1
Charisma
Charisma Dearborn had just enough time to shower, apply make-up, and finger
comb her short, glossy locks before grabbing the keys to her silver Honda off the kitchen
counter and heading to work. She was already ten minutes behind schedule. She
despised being late today of all days when her new boss started. Damn, the
Sunrise Highway was bumper to bumper. She’d make better time on the service road.
The hooptie in front of her made an abrupt stop, forcing her to slam on her brakes.
Where’d you get your license, lady, Target? She almost asked as she drove past the
Green Acres Mall.
Charisma knew she shouldn’t have let Dex stay over last night, but she had a
weakness for well-groomed corporate types with strong backs, and Dex Spencer had all
three. So she gave him a good workout last night and again early this morning. He left
shortly thereafter, promising to call her later that night. She and Dex had a great
relationship. Dex wanted more. She wasn’t ready for a commitment, but she did have
her needs…
Charisma smiled at the recollection, but she was paying for it this morning.
Okay, she could just about make it if she could find a parking space close to the
building. Parking was always at a premium. What else was new? She circled a couple
of times before spotting a Nissan a few feet ahead pulling out. She went for it, but so did
a black Camry. His loss. As she stepped out into the early October air and gathered her
jacket and briefcase, she could see Mr. Camry shake his head and grin before driving off.
She had six minutes to spare. Thank God for small miracles.
Charisma took the elevator up to the eighth floor. She could tell that the new boss
hadn’t yet arrived. She was safe. She proceeded to get her coffee and headed for her
office. She needed to complete a marketing report by noon, and the morning staff
meeting would only delay progress.
She’d been working on the report for about twenty minutes when Amanda Smith,
the assistant manager, stuck her head in the doorway of Charisma’s office.
“Nate Arquette’s here. The staff meeting will start in ten minutes in the conference
room,” she told her.
“Thanks, Amanda. I’ll be right there.” Charisma logged off her computer and
stopped at Lauren’s desk. The two fell into step as they headed to the conference room.
“I hear he’s a real ball buster,” Lauren admitted. She had earned the reputation of
being the office gossip, but she was also a sweetheart.
“Lucky for us we don’t have balls,” Charisma answered. In her eleven years as a
marketing analyst with Freeman LTD, she had seen executives come and go. Most of
them only lasted a year or two. This one probably wouldn’t be any different. The
turnover was incredible. Charisma had been turned down for every promotion she
applied for in the past three years, and to whites at that. It was like they belonged to a
secret club. No matter how hard she worked, her efforts went unrecognized. When
Chase Martini, the office slut, was promoted over her this last go round, she realized that
the old saying it’s not what you do but who you do was more than just that.
They were all seated and waiting for Nate’s arrival. Finally, Amanda walked in
with a tall, honey brown man in a navy double-breasted suit. When he got to the center
of the room, Charisma realized who he was. Shit, it’s Mr. Camry! So much for making a
good first impression. Amanda introduced Nate Arquette to the staff of forty.
“Thank you, Amanda. First, let me take this opportunity to tell you how pleased I
am to be here and how excited I am to be working with you all at Freeman. Just to give
you some background, I started out at Sandrell Incorporated fresh out of USC in an entrylevel position and worked my way up the ranks. So, I believe in hard work and
dedication. I stayed with Sandrell for eight years before becoming an assistant manager
at Elliott Brothers. I worked at EB for the past seven years, and I hope no one is doing
the math.” Nate paused, smiling.
They all laughed politely.
“Now, I would like to meet with the department managers this afternoon at three.
And I certainly do want to apologize for being late this morning. I didn’t realize parking
was at such a premium,” he admitted.
“Sorry, Nate, we’ll get your permit registered right away. Welcome aboard,”
Amanda replied.
“Thanks. That’s all for now,” he said dismissing them.
As they broke up Chase Martini, the resident rich bitch whispered to Charisma.
“That’s just the way I like ‘em—tall, dark, and handsome. And not a wedding band in
sight!
