Too Close for Comfort

by La Jill Hunt

  “I do? I didn’t see anything on the books.”

  “We called last week,” Celeste said.

  Yaya looked back at the book. “Ooops, I put you down for tomorrow, my bad!”

  “Yaya!” Taryn and Monya said at the same time.

  “Okay, I got it.”

  “Yaya can take care of your next appointment for you, I think,” Taryn told her client as she left.

  A few moments later she announced, “You ladies can come on over.”

  The two women walked over to the pedicure area and sat in the large princess chairs.

  “So how do you know Quincy?” Taryn asked as she began filling the foot tubs with warm water.

  “Oh, we went out a couple of times.” Celeste grinned. “That’s my boo.”

  Yeah, right. I don’t think so. You look like Al Roker’s sister. Yaya prayed she wouldn’t laugh out loud.

  “Really?” Taryn said. “I heard that.”

  “Yeah, I love me some Q,” Celeste said. “He’s a good man. And we all know a good man is hard to find.”

  “Too bad he’s taken now.” Monya took a seat in front of Celeste’s friend. “How’d you let that happen?”

  “He ain’t taken.” Celeste laughed.

  “I’m sorry, Celeste, but he is. I met his girlfriend the other day.” Yaya nodded. She didn’t want the woman getting her hopes up thinking that she even had a chance with her brother.

  “Who? Paige? Please . . . She’s about to be old news. Quincy won’t be with her long.” Celeste sat up.

  “Hold please.” Yaya put the customer on hold, interested in what Celeste had to say. “Why not?”

  “She’s a skank, that’s why. And Quincy’s gonna find out about it,” Celeste told her.

  “We must not be talking about the same girl. This girl is kinda short, curvy, short hair, gorgeous,” Yaya said. “She’s classy. Had a pretty little girl with her.”

  “I wouldn’t say she was gorgeous, but she is short and dumpy,” the other woman told her. “The little girl is her brat, Myla.”

  “Sounds like someone is hating,” Taryn teased. “Paige seemed really nice when she came in. She’s also been sending business our way. Her best friend and her sister-in-law have come in.”

  “‘Sister-in-law’? Paige has never been married, and she is an only child.” Celeste guffawed.

  “No, I’m sure this girl is her sister-in-law. She even introduced her as her sister. What’s her name, Monya—the smart, pretty girl who told us about the new summer line coming out from Carol’s Daughter?”

  “Oh, Camille. She was crazy.” Monya laughed. “Yeah, she did say she was Paige’s sister-in-law.”

  “Camille isn’t Paige’s sister-in-law.” Celeste frowned. “She’s Myla’s aunt. That’s Paige’s baby daddy’s sister who lives with them.”

  Yaya’s eyes widened. She looked to Taryn and Monya who, oddly enough, were engrossed in the pedicures.

  “I’m telling you, Paige is no good, and your brother deserves better. I keep trying to tell him, but she got him so wide-open that he can’t even hear me. I may joke around about him being my boo and all, but he’s my friend and I don’t wanna see him used or hurt.”

  “I know that’s right.” Her friend nodded. “Paige got a lot of shit with her. Your brother needs to watch out.”

  The phone began ringing again, and Yaya began taking calls again. She tried to concentrate but found herself straining to hear what Celeste was saying as she talked to Monya and Taryn.

  “Thank you so much,” Celeste said when they had finished. “I can’t wait to come back again.”

  “I’m glad you liked it,” Yaya said as she hung the phone up for the hundredth time since they had arrived.

  “I’m not trying to be messy, but I meant what I said—I care about your brother, and he deserves better.” Celeste paid Yaya. “Maybe you can talk some sense into him.”

  Yaya gave her back some change. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “I heard you said you need a receptionist. I’m looking for a second job myself because I really need the money. I can bring a lot to your salon and help you out a lot.” Celeste looked at Yaya intensely.

  Yaya read between the lines and smiled. “When can you start?”

  “Yaya, I don’t know about this. I don’t think hiring that girl was a smart idea,” Taryn said.

  “You’re the one that was stressing about a receptionist. What’s the big deal?—She said she can start tomorrow.”

