“There’s only one manager I want, and you know who that is,” Tabitha retorted.
“I can’t tell,” Avery said as she snatched the report from Tabitha and headed down the aisle. “I’ll be right back.”
She got to Demi’s office and knocked softly on the door even though it was open. Demi’s desk was covered with what looked like spreadsheets and folders. She looked up and motioned for Avery to come inside.
“Have a seat,” she told Avery.
Avery complied and sat in one of the two chairs. “Wow, looks like you’re working hard.”
“Always.” Demi nodded and smiled. “That’s what they pay me to do.”
“I feel you,” Avery told her.
“I see you’ve been keeping some late hours yourself. The project seems to be going well for you all.”
“It is.” Avery wondered if Demi called her into the office to dig for information on Kurt. If so, it definitely wasn’t going to happen.
“I have to admit, I thought it was going to be a waste of company time and manpower, but based on the numbers I see so far, it’s a formidable idea.”
Avery didn’t know how she was supposed to respond, so she simply said, “Thanks.”
“I noticed a finance book on your desk. Are you in school?”
“Yeah, I’m working on my master’s.”
“That’s great! I’m glad to hear that.” Demi nodded. “So many of us don’t realize the real value of a higher-level education. We think once we get a bachelor’s, then we’ve achieved something.”
Avery passed the report to her without responding.
“I mean, don’t get me wrong, graduation from college is an accomplishment, especially for someone who’s from where we grew up. But, it’s not the be-all and end-all. There is so much more out there to learn, and explore and achieve.”
“You’re right,” Avery had to agree. One thing she learned after graduating from college and getting a job, was that these days having a college degree was barely enough to get you in the door. She was glad that she had listened to her aunt, Carolyn, who encouraged her to get into a graduate program instead of Duke, who told her to take a break from school. “But if you don’t have the right people in your corner telling you there is more out there, then you don’t know.”
“Yeah, having the right mentor is key, especially in the business world.” Demi leaned forward and stared at Avery. “I’m sure you already know how important having the right people in your corner are and sometimes you have to go above and beyond to prove your worth. It’s especially hard when you don’t look a certain way or fit the physical mold that they want you to look. Believe me, I know, I’ve been there.”
Avery frowned at her, wondering what she meant, but instead of questioning Demi’s comment, she politely said, “True. Well, I know you have to get ready for the conference call and I have my own work I gotta get back to.”
“Oh, yeah,” Demi said, nodding.
Avery stood up and headed out the door.
“Avery,” Demi said. “Have you considered applying for the JMDP?”
“I don’t think I could handle that right now.” Avery shook her head. “I have enough on my plate with school, not to mention working here. Not that I’m complaining.”
“I know you’re not complaining,” Demi laughed. “I think you should consider. We need more of us in that program and you would really benefit from it.”
“I hear ya,” Avery said, nodding, “Besides, the deadline is next week. There’s no way I could even complete the application. But, I will definitely consider applying next year.”
“You can’t run from opportunities, Avery, and sometimes, we even have to create them. You’re from Coleman Place. You know life wasn’t easy for us growing up, but not only did you survive, you thrived. The business world is no different,” Demi told her.
“Thanks,” Avery said and walked out. She considered everything Demi told her. Despite the bad-mouthing around the office and the complaints, she had always known that Demi’s bark was worse than her bite. Avery felt that although it was a little strange, Demi’s encouragement was probably sincere. We have more in common than most around here, Avery thought. We’re both successful, black women from the same neighborhood. She was just trying to inspire me.
The remainder of the afternoon went by quickly and before Avery knew it, it was dark and the building was empty. She went over and over the study material for her midterms, determined to do well. She was confidant about two of her classes, but when it came to her business ethics course, she was afraid. No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t seem to get it together. Her professor was cutthroat and no-nonsense, who not only put the fear of God in her when it came to passing his class, but made it damn near impossible to pass. To make matters worse, he was also the head of the MBA program. If she didn’t get at least a B in his class, she would be placed on academic probation or worse, put out of the program. Feeling even less prepared than when she started studying, she put her head down on her desk.
“Didn’t we talk about you burning the midnight oil in this place?”
Avery’s head popped up and she stared at Kurt. “Didn’t we talk about you sneaking up and scaring the mess outta me?”
“I wasn’t trying to scare you, I was trying to wake you up,” he said, smiling.
“I wasn’t sleeping, I was praying. I have midterms tomorrow, remember?” she groaned.
“I remember,” he told her, then walked over and closed her book. “You’ve been staying late studying all week.”
She playfully pushed hit him on the arm. “Then you should be praying with me. And why are you here late, again?”
“I had to pick up some paperwork and some more items from my office,” he said, then pointed at the roses. “Nice, someone must love you.”
“Everyone loves me,” she teased. “But they’re from Duke, my significant other.”
“Okay,” he said.
“Yeah, he kind of misses me. My time has been kinda limited these days,” she sighed and looked at the flowers.
