Release. *A Letitia Wright FanFic*

3.

The next morning Harper was startled by her buzzer going off. She climbed out of bed and ran to the intercom. "Yes?" She asked, confused. "Package for Ms. Sullivan." A package? What? She buzzed the delivery man in and grabbed the small package from him. "Thanks." She smiled before closing the door. The package was a white and rose pink envelope with a white carnation in the center. Harmony's favorite flower is a carnation. She didn't hesitate to open it. Inside was a card. She opened it and read the words written in calligraphy. Her eyes widened with anger. "You've got to be fucking kidding me!" She hissed, crumbling the paper up. Was this really her life? She needed to get away. Now more than ever. She saw her design out of the corner of her eye and remembered exactly what she was supposed to be doing today.

At the office she caught up with Gregory in the lounge. She waited for him to finish pouring his third cup of coffee for the day before announcing herself.

"Third cup today. Someone had a long night!" She joked before pouring herself a cup, taking a small sip of the dark bitterness.

"Well if you must know, Nate came over last night and things got heated, in a good way. He tried to stay the night but you know how I get down. Ain't no man who doesn't pay shit in my house sleeping there." He smirked before taking a sip of his coffee. She laughed. That's what Harper loved about Gregory, he was truly an open book.

"Correct me if I'm wrong but…hasn't he offered to pay damn near all of your bills on numerous occasions?" She asked. "Yes. And the answer will always be no! As soon as I let his ass pay one lil bill or 3 he is going to think he can control me. And baby you know can't no man control all of this. Besides, I don't think his wife would be too pleased."

Harper laughed, she knew he was right. In reality she hated that he'd been dealing with a married man especially given how her relationship ended, but she would never pry too hard. She loved their friendship and didn't want it to end. Gregory knew what he was doing and that was between him and the man upstairs.

"Take a look," she handed him her portfolio, swapping his coffee for the folder. He glared at her. If one thing she knew, it was that Gregory did not play about his morning coffee but she didn't care, there was something bigger going on at the moment. Gregory opened the portfolio and nodded his head in acceptance. She smiled and let out a breath she didn't even realize she was holding in.

"This design work is beautiful, you really studied her didn't you, and the meaning behind it is…. something special. You're a damn good designer, Harp. Daaria is gonna love it, and if she doesn't the bitch is just being a hater. You know she hates to see anyone one up her. Especially someone she still considers an amateur," he whispered. "Now give me my damn coffee back, heffa." They both laughed as he snatched his cup back.

"I'm presenting it this morning at our weekly meeting. It's now or never, G. I gotta show her I'm worth all of this and more. That I'm not an amateur." She stared at the photos of her work, saying a mini prayer on the inside.
God willing. This'll be my win.

"Well rather you get a green light or a red, I'm rocking with you all the way!" The support he gave her made her smile. She reached into her purse and pulled out the envelope she received this morning, trying to smooth it out. "Then there's this…" She sighed, handing it over.

Gregory opened the crumpled up envelope giving her a look of confusion. His mouth dropped when he read:

You are cordially invited to the wedding of

HARMONY SULLIVAN
&
LANDON ARMSTRONG

December 5th, 2022
At six o'clock in the evening

7575 E Princess Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Reception to follow

"So he went and married the bitch. The nerve. Two words: Angela Basset. I'll go get my matchbook!" He gave a look of spite, reading the invitation a second time. She shook her head, her eyes watering as she tried to sip her coffee. "Whatever. I have a job to do." She grabbed her portfolio and exited the lounge.

*****

Harper was first to head into the Boardroom where she spotted Daaria in the zone on her laptop. Butterflies filled her stomach, she knew today had to be her day, the design was perfect for a night like this and she just knew if given the chance to show it off to Letitia she would love it. The other staff members gathered in the room shortly after and took their seats, most of them already looking as if they'd had enough for the day. Gregory walked in shortly after, taking his seat next to Harper.

"Good morning everyone. Usually, I like to talk about the highlights of our week but I'd rather jump right into the matter at hand. This week we were given a project to style the beautiful Ms. Letitia Wright for the premiere of her new Black Panther movie. Not only would this show our company in a major light, but we would also be contributing to a magical night and gaining so much exposure. The only problem is, I've yet to find a designer who can deliver in the way that makes the outfit just as special as the moment." She cut her eyes at her assistant who was sitting in the first swivel chair at the front of the big oval-shaped table, blushing with embarrassment.

Daaria let out an exaggerated sigh, "I'm all ears if anyone has anything they'd like to throw out there. We're basically out of time, give me something. Please."

Gregory tapped Harper on her thigh, motioning for her to make her move now. She swallowed her fear and stood up, claiming everyone's attention in the room.

"I would, uh, I do. I have something I would like to throw out there. I know I've only been here 3 years and to you, that's still rookie league but I just know I can make her night just as special as she is. I was up all night creating this design that I would love for you to look–"

Daaria cut her off. "Harper, while you have amazing talent and you're so brilliant at having an eye for detail, I'm looking for someone who's been here just a bit longer. This is Hollywood with red carpets and big stars we're talking about here. I was hoping our Senior Fashion Editor, Gregory would be jumping up and down to do an event this big."

They both eyed Gregory along with everyone else who was shaking his head with his arms folded across his chest. "While I do believe I could slay a design for her highness with ease, Harper has some great ideas. Daaria, let her show you what she can do. If she flops, it's not just on her…it'll be on me too since I'm here vouching for her."

He gave a wink. She smiled at her coworker and friend mouthing the words "thank you" before directing her attention back to her boss.

"Daaria. You said it yourself, I have an eye for detail. So let me do this, I made this outfit just as special as the night. If you'll just give it a look I think you'd agree." She extended her hand out with the portfolio.

Daaria rolled her eyes and let out a sigh before taking the portfolio from her hands. She browsed the finished design, her eyes never leaving the pantsuit Harper had created. The tender look on her face let Harper know, she knew exactly what she had done.

"A powerful way to honor her brother, wow. And you did all of this last night? I'd be a damn fool to say no after seeing this, huh? Okay Harper, it's all on you. You'll leave for L.A. first thing in the morning. I'll let them know you're coming. If you fail though…if she fails…" She looked back and forth between Harper and Gregory, "that's both your asses, understood?" She handed Harper her portfolio, they nodded before exiting the boardroom, grinning from ear to ear.

"Showtime!" He whispered, gleefully.