Power & Beauty (29 page)

“There’s a nice bar next door,” he said. “How about a nightcap?”

“Sure.”

Over cognac, the conversation got a little deeper. Kato asked Beauty about Isabel, her birth mother. Beauty disclosed the fact that her dad was a Japanese businessman from Tokyo who had worked with Kato’s parents. Kato did not know him but was curious how Beauty had navigated her way through the Atlanta schools as a biracial girl. The question provoked some stories that Beauty had long forgotten—instances when she had been called names. Kato had stories of his own about growing up Japanese in Georgia. He had gone to a private school where he always felt out of place.

“When most people look at you, Beauty,” he asked, “do they see a Japanese or an African American?”

“Most people don’t say,” she said. “But what do you say?”

“I say I see Japanese. But I’m prejudiced. I think Japanese women are the most beautiful in the world.”

“Thank you . . . I guess I should thank you.”

“Or thank your dad.”

“I don’t know much about him.”

“Are you curious?”

“There was a time when I was. But when he left my mom pregnant with me, she never got over that pain. And anytime I’d mention him, she’d tell me to hush. So I stopped asking.”

“If you’re still curious, I could ask my parents about him.”

“Now isn’t a good time. Maybe someday.”

“And you’ve never been to Japan?”

“Never.”

“But you’d like to go.”

“I would,” Beauty said.

“You’ll love it. I would like to . . .” Kato paused. Beauty thought he was about to say,
I would like to take you there,
but those words were not spoken. Instead an awkward silence lasted several seconds.

“Well, it’s late,” Kato finally said. “Tomorrow’s a heavy day. I have to prepare for my trip.”

“And I need to be at work early for inventory.”

Kato walked Beauty to her Corolla. They stood there for a while, enduring another silence. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “I really love spending time with you,” he said, “and I hope we’ll get to do this together again.”

“I do too.”

The date lingered in Beauty’s mind for the next several days. She was disappointed that he had not suggested going back to his place. Not that she would have agreed—but, in fact, she would have liked to have been asked. She was also a little disappointed that he had not said that he wanted to show her Japan, or even take her to New York. She felt certain—at least for now—that she would have declined all such invitations. But to have not received them was something of a letdown. She knew he was attracted to her. And she felt that the attraction was strong. He knew that she was unattached. She had said so in plain terms. So given all that, why didn’t he act more assertively? She had expected more than a kiss on the cheek. And yet maybe that was his method. Certainly a kiss on the cheek had her wanting a bit more. But then again, could he be gay? She didn’t think so—he seemed straight—but maybe she misread the sexual signals. She hadn’t sent out strong signals of her own. She hadn’t taken his hand or even offered him a small hug when they left. Her own actions could be seen as standoffish. Could it be a case of both parties playing hard-to-get? Beauty laughed at herself and her analysis. Maybe it was simply a single date that would lead nowhere. She’d forget about it.

But she didn’t. She looked at the
Wall Street Journal
and other websites every day for news about Fine’s buying Bloom’s. That week there wasn’t any, but the following there was. The deal had gone through. Kato Yamamoto was mentioned prominently in the article. He was called a “whiz kid who had graduated at the top of his class at Wharton and was now poised to take over the family’s retail operation.” And the article noted, “All eyes will be on Mr. Kato Yamamoto.”

That same week Beauty kept her eye on her cell phone, looking for a call or text from Kato. She wondered when he’d be returning to Atlanta. After ten days passed and she still hadn’t heard from him, she considered calling his office. Why not? A woman can call a man. She would merely congratulate him on consummating the deal. She wouldn’t be asking him out or inviting him to bed. On the other hand, what purpose would be served by such a call? If he were truly interested in her, he’d phone. His silence spoke volumes. Her initial assessment—that it was a one-time date and a one-time date only—was probably accurate.

Closing time at the mall; nearly nine
P.M
on a Thursday night. A long busy day. Dozens of pairs of earrings had been sold. Dozens of bracelets, dozens of headbands, dozens upon dozens of giggling preteen girls looking over merchandise designed to tickle their fancy. Beauty was exhausted. She was glad to be walking to the door to let out the last customer and turn the key in the lock. That’s when she looked up and saw Kato.

