Déja Vú

Deals and Dilemmas

Leora

"What the fuck?" Kathani's voice shot through the air as I finished recounting my meeting with Ashton earlier.

I let out a long sigh, smoothing the fabric of my black dress as I grabbed my purse and black tote bag. My day was already stretching ahead of me like a tightrope.

Downstairs, Londyn had set up breakfast while Kathani sat at the dining table, files scattered around her, her iPad and laptop open, and of course, she was on a call.

"Hey, sis," I said, sliding onto one of the high chairs and letting my bags rest on the sitting room chair. Kathani ended her call and glanced up, cheeks tinged pink from whatever conversation she'd just had.

"Hey love. You're looking beautiful this morning. What's the occasion?" Londyn's voice was teasing, but there was warmth in her eyes as she slid a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, and bread toward me.

"Well...first off, I have my Vanity Fair interview today. Thanks for reminding me, Miss Manager," I said, casting a glance at Kathani, who immediately turned crimson.

"Sorry, girl. I've been so caught up with wedding chaos, I completely forgot your schedule," she mumbled, embarrassed.

"It's fine. Norah reminded me, and Matthew texted me anyway," I said with a soft smile, feeling a flicker of gratitude.

"And I need to head to the office, Leon's preparing for a wedding too," I added, and Kathani quickly looked away, biting her lip. Young love, I thought, rolling my eyes internally.

"I also have to try Carter's again—get Ashton to release that evidence and finally clear my name," I muttered, pressing a hand to my forehead as I took a bite of eggs.

"Do you think you should even try again after what happened?" Londyn asked, handing me a cup of tea. I could tell she was trying to be cautious, understanding how volatile the last encounter had been.

"I don't have a choice," I said, setting the cup down with a soft clink. "He holds all the evidence for my case. If I want to clear my name, I have to see him. Too many things are riding on this to walk away."

I placed her hands in mine briefly. "I'll see you in a bit, okay?"

"Okay," she said softly, giving me a small smile.

"Bye, Kathani," I called out as I headed for the door.

"Bye, girl," she replied, and I felt a pang of guilt for all the tension between us lately.

I parked at Carter's, took a deep breath, and stepped out of the car. I had decided to go straight from my Vanity Fair interview to get this over with.

The receptionist was surprisingly polite today, letting me through without the usual standoffish attitude. I waited on one of the white leather couches as Ashton was informed of my arrival. Soon, I was gestured inside.

"Apparently it's incredibly hard to meet you, Mr. Carter, considering I'm a celebrity," I said with a forced laugh, walking into his office.

He looked up from his MacBook, pen in hand, and smiled. "What can I say—the disadvantages of being a Carter."

He stood, offering his hand, and I shook it. He wore all black, blazer draped over the chair, and crisp white Nikes on his feet.

"Permit me to say, you're looking very lovely, Miss Kohen," he said, and I had to fight to keep my composure.

"Thank you," I replied, realizing my hand was still in his. I pulled it back casually, hoping my fluttering heart didn't show. "I tried to look my best because I thought that's why I was turned away yesterday."