“Sounds like you miss him too,” Kurt told her. “Hey, relationships are hard enough without the stress of work and school, and sometimes you gotta make time.”
Avery looked at Kurt and realized he was right. She had been so focused that she hadn’t really been making time for Duke. “You’re right, and I will, but no time tonight. I’ve gotta prepare.”
“You’re already prepared,” Kurt told her.
“I have business ethics, and you know it’s all essay!”
“You’re already prepared,” he repeated. “You wanna do well on your business ethics midterms?”
“Yes,” she said, staring at him.
“Fine, I’ll tell you. Don’t think about your own answers.”
“What?” Avery frowned.
“It’s not about how you would answer the question. That’s how Dr. Brewer gets you. Answer the question the way he would. Put the answers you know he wants. And we all know not only is he the most opinionated bastard, but he’s not ethical at all,” Kurt said matter-of-factly. “Answer as if you were him.”
Avery couldn’t help laughing. “That’s crazy. But it’s probably the most brilliant thing I’ve ever heard in my life.”
“Believe me, it works.” Kurt pulled her up out of her chair. “Come on, pack up. Go home, relax with your boo. Get some rest and you’ll be fine. If you go in there all stressed tomorrow, you’re gonna forget everything you’ve learned. Let’s go, I’ll walk you to your car.”
Avery packed up her things and Kurt helped her put her coat on. As they were about to walk out, he stopped and picked up a box he had placed near the elevator.
“What’s that?” she asked, noticing some picture frames and awards in the box.
“I told you I needed some items from my office,” he said. “I just put them in the box to make it easier to carry them.”
“Looks more like you’re moving,” she said, then t
hought about what Malcolm said earlier about him dating a manager in the southeast office. “So, things in the southwest office must be really good.”
“About the same as here.” He shrugged. “Same drama, different office.”
“The environment there may be nicer,” she casually mentioned.
Kurt looked over at her and said, “What do you mean?”
Avery hit the ground-floor button and stood back. “Nothing.”
“I bet.” Kurt shook his head and rolled his eyes. “A brother can’t even do his job without people talking.”
“Who said people were talking?” Avery giggled.
“Come on, now, I’ve been here longer than you have. What’s the word?” Kurt gave her a knowing look.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Avery blinked, trying to look as innocent as possible.
Suddenly, Kurt leaned in close, his arm outreached. Avery gasped and held her breath, wondering what he was about to do until she saw his finger almost touching the stop button.
“What are you doing?”
“Talk or I will push it,” he threatened, jokingly.
Avery pushed his hand away. “Stop playing before you get us stuck. You know someone got stuck on here a while back, and the chick had an asthma attack.”
“Yeah, I heard,” he said.
“She was stuck for over an hour and they counted her as tardy from lunch,” Avery made sure to add. “Oh, but you’re management, so you would probably agree with that decision.”
“You’re trying to change the subject,” Kurt said. “Nice try, but it’s not working.”
“I’m not,” she lied.
The elevator doors opened and they stepped off. He continued to try to pull the latest gossip from her but she was just as determined not to say anything. They were laughing loudly as they walked out the front door and then they stopped abruptly.
“Duke,” she said, shocked to see him leaning on his car parked right next to hers, talking to Demi, who seemed just as surprised to see her and Kurt walking out together.
“I thought you were working late,” Duke said, looking past her and directly at Kurt.
“I was,” Avery started and was interrupted by Kurt.
“Until I told her to pack up and get out,” he said, walking over and extending his hand. “Kurt, man, I’m one of the managers here.”
Duke hesitated before finally shaking Kurt’s hand. “What’s up? I’m Duke, Avery’s man.”
Something about the way Duke said Avery’s man made her cringe. She wanted to pull Duke to the side and say, He already knows that, Duke, you don’t have to point it out like you have something to prove.
“Avery’s told me about you. It’s nice to meet you.”
“When did you get back, Kurt?” Demi’s eyes went from Kurt, to Avery, then back to Kurt, where they landed on the box he was carrying.
“A little while ago. I stopped by here to pick up some things from my office where I ran into Ms. Workaholic, here.” He looked over at Avery and smiled.
Her eyes met his briefly, and she quickly looked away.
“I was just telling Duke that I’m trying to convince you to apply for the junior management program,” Demi said.
“You should.” Kurt nodded. “It’s a great program and I think you’d really benefit from it, Avery.”
“She’s barely home now between work and studying,” Duke responded. “You said yourself she’s a workaholic.”
Avery looked over at Duke and quickly replied, “That’s what I told Demi.”
“I can see your plate is pretty full right now.” Kurt agreed. “But you should definitely apply next year after you’ve graduated.”
“Well, we’ve already planned to start a family after she finishes grad school,” Duke said, smirking. “I can appreciate your recognizing the talent that she has, though. Maybe since you all see what a valuable employee she is, instead of working her so hard, you’ll maybe cut her some slack and a bigger check.”
Avery was stunned. She didn’t know whether to be embarrassed or angry.
