by La Jill Hunt
“It’s not my sole decision, Ash. We are a team.” Devyn frowned slightly. The vibe was off, and she didn’t understand why. Wait, does she know about me hanging out with Nigel? Maybe she found out. How? I’m tripping. She’s probably just relaxing. Devyn was about to tell Chase to mute her phone and ask if Asha sounded odd, but Chase began talking before she could.
“And that’s why we are calling you, chick. You’re the PR guru. Remember, all of this was your idea, and a very good one,” Chase said. “The three of us are ready. Let’s go. It’s time to give the people what they want.”
“Let’s make it happen. You know I’m down for whatever.” Asha’s tone was more positive now, which put Devyn at ease. “Let’s make it happen.”
“That’s what’s up. It’s time to show the world what Pivot is all about.” Chase smiled.
“I’m on my way. Be there in twenty minutes,” Asha blurted out. “I have so many ideas. Devyn, have some of that tea ready for me to sip when I get there.”
“I’m on it,” Devyn yelled, hopping up, excited about the brainstorming session that was about to take place. Okay, maybe I was tripping. Everything is fine. But sooner or later, I’m gonna have to say something. Nigel isn’t a bad guy, at least I don’t think he is.
* * *
Forty-eight hours later, they damn near broke the internet with an event announcement and invitation created by Chase. The visual masterpiece opened with a black-and-white silhouette of Devyn, sitting on a throne and wearing a crown. Female lyricist Chika’s inspirational hit “Crown” played in the background. Video footage of Devyn coaching Dionne and Journi as they walked in various random locations, including a grocery store aisle, a parking lot, and the hallway of Devyn’s school faded in and out, while others featured Asha adjusting their posture and listening while they spoke. There were also shots of Chase capturing footage. The entire production was crisp, clean, and ingenious. Within an hour of its release, they’d maxed out the RSVP list for the “Pivot Preview and Launch Experience” to be held in two weeks. Devyn, Asha, and Chase were shocked at the overwhelming response. They didn’t have a moment to process because there was so much to do in so little time.
Chase suggested that even though they couldn’t accept any more guests to the event, they should keep the momentum going and continue to post and promote daily on social media. Asha reserved the library auditorium, sent out a press release to the media outlets, and ordered cute shirts for them all to wear, including the girls who would be part of the demo events. Devyn was responsible for creating the schedule and itinerary for the four-hour event.
Despite having a full plate with all she had going on, Devyn made time for Nigel, who’d become her sounding board, the voice of reason and comic relief, when needed. They hadn’t seen each other because his schedule was just as hectic. Nigel was traveling on business, but they spoke daily.
“Tomorrow’s the big day, huh?” he called as she was picking up some last-minute items before heading to meet everyone at the library to set up.
“It is. I’m so anxious. Pray that I don’t faint,” Devyn said, putting the armload of bags she was carrying into the trunk of the car. “My nerves have been shot, and they’ll probably be worse tomorrow.”
“You’ll be fine. I have a surprise for you. Can you meet me so I can give it to you?”
“You’re here? I thought you weren’t coming back to town until tomorrow afternoon?” Devyn said excitedly.
“My meeting with my client finished a little early. I’m heading to Culture. Pull around back.”
Devyn got into the car, thrilled to see Nigel, even though her unexpected pit stop would cause her to be delayed. Asha will not be pleased. I’m only gonna stay a few minutes. Long enough to get the surprise and a quick hug, that’s it.
Nigel must’ve been just as short on time as she was because instead of being inside the building, he was sitting in his Suburban waiting for her. Devyn took notice of his outfit. It wasn’t the first time she’d seen him in jeans, but the blazer he wore over a fitted black shirt and the leather Chukkas on his feet were a welcome surprise. His neatly trimmed beard, freshly lined edge up, and designer sunglasses gave him even more swag than usual. Nigel had never mentioned any other women, but Devyn wondered. Especially since his attire would be exactly what she’d want him to wear if he took her out on a Friday night. He was sexy as hell.
“Pop your trunk,” he told her after she parked beside him.
