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Shortly after noon, the office phone rang and Amanda scooped it up. “Shaw Public Relations,” she said cheerily. “This is Amanda speaking.”
“Thandie, please.”
“Who’s calling?”
“Tell her it’s Warren Radcliffe.”
A moment later, Thandie was on the line. “Hello, stranger. I haven’t heard from you since you moved. Where are you?”
“Miami,” he said, with a smile in his voice.
“Miami? Why on earth would you ever leave New York?”
“I ask myself that question every day.” He laughed. “But I have family down here. I moved to be closer to them in my old age.”
“I don’t think you’ll ever be considered old, Warren. But Miami over NYC—it doesn’t sound logical.”
“If you could see the sights I see every day, you would think differently.”
She smiled. “That means there are a lot of half-naked women running around. Careful, Warren, you’ll have a heart attack.”
Thandie had known the retired corporate CEO for years. They had met on the club scene. She met a lot of interesting people in her line of business, and Warren was by far one of the more memorable characters she’s ever come across. In his late sixties, the man had a weakness for the nightlife and young women. It was a flaw that had caused him to endure four divorces over the span of seven years. Shaky matrimonies never seemed to bother Warren. They only gave him a reason to party hardier, which eventually led to him marrying another young trophy wife.
“How are you, Warren?”
“I’m wonderful. I finally put my money where my heart lies.”
She laughed. Where Warren was concerned, there was no telling what that statement meant. “I’m listening.”
“I’m an investor in a club down here.”
“Where, exactly?”
“South Beach, of course. It’s awesome, Thandie.”
“I can hear the excitement in your voice. What’s the name of the club?”
“Club Babylon.”
This got her attention. “I’m familiar. Word has it that place is a growing hot spot on the strip.”
“Yeah, business has been really good.”
“Sounds as though you’ve got your hands full, but I hope you’re calling me because you’re visiting Manhattan soon.”
“Actually, I was calling to see if you would consider coming to South Beach. I think I might have a business proposition for you.”
“Me in Miami? You’ve got to be kidding.”
“On the contrary, I’m very serious. Moving down here was a major change for me. I was used to the hustle of the City, but it’s a complete different world down here. There are beautiful people everywhere, white sandy beaches and crystal-blue water. It’s unbelievable.”
“Sounds like paradise.”
“It is. I spent the first months just soaking up the place. Of course, you learn about the movers and shakers very quickly. But there is one in particular I would like you to meet.”
“Who is that?”
“His name is Elliot Richards.”
“I think I’ve heard of him.”
“He’s a young guy. Probably a year older than yourself, I’d guess. He’s a serious tycoon down here, a real sharp thinker. He owns several local health gyms, smoothie shops, nightclubs, and a restaurant. And get this—he personally manages them all at the same time.”
“Impressive,” she said, mildly intrigued.
“Everything he touches turns into gold,” Warren went on. “So when I heard he was opening his newest club, Babylon, I jumped at the chance. Two other guys invested with me. None of us had ever invested in a nightclub, so there was a lot we had to learn. There were a few nervous moments, but Elliot talked us through it like a pro. In the end, Club Babylon was a success. The revenue that place brings in one night is unbelievable.”
“Sounds too good to be true.”
“That’s what I thought. We all make a healthy cut, so you can image how shocked I was when Elliot proposed to shut down the club five months to renovate the building.”
“Five months? That’s a death sentence.”
“That’s exactly what I said, but somehow Elliot talked us into it. Looking back on it, he didn’t have to because he owns seventy percent of the shares. We invested two-point-eight million into the renovation. We just reopened a few weeks ago. So far, everyone loves the changes, especially the VIP lounges. The turnout has been decent, but we know we can do better, much better. So that leads me to why I’m calling you.”
“I’m listening.”
“I’d like you to come down and promote the club. Of course, Elliot would have to give the green light, but I’m sure after he talks to you, he’ll be sold on the idea.”
“I can’t move to Miami, Warren.”
“It would only be temporary.”
She flinched at the word. “How temporary?”
“Three months.”
“Three months? That’s an eternity.”
“It could be done in two months if you really work hard. If you think you can recoup our venture in less time, go for it.”
“Warren, I’d love to help you, but I haven’t been able to survive outside New York for longer than a week. Besides,” she hesitated, “I have responsibilities here. I can’t leave town for that long a time.”
“Then visit the City on the weekends. This isn’t a regular nine-to-five job, kiddo. If you have to fly back to take care of a few things then do it.”
