Breaking All My Rules (7 page)

Chapter 6

E
rica, Ashley, Jason, and Danni sat around their small table, trying to stomach the uncomfortable conversation, which was limping and struggling along like a snail with one leg stuck in quicksand. To say the atmosphere was uncomfortable would be an understatement.

Erica could see by Jason's cautious facial expressions that he was keenly aware of the restive mood surrounding them, and for his part, he tried to break the ice by talking about the beautiful fall weather, the newest exhibit at the National Gallery of Art, and anything else he thought would be safe territory for a table of seemingly discontented women. She and Ashley were listening with cordial smiles when, from out of nowhere, Danni chimed in about her company. She apparently wanted to move on to more interesting subjects—such as herself.

She explained that her family's business, Sobelle Cosmetics, one of the largest and best known over-the-counter cosmetics companies in the country, was branching out into new territory, aiming its sights on hair care products. She'd been running the new products division for the last six months, and now she had enlisted Jason's services to assist in the negotiations of a top-secret merger with another cosmetics company of equal standing. If the deal went through, it would position Sobelle to compete with major brands like Pantene, Garnier, and L'Oréal.

“We've been keeping talks about the merger under a shroud of secrecy because of the proprietary sensitivity of the market. The hair care business is a very profitable slice of the pie,” Danni said. “Men and women alike want to make sure their hair looks its best.”

Ashley smiled and nodded. “Yes, I know all about the hair care business.”

“Oh, really?” Danni said, seemingly startled as she zeroed in on the top of Ashley's head. “What do you know about hair care?”

Erica was taken aback by the flippant tone in which the she devil had asked the question—as if Ashley didn't and couldn't know anything about how to care for or manage her own hair. Erica also thought the comment came off as particularly rude, given that Ashley sported a long, shiny, healthy mane that was free of chemicals.

Unlike Erica, Ashley didn't relax her luxurious hair. Once a week she went to one of her family's salons for a nutrient-rich shampoo and penetrating deep conditioner, followed by a gentle blow-dry and a silky smooth flat-iron treatment. The result was nothing less than beautiful, shampoo commercial–worthy hair.

Ashley squinted her eyes and craned her neck. “My family owns several salons in the D.C. metro area. I've been immersed in the hair care business all my life,” she said with a flip of her shiny hair. “So I know a thing or two about the business structure and the industry.”

“Yes, Danni,” Jason said, chiming in. “I haven't been able to discuss this, because of legal issues with our project, but now that it's out in the open, Ashley's family owns M&G Salons, the largest African American–owned hair salon chain in the area. I'm sure you heard of it while doing your market research,” he said proudly.

Danni shrugged dismissively. “Can't say that I have. As Jason knows, we're primarily focused on major brands, and the black—um, excuse me—African American market isn't really on our radar.”

“Well, it should be,” Erica blurted out. She'd been trying to control her tongue, especially since Ashley had been exercising such amazingly disciplined restraint. But now she was pissed and couldn't hold back any longer. “We blacks, as you say, spend a fortune on our hair. Ignoring us is a great way to ensure that your new products division will experience very limited success . . . at best.”

A big gray cloud rumbled over the table after Erica's pronouncement. Everyone looked disturbed except Danni, who continued to smile as if the sun was shining bright.

“So,” Ashley said, moving the conversation in a different direction, “Jason tells me that you're from Vegas.”

“Yes, born and bred,” Danni responded, never dropping her painted-on smile. “But my Southern accent is compliments of my parents' upbringing in Tennessee, and the fact that I spent all my summers there when I was growing up. I love the South. It's so . . . charming. Everybody knows their place.”

Erica nearly yelled out when she felt Ashley's foot kick hers under the table. She knew that Ashley hadn't raised the roof of the building only because of Jason. Even though the she devil was a bitch, she was still Jason's client, and a wealthy one at that.

“I guess so, but I wouldn't know a thing about that,” Ashley quipped. “How do you like D.C.?”

