“Okay, I want to meet your brother, but I have to ask my mom.”
“Okay, we will arrange it.”
“His mother won’t mind. He can attend. Thank you for inviting him, Mr. Walker.”
I was really impressed with Mr. Walker. He was able to get Brandon thinking in a matter of minutes. Brandon wasn’t going to be suspended and I could return to work.
“No, thank you. It takes a village, right? I’m glad you were able to come up and support your nephew,” he said, smiling as he looked over at me and then back over at Brandon. “You’d be surprised how many times you call a student’s house and no one shows up.”
“No, we won’t do that in my family. Any problems, just call me and I’ll be right up.”
“I’m not even going to have to call your aunt, am I, Brandon?” Mr. Walker asked.
“No,” Brandon assured him.
“No, what, Brandon?”
“No, sir.”
“Well, it was very nice meeting you,” Mr. Walker said.
“Likewise. Again, any issues, call me. His mother is working, and I might be able to respond quicker,” I said and gave him my card.
“Will do. Brandon, walk your aunt to the door, and come back to the office so I can write you a note to go back to class.”
CHAPTER 43
Dana
“Good morning. May I have Dana Turner, please?” “This is she.”
“Yes, this is Mr. Walker, from your nephew’s school.”
“Is he in trouble again?” I sighed.
“No, not this time. As a matter of fact, I haven’t had any issues with Brandon since we met. He’s been stopping in my office, and we’ve been talking about things. I was calling to see if you were interested in participating in a career day panel of women in business for our young ladies. I saw that you are a marketing executive on your business card and, well, our girls need to see examples of successful women.”
“Of course. What do I need to do or bring?”
“Not much. I just want our students to get an idea of what your everyday workday is like for you, and you could possibly just answer a few questions.”
I wrote the time and date down and thanked him for inviting me. I guess I could give the students a few hours of my day.
I remembered career day when I was in school. It was just an opportunity to get dressed up, not to have to go to class, and be bored to death by peoples’ parents talking about their job. I hoped my job was interesting enough to keep the students’ attention.
The Career Day was set up in the large library of the school. On my panel there was an attorney, a police officer, and a veterinarian. We all spoke about what we did and then the students were able to ask us questions. At first no one asked any questions, then a young lady stood up and said, “I want to know: are y’all rich and what kind of cars do you drive?”
The other women on the panel didn’t answer, so I took the microphone and responded. “What’s your name?” I asked.
“Charae.”
“Okay, Charae, to answer your first questions, I do make a very good living and I drive a nice car, but I’m not rich.” I heard someone yell out if you’re not rich then you’re poor, and the other students started laughing. I laughed a little because it was funny.
“My job is to make you want to buy something I’m selling.” I looked at the audience of attentive students and asked Charae to come up to the front of the library. She walked up to me, and I picked up a thick book I saw to the side of me. “Now, what I want you to do is sell me this book.”
She bent over and laughed nervously and said, “Hold on, okay? Hold up. What do you want me to do?”
“I want you to tell me why I should buy this book, why I have to have it, and make me want to buy it.”
She spoke into the microphone. “You should buy this book because it is nice and it is thick and it’s green.”
“Now, that was good, Charae. How many people would buy Charae’s book?” A few students raised their hands. “Now, let me show you how I would sell this book. I would say, ‘Charae, you need this book. It has four hundred and thirty-six pages. Have you ever had a book with this many pages? Do you know how much you will learn with this text compared to other books? This book is green and goes exactly with your beautiful eyes. Charae, this book is made for you.’ Now, would you buy my book?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because you made me think I needed it.”
“Exactly. Good job. Everyone, give Charae a round of applause.” Charae walked back to her seat, and other students’ hands shot up. I tried to answer as many questions as I could before the next guest took over.
After my panel I walked to my table, where two young ladies were waiting to speak to me. Both were pretty and innocent looking. One was short, had light brown skin, and had her hair up in a long ponytail. Her browner, taller friend wore her hair in two French braids with a headband over them. I smiled, ready to answer all their marketing career questions.
“So how are you ladies doing?”
“We’re fine,” the taller girl said. “We just wanted to come over and tell you we liked your speech and wanted to tell you that your hair is cute.”
The shorter girl asked, “What kind of hair is it?” It was not a question I was expecting, but at least I had people interested in me. The veterinarian was typing into her phone, waiting for someone to talk to her.
“Well, thank you again. It’s a Remi Loose Deep Wave.”
“So, like, is it fun at your job, selling stuff, and do you get dressed up every day?” the taller girl asked.
“I do, and it’s fun most of the time.”
“It seems like it is, and I like your shoes, too. My cousin got the same kind. They are Jessica Simpsons, right?” said the shorter girl.
“Yes, they are.”
“I told you,” she whispered to her friend.
I answered every question they had about my career and style until they ran out of them. By that time Mr. Walker had approached the table, clapping his hands lightly.
“Bravo, Miss Turner. You were great. I’ll buy whatever you are selling.”
“Thanks. It is my job.”
