Capricorn
Chapter 30

Famous Capricorns:
* Denzel Washington
* John Legend

*

After their eye-opening chat, Adena and Craig started to spend a lot of time together. They both had busy schedules but they found time to fit each other in. Craig would bring lunch to her office some afternoons. Adena would pass out his business cards at art events she was required to attend in Donatella's place. Sometimes he would accompany her to these art events. Who knew how chic and fun these things actually were? When Adena would have the energy, she would stop by the many different gigs Craig would play. He was in more demand and in a month or so, he would be making just as much and more than he did working in the office during the day. He did it. He was finally living the dream. His dream. 

Of course, they helped each other, luckily since Adena also took business courses at Columbia, she would act as his manager at times. Helping him keep his schedule together and make sure he got paid what he was owed. Craig wasn't kidding when he said how sleazy promoters could be. Out of sheer luck, one of the promoters started hitting on Adena and she was able to squeeze some information out of him that she could use against him later. 

Ok, Adena!

Adena took it upon herself to study different art forms, her expertise was paintings. Contemporary paintings. She wanted to expand her knowledge to photography and, later, sculptures. Most would say she was crazy. Stick with one art form and dedicate all your time to it. There's no way that you can be knowledgeable in everything and it was more realistic to stay in your own lane. However, when it came to her work, if you told her she couldn't or shouldn't do something, she would do it anyway. She took her work seriously and was a hard worker. Knowing more art forms, meant more art shows, which meant working with more artists of different types, leading to more clients...

Which led to more money. 

She had to think bigger. She was on her own now. She was no longer paying for half of the things. She no longer had someone take over a few things to cut her some slack. Now was not the time to slack off. She had rent to pay and wanted to move up far enough to where money wasn't an issue.

Don't we all?

Donatella started to notice this. She wouldn't say it out loud just yet but she was proud of Adena. She bounced back surprisingly quickly since her breakup. She never talked about the divorce or how it was going so maybe that meant it was being taken care of. She was working harder and taking more initiative which made her trust Adena again. 

The Kehinde Wiley situation was bad and it wasn't really Adena's fault but she had the opportunity to fix the problem, which she was usually great at doing, but instead fell short and somehow made it worse too. However, Adena was making up for it. She made up for it. It was time to give her more responsibilities. 

Donatella peeked down the hall and saw Adena's office door was open. She walked down the hallway and then she stopped short when she heard Adena laugh and then heard a man's voice. She tip-toed and peeked through her office window. Her blinds were open. Adena was sitting on her office couch and she was feeding pasta to none other than that DJ boy from the Valentine's show. Adena had kicked off her heels and her legs were laid across his lap. They were very comfy.

She hoped not too comfy. Adena was grown of course, but she was still young and still had a lot to learn. Donatella tip-toed back to her office. Maybe she should cut Adena some slack. Maybe she wasn't ready yet. She was going through a divorce and obviously rebounding. This fling was helping her stay afloat. It explained all the smiles, sparkly eyes, glowing cheeks, and bright moods. Adding more work may do more harm than good. And what happens when they break up? Which they will. This was all happening too fast after the Taye situation. Would Adena fuck up again? Did she really trust her?

Donatella pondered this as she did her work. She then noticed DJ boy walk down the hall and past her office. "It's nice seeing you again DJ Boy" she called out to him as he walked by her open office door. She saw him stop in his tracks and back up. He politely peeked his head in and stood in the doorway.

"Hey there Mrs. Donatella."

"Miss Donatella" she corrected him as she leaned back in her chair and put her designer pen in her mouth. "I'm no longer married." He only nodded. "You and my little Adena are getting along quite nicely yes?"

He scratched the back of his head and was that a blush? "Yes, we are. She's great."

"She is" Donatella agreed. "Well make sure to invite me to the wedding so I can say I was there when you both met" she smirked.

His eyes widened some and then he chuckled. "I don't know about weddings but actually I knew her before Valentine's Day."

Donatella sat up in her chair, now with more interest, "Really now?"

"Yeah, we met at a bar that's not too far from here actually."