“I have bags in the trunk,” Devyn answered as she stepped out of her car, trying not to stare. Nigel walked over and gave her the hug she’d been looking forward to receiving. There was something about the way his strong arms encircled her that made her feel warm and tingly inside. The anxiety that had been building over the past week lessened, and she exhaled, enjoying the moment. For a second, he seemed just as reluctant to end their embrace as she was. It’s a friendly hug, Dev, that’s all.
“I guess we’re gonna have to put them in the backseat.” He shrugged when he finally released her.
“What is it?” Devyn asked. Her initial thought was maybe he’d gotten her some flowers in honor of the event, but obviously, she was wrong. She walked with him to the back of his truck, and he opened it. Inside were several boxes, labeled with “Pivot.”
“Nigel, what the hell?”
He grabbed one of the boxes and reached in, taking out a smaller white box. “Edible merchandise. My contribution to building your brand.”
A wide smile spread across Devyn’s face as she stared at the white chocolate-covered candy apple in the box, emblazoned with the Pivot logo. “Oh my God, Nigel, you did not.”
“I did,” he nodded. He handed her the apple, then reached into another box and took out a cellophane-wrapped cookie, with the Pivot logo. In addition to the apple and cookies, he also had an assortment of cupcakes.
Devyn was elated and threw her arms around his neck. “You are the absolute best. I can’t believe you did all of this. How? This is too much. You have to let me pay you something, Nigel.”
“Nah, I can’t take your money. It’s all good. I’ve been Team Pivot since day one. Besides, I’m working on something of my own inspired by you. So, I owe you. It’s the least I can do,” he told her as he began putting the boxes into the backseat of her car.
“Really? What is it?” she said, now curious about what he was talking about.
“Hopefully, you’ll find out soon enough,” he smiled.
Devyn’s watch vibrated with a text from Asha. Without reading it, she said. “I gotta get going. We’re setting up for tomorrow. Thank you so much, Nigel.”
“Yeah, I got somewhere to be myself. And you’re welcome. You know I got you. That’s what friends are for, right?” He hugged her again, but this time, Devyn’s heart sank a little. She knew they were just friends, but he didn’t have to keep reminding her.
“Yep,” she agreed.
After somehow managing to make it to the library in record time, Devyn hoped that her tardiness would be excused, especially since she’d arrived with the goodies Nigel had gifted them. She pulled into the parking space beside Asha, and as soon as she stepped out of the car, she heard her name being called.
“Miss Douglass.”
Devyn turned around to see Dionne’s mom walking toward her. “Hey, Mrs. Phillips, how are you?”
“I’ve been better, unfortunately,” she said. The worried look on her usually pleasant face made Devyn uneasy.
“Uh-oh, what’s wrong?” she asked. “Where are the girls?”
“They’re on their way. I wanted to talk to you and Asha before they got here.” Mrs. Phillips sighed.
“You wanna tell me now, or should we go inside to find Asha?” Devyn became nervous.
“Well, I received a letter today, and Journi is no longer a contestant in the pageant.” Mrs. Phillips took a certified letter from her purse and handed it to Devyn.
“What? Why?” Devyn slowly inhaled as she slid the letter out of
the envelope and read it.
“Something about a ‘morality clause’ in the regulations being violated, and her going against standards.” Mrs. Phillips verbally confirmed the words that stared back at Devyn. “I don’t understand. It doesn’t make any sense. What could Journi have possibly done that they would consider immoral and against pageant guidelines? The girl is a straight-A student, vice president of the SGA, and president of the Black History Club.
“There has to be some mistake, Mrs. Phillips.” Devyn shook her head. She then noticed Asha and Chase walking out of the library, pushing a cart full of decorations they were using for the event. “Asha, we were just heading inside.”
“Don’t bother.” Asha pushed the cart to the back of her truck, opened the liftgate, and grabbed items, tossing them inside.
“What’s going on?” Devyn walked over with Mrs. Phillips by her side.
“Oh, hey, Mrs. Phillips, I didn’t notice you,” Asha spoke. “I was about to call the girls and tell them they don’t have to come to help set up.”
“Why not?” Devyn asked.
“Well, apparently, we no longer have usage of the library,” Chase replied.
