Total pages in book: 149
Estimated words: 142866 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142866 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
“You know there are no guarantees, though, right?” I ask, gently caressing her thumb. “Moving is a huge disruption.”
“You think it’s the wrong thing to do?” she asks, anxious eyes finding mine.
“No, it’s not that. I just want you to be prepared for how hard it could be—the effect it could have. There is no easy solution in this.”
“We’re bringing all her stuff and I’m taking pictures of everything so we can replicate her setup as much as possible. Make it familiar.” She shrugs, worry tugging her brows together. “I know she didn’t want to leave her home, but I’m hoping she’ll love the new house I have here for us all.”
“You got this, and anything you need, you know I’m here.”
“You’ve done a lot,” she says, leaning over to kiss my cheek. “Thanks for helping me find our new place. It’s fantastic.”
“I got the best Realtor money can buy, and I’m glad he could help.” I shrug. “Not that he had to look too far. The house was right here in Skyland.”
She beams and tightens her hand around mine. “Just a few blocks from Yasmen and Soledad. It’s perfect for Mama and me and Aunt G.”
“It’s all coming together.” I kiss the top of her head and pull her closer.
She looks up at me, her lips tipping to one side in a wry half grin. “Now if we could just get this shit with CFE settled. I swear they’re dragging this out as long as possible. We’ve still got months before our case is even heard, and in the meantime we can’t award any grants.”
“I know, but we’ll keep at it. And at least you’re still working with your founders, helping Black women get their businesses off the ground in the venture space. We’ll get the grants back online soon enough.”
“What about you?” She pulls away far enough to study my face. “Any updates on Carverson?”
“We’re chipping away at him.” I suppress fresh anger at the thought of pulverizing Andrew. “A single employee coming forward to expose his misogynistic treatment of women is one thing, but several coming forward? And enough marginalized employees to establish a pattern of racist behavior, coupled with him trying to tear down an organization serving Black women? That shit don’t look good.”
“Public opinion has definitely started turning against him,” Hendrix says. “So what’s the next move?”
My phone flashes on the bedside table. I peer over to check the name displayed on the screen.
“Here’s my next move now.” I steal one last kiss before answering the phone. “Kenan, whassup?”
“Good news,” Kenan Ross replies from the other end. “I met with several owners today about the Carverson situation.”
“And?” I ask, tensed waiting for his response.
“They’re ready to file a formal complaint and pressure him to sell the team.”
“Yes.” I pump my fist and grit out a hard smile. “Think it’ll work?”
“The owners, coupled with several prominent players like August West speaking out against him, yeah. A league of overwhelmingly Black players aren’t standing for this bullshit vendetta Carverson’s helping finance against a venture capital fund run by Black women for Black women.”
“Good. We’ve been working the sponsor angle. I’ve got at least three of the Vipers’ largest sponsors prepared to speak out this week and threaten to withdraw financial support if leadership doesn’t demand Andrew step down and sells his shares.”
“Think all this will be enough?” Kenan asks.
“Oh, hell yeah. By the end of the week, Andrew will be talking with his lawyers about putting the team up for sale. We’ve backed his ass into a corner like the rat he is.”
“And when the team goes back on the market?” Kenan’s grin comes across even through the phone. “Is your shit tight? You’ll be ready to move back into position?”
My gaze tracks Hendrix moving around the bedroom opening the shades, braids spilling over her shoulders and down her back. Her deep chestnut skin glows as brightly as the sun streaming through the windows. Her smile flashes wide and white as She-she dances around her feet, begging for attention. I’ve never liked Andrew Jr., but he fucked up when messed with my girl. He has to pay for that.
“Back into position?” I shake my head, relishing how far that man will fall by the time I’m done with him. “I never moved.”
Kenan chuckles, the anticipation evident in his voice. “This is gonna work. All the pieces are falling into place.”
“Yup. Now we watch him fall.”
When we disconnect, I leave the bedroom to seek out Hendrix. She’s in the kitchen, whisking eggs and wearing a brightly colored silk robe pulled over her short pajamas.
“Everything good?” she asks, glancing up from the bowl to search my face.
I walk up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist.
“I have you, don’t I?” I whisper in her ear. “How could everything not be good?”