“I just had a young lady come up to me, saying, ‘Mr. Walker, I think I want to be a marketing executive.’ ”
“That’s great.”
“I’m sure this morning, before you came, she didn’t know what a marketing executive was. And now she does. People do not realize the importance of seeing a visual in front of them,” he said.
“That’s good. You’re making me feel like I did something special today.”
“You did, you really did, and I’d like to thank you. If you are not busy, I would like to invite to you one of my Temple alumni events, Real Men Sizzle, next Saturday.”
“Oh, I’ve heard of that event. I’ll try to make it. I’ll bring my boyfriend,” I said.
“Great. I’ll expect you, then. And I will e-mail you with all the details.”
“Thank you. I’ll look for it. And right now I’m going to sneak out and go back to work,” I said. Mr. Walker thanked me again for coming, and I began making my way out of the school.
Adam had plans to go see his sister Melissa in a play already, so I dragged Tiffany to the Real Men Sizzle event. The event was held at the African American Museum. There were photos and artwork of different eras of black history on the walls.
We walked in and I immediately spotted Mr. Walker. He looked so handsome and refined. His creamy whipped-mousse brown skin was flawless.
I waved to him. He began walking in our direction. He was wearing a taupe suede jacket, with a peach shirt underneath.
“That’s Brandon’s principal.”
“Wow, he is cute,” Tiffany said.
“Thank you for coming, Ms. Turner. Make sure you get some of this good food.”
“We will, and you’re welcome. I’m a person of my word, and I have to support you, because my sister sai
d she can see a change in Brandon already. Mr. Walker, this is my friend Tiffany. She is also an educator.”
“Where?” he asked.
“Smedley Elementary in South Philly,” Tiffany told him.
“I used to be in that district. I taught at Bryant. I enjoyed it, but I wanted to make a difference on a broader level. Eventually, I want to start my own school or nonprofit,” he revealed.
“So you really want to save the world?” Tiffany laughed.
“You could say that, one kid at a time. I don’t subscribe to the whole ‘I made it, I’m good, and forget everyone else’ mentality.”
Tiffany nodded. “I say that, too, but then I look at my paycheck and say, ‘Is it all worth it?’ ”
“Of course it is worth it. You make a difference every day. My parents were educators. They didn’t make a lot of money, but they stressed that education was everything.” He paused for a moment. “It is not about us. You really can’t have the mind-set ‘I have mine.’ No, because what will happen is the same kid that you didn’t help will hit you in your head in ten years and rob you. I don’t know—maybe it is me, but I can’t eat in front of a hungry man.”
Tiffany nodded again. “I agree.”
“One of my brothers is a surgeon, my sister is completing her law degree, and my baby brother is a freshman at Morehouse.”
“Your parents must be proud to have four successful children. How did they get all of you to do well?” Tiffany asked.
“No sports or outside activities until our school work was done. And it paid off. They raised us to make a difference. My attitude is this: I can easily get my corporate six-figure job.” He looked over at me and gave me the eye. “No offense, Ms. Turner.”
“Mr. Walker, none taken. I don’t exactly make six figures yet.” I laughed.
Then he continued on. I wanted to scream, Can I be part of the conversation? They were going back and forth about theories and solutions to the problems with education, and I couldn’t add anything to the conversation.
“I’ll be back,” he finally said, placing his hand on the small of my back. Moments later he returned with a gorgeous caramel-skinned man.
“Ladies, this is my very good friend, Jacob Price. He is one of the city’s best attorneys. If you ever get into a situation, you should give him a call.”
“We try to stay out of trouble,” Tiffany joked.
“That’s true, but sometimes trouble can find you.” Mr. Walker’s handsome friend reached in his suit pocket and handed us both his business card.
After some small talk Jacob began filling us in on his last horrible relationship and how he was looking for a girlfriend. But it was hard for him to date with his long hours. I couldn’t imagine why he was single; he was perfect.
Tiffany whispered to me, “Oh my God I’m in love.”
I said, “Me too.”
I wasn’t sure who he was interested in, but then he made his move on Tiffany. He looked in her direction and asked, “So, do you think we can go out and see a movie or whatever you like?”
“Sure, okay. When?”
“Whenever; give me a call any night, but Thursdays I teach a law class at CCP, so any other night.”
“Okay, sounds good.” Tiffany smiled, and Jacob walked away. As soon as he was a couple of feet away, Tiffany ripped up his card.
“Why did you do that?”
“Because, I don’t need any temptation. I don’t want to cheat. Where was he when I was single and alone?”
“So you are not single anymore?”
“No, I am not. Solomon and I had the conversation, right after his grandmother’s funeral. How about you and Adam?”
“Well, we never had the talk, but I’m there all the time, and he introduced me to his mom and his sisters as his girlfriend, so I guess I’m his girlfriend.”
“Well, isn’t this amazing? The two single girls both have men, and now we are at an event with a room full of all these good-looking, successful black men in suits.”
“Tiffany, I was sitting here thinking the same thing,” I said as I looked around the room.