Duke continued to stare at Kurt as he said, “You look real familiar. Do I know you?”
Kurt’s cell phone began chiming. He took it from his pocket and said, “Well, I have to be going. Avery, don’t work too hard and Demi, I will check you out Monday. Enjoy your weekend.”
“I need to be going myself,” Demi said. “Duke, it was nice seeing you again.”
“You too, Meaty,” Duke said.
After Avery and Duke were alone in the parking lot, she finally spoke. “You wanna go grab something to eat?”
“Naw, I’ll check you later at home,” he said.
Avery frowned at him, sensing his attitude. “Is something wrong?”
“Naw.” Duke just shook his head. “I’m good. Go ahead and get in your car so we can go.”
“Duke,” she said.
“Go ahead, Avery,” he said.
Avery turned to walk toward her car. Kurt beeped his horn as he pulled out of the parking lot and she waved.
Behind her, she heard Duke say, “I know that cat from somewhere.”
Chapter 7
“You have one hour and thirty minutes to take the exam. Once you are finished and have turned it in, you may leave,” Dr. Brewer said as he passed out the exams. Avery swallowed hard and closed her eyes as he approached her desk. She had been at school since nine in the morning and it was her last and final class of the day, and her last and most difficult midterm exam. All of the other professors had allowed open book or multiple choice tests, but she knew that would not be the case in Dr. Brewer’s business ethics class. He was a beast and she had been dreading this moment all day.
Dear God, you have to help me pass this test. I know I’ve been saying this to you all week while I’ve been studying and preparing and cramming, and I’m pretty sure you’ve heard me, but just in case you were too busy, or the message didn’t come through, or you need to hear it for the eight hundredth time, please God, help me pass this test.
Avery turned her paper over and glanced at the twenty-five essay questions and her heart pounded. Relax, Avery, you can do this. Don’t panic.
“You know this info because it’s second nature to you, you’re beyond ready, just focus, relax, and give the answers you know Dr. Brewer is looking for,” Avery heard Kurt’s words in her head the same way he said them the night before. She picked up her pen and began to write on the paper. She didn’t allow the fact that Duke barely made it home before the sun came up to distract her. She blocked out the image of him pretending to be asleep on the sofa and ignoring her as she attempted to talk to him before she left this morning. She fought the urge to say “fuck it” and walk out of class because she didn’t feel up to this. And she wiped away the tears that had started to form in her eyes. Instead, she relaxed, focused, and patiently completed the exam. When she answered her last and final question, she finally glanced up, sat back, and sighed. She even found the energy to smile as she stood up and walked to Dr. Brewer’s desk, satisfied that not only had she passed, but she had done well.
“Ms. Belmont?” his stern voice said as she gave him her test.
“Yes?” she asked.
“I reviewed your thesis proposal and found it quite interesting.”
“Thank you, sir,” she said.
“You may want to do some field research and include it with your project. You may find it to be very beneficial,” he continued. “I look forward to reviewing your final work.”
“Yes, sir,” she thanked him and walked out, shocked at the fact that the professor who had the reputation of gaining satisfaction in failing students and smiling as he did so had not only complimented her, but offered a bit of advice. What had started out as a day from hell had actually begun looking up.
As she walked to her car, Avery took her phone out of her purse. To her surprise and disappointment, there was no call, message or even text from Duke. I can’t believe him. He k
nows how important today was and even though there was that nonsense last night, the least he can do is call. Just as she was about to dial his number, her phone began to vibrate and she answered it.
“About damn time, I was just about to call and cuss you out!” she said.
“Wow! And what did I do to deserve a cussing out?”
Confused by the female voice, Avery double-checked the screen of her BlackBerry and realized her mistake. “Tabitha?”
“Yeah,” she laughed.
“Girl, I thought you were Duke,” she apologized.
“I guess I’m a major disappointment,” Tabitha replied. “I called to see how the midterm went.”
“It went well,” Avery told her. “Really well. As a matter of fact, I think I aced it.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if you did,” Tabitha said. “So, come on, let’s go celebrate!”
“I can’t. Duke and I are going to dinner, remember ?”
“I thought that was later,” Tabitha said, “I wanted you to go look at this condo with me and then maybe grab a drink.”
“Sounds like fun, Tab, but I need to get home,” Avery sighed. “Thanks for calling to check on me, though.”
“No problem. I’m glad you aced your test. I’m gonna have to get something special for you. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Avery!”
“You too, Tabitha. I’ll see you Monday,” Avery said and hung up, then dialed Duke’s number. At first, it went straight to voice mail, and she dialed it again.
“Hello,” he finally answered.
“Hey,” she said.
“’Sup?”
“You tell me,” she said. “Do you want to meet at Jasper’s or you want me to just come straight home and we ride together? I know you mentioned something about wanting to go to Los’s fight party.”
“Mmmph,” Duke responded. “Oh.”
Avery’s hands gripped the steering wheel harder as she drove. She knew before she called him that Duke would probably still have an attitude, and she was prepared to deal with it. “Oh?”
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