Can't Get Enough (Skyland, #3)(136)
“Can you share what’s going on with Aspire’s legal troubles?” the reporter demands, thrusting the mic toward me.
I lift my brows, surprised by the direction of the question, but not unprepared.
“CFE has done everything in its power to delay our day in court,” I say. “Meanwhile, there are Black women who could be receiving grants to assist with their businesses. These grants are modest, but they can make a huge difference to the folks who need them.”
“But you’re still running the venture capital fund?” the reporter clarifies.
“Oh, yeah. With Hue we are headed toward our first unicorn. We’re proud of CannaDo, a female-led company pioneering innovative methods for dispensation of legalized cannabis. We’re still going strong on that front, but I cannot emphasize how important this case is. If they defeat us, they set precedent for other grant-based equity efforts. Dismantling affirmative action was just the beginning. They’ll be coming for other programs designed to shrink the wealth and education gaps created by historically racist structures in this country.”
“And what about you, Mr. Bell?” The reporter shifts her mic and her scrutiny to Maverick. “There was quite a bit of controversy when you withdrew your bid to buy the Vipers, but then Andrew Carverson was ousted, pressured to step down and sell the team. You swooped right back in and bought the controlling shares. Any updates?”
“Update is that we’re going for a ring this year,” Maverick replies with an easy smile and an arm around my waist. “We’ve had a lot of distractions with the transfer of ownership, but the team remains focused on winning. Coach has asked my father to serve as an adviser, which feels right since he devoted so much of his career to the Vipers. So I think all is well as we gear up for the new season. A winning season.”
“And did you hear the news about Zere?” There is a glint in the reporter’s eye as she looks between us, searching our faces for a reaction Maverick and I are both seasoned enough not to give her.
“No, sorry.” Maverick keeps his expression pleasantly indifferent. “Haven’t heard.”
“She and her fiancé, Charles Filmore, are expecting their first child,” the reporter offers, her sharp gaze pinging between Maverick and me.
I gasp, pleasure winning out over playing it cool.
“That’s amazing,” I say, my smile genuine. “I’m so happy for her, for them.”
“Yeah,” Maverick agrees, his grin sketching faint lines around his eyes and mouth. “I hadn’t heard, but that’s fantastic. I wish them only the best.”
The reporter looks slightly disappointed by all the goodwill and nods before thanking us and walking off to find the next story.
“I’m truly happy for Zere,” I say, dropping my head to Maverick’s shoulder. “I know how badly she wanted a baby.”
“You can tell her yourself next week in New York when Chapel is doing promo for her show. I hope this heals the last of whatever tension might exist.”
“I think it will. I’ve had some contact with her during the first season of Chapel’s show, and we were amicable. Hopefully this can move us into warm and friendly.”
“Speaking of move.” Maverick dips to whisper in my ear. “When can we leave? I’d like you to myself for a little bit.”
Tamia walks up beside us, biting into a collard green quesadilla.
“Are you guys being all in love again?” She teases us about not being able to keep our hands off each other, but I know she’s glad to see her father happy.
“Oooh, I want some,” I tell her. “Those collard quesadillas are my fave.”
“Get your own.” Tamia shifts the food away from me and laughs. “Dad, I’m gonna head back to the hotel if that’s okay.”
“Fine with me.” He kisses her forehead. “Be ready to fly out first thing in the morning.”
“Feels weird not to have Bolt cracking the whip,” she says.
“Even Bolt gets a break every once in a while.” Maverick flashes me a conspiratorial grin. “You think he and Skipper are enjoying the Amalfi Coast?”
“They better be,” I pretend to grumble. “They’re finally official and for the sake of my business, I need them to stay that way. That girl can’t keep a thought in her head when they’re fighting.”
“Well, I’m happy for them,” Tamia offers, her features settling into softness. “You guys sure you don’t want to come with me to Ghana?”
“I wish,” I say. “But Sol and I have the Atlanta red carpet tomorrow and then New York for the official premiere. And Chapel needs me in LA.”
“I’m shocked Dad is letting me go check this new property on my own.” Tamia grins at her father as if testing the truth of her words.
“If I didn’t need to be with Hendrix,” Maverick says, “I would be on the first flight to Ghana. I’ll come next week to make sure everything’s in order.”
“You really don’t have to.” The exasperation on Tamia’s face is tinged with affection. “I’ve got this, Dad. I had a great teacher.”
“I know.” Maverick gently pulls her neck into the crook of his elbow until her head rests against his chest. “But what kind of teacher doesn’t check on his student? Besides, it’ll make your Mom feel better about you deferring college.”