“And they’re not married, either. I’ve been doing hand scans, and no rings. I’ve never seen so many men I would date in one room. We were looking in all the wrong places. Shit. Don’t we have some girlfriends to call to tell them to get down here right now? And Brandon’s principal, he is great. Whew, that man looks good.”
“Yeah, he is a good-looking man,” I said, inhaling all of him from across the room.
Throughout the evening Mr. Walker came to check up on Tiffany and me, making sure we were comfortable.
“Thank you for inviting me out, Mr. Walker,” I told him when Tiffany and I were getting ready to leave.
“I’m glad you were able to make it. Uh, Ms. Turner, I know I’m being a little forward, but is it possible for me to see you again, outside of Brandon and school?”
“No, I’m sorry. I’m involved. But thank you.”
CHAPTER 44
Yvette
The kids had left for two weeks. They were with their father in Florida for Christmas break, and I was about to cash my first paycheck. It wasn’t a lot of money, but I was so happy. I was so blessed to be working again. It was going to take me a few months to pay everyone back, but at least now I could see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I wanted to get out and treat Geneva for being such a supportive friend. Everyone needed someone like her to have their back. I invited her to try the soul food place that I had delivered to on Germantown Avenue. We met at the bar inside the restaurant and were immediately seated at a table by the window.
“You look good,” she said as she gave me a quick hug.
“I feel good. I feel like the weight is starting to lift, literally and figuratively.”
“That’s great. I started to invite Stacey, but I didn’t know how you would feel.”
“I’m glad you didn’t.”
“You don’t understand how sorry Stacey is.”
“I don’t care. If she didn’t mean it, fine, but she shouldn’t have let it slip,” I said. “Plus, she is more your friend than mine. If you are not around, I don’t call her. I remained friends with her all these years because of you.”
“Well, I’m so happy everything is good now. I was getting scared that you might really kill Phil and go to jail, and then I would have to put my house up to bond you out.”
We both laughed, then I said, “Then I won’t tell you that I almost burned his dad’s house down. I had the gasoline, but not the match. He doesn’t know how close he came to being in the burn unit.”
“What the hell, Yvette? I’m not sure I even want to know.”
“Yes, you do not want to know. I’m now only having positive thoughts,” I said as I bowed my head playfully, like I was praying.
“So what’s good here?”
“The owner said they are known for their buffalo shrimps and wings. I don’t know where the waitress is.”
The gentleman that owned the restaurant was going from table to table, checking on his patrons. He came over to our table and said, “Ladies, how you doing this evening?”
“Better if we had some drinks in front of us,” I snapped. “And I should get better service because I’m your delivery lady, Mr. William Nelson.”
“Call me William. I hate Mr. Nelson, and I recognize that pretty face. Let me take your drink order, since no one has been over here yet. My apologies—we are a little short-staffed tonight.”
A few minutes later he came back out with our drinks, and the waitress rushed over to take our dinner order.
After spending so many months in the apartment and not being able to treat myself to dinner, it felt so good to be served and to catch up with my friend. The food was delicious, and we couldn’t finish everything and had the remainder of our dinner boxed and bagged. I asked the waitress for our bill. She told us the owner had taken care of it.
I was touched. “Aw, that was nice. Let me
go over there and say thank you.”
I approached William and said, “Just wanted to say thank you, and the food was really great. I’m going to tell everyone about your establishment.”
“Thank you. I would appreciate that. Here. Take a few cards. I was wondering if I could possibly take my delivery lady out.”
He wasn’t my type, but I gave him my number. I walked back to Geneva and told her he’d asked for my number.
“That would be good—a nice, distinguished gentleman. He’s not that bad looking, either. I would give him about forty-something. You know he has money. He owns the place.”
“We’ll see. I don’t really feel like being bothered by a man right now.”
I knew William was over forty, but someone should have updated him on dating protocol. But anyone should know that after your first half a dozen calls went unanswered, you should leave a message and wait for your call to be returned. He wasn’t getting the hint, so I answered.
“Hey. How you doing, Yvette? This is William.”
“I’m good.”
“I’ve been trying to reach you.”
“I know, but I have children and a life; so I’m sorry, but I’m not always near my phone.”
“Right. Yeah, I know you’re a busy woman, and I see you a feisty one, too. I just wanted to say hello and tell you it was real good to meet you. I wanted to say something to you when you came in last week, but I wanted to keep it professional. So when I saw you again, I couldn’t let you pass me by.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah, so when will you be available for me to show you a good time?”
“I don’t know—give me a call, maybe Friday or Saturday.”
CHAPTER 45
Crystal
Rell’s middle name now was work. He worked so much, like he was making up for lost time. I was happy he had a job, and it was making everything a lot easier on me. But I missed having my boo bear with me, and not at work, but you can’t have everything. I was decorating my white Christmas tree with bright, colorful lights and ornaments, trying to get things done for the holidays. I would get so much more done if Rell wasn’t fixing everything that Little Shareef broke and was able to help me.
Another Man Will Page 23
