Know Her, Love Her: Daisy & Belmont, Book ONE by Z.L. Arkadie Page A

with narrowed eyes. “That’s exactly what Kristin said. She said you’re too sexy, but damn, your voice in those articles… I want to manifest it.”
    “Then man ifest it.”
    He sniffs. “Nice pun. Are we really still that backward as a society?”
    I shrug. “What about Javar Les? He’s handsome and rugged and self-assured. I gave you his number and—”
    He throws up his hands. “He’s our director, Daisy.”
    I nearly choke with shock. “What?”
    “He wanted to surprise you.”
    “Well, surprise!” I shake my head. “Is Javar the reason you reached out to me?” I don’t know how I feel about that. I thought Dexter was really a fan of my work.
    “Perk up.” He smiles convincingly. “After reading your book, I was more on board than he was.”
    I study his expression. It would be easier to ditch this entire project. As far as Javar is concerned, it sounds like an elaborate scheme to get me to sleep with him. I sort of feel as though I should give Javar what he wants just to get even with Belmont, but that wouldn’t be me at all. “I’ll continue working on the show, but we’re going to get a male host.”
    “I like your suggestion. Javar is the next best option.”
    “He was my trip companion throughout most of Europe.”
    “And the two of you never had a…” He narrows one eye.
    “No, we never had a…” I copy his facial expression.  
    Dexter laughs as he stands. “I’ll update Kristin. She’s going to love this.” His desk phone rings, and he answers it. His eyes expand before he hands the receiver to me. “It’s for you.”
    I’m taken aback. “Who is it?”
    “Your father.”
    I’m stunned. “Jacques?”

    Jacques has invited me to his performance on Saturday night at a venue near the Riverwalk on Dearborn Avenue. Kristin becomes nicer to me after she finds out that I’ve relinquished my role as the host. Alone in a bathtub is the last place I want to be tonight, so when Dexter asks me to join them for dinner, I say yes.  
    We go out in a large group of mostly unfriendly women and their men. The chef is cooking Italian cuisine, which is one of my favorites. A lot of conversations take place around me, but I smile and pretend I’m paying attention. Kristin, Kate, and Emma are planning a couples’ kickball game this Saturday. Kate suggests Lincoln Square Park, but Kristin says it’s too big and crowded on the weekends.  
    “What about Lakeshore East Park?” Emma says.
    “Where’s that?” Kate asks.  
    “That’s right outside your front door, isn’t it?” Dexter asks me.  
    I’m suddenly hot under the collar. The girls intend to exclude me, and I want to be excluded. I didn’t even think Dexter was listening to them since Melissa has been monopolizing all his attention.  
    “Is it? I don’t know. It’s my parents’ condo, so…” I say.
    Then I hear, “Aren’t you married to Jack Lord?”
    I feel as though my head turns in slow motion. When Emma asks the question, everyone at the table acknowledges my presence. I like it better when they are deliberately ignoring me. I clear my throat and square my shoulders as if I’m readying for a showdown. “I am.”  
    “Is he in town? You two can come to the kickball game together.”
    I fidget. “He’s in town, but we don’t play kickball. Thanks for asking.” My tone is icy.
    “You two are divorcing, no?” Kate asks.
    I spear the salty pasta on my plate. In all the hours we’ve worked together, they haven’t mentioned Belmont since that night at karaoke, at least not in my presence. I can sense their curiosity and know they have been talking about me behind my back though.  
    I’m not used to mean-girl tactics. I’m the outsider, and they have continued to treat me that way. Emma and Kate are Kristin’s friends, and that’s how they got their jobs. That’s why she’s always giving them assignments. Damien and Braden where hired after a rigid interview process. They do all the heavy lifting,