“But we reserved the auditorium weeks ago. They can’t cancel our reservation the day before,” Devyn said.
“Well, they did just that. And not just tomorrow either. Permanently, per the director of Library Services for the city. It’s a wrap.” Asha shook her head.
“Wait, huh? Why, Asha?” Devyn shook her head in disbelief. Too much was happening at once, and none of it made sense. Asha’s silence and the odd look she gave Devyn indicated that she knew the answer, but didn’t want to say anything. “Ash, what’s up?”
“Tell her,” Chase said, shrugging.
Asha took a deep breath before speaking. “Apparently someone called and made a complaint about our coaching sessions, or rather, the coach. It’s stupid, and even my friend who works here tried to explain it to the director, but it was useless. Whoever filed the grievance said that we shouldn’t be allowed to use the library because of your ‘illicit behavior.’”
“I should’ve known this would happen. It’s those stupid blogs talking about Tremell and that damn sex tape.” Devyn held her breath, fighting tears as she processed her thoughts. Once again, someone was attempting to portray her as something she wasn’t. It was as if she would never be able to escape a reputation that had been tarnished through no fault of her own. Devyn felt like someone had punched her in the stomach and knocked her down. There would be no point in getting up. The old familiar feeling of hopelessness and doubt slowly started creeping into her mind once more.
“You gotta stop allowing people to steal shit that doesn’t belong to them: your joy, peace, happiness, and your character. Every time you allow others to cause you to doubt yourself and your purpose, you give away your power. They can’t take what you don’t give them.”
Chase touched her arm. “But we all know you’re not the one in the tape, Devyn.”
“Why would someone be doing this to you?” Asha shook her head. “What’s the point? How would blocking the library matter?”
The only person Devyn thought would be vindictive and ruin her new business was Tremell, but this was too petty, even for him. It had to be someone else. Devyn turned and stared at Mrs. Phillips, who hadn’t said anything. “Well, I’ll be damned. That low-down cow. She did this.”
“Devyn!” Asha shrieked. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Phillips, we know you didn’t—”
“Oh my God, you’re probably right.” Mrs. Phillips’s eyes met Devyn’s, and they nodded at each other. “She had to.”
“I’m missing something. Who are y’all talking about?” Asha asked.
“Mrs. Thompkins. That’s also why she kicked Journi out of the pageant. She’s blaming you,” Mrs. Phillips explained.
“Journi got kicked out of the pageant?” Chase’s mouth hung open. “Now, that’s messed up.”
“It is. But don’t worry. By the time my husband finishes with her ass, we’ll own the entire pageant. Believe that,” Mrs. Phillips announced.
“Wow. How is Journi? I’m sure she’s upset,” Asha commented.
“I didn’t even mention anything to her about it yet,” Mrs. Phillips said. “Which is ridiculous because, once again, the correspondence was sent to us, and we aren’t her parents. It’s like you said, all Black girls must look alike to her.”
“Mrs. Phillips, can you do me a favor and not mention anything to the girls about Journi being removed? I don’t need anything negative to distract them from the event tomorrow. They should be focused and on their A-game,” Devyn told her. “I mean if you’ll still allow them to participate, of course. With all of the rumors and everything going on, I’d understand if you’d—”
“Don’t be absurd, Miss Douglass. You’ve worked wonders with those girls, and I wouldn’t think of them not having you as a coach. I’m excited that more young ladies are gonna have the opportunity to learn from you.” Mrs. Phillips touched Devyn’s arm. “I won’t say a word.”
“Thank you.” Devyn smiled.
“Wait, Devyn, how do you expect us still to have the event? I just told you we couldn’t use the auditorium, and there’s no way I’ll be able to find a venue to host us this last minute, even with my connections. We’re gonna have to cancel,” Asha said. “Even if we had the budget.”
“We’re not canceling anything. Don’t worry. I know a venue we can use. And it’s within budget,” Devyn assured her. “All we have to do is send out an email blast to the RSVP guests with the new location, right, Chase?”
Chase shrugged. “Pretty much.”
