A Los Angeles Passion

Miranda pinned her with a hard stare. “Let me repeat my question. When was the last time you went out?”

“I can’t remember,” Kiara said with a shrug. “Maybe last month?”

“Are you sure?”

“Hmm.” Kiara thought about it some more. “Maybe two months ago. Or three. I can’t really remember.”

Miranda shook her head. “Friend, the last time you told me about you going out was when a couple of your employees convinced you to check out that new jazz lounge. And that was way more than three months ago.”

Kiara rapidly blinked. “Oh my God, I think you’re right! That’s the last time I remember going out just for the sake of going out.”

“That’s sad,” Miranda said with a laugh. “The Kiara I knew back in college would never miss a party or pass up an opportunity to go out.”

Kiara downed the rest of her water, wishing it was something stiffer. “Girl, that was before being an adult happened.”

Miranda shook her head. “More like it was before life happened. Being an adult doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Trust me, I understand being all about the business, but you’ve got to have a little fun, too, or before you know it, your life would have passed you by and you’ll be wondering when was the last time you stopped to truly live in the moment.”

As their food arrived, Kiara contemplated her friend’s words, immediately realizing that Miranda was right. “I do need to learn to live a little more,” Kiara said after a few moments. “But I also plan on building a franchise, so my schedule is bound to get even crazier.”

“Building a franchise is a great idea,” Miranda said. “Just keep in mind that a busy schedule doesn’t mean you have to neglect your social life.”

“True,” Kiara said, nodding.

Miranda’s phone dinged, interrupting their conversation. She frowned as she read the text message.

“Is everything okay?”

“Yeah.” Miranda shot a quick reply. “I’m just worried that Vaughn is taking on too much. You know how we always teased a couple of our girlfriends back in college who used to say their main goal was to marry a Millionaire Mogul?”

“Of course,” Kiara said with a laugh. “And then you go ahead and marry a Prescott George member despite how much we teased them.”

Kiara knew all about the Prescott George organization, also called the Millionaire Moguls. She respected what they did for the community, but she never did understand why some women made it their main goal to land an elite member. Her ex-husband had even wanted to be a member, but Prescott George was exclusive with their membership, so he hadn’t stood a chance.

Miranda grinned. “I know. I still can’t believe it, either.” She took another bite of her fruit salad before speaking again. “Well, Vaughn has been really busy with his San Diego chapter, but now he’s also helping the LA chapter get back on their feet.”

“Why? What happened?”

Miranda sighed. “I really shouldn’t be saying anything, but they were suspended for six months when one of the LA board members tried to sabotage San Diego being chosen as chapter of the year. The person responsible orchestrated several break-ins, hacking of computers and files, and even the vandalism of some of the property. It got pretty bad, but finally, they figured out the man behind everything was Reginald Moore, a high-ranking board member.”

“Wow,” Kiara said, shaking her head. “I didn’t hear anything about this.”

“That’s not surprising. Prescott George didn’t want the bad press, so the board and the national organization declined to press charges and instead expelled Reginald Moore and placed the LA chapter on a six-month suspension. And apparently, he put up quite a fuss about everything.”

“Of course he did.” Kiara rolled her eyes. “There’s nothing more annoying than a person who does something wrong, yet feels entitled and above the law. I’m sure he got what he deserved, and if you ask me, it even sounds like he got off easy. So, how was Vaughn looped into helping the LA chapter?”

Miranda opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off.

“We’re a brotherhood,” a voice said behind Kiara. “I’d never turn down helping out another chapter.” She turned to see Vaughn Ellicott approaching their outdoor table.

“Well, if it isn’t Miranda’s new husband...in the flesh.” Kiara stood to hug Vaughn before he hugged his wife and sat in an empty seat.

“It’s good to see you again, Kiara,” Vaughn said with a handsome smile. “And I can answer your question more fully, since I’m sure my wife was dying to give you all the dirty details.” To this, Miranda gave Vaughn a Chuck E. Cheese grin.

“I’m just helping them by supporting some of their charity initiatives and community involvement. One man’s mistake doesn’t mean the entire chapter has to suffer.”

“That’s nice of you,” Kiara said.

Vaughn shrugged. “It’s what I do.” He looked toward his wife. “Are you ready to go shopping, baby?”

“I think so.” Miranda pulled cash out of her purse to pay for her portion of the meal.

Kiara lifted an eyebrow. “Vaughn, what in the world made you agree to go shopping with Miranda? She takes forever to make up her mind.”

Miranda rolled her eyes. “I don’t take as long as a certain brown-eyed friend of mine. Besides, I can’t believe I forgot to tell you... Vaughn is jet-setting us away for a while to Dubai for a long and much-needed vacation, so there are a few things we have to pick up first.”

Kiara smiled. “That’s wonderful, you guys. I’m sure you’ll have so much fun.” Goodness, I’d love for a man to take me away on a romantic vacation. Her eyes widened. Where did that thought come from? Kiara fidgeted in her chair. It was official. Being around Miranda and Vaughn was making her long for things she’d given up on over a year ago. She didn’t need to date. She didn’t love. All she needed was her business, and if there was anything she’d learned from her ex-husband and the man she fell for after her divorce, it was that love wasn’t forever. She had to remember that.

“I have an idea,” Vaughn said, breaking her thoughts. “You should come with Miranda and me tonight to the party we’re having to celebrate the LA chapter being back on their feet.”

Miranda clapped her hands together. “That’s a great idea, Vaughn!”

“I don’t know,” Kiara said, shaking her head. “Isn’t it an exclusive party? I’ll probably feel out of place.”

Miranda rolled her eyes. “Right, because you don’t own one of the most exclusive day cares in the city.”

“Your sarcasm isn’t needed,” Kiara said with a laugh.

“It will be fine,” Vaughn said. “There will be plenty of friends, family and supporters of the organization there. I consider you a friend and Miranda considers you family.”

Kiara glanced from Vaughn to Miranda, who both awaited her response. Oh, come on, girl. You know you need a night out. “Okay,” Kiara said. “I’ll come. If I’m being honest, I’ll admit that I’ve been dying to get dressed up.”

“So glad you’re coming.” Miranda winked at Kiara. “And you may even land a Millionaire Mogul of your own.”

“Ha! You wish.” Kiara planned on keeping the promise she made to herself to refrain from dating to focus on building her business and franchise. Besides, she was done with rich men. Been there. Done that. She doubted she’d even find a man who remotely kept her interest tonight.

Chapter 3 (#uf9c0a983-393c-5dd2-b842-63ef6184ecbb)

“Okay, so even I have to admit that this is pretty lavish for an all-male organization,” Kiara whispered to Miranda. Kiara never considered herself someone who was easily impressed, but she was in awe of the luxurious twelfth-floor penthouse suite in the downtown Los Angeles Fine Arts Building that served as the home for the LA chapter of Prescott George. The place was huge and easily accommodated a few hundred people. Given that even some of the most upscale penthouse suites in LA were smaller than the norm in other cities, this was impressive.

“The Moguls never go cheap,” Miranda whispered back. “Every party I attend with Vaughn is grander than the last.”

The Moguls’ motto, written on the wall, caught her eye. From generation to generation, lifting each other up. She’d heard their motto before, but for some reason, seeing it written in an official Prescott George chapter location felt different.

Kiara followed close behind Miranda and Vaughn as they made their rounds and greeted other Moguls and their families, respectfully introducing her as a close family friend. Kiara wore her most professional smile and tried her best not to fidget under the stare of some of the Moguls.

“Could you pretend to be a little more comfortable?” Miranda teased.

Kiara frowned. “I can’t help it. I almost feel as if I’m on display here.”