by La Jill Hunt
“Damn, I shoulda thought of that. That sounds like fun.” Ben snapped his fingers.
“Well, I’ve gotta go. You know we’re working around the clock getting everything ready for the Culture sneak peek next weekend. You’re coming, right?” Nadia asked Ben. “This is gonna be big.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he told her.
Nadia looked over at Asha and said, “You should come too and bring a friend. Give her the details, Ben.”
“Will do, Nadia,” Ben said.
“Then I’ll see you both next Saturday.” Nadia waved as she left.
Asha had no idea what she’d been invited to, and she didn’t care. She was going. The window of opportunity she’d been waiting on was open, and she was ready to take it.
“So, what is this that’s happening on Saturday night?” she asked.
“It’s a sneak peek for a new business venture a friend of mine is opening. I could try to explain it, but really, it’s something you should see for yourself. Nadia is right. It’s gonna be big, and Saturday night is gonna be fun: music, drinks, food. As a matter of fact, there’s gonna be a cooking demo. You down?”
“That does sound like fun. I’m definitely down. And it sounds like something my best friend Devyn would enjoy too.” Asha clapped. “She’s amazing: smart, beautiful, talented, and she likes to cook. And guess what?”
“What?”
“She’s single. I mean, unless you aren’t . . .” Asha said in a way to make sure he understood what she was saying.
Ben gave her a strange look, then said, “Aren’t what? Straight? No, I am definitely hetero.”
“I was gonna say single.” Asha blinked. She’d been so focused on his looks, personality, career, and marital status that she’d never considered questioning his sexual preference.
“Oh, I’m definitely single too,” Ben told her.
“Good. I mean, not that it wouldn’t be good if you weren’t because I don’t judge. But I’m just saying it’s good that you’re solo, and she’s unattached. You’re both free at the moment.” Asha found herself babbling for some reason.
“It’s cool. Invite her to come along. The more, the merrier. If she’s everything you say she is, I, uh, look forward to meeting her. What’s her IG? I can go ahead and follow her.”
Asha paused. “Uh, she kinda doesn’t do social media, so no IG, FB, Twitter . . . none of that. She’s really private.”
“None at all?” He frowned.
“No, it’s a long story. But I can show you a pic. I’m not kidding. She’s gorgeous. As a matter of fact, you asked me about Pivot, the website I was working on when you walked up. That’s the business that she’s starting. She’s a pageant coach.” Asha took out her phone and pulled up a photo that she’d taken with Devyn. Photos were a rarity for her friend now, but after sharing two bottles of wine one girls’ night, they were both tipsy, and she’d convinced Devyn to smile while she took a quick selfie before she could object. It was a cute picture even though Devyn’s half-closed, inebriated eyes made her look sexy. Asha looked drunk. She immediately wished she’d had a better one to show him, but it was the most recent one she had of her friend. This isn’t about you, Asha. It’s about Devyn. He’s looking at her in the pic, not you.
“Damn, she is beautiful,” Ben said, taking the phone from Asha.
“I told you.” Asha nodded excitedly.
“Give her my number. Maybe we can hang out sooner than next weekend if she’s not busy coaching beauty queens.” Ben returned her phone.
“I think maybe it would be easier if you just ‘happen’ to meet her at the event.”
“Uh-oh, I got a feeling Devyn doesn’t know you’re trying to play matchmaker.” Ben shook his head.
“I plead the Fifth. It’ll be our little secret,” Asha smirked. Suddenly, her phone rang. Sully’s name and number appeared on the screen, and she was shocked to see that it was almost ten o’clock. “Oh, snap, I didn’t realize it was this late.”
“Late? It’s not even close to midnight, Cinderella. But I didn’t realize we’ve been here this long, either.” Ben began picking up their trash and putting it on the tray.
Asha stood and packed up her belongings. “It has been quite enjoyable, but I’ve definitely gotta go. I’ll see you next week at our meeting.”
“I’ll bring the tickets for Saturday when I come,” Ben told her. “You sure you don’t want me to walk you out?”
