Bernadette loved her name. She liked the way it rolled off her tongue. The way it cut through the atmosphere, carving a path to existence. It was a name of importance. A name of power. A name of means. It said to anyone that heard it, that she meant business. That she was somebody. She had always been just a thick, little, dark-skinned girl from the south. She was always told that she was second to all others: if not because of her weight, then because of her skin tone. She’d been told that no man would ever want her. That the only thing she was ever good for was cooking, and eating.
She’s got a cute face for a big girl. She’s pretty for a dark-skinned girl.
That was the story of her life. That she was just alright! That was until Jalyn came along. He was the first man, the first anybody, besides her sister, to ever tell her she was pretty just the way she was. He lifted her spirits and gave her confidence that she had never known she could have. And in giving her his last name he’d given her the greatest gift anyone could have ever given her. He’d made her somebody. He’d made her Bernadette Dobbs: and she wore that name like a badge of honor, happily, and proudly.
She looked down at the two carrot diamond ring sitting on her wedding finger and tried to imagine what it had looked like before she had ever put it on. It didn’t even feel like an added peace of jewelry, but more like an extension of her limbs. She knew that the flesh beneath was probably the lightest part of her body. For it hadn’t seen day light since she’d said I Do. She new that taking it off would be like losing some part of her body. It would be painful, and crippling.
That ring meant more than just the simple vows that had been said on the day it was placed on her finger. It meant that she was a everything. Marrying Jalyn had been her catapult into success. His love had been the reason for her rise to the top. Now she wasn’t just the thick girl with the cute face. She was a savvy, sophisticated business woman. The wife of an important man. To take it off meant that she had to give all that up, and that was one of many things she wasn’t willing to do. The buzz of the intercom brought her back to reality. She looked down at the blinking red light on the telephone. Then pressed hard against the button beside it. As she shook off the over whelming feeling of terror that had started to come over her.
Yes Reese
Mrs. Dobbs your ten o’clock is here.
Send her in.
Bernadette turned her mind away from the uneasy thoughts . She was happy to have something to occupy her mind for a moment. Her business, the one thing still thriving in her life. Her small consulting company. Her own one woman show, where she was in total control and nothing went wrong as long as she was at the helm. This meeting today was particularly special. She had been looking forward to it ever since receiving the friendly phone call from the unexpected place.
She and Rachel Moore had been rivals at best in college. Sworn mortal enemies since the day they had met. No one could have ever mistaken them for bosom buddies even though they had so much in common including Jalyn Dobbs. A relationship eternally built on discord, she couldn’t understand after so much time why she was so persistent on meeting with her. Suspicion and intrigue played a heavy hand in Bernadette agreeing to their afternoon liaison. But there was no doubt about it, her guard was raised high. Bernadette was no fool when it came to the games that women played. After all she was a woman, she’d played those same games blindfolded and won every round. She straightened her blouse and slipped her shoes back on. She moved her hand over her silky brown curls. She wanted to ensure her perfection. Image, was key always in business especially with a client meeting such as the one she was sure she would regret agreeing to. When a woman like Rachel Monroe came calling it couldn’t possibly be social.
There was a soft rasping at the door. Bernadette stood up behind her desk . Her eyes jetted over to the mirror on the wall next to the door, she had placed it there for moments such as this. She skimmed her appearance once more, scouring her make up for flaws.
Come in.
The frosted glass door swung open. She smiled at Rachel from across her desk as she sauntered into the room. She had not seen her since college. She was just as beautiful now as she was then. God, she’s aging well. She thought to herself. She was stunning in a rose-colored business suite. Her radiant amber colored eyes sparkled in the florescent lighting above her. Her white teeth gleamed between her voluptuous ruby red lips. Her dark chocolate curls accentuated her bright yellow complexion. She was everything Bernadette remembered her to be and everything she hated. A light-skinned skinny woman: the exact image that society tried to make black woman believe was the only image to be.
She felt more anxious now to know what business she had with her. Had she only come to show off her frighteningly, exquisite, physique. As she took the seat across from her, she tried to read her body language. Why had she been so hell bent on this meeting? They glared at each other for a moment. Bernadette felt an, all to familiar surge of rage coarse through her veins. An over whelming feeling to reach across the large desk between them and slap the smug grin she hated so much from her face.
It’s been a long time Rachel. Bernadette was fighting the pulsing urge as she leaned back in her big white chair.
What brings you into my office today?
Always right to the point.
You know I was never one to beat around the bush. She retorted, smugly.
Believe it or not, that is exactly the reason I’m here. Rachel smiled softly. It was humble, sincere, tender, and friendly. Bernadette didn’t trust it.
Really, Bernadette raised an intrigued brow. Do tell then.
As you very well know. I work for the Fulton County Commissioners office.
Yes, I remember reading something about that in the Trinity News Letter, How is Synthia by the way?
Good, she sends her regards. Rachel’s smile brightened.
It’s actually on both Synthia and my own behalf that I’m here today. Bernadette felt her stomach tighten. She’d walked right into that trap apparently. She cut her eyes at her sharply.
Really. Her tone was inquisitive and probing..
Yes, as you’ve probably heard Synthia is thinking about throwing her hat in the running for the mayoral elections.
For the city of Atlanta? The surprise leapt from her lips before she had a chance to stop it.
The one and only.
