Chp1

     It's been over 3 years since i've graduated from NYU. I went there to advance my skills and knowledge in the fashion world, as well as attain a business degree, so that I could one day start my own business. I am the oldest of 2. It's just me and my sister Solange. Anything we have ever wanted in life, was given to us. We have never really had to work for anything. But me, I was different. As a child it was great to have everything handed to you. But as a woman fighting for independence, things become different. I never knew what it meant to be on your own and to stand alone. I was so use to always having someone their to help me. And with my trust fund, I am financially secure, but money can only by so much happiness. I was missing something.

     The only thing I had to show for my independence was my fashion line B.K. I chose to use something simple as the name, and I thought that using my initials would be a good start, just to get my name out there. I never knew how much hard work could go into running your own business. But I was determine to prove to myself as well as my parents, that I am able to succeed by myself, by using my talents and skills, not my money nor my looks. But little did I know how crucial and extreme people of the fashion world could be. My team consisted of my cousin Angie, and my brother Ty Hunter. Although Ty isn't my real brother, he was somebody who really helped me out a lot in school. We both graduated top of our class, and were two of the most exquisite designers to ever graduate from NYU. But if so, why have business been so bad for me lately. And by lately I mean the last 2 years.

     See I started B.K a little over a year after I finished school. Ty, Angie, and myself were having coffee one day at Chester's Cafè, where I saw an abandoned building, which is now B.K, marked for demolition.  I bought the building really cheap because of it being up for demolition and fixed it up to the beautiful, luxurious place it is now, but to see all my hard work sort of go to waste really blows me. And the last thing I want to hear right now is I told you so. Which is what my dad will be saying, because if it was up too him, i would be owning about 5-10 B.K's, but I didn't want to do it his way, which was by out a few company's and jump start a few of mines in different locations, but for me that wasn't the way to go.

      I was mad at myself for being in this predicament. I should have paid more attention to things and handle things very differently. I was in desperate need of help. I needed to get B.K up and running the way it needs to be and bring in the kind of clientele i should be having. As you could see my fist couple years as a business woman is nothing how i thought it would be.

"I can't believe this Sh---" i said in frustration after just receiving a later from the marketing advisor, saying they were going to put B.K back on the market if they didn't see a change in business within the next 3 months. "You've got to be kidding me." I said in disbelief as i read on.

I was sitting in my office trying to come up with a game plan to keep something like this from happening, but what do you know, it did.

"Whats wrong BB?" Ty ask all concerned.

"Look at this." I said handing Ty the letter. I watched as hit face filled with disappointment as well. I was trying so hard to hold back the tears, but it was like i was at my boiling point. "Aw BB, don't cry. We're going to get through this okay." He said coming over to comfort me.

"I know. It's just that it's like all this is just coming at me at once. I haven't slept in about a week, because i been breaking my neck trying to save the company. And thinking about my father and all he has to say is ju---"

"Shush now!" Ty demanded. "You are one of the most hard working, talented woman i know. It's not the end of the world. To hell with what the market thinks and what your father has to say, because i know you, and i know what your capable of. This is just something we have to overcome and when we do it's only going to make us stronger. 

Ok." he said to me, lifting my spirit back up.

"Thanks Ty.." i said grabbing some kleenex off my desk to wipe my eyes. "I don't know what i would do without you."

"Well ima tell you what i'm going to do to you, letting that mascara run all down your face, about to ruin a perfectly good shirt." he joked.

"Oh TY..." i said in laughter. "I don't know what i'm gonna do WITH  you."

"Well i can tell you a few..but first you have to treat me to lunch or something because i feel I'm about to pass out at any moment."

"Is it lunch time already?" i asked, I've been in my office so long, i lost track of time.

"See perfect example of why we need to get up out of here and go eat, just look at what it's doing to you." he joked some more.

"Alright, i'm coming. Let me grab my things." i said grabbing the keys to lock up the store and my office, then grabbed my phone as well as my purse and left.

