Page 51 of Legacy of Deception

“Red velvet cupcakes.”

“There you go. Close your nose, maybe your eyes, and chug it all the while thinking about those delicious cupcakes with a mountain of cream cheese frosting on the top.”

“And that’s supposed to work?” she asked, rolling her eyes.

I pursed my lips as the elevator doors finally opened. “It might not, but it’s worth a shot.” Misleading her felt wrong, and she had to know there was no guarantee.

Following me out, she responded, “All right. I’ll try it at least once.”

With the way she picked up speed and headed toward the door with ferocity, I realized I might not have failed that conversation as much as I feared I was going to. My first real conversation with anyone young and impressionable.

A hand came down on my arm, and I turned my head toward it. “Hey. Thank you. You were great with her,” her mother whispered, smiling softly, as if she knew I needed to hear that.

Really, that wasn’t why I had butted in, for gratitude. I did it because I wanted to be helpful. To push myself. And to follow my heart. “For what it’s worth, I hope it works,” I told her, pushing the door open.

The truth was, I would likely never run into either one of them ever again. Not in this city. They were strangers. Nothing more than two people who had shared a blip in time with me. Yet, I’d remember it for years to come. Maybe even refer back to the memory when it was my turn. Hopefully, there was someone like me to help mediate my own situation. Whatever it’d be.

Passing by a garbage can, I tossed my bag inside, intent on getting in the town car Marco had insisted I take when my phone vibrated.

I licked my lips and retrieved it from the back pocket of my jeans.

Capri: If they’re always saying men get shit done, and I just did that, does that make me an accomplished man?

Brooklyn: Who’s they?

Capri: I don’t know. Listen, I’m the man.

Brooklyn: Okayyy. You’re the man.

Capri: My agent friend wants to meet you. She’s part of one of the most successful agencies in the city.

Brooklyn: So, why does she want anything to do with me?

Capri: They are literally an agency that deals with talent like you all day long.

Brooklyn: Talent?

Capri: Get your thong out of your crack and hear me out on this one.

Capri: A luxury brand is having a pop-up event on the Upper East Side. It’s mostly an influencer and celebrity event, but whatever. Very glitzy. Very cool. You might meet an A-lister. I got you on the list. You’re going.

Brooklyn: How do you know I’m free?

Capri: Are you ever busy lately?

Brooklyn: I’m planning a wedding.

Capri: Your lies are worse than the chili fries I scarfed down for lunch. You’re not planning a wedding, nor will you ever plan a wedding. For one, your organizational skills blow, and for two, my family has a coordinator on retainer.

Brooklyn: I should ask your brother.

Capri: Where is my best friend and how long have you been pretending to be her?

Brooklyn: Would you believe me if I said that was the highlight of my day?

Capri: Yes. You lead an incredibly dull life.

Brooklyn: Some may say it’s interesting.