"I've been doing fine for years now. Please just go back to wherever you're coming from and let me be."
Brett moved over to her and crotched down opposite her. "Go on a date with me, over the weekend."Daisy burst into laughter. "Is this guy a joke or something?" She asked rhetorically, loud enough to Brett's hearing. "No.""Come on.....""I'm not going on any godforsaken date with you Mr Lexington. Not in your wildest dream.""Okay." he said, pushing two open hands forward to calm her down. "Go to a fundraiser with me then. Technically, I wanted you to be my plus-one at the fundraiser organized by the Mayor over the weekend and maybe we could go on a date afterwards. But since you said no date, let's go to the fundraiser together." He offered."No.""Daiz. I promise you, if after the fundraiser, you decide that you don't want to see me ever again. I won't bother you. Just this once, please?"Daisy became calm for a moment. She looked up at his angelic face and watched him flash a smile, that type she always falls for. She took a deep breath before speaking up. "What's so special about the fundraiser?""Nothing." he shrugged. "Just some regular event that will raise funds for the kids project I spoke to you about, earlier."A beep came in his phone and he tapped on it immediately. Barely three seconds later, the elevator roared back to motion with the bright light back on. Daisy took a clear look at her once-upon-a-time man. He was too gorgeous, too handsome, more beautiful than the world's most beautiful woman. And he was here trying to get her to hang out with him. Her mind tried to imagine what Ugo would say in this situation.Leave your goddamn-life queen. You only live once.'Brett got to his feet and reached out a hand to help her up. His hand lingered in hers for a while before he let it go."So, if I go with you, that would be all?"He nodded.In no time at all, they reached the eighteenth floor. Daisy was treated to one more glimpse of that good looking chest of his as he pulled his suit jacket on. "Looks like your friend and I are on the same floor," he said as they got off together."Looks like it." She managed to smile up at him for a second before looking away from those grey orbits."Which way is she?" They both looked up at the arrow signs by the elevator bank."This way," she said, pointing to the left.He pretended to consult his room key. "Ah, mine is that way." He pointed to the right. They smiled at each other and didn’t say anything for a moment. "I can honestly say that I’ve never had a more entertaining time in an elevator. Thank you." He reached out a hand."Likewise." Daisy stretched out her hand for a handshake but instead he took her in a hug."So, what do you say?" He said against her curls before releasing her.The whole thing sounded crazy, but Brett was ready to do crazy. He hadn't taken all that stress and extra work just to be here for nothing. If he was going to walk away tonight. He must be able to achieve something positive and that was exactly what he was working on."You would be free this weekend, won't you?" Grateful that he knew how honest Daisy can be. Lying or pretense wasn't in any way her forte. So, he took that cue."Tomorrow is a public holiday and I'll be battling some serious hangover that I might be wasted all through the day. I'm working on Saturday.""What about Saturday night?""I can be free." She answered tactically."Please come to the fundraiser with me.""Brett, I..... Are you sure?" He smiled. With that question, he knew he’d almost got her. "Positive. Come to the event, be my partner, protect me from poisoning and disaster. It’ll be your good deed for the year. And it is only March. look at you, getting your good deed for the year done before the year is even half over." He was so close to victory. He could tell by the smile in her eyes as she looked up at him."Come on, Daiz," He touched her shoulder. "Help me." She took a deep breath, and he held his as she considered."Well, the truth is I'm actually coming for the fundraiser either way. My parents got invited. So, I'll be there." She laughed out loud, shaking off the nervous feeling.He pulled her into a hug. Her champagne bottle. laden bag clanked against his butt, and they both laughed. "You had to pull my legs this much before you said that?"He received a chuckle, his favorite sound from her. "You won’t regret this." He pulled back and blew her a sweet kiss."I'll pick you up Saturday night." He said before taking a backward step to his own side of the hallway."Wait, but you don't even know where I stay, you should take my number." She told him as he started taking backward steps."Oh, but I do." He said to her surprise. "Congratulations again to your friend. I'll see you on Saturday."Daisy nodded, not forgetting the kind of man he was. She paused and