Copyright©2003 by V. Anthony Rivers
All Rights Reserved
Introduction to Avonté
A brother in the ‘90s has plenty of options for advancement. I’ve learned that recently and especially because I’m due to graduate in about two weeks. I’ll finally earn my master’s degree in advertising, and it’s about damn time.
I have to admit that my motivation for going to school in the past was a little suspect but I forced myself to finish this year. I used to be about the ladies and the opportunities in between classes, but I guess I woke up, just a little bit. Now in the year 1999, Avonté Douglas is about to make his mark in the world. I have plenty of interviews lined up. And, I bought a couple of suits from the Men’s Wearhouse so you can definitely say I’m ready. I’m gonna be pissed off if the only thing I find is a job in the mailroom, but I’ve got to remain confident.
Friends of mine tell me to just think positive and my grandmother told me to go to church and pray. I’ve been doing my best to be optimistic. At times I’m probably overconfident. Maybe a little egotistical. I’ve been sending out resumes like crazy. When I put together my first draft, I described myself as a "Tall handsome man of color." After I finished, I had the best looking profile for a dating service that I’d ever seen in my life. I put that in my desk drawer for later and made a second attempt at writing a "real" resume. The women are just gonna have to wait until after I start making some dollars.
The last two years have been a little bit hard on me because I believe I should be a lot farther along in my life. I’m living with my mother so I can save some money. That’s been an okay situation but it cuts down on the amount of nights that I’m able to spend with the opposite sex. Whenever I want to spend the night with somebody, I have to get a hotel room. My budget has been tight, so needless to say, I haven’t been getting any–lately.
Avonté can catch the ladies, but developing a situation beyond the initial attraction is something that doesn’t happen too often. That dreaded word "relationship" is something that I only know how to spell right now. But then again, since I’m not where I want to be, why try to have somebody all up in my grill trying to pass themselves off as my significant other? I’m too young to be worrying about that right now any-damn-way; especially since I just chase the ladies for sex–and relationships? I haven’t had a girlfriend since the ‘80s, back when I was sporting a high-top fade.
I took on a new journey when I got into college. I discovered the pleasures of being immune to a deep commitment. Bells ring in my head when a lady just tells me she wants to have fun. I start smiling like the Grinch just about to steal Christmas. Of course, I’m stealing more than just holiday time. But as I said earlier, that’s no longer my focus. I’m about to graduate and as soon as I get a job, then maybe I’ll enter new arenas where the ladies are concerned. I can visualize myself already going to sports bars during the week and nightclubs on Saturdays and Sundays. I’m gonna live the lifestyle of a young "Buppy" to the hilt. I know I’m looking ahead but my friends said to think positive. I’m thinking positive and then some. Spending my money before I even cash the check, one might say.
Celebrating too soon is always a habit of mine and today is no exception. I’m on my way to an interview and because I want this particular job so much, I know it’s gonna be mine. I threw on my best suit and a funky fresh tie to go with it. I also brought a more conservative tie with me; just in case I change my mind. I’ll probably change it. This position I’m going for is entry level, but they assured me that there’s rapid growth potential. I had to catch myself when I talked to them over the phone.
"How rapid?" I wanted to ask.
I’m glad I didn’t say half the stuff that was on my mind. I played it cool and professional. I acted like a straight-A student with a respect for authority rather than the B+ egomaniac that I really am. Nobody needs to see my true colors until I’ve passed the probationary period. After that, I’m taking over!
Thinking is always one of my favorite pastimes. I can sometimes see my entire life before me. I visualize nothing but good times and opportunities. I guess that’s why I get accused of having a devilish smile. That’s my trademark and I haven’t met a woman yet who wasn’t attracted by it.
"You here for an interview?" a female voice asked.
"Excuse me?"
"I noticed there’s only two other people here. I was expecting a lot more to show up for this job," the lady spoke softly.
"Probably so, but I just try to stay focused on me. Know what I’m saying?"
"So, you and I are gonna be competing for it then, huh?"
