Naughty (33 page)

THE MUSEUM OF
Urban Art was abuzz with activity. Months after the opening of the Jacob Lawrence exhibit, which garnered press coverage from around the country, Mira reserved the Museum for the launch party for Baby FACEZ. Reporters littered the sidewalk along with paparazzi trying to get shots of New York’s Who’s Who as they entered the party. There was a frenzy of flickering flashbulbs as the company’s spokesmodel—a famous child actress—and her parents entered the party.

Mira indeed had reason to celebrate. The company had overcome major R & D obstacles and beat BOD E. to market with FACEZ’s new children’s line. Before his untimely departure, Nigel made good on his promise by removing the proverbial fly from the ointment. He pinpointed the problem with the initial formula, which was high acidity levels (even with the second set of shea pods), and found another source for the pods in a completely different region. Once that mystery was solved, he worked day and night until the formula for the children’s skin care line was blemish free.

As Jacob and Naomi made their way up the crimson-covered steps, a few flashes popped in their direction.

“I guess we’re celebrities now,” Jacob gushed.

Through the clenched teeth of a smile, Naomi said, “I’m sure they’re taking everyone’s picture.” She still harbored resentment toward Jacob for his scandalous affair, but decided against an ugly drawn-out divorce since she had Noah to think about, and growing up in two separate households wouldn’t be healthy for her little boy. Besides, Jacob was being extremely generous with his money. Not only had he given Naomi the initial seed money, he had also hired a real estate agent to find her a commercial space, so that she wouldn’t have to work out of the house. Naomi knew it was nothing but Jacob’s guilt making him open up his checkbook, so she decided to milk it for all that it was worth.

Mira greeted them with hugs and smooches as they entered the museum. “Thanks for coming. Kennedy and Nigel aren’t here yet, but Tyler is in there, looking beautiful, I might add,” she gushed. Normally, Mira would have been irritated by their tardiness, but living with Tyler—who was laid-back—had taught her to calm down, and not be so tight about things that were out of her control.

“We wouldn’t have missed this for the world.” Naomi kissed her on the cheek. “Congratulations.”

Jacob echoed Naomi’s sentiment, and then said, “I can’t wait to see the numbers on Baby FACEZ. I’m sure they’re going to be off the charts.”

“Always the accountant,” Mira mused, jabbing him in the side with her elbow. Since she was living with his sister, she now treated Jacob like a brother-in-law. For all practical purposes they were now family. And since she had grown up an only child, Mira treasured her newfound family.

“This place looks fabulous,” Naomi said, taking in the decor.
The entryway was swathed in precious pink and cerulean blue chiffon ribbons streaming from ceiling to floor. “Once my company is up and running you’re going to have to let me design the theme for your next party.”

“Thank you, but I can’t take all the credit. Our Promotions Department took care of the details. I’ll give you the phone number of our Promotions Director, so when you’re ready all you’ll have to do is call, and tell him I recommended you. They work with consultants all the time.”

“Thanks, Mira, that’s generous of you.” Though Naomi had only known Mira for a few months, she genuinely liked her.

“No problem. Come on. Let’s find Tyler and get a drink,” Mira said, leading the group toward the bar area.

An hour later, Kennedy and Nigel finally made their way through the throng of people, and met up with Mira, Tyler, Naomi, and Jacob.

“There you guys are. What took you so long?” Naomi asked.

Kennedy and Nigel looked at each other and started grinning. He grabbed her hand and said, “We had some last-minute business to take care of.” He smiled.

Naomi took one look at the glow on their faces, and knew exactly what he meant. “Oh, I see.”

“I understand congratulations are in order,” Jacob said to Nigel, shaking his hand. He had learned from Mira that her former chemist was opening his own shop.

Nigel cut his eyes at Mira, who had a nasty scowl plastered on her face. Though he had served out the terms of his contract, she still felt betrayed. Now his company would be one of the opposing teams along with BOD E., trying to dethrone her as the Princess of the Cosmetics Industry. “Thanks, man,” Nigel replied.

“So, have you decided on a company name yet?”

“Not yet. The advertising firm I hired has come up with a few good ones. It’s just a matter of making up my mind.”

“Which accounting firm are you using?” Jacob asked. He would have loved to represent Nigel’s company, but it would have been a conflict of interest, since FACEZ was one of Kirschner Gross’s major clients.

“I’m using—” Before he could get out his answer Mira butted in.

“Excuse me, gentlemen,” she interrupted, “but this night is all about me, I mean Baby FACEZ.” She directed the comment at Nigel. Though she had relaxed her ways, she was still a control freak at heart.

“Enjoy it while you can,” was his flip response, “because there’s a new sheriff in town.”

“I’m ready to duel anytime you are,” Mira hissed. He may have been a gifted chemist, but there was no way Mira was going to let his company, or any other, weasel in on her territory.

“Is that a challenge?” Nigel asked, egging her on.

She put her hand on her hip. “Call it what you want.”

“Well, in that case, let the games begin,” Nigel declared, raising his champagne flute.