“No, I’m good. I appreciate the offer, though.”
Asha thanked him again before hurrying out the door and into her truck. She instructed Siri to call Sully as soon as she turned on the ignition and prayed that he wouldn’t be too pissed at her. Not being home one time was bad enough, but twice in one night was downright disrespectful. She knew that Sully was probably pissed and deservedly so.
“I’m on my way right now, Sully.” She told him as soon as he answered the phone. “You’re not gonna believe this. I’m still at Panera. I ended up—”
“Don’t worry about it, Asha,” Sully interrupted her. “I’m already halfway home now. Finish working on your Devyn stuff. I’ll talk to you later.”
Before Asha could say anything else, he hung up. She considered just going over to his house to apologize and tell him what happened in person but didn’t want to risk being talked into spending the night. She had to be at the Marriott at the crack of dawn to make sure things were in place for the Regional Realtor Conference she was handling. After getting home, she tried to reach Sully again, but he didn’t answer. Knowing that he preferred talking instead of texting, Asha left a voicemail and hoped he would understand.
“Sully, I’m so sorry. Tonight was a total bust, twice. My fault. It’s been a pretty busy week, and I’ve done a crappy job of balancing my time. I appreciate you making an effort. I’m gonna do better. Hopefully, we can chat some time tomorrow or at least before the weekend is over. Good night.”
Although she felt bad for missing the time with Sully, Asha was still excited about the fact that she’d run into Ben. He was just the kind of guy Devyn needed in her life. They seemed perfect for each other. Getting them in the same place at the same time so they could meet was one thing. Convincing Devyn to give Ben a chance was going to be another. She just hoped Devyn wasn’t lying when she said she was open to dating again because as far as Asha could tell, Ben Maxwell was more than “potential penis”—way more.
Chapter 9
Devyn
Devyn stood in the middle of her closet and stared at the racks of clothes. For the past hour, she’d been trying to come up with an outfit that was not only slimming but also stylish, by her standards—getting dressed to go out used to be simple. Her favorite “go-to” ensemble was always form-fitting jeans, a crop top, a colorful blazer, or a kimono of some sort, and whatever pair of heels that struck her fancy. Now, her form didn’t look right in any of it. Everything made her look bigger than she already was. It was useless. Just as she decided to call Asha and cancel, her phone rang.
“Stop standing in the closet and get dressed.”
“I’m not standing in the closet,” Devyn lied and wondered if her friend had some kind of sixth sense that alerted her sometimes.
“Whatever, Devyn. I know you better than you know yourself. Grab something cute and stop overthinking this. You just told the girls that fashion is not about what you wear, but how you wear it. Take your own advice, Dev. It’s not that serious,” Asha told her. “And before you even think about trying to back out—don’t. You’re coming.”
“I don’t understand why I have to go. Don’t you think you and Sully should be going to this alone? I’m not trying to be a third wheel,” Devyn pointed out.
“I already explained, the tickets were given to you and me originally, but I decided to invite Sully to come along to make up for last weekend.”
“Does he even know I’m coming?” Devyn asked, moving from the section of clothes that she knew were her former size to the ones that were her curr
ent.
“Of course. Ben, I mean, Mr. Maxwell, knows you’re coming,” Asha said. “I told him about Pivot, and that’s when he invited us.”
“Not him. I’m talking about Sully. You know he doesn’t like me,” Devyn sighed.
“Stop saying that. Yes, he knows you’re coming, and he’s excited.”
“Now, who’s lying?” Devyn laughed at the thought of Sully being thrilled about her tagging along with them. He could hardly stand the fact that Asha talked to her on the phone when she was at his house. That man was clingy. She couldn’t understand how Asha didn’t see it.
“Whatever, Devyn. Just be ready by six o’clock. Ben is sending a car, so we’ll pick you up on the way.”
“A car service? Why can’t I just drive? This is too much. I have nothing to wear, for real. Oh God,” Devyn groaned.
“Don’t go bothering God with this nonsense. He has more important things to worry about than you whining about jeans that used to fit you like a glove,” Asha snapped. “It’s a cooking demo, not the damn prom. Just look cute, and I’ll see you by six.”
