by Sherell Lynn
“Ms. Brenda, no one told you to cut your car off.” I laughed and roll my eyes. “You could have come inside.”
“Yes, I could have come inside. You also could have hurried up. I know that today is a big day for you. I want you to take your time and be prepared, but then again I also want you to be on time.” Making her way out of my driveway, she sat there quiet before glancing over and looking at me.
I sighed. “Ms. Brenda, I had no right to speak to you like that. I am sorry. I knew you were coming. I just got lost in my thoughts and got a little bit behind. You have been an angel to me and you deserve nothing but respect.”
Ms. Brenda nodded her head. “No need for apologies. Let’s just get you to this job interview. Although I am pretty sure the job is yours, if you want it, yet you still need to make a good first impression. Ava is a sweet young lady around your age. I think you will like her.”
We pulled into this industrial-looking brick building. As we made our way inside, I noticed framed newspaper clips. One had a picture of what appeared to be a ribbon cutting ceremony. In another frame, there was an article about young entrepreneurs in the community. It seemed like this girl had done well for herself. While we were both around the same ages, our lives had been on very different paths.
Over the years, I had struggled just to survive the day-to-day abuse. It looked like Ava in the same amount of years had graduated college with a business degree and made a career, living a very productive life. I tapped down my jealousy and kept my feet moving forward.
“Hey, guys.”
We heard someone say from behind us. We turned around and saw the very person that was standing in those photos that were framed.
Those pictures did not do her justice. Ava was stunning. She looked to be about 5’6” in height. She had gorgeous strawberry blond hair, green eyes, and a lightly freckled face. Her body was not bad either, you could tell that the gym was a part of her daily regimen because she had an athletic model build. You could also tell she visited a tanning salon often as well. I wondered how white her skin really was without that tan. As we stood here now, she was a nice shade of bronze.
“So, you are Bella.” Her eyes ran up and down my body.
Not knowing if I met her approval, I continued the introduction where she left off. “Yes, and you must be Ava Anderson.” I extend my hand out for a handshake. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Ms. Brenda speaks highly of you,” I said placing my hand in hers.
“Likewise,” she said, grasping my hand.
11
Ava
I was standing in front of the woman, who was going to be my new assistant. I had already promised Ms. Brenda that I would give her acquaintance a chance. The opportunity I was giving Bella Chapman, with no experience and no references was unheard of, especially with new businesses. The only thing I had to go by was Ms. Brenda’s faith in this woman.
Since I trusted her over anything this woman could put on paper, I took a leap of faith with her. It didn’t hurt that Bella was a beautiful woman, not that I was into that kind of thing. What I mean is she cleans up real nice. I had volunteered at the shelter that Ms. Brenda worked at, when I needed credits for college. The women and kids there had unbelievable stories, some were more frightening than others were.
Most of their stories had made me so much more grateful than what I was before I started volunteering. I was born and raised here in this small town. We lived in one of the gated communities. Our little community consisted of some of the wealthiest people between here and the bigger cities. We were very blessed for sure. My parents had taught me early on that hard work along with compassion gave life a fulfilling purpose. My dad is the Chief of Medicine at Grace Memorial and my mom is the proud owner of her own clothing boutique called Bliss. They both worked hard to provide a life where I would want for nothing and had everything. I would not say I was spoiled, but I was very privileged.
No one got to choose how he or she came into this world. I wasn’t sure how this Bella Chapman got here, she was around my age, yet she had nothing. I gave her another once over; we seemed to be close to the same height. That was where the differences ended. She had beautiful dark brown skin, of course since she was African American. If I had skin as beautiful as hers, it would save myself some time from trying to obtain the perfect tan. Where I was athletically built, she had a curvaceous shape. Although right now she looked somewhat small. I bet it’s from not eating well. Working here would probably help her with that problem. We were always taste testing food.
Even though she looked presentable, I still needed to ask her a few questions to get an idea of who she is and what skills she had. I led her and Ms. Brenda to my office. I loved that I had turned my passion into my business. Growing up I was always in the kitchen assisting my mom with her cooking. Pretty soon, I had my own recipes to follow. The older I got, the better I became at making tasty treats and eats. By the time I got to college, I had already had a business plan. My father insisted I finish college and get my degree in business. He really wanted me to learn the ends and outs of owning your own business. What I didn’t learn from professors and books, I learned from my mom and dad.
It all worked out really well. Now, I was a proud entrepreneur of a catering business called Ava’s Tasty Treats and Eats. Yeah, I know catchy name right. Well every time I referred to anything I cooked, those adjectives just rolled right off the tip of my tongue. And after one bite, everyone else seemed to think so too.
Stepping into my office, I gestured for them to have a seat. My office was decked out with a grey slab industrial desk. The middle had been cut out and a glass top had been inserted with hand written recipes inside the glass. The wall also had various recipes on them as well. Once seated Bella spoke first, “you have a beautiful establishment, Ms. Anderson.”
“Oh, please call me Ava. After all, we are around the same age. We can leave the pleasantry titles for older folks like Ms. Brenda.” I laughed playfully.
