by Jaye McCloud
After pausing to make sure that I understand exactly what she’s saying, she continues. “Mrs. Bentini is considering either early retirement or semi-retirement. It really doesn’t matter because either way, she’s an extremely busy woman, with a lot of projects and events always going on—social, personal and business related. You’ll never want for something to do.” Ms. Carlito hands me an envelope with more papers. “You have already received your information packet from personnel, but I’m also providing you with information and procedure for Bentini Mansion, a general duty list, and some personal notes, requirements and expectations straight from Mrs. Bentini herself. She will not be meeting with you until Katherine returns. So if you should have any questions, please don’t hesitate to send me an email or call…you have my direct extension.”
Reading a list on one of the many sheets, I see that as Mrs. Bentini’s personal assistant, the duties I will be performing include, but are not limited to: working with managerial staff and other employees; screening telephone calls, handling requests, enquiries, posts, email, and faxes. Planning and scheduling appointments and meetings, taking minutes and dictation in meetings. Assist in the planning and production of events and functions. Last, but not least, run personal errands for Mrs. Bentini.
Just as Ms. Carlito says, it looks like I’ll never be without something to do—and it looks like I’ll be earning every penny of that 59K. I admit to being a little taken aback. I’ve never worked in a setting like this. However, I quickly get over it. Working at an economically and academically struggling school, year after hellish year, has taught me that I have what it takes to get shit done. I’m here to do my job and collect a fat-ass paycheck. I plan to be the sole of discretion, integrity and reliability.
When my meeting with Ms. Carlito ends, she gives me a set of keys and hands me off to her assistant. “Tiressa, Judy will show you to your office.” I look at Ms. Carlito in surprise. “I have an office?”
“Yes, of course, right down the hall from Mrs. Bentini’s office”, Ms. Carlito says with a slight tilt of her lips. I walk with Judy out across the reception area and down a corridor that I haven’t been in before. We head to the end of the hall and Judy motions me to the last office on the right. “I have a ton of things to do, so I’ll leave you to get settled in. My extension is 1281. Feel free to call me if you need anything.”
“Thanks Judy …may I call you Judy? I appreciate the offer and believe me I won’t be shy about taking you up on it.” She leaves with a smile and a wave, and I close my door so I can have privacy as I soak up the sensation of being on the precipice of something new and wonderful.
***
I went to the salon and had my hair permed — love it. It’s kind of a big deal for me because I haven’t permed my hair in almost two years. I’m not one of those black people who care if other black people wear their hair natural or relaxed. I don’t give a damn either way. Just like black people come in all kinds of beautiful colors, our hair also comes in so many fabulous and fascinating textures and styles —we should embrace it all. Personally, it’s just easier for me to wear my hair relaxed. I’ve gone natural several times before and I have to say it’s tiring.
I used to be the kind of girl who didn’t spend a lot of time on her hair; which is evident in the simplistic pulled-back bun hairdo I typically wear—perm or no perm. Now that I have this job, I admit to wanting to fit in. Therefore, I’m more than willing to up my wardrobe and hair game if that’s what it takes. I get out of my car looking good and feeling great. I’m wearing a black stretchy ankle-length pencil skirt with a lime short sleeved top; and nice pair of black four inch heels. Outside of earrings, I’m not really a big fan of jewelry, but I’m stepping up my game and wearing a silver accessory set; which of course includes matching necklace, bracelet, rings and earrings...the works. I hardly ever wore makeup when I was a teacher. Not because I didn’t know how to apply it, but more because I just didn’t care to even make the effort to beauty myself up. However, today, my makeup is light and flawless. Though I think I’m pretty enough, like any red-blooded woman, I feel beautiful when I glam it up a bit.
Walking through the doors of Bentini and Sons, I stand in the steadily moving line waiting to scan my ID; which acts as a tracking device for whenever I enter the building. I feel someone way to close to my back, at the same time that I hear over my shoulder, “Hello beautiful, I’m so glad to see you again.”
