didn’t go there often, but I did love the black and gold luxe vibe. You had to have a membership, and memberships were by invitation only. I’d gotten my membership through an ex, and that was probably the only good thing that came out of that relationship.
After gaining entry into the exclusive lounge, I was led over to Chandler’s VIP area upstairs. His room was closed in, unlike the lower levels of the lounge, which provided a more intimate experience. Tinted glass windows allowed you to see out, but no one could see what or who was inside. The furniture was all black with gold accents. Two large gold chandeliers dangled from the ceiling. It kind of reminded me of Tyreek’s gentlemen’s club in Memphis, but Puff didn’t have scheduled events and exotic dancers like he did.
“Hi,” I spoke as he stood.
“What’s up?” We embraced quickly, dropping kisses on each other’s cheeks as if it was something we did often. “Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice.”
“No problem. Is everything okay?”
“Yeah.” He set his cigar in the ashtray on the black table and scooped up the black duffel bag that was next to it. “I won’t hold you long. My guys are on their way up here.” Chandler extended the envelope in my direction. “This is for you.”
Curiosity had me opening the heavy bag instead of asking any questions. I dropped it between us when I realized it was stuffed with cash.
“What is all of this? Do you need me to deposit this into one of your accounts?”
His head shook as he chuckled and sat down. “I said that’s for you.”
“I’m not understanding what this is for.”
“That painting you convinced me to buy… I sold it this morning. That quarter of a million turned into one point five million. That half a million is your cut.”
Releasing a nervous chuckle, I squeezed the back of my neck. “You don’t have to give me anything for that, Chandler. I was happy just to be right about it being a good investment. That’s all I need.”
“Nah.” Chandler stood and made his way over to me, getting so close and taking up so much space I had to hold in a breath to make room for him. “You earned that. It’s yours. Take it.”
“O-okay.” I agreed, taking a step back.
“Thank you, and if you have any more suggestions on investments for me, never hesitate to let me know.” It filled me with pride to know he trusted me that much. “Here.” Chandler grabbed the bag. “I’ll carry this out for you.”
“Oh, thank you.”
I was still in shock over what was actually happening as I followed him out of Puff. I was aware of the value of the painting, but I wasn’t expecting him to cash in so quickly. Then again, this was Chandler we were talking about. He’d always been a man of action, so I shouldn’t have been surprised. And unlike a lot of men, Chandler wasn’t risky. If he knew something was a sure thing, he acted immediately. There was no guarantee Armani would be a hot commodity years or even months from now, so I didn’t blame him for selling it now.
At my Maserati, Chandler put the duffel bag in the back seat. “No one knows what’s in this bag, but if you don’t feel safe driving around with it, I can trail you.”
“That’s not necessary. I can take it to me and Papa’s accountant this evening, and he will deposit it for me in the morning.”
“Okay.” He lifted my hand and kissed it. “Have a good night, Chy, and thank you again.”
“You too, and thank you. Seriously.”
He gave me that sexy smile before walking away, and I couldn’t pull my eyes away until he was no longer in view.
7
The Next Saturday
Chandler
As much as I wanted to see Cheyanne, I had to remind myself I wouldn’t die if I didn’t. The weekends were bittersweet. I enjoyed the break but hated being away from my girl. I was supposed to be meeting my best friend, Dru, for drinks, and I hoped that would get my mind off Cheyanne. I thought our time together in California would have left me satiated, but it only made me crave her more.