     TY and I went walking around the little sub strip because along this strip was B.K, Dolce, an ice cream parlor, a DSW, and a couple other things as well as this great italian restaurant. I didn't have a single building store, it was connected to many other stores on the strip. Which was another reason why i chose the location.

     We made it inside Little Italy, we're Ty and I ate. The food there is so delicious, but nothing that i can eat every day otherwise i'll get fat. After a nice lunch with TY we parted ways and I headed back to my empty home. And on top of making extra stops and running errands, it became dark by the time i got there. But the night was still young.

     After a long dreading day, i just wanted to go home and relax, but i didnt want to be alone. I decided to call up "my guy" to come over and chill. Now dude wasn't my boyfriend or anything, he was just there to fill the void of me being alone. And on top of that the sex was phenomenal. And the way i was feeling i could use some sexual tension in my life. I had an hour until Paul arrived. Which gave me enough time to shower and get ready. Paul was a successful lawyer, come to think of it i believe he was a District Attorney, which meant he was paid. He was also well educated, well spoken, and he was well mannered. Paul would be a good catch for any woman, especially one who fit those standards, but he wasn't really the guy for me. Aside from sex, Paul and I had not type of relationship. He just wasn't my type of guy.

     While I was sitting around waiting on Paul to show up, which at this point could be any minute, i kept hearing this loud noise from down the hall. It was sounding like somebody was having a party. Now I'm not a party pooper, but hearing loud music and other people have fun was not how i planned to spend the rest of my evening. I waited a good 15 minutes before finally going down the hall to say something because i didn't want to be labeled as "that neighbor", but enough was enough.

KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK. I pounded on the door because if i would have knocked normally they wouldnt have been able to hear me. I set outside the door for another 10 minutes pounding and screaming at the door until the person answered. I mean like gosh where is the respect for other people at now a days. And when the door finally opened i cant't say that i wasnt surprise to see who the person who was standing there. And from the looks of things, he seemed to be the only one there. By that time the music had already been turned down.

"Can i help you?" the man had the nerve to ask.

"Uh actually you can.."  i snapped as the smell of alcohol reeped off of him and out of his apartment and up my nose. I had to plug my noise because the smell was so strong. And I could tell that he was drunk from the way he was looking at me, he probably had no clue what was going on. "Well i was coming down here to tell you if you could keep your music down. It was a bit, no i take that back, it was extremely LOUD." i overly expressed.

"Oh. My bad. No problem. I didn't even realize nobody else stayed on this floor." he responded. And come to think of it i don't recall any one else living on this floor either.

"Well yea...i stay right down the hall so......" i said with my attitude.

"Oh. Well is there anything else i can do for you?" he asked as he stood there looking at me.

"Nope! That will be all, now thank you very much. Have a good night!" i said and stormed off back down the hall. I didn't even turn back, but for some odd reason it felt like he was watching me as i walked off. And just as i made it back to my door to go in, i stole a glance from him and saw that he was indeed watching me. I don't don't if i was flattered or creeped out.

     After making it back inside, i checked to time and saw that it was 45 minutes past the time Paul said that he would be here. And as i went to call him i saw that he sent a text stating that he couldn't make it, and he apologizes, and that he will find a way to make it up to me. And on that note, my day ended just how it started....terrible. And my only other alternative was to go to sleep and hope that tomorrow will bring me some joy.

     Although i went to bed early, i had every intention on sleeping in. After waking up and realizing that that letter i received yesterday was absolutely real, totally set the mood for me today. I didn't want to be bothered with anyone! I just wanted to stay cooped up in my apartment and eat butter pecan ice cream and watch rewinds of the Bobby's and Whitney's show. And just as i was preparing myself for a wonderful day of that, there was a knock on my door, that disturbed me.