"Well isn't that something," Donatella said, "Well thank you for feeding her, we have a busy day and a busy few weeks ahead of us. I'm going to be keeping her pretty busy. I need her in tip-top shape. Hope you don't mind?"

"Oh no, I definitely don't mind. She's doing what she loves. Living the dream...busy or not, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."

"How cute," Donatella said looking him up and down. "Well, I'll let you go DJ Boy. Nice seeing you again."

"Likewise, and my name is Craig by the way, and also one thing about me is...I ain't no boy," he said and winked at her. "Have a nice day."

Donatella sat there speechless which rarely happens. Damn. This may be more serious than she thought. Now she knew why Adena was on cloud nine. She would be too. She picked up her office phone and dialed her extension. "Get in here please," she said to her and hung up.

In record time, Adena had her heels back on and walked into her office. "You rang?"

"That boy...I'm sorry, that man is mighty cute."

Adena blushed, tucking her long hair behind her ear. "He is" she agreed, "Anyway, what did you want to speak to me about?" she asked, the blush disappearing and her code-switching.

"Sit," Donatella said as she gestured to her white leather couch. She got up to shut her office door and walked over and sat in a chair across from the couch. "So I have been thinking about this for some time now. I thought it was maybe too soon but you've come back to your old self and stepped up. With everything you have going on, I'm impressed."

"Thank you," Adena said with a big smile. "I appreciate that-"

"So I think it is time for Mama to sit back some and let her little birdie fly."

Adena's smile disappeared. Wait was she firing her?

"What's wrong? You don't think you should fly yet?"

"Depends where I'm flying to..."

"You've been doing well networking and searching for the rare diamonds in the rough here and now that this new year is officially underway, it's time to step it up a notch. A new year means a whole new year full of art festivals. As you know, I'm busy and can't make them all and I prefer international shows. However, I feel we could really be missing out on something—for example, the San Fran Art Show at the end of the month. I will have to miss it yet again. That's 2 years in a row. We could be missing out on debuting the next top artist. So I will need you to go in my place. I'm sure you'll do fine but if this ain't your cup of tea then we'll come back to the drawing table so to speak."

"Me? Going to the festivals alone?"

"Sometimes, the ones I can't make are imperative for you to be there. So clear your schedule for the last weekend this month...which isn't too far from now" she said as she looked at her watch. "Oh, it's next week already? Hope you didn't have any plans-"

Adena got out her planner, "Um well let's see-"

"All expenses paid of course. Plane, pad, per diem all that, so no need to worry. I know you have that new luxe apartment you got and my Christmas gift has run out by now. Also with this new responsibility comes a new title, you're no longer just in Sales. How does Art Consultant sound?"

"Oh wow, thank you Donatella-"

"And yes, you'll get a raise along with a bigger commission percentage on each work of art. Your salary should sit around 55 for the year."

Adena's eyes bulged out of her head, did she just hear her right? She was speechless. "Wait, Donatella-"

"Ok fine, you talked me into it. 60. 60 for the year, but with more money comes a lot more work. I need to know that I can depend on you and I'm not making a mistake-"

Before she could finish her sentence, Adena was practically in her lap. She had gotten up and thrown her arms around her in excitement. Donatella wasn't a hugger and she tensed up but Adena just hugged her tighter. Donatella awkwardly patted her on her back. "I promise Donatella, I won't let you down. You have my word. Thank you so much. You don't know what this means to me."

Donatella softened and relaxed into the hug and returned it. "It's no problem. It's time. You're ready."

*

Capricorns will work hard at a hobby and want to make a success out of it.

*

"To Adena: from saleswoman to Art Consultant. Congratulations" Craig said as he put his arm around her and raised his champagne glass. Adena smiled as she raised her glass and joined the toast.

"Yaaaaaaasssssssss bitch and my girl got a raise! Equal Pay Baby!" Missy shouted as she raised her glass.

"Congratulations Adena," Ron said. They all clinked glasses, toasted, drank the champagne, and cheered for her. Missy downed the whole champagne glass. "Babe, it's champagne, not a shot of tequila."

