by La Jill Hunt
“I think I’ve gotta get used to it,” Devyn replied, still shocked at the dramatic change in Chase’s appearance. Even with a half-bald head, the girl was still gorgeous.
“I think your being a coach is such a dope idea. I’m here for it, sis.”
“Really?”
“I mean, why not? You taught me how to walk in heels and pose for pictures. That’s why my selfie angles have always been on point,” Chase laughed.
“True. I don’t know. I want to do it, but I’m still trying to figure it all out. The two girls I’m working with are paying me one-fifty an hour, three hours a week. I ain’t mad at that at all.”
“You probably could’ve gotten more, Dev. Pageants are big business, and people pay big bucks to win,” Chase told her. “And you can do runway training too. You have plenty of experience, and you’re an industry vet. I know once those girls realized who you were, they freaked out.”
“Whoa whoa whoa. They didn’t know who I was. As far as they know, I’m just Miss Devyn. And you know if I do this, I want to remain low-key. That’s not changing. But we’ll see what happens after I try it out. It’s funny because the day this all happened, Uncle Julian said how sometimes we have to pivot in life and change directions.”
“Pivot? It’s perfect. Pivot Runway and Pageant Coaching. I’ll start working on the logo today. I already have an idea. What else do you need me to do to help? I’m excited.” Chase clapped again.
“Calm down, ma’am. I said I was still trying to figure it out. It’s a thought for a side hustle, not a business, Chase.”
“It will be, trust me. It’ll only be as big as you allow, Dev.”
Devyn heard the charm of the alarm as the front door opened and closed. She knew exactly who it was. There was only one person other than Uncle Julian who had the code and key to the house.
“Dev, where you at?” Asha’s voice came down the hallway.
“In the kitchen,” Devyn answered.
“Who is that? Is that Asha? Hey, Ash,” Chase waved.
“Hey, Chase,” Asha waved over Devyn’s shoulder at the phone. “What kinda trouble are you just getting out of? I saw your fruity guy date story. You are hilarious.”
“I just told Dev about it,” Chase said.
“Another frog bites the dust,” Devyn teased.
“Someday, my prince will come. Well, at least, I hope so,” Chase added. “And yours too, Dev. Asha ain’t gonna be the only one around there with a boo. All three of us will be cuffed up.”
“I just told her the other night she needed some penis in her life. I’m working on something, though. Don’t worry, I got her,” Asha winked.
“Oh, really? She didn’t tell me about the potential penis. She only told me about the pageant coaching stuff, which I think is perfect for her.” Chase gave a thumbs-up. “I’m for the penis plans too, though. Good job, Ash.”
“Goodbye, Chastity,” Devyn said. “I love you.”
“Love you too, Dev, and you, Ash.” Chase blew kisses before hanging up.
“She is so funny,” Asha said.
“She is. What the heck were you talking about? What are you working on?” Devyn leaned against the kitchen island and folded her arms.
“I’ll let you know soon, but I promise, you’ll like it,” Asha winked.
“I thought you had a hair appointment?” Devyn said, noticing Asha’s locs that, although neat, didn’t look freshly twisted.
“I was late and had to reschedule. I overslept again this morning while at Sully’s. That man’s bed has magical powers, Devyn, I swear. I be knocked out.” Asha reached for one of the mugs hanging on the rack.
“It ain’t his bed, and you know it. Every time you spend the night, he gives you a good ol’ dose of Dickquil.” Devyn’s joke caused both of them to burst into laughter.
“I can’t stand you. Where are your special brew bags? I know you got some,” Asha asked.
Devyn reached into the cabinet and passed her the jar of tea bags that she’d filled with a custom blend. Asha put one into the mug and filled it with hot water from the kettle on the stove.
“I needed this,” Asha said, taking a sip. “I was so groggy when I woke up. You’re joking, but I get the best sleep at his house. Don’t get me wrong. The sex was decent too . . . once we were finally able to have it.”
