“Er…What happened to the band–aids?”
“Marcy used the last two.”
“We had that many parties before I came here? What’d I miss?”
“Very funny Colleen. Do you have any extra?”
“Don’t worry I’ve got you.”
I reach over to the dresser and hand her the card. As she applies the petals to her breasts, I get a good look at the lean muscles on her slender body. Man, I thought Dr. Reed was in good shape, but Abby could turn a few heads in a bikini herself. If these are the bodies they hide under those dainty suits I have to wonder if I’m staying with sorority sisters or supermodels.
Abby catches me looking and smiles. “You checking me out?” she says putting her hands on her hips.
“Er…Am I in trouble?”
“Hey, I saw you naked, so you may as well get a good look.” Abby says turning around to show me her backside.
I catch Abby’s smiling eyes as she turns back around. I think she’s proud of me seeing her in her natural glory. “You keep eating right and working with Dr. Reed you’ll get a body like this too.” She tells me.
My eyes grow wide. “Dr. Reed helped you get this cut?”
“Yep. I weighted a hundred forty pounds when I first pledged. By the end of the summer I was 113. I’ve got like six percent body fat now.”
I can’t believe she was bigger than I am right now. “You lost almost thirty pounds in eight weeks?”
“Not thirty, but twenty. I lost the other seven when I got back to the city. And I’ve kept it off for a year now.” Abby says proudly as she poses.
Maybe I can wind up looking like Dr. Reed. I don’t know if I can get used to eating a monotonous diet of oatmeal, salmon, and grilled chicken breasts, but to get a body like Abby’s, it’d be worth the sacrifice.
Abby checks me out as she grabs her white slipdress off the bed and puts it on. “You’re looking hot in that dress. And the hair really makes your face stand out.” Abby says as she pulls her dress down.
“Why thank you Miss. Montgomery.” I quip in a fake English accent. “You’re looking quite smashing in that white ensemble yourself.”
“Why thank you Ms. Anderson.” Abby jokes back in a fake English accent.
“We’re going to have to put going to the gym together on the schedule when we get back to the city.” I say.”
“And then we go shopping for clothes.”
Look at us making plans for the future. I think I’ve got a new best friend.
Marcia rushes into the suite in a plum colored slipdress and matching shoes. “Colleen are you ready? The Alumni have arrived and the Dean Mothers want to announce you.”
“Yeah. I’m ready.”
We leave the suite and make our way down the stairs into the kitchen where Dean Mother Carver is waiting for us. She smiles approvingly at my appearance.
“Are you ready Colleen?”
I’m scared to death. “Yeah.”
As Dean Mother Carver opens the tall French doors, I quickly recognize Penelope and Yvette in the crowd of faces outside chatting over hors d’evors on the patio. Everyone looks elegant in their slipdresses, done–up hair, and strappy sandals.
The group becomes silent as we make our way onto the deck to join the other Dean Mothers and Grand Mother Flowers. I shake the butterflies out of my stomach as Dean Mother Carver greets everyone. “Ladies of Theta Network from the Greater New York Area. Thank you all for coming out for Slipdress Sunday. Allow me to introduce you to our newest Pledge. From the Anderson and Travis families, this is their daughter Colleen Anderson.”
Dean Mother Carver gestures and I put on my best smile as I step forward. I feel myself glowing as the crowd greets me with a round of applause.
After the clapping ceases, soft classical music starts to play. I step off the deck onto the lawn. Now that I’ve been formally introduced, it’s time to introduce myself to our guests face–to–face. Who do I want to talk to first?
Looks like I don’t have to choose someone to talk to. Yvette and a slender caramel colored woman in an orange slipdress approach me with smiles. “Colleen, this is my business partner Jessica Lewis.”
Jessica extends her hand. I shake it. “Nice to meet you Jessica.”
“Nice to meet you Colleen.”
“Just wanted you to know I really enjoyed lunch at Hanna’s.”
“We’d love to have you again.” Jessica says.
“I’ll probably stop by again soon. Do you own any restaurants in the city?”
“Yes. We have a restaurant in Harlem called Savoy and one in Midtown called Roche.”
“I’m definitely going to have to visit them when I get back to the city.”
“Give us a call before you come in so we can prepare something special for you.”
I’ll definitely do that. I may even have to bring Abby along to stop me from stuffing myself.
“How’d you get into the restaurant business? I inquire.
“Our venture into the foodservice industry came out of a hobby my sister was into.” Yvette says.
I see the resemblance in the faces. “You two are real Sisters?”
“Yeah, Jessica is my baby sister.”
“I got married a year ago.” Jessica says.”That’s why I’m Mrs. Lewis now.”
Interesting. “Which one of you pledged first?”
Both women smile at me before they answer the question. “We flipped for it, and Yvette went first.” Jessica replies.
Wow. I had no idea that the spots here meant so much to other families. “Flipped for it?”
“Yeah, we were fighting for a month over which one of us was going to pledge first.” Yvette replies. Dad settled it with a flip of the coin.”
And here I was dreading the experience. “Did either of you go to culinary school?”
