Suits & Aces (#3)

28 // Old Friend

Between staying up with Sasha and updating her on the latest and driving back to Cape Town MJ hardly slept, she just woke up and the day had already started, she got home and showered and then drove out into the city. She did not see Cameron that morning.

She stopped by Logan's restaurant and caught up on some work, she could not bring herself to eat because she was tired of eating takeaways, she needed a proper home-cooked meal. All she had that morning was a cup of tea and some croissants.

She settled her bill and was about to leave when something, or rather, someone caught her attention. Normally, she did not go on her way out to make people uncomfortable, they always came to her, but seeing this trio, she could not help the urge to make a presence known.

She quickly sent a text on her phone and then sauntered her way towards them gracefully, her head held high as her eyes sparkled in triumph. The boy was the first one to spot her, and fear masked his face immediately.

"Well, well, well... what do we have here?" She sung, her eyes travelling from one person to the next.

David Botha looked extremely uncomfortable, probably at the fact that he was caught playing happy family with his ex behind his wife's back.

Montana on the other hand looked like she was ready to commit murder. "MJ, what are you doing here? Can't you see we are having a family lunch?" She asked.

David threw Montana a look but did not say a word.

MJ turned her attention to him. "When I found out that Montana had a son, I wondered to myself who would be crazy enough to even consider having unprotected s*x with her, and here you are. Apparently, not only are you crazy, but you are stupid too if you think this maniac is going to co-parent with you. Or am I wrong, Montana?" She challenged. "Everybody knows that what Monta Parker wants, Monta Parker gets."

She smirked at the murderous look in Montana's eyes, and she remembered when Montana rocked up with her son the other day.

"I think I should leave," David finally said, taking out bank notes from his wallet.

"You are not going anywhere," Montana ordered in a voice that could freeze the sun, and David stared at her in panic.

"Oh, really? Even if his wife is on the way?" MJ asked.

David looked like he had just seen a ghost. "What?" His voice trembled.

MJ tilted her head and pouted. "I might have sent your wife a text by mistake." His eyes widened as he watched her swing her phone from side to side. "You poor thing. It's a pity, you would have made such a beautiful family." She winked at Montana, a smirk plastered on her face, and then she walked away feeling like a king.

Her next stop would determine her future. One thing MJ Billings had always stayed clear of was the media. She did everything to keep away from media attention, Jorge was the one who handled the media and all the public related issues to do with her company. However, he was in his death bed now, and she had to take charge.

Her anonymity had gotten her this far, that was why she could walk into a media house without any trouble.

Endabeni Media and Publication were the largest media house and news outlet in the whole of Western Cape, they were the eyes and ears of this city, and it was no wonder they kept the likes of Sasha.

MJ had not had a one on one encounter with the owners, at least not face to face, moreover in the industry. She knew them personally from her childhood, but like everyone else she left behind, they were in the past. The one time she was in contact with them was when she bought her photos from the launch from the owner, Amandla.

Amandla Namhla Ndabeni had always been ambitious and greedy, she was an opportunist who always looked for ways to cash in. It was no surprise that she made a name for herself in the media industry, her company was impressive.

MJ arrived at the building, and it felt like all eyes were on her as usual. She often wondered if people would stare as much if they knew who she was.

"Hi, I'm here to see Amandla Ndabeni," she said as as soon as she reached the reception.

The woman behind the desk furrowed her eyebrows. "Uhm, Mrs Taunyane is currently busy. Do you have an appointment?" She asked.

MJ could not tell whether she was being sincere or merely had a bad attitude. "No."

"I'm afraid I can't let you in."

Her patience was slowly ticking away. "Tell her that a friend of her sister's is here to see her."

"Who is looking for my sister?" MJ spun around at the familiar voice, coming face to face with Amandla's brother.

A small smile graced her lips. "Shaka."

Shaka looked like he was about to have a mini heart attack, the confusion on his face unfiltered. "If you've come looking for her, then you are wasting your time," he said blankly.

MJ's smile faltered, and the confusion on her face mimicked his. "What do you mean?" She asked.

"This is a family business, and Nox is no longer family." He did not give her a chance to process his words or ask any more questions, he turned around and walked away.

"Miss, Mrs Taunyane will see you now!" The receptionist called. "I'll show you to her office." She walked around her desk and escorted MJ to Amandla's office.

As soon as MJ entered the office, a nostalgic feeling made its presence. She missed her office back in London, in fact, she missed work, having her hands full and not having to worry about anything or anyone else besides her business.

She was so caught up in her own space, she did not even hear when the receptionist left.

"MJ Billings?" Amandla said in wonder, getting up from her seat. She walked around her desk and pulled MJ into a hug. "Oh, my goodness! I can't believe this. Is this really you?"

MJ rolled her eyes, pulling away from her. "Of course, Amandla, it is me," she said.

"WOW! You know, when Dumi said one of Noxolo's friends was here to see me, I was quite puzzled because Nox doesn't have many friends. Please, have a seat."

MJ took a seat in front of the desk. "I ran into Shaka outside."

Amandla cringed as she took her seat. "I'm sure he had nothing nice to say."

MJ shook her head. "On the contrary, he looked angry. He said something about Nox not being part of the family anymore."

"A lot of things happened, and they had a falling out. Tell me, why are you looking for her?"

"It's personal," MJ said bluntly. "Do you know where I can find her?"

Amandla gave her an apologetic look. "I'm afraid I cannot help you with that. Every time we locate her, she moves to a different place. But if you really want to find her, you can ask your boyfriend's brother. What's his name again?" She asked, snapping her fingers in a frenzy. "Cameron. Cameron Parker. He is the only person who knows where Nox is."

MJ shut her eyes momentarily. Of course, he would! Why didn't she think about him sooner?

"Well, then... we will keep in touch, Amandla," MJ said and stood up.

Amandla's eyes sparkled like she had just discovered a well of gold. "Yes, please. Don't be a stranger!" She gushed. "I'll walk you out."

They left the office, and Amandla escorted MJ to the entrance. MJ was about to start the car when her phone beeped.

'I heard you are looking for me. Aaron McEnroe Jr is planning a surprise party for his father, who knows? Maybe we might run into each other there.

Love,

Nox.

PS. We have a lot of catching up to do! I didn't know you and Logan were an item again;)'

MJ stared at her phone and back at the building in confusion, how did Nox know that MJ was looking for her so fast? She read the message again and shook her head in disbelief. Nox bugged her sister's office, and Amandla did not even know it!

A smile adorned her face as she reread that message, it would appear that she did not make a mistake by putting her trust in Aaron Jr, what better way to clear your name before committing the crime than showing the masses how there was no bad blood between you and the deceased?