“His rising to the occasion still on delay, huh?”
“Yeah. But I got another gift last night.”
“What was it? A Birkin bag? Gucci watch?” Devyn asked playfully, knowing that the only person Sully would spend that type of money on was his daughter.
“This.” Asha held up a small, shiny object.
“Is that a key? To the crib?” Devyn’s mouth gaped open. “Oh, damn. I knew y’all were getting serious, but not like that.”
“It’s not like that. I don’t want this.”
“Does this mean you have to give him a key to your house?” Devyn asked.
“I’m not giving him a key to my house. That’s not happening.” Asha shook her head. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, Dev. Hanging out with Sully is nice. He’s nice. But that’s all I want and need in my life: nice.”
“I get that, but I think giving you a key means he wants something serious, Asha. And honestly, I know what you said, but you deserve more than something that’s just ‘nice.’”
“Whatever. I like nice.” Asha exhaled and tossed up her hands. “Anyway, did you talk to Dionne and Journi? What did you all come up with?”
“We agreed to a price, and we’re supposed to start this week. That’s about it. But, Asha, I don’t even have a place to coach them. Maybe this isn’t something that can happen right now.” Devyn felt the fear slowly returning that she’d released earlier while she was on the deck.
“It’s happening. I told you I got you, Dev. This isn’t something you gotta do alone. I have a connection over at the main library. I can call and reserve the auditorium or one of the performance rooms for you to use until we find something a little more permanent. Problem solved, see?” Asha smiled and sipped her tea. “This is the bomb.”
Devyn looked at her friend in amazement. Sometimes, it was like being best buddies with Superman because she always came in and saved the day, no matter what.
Chapter 8
Asha
When Asha was motivated, she was unstoppable. She’d spent most of her weekend researching the pageant industry, and what she discovered was shocking. It was a billion-dollar industry. She knew it was profitable but had no idea the amount of money it generated. Entry fees alone could cost a contestant anywhere from $500 on up. Some of the larger-scale pageants cost in the thousands to enter. In addition to the profitability, she also discovered something else: a lack of diversity.
“They don’t want to coach us because they don’t want us to win,” Journi said. “They’ll take our money and let us compete, but they ain’t tryin’a help us get the crown. Not for real.”
“They’re scared. Last year, Black women won Miss Teen USA, Miss America, Miss USA, and Miss Universe. Now, they’re trying to do whatever they can to stop us,” Dionne added.
“Makes sense,” Asha said. “Nothing like good ol’ systemic racism. It’s everywhere else, so why wouldn’t it be in the pageant industry?”
The four of them sat down on Sunday afternoon at Starbucks to have coffee and chat. One of the things Devyn wanted was everyone to be on the same page when it came to their expectations, and Asha agreed.
“Well, at least, now, we have a coach.” Dionne’s words sounded more like a question than a statement. “I mean, we do, right?”
Three sets of eyes looked at Devyn, including Asha’s, who already knew the answer.
“Yes,” Devyn nodded. “Actually, you have two coaches. Miss Asha and me. She’ll be part of the process as well.”
Hearing Devyn include her in the plans had come as a surprise, but a welcomed one. Asha had committed to supporting her friend in whatever way she needed, and s
he meant it. Besides, it was an opportunity for her to be a part of something she knew would be big. Probably bigger than what either one of them expected.
“She’s right. We’re a team.” Asha nodded to show her support.
“Miss Asha is an expert when it comes to public speaking, media training, professional etiquette, and things of that nature. She’s a PR beast and event planner by trade,” Devyn bragged.
“That’s what’s up, Miss Asha.” Dionne smiled.
“So, when do we start?” Journi asked. “Because I’m ready.”
“Me too,” Dionne nodded.
