Chapter 499: Lucky

Mina sat in Cylus' craft room watching him work on the dress he was making for her while he briefed her about what he was able to pry out of his mother. Madam Celeste Rue knew David Harlow, but she claimed they were not friends. At the time, people treated the man poorly because he was not one born of the Harlow blood. Mina felt herself grow angry, but Cylus insisted that his mother was not one of those people, but his father was.

"Is that why your father is hostile toward me?"

"Maybe," Cylus admitted before he continued his story.

"My mother is aware that you are David's daughter, but she doesn't suspect anything. My father on the other hand; he has been warning me to stay away from you since you met." Mina felt her heart clench with the information. She had hoped that they were wrong, but what were the chances?

Mina was zoned out when Cylus stood before her and pulled her into a tight hug. She knew he could tell she was struggling to understand what was happening. He held her, and Mina's walls broke. She sobbed, doing her best to suppress the sounds she was making, as Cylus gently patted her back, apologizing for Vanya's interference, and for not going to Bal to 'save' her. Mina chuckled and wiped her tears before looking up at the man.

"Vanya is that way because of you, and as for saving me; is it even possible anymore?"

----

Mina arrived at work more nervous than usual. She had skipped out on her duties for over a week, and she expected to be slammed with penalties, but her boss was so happy to see her that it made her feel sick. He ranted about her being the best advertisement he could ever ask for, and because she had only worked in one of his productions and was his employee, many producers were trying to win his favor by offering him 'incentives' to get them a meeting with Mina.

"I knew hiring you was going to work in my favor, and while I am grateful; if you ever go on vacation without telling me, I will sue you in court." Mina's face fell, because while the man was smiling, she knew he was serious. "Now, instead of the contracted fees, I will extend your employment by sixty days; same rate of pay. We can sign the paperwork now." Peter came from out of nowhere with a contract that Mina felt obligated to sign. The man looked less annoying than usual, and she wondered if he and Olivia were still a thing.

"What should I work on now?" Mina asked, and director Porter pulled up his calendar before making a noise that signaled to Mina that he found something.

"I have already started working on another production. I want to secure this artist to sing the cover song. Use that magic of yours and get him to agree."

"Who?" Mina asked quizzically.

"Rummy"

"No," Mina declined. "I heard that he is disgusting."

"Fine, I will go with you, but I want you there for clout." Mina pouted and director Porter laughed. "We don't really need him, but we need his writer. I heard that the men travel in pairs. Relax, what's the worst that can happen?" Those words hit Mina like bricks, because her mind immediately went to the worst that could happen and director Porter had to call her name several times to snap her out of her daze. "You'll be fine, the man is a pig, but I won't allow him to get anywhere near you."

----

Mina and director Porter walked into a quiet diner with private rooms. They checked in with the host who looked Mina up and down before licking his lips, something that did not escape her boss, who chewed the man out. Mina was grateful, but she had a feeling that she would start to see that behavior more often, and she suddenly felt like her slacks were too tight, and her blouse could have been a size bigger.

Mina had to remind herself that she was not in Bal anymore, and there were not hundreds of women to take the attention off her. She was back in Pan, where conservatism was still prevalent although phasing out.

As Mina and her boss were escorted to the private room where they would meet with Rummy and C Lu, his writer, her palms grew sweaty, and director Porter promised to leave with the first lewd look she received. The host slid open the doors, and Mina's arms went slack to her sides, making her boss fear that he had pushed her too far.

"Mina?" Carson questioned while standing, but she did not buy the shocked expression on his face. Director Porter looked between Mina and the man who had most of his face covered, and internally brightened. She was like a good luck charm that he would never let go.

"Do you two know each other?" Rummy asked, nearly at the same time as director Porter who closed his mouth to allow the man to finish the question unimpeded.

"We met while I was in Bal," Carson replied. "Mina, how are things with your 'boss'?" Mina narrowed her eyes and stepped into the room before sliding the door closed.

"Why did you call me here? You said you were capable, so I know that you knew I work for Director Porter." Carson flashed a toothy smile, but he did not look guilty.

"It's true I agreed to this meeting because I knew you worked for him, but I had no idea you would come." Mina looked to her boss who wore an odd expression that was a mix of shock and glee. "Mina, I understand you may be put off by me, but I would appreciate it if those things stayed between us; for the sake of business." Mina could tell that Carson was asking her to keep his marital status a secret, and she would, as it had nothing to do with the meeting they were having.

"Fine. Now, if we can get this meeting over with," Mina said while sitting, and Matthew wondered if he should just sue Mina for breach of contract then offer to settle for one year of employment, with a raise or course.

"Care to explain how you two know one another?" Matthew asked, and Mina gestured for Carson to speak.

"We met on the beach. I bumped into her and then her 'boss' came and whisked her to safety." Mina glared at Carson who was smiling. He was aware that he had irritated Mina, but he had not quite forgiven her for leaving him hanging. "We then met again and sang together. Mina has a beautiful voice; I would love writing for her."

"We aren't here to discuss a song for me. If I wanted to sing, I would write something myself, but Director Porter's project has a male lead, and I think Rummy's voice would best suit the production." As Mina spoke, she realized where she had heard Carson's voice. She looked to Rummy who was absentmindedly playing on his device, before looking at Carson again. He smirked, realizing that she had figured it out.

"Rummy would be honored, but it would have to be a duet with another artist."

"Director Porter let's go. This man is not interested in working with us, he is only interested in what he thinks he can gain from it." Matthew stood up, suddenly feeling like he and Mina had traded places. They went to leave the room when C Lu called out to them.

"Wait. I did not have any intention when I took this meeting, and I am willing to compromise. If you would co-write the song with me, I will give up on the idea of a duet." Mina rolled her eyes, but before she could turn around with conditions of her own, director Porter agreed. Her mouth hung open in utter shock.

"Why did you do that?" she shouted.