Large and in Charge

by La Jill Hunt

  “Yes, Sully, I’m sure.”

  “It’s just that I don’t have any pajamas or anything to sleep in or even a toothbrush. You have all the essentials at my place that I don’t have at yours,” he pointed out.

  “I didn’t think about that. But you can always—” Asha’s sentence was cut off by a pair of headlights pulling into the driveway.

  “Who’s that?” Sully frowned.

  Asha turned around to get a better look at the car that was now parked behind hers. The driver opened the door, and Asha smiled at the long legs that stepped out. “Devyn. Who else would it be?”

  * * *

  Knock, knock, knock.

  “Ash, you asleep?” Devyn asked softly.

  Unfortunately not, Asha thought as her eyes fluttered open. Between Sully’s calls and texts every thirty minutes to check on her, and Devyn’s frequent check-ins throughout the night, sleep was damn near impossible. They both meant well, though. She really couldn’t be upset.

  “Nope,” Asha said as she sat up.

  “Asha, your eye!” Devyn gasped.

  Asha picked up a small mirror from her nightstand and stared at her reflection. The corner of her eye that was usually white was bright red. “Oh, yeah, it’s a hemorrhage from when I was coughing so hard. The doctor said it should go away in a week or two.”

  “Does it hurt?”

  “No, it looks worse than it is. I don’t feel it at all.”

  “Oh, well, I brought you some tea.” Devyn handed her one of the two mugs she was holding.

  “Thanks, Dev.” The potent herbal scent filled her nostrils. Whatever was in the cup wasn’t the standard Earl Grey that she kept in the cabinet. It had to be one of Devyn’s blends. “Hold up, what’s in this?”

  “Green tea, lemon verbena, ashwagandha, and, uh, honey with a little cinnamon,” Devyn told her. “Taste it; it’s good.”

  Asha took a sip, and it tasted like magic. Within seconds, she was alert, and the sluggish feeling was gone. She glanced at Devyn, who waited for her reaction. “It is good, perfect. But how did you make it?”

  “I brought the blend with me last night. Grabbed it from the cabinet as I was leaving the house. I figured you would need something strong.” Devyn sat on the foot of the bed, drinking from her mug.

  Asha took another taste. “There better not be anything ‘extra special’ in here, Dev.”

  Devyn laughed. “God, Asha, there’s not. The only person I give the ‘extra special’ blend to is Chase, by request. Now, if you would like me to make you some of that, I can.”

  “Definitely not.” Asha shook her head.

  “Don’t act like that. I remember a time when you used to get down with the ‘special’ herbs quite frequently,” Devyn teased.

  “Heffa, I wasn’t the only one. We both indulged in herbal enjoyment. I wasn’t smoking by myself,” Asha reminded her.

  “Chase is such a negative influence on us,” Devyn laughed.

  “Yes, she is. But I have to admit that she wasted no time getting to the hospital when Sully called and told her what happened. He tried calling you first, but . . .” Asha took another sip of tea.

  “I didn’t recognize his number.” Devyn sighed. “He didn’t leave a message or a text. I just saw the missed call from an unknown number. I don’t have Sully’s number saved in my phone. Why would I?”

  “Chase said you weren’t home when he called,” Asha told her. “You weren’t home when I came by to talk to you earlier, either. We didn’t know where you were.”

  “Oh.” Devyn shrugged.

  Asha waited for her to give some kind of explanation. When she didn’t offer one, she asked, “So, where were you?”

  “I had an appointment.”

  “With your life coach?”

  “Uh-huh.” Devyn nodded and took another sip.

  “Until after nine o’clock?” Asha continued questioning.

  “Oh no, I went and got something to eat too,” Devyn told her.

  “By yourself?”

  Devyn turned around and looked at Asha. “What did you come by to talk to me about?”

  Asha had almost forgotten about the reason she’d stopped by Devyn’s house in the first place. She paused for a moment, then said, “Oh, because Ben asked about you. He said he’d been trying to reach you but couldn’t.”

  “Ben?” Devyn looked confused for a second. “Oh, Ben.”

  “Yeah. Tall, handsome, sexy, single Ben,” Asha reminded her.