“Hey now, one day you two will both be this age, time doesn’t stop for no one,” Ms. Brenda responded, taking on a mocking tone.
“I was only kidding. You know how much I love you and your years of wisdom,” I relented, meaning every word.
“Well, I’d rather be getting a lovely home cooked meal and dessert as a form of apology for your impromptu cattiness.” She replied.
I sighed; leave it to her to make me feel like I am five being reprimanded in front of my peers.
I conceded, “Yes, ma’am, anything for you.”
We stared at each other for a minute. Then a smile came across her face. She got up and gave Bella a hug. She proceeded to give me a hug as well, saying she had spent enough time playing around with us young folk and needed to get back to work. She told Bella that as soon as she called her, she would come to pick her up. “I just love Ms. Brenda.” I said as she closed my office door.
“I know, me too,” Bella responded in agreement.
“Okay, let’s get down to business,” I told Bella, opening a new employee file.
We talked for a couple of hours. What seemed like a normal interview turned into a conversation amongst friends. I had always had a challenge making friends growing up. I went to public school and not private like most of the kids in our gated community. My parents seemed to think that would make me a more rounded person. I can’t say I agree.
Though we weren’t rich according to some of our high society neighbors, public school kids seemed to think that we were. I was always caught in that grey area with everyone. Not poor or even middle class, but not old money rich either. So, there I was, the kid who never really fit in. But that’s okay, it really worked out in my favor. I pushed myself academically and never looked back.
Until now, laughing and having a real conversation with Bella makes me realize what I missed out on. I really wished I had met her earlier in life. Now I could see how a friendship with her could have made my life a little bit fuller. But now how would that work?
Friends and business never really mix. Business associates sure, but that was where the line was drawn. I needed an assistant; my mind had become bogged down with paperwork and other administrative tasks. It had taken years to get this established. I worked from home growing my business for a long time, before I got to this point. Sure, I could have taken my father’s money and used it to get ahead, but I wanted my own grit, sweat, and tears in order to say I was self-made.
I missed being in the kitchen creating the very dishes that founded my company. Over the years, I had hired chefs to help out while I attended to the business side of things. That worked for a while, it gave me time to expand my horizons. Ava’s Tasty Treats and Eats had become a staple for home cooked gourmet dishes that were sure to be a party or office favorite. We had a good reputation and were constantly booked for all kinds of events. That’s why I needed someone to think like me and put my business first. Relationships come and go, but I wanted my business around for years to come. It was quickly becoming my legacy.
After the conflicting thoughts on whether to hire Bella or not, I decided to throw caution to the wind. I was due one good friend in life. If it became that, or we would just have a really good working relationship. Either way it was a win for me. She needed to make money and I needed help. With my mind made up, Bella walked right alongside of me, as I gave her a tour of our kitchen, walk-in freezer and other office space. Ms. Brenda had just pulled up when I told her she would start first thing tomorrow morning.
12
Bella
I was stunned. How did I get so lucky, is the question I kept asking myself? First, it was the meeting with Ms. Brenda. I had to admit, walking into that shelter had been so nerve racking. But since I took those first footsteps into that building, my life has changed for the better. There was so much to be thankful for. Mr. Garett and Ms. Brenda were the parental figures I always hoped I had. Because of their love and support for me, I had my first home and now my first real job in years. No one would go out of their way this much for someone they didn’t like, so yes this had to be love. And now I got to add Ava into my beautifully painted picture of my new life.
Ava didn’t have me fill out an application, or ask any of those questions that I had no answer to. She said she understood my situation and since I had no real verification, she would pay me in the form of cash. She said her time as a volunteer had really opened up her eyes and she realized the dangers we victims faced every day. She assured me that she would keep whatever personal stuff I told her between us and never share my identity, or details of it with anyone. She also introduced me to Raymond, who was one of her chefs. He was going to help me get some fake documents just in case anyone asked. The fact that she was my boss didn’t persuade me to think of her as anyone less than a friend.
“Thank you for calling Ava’s Tasty, Treats and Eats, this is Bella what can I serve you today?” Answering one of the many calls of the day, I smiled to myself. These past few months had been something kinda crazy. Ava wasn’t kidding when she said she needed help. My days consisted of answering phone calls, placing orders, billing, and every once in a while, taste tester.
Ava and the chefs always made it a point to have me try out new or updated creations. They joked and said that I was the census vote for the regular people. I quickly gained all the weight back, that over the years I had lost. Plus, a little extra. After paying my bills, I had enough money left over for a gym membership. I felt like this was necessary with all the food I was testing. I never wanted to lose my hour glass figure again.
At first getting a sample of all the delicious food that Ava and her chefs were cooking was a dream come true. I was gaining back the pounds I had lost from living on the streets. Now I was crossing a line between thick and fit to out of shape and overweight. So, a workout after work became a part of my routine. Besides being able to turn heads in the gym, I had my best friend/boss by my side to laugh and have friendly competitions with.