Danni took a deep breath as she picked over her salad, which she'd barely touched. “Unfortunately, I haven't seen much of the city. Jason and I have been locked away in his office all day . . . working, of course.” She said the last part with a sly grin as she half winked at Jason.

Erica's eyes grew big with indignation, but Ashley didn't flinch. Instead she simply asked, “This isn't your first visit to our fair city, is it?”

“Well, no, it isn't. But sadly, and I'm ashamed to say, my last trip to D.C. was when my parents brought me here as a small child. I've traveled all around the world, from Austria to Hong Kong, but I've yet to fully explore the beautiful capital of our great country. I'm going to make sure I change that,” she said, smiling again at Jason.

Erica was surprised that Ashley had continued to remain so calm for so long. From the moment the she devil's behind hit the seat of her chair, she'd been tossing out flirtatious innuendos, boasting about her wealth, and glaring incredulously in Ashley's direction, all while managing to throw out not-so-well-disguised insults.

Erica knew it was only a matter of time before Ashley put the woman in her place. She just hoped it wouldn't involve high decibels or, at this point, a police siren.

“Really?” Ashley said, without a trace of a smile. “For someone who hasn't dined in D.C. since she was in ponytails, you picked an excellent restaurant for the evening. Jason did say that it was your idea to come here, right?” she asked, keeping her eyes leveled on Danni's.

Bingo!
Erica shouted in her head. She knew that Ashley's prosecutorial skills were in full effect.

Danni held Ashley's stare, looking at her with a cold gaze. “Actually, the concierge at my hotel suggested this place. But quite frankly, I've had better. As you can see, I've barely touched my salad.” She smiled and cleared her throat. “But I see you must love it here. Your plate is nearly clean, and you're obviously not missing any meals.”

Oh, no, the hell she didn't!
Erica's inner voice screamed.

In a restaurant full of clanking dishes and noisy chatter, a blanket of stillness spread across their table. No one reached for their glass, used their fork, or made a move. Erica was so angry at the way the woman had blatantly disrespected her friend that she was ready to speak up again. But she knew she needed to let Ashley handle her own business. And as if on cue, Ashley leaned forward and pointed her well-manicured index finger in the she devil's direction. She was about to unleash her fury when Jason reached for her hand and gently guided it back to her lap.

“Danni, you're finished with your meal?” Jason asked in a voice as calm as still water.

Ashley cut Jason a look but held her tongue.

“Yes, I guess I am. Like I said, this just isn't my cup of tea. But maybe dessert will be better.”

Jason shook his head. “Perhaps you'll find a more suitable selection on the dessert menu at your hotel. I'll walk you to the front so they can get you a cab.”

The she devil looked confused. “I don't understand.”

“It's obvious an uncomfortable situation is brewing, and before anyone says anything to cause further insult, I think it's best that you leave.”

“But, Jason, it's just friendly banter between us girls.”

“Girls?” Ashley quipped. “I haven't been a girl since I was ten.”

“Okay,” Jason said, motioning toward Danni. “Let's go. I'll make sure they get a cab out front.”

The she devil looked down at her lap and ran her slender hand over her linen napkin before placing it on the table. Slowly, she gave Ashley what looked like an apologetic nod. “Ashley, I'm sorry if I made this an
uncomfortable situation,
as Jason said. Please forgive me. I guess I'm just a little jet-lagged and tired. I hope you can still find a way to enjoy what's left of your evening.” And with that she rose from the table, clutching her Hermès bag as Jason led her to the front of the restaurant.

Erica and Ashley sat in silence for a moment before Erica finally spoke. “I'm almost at a loss for words. I've never experienced any foolishness quite like this. But I have to give it to you, you were the epitome of calm and cool. I'm proud of you.”

Ashley didn't say a word. She simply nodded.

“I know you're pissed, but Jason handled it. Girl, your man stepped up to the plate and took care of that arrogant heifer.”

Again, Ashley nodded silently.