  “He has? Oh, I probably don’t have his number saved in my phone either. Dang.” Devyn nodded.

  It was a horrible excuse, but considering the fact that one of Devyn’s bad habits was not saving phone numbers, it was valid. Asha was glad to hear the reason, which was better than Chase’s suggestion that Devyn wasn’t interested in him. There was hope for a romantic future, after all.

  “Devyn! Oh my God, what’s wrong with you? How many times do I have to tell you to save people’s contact information? I’m really gonna need for you to please add Ben to your contacts ASAP, please.” Asha chastised her.

  “Okay,” Devyn said.

  “And Sully’s,” Asha added.

  Devyn turned her nose up. “Now, that’s a stretch.”

  “Only in case something happens like last night. What’s the point of having your ass as ‘ICE’ on my phone if you don’t even answer unknown numbers? You are supposed to be the first person people call IN CASE of EMERGENCY,” Asha sighed. “It’s imperative because, God forbid, I have to give that role to Chastity. I really don’t wanna have to do that, Devyn.”

  Devyn laughed. “Lesson learned. I’ll save Sully too. Damn.”

  The doorbell and Devyn’s phone began ringing at the same time. Asha checked the security app on her phone and saw that Sully was standing at the front entrance.

  Devyn looked down at her watch and said, “It’s Journi.”

  “I’m surprised you have her number saved. I’ll get the door. You get your phone.” Asha stood. She grabbed her robe, hanging on the back of her bedroom door, and slipped her feet into her slides.

  “Good morning. How did you sleep?” Sully asked when she let him in.

  “Okay,” she answered as he leaned in to kiss her.

  “That’s good. I brought you breakfast.” He held up a Panera bag. “And I figured I’d make some coffee.”

  “Thanks, Sully. Actually, Dev made me some amazing tea, but I am hungry.” Asha took the bag from him. He followed her into the kitchen. Inside the bag were her favorite bagels and flavored cream cheese. She found a large platter in the cabinet and arranged them while Sully sat at the table. “Would you like some tea? It’s delicious; one of Devyn’s special blends.”

  “No, I’m good.” Sully shook his head. “I’m surprised she stayed the night. Especially after not showing up at the hospital when I called. I wasn’t gonna say anything, but that really bothered me, Asha.”

  Asha turned around and frowned. “It’s no big deal. She didn’t recognize your number. Don’t worry. I already told her she needs to save it on her phone. There may come a time where I’m with her, and something happens, and she needs to know how to reach you as well.”

  “Well, that’s good, I guess. I’m just saying, I would’ve expected—” Sully stopped midsentence, his attention now on the doorway of the kitchen.

  “Hey, Sully,” Devyn greeted him.

  “Oh, hey, Devyn. Good morning. Uh, thank you for taking care of my baby last night. I told her I woulda stayed, but she said she was in good hands with you,” he smiled nervously.

  Asha wasn’t sure if Devyn overheard their conversation. If Devyn did hear Sully, she didn’t show it as she strolled into the kitchen nonchalantly and rinsed her mug in the sink.

  “Of course. No thanks needed. I didn’t do anything that she wouldn’t do for me,” Devyn said.

  “Are you leaving, Dev?” Asha noticed Devyn changed from pajamas a few minutes earlier to jeans and a T-shirt.

  “Yeah,
Journi is going to look for her pageant dress today and asked if I would come along.” Devyn shrugged.

  “Oh, okay, that should be fun,” Asha told her, excited at the thought of a little purposeful shopping and girl time. It had been a minute since she’d hit the mall.

  “Yeah, and Chase is gonna come too and see if she can get a couple of shots for the website. It shouldn’t take too long, though. I’ll come back later and check on you,” Devyn said.

  “Girl, you don’t have to do that. I’m fine.” The spark of joy Asha felt earlier fizzled.

  “And I’ll be right here with her all day,” Sully beamed. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Well, if you need anything, just call me.” Devyn gave her a quick hug.

  “She won’t,” Sully said matter-of-factly.

  “Have fun and send pics.” Asha waved as Devyn walked past.

  The sound of the front door closing signaled that she was gone. Sully didn’t waste any time resuming his dissatisfaction with Asha’s best friend.

