THIS DEVELOPING STORY MAY CONTAIN SOME STRONG LANGUAGE, SCENES OF INTIMACY, ETC. 28 year-old Charmaine Hawthorn is finally reaching success as an image consultant. She's earned it. After 7 years of hard work, sleepless nights, and those "it's-eit...
Charmaine slams the door to her office and plops down at her desk. She couldn't believe it. The day started with a bouquet of flowers from an anonymous admirer. She was shocked and low-key happy to see it. Until she saw the note- I was hoping you'd answer your phone so we can hatch things out. Either way, we have to get closure or try to make up. It's up to you. But I can't leave alone you until we talk about what's gone on between us.- Q
And as if that wasn't enough, Mr. Barnes decided to pull some BS as well. He sent her an email saying he would no longer need her service, all because she declined his invitation to accompany him at the corporate dinner:
I know you didn't want to mix business with pleasure, so I decided to cease any inappropriate behavior between us. The invitation still stands, should you change your mind. I have also referred several of my colleagues to work with you. You're great at what you do, and I wanted to make sure to tell anyone I know that you're the best in the business. Please don't take this as something you've done. I am respecting your boundaries, but I'd like a chance if you'll allow it. Should you accept my invitation, I've attached my work and personal contacts. Hope to hear from you. - Chad Barnes
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Men. Charmaine lets out a scream before taking a deep breath. She's lined up for the day, with 6 clients back to back, then a full evening of pulling pieces for tomorrow. She doesn't have time for the drama brewing. She didn't ask for it. Then she hears her Donovan. "Give him a chance, Charm."
"Not yet," She whispers. It's as if she has a mini Donovan on her shoulder who needs shushing. She throws Quincy's surprise into her trash, then prepares to leave her office for her first appointment. She was barely out of the door when her boss stood before her.
"Hey, Hawthorn. Oops, sorry I almost ran into you, but I had to have a little chit chat with you. There was an email from one of your clients this morning." Sachs was a middle-aged black man in a charcoal three-piece suit and monk strap shoes, crisp white shirt and tie. He missed a pocket square but didn't seem bothered by it. Charmaine on the other hand... what do men have against them?
"Hi, Sachs. Ahh, yes. You're talking about Mr. Barnes?" She felt a little tense, wondering what story he was told.
"That's him. I just want to check in and see if you've been notified already. No worries, it wasn't a bad thing. He really sang your praises and mentioned he had already referred a few people to work with you. I wanted to make sure you didn't have too much on your hands? He's pretty adamant about making sure they work with you. You lost one and ended up with more. That's great!"
Charmaine was relieved. "Thanks, Sachs. I think I can handle them. If they are anything like him, then I'm covered. I'll await their calls. I appreciate you checking up on me."
"Glad to do it, girl. You're one of the best. Keep it up." Sachs walked away while giving a thumbs up. Charmaine returned the gesture.
"Thanks!"She says.
After a full day of clients and pulling for tomorrow, Charmaine is back at her desk, deciding if she wants to email Barnes. He didn't have to do that, letting her boss know that the decision he made was for something other than her expertise. He didn't have to refer anyone to work with her, either. While she appreciated him continuing her coins, she still didn't know if it would be a good idea to go out with him. As she began to email him with her answer, she forgot that this was too personal to send from her work email. She instead grabbed her phone and emailed him from her personal one.
Hi, Chad:
Thank you for the review and referrals you've sent my way. While I appreciate what you've done, please understand that this doesn't change my mind from allowing us to pursue a relationship. I will accompany you to your dinner tomorrow. But know that it is in appreciation of the things you've done. I hope you understand. Let me know if that is okay with you.- Charmaine
She grabs her Celine work bag, stuffing it with her MacBook and iPad, then closes out for the night. She will definitely need prosecco for tonight after she decides what she will be wearing for the banquet. Maybe a floor-length red ruffle halter gown from Oscar De la Renta. Perfect for her body type and her deep ebony skin. Imagine that on the arms of the CEO.
Despite how worthy she was, there were other reasons she didn't see herself with Chad. The age difference can create a barrier on perspective, and...he's white. While Charmaine is open to interracial dating, it is still a topic up for debate, despite it being 2019. Plus where she grew up, dating was more about availability, interest, and relatability. The white boys in her hometown weren't interested in black girls- they'd rather take turns on the limited white girls. They'd rather share their partner than get with a sister. Availability, interest, and relatability.
However this can be different, and Charmaine has never dated anyone who had his sh*t together. She wasn't going to the dinner with one of the mailroom guys or anyone who blended in. She was going with the leader of the leaders. The HWGIC*, the star of the show. That's a lot of pressure. But hey, he said he wanted a chance. What did she have to lose? He wasn't a client anymore...
*buzz*
Charmaine looks at her phone. It's Quincy. She rolls her eyes before answering.
"Yes," she responds dryly.
"Did you like them? The flowers?" She could picture a huge smile the other end of the phone, a smile full of hope and pride. He could never be more wrong.
"What kind of closure do you need?"
"Damn. Straight to the point, eh?" Charmaine over it, and it angers her to hear such hope in something that no longer is. At least, not to her. Why was Quincy in denial?
"Yep. If that means we can move on." She wasn't wasting time.
"Wow. Okay, then. I take it you didn't like the flowers."
"Nothing was wrong with the flowers. Just who they were from." Ouch. Charmaine wants to pinch herself for being so rude. But she just... don't like Quincy. Wanted nothing to do with him. Wanted him gone.
"Look. I'm sorry, Charm. I'm a changed man and I want to hatch out the differences between us. I think you'll be more forgiving if we were to talk in person. May I come by?"
"No. We can meet somewhere. Halfway." She didn't want him in her home. He'll feel like he marked territory and could make it a habit to stop by. No way.
"Hmm. Alright. What about somewhere at the borderline between our states? I'm sure we can find someplace to meet."
"Fine. I'll text you a place. We'll meet on Monday morning. Don't waste my time. It's an 8-hour drive total, and gas isn't cheap."
"No problem. I promise we'll wash our hands of this...misunderstanding between us."
Misunderstanding? On whose part? "Sure. See you then." Charmaine hangs up and tosses her iPhone into her bag. Before starting the car, she takes a deeper breath.
It's definitely a prosecco and sushi night.
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