“I’m too late?” he asked.

She smiled. “No, not at all. You’re right on time.”

“I wanted to catch you before closing. I wanted to see if we could grab a late dinner.”

“You could have called.”

“I thought it might be more exciting just to show up and take my chances. I’m trying to live life a little more adventurously these days.”

“From what I read about your trip to New York, you’re doing a good job.”

“Before you close up, take me around the store and show me your bestselling items.”

“I didn’t know you were interested in this sort of merchandise,” said Beauty.

“I am. But I also have a hidden agenda.”

Beauty pointed out the most popular items in the store. Kato looked and listened carefully. Afterward he said, “Let’s discuss all this over a drink. I presume you drove to work.”

“I did.”

“Well, then, let’s meet at the bar in the Ritz-Carlton on Peachtree. I’m actually living there temporarily while my place is being redecorated. The bar is usually quiet on weeknights.”

“Fine,” said Beauty. “See you there in a little while.”

Driving over, she wondered what was in store. What was his hidden agenda? She was excited but wary. She didn’t understand this man. He waited ten days after returning to Atlanta to contact her. She had counted him out. And then, just like that, he showed up in person. She drove slowly; she wanted him to arrive before her.

He was waiting at a table in the back. The bar was practically deserted. He ordered Courvoisier. She ordered Chardonnay. He began the conversation.

“I want to be blunt,” he said.

“Good,” Beauty replied.

He paused for a sip of his drink. She wondered if his blunt remarks would involve work or romance. She guessed romance. She was wrong.

“I want you to work for Bloom’s.”

She didn’t reply. She didn’t know what to say. Her first emotion, though, was positive. If she had to choose between work and romance, she’d certainly choose work. But would the two paths—as Kato had suggested last time—merge?

“I want to set up within Bloom’s an extensive preteen department modeled on Claire’s but upgraded considerably. I think there’s an untapped market for higher-priced merchandise for this demographic. Would you agree?”

“I’ve thought so for a long time. I’ve been petitioning our buyers to do exactly that. I think young girls are expecting and wanting higher quality.”

“Great. So we’re on the same page. I realize this is not giving you the design line that you’re dreaming of. But don’t give up on that dream. One day it will come true. Right now, though, I want you to prove to the new management I’ve put in place that you can run this department profitably. We’ll start with the flagship store. If it works, we’ll take it to Chicago, San Francisco, and Dallas. I’ve told Marge Schraft, my new merchandising vice president, all about you and she’s eager to meet you.”

“Where is she?”

“New York. You’d be working in New York.”

“She wants to interview me?”

“Yes, but I’ve made it clear to Marge that you have the job. You’re on board—that is, if you want to be on board. Whatever you’re making at Claire’s, we’ll double it and give you a little more as a living allowance. I don’t have to tell you that life in New York costs a fortune. There’s a Marriott hotel within walking distance of the store. We’ll put you up there until you have time to find a place of your own. How does all this sound?”

“It’s sudden.”

“Sudden good or sudden bad?” he asked.

“I don’t think there’s anything bad about it. I think it’s great, Kato, I really do. I’d love to take the job and I’m really grateful to you for thinking of me.”

“I think of you more than I like to admit.”

Those last words just hung out there—untouched. Beauty didn’t reply. Those words changed the equation. Until then it had been all business. Now here comes romance. What would be his next move?

“And I guess I’m hoping,” said Kato, “that the feeling is mutual. Am I right?”

Beauty took her time in responding. She thought about her feelings before expressing them. Kato was a very correct young man. He was well-mannered, well-spoken, and extremely intelligent. His mind was organized and his plans were now clear. It was also clear that he was not gay. There was also a nerdy aspect to him. He was studious and very precise to a fault. He was definitely a square—an ambitious square—who had thought long and hard about how to approach Beauty. His plan was evident. He was offering her a job that made eminent sense. The job had a tremendous upside and a bright future. But there was also a distinct indication that he wanted more than a professional relationship. How to respond?