I turn and flash a hundred-watt smile. “Well, if it isn’t my very own black knight. Officer Allen Langston, how have you been?”
Flashing me an equally bright and utterly sexy smile, Officer Langston replies. “I’m better now that I’ll get the opportunity to gaze upon your loveliness every day.”
I like his special brand of corny pickup lines. As we are bantering back and forth, I scan my ID and say good morning to Terrance, and then proceed to the elevators. All the while, Officer Langston is walking next to me, attempting to keep my attention. “Congratulations, I hear you’re working for Mrs. Bentini on the fifth floor.”
“Thank you, Officer Langston. I was totally shocked when I was offered the position.” I don’t want him to have the impression that I’m something that I’m not. I may be working on the fifth-floor, but I’m still first-floor approachable.
“Allen, please…and may I have permission to address you by your given name Ms. Hawkins?”
This brotha is just too damn dreamy. He’s blue collar with loads of charm and charisma. “Yes Allen, you have my permission to call me Tiressa.”
“Great. Now that we’ve gotten over that huge hurdle, we have another one that we need to tackle.” When I raise my eyebrow in question, he explains. “Although you accepted my phone number, you haven’t called me… and I suspect you’re not going to call me. So, can I call you Tiressa? Tonight?”
Just as I open my mouth to answer, someone approaches me from behind and places a strong hand at my waist. “Tiressa! Congratulations!” Turning, Derrick Matthews embraces me completely. I grimace as I notice that he’s managed to crowd Allen into stepping back a few steps.
“Derrick, thank you.” I say, stepping out of his arms and shifting to introduce Allen. Derrick steps right in front of me, effectively blocking me from making eye contact with Allen.
“Tiressa, I was impressed when I heard they offered you the PA position with Mrs. Bentini. Damn girl, who do you know?” I can’t tell if he’s teasing me or implying that he really doesn’t know how I got the job. The elevator doors slide open and Derrick ushers me in, saying, “I’m on the fifth floor too. I’ll ride up with you and you can show me your office.”
It’s pointless to resist. By that time, I’m in the elevator and the doors are sliding closed. Allen has turned away and is walking back to the reception area of the lobby. His back stiff and his head held high. Damn.
Because only Derrick and I are in the elevator, I let him know how I feel about his little stunt. “Look, Derrick, I don’t appreciate what you just did to Allen.”
“What? Who is Allen?” You never did see such an innocent cherub, as Derrick can look when he knows full well he’s guilty of something—and gets called on it.
“Don’t try it. You’re a smart man. You know exactly what you did.”
“And you’re a smart woman. So, I know you aren’t seriously interested in that guy.”
“Whether I’m interested in him or not, what you did was just plain rude.”
“Okay, so I had a rude moment. You can’t blame me when I see the girl I’m interested in being practically slobbered on by some muscle-head in an ill-fitting uniform.”
I can’t believe him. I thought… “Derrick, you shouldn’t be interested in me, in that way. And you sure shouldn’t be caring that a man is being nice to me. We agreed—”
“I know, I know. Look Tiressa, let’s not argue about that guy. Chalk it up to my ego getting the best of me, and let’s just drop it.”
As we exit the elevator, Derrick places his
hand low on my back with way too much familiarity. I give the receptionist a little wave as I try to put more space between me and Derrick. Walking down the corridor to my office, I ask him where his office is…and almost fall off my high heels when he points to the opposite end of the hall. “I’m down on that end, third door on the right.” He chuckles and continues with, “I almost had the big corner office….who knows… maybe one day, right?” Not really caring, I mumble an agreement as I unlock my door and we enter.
Looking around the small bare room, Derrick declares. “This office isn’t so bad. It could use a bit of decorating though.” Then he adds with a magnanimous flare, “Hey, I’ll bring you an office warming present tomorrow.”