     I walked to the door curious to know who was on the other side. Everybody knows, i hate being surprised, therefore they are to call before just popping up over my house. So who in the hell was breaking that rule. I checked the peep hole to see who it was but it was covered. Now i was even more irritated then i already was. I wasn't in the mood for games. I was thinking that maybe it was Paul, coming to surprise me to make up for last night, but he knows the rules too. So I snatched open the door to see that it was the guy from last night. I had a confused look on my face and i was also slightly embarrassed because i was standing in the doorway with my robe untied and open revealing my under garments. My hair was a mess, and on top of that i had morning breath. I just couldn't catch a break.

     Here i was standing there looking a mess, while he was very well dressed, wearing casual clothes, but his swag was a turn on. He seem very cool and laid back, or chilled i would say. You could tell he had a edge to him, like a rough side, but he was also appealing.

"Excuse me." i said as i began to cover myself up.

"Oh no your fine. It is still kind of early." he said trying to make me feel comfortable.

"Can i help you with anything?" i asked, wanting to know why he was standing at my door. "And why were you covering my peep hole?"

"No, it's just that....well i wanted to apologize about last night." he began. "I didn't mean to be rude or inconsiderate, i just had a lot on my mind last night and well i was trying to find a way to deal with things." he said seeming very sincere. "And i covered the peep hole because i figured if you saw that it was me, you wouldnt have answered."

"I understand. And we all have those days. I myself had a lot on my kind last night. So i apologize if i came off rude to you too, but that wasn't the case."

"I guess we both had a pretty bummed night then huh?" he sort of chuckled.

"Yea...i guess so." i added. Then for a minute came that awkward silence until he started speaking again.

"Im Jay by the way." he said extending out his hand. "Well Shawn Carter to be exact, but everybody knows me as Jay."

"Oh, well nice to meet you Jay." i said shaking his hand. "Im Beyonce, but you can call me Bey or Beyonce, which ever you like."

"Beyonce, i like that." he mumbled aloud, causing me to smile. "Now see Beyonce.." he went on "I don't think it's fair that i gave you 2 names and you only gave me one." he said trying to charm me.

"Well Mr. Carter...thats because you chose to give me both and i chose to give you one, and on top of all things, i just don't know you like that." i joked but halfway serious, causing him to laugh.

"Well you are right about that." he said seeming amused by my little joke. "Well how about you give me the chance to get you know you then."

     Immediately i started laughing, i couldn't believe he was hitting on me. Especially with me looking like this. I'll admit, Jay had some balls for even approaching me with this considering what happened last night. And the few minutes i spent here talking to him, made me want to get to know Jay a bit more. He was very intriguing. But if it's one thing my mama taught me thats to never let a guy know exactly how you feel, you have to play hard to get, it's makes them want you even more.

"Are you hitting on me?" i asked already knowing the answer.

"You can call it what you want." he said very smoothly.

"Well i just thought i asked, for your safety?" i replied.

"My safety.." he said letting out a laugh "safety from what?"

"Well i'm just saying, you come down here, not knowing if i was alone, had a guy in here or anything...you got some guts i can say that." i said to him. I guess you can say i was flirting him.

"Well i guess that was a chance i was willing to take then huh." he flirted back.

"I guess so." i said smiling. Jay was really flattering.

"So, are we going to have breakfast or what?" he replied.

"Breakfast? Im not even dressed, i still have to shower, get dr--"

"Excuses, excuses." he interrupted. "It's nothing but time, and i know i got time, and i don't mind waiting."

I stood there contemplating in the doorway. I mean i spent all this time talking to him in my pajamas anyway, so i don't see why we couldn't have breakfast. "Ok. I'll go but only on one condition." i finally said.

"And what is that?" he asked.

"We go somewhere quiet and low-key, I'm just not in the mood to be dealing with a lot of people. You know." i said.

"Yea i understand." he replied. "So i'll see you in about hour." he asked.

"Give me an hour and a half..." i said just because.

"Ok. Just knock on my door when your ready." he said.