“Fine,” Devyn exhaled.
“And Devyn? Tonight is going to be fun,” Asha said. “Now, I need you to promise me something.”
“What?”
“No black,” Asha said and hung up.
Devyn looked at the black dress she’d just taken out, then reluctantly put it back. Asha’s call did make her feel a little better. It also made her see that maybe she was ridiculous and a bit selfish. She’d been so caught up in her own vanity that she didn’t even appreciate the fact that Asha had included her in an event that her client invited her to attend. Devyn wanted to show Asha that she was just as supportive as her best friend had always been.
Devyn was satisfied with the look she pulled together two hours later, which consisted of plaid, printed crop pants, a gorgeous bell-sleeved blouse, and Valentino ankle booties that she’d had for years but never worn. Her makeup was natural with a dramatic red lip, and she added extra length to her hair so that her sleek, side ponytail hung down to her waist. She put items into a black clutch that was the final touch of her outfit when Asha walked into her bedroom looking equally as chic in black jeans, a leopard print top, and black Giuseppe Zanotti stilettos.
“Oh shit, Devyn, you look amazing.” Asha’s mouth dropped. “Your hair, your makeup, those shoes . . . everything.”
“Wow. I must look hella bad on the regular these days.” Devyn smiled and turned around to give Asha a full view. “You look cute too. I’m stealing those shoes when you take them off.”
“We can switch,” Asha nodded. “I can’t believe how good you look, Dev. I mean, you always look beautiful, even in all of that damn black that you wear, but it’s good to see . . .”
“The old me?” Devyn asked, picking up a pair of black-framed glasses off the coffee table and slipping them on.
“I don’t know what that even means, because you’ve always been you,” Asha replied. “Now, come on, so we’re not late.”
“I’m ready. And I figured you were right. I can’t encourage and advise the girls on fashion and appearance if I’m looking like a trash bag. As a matter of fact, take this.” Devyn passed Asha her cell phone and posed.
“You want me to take a pic? Stop playing.” Asha grabbed the phone and began snapping. “Wait, we need a selfie.”
“I thought you said we were gonna be late? Isn’t Sully waiting?” Devyn laughed as she leaned into the frame with Asha and smiled.
“He can enjoy sipping champagne in the back of that stretch Escalade a little while longer. He’ll be all right.”
Devyn’s head snapped around. “A what? Why?”
“It’s the car Mr. Maxwell sent for us. I told you he owns a transportation company,” Asha said as they walked out the door. The driver of the limo greeted them as he opened the door, and they climbed inside. As Asha stated, Sully was sitting in the rear, sipping champagne and listening to Anita Baker.
“I was wondering if y’all were ever gonna come out,” he said.
“Oh, stop acting like you haven’t been in here enjoying the wait.” Asha took her seat beside him while Devyn sat on the opposite side.
“Hey, Devyn, you look nice,” Sully said. His compliment took Devyn by surprise.
“Hey, Sully, you look spiffy yourself.” Devyn used a word she felt a man of his generation would appreciate, referring to his dress pants and sweater vest. Although she and Chase gave Asha a hard time about her “seasoned” beau, there was no denying that he was handsome in a Blair Underwood kind of way. Devyn could imagine that he was probably quite a catch in his prime. Someone who would wine and dine women and take them to see Anita Baker in concert.
“Where is this event being held?” Devyn asked as the limo pulled away from the house.
“Over near Dockside at a place called Culture,” Asha said as she poured them both a glass of champagne.
“East or West?” Devyn’s eyes widened. There was a huge difference between the two locations. Both areas were predominantly Black communities, but Dockside East was considered middle class, and Dockside West was not a place where one would want to be caught after dark, especially in a stretch Escalade.
“East, I think.” Asha shrugged.
“Hell, I hope so.” Sully sat up and looked out the window.
“Why Calvin Sullivan, let me find out you’re afraid of the hood,” Asha teased. “Isn’t that your old stomping ground?”