“Cool. I gotta go make this happen,” Devyn said, then hugged Mrs. Phillips. “Thank you.”
“Devyn, wait,” Asha called after her as she ran toward the car.
“Ash, I got this. Trust me,” Devyn yelled. As soon as she got into her car, she made a call and prayed that she was right.
Chapter 22
Asha
Asha wasn’t an alcoholic by any means, but she knew exactly how they felt. It wasn’t even eight o’clock in the morning, and she needed a drink. For the past two weeks, she’d put everything into the launch event for Pivot. At this moment, she had no idea what the hell was going on. Not only that, but also, the person who had just as much to lose, if not more, if things didn’t go perfect, wasn’t acting as if she had a reason to panic. Maybe if she’d known the business calls and strings that had been pulled to ensure the success of their first event, Devyn would’ve shown a little more distress. In an effort not to worry her best friend and take some of the pressure off, Asha kept her mouth closed. The only thing she could do at this point was the same thing she’d been doing since Devyn drove out of the parking lot of the library: pray.
“Devyn, what the hell?” Asha asked when she saw the updated flyer.
“What’s wrong? I told you I had a venue. The only thing is we can’t set up until morning,” Devyn told her when she called later that night. “We’ll still have plenty of time to pull it together.”
“Culture?” Asha sighed. “I don’t know, Dev. I mean, it’s a cool spot for a girls’ night or something, but this? Besides, you know how people are gonna act when they see it’s on the West.”
“It’s perfect for what we’re doing. And we’ll be supporting another Black-owned business. And it’s not on the West,” Devyn told her.
“It ain’t on the East,” Asha countered.
“It’s dead ass in the center. The people will come. Honestly, Culture gives us more space, which allows us to expand our guest list. Relax, Asha. It’s going to be fine,” Devyn reassured her. “We got this. Get some rest. We’ve got a long day ahead. See you in the morning, Ash,” Devyn said before hanging up.
“I mean, I don’t have a choice, now, do I?” Asha sighed.
How Devyn expected her to relax was beyond reason. After tossing and turning most of the night, Asha finally got up, took a shower, and threw on
a pair of leggings, a T-shirt, and sneakers. She then packed up the outfit she’d be wearing for the event.
* * *
“Are you sure you don’t have another slot for Ingrid? She said she tried to reserve a ticket, but it was full,” Sully asked during his morning call.
“Positive.” Asha tried her best to sound as disappointed as he did. “The space is limited, and tickets went fast.”
“It sounds like it’s gonna be nice. I guess I thought since you’re one of the owners of Pivot, you would be able to let her come as your personal guest. Then again, I don’t wanna get you in trouble with any of your business partners,” he said with sarcasm.
Asha almost giggled at the thought of how Devyn would react if she told her Ingrid wanted to come. Undoubtedly, they probably would’ve gotten a good laugh, followed by the same outcome: her presence would not be welcome.
“What can I say, Sully? It was first come, first serve, and there was nothing anyone could do. None of us anticipated this big turnout. She’s not the only one who wanted to attend but can’t. Besides, Pivot is for aspiring models and pageant contestants. Ingrid isn’t either one of those. This really isn’t something she’d be interested in,” Asha explained as she turned into the parking lot of Culture, which was empty.
“I understand, but—”
“Listen, I’ve gotta go. I’ll call you later tonight,” Asha told him, alarmed that she was the only one on time.
“Good luck,” Sully told her.
“Thanks.” Asha parked near the front of the building and was about to call Devyn when Chase appeared in the doorway, waving.
“Good morning, sunshine.”
“I didn’t think anyone had arrived yet,” Asha said as she stepped out. “Are you the only one here?”
“No, everyone else is inside. We parked in the back,” Chase told her.
“Well, sorry. No one informed me on where to park,” she commented and gathered her things.
Asha stepped into the building and was even more impressed than the first time she’d been there. A beautiful abstract mural was painted on the far wall, and a gorgeous chandelier, reminiscent of falling teardrops, hung from the ceiling. Someone had already set up the backdrops, “step and repeats,” signage they’d ordered for the event, and the registration table was covered with a signature tablecloth. So far, everything looked amazing.