Too Close for Comfort (10 page)

Yaya saw the reflection of Monya and Taryn in the mirror. She turned and gave them a threatening look. “Sorry, we just hired someone this afternoon.”

“Really? That was quick. Well, if you need anyone else, or the person doesn't work out, let me know. The girl is smart, and I think she'd do a good job.”

She ignored Taryn's shaking head and told him, “I will. Hey,
Q
, have you talked to Titus? I've been trying to reach him and I can't. I know he's outta town. When is he coming back?”

“He should be back next week. I'll tell him you're looking for him.” He stood up and grabbed his helmet. “Well, I gotta go collect rent from my paying tenants.”

“Why didn't you tell him about Celeste?” Taryn asked when he was gone.

“For what?” Yaya shrugged.

“I still say you're making a mistake hiring her. Especially when you know Paige is a customer here,” Monya added. “You're asking for trouble.”

“Look, if Paige is legit, then Celeste won't be a threat to her, right?” Yaya put her hands on her hip. She didn't know why they were tripping. “I don't see a problem, unless there's some truth to what Celeste said about Paige being a gold-digging skank. I can't believe she pushes her daughter off on
Q
like he's her daddy or something. Celeste says it's ridiculous. Time will tell, and she's just helping me look out for Quincy's best interest. Besides, I know my brother better than anyone, and there's no way this thing with Paige is serious. If it was, he would've talked to me about her before now. She's probably just one of his ‘in-betweens,' you'll see.”

“All I see is a whole lot of drama about to unfold, and when it does, you are gonna be the one your brother is looking at,” Taryn told her.

“Wow, you look stunning!” Quincy said when she came downstairs.

“And you look dashing!” she said, admiring the custom-fit tuxedo he was wearing.

Paige knew this was a night he had been looking forward to for weeks. When he told her he was being honored by the Chamber of Commerce as their Businessman of the Year, she screamed, “I am so proud of you!”

“We'd better get going or we're gonna be late.”

“It's only six-fifteen. The dinner doesn't start until seven-thirty.” Paige checked her watch.

“You know the Businessman of the Year can't come strolling in at seven-thirty, girl. I have to be there early to get a good seat.”

“You have a whole reserved table, fool.” Paige laughed.

It was still early when they arrived at the banquet. Quincy held her hand and introduced her to several of his associates who were standing in the lobby.

She felt so proud to be with him. He was so personable, and everyone had something good to say about him. Paige also loved the fact that when he looked at her, she could see the way he felt about her in his eyes.

He put his hand in the small of her back as they made their way to their table, causing tingles to run up and down her spine. “Look, there's Yaya.” Quincy pointed to his sister who had walked in.

Paige observed the elegance of her stride, her form-fitting champagne gown clinging to her small body. As she walked across the room, all eyes were on her. There was no doubt in Paige's mind—Yaya was a bona fide diva in her own right. Her hair was pulled in a perfect upsweep, a few scattered curls in just the right places. Her make-up was flawless. The perfection of Yaya's presence was so apparent; even Paige looked down at her own ivory gown to see if it was sufficient.

“Your sister looks a lot like Lela Rochon,” Paige whispered.

“I've heard that more than a few times.” Quincy laughed, his eyes remaining on Yaya. “Lela Rochon and Janet Jackson—I've heard both of those, but they don't look anything alike.”

“They're both beautiful, and so is your sister.”

“You always cause a scene, huh, Yaya?” Quincy stood to greet his sister.

“How did I cause a scene?” Yaya asked innocently.

“I'm supposed to be the man of the hour, but all eyes are on you.” He held her chair out.

“She can't help being the belle of the ball; it comes naturally?—Isn't that right, Yaya?” Paige laughed.

“That's right—If you can't handle the competition, then get out of the game,” Yaya said politely.

If Paige didn't know any better, she would have thought the comment was aimed at her. “He's right, though—you do look beautiful,” she told her.

“Thank you, Paige,” Yaya replied, her voice stiff. “You look nice as well. Your face is gorgeous. Who did it?”

“Taryn hooked me up this afternoon.”

Something flickered in Yaya's eyes. “Taryn?”

“Yeah. She came by the house and did it. I made the appointment with her the other day. I was glad she answered the phone because I had been leaving messages for her with the receptionist, but she never called me back. I see business is going well. That's good.”

“Yes, it is.” Yaya nodded. “Hopefully, the Chamber of Commerce will be presenting me with one of these awards one of these days.”

“Following in your big brother's footsteps, huh?” Quincy winked. “You always were a copycat.”