stared at Brett's back for a few seconds. What just happened? Did her ex just ask her to be his date for an event that would record the most wealthy and powerful people in Fairview and its environ. And she really said yes!She turned and raced down the hall to Ugo's room and knocked on the door. Her friend threw open the door and pulled her into a tight hug."Get in here, you beautiful work of art." They grinned at each other and hugged again.It was great to see her friend. She had been in a very tough case for the past couple of months and the last few weeks had been so bad that they didn't set their eyes on each other until now. Thankfully, the case was over and her friend was now partner."What did you do to your hair, it looks amazing," Daisy said."Oh, thank you babygirl." Ugo looked her over and frowned in that way older sisters can. "This outfit is great, and I love the shoes, but I thought you were going to get blond highlights. What happened?"Daisy shrugged. "Sorry, I chickened out. I didn’t think I could pull off the blond. Besides, you weren't there to ginger me up."Ugo made a face at her. "Haven’t we been over this. Look at Ciara's new hairstyle."Daisy laughed. "I know I have the same skin highlights as Ciara, but me in her blond weave? I doubt it would go well with my personal style.""It's not a bad thing to review one's style once in a while though. You're due for a personal style review" Ugo plopped down on the bed. "You can always get away with some blond highlights, easy. But then, you are always thinking of being and remaining basic. Awful!"Daisy opened her mouth to argue but thought better of it. Only a mad person would muster the strength to argue with Ugo."Look what I brought you." Daisy said instead of arguing. She pulled the champagne bottle and the chocolates and crackers out of the paper bag. "I'm not quite sure how cold the champagne is anymore, but we still have to drink it. And I heroically saved all of them, including the chocolates and crackers from the guy I was stuck in the elevator with, so we’d better enjoy them.""Well, of course we still have to drink that champagne. Give me that." Ugo grabbed the hotel water glasses as Daisy pulled the foil off the champagne bottle. "I can’t believe you were stuck in the elevator all that time. And why weren’t you texting me back. Was your battery out?" "Okay, there’s a story there, but let’s toast to you first before I get into all of that." Daisy twisted the metal lid open and pulled out the cork with a gentle pop. After she poured a healthy amount into each of their glasses, she held hers up. "To Ugo Chike, the first black female partner at Jade and Judy, in over ten years. To a br
A gorgeous hostess led them upstairs to a quieter VIP bar that overlooked the stage and dance floor below. They were shown to a small seating area by the balcony and settled at a table hugged by two half-moon velvet sofas. The hostess propped a beverage menu in the center and said, "Your drinks are on the house. Enjoy your evening.""Wow!" Ugo whistled. "We scored.""I think that hawker recognized you from one of your court cases. Because how the hell are we getting such VIP treatment when we're yet to spend a dime." Daisy said out loud."Wouldn't that rock." Ugo grinned. "Or it could be the chef guy.... That dude is full of surprises. I've gotten too many gifts than I can't count since I met him. Yet, he's not interested in hitting this ass." "He could be pretending." Daisy fixed in. "Or taking it slow. The good old ways. He might be hoping to win you over thoroughly before making a move. In order words, he wants you to....""Loose my damn guard. Mmmm, not happening, not gonna happ
Brett walked into his sitting room with a file he pushed over to Derin, who had come visiting. "You were scarce throughout Thursday, how much success did you record with your adventure?" Derin asked, picking up the file and flipping through it."An adventure indeed. Success rate was way better than I'd thought it was going to be." Brett replied taking a seat. Derin's eyebrows went up and he shook his head. "Of course. Why would I have thought anything less of you. Do you mind telling me how it went though?""I got her to agree being my date to the fundraiser tomorrow." He finally replied."No way! How did you get her to do that. Wait! you a magician now. You waltz back into her life, get her trapped in an elevator just to have a moment with her and somehow you got to convince her to go on a date with you. Wonderful! You are a genius Lex." Derin grinned. "It's not a date officially, but it's something I guess. I'm gradually walking my way back to her and at this rate, I'm willing to
