Page 50 of The Need to Know

“A glass of Chardonnay,” Paisley decided.

“You like wine?” I found myself asking after Leila stepped away to gather our drinks.

Paisley nodded. “Love it.”

Maybe she and Nastasia weren’t entirely alike. It wasn’t surprising. Paisley’s image was harder, tougher, and something told me you had to coax it out of Nastasia to get anger or wrath.

“So…” Pops drew out, looking from Paisley to me. “How did this come about?”

“We met through my best friend,” Paisley answered, not missing a beat. “She was invited to the club and I tagged along. I will say, I always heard good things about BLVCKJVCK, but it’s really beautiful in person, Mr. Marcuson. The design, the color scheme, the atmosphere—it’s what Atlanta’s been needing.”

My lips twitched to smile, but I bit it back as best as I could.

Pops nodded along. “You should praise Ezekiel for that. My original club layout wasn’t as flashy.”

Paisley blinked, coming to me. “Oh, wow. Nice job.”

I gave a humble shrug. “Just trying to help.”

Paisley chuckled and returned to my father. “The idea your son presented me with for a Ladies’ Night sounds like fun. This is kinda the first time anyone’s wanted me to host a club event. I’m honored.”

“Ezekiel says your show is his favorite,” Pops responded. “I’m certain this’ll be big for you since this is your first time hosting. We will supply security, unlimited number of drinks, VIP passes to five close friends, and our promotor will get on it about a flyer to post on our socials. Your name will be in gold lights.”

Leila came back, quickly depositing our drinks around the table accurately before heading off to check on another table of hers.

Paisley gathered her glass of wine and ran her finger along the rim. “You make it sound presidential. How could I say no?”

Her joke made us laugh and loosen up.

“I was hoping you wouldn’t,” Pops said. He was charming her easily, not even needing my input.

“On my end, my team members are excited for me at the station. They’re willing to promote me on their shifts as well.” Paisley splayed a hand to her chest. “I’m honestly so flattered by all the support, and the fact that you guys want me for this.”

Her humility was endearing. “And the price, seven thousand, is what we can all agree on? At least a three-hour appearance, a female-curated playlist, and be fun and entertaining?”

Paisley bobbed her head. “Sounds perfect.”

Pops raised his glass of sweet tea in the air to commemorate the partnership. “Here’s to a successful night.”

“Hear! Hear,” I spoke up as I clinked glasses with them both. “This is going to be a smash. I promise.”

Pops took a sip of his tea before sweeping his gaze from Paisley to me once more. His skepticism and curiosity couldn’t be missed.

Thankfully, Paisley cleared her throat and fended for herself.

“Now, I will admit your son is very handsome, Mr. Marcuson, but I’m about my brand and my money. This is and will only be a business venture. Absolutely no lines will be crossed on either side,” Paisley declared adamantly.

A phone began ringing and Pops was quick to dig his cell out of his pocket and glance at the screen. “That’s the missus. Gotta take this.” He stood up from his seat to excuse himself. Not without glancing from Paisley to me once again. “Give her eight thousand. I like her.” He tossed Paisley a wink before going and answering my mother’s call.

Huh.

“I’ve given him a similar speech and he doesn’t up my pay,” I mused as I sat back in the booth.

Paisley leaned across the table some. “I have a feeling you’ve given that speech more than once and are usually full of shit.”

I stared her down. “I don’t mix business and pleasure. I love money more than sex.”

Paisley swiped up her Chardonnay. “Hear! Hear! I like good sex, but I really love a fat check.”