“For now, but soon you're gonna be eating my dust.” Yaya stuck her tongue out at him.

Watching the two of them go back and forth made Paige wish she hadn't been an only child.

The three of them made small talk until the program began.

The dinner was bland, but hearing Quincy's name being called as the honoree of the night made up for it. It took all the self-control Yaya had to keep her composure and not scream, “Go, baby,” as he walked and stood behind the podium to receive his award.

“When I opened my first barbershop five years ago, I did it with a purpose in mind. For me,
Q
-Masters was a way to provide a service
to
the community while providing employment within the community. I grew up in a family that instilled values, friendship, and a strong work ethic while giving loving care in a safe environment. These days, a lot of our young men don't have the opportunity to gain what I did from their own families, but they can gain it from the community, which includes
Q
-Masters. That's the same goal and same approach I have with each shop that I open: to instill values, friendship, and work ethic in a caring, safe environment. For me,
Q
-Masters was never about money; it was giving back. And that's what I encourage each of you business owners to do—give back.

“None of this would be possible without God, who trusted me with this responsibility. I want to thank the Chamber for this award, it lets me know that none of my hard work has been in vain. I also want to thank my sister, Yaya, who has embarked on her own journey to make her mark in the world—I love you, Yaya.

“I also want to thank my girlfriend, Paige, who has been a constant encouragement for me without even knowing she is. You are one of a kind, and I love you. Thank you, everyone.”

Applause thundered as people rose to their feet, giving Quincy a standing ovation.

Paige dabbed at the tears that had formed in her eyes. Quincy Westbrooke was a wonderful man, and she was blessed to have him in her life. She beamed with pride as she watched Quincy pose for pictures with other leaders of the community.

Oddly, Yaya remained seated. There was something strange about the way she was looking at her brother. It was as if she was in shock.

“Are you okay?” Paige leaned over and asked her.

“I'm fine,” Yaya said, stoically. Her demeanor had changed; she was no longer friendly. “I have to leave. Tell my brother I will talk to him later.”

“Yaya, wait.” Paige was confused.

Yaya rose and walked out of the ballroom without saying another word.

Paige turned her attention back to Quincy, who was still smiling as the cameras flashed. Something had to have happened within the last five minutes that caused Yaya to become upset. What it was, Paige didn't know.

“Did she say anything before she left?” Quincy asked, when she told him what happened.

“No. She just said she had to leave and she would call you later. You think she's okay?”

“Yeah. She probably went to meet Jason.” Quincy shrugged. “I'll call her when I get home.”

“I'm so proud of you,
Q
.”

He reached over and took Paige's hand. “I meant every word I said. You don't know how much you mean to me.”

“I'm sure you can show me later.” Paige winked.

“You'd better believe it. You know a brother is always down for climbing some stairs.”

 

 

“I can meet you tomorrow,” Tia called Paige's cell and told her the following morning. Quincy was taking a shower, and she was still lying in bed, recuperating from their fulfilling night.

“You're kidding,” Paige said. She knew Tia said it wouldn't take that long, but she wasn't expecting her call for a few days.

After talking to Tia more in-depth, and looking at it from a business aspect, Paige realized that refinancing the house was a smart move. She even began thinking of what she could do with the money.

“Nope. You want to come here in the morning?”

“How about we meet for lunch?” Paige suggested.

“That's fine with me. You want me to call him, or do you want to do the honors?”

“Let me do it. You haven't mentioned it to him, have you?”

“Nope. He doesn't have a clue.”

“Great.” Paige snickered.

She knew Marlon was going to be livid when he found out, and she was glad. She agreed on a time and place to meet and wasted no time calling Marlon.

“Hey there. What's up, sweetie?” he answered.

“I was thinking maybe we could do lunch tomorrow,” she told him, when she heard the shower running.

“‘Tomorrow? What time?”

“How about one o'clock?” She hoped he didn't already have plans. Even if he did, she was going to make sure he changed them.

“One is good. Where?”

Relieved, she answered, “Fat Tuesdays?”

“Our spot.” He laughed. “You're not trying to re-live old times, are you?”

“You never know.”

“I'll see you tomorrow afternoon, and we can definitely talk about them,” he told her. “I can't wait.”

I bet you can't, you jerk.
“Neither can I!”

“What happened to you last night? Why did you dip like that?”

Yaya had overslept and was rushing to get to work. Her schedule was packed for the day, and she didn't have time to talk to Quincy right then. “I was tired. I told your girlfriend to tell you I would call.”