"Alright." i answered.

     After returning inside, i went on ahead to find me something to wear . The morning air is always tricky, because although it may look warm, it may be cold. Now being that we we're in the beginning of fall, we had some days that were cool and some days that were hot. I went on to shower and get dress, pulling my hair back into  bun. I through on some shorts with a nice top and a nice leather jacket in case it was cool or something, then topped it off with some simple heels, as well as a purse and some glasses for accessories. It took me a full 2 hours to get ready and i felt bad to keep Jay waiting so long but I'm pretty sure once he see's me he will realize it was worth the wait.

     I got to Jay's door and knocked on it and patiently waited for him to open to door. I felt butterflies in my stomach as i waited for him to open up the door. I don't know what all of a sudden came over me, but Jay had me feeling some type of way. I was hoping that he would be impressed with me once he opens the door and see me standing here or atleast feel the way i was feeling at this very moment.

"Woah." Jay said as he opened the door, and i couldn't do nothing but smile. "I mean you look really nice." he said as he walked out.

"Thank you." i replied.

"So you all set to go?" he asked.

"Yup." I said as I followed behind Jay as he lead the way. "So are we taking your car or my car?" i asked.

"Car? Drive on a beautiful day like this." he replied.

"Yea, i don't think they're any restaurants with-in walking distance from here."

"Actually there is. And i figured if we walk it would give us more time to chat versus us getting there and having to ask a million and one questions about each other." he said.

"Well that kind of make since, but if i would have known we were going to be walking, i would have worn some more appropriate shoes." I said, a little mad.

"Well i figured you wouldnt mind walking,  and with you being a model and all i also figured you would be use to walking in heels." he said as we continued walking. "But if it's a problem, we can drive, it doesn't matter."

"Model, what makes you think I'm a model?" i asked and flattered by the compliment. I didn't know if Jay was running game or just really thought i was a model. "And no, it's okay, we can walk."

"Well you gorgeous as hell for starters, for two the way you carry yourself and how you dress. Who's wears something like this to breakfast. It's like you step out like your on a runway or something." he stated. "And don't let me get started on your body." he continued on.

"HA! And No, I'm not. But  thank you for the compliments. However i am a fashion designer I guess in a way they kind of run hand and hand. Ever since i was a little girl i've always had a passion for fashion." i replied.

"Yes, i can see that. And no problem, i was just being honest. But i bet you get that all the time."

"Get what all the time?" i asked.

"You know people telling you your beautiful and guys approaching all the time." he answered.

"Well sorry to burst you bubble, but it doesn't happen very often. I don't spend my time going out or anything. I put everything into my business, i mean i barely even have time to have sex." i said, a little embarrassed that i just told him that. I couldnt believe how capitative Jay was. It was like he was so into me. And he kept me distracted from walking by  talking to me that forgot that all about us walking, by the end of our talk we we're approaching our destination. So overall the walk was nice. I was really enjoying Jay's company.

     We got inside to eat, where we finished up on talk. I told Jay more about my business and me studying at NYU. I told him about me being from Texas and all the good stuff, you know the basics. I found out Jay too was a business man. And the restaurant and building that i was staying in was part of what he owned. But looking at Jay i would have never guess that about him. He started off young, just after graduating high school. He skipped over college and began making investments into business that led him into becoming a millionaire and took those profits he made and turned them into his own. I was real blown away at how smart and articulate he was. This man was a genius. And i commend him on that.

     Overall i would say  breakfast went good between Jay and I, and i was looking forward to seeing him again. Being with Jay really took my mind off a lot of things. It's like i didn't have to think when i was with him. Im interested to see where things go between Jay and I, he seemed like somebody i could have on my team. But before i get into baby names and planning a wedding, we need to have us an official date. Im just waiting on him to ask.

THANKS FOR  READING! =) HOPE YAL ENJOYED. BE SURE TO LEAVE A COMMENT. *blows kisses* Im out!!!