Devyn set a schedule for the week. After the girls left, Asha and Devyn remained at the coffeehouse for another two hours, developing a layout and weekly sessions plan. Devyn tried to downplay her excitement, but Asha knew her relaxed demeanor was a way of protecting herself in case things didn’t work out. Devyn’s biggest fear was enduring another fall from grace like the one she’d previously suffered. Asha was determined not to allow that to happen. She was going to make sure this venture was just as successful as Devyn’s former career—if not more.
* * *
“Don’t tell me, you’re working late again,” Sully said when he called to tell her he’d arrived at her house to take her to the movies on Friday night and discovered she wasn’t home.
Asha looked at her watch and was surprised to see that it was seven thirty. She’d been sitting in the corner of the Panera Bread for nearly three hours without even realizing it. She intended to stop on the way home to grab her favorite green tea and a pastry and check out the logo samples that Chase sent over. Before she knew it, however, she’d whipped her iPad mini and portable keyboard out of her bag and began working.
“Oh, damn, honey. I didn’t even realize it was that late. I’m sorry,” Asha apologized. “Chase sent over some ideas. I tweaked them and then started working on the website. I guess time got away from me. I’ll pack up and be right there.”
“No, don’t rush on my account. By the time you make it home, it’ll be too late to get to the movies.”
Sully’s disappointed voice made Asha feel even worse than she already did. It was bad enough that she hadn’t seen him since leaving his home the Saturday before, nor had they really spoken at length. After working her regular job and then assisting Devyn with coaching the girls, her time was limited. The week had flown by. Not wanting Sully to feel neglected, she accepted his invitation to the movies.
“Maybe we can catch a later showing,” she suggested.
“I already got the tickets. It’s fine. I’ll go ahead without you.”
“Sully, I feel horrible. I got so caught up in—”
“I know. I get it. But we were supposed to go to the movies since you’re working all weekend. Besides, I thought you said Devyn wanted this coaching thing to be low-key. Now, you’re talking about logos and websites. I guess she changed her mind,” Sully commented.
“No, that’s what she said, and she hasn’t changed her mind yet. When she realizes this is something she loves and has potential for success, she’ll change her mind. And when she does, everything will already be set up,” Asha explained. “I’m just being proactive rather than reactive.”
“I think you’re doing a little too much, too fast, for something that might not even work,” Sully told her.
Says the person who still pays the cell phone bill for his grown-ass daughter who won’t work, Asha thought as she rolled her eyes.
“No, I’m not doing too much of anything. I’m supporting my best friend and her talent. To see ourselves as others see us, what a gift it would be. Isn’t that how the poem goes?” Asha asked him, trying not to sound annoyed by his comment.
“Well, I’d love to see myself with you after I leave the movie. Do you think that’s possible?” he asked.
“That is a possibility. I will definitely be home by the time the movie ends. I promise.”
“Or how about you can just go to my place and be waiting for me?” he responded. “I mean, after all, you do have a key.”
Asha was grateful that he couldn’t see her face. After careful consideration and much deliberation over the past few days with Devyn, and even on the phone with Chase, Asha decided to keep the key to be polite and not cause any confusion. She reasoned that Sully giving her a key didn’t mean she had to use it. It was a nice gesture, but she didn’t even want to be in his house without him being there.
“You know I’m not spending the night, right? I have to be at the event venue for the conference super early. But you’re more than welcome to come to my house for a little while. We haven’t seen each other all week, and I’d love to get a hug.” Asha hoped the last part would encourage him to agree to her counteroffer.
“Just a hug?” Sully asked. “I don’t get to spend any quality time with my baby this weekend, and all I get is a hug?”
“And a kiss,” Asha told him.
“I mean, I guess I can swing by for a moment. I’ll text you when I’m on my way,” he said.
“Have fun, and I’ll see you later,” Asha told him, relieved because now she had some additional time to work on the site she was building.
“Pivot? Looks interesting. What is it?”
Asha turned around to see Ben Maxwell smiling as he looked over her shoulder at her iPad. His presence so caught her off guard that she didn’t respond immediately but finally managed to simply utter, “Uh, oh . . .”
