Chapter 2 - Not Mine

Stacy let herself into her recently purchased three bedrooms residence in Vegas. She had yet to put her personal stamp in her 3,200 square foot home. Blank, swirling walls were featured throughout, she had extensive plans for her space but limited time to make them reality.

She had surf online for decorating ideas and had planned to purchase items as the emptiness was getting to her.

Stacy ate the leftovers from the tasty meal her grandmother prepared yesterday: roasted chicken stuffed with salad and vegetable steamed with broccoli. She planned to shower, eat and go straight to bed. The day had been long and tiring.

Just as Stacy slipped into her beautiful king sized bed, her bed rang. Her first thought was not to answer it but then she thought of her clients and she immediately reached for the phone.

Sorry to call this late, but i was wondering if you'd make out time for our meeting tomorrow, i understand it was sudden and can understand if you decline".Berty hadn't identified himself and he didn't have to because she does recognize that sexy voice instantly.

Stacy took a deep breath to settle the butterflies in her stomach."Am scheduled for a three hours meeting, we can link up afterwards."

Alright, ok with orders?".

Well, i will make sure i don't eat too much, my grandma made me reject going outside for food".

Berty chuckled softly."I don't intend on getting your mind off your grandma's meal, i just can't do without food while working, i don't know how am able to blend that together".

Stacy smile."No issues, seven o'clock is alright by me, if anything pops up, i will let you know right away."

Any special drink, you'd like to have?

"I am not hard to please, anything is just fine by me".

"You are the first woman to be pleased with just anything".

"Don't flatter me, there are many of us of there.

See you tomorrow, Mr Nard".

"You can call me just Berty, is it ok if i call you Stacy?"

Yeah absolutely!, have a great evening Berty," She said, trying not to let her emotions get in line and show how turned on she gets hearing his voice. She disconnected right before he had a chance to say one more word.

Berty cradelled the phone, unable to believe how crazy his whole being reacted to Courtney.

He barely knew her yet he was drawn to her the very moment he stepped foot in her office. Stacy's sweet voice made him want to hear from her over and over again. Her charisma and sexiness is way too desirable to overlook but it was more than that for him. For some reasons, he wanted more time with her, no woman had gotten to him like this especially a total stranger on first meeting. He had tons of work to do but it's difficult to concentrate on anything but her, he knew it was unappropriate and needs to snap out of it as soon as possible.

Still wallowing in thoughts, the intercom buzzed, he instantly picked up the receiver."Yes Julie, what is it?"

"There's a Mr Milo Sandle on the line for you. He says he's from Magic Air Films. Should I put the call through?"

Yeah, i have been expecting him, make sure to store his name in the memory bank and transfer him to my private line immediately."

Yes sir, i will do that right away."

Julie Hens, Berty's administrative assistant , was young and pretty, possessing a brown sugar complexion. It was once rumored he had a thing for her boss but only be dedicated to her job and besides she had a boyfriend who was a professional basketball player.

Berty never thought of Julie as a possible romantic interest. She was only twenty one even though she acted more mature. She had a killer body that would stop men dead on their tracks but that didn't stop her from carrying out her duties to the fullest but awarded her a well deserved bonuses and salary increment.

Berty pushed the button on his private line." Milo,how are you doing? am glad you finally called, he said with so much enthusiasm.

"Am good, been eager to keep in touch with you too. I have done some research on you and your company, must say am quite impressed with what I've seen and heard. You are definitely at the top of your game."

Berty beamed" Thank you. It means alot to me that these compliments are coming from someone like you. There are chances of us joining forces on a few movies and television projects in the near future."

"Most likely, Berty. Shall we discuss more on that?"

Sure, notify my assistant Julie your free dates and times so we can fix a meeting to suit your conveniency.

"I appreciate that alot, with your level in this business, i should be the one trying to suit your conveniency. You are the one setting this town on fire."

Berty was more than pleased to hear that"I give you the honour Sir. I look forward to hearing from you."

"Alright, is next week too soon?"

"Perfect timing, Mr Milo"

"Ok, see you soon, Mr Berty"

Once the line cleared, Berty called Julie on intercom to her about his conversation with Milo. "Do not fail to fix him in the dates and time his assistant gives you. If am occupied on that day, let me know so we can reshuffle my schedules. I can't miss meeting with him."

That will not be a problem Sir, Julie assured her boss.

"Thanks, Julie."

"You are welcome." Buzz me if you need anything else."

Berty finally managed to clear his thoughts of Stacy with that of Milo. Allowing him focus on the tons of other works awaiting his attention. These are the few works he didn't trust anyone else with. He listens to the inputs of others and received advice from people but the final decision on how to handle important matters is always his.

Stacy looked hot in a fashionable melon coloured pants. A sky blue shirt and cute semi dressy sandals. Her shoulder length hair hung loose and was salon fresh.

