|A L W A Y S & F O R E V E R| B O O K 1

29||M a k i n g D e a l s

Date: 12/10/15
Day of the Week: Thursday
Location: Seattle, Washington
Place: The firm

Russell
Two weeks passed since Thanksgiving, and I was back in Seattle. I was back at work at the firm. I was sitting in my office looking over paperwork when there was a knock at my door. I told whoever it was to come in. When I looked up from my desk, I saw it was Ashley. Ashley was my ex-wife's best friend. I know how crazy this situation sounds, being that we work in the same building, but she knows I never did anything to hurt Aston during our marriage. I've never had any problems with her after we divorced, and she never struck me as the malicious type of person. She came in and stopped in front of my desk.

"I was just coming to remind you that you have a meeting at noon today," She says.

Ashley has been my assistant for the past five years. I met Aston through her years back. So I knew her beforehand.

"Thank you, Ashley. I won't forget." I smile softly. She nods her head before making her way to the door.

It was currently 10:30 AM. I had just finished working on some designs for the winter collection of my brand, Good Man brand. Tomorrow, I will be showing the designs to my team to get their opinions on them. When I get off later tonight, I'll probably call Ci to get her opinion on them as well. To pass by time for my meeting, I brainstormed some ideas for one of my new business ventures I was working on. Lately, I've been thinking about starting a photography business. I always liked photography, but I hadn't done it in a while. When I get some free time, I plan on getting back into it and perfecting my shots.

When noon came around, one of my biggest investors and I sat in my office to discuss some of my upcoming projects. They were planning on investing a hefty amount of money towards it. With the sales doing so good the last few months, I did not doubt that they would invest in my brand. I showed her the paperwork with the total sales and profit from the last two months.

"Well, the sales and profit from October and November exceeded the expectations. So far, this month's sales are doing good numbers. I've invested a lot of money into your company, Mr. Wilson. I won't lie, I wasn't sure you and your team would reach the profit goals for these last few months. I doubted you, and I was wrong. Now I'm a woman of my word, and since sales and profits have been much more consistent and the highest that they've ever been, I want to continue to invest in your brand." She says. I smile and clear my throat.

"Well, my team and I always work hard to reach the company's goals," I say. She nods her head.

"You are correct. I shouldn't have doubted you." She gives me a warm smile.

We talked for about ten more minutes before she stood up from the chair in front of my desk. I stood up too, walking around my desk to stand in front of her.

"So, do we have a deal?"

"We have a deal!" I extend my hand out for her to shake. She shakes my hand firmly before pulling away.

"Thank you for taking the time out of your day to have this meeting with me. It means so much to me." I say sincerely.

"It was my pleasure." She says. I walk her to the door and let her out.

Now that I have that deal secured, I can check it off of my list. I pulled out my notebook, turned to the page full of my business goals, and checked it off. I put my notebook back on my desk and take a sip of my coffee. There wasn't too much more for me to do at the office today.  So I figured I would leave early. There were a few errands I needed to run.

When I got ready to leave the office it was around 1:15 PM. I gathered my things and left my office. After telling everyone goodbye, I made my way out of the building to the car. I got in and put my briefcase and jacket in the passenger seat. The fridge needed to be filled. So I was going to go grocery shopping. I pulled into the Aldi's parking lot and turned the engine off. I grabbed my wallet and keys from the switch before getting out of my car.

After getting groceries, I head home and bring the groceries in, putting them away afterwards. Once I do that, I take a shower and change into something comfortable. I haven't talked to Ci today, so I decided I would FaceTime her. She picks up and smiles through the screen. I return one and greet her.

Hey beautiful!

Hey handsome! Are you back at home?

Yeah. I had a meeting at twelve, and then I left. There wasn't much more for me to do at the firm. So I went grocery shopping.

How was your meeting?

Great! My biggest investor and I made a deal today!

That's so good, baby!

She yawned and smiled tiredly.

You look tired, baby. How'd you sleep last night?

Not too good. I wasn't feeling well, but I'm a little better now. Just tired.

What's wrong?

I think it's just my migraines. I took medicine for it, though. I've just been in bed all day so far. Besides making breakfast and lunch for Zahir. He's watching cartoons right now. He'll be sleeping soon.

Well, I won't hold you too long. You need to get some sleep, too.

No, I'm fine. I'm not that tired. I can talk.

Since she wanted to stay on the phone, I pulled out my journal to show her the sketches I had done earlier. I opened the journal to the page and held it up towards the screen so she could see. She sat up and looked at them.

What are these?

These are the sketches I worked on today at the firm. It's for my winter collection of the Good Man brand. I haven't shown anybody else yet, but I wanted to get your opinions on them. What do you think?

She looked at them and tilted her head to the side.

Some of them are pretty good, but they could use a little work.

I nodded my head as I listened to her constructive criticism.

Which ones do you like the best?

Hmmm. I think I like the third one the best. It is a little hard to tell, though. Maybe I can take a better look at them when I come down there next week. I can even help you out a bit if you don't mind me doing that.

That would be great, baby girl. I appreciate the offer.

She started to yawn again, so I was going to let her get some more sleep. My baby really did look tired, and I know she was from taking care of Zahir and working.

I'm gonna call you later, okay? You really do need to rest. I want you to feel better, too.

She sighed.

Okay. I just wish we could talk longer.

I know. I do too, but your health comes first. I know you've been busy with Zahir and your upcoming projects. So I know you haven't been able to rest how you need to.

You're right. I'll try to get some sleep.

Good. Call me if you need anything. I love you.

I will and I love you too.

We disconnect the FaceTime call, and I bite my lip in concentration while looking over my sketches.