Just what every office needs, Charisma thought, a slut with morals. Luckily for
Chase, she kept it moving. She had beat Charisma out of the last two promotions simply
because she spread easier than butter and threatened to file a sexual harassment lawsuit
against the former boss. Ultimately, he couldn’t stand the heat and fled. So, Charisma
didn’t have much to say to Chase.
Charisma returned to her office totally prepared to focus on the report, but the
phone wouldn’t let her. First her mother called.
“Charisma, your brother wants you to come by for dinner Friday evening so we
can all meet his latest,” Jena Dearborn said.
“Knowing Eric, she’s his latest and his greatest.”
“Well, at least he’s moving in the right direction. If you’re not careful, your little
brother will settle down and make me a grandbaby before you do,” she warned.
“I’m in no hurry, mother.”
“I know. That’s the problem. You’re too busy being independent. Don’t you
know men like to feel needed? You’re probably scaring them all away.”
“Mother, I don’t have time for this now. I have tons of work in front of me. I’ll
see you and Daddy Friday night.”
No sooner had Charisma replaced the receiver when she received another call.
This time it was an inside call.
“Charisma Dearborn,” she said.
“Miss Dearborn, this is Nate Arquette.”
Silence.
“I understand you’re working on the biweekly report. How’s it coming along?”
“We’ve had several new clients last month. I’m still gathering data, but I should
have the figures on your desk by noon.”
“Fine. I’ll let you get back to work, and I’ll expect that report shortly.”
“Yes,” she said simply before hanging up. Determined to have the assignment
completed ahead of schedule, Charisma absorbed herself completely in the task at hand.
In fact, she allowed her voicemail to answer all other calls rather than being further
distracted. As a result, by eleven thirty she had the report proofed and printed. No sense
getting off to a bad start with the new boss. She dropped the report off in his office,
noticing a single framed photo of him playing tennis with what must have been his son.
They were both wearing tennis whites and from his son’s smile, he must have won. The
photo was right next to his Go Get ‘Em! coffee mug.
Just as she was about to leave, Nate walked in.
“Is that the report?” He was easily six-one.
“Yes, hot off the presses.”
“And early at that,” he added.
“Timing is everything.”
“Yes, especially when you’re driving, what, a silver Honda, Miss Dearborn?”
Charisma rubbed the hair on the back of her neck and laughed. Nate laughed too.
“You know, it just happened so fast…” she admitted.
“Hey, I admire a woman who goes after what she wants. If this report is as
impressive as your parking skills, this company is in for a smooth ride.”
“Let’s hope so.”
* * *
Later that evening after a long, hot bubble bath Charisma felt revived. Tempted
to phone Dex for another steamy session, she opted instead to call her best friend, Tangie.
That way she was certain to get her much needed seven and a half hours of sleep. Few
things were more vital to her well-being than her beauty sleep, plenty of water, and
consistent exercise. People didn’t realize their impact, but she knew the role they played
in keeping her balanced and focused. Not to mention giving her caramel skin a glow
most women envied but refused to take the energy and effort to maintain. Sure the right
cosmetics did wonders for all women—natural beauties and plain Janes alike, but some
things couldn’t be bought at the make-up counter. The superficial pampering of
manicures, pedicures, and weekly salon visits weren’t enough. Some things had to be
done the old fashioned way, and Charisma was her own best investment.
She ended up leaving a message on Tangie’s machine and whipping up dinner.
Chicken breast and a salad were a breeze to prepare, but the best part was the room left
for red velvet cake. In fact, she was curled up on her sofa with dessert listening to the
stereo when Tangie returned her call.
“Are we still on for dinner Saturday night?” Charisma asked.
“Yeah, Heather called me today at work. She said she’ll meet us at eight. Her
car’s back in the shop, but she’s picking it up Saturday afternoon.” The three friends had
a girls’ night out at least twice a month. They looked forward to playing catch up and
exhaling. They’d been friends forever.
“Great. Tangie, remind me to bring your Jill Scott CD.”
“Okay. I’ll talk to you later.”