Bernadette slide forward in her seat. Rachel had captured her undivided attention. Synthia McNair was a very strong political figure in Georgia. She started out as Super intendant of schools. Then became the Fulton County Commissioner. A woman who had come from lower middle class of America and was climbing politically to the top. A black woman at that. It had been rumored for some time that she was going to run for mayor of Atlanta. Ever since her first term in office as Fulton county commissioner when she’d chosen to go toe to toe with Sonny Pruit, then Governor of Georgia, over his unwillingness to give pay raises to the hard working government employees. But the whisper had long since been dispelled as the wishful dreams of middle working class citizens. But a to be seating in the presence of a member of Synthia’s inner circle, and to hear it coming straight from the hoarse’s mouth, was to say the least stunning.
She’s been thinking about it for quite sometime now.
Does she have a date scheduled to announce her candidacy? She could not hide the excitement rising in her voice. She felt exhilarated, giddy almost .
Yes. We were going to announce her at the next public commissioners meeting next week. I’m so pleased.. I’ve meet Synthia, and she is in my opinion one of the fiercest woman of our time. One of the finest politicians that I’ve ever encountered. Hell she was the best thing to happen to Fulton County in a very long time, since T.P.
I agree. Rachel smiled .
I know that she will make a good candidate, and I’m sure that this is a very exciting time for the people in your camp?
This is a very exciting time for Atlanta Bernadette. Rachel’s voice climaxed. Synthia will be the first woman to ever run for mayor of this city.
And if she wins the first female mayor of Atlanta.
If? Rachel’s voice squeaked. She sat up a little closer in her chair, so that her heels were planted firmly on the ground. You don’t think she has a chance?
Of course I do. But we are talking about Atlanta. After all Synthia is black.
William is black.
He’s also man.
You don’t think a black woman will be received well?
I’m not saying that Rachel, but this is still the south, I believe in Synthia. I love her politic’s and what she stands for. She will defiantly be a formidable apposing opponent for any man that might choose to throw himself in her way, but we must be realistic.
Rachel nodded her head in silent agreement.
I mean she already has the woman vote, that’s sign, sealed, and delivered. The labor pool
is in love with her. She already proved to them that she is on their side and willing to fight for them. That was a smart move.
A very smart move. Rachel agreed. Synthia knows what it’s like to be a state worker. She’s been in the trenches. She was there, and the people know that. I personally feel that we have more than just a fighting chance. All she needs is the right people, fighting for her.
I can’t argue with that but she already has a Ruthless woman like you. No pun. Bernadette, eyed her after the back handed compliment.
None taken. Rachel smiled.
But with you at the helm of her flag ship, I believe she could do it.
I think so too. Rachel’s lips curled up into a devilish grin. She narrowed her eyes as if she had spotted something tasty and it was time for dinner. Bernadette knew that rancid grin. She prepared herself for her attack.
I think, She began slowly, no doubt choosing her vocabulary cautiously. Synthia would have an even greater chance of getting elected if she had TWO ruthless woman on her team.
Bernadette understood now, why Rachel had brought her this information and so willingly dropped it in her lap. She hadn’t come to ask for her support financially, she was here to enlist her help on the campaign. Bernadette sat back in her chair and crossed her legs. Her calf bounced up and down beneath her desk. Clever, clever Bernadette thought to herself. Rachel was no fool she knew how to do her job well.
I want you to join our team Bernadette. Rachel said finally after the silence had settled over the room for a long time.
Really, and how does Synthia feel about this?
She loves the idea, she thinks you’d be a wonderful addition to the team. So do I. You’re a formidable force around this city, having you marshal this battle ship is exactly what the doctor ordered.
So what would my position actually be? Your advisor?
The idea even sounded ridicules coming from her own mouth. She was not a follower, Bernadette was a leader.
Oh no, Bennie Baby. You’d be at the head of the pact, right up front with Synthia and me calling the shots.
We’d both be in charge of her campaign?
You got it. A fifty, fifty partnership.
Bernadette was stunned by the revelation. She couldn’t believe the proposition that had just fallen into her lap. To be at the head of a mayoral campaign. Win or lose, it was a win, win for her. William Cambell was still sitting in office, and he’d no doubt be looking to add new blood to his cabinet if re-elected. He was the favorite of the black and white majority. He’d done a lot for Atlanta. His polices and crack down on crime had changed the face of the city. But Bernadette was no fool. She knew exactly the angle Rachel was positioned herself for. Bernadette had a personal link to William Cambell’s inner circle. She knew intricate details, and was privy to vital information, having her working on her side was check mate.
By the way, how is Jalyn?
Rachel’s eyes darted back and forth between Bernadette and the picture angled on the corner of her desk. It was an obvious, all be it perfect nudge in the right direction. Rachel was no idiot. She had done her homework long before scheduling this meeting. Bernadette smiled softly. Then leaned back in her chair. She contemplated the positives of being on a major campaign such as this. It had a lot of positives, and very little negatives. And even some of the negatives weren’t all that negative. She smiled seductively and the light glimmered on the against her glossy lips.
I’ll do it.
Good. We can get together tomorrow over lunch and discuss going forward.
Rachel stood up. Her lips were now fixed into a huge Cheshire cat grin. She had accomplished her goal. Now she could go back and deliver the good news to her boss, and possible celebrate her victory. As she disappeared behind the door and her silhouette showed through the frosted glass. Bernadette looked down at the picture of the happy couple. She gazed into the portrait at the man she loved still. Her decision would hurt him so. The corners of her mouth turned up, and her heart skipped a beat. What a blow to his male ego. The woman he had once professed to love forever was leading the opposition. Jalyn was not going to be happy with her decision. How was she going to break the news to him?