Saturday morning came with Daisy being dragged out of her room by Ugo. She figured it was no less than she deserved since she avoided any topic related to Brett through out Friday.After a long, hot shower, she made her way into the living room and was ordered onto a seat by Ugo and a lecture she never knew she needed commenced. With the biggest coffee mug in her hand, she pretended to be paying attention to her friend's rattles in order to let peace reign."Number 10, do not fall for his seduction.... Number 11, never kiss him, never kiss your ex!""Ugo, that was number one, four, and nine.""Yes." Ugo replied, pacing the room. "Now it's also number 11. Just so you know how important it is.""O.k.a.y, is there something I'm missing?""You tell me. You and Lexington seemed cozy last night when you let him kiss you. You sat there and watched him try taking advantage of you.""Oh come on Ugo, that wasn't how it happened.""Really, could you please fill me in, I most definitely read anot
Daisy studied the menu of treatments available at the Spa, and decided to skip her usual porcelain fix in favor of the deep tissue pampering. She'd been waxed two weeks ago so she skipped it. But the rest of the treatment designed to make one sexually irresistible was exactly what she needed and Ugo insisted on them.While they were getting ready to begin, Daisy's mother walked in, carrying with her the effortless aura of a billionaire's wife and the beauty of an ageless youth. Her skin was soft even without touching it. A look at Bridget Ledwig would have a man wishing for nothing but to give her anything she wants.."Daisy honey, I can't believe the both of you planned on visiting the spa without me! How is that even fair.""Mom!" Daisy called, rushing into her mother's already open arms. "Come on here U-U." She beckoned to Ugo. Wrapping the girls tight in a hug, she smiled sweetly. "Edna told me you came." She whispered to their hearing alone. "Don't be mad at her. She just wanted
Somewhat dazed, she went to the intercom and talked to the front desk, letting them know she was expecting Brett, and while she was still talking, he walked into the lobby. A few moments after that, he was at her door. It was only then that she remembered she was dressed in a sleeveless gown that stopped mid-thigh.Confused as to the type of impression Brett would get from her appearance. She rushed into her room and reappeared with a black leather jacket which helped to cover up the previously exposed skin on hee upper body.She went to the door and let him in. Bret stood in the hallway for a long moment, his gaze raking Daisy from her head down to her neatly manicured toes. Daisy on the other hand was equally stunned by his appearance. The way he looked in washed jeans and a T-shirt made her want to undress. "Hi." He smiled at her."Come in." Daisy said, stepping aside.He stepped in like he was gliding through the floor. He aura magnetic. The smell of his cologne woody and dominat
Ugo stepped in and threw a suspicious gaze at Daisy. "Did I miss something." She joked, pushing a box of grilled turkey and vegan cream to Daisy.Daisy shook her head and hid her blush. "Your father got those for us. He said you should give him a call." Ugo added."You went to the house?"She shook her head. "He made a quick stop at the lingerie store to see your mom."Daisy grabbed the meal box and starting dialing her father's line at once. "Dad, glad I caught you." She adjusted her grip on the phone receiver, placed her meal on the kitchen counter and pulled up a stool. "Ugo delivered your message, how are you?" "Better, now that you've called. How is work treating you my damsel?"Daisy went over her days from Monday through Friday, skipping over all the Brett's parts. "I really like my boss, Mr. Donald." She stated. "And the vibe I get from the other workers at the firm is quite contagious and beautiful. I'm happy going to work every day, and I'm bummed out when it's time to go h
Daisy and Ugo had met first at Lilycity, when Daisy traveled to visit her grandmother. Then they ran into each other again during college at Bronx where their friendship kicked off officially as flatmates and later roommates. Ugo was the sibling Daisy never had and Daisy, the sibling Ugo never had. Overtime, their relationships spread across both parents such that when Ugo decided to practice at Fairview, her parents didn't object because the Ledwigs were now living in the same city. The intercom buzzed causing Daisy to jump, making her realize how nervous she was. She sighed, realizing she forgot to tell the front desk Brett was coming back. She looked at Ugo. "I’ll get him. Are you going to be okay riding over with Eric and my mom?" "Are you kidding. Eric is like the coolest chauffeur and bodyguard in town and your parents, they adore me." Her smile dimmed. "Having second thoughts about going with Lexington?" Daisy took a deep breath, remembering the spark that transpired between