  “I don’t like her,” Monya said. “And how could you just hire her without even talking to us?”

  Yaya began rubbing her temples. They were making her head hurt. And what made Monya think she had the right to question who she hired anyway? She was an employee, not the employer.

  “What was I supposed to say? She was standing right there asking for the job?” Yaya snapped.

  “How about, ‘Let me get back with you,’ or ‘I’ll give you a call’?” Taryn answered.

  “My head is hurting.” Yaya lay her head on the desk.

  “Join the club.” Monya walked over to the bag she laid down earlier and took out a Styrofoam plate. “Dang, I didn’t even have time to eat today.”

  “What is that?” Taryn asked.

  “Stewed chicken, peas and rice, and some macaroni and cheese. Your head is probably hurting because you’re hungry—You want some? I’m ’bout to heat it up and throw down.”

  “I do. Put me some on a plate.”

  “No, thanks,” Yaya answered.

  “Suit yourself.” Taryn walked into the back.

  “A’ight, Yaya, what’s going on with you? I know you’re tired, but I also know something else is wrong.” Taryn walked over and leaned on the desk where Yaya’s head was still buried. “You’re not pregnant, are you?”

  “What? Since when is a headache a pregnancy symptom?” Yaya sat up and gave her a mean look. “You know I ain’t pregnant, fool. Hell, that would require sex.”

  “You’re not pregnant, are you?” Taryn asked again, her eyes wide.

  “No, Taryn, I’m not pregnant.”

  “I know you haven’t said anything, but are you and Jason still working things out?”

  “Yeah, we’re good,” she lied.

  Yaya didn’t want to admit to her friends that she and Jason were no closer than the day he decided to take a break. Lying about their relationship was easier than defending the fact that she still loved him.

  “He just wants to take things a little slow, you know, give each other a little space. We both have a lot going on right now.”

  “That’s a good thing, Yaya. You’ve been with Jason for three years, while he’s made his moves and climbed the corporate ladder. Now it’s time to do you. Take advantage of this time and enjoy your life for a change.”

  “I’ve always done me,” Yaya said.

  “No, you did what Jason allowed you to do,” Taryn told her. “How many times did you have to cut out early on a job because you had to meet Jason to have dinner with one of his clients? Or the times you turned down jobs because Jason said you were traveling too much. I don’t even want to mention the parties you missed out on because Jason didn’t want to come with you. You think we don’t know why you didn’t show up at State Street the night of the grand opening? We know you were with Jason.”

  She was busted. When she arrived home opening night, Jason was waiting for her, glass of wine in hand, ready to sex her the way she had been craving. As soon as he finished, he was gone.

  Yaya sat silently listening to Taryn. Most of what her best friend was saying was true. She had compromised a lot for her relationship with Jason, but she had gained a lot too. That’s what love’s about—give and take.

  Taryn was right about her failure to appear at State Street. She was with Jason; but she refused to admit it.

  Monya walked in and passed Taryn her plate.

  The enticing aroma caused Yaya’s stomach to growl. She looked at her friends stirrin
g their food. Unable to resist any longer, she told Monya, “Let me taste that.”

  “I asked you, ‘Did you want some’?” Monya passed her a forkful of chicken and rice.

  Yaya tasted the food. “Wow! This is the bomb. Where did you get it from?”

  “Someplace Jarrod told me about called Ochie’s,” Monya said, taking her fork back.

  “In the Bottoms?” Yaya gasped, thinking about the worst, most crime-ridden part of the city she’d never dare go.

  “Yeah.” Monya laughed.

  “You went to the Bottoms? By yourself? Are you crazy?” Yaya’s jaw dropped.

  “Yaya, please . . . there’s nothing wrong with the Bottoms.” Taryn shook her head. “Stop trippin’.”

  “I ain’t trippin’.” Yaya reached for Monya’s fork again. “I just can’t believe you went by yourself.”

  “I asked you, ‘Did you want some’?” Monya passed her the plate.

  There was a loud rumbling outside the shop, and they all looked out the window. Yaya instantly recognized the large purple-and-white bike that was pulling in front.