“Derrick, you don’t have to do that. I’ve been so incredibly busy that I haven’t thanked you for allowing me to list you as a personal reference when I applied here. That’s probably what got me this position.”
“Thanks are not necessary between good friends.” He says in a low husky voice as he steps closer and bends his head down towards mine…
Hastily stepping out of his reach. “Derrick, what are you doing? Come on, we’re friends.”
“I know, but what’s wrong with being friends—with benefits?”
“Really Derrick? Is that how you see me? As a bootie-call kinda chic? I advise you to think carefully before you answer, Mr. Matthews.” I suggest in the same hard voice that I have used many, many times with my most challenging students.
“I’m sorry, Tiressa, that was a bad joke. I never should have said it.” He apologizes glibly with a wolfish grin. “Please accept my apology.”
I’m not going to let him off the hook that easy. One of the things that I like and admire about Derrick is that his background is similar to mine. He wasn’t born into a wealthy family. He didn’t get things handed to him from rich or even middle-class parents. Derrick’s a white-boy who used education to make it out of a poor, rough neighborhood. I love that kind of shit.
Nevertheless, if we’re going to be working together he has to learn that I won’t accept that type of disrespect from him or any man. “Look Derrick, I don’t appreciate that. I don’t care if you’re joking or not. Are we going to have a problem working in the same building?”
Now, it’s his turn to look offended. As if I’ve insulted his professional integrity. “Of course not, Tiressa. Like I said, it was a bad joke. I promise that I will never say that to you again. Please say you forgive me.”
The patronizing grin is gone and this time he looks sincere. “Okay, I accept your apology.”
“And you forgive me?” He coaxes.
Giving him an accessing look, I relent. “Yes, you’re forgiven. Now please exit so that I can get some work done.”
“Fine. I’ll go, but I won’t be a stranger.” He says as he saunters out of my office with his cocky stride firmly on display.
I exhale a sigh of relief when Derrick leaves. Walking to my office door, I see Jason Bentini coming down the corridor in what appears to be a very serious conversation with a group of men. Not wanting to be caught gawking, I start to close the door when one of the men draws my attention.
And suddenly it happens. From one minute to the next, the sounds of the bustling corridor fade into silence and there is only the accelerating beat of my heart. Time slows as I stare at one of the tallest men I’ve ever laid eyes on. He’s a mountain. Head and shoulders taller than anyone around. I’m actually doing the one thing that I said I didn’t want to do –gawk like a silly teenager. But looking at him takes me back to when I first discovered and fell in love…with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Back in those days, he was the sexiest man alive to me. I spent hours watching and rewatching his movies, any movie he ever made…no matter how old or lame. I was totally captivated by all that body and strength…truth to tell, I still am. This man looks like my dream lover come to life. So close that I’m barely able to catch my breath just trying to take him all in.
Coming out of my daze, I give myself a mental shake as the noise of the corridor return full blast and I notice that his gaze is now centered fully on me. Although I’m unnerved and flushed with embarrassment, I can’t seem to make myself look away. Until, with a stern expression and intense eyes, he winks at me. Gathering my scattered senses, I quickly step back into my office and close the door. Not knowing quite what to make of that bit of strangeness, I decide to put the entire embarrassing incident out of my mind and get to work.
The rest of my day goes very well because Katherine Walters came back earlier than was expected. I’m sitting down at my desk reviewing the schedule Ms. Carlito had given me the previous day, when I’m interrupted, by a light tapping at my door. I call out for the person to enter. When the door opens, a woman sails in with a hesitant smile. “Good Morning. Tiressa right?” When I nod yes, she happily continues. “I’m Katherine Walters. Mrs. Bentini’s other personal assistant.”
Upon hearing her name, I smile in return quickly standing up and stepping from behind my desk. “I’m so very, very pleased to finally meet you. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about you.” I say deferentially, as I offer my hand to her. Scrutinizing me from head-to-toe, Katherine Walters looks at me directly and says with such assurance, “I predict that you and I will not only work well together, we’ll also become fast friends.” Then ignoring my outstretched hand, she hugs me and welcomes me to the B&S family.
