She stepped into the shower with him, kissing his back and shoulders and hugging him from behind. Again his muscles flexed. He closed his eyes and took in the scent of last night's session. He turned to her and hugged her, then stepped out of the shower and began to dry off as she began to wash.
She lathered with her favorite scent from Bath & Body Works. She had clothing at his place, toiletries and even a few pair of shoes. She lathered her body up and washed last night's scent off of her. Silence overtook them both. Jayna spoke first.
“So . . . do you want to tell me what was really bothering you last night?”
Brandon closed his eyes as he let out a small sigh and continued to dry off.
“Do I have a choice?” he said almost jokingly.
“We can ignore the elephant in the room or we can tackle it head-on, sweetheart.”
Brandon nodded his head in agreement. He put on his boxers and Jayna began to rinse off.
“Okay. Okay. Part of the problem that I have is that your girlfriend has my boss kind of sprung. Under normal circumstances I wouldn't say anything butâ”
“But that distraction is costing the company a considerable amount of money.”
“Yes.”
“Babe, I understand your concern, and I mean no disrespect, but is that really your business?”
Silence overtook the room again. Brandon began to moisturize his body and Jayna turned the water off.
“As one of his chief advisors, yes. Yes, it is. In fact, the board of directors is monitoring my response to the situation.”
“I wasn't aware that you had responded to the situation.”
Jayna moved the shower curtain back and retrieved a towel to dry off.
“That's just the thing. I haven't. Vaughn is more than my boss and more than my mentor. He's also my friend. He is also not the type of man who you tell what to do or the type of man who you readily challenge. Our friendship, our business relationship is now somehow . . . complicated.”
“It's never been complicated before?”
“Not until Korie.”
“So no other woman has ever captured his heart like Korie?”
“No woman since his wife.”
“Well, as his friend, is that a bad thing?”
“As his friend, no. As his chief advisor it's a problem. A huge problem.”
“So what can you do?”
“As his friend, I can just leave him alone and hope for the best, which is what I have been doing. As his advisor, there are provisions where I can ask him to step down from his duties. His contract is very specific in these areas. There are checks and balances. If the company stock reaches a certain point, or if he is somehow deemed negligent in his duties, then he can be asked to step down.”
“Step down? For how long?”
“Temporarily . . . indefinitely. It depends on the situation.”
“And who would be his successor?”
Again silence took the reigns. It was clear to Jayna whom his successor would be.
“Oh. Wow. That's a lot of pressure, isn't it? It would be you. And you aren't ready to take the helm of the company yet, are you?”
“Oh, I'm ready. I've been ready for some time. Vaughn has been grooming me to be his successor for years now. The thing is, neither of us saw that happening for at least another four of five years.”
“Are things really that bad?”
“No, they aren't as bad as the board of directors thinks. But things have changed. The thing that bothers me most about the situation with Vaughn is that he has excluded me from the process. Generally I'm there to provide him with counsel. Whenever he leaves the country, generally I leave the country. When the Japanese backed out of this last deal, Vaughn lost face with the board. When he left to pursue the Japanese, that didn't look good either. Vaughn never chases anybody. He lost additional points with the board when he decided to fly after them rather than have them return to us. When he left without me, the board became concerned. When word got out that he was taking his girlfriend with him on a business trip that could make us millions, he lost the board's respect completely.”
“Has he called you?”
“No. And here's the thing. He needs to close this deal. Otherwise the board may just go ahead and appoint me to take over. I want the big chair; I want to run the company, but not this way.”
Jayna understood why he was so conflicted and distracted. What she didn't understand was why he couldn't tell her; why he hadn't confided in her.
“You could have told me all this last night.”
“I could have. But that was only part of what was on my mind last night.”
“There's more? What else is bothering you?”
“Us.”
“Us? What about us?”
“I think I love you.”
“Okay . . . I know that I love you. Is that a bad thing?”
“You tell me.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
Jayna was completely dry and began to get dressed into her warm-up gear. She assumed she and Brandon were going running this morning. Instead, Brandon sat on the toilet with a towel wrapped around him and his head in his hands.
“Brandon? What's wrong?”
“Did you ever date or sleep with Harold Thomas at the Gideon Group?”
That stunned Jayna into silence. Her heart skipped a beat as the words left Brandon's mouth.
“Uh, I did date him. Butâthat was before youâandâ”
“Did you sleep with Mike Johnson over at P and G?”
Each name hurt Jayna like a dagger. She tried to get angry, but her voice was almost taken away.
“Uh . . . Brandon . . .”
“Cyril Harris at Chase”
“Brandon . . .”