  “Who let the dogs out?” Taryn shouted as the door opened and Quincy walked in.

  He removed his helmet and placed it on the sofa.

  “Excuse me, the sign says no loitering,” Yaya announced. “This establishment is for paying customers only. If you’re trying to loiter for free, you need to go next door to Q-Masters.”

  “How about this building is for paying tenants only.” Quincy raised his eyebrows at her.

  “What’s up, Quincy? Come on in. Have a seat. Take a load off.” She smiled at him.

  “I thought you would change your song.” He walked over and hugged her. “How’s business?”

  “Almost more than we can handle,” Taryn told him. “I love it.”

  “Jarrod told me it stays packed in here.” Quincy looked around. “Since it’s like that, maybe I should charge—”

  Yaya stopped him. “Don’t even try it.”

  “I’m glad things are going well for you.” Quincy looked at the plate in front of her. “That looks good. Where did you get it?”

  “Ochie’s,” she told him.

  “Ochie’s?” Quincy looked shocked. “You went to Ochie’s?”

  “No, Monya went.” She rolled her eyes. “And what if I said I did?”

  “You’d be lying,” he told her. “So have you hired a secretary yet? I know someone looking for a job.”

  “Who?” Taryn spoke up.

  “Paige’s sister-in-law, Camille, you met her. She came in last week with Paige’s best friend, Nina,” he said.

  Yaya saw the reflection of Monya and Taryn in the mirror. She turned and gave them a threatening look. “Sorry, we just hired someone this afternoon.”

  “Really? That was quick. Well, if you need anyone else, or the person doesn’t work out, let me know. The girl is smart, and I think she’d do a good job.”

  She ignored Taryn’s shaking head and told him, “I will. Hey, Q, have you talked to Titus? I’ve been trying to reach him and I can’t. I know he’s outta town. When is he coming back?”

  “He should be back next week. I’ll tell him you’re looking for him.” He stood up and grabbed his helmet. “Well, I gotta go collect rent from my paying tenants.”

  “Why didn’t you tell him about Celeste?” Taryn asked when he was gone.

  “For what?” Yaya shrugged.

  “I still say you’re making a mistake hiring her. Especially when you know Paige is a customer here,” Monya added. “You’re asking for trouble.”

  “Look, if Paige is legit, then Celeste won’t be a threat to her, right?” Yaya put her hands on her hip. She didn’t know why they were tripping. “I don’t see a problem, unless there’s some truth to what Celeste said about Paige being a gold-digging skank. I can’t believe she pushes her daughter off on Q like he’s her daddy or something. Celeste says it’s ridiculous. Time will tell, and she’s just helping me look out for Quincy’s best interest. Besides, I know my brother better than anyone, and there’s no way this thing with Paige is serious. If it was, he would’ve talked to me about her before now. She’s probably just one of his ‘in-betweens,’ you’ll see.”

  “All I see is a whole lot of drama about to unfold, and when it does, you are gonna be the one your brother is looking at,” Taryn told her.

  Chapter 13

  “Wow, you look stunning!” Quincy said when she came downstairs.

  “And you look dashing!” she said, admiring the custom-fit tuxedo he was wearing.

  Paige knew this was a night he had been looking forward to for weeks. When he told her he was being honored by the Chamber of Commerce as their Businessman of the Year, she screamed, “I am so proud of you!”

  “We’d better get going or we’re gonna be late.”

  “It’s only six-fifteen. The dinner doesn’t start until seven-thirty.” Paige checked her watch.

  “You know the Businessman of the Year can’t come strolling in at seven-thirty, girl. I have to be there early to get a good seat.”

  “You have a whole reserved table, fool.” Paige laughed.

  It was still early when they arrived at the banquet. Quincy held her hand and introduced her to several of his associates who were standing in the lobby.

  She felt so proud to be with him. He was so personable, and everyone had something good to say about him. Paige also loved the fact that when he looked at her, she could see the way he felt about her in his eyes.

  He put his hand in the small of her back as they made their way to their table, causing tingles to run up and down her spine. “Look, there’s Yaya.” Quincy pointed to his sister who had walked in.