“First of all, I ain’t scared, and, yeah, I lived near the West for a little while. I’m also no fool. I prefer to be safe, not sorry, in the East,” Sully told them as he straightened his watch.
Devyn had to agree with him. She was relieved when they took the exit that led them toward the East Side. They continued on the main street past the Target, Whole Foods, and other brightly lit, high-end commercial businesses near the neighborhood filled with large brick homes and newer schools. Instead of stopping, they kept driving, closer and closer to the side of the city they were hoping to avoid.
“I think we’re going to the West,” Devyn said, just before the limo turned into a fairly crowded parking lot. There was a colorful sign out front that read “Culture.”
“No, this is still the East,” Asha said.
The driver pulled the limo to the front and opened the door. Devyn looked at the familiar building. “Wait, isn’t this the old bank building?”
“It is.” Sully nodded as he took Asha’s hand. “It looks like someone bought it and remodeled it. Did a damn good job too, looks like.”
They joined the crowd of about forty or so other guests that had already arrived. Everyone had the same reaction and were surprised to see that the building had been repurposed into a unique space that looked like a cross between an art museum and a minimall. Gorgeous paintings and artwork lined the walls that separated the doors of large, open spaces. Obviously, the new owner had put a lot of time and creativity into the end result. Servers were wearing black T-shirts with the same Culture logo as the entrance sign offered wine and signature beverages while people explored the venue. A live band played a mixture of jazz and R&B as people posed for pictures in front of a backdrop. The atmosphere was casual, yet classy.
“This is dope,” Devyn commented as she admired the marble floors and bright lighting.
“It definitely is,” Asha agreed.
“I need to find a restroom. The champagne we had on the way over has made its way through me,” Sully announced. “I’ll be back.”
As soon as he walked off, Asha turned to Devyn and gave her a warning look. “Don’t even joke about it.”
“I wasn’t going to say anything,” Devyn smiled innocently, deciding not to comment about weak bladders being a sign of old age.
“I don’t see Ben anywhere. Let me text him and let him know that we’re here.”
While Asha set off to find her client, Devyn maneuvered through the crowd to explore a little more. She ventured down to the back
of the building and ended up in what had to be the pièce de résistance of the establishment: a windowed room that contained a beautiful state-of-the-art culinary studio. Inside was filled with large tabletops that could hold about twenty people and enough space for more tables, if needed. The kitchen itself was loaded with commercial equipment: a convection oven, two compartment sinks, prep tables, and small glassware galore. An archway led to a virtually stunning dining room that was connected next door. The large entryway into the space held display tables of perfectly mounted aprons for those who would be participating in the cooking class.
She was so caught up in staring at the high vaulted ceilings and hand painted windows that she inadvertently bumped into what initially felt like a brick wall. She was knocked backward, and the hard fall was stopped midair by a pair of strong hands.
“Oh, damn.” She gasped and instinctively grabbed the arms that reached for her. “I didn’t even see you.”
“Somehow, I find that hard to believe.”
Devyn glanced up at the man that could only be described as “brawny.” He was tall, chocolate, and his voice was just as seductive as his familiar smile. Everything about him was captivating. He was at least six foot seven from Devyn’s estimation and had to weigh 300 pounds, easily, but he wasn’t fat. He was muscular and solid. Big and sexy. As she stared at him, Devyn became painfully aware that she wasn’t the only one. From her peripheral vision, she could see several other women looking in their direction, and for a good reason. This man was straight eye candy. Devyn didn’t realize she was still in his arms until she felt his hand move slightly.
“I’m serious. I didn’t.” She smiled back at him. “I was too busy admiring this place.”
“Yeah, it’s pretty impressive, huh?” He nodded, looking around. “You sure you’re okay?”
“I am,” she nodded.
“Good.” He steadied her before relaxing his hand.
“We need you in the back,” one of the servers walked over and said.
“A’ight, gimme a sec,” the guy told him, then returned his attention to Devyn. “Duty calls, but maybe we can chat a bit more later?” He raised an eyebrow and shrugged slightly.