“Charles Gandy at MGM? Fred Michaels at First Chicago, Torrence Koonce at Cardinal, Rodney Harris over at Lasalle Corporation, the DA, an ADAâ, hell I think there are another ten or twelve names of affluent Chicagoans that I can go ahead and name. Jayna, did you bed all these men?”
She was speechless. Stunned. She was hurt beyond words and in that moment she felt a lifetime of regret. In that moment only one word could describe her as she had an epiphany. One word summed up her multiple trysts: Whore. Her bottom lip began to quiver.
“Where are you getting this?” she said with tears in her eyes.
“Is it true?”
“Where are you getting this?”
“Is it true!” he snapped.
He stood over her and she slumped to the bathroom floor. Tears streamed from her face.
“Yes,” she said in a whisper while her bottom lip continued to tremble. “Yes, it's true.”
Tears filled Brandon's eyes. He stormed out of the bathroom and headed to the bedroom. He heard the words that he already knew to be true. He began to get dressed, cursing the whole time.
“Brandon.” Jayna's voice was filled with hurt and anguish. “Brandon.” The second time that she called him, her voice was almost pleading.
“What?”
“It was before you . . . all of them were before you.”
“All of them. Do you hear yourself? All of them? You have slept with just about all of Chicago's most prominent businessmen. What was I, Jayna? The crown jewel?”
“It's not like that. It's really not like that.”
“You know what's messed up? You're business-savvy and you're smart, intelligent, and you know your stuff, but this laundry list of men that you have slept with kills your credibility. People that know you know that you made it to where you are on your own merit. Everyone else thinks you whored your way to the top. A lot of people have been making fun of me at my expense for being with you. This is the other thing that was on my mind last night. The board of directors isn't exactly thrilled with me, either. As far as they are concerned, Vaughn has lost his sense of judgment by being with your girlfriend and I look equally as stupid for being with her friend, the whore!”
“Don't talk to me like that! You hear me? Don't you dare talk to me like that!”
“Why not, Jayna? How else should I see you right now? The board of directors thinks that my boss and I have lowered our standards to whore chasing.”
“Korie is not a whore. That's my best friend and I would appreciate it if you didn't disrespect her like that. I would appreciate it if you didn't disrespect me like that.”
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Brandon sat down with his head in his hands again. He was angry. He was furious. He wanted to stop, but he had been holding this information for well over a week now. As much as he wanted to stop, the words continued to flow from him.
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“People think that you are looseâa whoreâthat makes your girlfriend carry the same title by association. Do you have any idea how bad things look?”
“They can't look too bad. It didn't stop you from taking me to bed last night!”
“That's just the thing. That's the one thing that you just don't get.”
“What?”
“It looks like my girlfriend is a whore. And what's worse is that I love you. How can I continue to love you? I don't want to. God knows, I want to hate you right now, but I don't. I love everything about you . . . everything but this. Jayna, how could you?”
Tears streamed down Brandon's face.
Tears streamed down Jayna's as well.
“Brandon, baby, we can get through this. I love you. I have never wanted anyone as much as I want you. I want to be with you. I want to have your babies. Brandon, I love you.”
She ran to him. She hugged him, she kissed him, and he hugged and kissed her back. Together they embraced for what seemed like an eternity. Then he said something that turned her universe upside down.
“Jayna . . . it's over.”
Chapter Eighteen
One hundred business cards.
That is what was expected on each and every trip to Japan. That was the number of cards that Vaughn was always advised to bring with him to Japan. He had been to Japan at least twenty times before. Each time he brought at least one hundred business cards. This was a common courtesy in Japan. Aside from having enough, it was also customary to present each card with two hands. The card had to also be face-side up, with the wording written in Japanese.
I hate these damn rituals, Vaughn thought. How am I supposed to present a card to another man that I can't read myself? Vaughn knew how to present the cards, however. His company logo was on the card, so he knew how to present the card not only face-side up, but right-side up.
Miserable little men. If they paid more attention to their business practices rather than ancient customs, perhaps they wouldn't need my help. Vaughn simmered on the inside. On the outside, however, he smiled, bowed, and he made his way into the Aichi Corporation's boardroom. He was offered tea and other beverages as well as water. Minutes later a team of men came in; all Japanese, all well dressed. Vaughn stood to meet them and bowed to each of them, which was customary in these types of meetings. Mr. Aichi sat across from Vaughn with a pleasant smile on his face.
“You are here alone on this trip?” Mr. Aichi asked.
“I came here alone, yes.” Vaughn knew how they felt about women. He knew that saying he was here with his girlfriend would be poor business. Instead of explaining himself, he simply answered Mr. Aichi's question.
