Four Letter Word (Completed)

-1-

"Not really," I say honestly. Desdemona looks at me blankly making me continue, "I haven't told her about the modeling part. I didn't want her to think that I was tryna use her for her connections or anything and she's been busy lately. Both of us have been. Haven't seen her in awhile. You know how those bi-coastal, long distance relationships work."

Desdemona nods her head as if understanding then shakes her head mumbling, "Not really. Kinda need a relationship to know." She clears her throat as I narrow my eyes at her. She scratches her neck then she says, "Well, anyway, the first step is to start your portfolio. I can set up a couple of photoshoots. You live in New York, right?"

"Yeah, but I travel a lot between here, Miami, L.A., Japan and India. I can slow that down if you need me to. I've somehow been trying to find a way to tell my girlfriend's father that I want to do something else, but at the same time, I need money."

"I understand that. Just for the first month I ask that you stay in New York. Once I get this ball rolling we'll be traveling a lot. I have a lot in store and if you trust my genuis..the process I'll make sure you're making just as much as you are doing what you do now. It's just not going to be a walk in the park though. You have to put in the work, Draco."

"Work ain't never hurt me. I'ma hustla. You do your part and I'ma do mine cause I'm tryna get to this bag."

"I have the same sentiments," she says giving me a half smile. It's quiet then she looks at the watch on her wrist. "I actually have a photo shoot to go to. I mean, if you're not doing anything you can come to see what it's like since you'll be doing it soon."

"I'm not doin' nothin'," I say shrugging. I was lying. I was supposed to be meeting up with my brothers, but they don't need me.

"Alright," she says going behind her desk grabbing her purse. "I can either give you the address and you drive yourself and meet me there or ride with me. Doesn't matter to me."

"Or you ride with me," I say standing up from the chair. "When you're done, I can just bring you back here."

"That's fine with me. Gotta save gas. We have enough emissions in this New York air." I stand up then we leave her office going to the elevator.

"So, what do I call you?" I ask so it's not so quiet. "Mrs. Garnet, Ms. Garnet, Desdemona? You gotta nickname or something?"

"Mrs. Garnet?" She asks laughing. "I'm not a teacher nor am I married. Desdemona is just fine."

"Nobody calls you like Mona, Mo, MoMo, M Dollaz or some typa nickname?"

"No!" she says laughing while shaking her head. "I don't want anyone too either. People call me Mona, but only my friends."

"Well, I see you're making it clear we ain't friends. That's coo," I say licking over my teeth loudly.

"Business partners. Maybe a friendship can arise later. Money has a way of bringing people closer," she says as I glance over at her.

"Or driving them apart." We hold the stare until the elevator dings letting us know we've reached the lobby floor. We both look away as the doors open. I let Desdemona get off first then I follow. We walk out to the parking garage where I'm parked. I hit the button to unlock my doors making the headlights blink twice.

"That's you?" She asks pointing looking slightly surprised. I just nod my head as we approach my car. "Seems to me you don't really need my help. You're clearly making money, so why the career switch?"

"It's not my passion," I say looking over at her. She gives me a look I can't read as I open the door to the drivers side. I watch as she walks around the car then I pull my pants up sitting in the seat. I close my door as she gets in and I start the engine. I sit for a second then I point saying, "Seat belt."