"Boy hush and refill my glass," she said as she held it back up. Ron smiled and picked up the champagne bottle and poured more to the brim since she didn't say "when." "My Foxy Cleopatra is getting frisky, lemme know when you need more of that frisky juice," he said into her ear as he reached around and grabbed her ass hard. Missy chugged the champagne down and as usual, her tongue was soon down his throat.

Missy and Ron were doing well too in case you couldn't tell, which surprised Ron and Craig since Ron never had a relationship that lasted more than 2 weeks. Was Missy the girl for him? The four of them started hanging out together more. Double dates. Tonight they were celebrating Adena's promotion. Craig had to work so they celebrated with him in the DJ booth. It was another costume-themed party and the theme was 'Sexy 70s.' Hence why Ron called Missy 'Foxy Cleopatra.' She had on a gold sparkling jumpsuit, matching platforms, and a huge glittery, blonde afro that Beyonce would be jealous of. Ron took the easy route and dressed as Shaft, which was simple, wear all black. 

Craig dressed as 70's Michael Jackson. He had on a three-piece baby blue tuxedo, platform boots, and a huge black afro, he also did an impromptu robot whenever he could and whenever he played anything by Michael. Adena went full 70's glam. Her long, dark hair was flipped and curled into a Farrah Fawcett blowout. She had on a red lamé sequined dress, that was shorter than she intended, with a matching red lip, platforms, and tons of body glitter.

He mixed the Jackson 5's 'Dancing Machine' with Donna Summer's 'Last Dance.' A few Donna Summer's in the crowd below started lip-syncing for their lives and Adena watched them, clapping and cheering. 

Soon she felt his fingers lightly graze up her arm and it immediately gave her goosebumps. She smiled as Craig came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He rested his chin on her shoulder and looked down at the dancing crowd, he then kissed it and it made her shiver all over again. 

"Why did you have to wear this dress tonight?" he asked huskily in her ear. The glam, glitter, and good energy were infectious and everyone was in a good mood and letting loose. She bit her lip, it turned her on that he was so turned on. He's asked her that question 5 times already tonight.

Obviously, Craig's point got across to Adena that he liked her and wanted to be more than friends. He also didn't want to move too fast. He was assuring her that he would be here and wait as long as it takes. Though the D word was a sensitive subject and wasn't talked about, he respected her and kept his hands to himself...to the best of his ability. It was like their connection got stronger every time they saw each other. It led to deeper conversations, deeper kisses, and deeper feelings. She didn't want to move too fast, it would be unfair to him, and they should move slowly through this. They really messed up the first time and they weren't trying to mess it up again. As much as she wanted to go further at times, she stayed strong. 

It was for their own good. 

Craig was trying his best to stay strong but the feel-good energy, the music, the alcohol, the weed he pregamed on the ride over, and Adena's long sexy legs and banging body in this short-ass dress were really testing his limits. It didn't help that Ron was practically getting a lap dance a few feet away. 

Be respectful, Craig. Be respectful. Don't push her away. Have some self-control. He repeated that silently to himself all night. 

She started swaying side to side, pressing her body against his, and started to dance.

Good. Yeah, let's dance. That will be a good distraction. 

They did some signature 70's dance moves, he grabbed her hand and gave her a spin. Her little dress flew up and he saw some of what he's dreamt about for just a second.

Shit. Why did she have to wear this dress tonight?!?

So he resorted to Plan B like he's been doing all night. He kissed her hand and then walked over to his turntables and started to mix.

Be respectful, Craig. Be respectful. Don't push her away. Have some self-control.

Luckily for him, Adena couldn't stand up all night in her platforms and for some time she sat down next to Missy and they would dance as they sat on the couch. That helped too. 

Craig shut the club down, another successful night. They celebrated by getting some greasy, breakfast food and it was 5 am when they got back to the guy's place. Adena smiled as she walked in, memories flooding back, the last time she was here was for her birthday party but she decided to just focus on the good parts. 

Missy made herself at home quickly, she kicked off her platforms and tossed her wig and coat on the couch. "Come on Ron" she called to him as she walked into his bedroom.

"Sorry duty calls," Ron said with a smirk and followed her into his room and shut the door. 