She had taken charge of the bridal shower festivities from the moment she and Carmella had walked through the front door of Sonya Davison's posh high rise condo.

The PERFICIENT, the name she derived from the two words perfect and efficient, had been awarded full service contracts for the bridal showers, the bachelor and bachelorette parties and the couple's wedding reception.

Stacy had worked closely to ensure everything goes well and the couples are happy with the arrangements.

Stacy set out her briefcase on a bar stool. After opening the lock, she removed several packets of papers. She gave Carmella a stapled set" Let's get started with this to make sure everything has been delivered".

Stacy always made sure all items were available to avoid the kind of mistake she encountered in the early days of their career. An employee had failed to deliver the cake of all things for a fortieth birthday party but the missing cake confection was discovered early enough and was retrieved on time. She couldn't fire the employee but has made sure sure embarrassment doesn't repeat itself.

All set, Carmella sang out. " Now let's do our usual last minute decoration check. I recall seeing dozens of ballons on the order form".

You are correct. They are to be floated upward with long ribbons for easy retrieval. Stacy looked down at her watch." Sonya's guest should be arriving any minute from now, she plans on making a grand entry twenty minutes after the start time".

Grand entry huh?, Carmella remarked

Stacy shrugged"It's her party".

"She can as well make us prostrate or weep if she wants to", Carmella joked

Stacy giggled" Shut your mouth and come let's get the ballons hovering, silly".

Stacy and Carmella laughed upon seeing the bedroom ceiling covered in blue and silver ballons inscribed with the names Sonya and Martins. They grabbed hold of the ribbons, once they had several in hand, they realised they had too many to fit through the door at once. Laughing at that realisation, they caught and carted the ballons from the back bedroom up to the front rooms.

The door bell rang, just as the last batch of balloons were released.

"Time for rock and roll, let's get it down", Stacy hugged Carmella before rushing off to get started as the hostess of the even until Sonya and her bridal party arrives.

The party was fun as expected, no doubt Stacy and Carmella always made every event a fun filled adventure. Stacy was more than happy to have reached Sonya's expectations, who has repeatedly showered her with thanks and praises.

Two and half hours later, Stacy pulled Carmella aside.

Can you please handle the last half hour or so alone? I made an appointment with Mr Berty at his office."

Cool, the contract was for three hours, extra time billing for Sonya?"

Stacy frowned slightly" No but you will be paid, i wouldn't ask you to stay longer if i wouldn't pay you for extra time. The guest are leaving already, so it will be over soon.

Carmella looked embarrassed" No it isn't necessary paying me for extra time, it was just an unharmed question.

"Some people charge for extra time, some don't. Sonya is a wonderful client and i wouldn't do that to her. If she were one of moody cunts i get most times, i would have charged her for any second extra, Stacy said with a wicked grin.

Carmella laughed too" Go on and move already. Am sure you wouldn't want a second lateness to your date with Mr gorgeous".

Date! God dammit. It's a meeting with a soon to be married Mr Berty", Stacy encountered, lightly pecking Carmella's check. I'm out".

After a gentleman said Berty would be a few minutes late for the meeting, Stacy was ushered into his private office to wait for him. As she looked around, she was simply astonished. The panorama of Hollywood from the picture window behind Berty's desk. The circular glass desk dominated the space, crystal clear glass and gleaming chrome furnishing breathed high tech energy into the room. A high back chair crafted from fine silver leather was supported by chrome arms and legs. The decor was remarkable and belonged to futuristic era. The white carpet beneath her feet felt thick. The foreign sofas and chairs created elegant ambience. The office was beautiful, luxurious and manly yet subtle enough for a woman.

Framed pictures on Berty's desk caught Stacy's eye. She moved closer to take a look. A single eleven by fourteen colour photo of a woman made her jaw drop, she couldn't help but stare.

"Talk about beautiful"

The lady with caramel complexion was so stunning. No guy would resist holding and caressing the slim, petite body dressed in an alluring blue silk dress. Berty wore a dark double breasted suit, standing closely behind the Lady, his fingers locked together at the middle of her waist.

"Sharon". Stacy easily surmised. The pretty lady had to be Berty's Sharon. What a lucky lady, she thought, hoping she'd treat him wonderful as she would have if Berty was her man. Though she didn't know if he deserved special treatment but he seemed kind and compassionate.

In an eight by ten picture was a lovely woman with light complexion with a mid length dark hair. Standing next to her and much taller than the woman was a handsome looking man. The couple looked into each other's eyes with adoration. "His parents, she surmised.

Berty slipped quietly into the office. Unnoticed by Stacy, who seemed focused on the pictures on his desk, he watched her closely. As he drank in her natural beauty, his heart started to race. The view from behind was sexy and thrilling and the effect she had on him was something he had never experienced before.