I already know that Katherine is twenty-eight, single, and dedicated to the Bentini family. Although she has known the family for many years—since attending college with one of the Bentini sons—she has only worked as Mrs. Bentini’s personal assistant for the past four or five years. Kathy, as she prefers to be called, is a very pretty brunette with an oval-shaped face, hazel eyes, and a cute smile. She has a petite figure, and it’s easy to see that she works out. She’s wearing makeup, but it’s not too colorful or caked on. As beautiful as she is, I think her hair is her crowning glory. It’s absolutely gorgeous, cascading down to the middle of her back.
I don’t usually go gaga over white girls’ hair, but I give kudos where kudos are due. Maybe I think it’s so remarkable because that particular color and length reminds me of a time when me and my sister, as kids, once pulled the threads loose on our mom’s shaggy throw rug and made ourselves long wavy hair out of it. My mom hit the roof when she discovered what we’d done to her favorite carpet.
After spending almost an hour in my office talking and getting acquainted, I reflect on something Katherine–Kathy—said. She seriously seems to believe that we are going to be friends. I guess I hope she’s right because I think I like her well enough to hang with her outside of work. With her looks and background you’d think she’d be some type of snob, but she’s not. She offered to get me coffee and a bagel from the lounge…that is definitely not something a snob would ever do. I also appreciate her genuine warm and friendly personality. Because most of the black people I know aren’t really touchy feely, it always amazes me when white people hug me or rub my shoulder. Although I don’t quite understand it, I accept it and sometimes, I even appreciate when it happens. It shows me that the person isn’t afraid to get to know me and accepts me—meaning the color of my skin—on some deeper, more personal level.
***
Kathy introduces me to Mr. Dominic Bentini, and his eldest son, Robert. Both men are cordial and seem to accept Mrs. Bentini’s preference to have me as her personal assistant. Mr. Dominic Bentini is a handsome, distinguished, charming old rogue with Sean Connery looks. “Hello my dear, it’s nice to meet you. We look forward to seeing another beautiful face around the office and at the house.”
I give him a big grateful smile. “Thank you Mr. Bentini. I’m glad to be here and I look forward to working with Mrs. Bentini.”
Father and son give each other an amused look that seems to say, “We’ll see how you feel about that in a couple of months.”
Mr. Bentini’s warm gaze encompasses me as he says, “I surely hope you do.” Then
he shifts towards Kathy. “Our Kathy here will be a big asset to you. If you have any questions or need any help—with anything—Kathy’s the girl to ask.”
Kathy thanks Mr. Bentini for the compliment as I turn my attention to the other man in the room. Like his father, Robert Bentini is over six feet tall, very attractive and athletic with the Bentini thick black wavy hair. I’ve learned that Mr. and Mrs. Bentini have been married for thirty-six years, and have a wedding anniversary coming up towards the end this year. They have seven sons and two daughters; ranging in ages from thirty-five to nineteen. Their children are involved in B&S’s various businesses—in one way or another. I Googled them…apparently the Bentini’s are a big deal, especially in this city. Dominic Bentini and his father, Luciano, worked tireless to maintain and grow the Bentini business inherited from Luciano’s own father. Continuing the tradition, the Bentini’s use their skills and talents collectively to expand the Bentini empire. They have a chain of stores throughout half the country, as well as, an online distribution. This office is the Head Quarters of the Bentini Corporation. They manufacture, sell and install personal and commercial air conditioning and heating units, as well as, a wide variety of fans, lamps and lighting. The Bentini’s primary source of wealth is from their restaurant appliances distribution and installation division. I know…appliances…who would have thought it? However, B&S deal mostly in the high-end expensive commercial brands. You won’t see any low budget appliances here.