  “Okay, now, she’s dead-ass wrong, and you know it,” he jumped up and said.

  “What are you talking about?” Asha picked up one of the Cinnamon Crunch bagels and opened it.

  “The way she just up and left. It’s like she couldn’t wait to get outta here. What kinda shit is that? First, she doesn’t show up at the hospital. Now, she just abandons you this morning.” He leaned against the counter and folded his arms, waiting for Asha’s response.

  “You’re reaching, Sully. She was here all night, and she left because she had something important to do, for a business that I’m a part of, remember? She has to meet with our client.” Asha spread the cream cheese on her bagel.

  “You’re her best friend—the hell with the business and that client. None of that is more important than making sure you’re good. You almost died last night and look at your eye. You busted a blood vessel, that’s how serious it was. I know she’s your girl, but if you ask me, her priorities are messed up, Asha.” Sully put his hands on her shoulders and stared into her eyes. “When life comes hard at Devyn, you’re right there for whatever she needs. Last night and today, she should be here for you. Where is she?”

  Asha tried to think of an appropriate answer for him but couldn’t. Instead, she looked away and took a bite, hoping the effort it took to chew the thick, sweet dough would be enough of a distraction from the fact that maybe he was right.

  Chapter 21

  Devyn

  “You’re such a liar.”

  Devyn smiled at Chase and nodded emphatically. “I’m not lying. It’s the truth.”

  “I don’t believe you. First of all, this tastes like something from a restaurant—a good one at that. Plus, I’ve been here for a damn week and a half, and the only thing that stove in there has been used for is heating a tea kettle. Now, where did you get it, Devyn?” Chase gave her a side-eyed look.

  “I’m not saying where I cooked it, but I honest to God did.” Devyn shrugged and turned back around to the computer screen. They’d spent most of Sunday afternoon going through and editing the pictures Chase had taken the day before during their dress-hunting adventure. Although they hadn’t found a dress suitable for Journi’s pageant debut, they’d had a lot of fun. Chase not only took plenty of great shots of Devyn and Journi, but she’d also got some of Dionne who tried on dresses as well.

  “Whatever.” Chase returned to her seat beside the one Devyn was sitting in.

  “I’m telling the truth, and who gave you permission to eat my leftovers anyway?” Devyn asked.

  “Do you know how excited I was when I saw there was actual food in the fridge when I got back from holding Asha’s hand after her near-death experience since your ass was in the wind?” Chase asked.

  “That was a long-ass question, and your shade did not go unnoticed.” Devyn shook her head.

  “Subtlety has never been one of my strengths. You do realize that, right?” Chase shrugged as she clicked the mouse. A picture taken at one of the three boutiques they’d visited popped on the screen. The moment captured was Devyn, arms folded and staring at both girls as they emerged from the dressing room, each wearing a beaded gown. Dionne looked coy yet captivating in ivory, while Journi exuded boldness and emotion in red. The intensity in Devyn’s face as she stared at the two beautiful girls was intense, as if she were an artist studying a masterpiece she was trying to perfect.

  “Whoa.” Devyn gasped at the image.

  “I know. That is a dope pic, huh?” Chase enlarged photo.

  Devyn didn’t realize Chase caught the moment on film, but she was glad she had. Chase was right. It was a fantastic picture. In fact, so were all the others.

  “Asha is gonna love this one. I wish she were here to help us go through them,” Devyn commented. “I called her, but she didn’t answer. She’s probably laid up with Sully. I sent a text and told her to call me if she needed anything.”

  “Her boo got her. Speaking of, do you need any of these single shots for your personal use?” Chase asked, then clicked on a picture of Devyn posing alone in a mirror. “This one is really cute.”

  “I told you I’m not gonna have any online activity. These are for business use only. That’s it,” Devyn answered.

  “I’m not talking about social media.”

  Devyn frowned. “Chase, I’m not joining any dating sites. And you’d better not create any profiles for me either.”

  “I don’t think I need to do that.” Chase raised an eyebrow at her. “Someone has already caught your eye, haven’t they?”

  “What? No.” Devyn shook her head. “Why would you even ask that?”

  “What day is it again?” Chase swiveled around in her chair and peered at her.

