“So, that could mean she hasn’t had enough time to build up a secure clientele base. How is she planning to promote? Does she have the start-up costs? You know most startups fail within the first five years, and given your friend’s, uh, eccentricities…”
“Excuse you?”
My head sprung up, and my eyes zeroed in on Gabby standing in my door way. She was dressed in a pair of sky blue scrubs she usually wore at the doctor’s office where she worked. Her curly ’fro was pulled up in a high bun atop her head with slicked down baby hairs at her temples. She looked adorable, save for the way her honey-colored eyes were shooting daggers at Jamal.
“Gabby, I was just speaking to—”
“I heard you, and I heardhim.”
She stepped fully into my office. I hurried to the door to shut it behind her, hoping this wouldn’t get too loud. Gabby could have a short temper, and I recalled the last conversation we’d had about Jamal and the way she’d sworn he was giving her funny looks. By the time I’d closed the door, Jamal had stood up, facing Gabby.
“Yeah, your eccentricities. Chanel asked me what I thought of your business idea, and given your tendencies, I’m not sure how well you’d be able to handle running a business.”
“My tend…?” She broke off, looking back to me as if she couldn’t believe his mouth. “Excuse you. You don’t even know me. We’ve met all of one time, one time in which you were extremely dismissive of me, might I add.”
“I was dismissive?” Jamal pressed his hand to his chest, head tilting back.
“Yes,you.I could tell right away you were all on your high horse about me. But let me tell you something,” Gabby inched closer. “I don’t know what my dear friend has told you, but I don’t need any input from you about my business. Got it?”
“Pssh,” Jamal waved her off, stepping around her to move toward the door. “Don’t sweat it. I’d be more than happy to mind my business. Good luck with your lil’ venture.” He gave her one last up and down look, before turning back to me. “Chanel, good to see you. I’ll check you later.” And he was gone, shutting the door behind him.
“My lil’ venture... Is he serious?” Gabby charged to the door.
I quickly stepped in front of her. “Woah, there. Let’s not get too crazy. This is my new place of work, all right?”
“Yeah, but your father owns the firm. Hell,you’repart owner. What’s he gonna do, fire you? Let me just speak to—”
“Not going to happen,” I cut her off.
“Fine, I’m pissed at you anyway,” she tossed at me over her shoulder as she strolled to my desk. She placed a big paper bag with handles on the desk. I knew right away it was one of her favorite soul food vegan restaurants.
“Don’t be pissed. I was trying to pick his brain about starting a business. I told you, he does that as part of his financial planning business.”
“And I toldyouI didn’t need help. Especially not from the likes of him. Did you hear him? ‘All her eccentricities.’”
I had to bite my lower lip to keep from smirking at the way she mimicked Jamal.
“Come on. Jamal can be a little stuck-up sometimes, but he means well. And he’s good at what he does.”
“Whatever. He can go to hell with all that. When I start my business, it won’t be with his help. I don’t need his help or his condescension. And I don’t need my best friend running to him with questions on my behalf. Now, come here and sit down so we can eat.”
I laughed. “Bossy much?”
“No. I just know you. And I know you probably haven’t had anything to eat today due to nerves. You’re probably running on two cups of caffeine only.”
I frowned as she mean-mugged me with her arms crossed, daring me to tell her she was wrong.
“Three cups,” I corrected.
She rolled her eyes and handed me the plastic wrapped silverware.
“What’d you get?” I asked, savoring the aroma as she pulled the cartons out of the bag.
“Jerk seitan over beans and rice for me, and vegan gumbo over rice for you with a side of vegan cornbread.”
“Nice.” I rubbed my hands together. We sat down at the round table that was set up in my office, close to the floor-to-ceiling window. It gave us a nice view of the street below. We ate in silence for a few minutes, enjoying our food. Gabby was right. I hadn’t eaten all day. I was too nervous to eat breakfast before leaving home, and once I got to the office, I was busy in meetings and making introductions all day.
“Thanks for lunch. I needed this little break.”
