Chapter 23 Ayanna #2
It was simple, and I knew and understood that was the most I would get over a phone call. “Cool. I’ll call you later.”
I went to hang up but heard him say, “Boss, looks good on you. Glad to see you stepping into who you were always meant to be.”
The line went silent, and I sat back in the seat, shaking my head and muttering, “Right... Boss.”
The ride to the salon went by quick, giving me enough time to figure out how I was going to handle this Karley chick. I wasn’t violent but could be if pushed far enough. I didn’t want to handle her with violence, but she would pay.
We pulled up to the salon, the atmosphere was lively.
Balloons were tied to the sandwich board outside, still promoting all the specials for the day.
A couple girls were sitting on the small patio chairs by the window, one of them on FaceTime, showing off her new install.
A few women walked in, laughing and joking, clearly here for their appointments.
“Arlo, stay in the car,” I said as I reached for the handle. “Keep it running. I won’t be long.”
Arlo gave a stiff tilt of his head, already adjusting the mirrors to keep an eye on the front entrance. I glanced at Sham. “You come with me.”
He didn’t say a word, just opened his door and stepped out behind me.
His presence alone let anyone watching know what time I was on.
Broad shoulders, black suit jacket stretched over his thick frame.
A permanent scowl covered his hard features, and his mere presence commanded attention.
One step after another I made my way to the front entrance.
He trailed a few steps behind me. The closer we got, the more heads started to turn.
It wasn’t every day I flexed my name and pulled up like hood royalty. But this was necessary. The Reeds were well-known around these parts, and reputation meant everything. The minute I found out about Karley stealing, from me, I knew I would have to make an example out of her.
Not my husband.
Not my brother.
But me.
A few of the women standing near the door moved to the side without being told.
A couple of them even offered polite greetings.
One lady in a denim jumpsuit held the door open for me, eyes studying Sham at my back.
Stepping into the salon, the vibe shifted immediately.
Soft tunes still played lightly in the background, but the conversation shifted to a quiet murmur.
The salon owner, who I now knew was Jasmine, immediately greeted me.
“Ayanna, girl, what you doing here?” she asked, like we were friends. I’d never said more to this woman other than hi and bye when I was visiting my brother. “Did Bash tell you about the specials?” Her eyes flicked up at my hair.
Today it was my natural curls.
“Nah.” I looked around the shop, kind of impressed by what she had done with the place.
It was cute and aesthetically pleasing with grass walls for photo backdrops and framed black-and-white photographs of past clients.
Really good lighting, along with more contemporary white and gold stations filled the moderate size space.
It even smelled good in here... coconut, and possibly a hint of vanilla.
When I finally returned my gaze to her, I demanded, “Clear the salon. All except for your girl, Karley.” I thumbed her way, but I never looked at her, only at Jasmine. "She and I have an issue to discuss."
“Excuse me?” Jasmine blinked hard.
It took a minute for the words to register. Those cheap lashes fluttered, and she straightened up behind the front counter, pressing her long coffin shaped acrylics flat to the marble countertop.
“I think you heard me just fine.” I didn’t raise my voice or consider repeating myself. We both knew what I said.
Jasmine gave a little scoff. Her eyes turned to slits and her lips pursed. She was on the verge of saying some shit I wouldn’t like.
“Hold up now, this is my shop. I don’t know what you came in here on, but you not about to—”
“I hate to cut you off, but you and I both know that ain’t exactly true. My family's money. My family's territory. My family's protection. Therefore, my family's shop."
“But, you can’t just come in here and start barking orders.” She emphasized the word you, her hands falling to her hips as her neck rolled.
“Sure I can.”
My eyes flicked to the pretty stylist in the second chair from the front who hadn’t said a word since I walked in.
But I peeped the way she clocked me and then Sham the second we stepped through the door.
I also recognized her as one of my brother’s girls.
Not one he was fucking, but someone who worked for the family.
He probably placed her here to make sure his money always stayed on point.
“Hey, sis,” I called like we were friends. “Clear this room for me. Everyone except Karley.”
Jasmine head damn near popped off her body with how fast she regarded her worker. “You will do no such thing. Jada, I swear if you do, you are fired.”
Jada completely ignored her and began moving immediately. “Of course, Mrs. Reed.”
“Donatelli.” I told her happily.