“I feel strongly that I can handle this job, Kato. I’m extremely confident. The work I’ve done at Claire’s is the perfect preparation.”

“No doubt, but you’ve avoided my question.”

“Well, I’m not all that good at expressing my personal feelings. It takes me time to get to know a person. I’m cautious by nature. I hope you understand.”

“I understand that you’re saying ‘maybe,’ ” said Kato with a smile. “ ‘Maybe’ is certainly better than ‘no.’ ‘Maybe’ means I will have to be patient—and my parents are always saying that the more patient I am, the more successful I will be. So I thank you for forcing a little more patience on my part. ‘Maybe’ also means that it would be far too forward for me to invite you up to my suite for another drink.”

“You’re understanding and tactful, Kato, and I appreciate that. I really do.”

“Just understand, Beauty, that we are about to travel down two paths—yet one does not depend on the other. The professional path is clear. You are uniquely qualified for the job. You can stay on that path, succeed, and keep on that path until you reach your goal. The other path—the one where the heart, rather than the career, is the guide—is still in doubt. That’s the ‘maybe’ path.”

“I understand.”

“Then you’ll tender your resignation and come to New York.”

“I will.”

“And do so quickly.”

“I’ll tell them tomorrow.”

“I’m happy.”

“I am too. I couldn’t be happier.”

Beauty drove home happy. Her new job was great. She was getting out of Atlanta and moving back to New York. And while Kato made his romantic intentions known, those intentions were not a condition. He accepted her “maybe.” He made no demands. He was a gentleman, and she was grateful. She couldn’t wait to pack up and leave. She’d give Claire’s two weeks’ notice and no more.

Back in her apartment, she readied herself for bed. She took off her makeup; brushed her hair; applied hydrating eye cream, hand cream, and face cream; and changed into a nightgown. Then the phone rang. It was nearly one
A.M
. Who would be calling on a Thursday night at one
A.M
.?

“Beauty, it’s Wanda.”

“Something wrong?”

“No, well, not yet anyway.”

“Tell me,” said Beauty.

“I don’t want to alarm you.”

“Wanda, it’s one
A.M
. I’m already alarmed.”

“You don’t have to be, sugar. Everything’s gonna be all right. The Lord has our back. He’s in charge. But sometimes we gotta be a little proactive. Sometimes we got to pick up those hints that help us get out the way of the coming shit storm.”

“What shit storm?” asked Beauty. “What’s coming?”

“Slim’s been acting strange and, well, I think it’s best you be moving out of Atlanta.”

“He knows I’m here?”

“No, but I don’t want to take the chance of him finding out.”

“You’ve never talked this way before, Wanda.”

“Never seen him like this before.”

“Seen him how?”

“Agitated. Paranoid as a mother. A little off his rocker.”

“Are you in danger?”

“Me? Heavens, no.”

“Is Power?” asked Beauty. She was suddenly overwhelmed by concern for his safety.

“Power is his boy. You know that. Power’s fine.”

“Are you’re sure you’re all right?”

“Honey, I’m the last person in the world that he’s likely to harm. We been hooked up too long. We too tight. Besides, me and him, we got no issues. He knows everything about me and I know everything about him.”

“Maybe you know too much,” said Beauty.

“No, darling, it ain’t about me. Wanda Washington can take good care of herself. I just don’t want to agitate him in any way.”

“What way?”

“By accidentally running into you.”

“Why would that agitate him?”

“You’re one of the only people who ever told him to go fly a kite. He didn’t like that none. I think it’s just better for you not to be in Atlanta.”

“Well, maybe your God is protecting me, Wanda, because I just got a job offer today to go back to New York.”

“Thank you, Jesus! That’s the kind of God we serve! He’s getting you out of Dodge at exactly the right time. You are blessed. What’s the job?”

“Bloom’s.”

“The same Bloom’s where Anita worked? The same Bloom’s that was just bought by Fine’s?”

“The same.”

“How’d you hook it up, baby?”

“I didn’t. Your God did. By accident, I ran into Kato Yamamoto, the son of the owners. We started talking and the next thing I knew I had a job.”

“Y’all bumping?”