Catch Me by Claire Contreras Read Free Book Online Page B

thing—if my father died, I would have absolutely no relationship with my mother.
    “Yeah, I know he built a nice gym in here. I saw the plans,” I respond just as Hendrix stops in front of a glass door, pulling it open and letting me step in first. Even though I had seen the architectural plans for the gym, seeing it in person is much more magnificent than I could have imagined. All of the walls are glass so you can see the machines and the people working out regardless of where in the gym they are. When I walk to the back, where the treadmills are, my breath leaves my body for a moment. The view of Manhattan is breathtaking from here.
    “Wow. I would totally work out here.” I breathe as my eyes scan over the Empire State Building and Central Park.
    Hendrix chuckles. “That’s the idea. This way, employees can get here early, or come during break, or even after work. Between you and me, I think Dad built this to make the studios more enticing to work in, not that anybody is going to want to work out while they’re recording, but whatever.”
    “Hen,” I say, putting a hand up. “You’re killing my vibe. Let me enjoy the view for five more minutes without all the blabbing.”
    “You’re such a brat,” he says with a laugh. “What do you think your view is going to be like from your office?”
    My eyes widen at that and I turn my head to look at him, trying to gage whether or not he’s serious. He only nods, which makes me giddy but I contain it, only offering him a smile.
    We walk around and then move up to the floor above, which holds twenty recording studios. It’s big enough to have double that, but that’s what makes Studios Forty-Four exclusive. Well, that and the fact that it’s in the Harmon Records building. Artists from all labels love to record their projects here in hopes of running into others and possibly collaborating with them.
    We see a couple of familiar faces and wave as we walk the halls before taking the elevator up one more time. When the doors open again, we reach the floor of Hendrix’s office and my new place of employment. A sense of pride washes over me when I see the big silver letters on the wall behind the receptionist that read: Harmon Records. My dad may be a jerk, but he’s built an empire that nobody can touch or tarnish. And for that, I respect him. I smile at the girl behind the desk. Her jet-black hair is teased up into an Afro that is shaped like a snow cone. Her eyes are big and brown and the eyeliner around them enhances their almond shape. When she stands and sorts through the papers on her desk, I notice that she’s wearing an outfit similar to mine, except her top is teal and enhances the color of her dark skin.
    She smiles a welcoming smile as she extends a folder to Hendrix.
    “Mornin’, Hendrix,” she says. Her voice is husky and smooth. She sounds a lot like Beyonce when she speaks. “Here are the files you asked Bradley to get for you.”
    “Thank you, Kina.” Hendrix smiles at her and takes the files from her hand. “You’re looking extra pretty today. Special occasion?”
    “Husband’s birthday,” she explains with a shy smile. “Going to lunch with him on break.”
    “That’s nice. Be sure to wish him a happy birthday from me,” Hendrix says as he turns to me. “This is my sister, Brooklyn. She’ll be working here for a while. I already showed her most of the place, but I want to show her this floor so she can get acquainted. Is Stacey in yet?”
    Kina looks at me and smiles warmly as she replies to Hendrix. “She should be in her office. Pleased to meet you, Brooklyn.”
    “Likewise,” I say, offering her my hand. “Have a good lunch,” I call over my shoulder as Hendrix and I walk away.
    For some reason my brother’s interaction with the receptionist makes me happy. One thing our father taught us was to always be kind to others and treat them, whoever they are, with the same respect you would want to be treated.
    “You never