“You would be correct.”
Shy paused to decide if she were going to give Valencia what she was fishing for. Despite Black’s apprehension about her, Shy liked Valencia; respected her for the things that she had accomplished in business. But at the same time, she understood that Valencia definitely had an agenda. One that involved her husband; therefore, Shy was curious about what it was.
“I can tell you that Michael is meeting with his board next week and your contract is on the agenda.”
“Well, thank you for letting me know that, Mrs. Black,” Valencia said, and began gathering her materials to leave. “And thank you for letting me spend this time with you.”
“It was time well spent. And trust me, I promise that I won’t take as long to make a decision as Michael,” Shy laughed. “I’ll probably get back to you sometime late next week.”
“That sounds good. But please, feel free to call me with any questions that you have,” Valencia said, as Shy stood up and took her purse out of the drawer. “And if it’s all right with you, I’ll give you a call to follow up in a day or two.”
“That would be fine,” Shy said, moving toward the door to escort Valencia out.
Sensing that she was being rushed out, she said, “I’m sorry that our conversation ran quite a bit longer than I originally expected.”
“That’s not a problem at all. Actually, I didn’t have breakfast this morning and I’m starving.”
“I haven’t eaten today either.”
“I’m going to Lusardi’s, and you’re welcome to join me,” Shy said as they walked down the hall.
“Lusardi’s? I’ve never eaten there before. What type of food do they serve?”
“Lusardi’s serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine.”
“In that case, I gladly accept your invitation. I love Mediterranean cuisine,” Valencia said as they walked, her eyes scanning the halls for any sign of Black.
“The food is great, you’ll love it,” Shy said, waving to Lenecia as she passed the reception desk, and Chuck stood up.
After getting shot saving Shy and Jada’s lives, he was back on his job as head of the Black’s security detail, and Shy’s personal bodyguard.
“Chuck, this is Valencia DeVerão. She’ll be joining me for lunch at Lusardi’s today.”
Chuck smiled and paused for a second or two to admire the way that Valencia looked in the Monse multi-plaid double-layer jacket and cascade suiting mini skirt she was wearing, before he said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. DeVerão. Will she be riding with us, Mrs. Black?” he asked, still looking at Valencia.
“No, I’ll drive. I have my car here.”
“After you, ladies,” Chuck said, extending his arm toward the door and winking at Lenecia before he left.
A delicious lunch consisting of Vitello Martini, a Veal scaloppini dish, prepared with Parmigiano cheese, served with a white wine-lemon sauce and French beans for Shy; and the Salmone al Mango; a salmon filet with marinated mango salsa, served with sautéed spinach for Valencia, was enjoyed.
Chitchat over lunch revealed that other than being two businesswomen of color, they both had graduated from Syracuse with dual degrees. Shy in marketing and management, while Valencia earned her dual degrees in information technology and finance.
That, and cocktails, allowed what started out as a rehash of the meeting they’d just had, to become more of a relaxed conversation. That gave Shy the opportunity to ask the question she’d invited Valencia to lunch to ask.
“Why is making this deal with Michael so important to you?” Shy asked, and Valencia had to think quickly.
Although she should have been prepared, Valencia wasn’t expecting Shy to ask her that question.
It does look like you are aggressively trying to get with this woman’s husband.
Valencia decided that it was time for a bit of truth.
“I met your husband a little over a year ago at The Rainbow Room at an Association of Black Businesses banquet to honor their man of the year. Now I don’t know if you know this, but it’s pretty much the same group of people that attend those events. He was there with Meka; she’s a fixture at these things.” Valencia took a sip of her Bellini, a cocktail made with Nettare di pesca, which is peach nectar, and Spumante Brut. “At the conclusion of the event, Meka, who is an excellent networker by the way, walked him around the room, introducing him to some people that I’m sure that she thought would be good business connections. Since then, he has been all they’ve talked about.”
“Really; why is that?” Shy asked casually, but fully expecting to hear stories about their gangster past.
“Since that time, your husband has been making alliances and forming partnerships with people who are doing big things.” She paused to signal a close to the bit of truth that she was telling. “Mr. Black has his hands in a lot of businesses, and some of those are international businesses.”