“Say something, Ash.”

Ashley sat back in her chair and stared straight ahead. “This is the shit my mother was talking about. It's exactly what she told me I'll have to put up with for as long as Jason and I are together.”

“What do mean?”

“That woman,” Ashley said. “She looked at me and all she saw was a plus-size, copper-colored black woman, who, in her mind, has no business being with a man like Jason. A man who she obviously thinks should be with her.”

“Well, she's not and you are, so that's that.”

“She's not alone in her opinion.”

“That's some bullshit,” Erica hissed.

“No, my friend, that's some real shit I'm talkin', and you know it.”

“Who cares what that woman thinks? I know Jason doesn't, 'cause he just walked her out of here and he's putting her in a cab as we speak. And guess what? Once she's on her way back to her hotel, he's coming back in here to be with you.”

“This isn't the first time something like this has happened. It's just the first time someone's been bold enough to clown me to my face.” Ashley took a deep breath and sighed heavily. “It doesn't matter that I graduated number one in my law school class, or that I just received the D.C. Young Woman of the Year Award, or that I have a great sense of humor, or that I'm loyal to my friends, or that I'm a good person. All they see is my size and my skin tone, and then they wonder why Jason is with the plump niggress.”

If the she devil had been stunned earlier, Erica was bewildered now. From the first day she met Ashley, she'd admired her friend's gutsy confidence. She was what people called big and beautiful, brainy and brazen, sexy and saucy, and she wore every inch of who she was with pride. Her deep copper-colored skin was luminous, and her full lips added softness to her face. She'd been known to literally make brothahs pause in mid-sentence when she walked by, strutting her forty-six-inch hips like a kite gliding in the wind.

George and Mamie had taught Ashley to be confident and self-aware. But looking at the beautiful, buxom bombshell, Erica could see that her friend's resolve had been tested tonight, and she was on the brink of defeat.

“Ash, c'mon. I know you're not letting what people think affect you. Especially not that ill-mannered Jezebel.”

Ashley shook her head and chuckled. “Jezebel? Girl, please, that woman is a bitch. One hundred percent through and through.”

“Yes, she is, and that's exactly why you don't need to let anything she said upset you.”

Ashley sat quietly, with a faraway expression, retreating into silence again.

“Ashley Jackson, I can't believe you're letting this get to you.”

“You're not on the receiving end of the kinds of looks I've gotten over the past year, since I've been dating Jason. You don't see the expression in people's eyes that spells out the snide comments they don't have the guts to say.”

“I've seen the reactions when I've been out with you two, but you're right. I haven't personally experienced the things you have. But I also haven't experienced what it feels like to have a good man like Jason who loves me unconditionally, and who could care less about any of that nonsense.”

Erica looked over to where Claude and his date were sitting, and she could see that his attention was aimed in her direction. She shook her head. “When Claude and I were together, we looked great on the outside, a perfect match from head to toe. But we were paper thin where it counted. So trust me, my friend. I may not have had your experience, but what you've got is so much more than you realize.”

“But, Erica . . .”

“I wake up in an empty bed every single morning, and I end my day the very same way every night. I'd trade foolish looks for real love any day of the week.”

Ashley nodded. “It's just hard sometimes. I mean, this isn't the freakin' eighteen hundreds. When is the madness going to end?”

Erica reached over and put her hand atop Ashley's. “I know what you're saying, and I'm not going to sit here and try to minimize your hurt, because what you're feeling is real. I just want you to see what you have, and believe me, what you have in your hand far outweighs anything in the distance.”

Ashley smiled. “You're right. This is the second time tonight that you've thrown me a lifeline,” Ashley said.

Just then, Jason returned to the table. “That's what I like to see! My beautiful wife-to-be with a smile on her face.” He took Ashley's hand in his. “I'm so sorry about my client's behavior.” He looked over at Erica and then back at Ashley. “Her attitude and comments were completely unacceptable, and I told her so when we were waiting for her cab.”