“Where is your advisor, if I may ask?”
He meant Brandon. Vaughn went few places without Brandon. It was obvious to the Japanese delegation that Vaughn was like a wise old lion, whereas Brandon was the young lion; the one not afraid to sometimes show his teeth. Vaughn smiled to himself regarding the suggestion. On the inside, he missed Brandon's presence. On the inside, he regretted not bringing his protégé. But what was done was done and the old lion needed to stand alone.
“Regrettably, Mr. Lloyd took ill. He was not able to make this trip. He sends his best regards. He loves Japan and everything that it has to offer.”
“I understand. So, Mr. Harris, why have you chosen to come all the way to Japan after it was made clear that we would not be doing business together?”
Straight and to the point. Vaughn liked that. It was how things were done in America and how he preferred things. So he decided to be straightforward as well. Vaughn smiled a pleasant smile, adjusted his tie, and sat forward in his chair to speak with Mr. Aichi and his delegation.
“Mr. Aichi, let me ask you a question.”
“By all means, please.”
“Have I disrespected your customs?” Vaughn presented his hands in an open fashion. “Have I disrespected you or your culture in any way?”
“No. No, Mr. Harris you have not. Not in any way.”
Vaughn shook his head in agreement. He rubbed his hands together and again straightened his tie.
“That's good. That's good. I just wanted to make sure, because I feel like I have been disrespected, and in my culture when black people are disrespected we respond. Respect is an important factor in the African American community and an even bigger factor in business.”
Vaughn smiled and then sat back in his chair.
“Respect is a huge component in the Japanese culture as well. I am not sure that I follow you. Where have we been disrespectful?”
Vaughn leaned in again and smiled just a bit. It was a smile meant to put Mr. Aichi at ease, but it was a smile that also hid Vaughn's disdain.
“Well, in my country, if someone decides that they don't want to do business with you, they at least give an explanation as to why.”
“As we told you before leaving, we did not think it was in our best interest.”
“Yes, yes, that's what you told me. But that is not an explanation. That's what we call in the States PR or BS.”
“And you flew all this way for an explanation?” Mr. Aichi's expression was one of concern.
“Yes. That is one of the reasons that I came here. I flew all this way because I think that I am due an explanation.”
“And the other reason?”
“The other reason is to prevent you from making a grave mistake that not only will affect your company, but will be a reflection on your culture.”
“How do you mean?”
“Well, first things first. I'd like to know why you decided not to do business with me. It's clear that you need my financial backing and it's also clear that other companies have no interest in helping you, but acquiring you. So I'd like to know why you backed out of a deal that would save your company and future generations of your family. I'd like to also remind you that you all sought me out, not the other way around.”
“Well, in case you haven't heard, we have found financial backing from the McCullen Group.”
“I know about the McCullen Group. I also know that the McCullen Group is having financial problems as well. I also know that working with you is a huge financial risk for both companies.”
“Yes. Well, Mr. McCullen has assured me that he can make this deal happen. He has confidence in his ability and that of his subordinates.”
“Okay. Okay, that's fine. But that still doesn't explain why you backed out of the deal with me. Shoot straight with me, Mr. Aichi. Why did you back out of the deal?”
When it was obvious that Vaughn had no intention on letting the matter go, Mr. Aichi decided to be honest.
“Fine. Well, we were looking forward to working with you. That is, until your phone call. You stated you needed to take the call. We found out that was not the case. We found out that you put us off for a woman.”
“And that is not a good practice.”
“No, that is not a good practice.”
“I see.”
“We have also made note of your recent drop in stock prices and holdings. It was mentioned that this drop, this distraction, coincides with your relationship with the woman that you interrupted our meeting for.”
“Is that right?”
“Yes. That's right.”
“I see. And because I let a mere woman interfere with my business, you thinkâ”
“We think your judgment at this time is clouded. Had the situation been reversed, the phone call would have waited, even if it was news of a death in the family. The news would have waited.”
“So you would rather do business with McCullen.”
“We would rather do business with McCullen. He has no distractions.”
“I think what you mean to say is that he has no woman.”
“Excuse me?”
“What you mean to say is that McCullen has no woman. He does, however, have a man.”
“A . . . man?”
“Yes. Oh, you didn't know? He's openly gay. In fact, he is sleeping with his chief financial advisor.”
“His chief financial advisor is a man.”
“I know. That's what gay means. Same-sex relationships.”
Vaughn got up and straightened his tie as he walked to the window of the conference room to overlook the view of Tokyo.