* * *
Charisma prepared to leave work Friday evening and head over to her parents’ for
dinner. Her new boss had just popped his head in her doorway as she was about to leave.
“Charisma, I have a proposition for you,” he said.
“And what might that be?’
“You seem like a woman who knows how to have a good time. I was wondering
if you could show me some of the city’s nightlife one evening.”
“I guess I know a few of the hotspots. I would love to show you around. Just say
when.”
“You’re sure your boyfriend won’t mind?” Nate asked.
“Not at all,” she said simply.
“Good. Let me know when you’re available.”
“I’m free next week.”
“Sounds like a plan. Oh, and Charisma?”
She looked up from packing her briefcase.
‘Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it.”
* * *
Less than an hour later Charisma was in her mother’s kitchen preparing a salad.
Charisma was the spitting image of Jena from her long, sexy lashes and fine, glossy black
curls to her slender build. Her father, Ellis, a hardworking loan officer, was due home
any minute, and her brother Eric was bringing his latest girlfriend over to meet the folks.
Five years her junior, Eric often brought his girlfriends home for inspection. Why in the
last year alone, he had brought home three girls. Charisma was beginning to lose track of
all his women.
“I’m home,” Ellis Dearborn said as he entered the house through the side door.
“We’re in here, honey,” Jena said from the kitchen.
“Hi daddy.” Charisma kissed her father on the cheek.
“Hi princess,” he said kissing her back. “Is Eric here yet?”
“No, he just called. He’ll be here in about twenty minutes,” Jena said.
“Good. I’ll have time to shower and change,” he said heading upstairs to the
bathroom.
Jena and Charisma finished making dinner—London broil, macaroni and cheese,
salad, and dinner rolls. Jena had even left work early so she’d have enough time to make
Eric’s favorite German chocolate cake.
“You know, Charisma, having a career is fine, but there’s more to life than just
work. When are you going to settle down, get married, and have some babies?”
“Mother, please not tonight. You act like I’m ancient. I’m only thirty-four.
What’s the rush? Just because you married at nineteen, doesn’t mean that’s the law of the
land. And besides, I haven’t met the right man yet. I know you don’t want me to marry
any ole’ thing that comes along just for the sake of having a husband. Or do you?”
“Don’t be silly, Charisma. I just don’t want you to end up like your cousin
Candace. She gave away all her candy until there was none left. Now, nobody wants
her. No man wants a woman who’s been too picked over. You’re too intelligent to be
foolish. I just want what’s best for you.”
Charisma sighed.
Jena continued. “I may not always be right, Charisma, but I’m never wrong.”
Charisma shook her head. “Okay, mother. Now can we please change the
subject?” Charisma glanced out the kitchen window. “Eric and his latest are pulling up.”
“What’s her name again?” Jena asked.
“Sophia,” Charisma reminded her.
“It would be a shame if your little brother beat you to the altar. I keep telling you,
Charisma, you’re not as young as you think you are.”
* * *
Charisma drove the short distance down the Sunrise Highway to Red Lobster in
the Green Acres Mall shopping center for dinner with her two best friends, Tangie and
Heather. She found a parking spot close to Circuit City just as another car was pulling
out. It was Saturday night, and the restaurant was packed. Tangie had already arrived.
They waited about half an hour before being seated at a booth. The waitress came shortly
to take their order, but they decided to wait for Heather.
“Before I forget, here’s your CD,” Charisma reached inside her purse for Jill
Scott’s latest.
“Thanks,” Tangie said.
Charisma and Tangie had been best friends since kindergarten. From the very
beginning, people often mistook them for sisters. Known affectionately as Tangie,
Tangela Winterhope was a force to be reckoned with. Her shoulder length layered hair
and copper highlights only emphasized her caramel skin. If a man didn’t notice her
bedroom eyes first, it was because they were too busy checking out her DD cups.
Naturally friendly, Tangie had been boy crazy ever since Charisma could remember.