“Right after undergrad.” Jessie says. “Yvette went to grad school to get her MBA.”
“I’m taking it that you used your trust fund to get the start–up capital.”
“That’s where we got part of it from.” Yvette says. “Are you a business major?
“I’m undecided. But I’m favoring economics.”
“It’s a good major if you’re going to get your MBA.”
“I feel it’ll help me get ready to take over Daddy’s business when I get older.”
“What does your father do?”
“Investment Banking and Financial Consulting.”
“Does your father run Anderson Financial?”
“Yeah. That’s Daddy’s company.”
“Your father gave us the loan to start our business!” Jessica says.
“Wow.”
“You’re definitely going to need your MBA if you’re going to take over your father’s operations in the future.” Yvette says.
“I thought I’d just get my bachelor’s and learn on the job–”
“You’re going to need more than experience. You really need your MBA if you’re going to manage a financial institution like your father’s.”
Looks like I have four more years of school. “Which degree do you think would be better for someone like me?”
“I think economics would be a stronger base for someone like you.” Yvette continues. “A business bachelor’s is more for a person who is looking to start their own business.”
“You’d definitely benefit better from an economics major.”Jessica says. It’ll help you become a stronger analytical thinker.”
“Well, I’m pretty cerebral right now–.”
“I’m hoping you’ll think about graduate school.”
The waitress who served me at Hanna’s approaches us. “Yvie, Jessie, we need to take a look at the buffet before we start serving.”
“You’re catering Slipdress Sunday?” I inquire.
“It’s a party for you, but work us.” Jessica replies.
“I forget how everyone is here for me.”
“I wouldn’t take that for granted. There’s an op
portunity here to meet a lot of great people here.”
“I won’t.”
“Later.” Jessica says as she and Yvette rush through the crowd over to the steamer trays.
As I digest what I’ve learned from Yvette and Jessica, another waitress approaches me with her Hors d’oerves. I take a snack off her tray and scan the crowd looking for someone new to network with. While I’m chomping through my snack, I’m tapped on the shoulder.
“You use Crème oil don’t you?” The soft voiced stranger says.
I turn around to be greeted by the smiling eyes of a tall lemon colored middle–aged woman wearing a cherry red suit and Church hat. Whoever this stranger is she’s aware of my beauty secrets. “Yes I do Miss–”
“Beaumont. Marcia Beaumont.” Marcia greets as she extends her hand. “Beaumont Cosmetics.”
Wow. I see ads for their products all the time in Ebony and Essence magazine. I can’t believe she’s a Theta. “I am extremely honored to meet you Mrs. Beaumont.” I say as I eagerly shake her hand. “How did you know I use Crème oil?
“Why I know my crème oil anywhere. It gives the hair a distinct shine.”
“Well along with the Crème oil I also use your Royal Crown hair dressing as part of my hair regimen.”
Marcia shakes her head. “It’s a good combination. The dressing will add protect and strengthen to your hair during the heat treatment and the crème oil will protect it from drying out afterward.”
“Thanks to your products I’ve had hair down my back since I was eight.”
Ms. Beaumont blushes on hearing about my testimony regarding her products. “Colleen….You’re Jack’s little girl?”
“I’m not exactly little. I’m nineteen.”
“Compared to an old woman like myself you’re still a baby. I’ve got a daughter about your age.”
“Is she going to pledge Theta?”
“Next semester if possible. You know, your father handles our investment portfolios.”
No wonder we can live on Park Avenue. Their account alone probably paid for our penthouse. “Wow, that’s a big account.”
“I’m one of his top clients. Tell me, are you going into finance like your father?”
“I’m studying economics right now. And I’m thinking of getting my MBA.”
Ms. Beaumont smiles after hearing that. “With that type of education you’ll be more than ready to manage my accounts when you get older. What school are you going to?”
“I go to NYU.”
“It’s a good school. A little progressive in the liberal arts, but you’re going to get a solid education there in business.”
“I really like their economics program so far.”
“I like what I’m seeing so far. When you finish pledging Theta I want to have lunch with you. I’ll call your father to set up an appointment.”
“Great.”
“It was nice meeting you Colleen.”
“Great meeting you too Miss Beaumont.”
As Miss Beaumont turns and heads over to the buffet, Dean Mother Morgan and a petite slender almond colored middle aged woman in a coffee colored slipdress approaches me. “I see you’ve met Marcia Beaumont.”
“Yeah, we’re going to have lunch when I finish here.”
“That’s an appointment I wouldn’t miss. Marcia Beaumont is a big player in our network.”
“I just learned Daddy handles her portfolio.”
“She must trust you to confide that with you.”
“I think we made a connection tonight.”
“I have someone I want to introduce you to. This is Martha Buffington–”
“Of Buffington by Design.” I interrupt.
“Actually it’s Buffington Textiles.” She corrects.
“I didn’t know your company was that large–”
“No one really does. We’ve had manufacturing plants down south for about twelve years now.”
“Where you make the clothes for your line–”
“Where we manufacture clothes for other designers.” Martha continues. “We’re a vendor for most of those retail lines you see in the stores.”
