Chapter 16 #2
She delivered a snarky smile my way.
“I think that’s a brilliant idea,” one of the others chimed in. “Especially considering we have an expert on the matter.”
All eyes landed on me and I produced a broad smile. Cynthia was the only one of the five women who wasn’t attempting to embarrass me.
“Agreed.”
Mya flipped her hair over her shoulder. “Great. So, to my understanding, it’s a huge deal for these foster kids to own luggage.
Typically, when they’re being shuffled around from family to family, their belongings are placed in trash bags.
How tragic. Is that really how they’re handled, Nair? Is that your experience?”
The fact that she purposely mispronounced my name was amusing and showed her hand. All eyes were on me again, but I kept my cool. I wasn’t embarrassed by or ashamed of the life I’d lived. They had a lot to learn if they assumed singling me out would somehow make me cower.
“It’s Nari, but I’m sure you remember, considering the multiple times Kincaid had to continuously remind you why your focus should be on your husband and not mine.
But let’s get back on track. It was, and it’s one of the reasons I respect those who have to work for what they have, unlike some who have the world handed to them and still aren’t satisfied.
Simple privileges always seem to be unappreciated. ”
“Simple?” Mya scoffed. “There’s nothing simple about your life. I’m sure you’re making good use of Kincaid’s status and money.”
“Ahh, I see you’re still struggling a bit.”
“Struggling?”
“Yes, with the fact that your pussy didn’t secure you a ring.
” I held up my hand. “And to think, he chose me before even knowing what mine had to offer. Now, if you’re done with your attempts to marginalize my life or downplay the fact that it’s one you want—and can’t have—I say we focus on why we’re here. ”
Mya’s lips parted as if she were stunned into silence, and I assume she truly was because Cynthia picked up the conversation.
“I say we donate to the cause and purchase luggage for those in need to give them a sense of belonging. Wouldn’t you agree, Nari?”
“Absolutely. Most wouldn’t possibly understand how something so trivial to some means the world to others.”
“Perfect, then let’s get started. We’ll need to draft a list of resources so we know who to reach out to. I’m sure you wouldn’t mind taking that on since they’re your people.” Mya just wouldn’t let this shit go. I was seconds away from handing Mya her ass again, but Cynthia stepped in.
“I think Nari should be the lead on this one since it aligns with her foundation’s intent.
Some of us understand the value of using our experiences to make a difference by doing the work versus just looking the part and cutting a check for a photo opportunity.
I appreciate those who are willing to put the time in.
” She then turned to me. “I understand you’re just getting started.
However, it would be a good introduction to your foundation. We can center the drive around it.”
“I agree. I’d be more than happy to take the lead.”
“Perfect, and if I can help in any way, please don’t hesitate.”
“Thank you, and I will certainly keep that in mind. Right now, I’m focused on securing a building.”
“Oh, do you have a realtor? I know several who are really good,” one of the women offered, making nice. She clearly decided it was better to be for than against me.
“I do. Her name is Annalise.”
“Davenport? The Annalise Davenport?” one of the others chimed in with a little too much enthusiasm.
“Yes, that’s her.”
“Wow. I’ve been trying to get with her for years now. Her client list is small and exclusive. Figures Kincaid would have her at his disposal. We’re about to put our house on the market. I’d kill for a shot at having Annalise list it.”
“I can mention you to her. We have a meeting this week to view some properties.”
“Rachel, you know I have access to Lee Roberts. He sold us our last home. I can put in a good word for you,” Mya cut in, and Alisha laughed under her breath, noticing the same thing I did.
It was a desperate attempt to feel important.
I didn’t give a damn who listed this woman’s house, but apparently, Mya did.
“Lee can’t get his hands on the properties I’m looking for, but Annalise can,” she shot back quickly before turning to me. “Would you mind? That would be amazing, and I’d forever be in your debt. Your house is beyond gorgeous. It makes sense that it’s one of her properties.”
“No, I don’t mind at all.”
At that moment, I understood how Alisha felt about those small victories.
These women were so damn caught up in the lifestyle that something as simple as getting an in with the right realtor won them over.
I learned two things: never trust their intent because they would switch up if the price were right, and I was nothing like them.
That was a previous concern of mine up until now.
I was grateful that I wasn’t the same. These women’s values were all twisted.
Once the meeting was over, Cynthia approached while I waited for Alisha to visit the ladies’ room.
“Hey, I apologize for how that started, but I saw you could hold your own in there.” She exposed a genuine smile. From the first time we met, I felt she had no ill intent.
“I’m pretty tough when I need to be.” She cracked another smile; this time, it was more of a devilish nature.
“Good because it’s necessary when dealing with these women.
They’re presumptuous and not very appealing most days, but our association with them falls under our duties as wives of the men whose names we carry.
Unfortunately for you, a few of them got passed over by Kincaid, so they’re in their feelings, but they’ll get over it. ”
“Or they won’t, but I don’t care. As long as there are no more surprises about them sharing a past with him, I’ll be fine.”
Cynthia laughed lightly. “I can’t confirm or deny one way or the other, but I assure you it won’t be an issue, regardless.
I can make their lives miserable if they push too hard, and I have no issue with using my authority.
That is, however, not why I stopped you.
I wanted to say congratulations. You haven’t mentioned anything, but it’s a little hard to miss.
” She pointed to my stomach. None of the other women acknowledged that I was pregnant, so I assumed no one noticed or cared.
“Oh, yeah. Thank you.”
“I get it. None of their business or mine, but I did notice, so I wanted to mention it at least. If you decide to do a shower, I would be honored to host or at the least help out.” She lifted her eyes to Alisha, who was heading our way, and smiled.
I assumed she felt Alisha would take on that role since we’d forged a friendship.
“Thank you, and I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Wonderful. Well, I won’t hold you. I feel you’re going to be a refreshing addition to our group, and I look forward to working with you.”
“Same.”
She nodded and walked away just as Alisha reached me.
“What’s that about?”
“Not much. Just her way of saying a good job for how I handled myself today.”
“You mean the way you handed Mya her ass? I’m sure she’s somewhere reevaluating her entire life after that meeting.”
I shrugged, not really caring.
“If this is what I have to get used to, I can’t say I’m looking forward to being a part of their inner circle.”
“Then you might as well bow out gracefully now because it gets worse before it gets . . .” She paused. “Cancel that. It never gets better, but shit, it might now that you’re here. I think I’m going to be a little more active just to see them eat shit when they can’t knock you off your square.”
“I am not here for your personal enjoyment.”
“Oh, but you are. That’s what friends are for, boo. Now, let’s go get that pizza.”