Chapter 405: Beaulieu Manor

Thursday, February 9th, Afternoon

Standing by the overhead doors, Bobbi-Lee watched as the racks with her designs were rolled onto the truck. The truck crews were careful and secured each rack in place, but it still made Bobbi-Lee nervous. This nervousness only got heightened as each rack was strapped down and checked a second or third time.

She never got this nervous for a show. Maybe, it was these designs that were supposed to be her best work. Bobbi-Lee knew she had her own show, and even with Brooke's blessing, she had to put on a strong showing. That's it, that's why she's nervous; she's about to lose her virginity in a sense.

"They'll take good care of your stuff," Brooke said as she walked up next to Bobbi-Lee.

The two women stood on a small loading dock that was part of the west range of Beaulieu Manor; it was one of four loading docks. This one served the House of Davis offices. Bobbi-Lee never quite got used to the Beaulieu Complex idea, but according to Brooke, it paid for itself.

"I know, I just, well, I don't know," Bobbi-Lee said.

"A bit tongue-tied there?" Brooke asked, teasing.

Bobbi-Lee nodded, "Yeah, I guess I am," she said.

Brooke looked at the taller woman. "It's okay to be nervous," she said.

"It's that obvious?" Bobbi-Lee asked.

"Only from the moon," Brooke said.

"This is big, for me, for Banríon, for the House of Davis," Bobbi-Lee said.

"You'll do fine, Bobbi," Brooke said to the redhead, "You have great designs, and you'll just do well."

"What about the after parties? Before I could fly under the radar, but I'll be front and center," Bobbi-Lee said.

"They'll be our after parties, and you'll wear the marker as I do, and the servers will be briefed on what it means," Brooke said, "You should know this; it's not the first time."

"Just so much going through my head right now," Bobbi-Lee said.

"Bobbi, take a moment to breathe and enjoy it all. I wish I did," Brooke said.

Bobbi-Lee nodded, "I guess you're right," she said.

"I know I am," Brooke said.

"Do you remember your first show?" Bobbi-Lee asked.

Brooke shrugged, "Not really, but well, there's been many shows. The worst was the first one after my husband left me," she said.

"Why that one?" Bobbi-Lee asked.

Brooke shrugged and tilted her head. "I was a hot mess," she said, "It was the beginning of my worst times with alcohol; I was an emotional wreck, just burning bridges left and right. It wasn't pretty."

"Wow!" Brooke said.

"Yeah," Brooke said, "I've been a success because of and in spite of myself."

Bobbi-Lee nodded, "You've built this empire, but it seems like you won't pass it on," she said.

Brooke shrugged, "Well, they need to live their own lives and choose their own path. Trin joining the business was her choice," she said, "And it's Queendom, B, T, W."

"Yeah, I forgot," Bobbi-Lee said.

"Anyway, I think I found an heir, and we have you, even with your own label," Brooke said.

"Thank you," Bobbi-Lee said, "Who is this possible heir?"

"It is not the time," Brooke said.

Bobbi-Lee nodded, "Yeah, well, you have your reasons," she said.

"Yes, I do," Brooke said.

"Yeah," Bobbi-Lee said, in agreement, and frustrated resignation. After the final puff of the "H," Bobbi-Lee leaned against the door frame in exhaustion and resignation.

Brooke nodded and watched the truck pull away. She nodded and took a few steps forward. Brooke stood next to Bobbi-Lee and looked at the taller woman leaning against the door frame.

"You need to relax," Brooke said.

"A lot is going on, Brooke," Bobbi-Lee said.

"And all of it is out of your control, and we have people to handle it all," Brooke said.

Bobbi-Lee nodded, "Yeah, I guess," she said, exhaustion creeping into her voice.

"Bobbi, you're done here," Brooke said, "Your work here had been done for a while."

"There are more details," Bobbi-Lee said.

"The staff here and New York have got this," Brooke said.

"I…." Bobbi-Lee started to say.

"Need to go home," Brooke said.

"What?" Bobbi-Lee asked.

"You're exhausted, we've got a busy day tomorrow and a good chunk of next week," Brooke said.

"But Brooke," Bobbi-Lee said.

"No buts, go home, spend time with your cats, do what you do with cats, relax, catch some sleep, do some self-care," Brooke said.

"Selfcare?" Bobbi-Lee said.

"Bobbi, you're a grown-ass woman, use your imagination," Brooke said.

Bobbi-Lee shook her head. "Are you telling me…." She started to say.

"Use your imagination, Bobbi," Brooke said.

"Okay," Bobbi-Lee said.

Brooke rested her hand on the shoulder of Bobbi-Lee. "Bobbi, go home and relax," Brooke said.

"Fine! Brooke, I'm going," Bobbi-Lee said and slowly turned away.

Bobbi-Lee walked through the Davis Enterprise building of the west range. Finally, she reached the floor with her office. The office staff generally ignored her or looked at her with curiosity. Bobbi-Lee paid them no mind.

In her office, Bobbi-Lee packed up her stuff and looked out the office window, smiling; Bobbi-Lee slipped on her jacket, making sure it was secure; she slung her bag over her shoulder. Collecting her briefcase and portfolio, Bobbi-Lee left her office, shutting off the light as she went; the cleaning crew would close the door later.

A few of the long-time staffers greeted or said goodbye to Bobbi-Lee as she moved through the building. A couple even wished her luck on her upcoming show. One of the tailors was even very excited for Bobbi-Lee's show.

Once Bobbi-Lee finally got to the parking lot, she headed for her blue Lexus LC500h Luxury hybrid coupe. Bobbi-Lee popped the trunk, put her briefcase and portfolio in it. Once the trunk was closed, she got behind the hybrid's wheel and started the vehicle.

Bobbi-Lee pulled out a pair of sunglasses and slipped them on. With a smile, she slipped the vehicle into gear and was off. Bobbi-Lee felt the surface changed as she transitioned from the brick pavers to asphalt. Soon, Bobbi-Lee was driving down the main drive of Beaulieu Manor.

Bobbi-Lee thought that it was nice to be on the road as she turned onto the main road headed home.