Chapter 19
The last six months had been more than grueling for Imani. Setting up her business, finding office space, hiring staff, and planning the décor for the Rusche Tower as well as her own home was overwhelming. Somehow, she managed it while still decorating her offices and searching for furniture, fabrics, and art for Garrett to approve.
Once news got out about her marriage to him and that her company had officially taken on the job of decorating the Rusche, she was hounded by the press. Her phone was ringing off the hook with requests for interviews and potential clients. Even her former employer, DeCorInterior Designs had called to bid on a project. Imani had the great pleasure of stringing them along, specifically requesting her old boss, Tabitha, to be the point person, and finally telling them no, they wouldn’t get her business. It was petty, but she enjoyed every second of it.
Imani’s schedule was ridiculous. Also, adjusting to being a wife and mother, and it was more than enough to tip the scale in favor of a nervous breakdown.
In the midst of all the craziness, Garrett Jr. was one of the most rewarding parts of her day. He was a calming force in the middle of all the chaos, but to say he didn’t come with his own set of challenges would be a lie. The former Mrs. Hadley would make Jesus drink. Imani hadn’t met her yet but wanted to strangle the woman. She was making Garrett’s life hell.
How any mother could exchange her child for money was unfathomable. She was working angles like Imani had never seen. It quickly became obvious; she was playing both sides. Shannon was playing Garrett and Raymond against each other using her son as the bargaining chip. The sticking point in every agreement was control of GHI.
The custody hearing had been rescheduled twice already. Imani knew that Garrett would fight to the very end for his company, but if it came down to it, he would give it all away for his son. If she could only have five minutes with Shannon for causing this clusterfuck, it would be lights out.
Imani might be spread way too thin, stressed all the way out, but at the end of the day, she was happy. On her way into her favorite coffee shop, she caught herself smiling in a mirror as she walked up to the barista to place her order. There was no denying being able to snuggle close to Garrett and listen to his heartbeat every night before closing her eyes was more than worth it. If she wasn’t in love before the wedding, she was head over heels now.
“Excuse me. Whatever this lovely woman ordered, I’ve got it.” A gentleman reached over her and handed the cashier his credit card.
Imani smiled as she lifted her hand with the platinum wedding band and wiggled it. “Thanks, but I think I can buy my own coffee.”
“Damn. That’s the best Garrett could do? I expected much more from him.”
Her smile faltered. She cut her eyes away from him and back to the cashier. Her tone reflected the irritation she felt. “Like I said, I can pay for my own coffee.” Imani reached down into her purse and pulled out a credit card, handing it to the woman who looked confused. Imani responded firmly. “I’ve got it. Is there a problem?”
“Um . . . no, ma’am. Sorry.” The young woman took her card and ran it. Imani stepped out of line to wait for her latte.
Moments later, the man with piercing blue eyes and tailor made suit stood next to her. While looking forward, he leaned over in her direction. “My apologies. I didn’t mean to offend you. Let’s start over. I’m Raymond McNeal. It’s nice to meet the new Mrs. Garrett Hadley.” He held his hand out to her.
She was thrown off balance for only a moment. Imani didn’t say a word. Instead, she looked at his hand as if he had a plague then returned her gaze to the employees making her drink.
“I can see why Garrett chose you. Smart, independent, and sexy as hell. You’re the complete opposite of Shannon. My brother made an exceptional choice this time.”
Imani’s mouth almost hit the floor. Her head jerked towards him. He’d just dropped a bombshell.
“Ahh . . . surprised? Big brother didn’t tell you? Figures. He’s repeatedly tried to pretend I don’t exist. It won’t work.”
The coffee shop called her number. She didn’t hear it.
Raymond leaned over again. “They’re calling your number.”
Imani couldn’t stop staring. In a matter of moments, she did her best to find the resemblances. Where Garrett was a darker blonde, Raymond was lighter. Both men were over six feet and well-built, but Garrett was more muscular where Raymond was leaner. There really was no resemblance between them. She blinked a few times and somehow managed to get it together.
Speechless, Imani walked over to grab her coffee. When she turned to walk out of the coffee house, Raymond followed her outside. “I just want to talk. Maybe you’re the key to this entire thing.”
Imani whipped around. “You disgusting piece of shit! Don’t think you can use me for anything. I don’t care what issues you have with Garrett, how you can use your son to steal your brother’s company makes you scum of the earth. I wouldn’t piss on you if you were on fire.”
“Is that what he’s told you? There are always two sides to every story. That’s his side. What I