“Like…”
“I can’t say who due to the confidentiality agreement I signed.” Martha continues. “But usually if it has a brand name label in it at a certain three–letter chain store that’s in every mall across the country, it came from one of our factories overseas. That’s how we pay for the designs at the Buffington Fashion house.”
“Well, I’ve bought quite a few of your originals for parties.”
“I’m glad to have your business. Your Father runs Anderson Financial right?”
“Yes.”
“I’m thinking of moving my personal investment portfolio from Charles Schwab to another firm. How would you rate your father’s business?”
Think of something on the fly Col. “I think my father does good business. He’s handled the Beaumont account for years now.”
Man I sound so corny. But at least it’s the truth.
“Marcia Beaumont is a big player on the table. If she can do business with your father, then I think I could let him manage my personal portfolio. I’ll get in touch with him tomorrow.”
Wow. Did I just make a business deal?
I don’t think Martha is finished with me. “When will you be done pledging Colleen?”
“We should be done with Colleen around Early August.” Dean Mother Morgan interjects.
“Good. In the first week of August I want to meet with you. I have an original I’m designing for my fall line that would look great on you.”
A Buffington Original. Just for me. Did I just get a business perk?
“I’ll be in touch. It was nice meeting you Colleen.”
“It was nice meeting you Martha.”
Dean Mother Morgan smiles at me as Martha walks over to the Buffet. “Looks like you’re doing well at networking with the Theta Alumni.”
“Wow. Marcia Beaumont and the head of Buffington Fashions? The Thetas have some big players here tonight.”
“Theta women are some of the most powerful Black women in America today. And we only have the Tri–State Sisters here tonight. You’ll meet some of the more prominent women from across the country when we have your pin ceremony.”
“If I survive. You guys play rough.”
“I think you’ll make it till then.” Dean Mother Morgan laughs. “You’re doing a good job with networking.”
“Not really. I don’t think I’ve gotten much of a chance to talk to you. Everything has been so busy around the house we haven’t had much time to get to know each other outside of lunch a few days ago.”
“Well, I work for your father in the Chicago office.”
“Oh, the one in the Sears Tower?”
“Yeah, I’m the Executive Assistant for the Director of Office Operations there.”
Looks like she’s in a mid–level administrative job at Anderson Chicago. She must be making a move out of the secretarial pool by supporting me pledging.
“The Theta house is a long way from Chicago–”
“Well, I thought this would be a good opportunity to get to know my future boss.”
I don’t even have a job yet and she’s thinking about where she’s going to be in my company. That’s a huge leap of faith. She’s either a visionary or just plain crazy. Either way I like her passion. “Don’t you think it’s a little early to get in on the ground floor with the new CEO?” I joke.
“I like to think of the future.” Dean Mother Morgan replies. “I love working for your father and I’d like to finish my career here with you.”
“You’re kind of young to commit yourself to one company for life–”
“Janeen. And after working for your father for fifteen years, I don’t want to be anyplace else.”
Now I know who she is when she’s not a Dean Mother. “Well Janeen, you’re taking a big risk. “How do you even know I’ll even start working for Daddy when I get out
of school?”
“I just have faith you’ll follow in your father’s footsteps.”
“I could go off on my own–”
“And you’d need someone to show you the ropes wherever you went.”
“I take it you’ve been working on that deal with Buffington for a while–”
“No, I just thought she’d be someone you’d like to know. You took it from there and made that deal on your own.”
“I didn’t expect things to be so easy–”
“Sometimes people take a liking to you. That’s how networking goes.”
I’m liking what I’m seeing from her. If Daddy doesn’t promote her, I will. While The Thetas are a solid network of contacts outside of Daddy’s business I could use an insider to help me learn more about the inner workings of our business while I finish up completing my degrees. It’ll make the transition a little smoother when I do take over the company later on.
“Well, Janeen, it may be a couple of years before I finish school and get acclimated to wherever I am, you’re going to be my right hand woman.”
Janeen smiles knowing she’s got a future in my company. “Well, I won’t take up too much of your time tonight. There are a couple of other prominent Sisters I want to introduce you to.”
Chapter 39
With Dean Mother Morgan’s help I make my way around the backyard networking with the Theta Alumni. Getting to know more of the sisters over the past hour I’ve learned that many of them inherited legacy businesses from their parents and grandparents, such as tailoring, manufacturing, real estate, law firms, franchises and medical practices. After talking to just about everyone, My August looks like it’s going to be busy. I’m going to be meeting with a lot of people once I finish pledging here.
I have to say I’ve learned a lot about business tonight. I knew Daddy managed a lot of accounts, but meeting the people who run those businesses face–to face has really allowed me to see how our financial services impact all these customers. I don’t think I’d even learn any of this at an internship at Daddy’s office.
All this networking has made me hungry. An uptempo melody fills the air as I head over to the steamer trays. I get a plate of soul food and head over to a table on the deck by the French doors. While I’m having dinner Janeen approaches my table and has a seat.
“Taking a break?” She inquires.
“Yeah, looks like I’m going to be running around a lot in August. I wish I brought a schedule with me–”