Adena shook her head as she took off her coat, and then took off Craig's blue tuxedo jacket she had under it. "Can't wait to get these heels off" she said. She put her hand on his shoulder to steady herself as she lifted one foot and tried to unbuckle her shoe. However, her legs wobbled and Craig caught her. They both laughed and the next thing she knew, he had picked her up, carried her into his bedroom, and kicked the door shut. She sat on the bed and unbuckled her shoes as Craig changed out of his costume. He gave her some baggy clothes to sleep in. They got settled and laid down and then they heard a few thumps from the other side of the wall.

Adena laughed as Craig groaned out loud, he got up and turned some music on to drown them out. "Those two..." he said with a shake of his head. He laid down next to her and she rolled over on her side so she could face him. His baggy shirt hung off her shoulder and he fixed it. "How about..." he started and then stopped.

"How about what?" she asked him.

"No...I was gonna say how about you bring some clothes here, you know for times like these..."

"But I like your clothes," she said as she snuggled into the shirt more. "You don't like me wearing your clothes?"

"I don't mind, even though you're gonna get a shitload of glitter on it. I'ma have to wash it twice"  he said with a laugh. "But never mind-"

"No it's a good idea. My 'walk of shame' is gonna be very interesting tomorrow" she said as she nodded her head to her red dress across the room. 

"That dress is gonna get you in trouble one day," he said with a smirk. 

"Really now?"

"I couldn't keep my eyes off of you, hands neither..." he said and she blushed.

"I had a really good time tonight, tonight was amazing."

"It was. I love nights like that. Good energy and we were celebrating you. I'm really happy for you. You've been working your ass off since you went back to work and it's paying off already."

"Oh I already got my first consultant assignment," she said to him.

"You did? You gotta go to more museums?"

"Even better. Donatella can't make some of the art fairs so I go in her place. My first one I'm taking over for her is next weekend and guess where it is?" she asked him and he shrugged. "San Francisco. It's gonna be like a vacation" she said excitedly.

"Oh wow that sounds like fun," he said. "You'll be gone the whole weekend?"

"Yeah I leave Thursday night, come back Sunday," she said with a smile, but he didn't quite return it. She gasped. "Oh no! I'm sorry-"

"It's fine, you gotta work" he reassured her. He was playing at a big exclusive party in the Hamptons Friday night and they planned to go together. They were excited because it was going to be a big event. The Grammys were next weekend at Radio City Music Hall and all the celebrities were throwing their pre and post-Grammy parties all weekend and he finally got one. It was a big gig. This was like his big break too and if he caught the eyes of the right people, who knows what would happen.

"I wish I didn't have to miss it. I was gonna ask if you wanted to come with me too."

"That's allowed?"

Adena shrugged, "Yeah, my job is to go to the fairs, network, and search, I don't have to do that by myself. The pad, the hotel, is paid for. I get per diem so everything is on me. All you would have to do is pay for your own flight."

"Flights ain't gonna be cheap. I can't make any big purchases yet you know." Adena frowned but nodded. She forgot about that too. "But after this party, the money and the gigs will be rolling in I'm sure of it and I can take YOU out of town instead."

"No, don't waste your money on me. You gotta save up."

"It wouldn't be a waste," he said as he moved her hair off her shoulder. "Nothing when it comes to you would be a waste," he said as he caressed her arm. He soon gave in to his urge of wanting to kiss her shoulder, then up her neck, and soon she was leaving red lipstick prints all over his lips and face and he didn't mind one bit. However, it soon got really hot and heavy and they both had to force themselves to stop. 

Be respectful, Craig. Be respectful. Don't push her away. Have some self-control.

Adena was telling herself the same thing. She cuddled close to him and smiled as she lay in his arms, listening to the music that was playing. She couldn't stop smiling. She was so happy. She was happier with her job and she was happier with Craig. This time last month, she was dealing with suicidal ideations in a lonely hotel room. If she knew her life would take such a turn like this, she wouldn't have worried at all.

For once, she didn't have to worry at all. 

Of course, perfection didn't exist but her life sure felt perfect right now. 

Like a dream that she didn't want to wake up