Page 41 of Devanté
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Every day, I sent Blake Starbucks with a song for her to listen to. I had no way of knowing if it brightened her day or not but I kept sending them. All week, I took her down memory lane.
It started with Mint Condition’sPretty Brown Eyes. The next day, it wasBack in the Dayby Erykah Badu because I wanted her to feel the smooth energy and remember us hanging out in that rainbow playset listening to music from the open window in her father’s office. I sent herForever My Ladyby Jodeci because I wanted to make her laugh when she remembered the times she called me Jodeci when we were kids. She was the only person in the world I’d let get away with that shit.
Every day was a nostalgic trip. I suggested Boyz II Men’sMotown Phillyand on Friday, I had her listen toIt Was A Good Dayby Ice Cube. I didn’t know if she actually listened to it but in my mind she did and it helped her to have a good day.
I wished I had her phone number to call her and see if she listened to all the songs. I wondered if she laughed or played memories like movies in her head. I’d get to ask her in person soon because I had a meeting with her today about the direction of my campaign with Shaw.
“Wow, you look nice,” Molly smirked at me when I got in the backseat of the Lincoln.
“Thanks,” I sighed, smoothing out a wrinkle on my slacks. I had on a pale blue shirt and a pair of navy blue slacks. I wanted to front like I didn’t pick out my outfit for Blake but that would be a lie.
“Hoping to see Miss Remington?” She quizzed, sliding her full lips to the side and smirking.
“Well, yeah, that’s who my meeting is with, Molly. You’re my assistant, haven’t you been keeping up?”
“You know what I mean. You’re meeting with her and the creative design team but you’re hoping to just see her.”
“She’s an old friend. Whenever I get to see her is a good time.” I relaxed in the leather seat and scrolled my phone to avoid more Blake questions.
When I saw several texts from Renee pop up in my notifications bar, I groaned and put my phone to sleep. I couldn’t even find peace scrolling through my feed.
Renee: Little Devanté misses you.
Renee: Picture mail!
Renee: Little Devanté’s mommy misses you too…
“You okay?” Molly asked.
“I’m fine. Renee is stalking me again and still refusing to take a DNA test.” Molly’s face fell into a concerned frown.
“Why don’t you get a restraining order?” She asked.
“I don’t know. I guess because she seems unstable. I don’t think she’d hurt me but I’d feel like shit if she hurt that baby or herself.” I drew in a breath. “I want to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that this baby isn’t mine. I’m trying to be nice and let her take the test of her own volition but it’s not working. She’s causing so much drama.” I told Molly about Renee ruining my lunch with Janet and about how she refused to leave my property before I had the police remove her.
“You need to get that in check, Devanté. She’s only going to get worse. What did Miss Perez say about it?”
“She told me to let my lawyer handle it and that’s what I’m doing but in the meantime, she’s driving me fucking nuts.”
“I don’t envy you.” She put the iPad to sleep as we pulled around to the back of Watson. Molly managed to get us clearance to use the back entrance to avoid unnecessary interactions. I was grateful but only because I didn’t want anything or anyone slowing me down. I needed to see Blake.
I wanted to see her face and hear her voice. I’d even take the incredulous look I knew she’d give me when I told her I was the one having Starbucks delivered to her every day. Noa probably already told her but I still wanted to see the look on her face.
“Calm down, you’ll see her soon enough,” Molly smirked.
“What? What are you talking about?” I chuckled.
“You’re racing out of the car and into the building before we even discuss the scope of this meeting.” She handed me a bottle of water then matched her stride to mine as we entered the building.
“The scope of the meeting is to find the best campaign design for Shaw and me to coexist.” I moved over to the elevator and pressed the button several times. Why wasn’t time speeding up so I could reach the top floor?
Molly’s voice fell to static in the background of my mind as I watched the LED lights blink over the silver elevator doors. When they finally slid open, I took one long step into the lobby. Molly followed suit, still talking and I gave her the occasional punctuated nod to let her know I was listening even though all I could concentrate on was Blake.
My eyes dropped to my watch and I said a silent thank you to Molly for always making sure I was early for my meetings. I bypassed Meka and went straight for Noa.
She smiled when she saw me. “Hey, Mr. Playlist. Let me guess, you want to see Blake before the meeting starts?” She pushed her pink painted lips to the side.