“Right, I forgot you got married.” She smiled just as brightly before gently guiding the few customers not under the dryers into a different section of the salon.
Then I looked at Jasmine and dared her to question what I was about to say. “I think we both know Jada will retain her job, and there won’t be any consequences for her actions today.”
Jasmine’s lips parted, probably to protest, but I stopped her. “I suggest you do as I ask before saying something that would remove this pretty ass shop from your grasp. My beef isn’t with you Miss Jasmine. But I assure you these aren’t the problems you want.”
Jasmine swallowed whatever bullshit thought or words she was going to say, thinking better of it.
Which was for the best. Her pride was bruised, but it was better than her new business going up in flames before she could fully get it off the ground.
Ultimately, she complied, clearing the rest of her clients and her stylist leaving only me, Sham, and Karley.
The room was free of chatter, with a new music selection humming from the overhead speakers. The girl stared at me confused, but blankly. I had to admit she didn’t look all that fazed to see me.
Which was understandable.
She opened her mouth. “Uh—”
“Do you know who I am,” I cut in. It was cliche’ but sometimes necessary to remind people of the hierarchy.
She blinked, once then twice. “Why would I know you?”
I smirked and stepped a little closer to where she was standing, near the styling chair, her hands resting casually on the backrest.
“Better yet. Do you know who you stole from?” My gaze was intense, and she squirmed clutching her damn phone for dear life.
“Lady, I don’t know you or what you are talking about.” She tried to sound confident, but her voice faltered. Just a tiny bit. The presence of big ass Sham looming over the both of us.
“Don’t make me slap you.” I lifted my hand and leaned in fast. She flinched like I actually hit her. Even though I hadn’t touched her. Yet.
“I think you know exactly who I am.” I giggled at her scary ass, but I didn’t find anything humorous. “You been boosting product that belonged to me. Ayanna Donatelli, formerly Reed. You know what happens when somebody steals from my family?”
She swallowed hard, looking down at the all-white marbled patterned tiled floor. “Look, I didn’t steal it. Okay? And had I known it was from Bash Reed—”
“Me,” I corrected. “You stole from me.”
“Right, from you. A Reed. I would’ve never taken the load.” She continued in a low hiss. “I told that dumb hoe that shit looked too expensive, and it was a bad idea.” That part was whispered more to herself.
“What hoe?” My eyes narrowed in on her.
Her harsh breath escaped her lips as she glanced anxiously around the room. She didn’t want to say, but I guess she knew me asking for a second time wasn’t an option.
“My home girl, Gee. She was fuckin’ on this nigga named Roland. He asked me if I could move the shit, and naturally I could. But I ain’t seen that nigga in a while.” Her lips pursed and nose curled like something smelled. “Fuck! I knew this bullshit was gonna get me caught up.”
There was no need to ask why she hadn’t heard from Roland. He was a loose end Teo tied weeks ago. She would never see him again.
“I hate that you got caught up in something that shouldn’t even concern you, but you stole from the wrong family.”
“I didn’t know—”
I raised a hand, silencing her again.
“And someone has to pay. So, let me explain how this gone go,” I continued. “You’re gonna work this debt off. For me. For my brother. For my husband. Since you like taking shit that ain’t yours, we’re gonna find something for you to sell. Properly.”
Karley stared, confused and scared all at once. “Work? For y’all?”
“Yes girl.” I said with a faux smile. “You will pay back every single cent of what you took, plus interest. Or die trying. And while you’re doing that, if I ever need you? For anything? You WILL come running. You will answer my calls. You will smile when you see me.”
I leaned in so close it was enough for her to smell my perfume. “Because if you don’t? I will personally make sure you never live to see the light of day. That’s the deal.” I leaned back giving her space to breathe.
She blinked fast. Her mouth opened again, but nothing came out.
“So... are we good?” I asked, straightening my posture and brushing invisible lint from the pants I was wearing.
She nodded.
“Alright then. That’s good to hear.” The brightest smile covered my face like we just had a normal-ass conversation.
Now that I had delivered my message, I was ready to leave and continue my day. Just as I turned to walk away, I remembered, “Oh and Karley. I’m the nice one. Please don’t get stupid and make my husband, or brother pay you a visit. They won’t be as friendly as I’ve been. I’ll be in touch.”