“I know. She told me. But you could've waited a few more minutes and said something to me? If I woulda dipped out on you like that, you would still be yelling in my ear.”

“I really didn't think you'd notice,
Q
. It's not like I didn't show up at all. I was there for the important part, and I heard your little speech as you gushed about your new girlfriend, giving her her props and all.” Yaya looked around for her shoes.

“What are you talking about, Yaya? You know I didn't gush about anybody, and I gave you your props as well. Why are you hating?”

“I'm not hating,
Q
—that's not my style. And speaking of style—what's up with you and that girl?”

“What girl?”

“Paige—Don't act like you don't know who I'm talking about,” she huffed as she searched for her keys.

“What do you mean, what's up with her?—She's my girlfriend. Do you have a problem with her? . . . Because that's what it's sounding like.”

“
Q
, you announced that you love her in front of two hundred people.” Yaya double-checked her reflection in the mirror as she walked out the door.

“I do love her,” he said matter-of-factly.

It was the first time in a long time that she had heard her brother say that about a woman, and although she was glad to hear he had finally fallen in love, she didn't like the fact that it was with a woman who was out to use him.

“You don't love her, Quincy. You don't even know her like that.”

“I know her better than you think, Yaya. Paige is a remarkable woman, who I enjoy a lot.”

“You've enjoyed a lot of women, Quincy.” Yaya hit the lock on her car and opened the door.

“Are you just now leaving the house? It's after nine o'clock,” he said, sounding surprised.

“I know what time it is,
Q
—Don't start. And the only reason I'm asking about Paige is because she's not your usual type. You know how you usually date those tall, Amazonian, anorexic-looking chicks.”

“That's not funny.”

“Tell me I'm lying then.” Yaya laughed.

“I will admit, most of the women I've dated in the past have been tall and athletic.”

“And dark.”

“Not true.”

“Yes, it is. They all fit the same mold. Barbie-doll chicks.”

“And I never came close to feeling about them the way I feel about Paige.”

“Quincy, she's not on your level. I think she has ulterior motives. She sees a successful brother like you and knows that you'll be a good provider for her and her child. You've said it to me time and time again. The reason you don't date single moms is because of all the drama that comes with them.”

“You're right, Yaya, but I love Paige enough to deal with any drama she may have.”

“So, you admit that she has some issues?”

“All women have issues, including you.” He laughed.

“You know what I mean, Quincy; I'm telling you, she's not the one,” Yaya said into the phone.

“And I'm telling you, she is. I don't know what your beef is with Paige, but you need to check it. She's done nothing to even make you act like this.”

Thinking about all the things Celeste had told her about Paige over the past few days made Yaya think otherwise. She knew that Quincy was not trying to hear anything she had to say about his beloved Paige. She was going to have to find a way for him to see for himself.

“I'm done talking about this,
Q
. I'm just telling you not to go and do anything stupid, like buying a ring because you think you know, but you have no idea.”

“Wow, Yaya, is that an original line? I coulda swore I heard it on MTV,” he snickered.

She hung up without saying good-bye.

As she walked into the salon, she instantly knew something was going on. Monya was wearing a strange look, and Taryn and Celeste weren't anywhere around. Two customers were waiting.

Yaya greeted them and then asked, “What's up? Where's
T
?”

“Uh, she and Celeste—”

Suddenly, she heard Taryn's voice coming from the back. “I'm warning you, you don't wanna cross me!”

“What in the world?” Yaya walked to Taryn's office, which was right beside hers. The door was open, and she looked inside to see Celeste standing in front of an obviously upset Taryn, who was standing on the other side of the desk. “What's up?”

Taryn looked up at her, her eyes full of anger. “For some reason, a certain person has been unable to make an appointment with me.”

“She's lying,” Celeste said softly. “She hasn't called to make an appointment.”

Yaya knew they had to be talking about Paige. “What is she talking about, Celeste?”

“Paige told her that she's been calling for a week, trying to make an appointment and left messages for Taryn.” Celeste turned and looked at Yaya. “I wouldn't dare turn business away!”

She looked so pitiful, Yaya felt sorry for her. She didn't know who to believe, Paige or Celeste. She decided to protect her employee. “
T
, that may be true. Celeste has only been working part-time. I've been manning the phones, and I haven't received a call from Paige either.”

Taryn stared at both of them. “I have customers waiting. Celeste, you don't know me, but Yaya does, and she will tell you that if you fuck with my money, I will fuck with you. I'm running a business here, and I don't have time for petty games. Whatever issues you have with anyone that walks through that door, you better leave them in the damn parking lot before you come in—that goes for both of you. Understood?”

