Part Six: Anxiety Attack
“So I’m putting my defenses up
Because I don’t want to fall in love
If I ever did that, I think I’d have a heart attack”
Heart Attack – Demi Lovato
Andy’s POV
I could pick out my girls from anywhere when they were in their intimidating trio. Ray, or Maymay as they called her, being the shortest was in the middle. She was flanked on either side by Kita and Crys - Tanya took Crys's side as she was also a little short. They each had at least seven bags and each had at least two from Victoria’s Secret.
I heard Joe and Trevor lean next to me on the car as I was and looked over through my sunglasses. He was trying hard to remain chilled and it came out more choked when he asked me:
“Please tell me that isn’t Ray and her friends from South Africa with her. Also, please tell me that the one on our right is single and that they aren’t all carrying Vicky’s Secret bags.”
I laughed and said, in a tone that seemed like I didn’t think all three of them were hot.
“Oh, the one on our right is Nikita, aka Kita. She’s a psychologist and part-time model. Crystal, aka Crys is a designer and she’s pretty hard to get  – that’s why Nick’s walking down with her. So he doesn’t try and cop wedding sex.”
We both laughed at this and the girls reached us. I bent over to give my beautiful fiancée a kiss and she did the introductions.
“Joseph Kendall, I would like you to meet my best friends, Crystal and Nikita.”
Ray pointed at each whilst introducing them and my jaw nearly dropped to the floor when I saw Joe being so smooth.
He took each of their hands and placed a kiss on them, lingering slightly on Kita’s hand.
“It’s lovely to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the both of you and hope we’ll all become friends during your stay in Chicago.”
Kita smiled nervously and tilted her sunglasses down to make eye contact with Joe; what? Kita looked nervous. Oh Lord, how I wished it wouldn’t have been rude to take out my phone and take pictures to tag her in.
Crys smiled satisfyingly.
“It already looks like we’re off to a fabulous start. Now Andy, you be a sweetie pie and get mine and Ray’s bags, we’re going in the Hummer with you. Joe, do me a favor and get Kita’s bags and bring her. You’re a doll. Tanya I'm assuming your ride is the Lambo, was great meeting you honey. Don't forget the deal about the bags!” she winked at Tanya and we each got the usual theatrical kiss and hug.
Crys was so good at this and I let her run her game. Lord how I missed this.
Joe’s POV
This had to be one of the most beautiful women on earth. She hadn’t taken off her cap or glasses yet but when she had dipped them to make eye contact with me I had seen a stunning green and her hair appeared to be the same as the other two ladies. Must be their thing.
“So,” I attempted to start a conversation, “Andy said you were a psychologist and part-time model. Quite different occupations if you look at it analytically. How’d you land up there?”
She smiled slightly, “Psychology because I was abused as a child and had a lot of bad things happen around me and I felt for children who had to go through the same thing. I wanted to help them because I didn’t have the opportunity to get that help. Modeling was me living out my mother’s dream for her but it’s made me a bit of money here and there so I can’t really complain.”
There were probably men who had posters of her pinned on their walls. I started of thinking of getting some myself. Whoa, I was becoming perverted.
“So, uhm, Joe… What do you do for a living?”
That was easy enough to answer. “I’m a drummer. I play for Lycan Lark but since we’re between projects I started up something on my own and opened up a record label too. Ray has shares in it. Come to think of it, she has shares in all of our labels except for Andy’s. They own that together but he had to buy her out of a contract with Chris.”
“Oh, yes of course! I didn’t realize you were that Joe.” She giggled slightly. I made her giggle, points for me!
I decided to ask more straight forward questions. “So, do you have a boyfriend back in South Africa?”
Her head dropped slightly and I could see a blush creeping up her face. “No, I don’t. How about you?”
I decided to be a wise-ass on this one. “No I don’t have a boyfriend in South Africa, nor do I have a girlfriend here in Chicago.” I gave her a smirk as we stopped at a set of robots.
Kita laughed out loud at this and it was musical. Her laugh felt better than hashing it out on my drum kit or going into a negotiation meeting and coming out triumphant.
This was going too far too fast. I wanted to get to know her but at the same time I just wanted her.

Kita’s POV
I could feel my heart beat racing and he sent shivers up my spine with his stupid little hand-kiss tactic but Oh Lord did those shivers feel good.
We got to know each other briefly and talked about random things. I found out he has an amazing sense of humor and is charming. I really want him physically but there’s something about him that just makes me want to crawl up to him and cuddle him. Maybe that’s what I should try and do… Get to know this guy before actually just jumping him. I had a month until the wedding, so why not?
As we pulled up into the driveway, Joe piped up; “Well, this is Ray and Andy’s house. Hey wait, did she tell you she got you guys a gift?”
I shook my head no suspiciously wondering what this mystery gift could be. “Do you know what it is?”
He smiled and zipped his lips. Great, no help there.
There were two other guys who came out and introduced themselves as Nick and Trevor. Both were very good looking but neither seemed the type I like. Joe, on the other hand…
I noticed that Trevor and Tanya didn't join us and commented on it to Joe, he said that Trevor and Tanya were still on honey moon phase and were banging like rabbits every chance they got. I squealed. "TMI Kendall!"
Andy came in and wrapped his arms around Ray from behind. “So Joe let slip about the gift in the car to Kita. Why don’t you tell the girls about what you got them?”
She smiled and walked out of the room, returning with two A4 sized boxes and envelopes on top.
“Okay, so you guys know I have investments in all of these guys labels and Andy and I own our own label but I wanted something more and what better way than this.”
She pointed at the boxes to open them and on the inside were three words that made my heart stop.
RCK FASHION INDUSTRIES
“Shut up! You bought us a company!” roared Crys.
I was still in shock. I flipped through the pages, Crys would be the head designer, I was in charge of showcase and Ray was in charge of fiscal planning and approval of what went out. This was beyond amazing.
I heard Ray’s voice come in. “I have someone who will keep renewing work permits and start applying for working citizenship for you guys. There's a great salary monthly as well as the profits we'll make and we get to work together. So are you guys in?”
“I’m in!” screamed Crys and signed the contract stating our roles.
I was crying and through my tears I enveloped Ray in a hug and snatched the pen from Crys to sign.
We were finally going to be together!