Like Charisma, she loved shopping and often spent hours at the mall looking for the
perfect shoe, the perfect dress, the perfect lipstick...
Finally, Heather arrived. She was a full-figured biracial woman with warm green
eyes and a golden honey curly mane that fell way down her back. “Sorry I’m late. My
car wasn’t ready until half an hour ago. Would you believe it? It was supposed to be
ready this afternoon. Those damn mechanics get on my nerves, and they charge an arm
and a leg. Have you guys been waiting long?” she asked as she squeezed into the booth
next to Tangie.
“No, we just got here,” Charisma said.
Heather signaled for the waitress and they placed their order. As the youngest of
the trio, she had met Charisma and Tangie during an orientation weekend at Howard
University. They were amazed to discover that Heather was from New York as well.
Despite the three year age difference, they clicked and promised to keep in touch. When
Heather entered Howard on a full scholarship that September, Charisma and Tangie
immediately took her under their wing, giving her the inside track on everything from
which professors to avoid to where the best on campus and off campus dorms were
located. Heather affectionately referred to them as Howard’s Angels, and held them
partially responsible for her summa cum laude degree.
The waitress returned with piping hot biscuits and their drinks—Tangie’s sex on
the beach, Charisma’s Long Island iced tea and Heather’s seltzer water. When she left,
they raised their glasses in their customary toast. In unison they said. “Behind every
successful woman is herself.”
“I know that’s right,” Heather agreed. “So what’s new?”
“Blade and I celebrate our two year anniversary next week.” Tangie smiled.
“I’m not sure if I should congratulate you or offer my condolences. The minute
he gave you that recycled Valentine’s Day teddy bear with some other chick’s name on it,
you should have kicked him lose to the curb. It’s October, and you’re still seeing him?”
Heather shook her head.
“Cut him loose,” Charisma agreed biting into a biscuit.
“I will. Eventually,” Tangie promised.
“Who is she kidding?” Heather looked at Charisma. “Tangie he’s not the only
man out there.”
“I know, but he’s got some sweet meat,” Tangie admitted.
“Then suffer the consequences. You know how he is.” Heather stirred her seltzer
with a straw.
Tangie shook her head. “All I wanna know is who let the dogs out?”
“Doesn’t matter. Why do you keep letting them in?” Charisma asked.
Finally, their appetizers came—mozzarella sticks and stuffed mushrooms. They
dived right in, all except for Heather.
“Heather, you’re not eating. What’s up?” Charisma asked.
“I’m skipping the appetizers. I’m on a new diet. I’m supposed to lose ten pounds
in two weeks,” Heather admitted.
“Eating what?” Charisma asked.
“Mostly broiled seafood, baked chicken, salad, and I take a supplement before
every meal. I gotta get this weight off. The holidays are coming.” Heather took another
sip of seltzer.
“How much are you trying to lose?” Tangie asked biting into a cheese stick.
“Four dress sizes. I wanna get down to an eight.” Heather said.
“You should come to the gym and workout. You’d lose the weight in no time.”
Tangie suggested.
“As huge as I am? Imagine me waddling around the gym. It’s not a pretty sight,”
Heather admitted.
“Heather, the average woman is a size fourteen,” Charisma reminded her.
“Please,” Tangie told her. “Look at you. You’re gorgeous. You have flawless,
creamy skin, beautiful almond shaped eyes, and a head of hair most women would die for.
Count your blessings. So you’re a little overweight. You can lose it. Lots of women
have lost more. And what’s in those pills you’re taking anyway? Are they safe?”
“I bought them from the health food store. They’re fine,” Heather said. “Where’s
our dinner? I’m starving.”
“Have a mushroom. One can’t hurt,” Charisma said.
“No, I’ll pass,” Heather decided.
“If you change your mind and wanna hit the gym, let me know. I can get you a
really good deal. Just say the word.” Tangie, who worked at Canyon’s Club told her.
“Okay, enough about me. Did you get that promotion, Charisma?” Heather asked.
“No, I didn’t get this one either,” Charisma said. “Guess who did?”
