Page 159 of Last First Kiss
“I’m the same person.”
“Not when it comes to a client, you’re not.”
He lets out a hot breath. “We’ve lost clients before. When your dad was in charge.”
Immediately, he regrets saying it.
Kami’s right eye twitches. “Let me remind you,” she begins, “those were clientsmy dadchose to walk away from. Not the other way around.”
“I’m sorry—”
She doesn’t let him finish. “Hell, not even Denz lost a client.”
It’s his turn to flinch, irritated. “Surprise, surprise. I’m not Denz.”
“Obviously!”
He drags air through his nose. This isn’t them. Never has been. Jordan doesn’t fight with Kami. Hereasonswith her.
“I knew better,” he starts calmly. “But Kami, is this really who we are now? A company that does whatever it takes for a magazine cover? Is that our goal? Or is it making sure our clients are truly happy? We’re supposed to be bringing their dreams to life.”
Kami studies him.
Jordan goes on. “Amy wasn’t happy. This isn’t what we promised her. WhatIpromised her.” He gives her a sincere look. “How far are we going to move away from Uncle Kenny’s original vision to prove we’re better than our competitors?”
A beat.
Kami drums her pink nails on the desk. She’s thinking. Jordan rubs his anxious hands along his dark trousers.
Finally, she says, “I need time to decide what I want to do.”
Jordan nods eagerly. Time is good. A couple of hours, a long lunch, maybe they can meet again—
“You’re temporarily suspended,” she announces. “Effective immediately.”
His stomach plummets into his shiny Gucci loafers.
“You’ll still be paid,” Kami adds. She maintains a professional, neutral expression. Jordan wishes he could say the same. “But no work-related activities. Any future events you were on will be reassigned.”
“Kami, I…” he starts, just like he did thirty minutes ago.
This time Kami doesn’t hold up a finger to stop him. Instead, she turns to her computer and starts typing. Conversation over.
He’s been dismissed. Rejected.
Again.
I think I’d miss you even if we’d never met.
—The Wedding Date
Last December
JAMIE
TUESDAY 10:33 PM
Yooo tree lighting on thursday night??