  “Sunday,” Devyn shot back at her.

  “Oh, I was just making sure because you chock-full of untruths today, sis,” Chase laughed.

  “What are you talking about, Chastity? I hope you ain’t talking about Ben.”

  “Nope, I know it’s not him. Someone else has been making you laugh late at night and sing in the morning. I’m just waiting for you to tell me who it is.” Chase sat back in her chair.

  “You’re tripping,” Devyn tried, but ultimately failed at hiding her smile at the mere thought of Nigel. She couldn’t help it. She wanted and needed to tell someone, especially since this wasn’t something she could share with Asha. “I do have, like, someone I’m getting to know.”

  Chase turned around so fast that she nearly knocked Devyn out of the chair. “I knew it. Who? When? Where? I need details—now.”

  “First of all, calm down. We’re just cool. His name is Nigel, and he’s a chef,” Devyn told her.

  “I knew you didn’t cook that damn salmon.” Chase pointed her finger accusingly.

  “I did cook it.” Devyn continued to tell her about how she and Nigel met, how easy he was to talk to, and how supportive he’d been. She purposely kept out the detail regarding his being Ingrid’s ex. “He’s really given me a new perspective about everything that happened since the wedding and how limitless the possibilities are with Pivot.”

  “And here I was thinking Asha and I were motivating you to be great when it was this dude the entire time. Ain’t this a bitch?” Chase threw her hands up in defeat.

  “You both inspire me to do my best, Chase. I appreciate the love and support y’all constantly give. I’m determined to make Pivot a success, for all of us,” Devyn smiled. “Nigel helps me see a different view of the big picture that you all show me.”

  “He sounds cool, Dev. But why the secrecy? Wait, does Asha know about this? She doesn’t, does she?”

  “No, and I’m just not ready to tell her yet,” Devyn sighed. “Not that I’m trying to hide him or anything. It’s just, complicated . . .”

  “Listen, I get it. Asha can be a bit much, especially when it comes to you. I agree. Don’t mention this fella until you’re ready. Lord knows she’s gonna give him the third degree, run a background check, cre
dit check, ask for his medical history, birth certificate, and copies of his tax returns for the last three years to make sure he’s good enough for you, honey.” Chase laughed. “Enjoy it while you can.”

  Devyn was relieved. Chase’s optimism about her growing friendship with Nigel, along with her understanding of the reason for her confidentiality, confirmed that she was doing the right thing.

  “Thanks, Chase.” Devyn gave her godsister a big hug. “I’m glad you’re here with me, even if I had no idea you were coming or how long you’ll be staying.”

  “I mean, I can always leave right now. I still have a whole basement apartment in my mama’s house. You know she tries to convince me to come home daily,” Chase warned.

  “You’re not leaving me. Besides, if you did, how would you be able to work for Pivot? We don’t allow our employees to telecommute. You have to be here in the office daily,” Devyn said, gesturing around them.

  “Oh, really? Then I suggest we come up with a plan for Pivot to generate a hell of a lot more income. Ain’t no way y’all are gonna be able to afford my salary with just two clients. Folks have been in-boxing and emailing all day about how to sign up for classes. Don’t you think we need to say something other than ‘more information coming soon’?” Chase asked, grabbing her cell phone off the desk. “I’m calling Asha. We need a staff meeting.”

  “I told you I tried calling her a little while ago, and she didn’t answer,” Devyn reminded her as the phone dialed. “She’s probably asleep.”

  “Yes, Chastity? How can I help you?” Asha’s voice was alert when she answered.

  “Hey, Asha, so, I’m here with Devyn, and we’re going over the pictures from yesterday and kinda talking about how we wanna move forward with Pivot,” Chase told her.

  “Okay?” The bland confusion in Asha’s voice caught Devyn by surprise. For a second, she wondered if she were tripping.

  “We are ready to pop out and get paid. What about you?” Chase responded with an emphatic tilt of her head.

  “Oh, I was waiting on Dev. I know you guys have been working on some stuff, but she hadn’t said anything about what she wanted to do,” Asha said. “I assumed that she still wanted to take things kinda slow since she hadn’t mentioned anything different . . . to me.”