“I didn’t mean to startle you. I just wanted to say hello.” His dimpled grin was the perfect setting for his perfect teeth, and Asha tried not to stare too long, but it was a struggle. He had on another polo shirt with his company logo, but instead of khakis, he wore jeans that looked as if they were designed just for him, along with a pair of black Nikes.
She finally forced her eyes off his exquisite physique long enough to notice the tray of food in his hands and pointed to the empty seat across from her. “Well, hello, there, Mr. Maxwell. Please feel free to join me.”
After placing the tray on the table, he sat down. “Are you sure you’re not too busy? I don’t want to interrupt you if you’re working, especially on my event.”
Asha smiled. “Nah, this isn’t your event, although I have been putting some ideas together for our meeting next week. I think you’ll be pleased.”
“Better than ‘Buses for Boobs’?” he asked.
“Definitely better than that,” she laughed.
“I don’t know. That’s gonna be hard to top,” he said, picking up one of the chips on his plate and popping it into his mouth. He looked at her empty plastic cup and the plate of crumbs left from her cinnamon roll that she’d already devoured, then asked, “Did you eat already? You want me to get you something?”
“No, I’m fine. I’ve been here for a little while, actually,” she told him.
“Come on. You can’t let me sit here and eat by myself. I’d feel rude,” he said.
“You’re not being rude. Please, eat,” Asha said. “But I will get a refill on my tea.”
She walked over to the beverage station and filled her cup with ice, then tea. When she returned to the table, he’d placed a few chips and half of his sandwich on her plate.
“It’s Bacon Turkey Bravo,” he told her.
“You don’t have to share your food with me, Ben. I told you I’m fine,” Asha laughed.
“But I’m not. And since you won’t let me buy you your own, you’ll have to share mine.”
As they began eating and after making small talk, they became fully engrossed in their conversation. He was just as engaging and entertaining as he’d been the first time they’d spoken in her office, and he was just as fine. He told her how he’d started his business with one limo that he purchased from an auction. He worked as the driver until he saved enough to hire an employee and buy a second vehicle. Within five years, in addition to five limousines, his fleet included party buses, town cars, and charter buses. He was a self-made man. Asha was impressed even more.
“So, you pretty much created an empire because you wanted to surprise your mom for her birthday? Unbelievable.” Asha sat back in her seat.
“Yeah, she used to tell me the only time she ever got to ride in a fancy car was for her mother’s funeral. She never got to ride in a limo for something good, like her birthday. So, when I saw the car at the auction, that’s all I thought about. I wanted to make that dream come true for her. And I ended up making way more than that,” he nodded.
“Incredible. I’m sure she gets all the limo rides she wants now, huh?” Asha asked.
“She would if she were still here. She died two years ago . . . breast cancer.” Ben looked down at the table.
“That’s the reason the fund-raiser is so important to you,” Asha said softly.
Ben nodded. “It is.”
“Don’t worry. I will make sure it’s as special as I know she was to you. I promise,” she told him.
“I’m going to hold you to that because my mama was something else,” he said with a half smile. “But I know you’re going to make something amazing happen. That’s why I hired you. You came highly recommended.”
Asha wasn’t sure whether he meant her personally or the company she worked for, but either way, she knew the event she planned for Maximum Transportation was going to be one of the best she’d ever handled.
“Wow, no pressure, huh?” she smiled.
“What’s up, Ben?” An attractive young woman walked over and spoke, then politely turned and smiled at Asha. “Hi, how are you?”
“Hey, Nadia, what’s up?” Ben nodded at her. “Asha, this is my friend, Nadia. Nadia, this is Asha. She’s the event planner for the fund-raiser we’re sponsoring in honor of Mama.”
“Nice to meet you, Asha,” Nadia smiled.
“Same here.”
“Event planner? I’m glad to hear that. I was afraid he was gonna try to plan it himself, and it would end up being something like Boobs, Beer, and Barbecue or some mess,” Nadia laughed.