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the lack of preparations, I nailed the proposal and wowed
the executives of the companies I wanted to merge with on a few projects. I’ve
found that business isn’t nearly as challenging as it’s made to seem. Really,
it’s all about giving people what they want and making sure you get something
out of the deal.
    It’s a lot like sex, which I am damn good at.
    Maybe that’s why I’m such a natural when it comes to
building my brand and expanding my empire. I love to make people happy, even if
they are old, frumpy men who begin every conversation while looking down their
noses at me. I learned a lot about these power-hungry men during my time as a
Sugar Baby. All they really need is for someone to flash them a pretty smile
and tell them no.
    I have them all wrapped around my little finger.
    My reception room is no longer empty when I step into it.
Two men I have never met before, dressed in shabby street clothes, are spread
out over my expensive couches with their feet up on my coffee tables.
    Arianna is laughing with them but when I clear my throat she
is quick to move back. “Fallon. You’ve met Chazz and Jeoffry Wheeler, right?
Their father is Paul Wheeler.”
    I cringe. Paul Wheeler is a small-time business owner who
manages several ghetto clubs in bad neighborhoods. I’ve run into him a couple
times at charity functions. He is a snake-like, slimy guy who is always looking
to further his agenda by throwing someone else under the bus. I wouldn’t be
surprised if he is also pushing drugs.
    He is not the kind of man I want to be associated with in
any of my businesses. Just having his sons in the same room as me makes me feel
like I need to take a hot shower. Even so, I have to be professional.
    I offer each of them a pointed stare and glance down at
where their feet rest on my magazines and books. They drop their feet like
guilty children, loudly slamming the soles of their shoes against the ground.
“No, we haven’t met before. It’s a pleasure, gentlemen.”
    They mumble unintelligent responses and I have to fight the
urge to roll my eyes. I look over at Arianna and she’s either oblivious to how
unhappy I am at the situation or she doesn’t care. She continues chattering.
“…so I thought you might want to talk to them about the real estate options.”
    I frown. I wasn’t listening to what she said but I know that
I don’t like where this conversation is going. “I’m sorry but I think there’s
been a miscommunication here. Any properties I have are being leased by a
select group of individuals. Unfortunately, I don’t have any vacant real estate
options at this time.”
    Arianna opens her mouth, doubtlessly ready to contradict
what I’m saying but I give her a look that would silence a rabid dog. The
brothers don’t seem to notice the exchange and one of them stands to offer me
his hand. “We completely understand. Thank you for agreeing to see us without
an appointment, at any rate. Should anything change, don’t hesitate to drop me
a line. Thanks again.”
    I nod, surprised by how elegant his exit is. He must be used
to being told no on a regular basis. Suddenly, I feel foolish for jumping to
conclusions. Isn’t that exactly how people treated me when I first wanted to
branch out?
    “Wait, just a moment.” I call after them. The man—Chazz, I
think his name is—stops just as he pulls open the door. He turns and waits for
me to walk to him. I hand him a card. “Call me next week and we’ll set up a
proper meeting. I would love to hear what you have in mind.”
    Chazz grins at me, and I get the distinct feeling that he
knows exactly what went through my mind just a few minutes ago. He and I might
just be cut from the same cloth, and I can really respect someone who is eager
to make change in his life.
    “You got it. Thanks again.”
    I nod and close the door behind him and his brother. When I
turn around, Arianna is basically bouncing from foot to foot. “That went so
great! I knew you