One would think that having your best friend, as your boss would be a recipe for disaster. It was quite the contrary, Ava had taken me under her wings and taught me everything she knew, so that I could help her run her business. Now we did have our fair share of disagreements, but at the end of the day, we still hopped in her car headed for the gym. Today was Friday, two weeks before Christmas, Ava had just stepped back on to her treadmill after taking a call. I tapped on the machine to slow down from my high-energy sprint. Ava looked like someone had just given her bad news. “Is everything okay?”
“No, Bella, it’s not. Nicole fell and broke her leg at the strip club in the city. And now, I’m short staffed for the Christmas party for De Luca Inc.”
Coming to a stop on a moving treadmill, I damn near fell and broke my leg at the revelation that Nicole was a stripper. “What?!” I exclaimed.
Frustrated, Ava replied, “Please don’t have me repeat it. It might not be a big deal to you since you have never stepped out of the office to do a catering event, but this is huge. I cannot afford to have even one person missing in action. I have tried to get a hold of my back-up servers, but no one could do it on such short notice.” Ava looked so dejected in that moment.
I adjusted the speed on my treadmill and started a brisk walk. “Okay, I did hear you loud and clear. I guess I’m shocked I would have never guessed Nicole was a stripper. That threw me off a little bit.” I ponder on what I should say next. Then an idea popped into my head “Why don’t I help you with the party? I mean back in my other life I used to work as a waitress. How different could it be to serve some high-power executives?”
Ava glanced over at me as she took a swig of water from her bottle. “I don’t know, Bella. If this was any ordinary catering job I would not mind putting you out there to test the waters, but this is for some of the rich and powerful. I went to school with the CEO of the company and he comes from old money. They really do expect the best.” I stopped the treadmill and got off in one swift move. My feelings had definitely been hurt and I was in no mood to continue our work out.
“Wait up. Where are you going?” I heard Ava call out to me.
I kept walking trying to take a minute to compose myself before I went off on my supposed to be best friend.
“Hey,” she says grabbing my shoulder trying to spin me around.
“What,” I yelled as I turned to look at her face.
Her eyes did a double take from not recognizing the look on my face. She stepped back, “what is wrong with you?”
We stood there in the gym in front of the bathrooms in a stare-down for minutes before I spoke. “What’s the matter with me you ask? Well I never thought I would see the day where my supposed to be new best friend passed judgment on me for being less than equal. I know you are not only my friend, but my boss too. Offering to help you was my way of trying to be a good employee as well as a friend. I wanted to help.”
Ava just shook her head in disbelief, “I never passed judgment on you. You got it all wrong. When I stated that they expected the best, it wasn’t a dig on you. It was me trying to say they require someone with experience. Nicole had that, she has been by my side for years helping me out while going to school and stripping. And might I add those skills really come in handy when you’re playing with people’s egos. These types of people need their egos stroked.”
Hum, I still wasn’t convinced. “Well, I have been known to stroke an ego or two,” I said, feeling determined.
“Really? You, Bella? You are one of the shyest persons I have ever met. If we didn’t hit it off so well in the beginning, I would think of you as the little lady with a bunch of cats living in a hoarder type situation.” She laughed, “In order to get under old money, you must be flirty and outgoing, you know somewhat of a seductress.”
“Oh, honey, I am all those things wrapped up in a voluptuous body,” I say, rubbing my hands over my sweaty body. “So, I will be there with bells on.” I chuckled not only at myself, but also at the look on Ava’s face.
&nb
sp; “Fine,” she chortled.
“Fine,” I shot back making my way to the locker room to freshen up and retrieve my personal items. The ride home was awkward as hell. This was our first real argument as friends. As I relived everything in my mind that had transpired, I went into a giggling fit. Seeing me hunched over laughing with tears streaming down my face only made Ava deduce to laughter as well.
“What were we even arguing about?” she said, jumping to the same conclusion I did.
“I don’t know, but that has got to be one of the most stupid and embarrassing moments ever. We are for sure going to be the talk of town,” I said putting my own thoughts out there.
13
Bella
It was now eight o’clock. I had just showered, put on my cotton rob, and applied the finishing touches of makeup. I was running around my room trying to find the perfect outfit for a girl’s night out in the city. After what had transpired at the gym, Ava and I agreed that we needed to have some fun. There was a light knock on my bedroom door followed by Mr. Garett’s voice asking if I was dressed. After telling him I was, he stepped into the room.
I must say for two people living together, we rarely saw each other. Being the outstanding man that he is, he was always busy volunteering all his free time to help at the VA hospital after or before his shift. When he did make it back here to our house, I was usually working at Ava’s Tasty Treats and Eats or helping Ms. Brenda down at the shelter. So, it was good seeing him, if only for a few minutes, before I stepped out.
“You look beautiful, Bella,” he said.
“Just wait till you see the full picture.” I walked around to grab my dress and proceed to my half bathroom to get dressed. I decided to wear a form fitting light blue chiffon lace dress. The bottom came to a stop just above my knees and swayed nicely with my hips.