“Who?” Tangie and Heather both asked.
“Chase Martini. Miss Crappuccino strikes again.” Charisma shook her head.
“What excuse did they give this time?” Tangie asked.
“My boss claimed that she was better qualified and that she had completed more
extensive special assignments than me. Who’s he kidding? She’s a part-timer who
spends half of her day on her cell.” Charisma grabbed another mozzarella stick. “The
only special assignments she’s been on lately have been in somebody’s bed, probably his.
Thank goodness he’s history. Come to think of it, the last three promotions were filled
by whites. I’m sick of it. It’s almost like they belong to a sect. Who do they think they
are, the privileged sect? I’m ready to file a discrimination complaint.”
“Sometimes that can hurt your career,” Heather said.
“I just want some answers,” Charisma admitted. “Oh, they just hired a new
manager in my department.”
“White?” Tangie asked.
“No, a brother actually,” Charisma said.
“Interesting. What’s he like?” Tangie asked.
Charisma smiled recalling how she had beat him out of a parking space that first
day. “I was so embarrassed.”
“Well, at least he knows you can maneuver your way into a tight spot,” Tangie
said. “Men like that kind of information.”
“A few days later he asked me to show him some of the city’s hotspots.”
Charisma grinned.
“See, I told you,” Tangie said. “But we all know which hotspot he was really
talking about. What’s he like? ”
“He’s tall, nice build, pretty brown skin,” Charisma said.
“Just your type,” Heather smiled.
“Does he have tight sugar buns? Tangie asked
“I wasn’t looking there,” Charisma exclaimed.
“Well, you should have been cause you know he was scoping yours. As much as
you’re packing back there? Please, you could run the Big Apple from your back pocket,”
Tangie told her.
“And you could light the city with your DD headlights, honey. No need for
Con Ed,” Charisma said referring to the utility giant.
“You two are so bad.” Heather laughed.
The waitress returned with their entrees—Charisma’s shrimp scampi, Tangie’s
creamy crabmeat Alfredo, and Heather’s broiled salmon. They each said grace and
began eating. Heather downed a diet pill first.
“I bet your boss’ll ask you out,” Tangie said.
“I bet he will too,” Heather agreed. “It’s just a matter of time.” She cut into her
salmon and chewed slowly, savoring every bite.
“And you know what they say. The woman decides when a relationship will
begin,” Tangie said.
“I know. And the man usually decides when it’ll end. But in this case there’ll be
no end cause there’ll be no beginning,” Charisma insisted.
“But, Charisma, you could have so much fun,” Tangie said swirling her pasta.
“How do you know? You haven’t even met the man,” Charisma said.
“Don’t have to. Imagine dating your boss. It’s the forbidden fruit thing,” Tangie
told her.
“Forbidden fruit? I’m not trying to get in a jam. You know I make my phone call
first thing every payday morning to make sure my direct deposit is there,” Charisma said
referring to what they called their single girl call. “I need my job. And besides, you
know I’m seeing Dex.”
“See them both,” Tangie insisted.
“And divide the pie?” Charisma asked enjoying her shrimp scampi. “Uh uh.”
“Well, it’s not like they don’t do it to us,” Tangie said rolling her eyes.
“You wanna know something?” Heather asked without waiting for an answer.
“Dex is nice and all, and I know he suits your needs, but you’re settling.”
“And you think I should give my boss a shot?” Charisma asked.
“Why not? What have you got to lose?” Heather shrugged.
“You’re both crazy.”Charisma shook her head.
“We just want to see you get swept off your feet,” Tangie said. “One of us
deserves it.”
“You’re all business,” Heather told Charisma. “So what could be better than
meeting the man of your dreams at work?”
“Haven’t you heard that working girls should keep their legs shut and their eyes
and ears open? Anyway, who says he’s even available? A man like him probably has
them lined up around the block,” Charisma sipped her drink.
“Maybe. But if he were available, would you be interested?” Tangie asked.
Charisma thought for a moment before speaking. “Nope.”