“Yes,” Celeste said, her voice barely above a whisper as she turned and sulked out the door.

Yaya stared at Taryn, her best friend, shocked that she would dare speak to her that way—and in front of Celeste.
This chick is on some ego trip. I don't know what the hell Lincoln has been feeding into her head, but it's caused her to lose her damn mind.

“
T
, I think you're overreacting.”

“I don't care what you think, Yaya. You didn't care about what I thought when you hired her.”

The day dragged on. For the first time the usual laughter and relaxed atmosphere was no longer present in the salon. A few of the customers even noticed.

Tam, one of Monya's regular customers asked, “Who died?”

“Huh?” Monya looked up from the acrylic she was using.

“I mean, it's so quiet and drab in here. I thought maybe someone had died.” Tam shrugged.

“No one died, Tam.” Monya looked over at Taryn, who was doing a manicure.

“Then you all need to stop acting like it. Hell, I coulda went to the Asian nail shop over on Patterson and been bored. I come in here to be entertained.” Tam laughed. “And to hear the latest word on the street. Now, Ms. Taryn, what's up with you and what's his name—Lincoln?”

“Yeah, Taryn, what's up with you and Lincoln?” Monya repeated, relieved someone tried to ease the tension.

“Why you gotta be asking about me?” Taryn giggled.

“Because inquiring minds wanna know. Spill it,” Tam demanded.

“Well, I've decided to play it cool, you know,” Taryn said. “Let him know I'm interested in a subtle way.”

Yaya decided to join in. “Is panting every time he walks through the door subtle?”

She too was annoyed by the silence. She had just finished arching a set of eyebrows and had another customer waiting. Celeste had left early, saying she had a headache.

Taryn's jaw dropped in an obvious false look of astonishment. “I do not pant, Yaya. You are just jealous, that's all.”

“Jealous of what?”

“That he doesn't give you the same attention he gives me when he comes in.”

Everyone laughed, and things seemed to be coming back to normal.

“I should get my brows done,” Tam commented, admiring Yaya's work. “How much is that, Taryn?”

“For you, Tam, a hundred dollars—you need a little extra work.” Taryn laughed.

Tam laughed too. “Let me ask the professional—Yaya, how much to get my brows done?”

“Depends on how you want 'em.”

“What do you mean?”

“If you want them plucked or done with a razor, it's ten. If you want them threaded, then it's fifteen.”

Yaya explained the difference in the techniques and then added, “I also can do your lashes, girl. I can add some extensions to them so good, they look better than a weave.”

“For real? Let me splurge on myself for a change, something I rarely do.”

“Why not?” Monya told her.

“Girl, you know when you have a child, you no longer have the ability to indulge,” Tam told her. “The only person who gets splurges is my son.”

“Okay, okay,” Yaya told her. “Now you're making me feel bad. If you want them done, I'll hook you up with a discount.”

“Now that's what's up,” Tam squealed.

“I bet your man still splurges on himself, even though y'all have a child—You know how men are,” Taryn said.

“Well, my man and my baby daddy are two different people.” Tam giggled.

“That explains a lot right there,” Yaya said. “I can't stand deadbeat dads.”

“My son's father isn't a deadbeat at all; he's a great provider for my son. He goes above and beyond his call of duty. I definitely can't complain about him. Hell, I can depend on him more than I can my boyfriend.”

“Then why isn't your son's father your boyfriend?” Monya asked.

“Because we get along better as friends than lovers. Sounds crazy, huh?” Tam laughed.

“Yeah, it does.” Yaya said, finishing the client she as working on.

Tam took a seat in her chair.

Yaya carefully shaped her eyebrows until they were perfect. “You have nice eyes,” she told her, passing her the mirror when she finished.

“I love it. My boyfriend ain't gonna know how to act, when I get to his house. I'm 'bout to be batting my eyes while I'm getting my groove on.”

“You'd better chill before you wind up with
two
baby daddies,” Yaya warned her.

“Nope. Now if things keep going the way they are, I'll have a baby daddy
and
a husband.” Tam reached into her purse and handed Yaya her money.

“You're getting married?”

“I'm damn sure trying to. When I met my boyfriend, I knew he was just what I had been praying for. Being his wife is my number one goal.” Tam waved as she walked out the door. “See you next week, girlfriends. And can the party already be jumping before I arrive?”

“That girl is a fool,” Taryn said.

“True, dat,” Monya agreed. “It's customers like her that make my day go fast!”

“She's one-of-a-kind, that's for sure,” Yaya said.