“I can’t.”
“Thandie, I need you. Babylon will reach its mark eventually, but you could give us the boost that gets us over the top. I’ve seen you work, Thandie. You’re the best.”
“You have the wrong person. I barely know Miami. I wouldn’t even know where to stay.”
“You’ll stay with me. I have a house near the beach. You’d love it.”
“Warren, this is a huge undertaking. I would have to bring my staff.”
“That’s fine. There’s plenty of room at my place. I’ll even offer you my home office. It’ll be perfect for you. My home is your home. You should know that.”
“Warren, I can’t put you out like that. Aren’t you married again?”
“Separated. Wife Number Five and I have been split up for months. In all honesty, I see her credit card bills more than I see her. Anyway, it’s a big house—plenty of room. You’ll have all the privacy you need. No one will bother you. So stop stalling. Accept my offer.”
She laughed. He was making it sound too easy. “There are plenty of firms who could do just as good a job.”
“But I want you. The pay is top-notch. Thandie, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of us. What are you holding on to in New York?”
Immediately an image of her mother popped into her head. She did not like the idea of putting distance between them. What if there was an emergency and they needed her to come to the care center? Or worse, what if her mother remembered something and Thandie wasn’t there to share it with her? She wasn’t willing to risk that possibility, small as it might be.
However, hadn’t Warren mentioned she could return to the City when she needed to? Would she be able to somehow cover the costs of her travel expenses? If so, Warren had asked a good question. What was holding her back? The answer certainly wasn’t Cam anymore. Lately, it only reminded her of her failed relationship. Why shouldn’t she get away for a bit? It would only be for a few months. What would it hurt? She could hand her big assignments over to Amanda. Of her three assistants, Amanda was the most reliable and showed the most promise. Besides, the assignment would give Len and Raja great work experience.
“Okay, Warren.” She gave a dramatic sigh. “I’ll consider your offer, but only because I miss you so much.”
“Excellent. I’ll have Elliot give you a call later this week. Trust me, everything’s going to be perfect.”
Later that week...
While Thandie was wrapping up her phone call with an editor from Daily News America, her assistant Len waved frantically signaling her that she had another call.
“Who is it?” Thandie asked.
“He says his name is Elliot Richards.”
She picked up the line. “This is Thandie speaking.”
“Hello, Ms. Shaw, this is Elliot Richards. I understand you’ve been expecting my call.” His voice had a deep seductive timbre, instantly sending a shiver of arousal down her spine.
“Yes, Mr. Richards. Warren spoke with me briefly, regarding the nature of your business. I understand you may be in the market for promotional assistance.”
“That would be correct.” There was a soft chuckle from his side of the line. “Warren was gracious enough to give me your résumé, and I must say it’s very impressive.”
“Thank you.”
“It appears you’re the perfect person for the job,” he added smoothly.
“Again, thank you.” Thandie could feel her excitement rising.
“However,” he said, “I’m not going to hire you.”
“Excuse me?” She was certain she hadn’t heard him correctly.
“I’m not going to hire you, Ms. Shaw,” he repeated.
Biting down her disappointment, she asked, “May I ask why not?”
“Read between the lines.”
“No, I’d much rather hear the words from you.”
“You’re a woman,” he said quite simply. “And I don’t hire women.”
Thandie was momentarily stunned speechless.
“To be frank, Ms. Shaw, females can make things complicated, particularly in a club environment. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
She was still too shocked to speak.
“But I do appreciate your taking the time to speak with me,” he continued smoothly. “I wish you the best. Have a nice day, Ms. Shaw.”
The line went dead.
Thandie stared at the phone. She wasn’t certain if she should be upset or think the whole thing comical. In this day, it was hard to believe such blatant sexism still existed. She was tempted to call him back and give him a piece of her mind, but before she could, her cell phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Thandie, it’s Warren.”
“Warren—”
“I heard what happened. I’m so sorry.”
“How did you hear so quickly?”
“Elliot had you on speaker phone.”
“He what?”
“He talks to everyone on speaker, but nevermind that. I’ll talk to him.”
“Was he serious?”
“Unfortunately, yes. He has good reason, but that doesn’t excuse his behavior.”
“Seriously, he won’t hire me because I’m a woman?”
“Not to worry, kiddo, I’ll talk to him.”
“I’m not sure I want you to talk to him.”
“Don’t be silly. He’s just being difficult, and you’re offended.”