“You know, I have no problem with same-sex relationships. I don't care if a man is straight, gay, or what his religion or color is. I do have a problem with someone thinking that my judgment is off. I also have a problem with having my character questioned.”
“Your stocks are down andâ”
“My stocks are down as is the Dow; as are the stocks of many other corporations.”
“So you are saying that drop along with the timing of your new relationshipâ”
“Is A, a coincidence and B, not your concern.”
“ I see. You stated that I was making a grave mistake . . . culturally. If you don't mind, could you please explain that?”
“I can do that. Mr. Aichi, I want to help you. I want to make this deal happen. I am looking forward to helping your business grow and looking to network with you in the future one way or the other.”
Vaughn took a seat and faced Mr. Aichi as he spoke. His game face was on and it was clear that he was about to play his hand.
“If you want me to help you, I will. I will loan you the capital that you need to expand your business. We will continue with our deal as outlined in Chicago and we can move forward as equal partners in this new venture.”
Vaughn smiled.
“And if I decline?” Mr. Aichi sat with his hands folded.
Vaughn stopped smiling.
“If you decline. That's fine. Aichi? That's a common Japanese name, is it not?”
“It is. It is like the name Johnson in America.”
“Hmm. Well, Mr. Aichi, If you decide to go with McCullen I have a sneaking suspicion that McCullen will go out of business a few weeks afterward, and your stock and theirs will plummet as I acquire you both. And then it won't be an equal partnership. It will be a dictatorship. And unlike most other companies, I won't change the name of the company. It will remain Aichi. Not only will it remain Aichi, but there won't be a Japanese employee left. In fact . . .” Vaughn got up to look out the window again, turning his back to the Japanese.
“In fact, every employee will be a person of color. Your dream of a Japanese business will end up looking like the Harlem Renaissance. In addition, I will buy the biggest sign that money can buy that says Aichi Corporation. The sign will be so big it will outdo the Great Wall of China. Not only that, but when I say that every employee will be black, I mean there will be sharp-dressed black folk running a Japanese business during the day, and the crew that cleans the place at night will look like clones of Fifty Cent and Snoop Dawg. You do know who Snoop Dawg is, don't you?”
Mr. Aichi nodded with disapproval. It seemed that he was discovering the hard way that the old lion still had some teeth. Mr. Vaughn played his hand and played it well. Mr. Aichi learned the hard way how business was done in Chicago. DeVaughn Harris brought Chicago all the way across the globe to Tokyo, Japan.
“You would do all this . . . just to make a point?”
“Could you excuse everyone for a moment so we can talk one-on-one?”
Mr. Aichi nodded to his staff and ushered them to leave. There was some dialogue back and forth in Japanese with his chief advisor, but then Mr. Aichi ushered him out with a harsh Japanese tone. Whatever he said was enough to silence his advisor, who simply bowed and excused himself. The two men sat down across from one another. They were about to talk man-to-man. Vaughn spoke first.
“I would do all this because you disrespected me. You disrespected me in front of my colleagues, my staff, and most importantly you disrespected my woman. In the African American community there are three things that you don't mess with when it comes to black men: Their money, their car, and their woman. Now, I can get another car. Hell, I can buy a fleet of them. But pulling out of this deal messed with my money. As far as these concerns with my woman go, a good woman is hard to find. I found one. In fact, I love her. In fact, she is, if anything, my partner, so disrespecting her means that you're disrespecting me. Now you have two choices: We go with the deal we had on the table in Chicago, or I put a whole new deal on the table and put all my resources behind taking over your meager company.”
“You would embarrass me like that?”
“I'll open a chicken-and-fish joint right next to this mothafucka. The first International Chicken Shack will be right next door to Aichi headquarters. I'll have this whole area smelling like hair-care products and fried foods.”
The silence and tension between the two men was incredible. Vaughn showed Mr. Aichi why he was the king of the jungle, so to speak.
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“How do I know that you will not try to acquire my company at a later date?”
“Because of the contract that we drew up. I brought a copy with me. You can have your lawyers proof it and we can sign it in the next hour. Do we have a deal?”
“This seems so . . . wrong. So coerced.”
“This is how things are done in America all the time. This is how things are done in Chicago. It's not personal. It's business.”
“I will have my people look at the contract. You will have your answer in the next hour.”
“Thank you.” Vaughn stood up and bowed. Mr. Aichi had an unpleasant look on his face. But he bowed as well. He called his advisors and proceeded to leave the room.
“Mr Aichi? One last question.”
“Yes?”
“Who told you about my relationship with the woman? How did you know that that was my girlfriend on the phone that day?”