  Paige observed the elegance of her stride, her form-fitting champagne gown clinging to her small body. As she walked across the room, all eyes were on her. There was no doubt in Paige’s mind—Yaya was a bona fide diva in her own right. Her hair was pulled in a perfect upsweep, a few scattered curls in just the right places. Her make-up was flawless. The perfection of Yaya’s presence was so apparent; even Paige looked down at her own ivory gown to see if it was sufficient.

  “Your sister looks a lot like Lela Rochon,” Paige whispered.

  “I’ve heard that more than a few times.” Quincy laughed, his eyes remaining on Yaya. “Lela Rochon and Janet Jackson—I’ve heard both of those, but they don’t look anything alike.”

  “They’re both beautiful, and so is your sister.”

  “You always cause a scene, huh, Yaya?” Quincy stood to greet his sister.

  “How did I cause a scene?” Yaya asked innocently.

  “I’m supposed to be the man of the hour, but all eyes are on you.” He held her chair out.

  “She can’t help being the belle of the ball; it comes naturally?—Isn’t that right, Yaya?” Paige laughed.

  “That’s right—If you can’t handle the competition, then get out of the game,” Yaya said politely.

  If Paige didn’t know any better, she would have thought the comment was aimed at her. “He’s right, though—you do look beautiful,” she told her.

  “Thank you, Paige,” Yaya replied, her voice stiff. “You look nice as well. Your face is gorgeous. Who did it?”

  “Taryn hooked me up this afternoon.”

  Something flickered in Yaya’s eyes. “Taryn?”

  “Yeah. She came by the house and did it. I made the appointment with her the other day. I was glad she answered the phone because I had been leaving messages for her with the receptionist, but she never called me back. I see business is going well. That’s good.”

  “Yes, it is.” Yaya nodded. “Hopefully, the Chamber of Commerce will be presenting me with one of these awards one of these days.”

  “Following in your big brother’s footsteps, huh?” Quincy winked. “You always were a copycat.”

  “For now, but soon you’re gonna be eating my dust.” Yaya stuck her tongue out at him.

  Watching the two of them g
o back and forth made Paige wish she hadn’t been an only child.

  The three of them made small talk until the program began.

  The dinner was bland, but hearing Quincy’s name being called as the honoree of the night made up for it. It took all the self-control Yaya had to keep her composure and not scream, “Go, baby,” as he walked and stood behind the podium to receive his award.

  “When I opened my first barbershop five years ago, I did it with a purpose in mind. For me, Q-Masters was a way to provide a service to the community while providing employment within the community. I grew up in a family that instilled values, friendship, and a strong work ethic while giving loving care in a safe environment. These days, a lot of our young men don’t have the opportunity to gain what I did from their own families, but they can gain it from the community, which includes Q-Masters. That’s the same goal and same approach I have with each shop that I open: to instill values, friendship, and work ethic in a caring, safe environment. For me, Q-Masters was never about money; it was giving back. And that’s what I encourage each of you business owners to do—give back.

  “None of this would be possible without God, who trusted me with this responsibility. I want to thank the Chamber for this award, it lets me know that none of my hard work has been in vain. I also want to thank my sister, Yaya, who has embarked on her own journey to make her mark in the world—I love you, Yaya.

  “I also want to thank my girlfriend, Paige, who has been a constant encouragement for me without even knowing she is. You are one of a kind, and I love you. Thank you, everyone.”

  Applause thundered as people rose to their feet, giving Quincy a standing ovation.

  Paige dabbed at the tears that had formed in her eyes. Quincy Westbrooke was a wonderful man, and she was blessed to have him in her life. She beamed with pride as she watched Quincy pose for pictures with other leaders of the community.

  Oddly, Yaya remained seated. There was something strange about the way she was looking at her brother. It was as if she was in shock.

  “Are you okay?” Paige leaned over and asked her.

  “I’m fine,” Yaya said, stoically. Her demeanor had changed; she was no longer friendly. “I have to leave. Tell my brother I will talk to him later.”