"Competing?" I asked.
I looked at homegirl like she was no competition at all.
"My name is Vanessa Jenkins."
"Sup, I’m Avonté."
"Nice to meet you, Avonté."
The girl had very lovely hands, a brown-skin complexion, and was beginning to take me out of my focus. That wasn’t too cool, at all.
"My pleasure, Vanessa."
I glanced at the rest of Ms. Jenkins when she turned her attention toward someone walking into the office. She was wearing a champagne-colored, polyester-crepe business suit with a long skirt. Even her nails and lipstick had that same champagne color and she wore it well. Her suit looked like it came straight from the same JCPenney catalog that I ordered my size 13 rugged leather boots from. I almost felt compelled to turn on the charm a little and see if I’d get a smile out of her. Maybe make her cross her legs in my direction.
"So, what’s this I hear about me having competition? Who, pray tell, would give a brotha like me some competition?"
"This sista right next to you," she responded.
I liked the way she sat up, crossed her arms and gave me a cocky smile of her own. I was enjoying this. It’s a shame that I may not see too much of Vanessa since I’m the one they’re gonna hire for the job.
"Hey, Vanessa," I said softly.
"Yes?"
She still had her arms folded. Seemed like she was anticipating in a cute way what I might say next. She was shaking her head, gesturing for me to continue, but she still had that smile.
"Vanessa, since I’m all up in your area here..."
"Huh?" she interrupted.
"Let me finish. Since we seem cool with each other already, how about we share a cappuccino or something and let bygones be bygones, so to speak."
"I hope you’re not going talk like that in your interview."
"Nah, I’m gonna be professional."
"I hope so."
"What about my offer?" I asked her.
"Coffee sounds nice but I’m not sure what you mean by letting bygones be bygones?"
"Yeah, well, uh, I don’t want you coming after me when they hire me instead of you," I told her.
"Oh, is that right?"
"Yep. I wouldn’t have bought this new suit if I thought I wouldn’t get the job."
"I hope you saved your receipt and didn’t remove the tag."
Homegirl was flashing all her attitude, even though she tried to keep our conversation on the down-low. I was having fun talking to Vanessa. This kind of fun was making my focus so cloudy, too. I felt it was time to relax my efforts for the moment.
"Let me stop talking to you. We’re still on for coffee, right?" I asked.
"Uh, huh."
Vanessa went back to thumbing through magazines and I returned to my usual active imagination. I was doing a mental balancing act. I was visualizing Vanessa in her panties on one side and celebrating ‘cause I got the job on the other. Life feels good when you can imagine more than one way to have fun.
"Vanessa Jenkins?"
Someone stepped out from inside the office and called the next interview. I thought I was the next person but that’s cool. Vanessa looked good walking inside. Maybe she was my competition because she walked in there like she already had the job. She was trying to play the role by asking if that person had a good weekend. Now if I go in and ask the same thing then I’ll sound all fake and shit. I wish I could hear what else she’s saying in there. I feel like I’m back in school because I’m letting a female mess with my head–again.
An hour went by before the door slowly opened. I was beginning to doze off from waiting so long. Plus, they had it cold up in there like they thought it was 100 degrees outside. I should’ve gotten up and checked my eyes to see if I look tired but I didn’t want to leave and miss my name being called. I could see Vanessa slowly coming out of the door. Seems like whomever she was talking to didn’t want the conversation to end. I didn’t like what I was feeling. Going in there could’ve been a waste of my time and another opportunity to be embarrassed. Finally Vanessa made it all the way through the door. She flashed a sweet smile and stood in front of me.
"I don’t think I’ll be able to have that coffee with you, Avonté, but give me a call, okay? Here’s my number," she said, handing me a small piece of paper.
I looked up at Vanessa with my sleepy eyes, not knowing what was going on. I couldn’t match her enthusiasm, but it was cool to get her phone number.
"Okay, I’ll give you a call."
"Talk to you soon?"
"Okay, Vanessa."
She walked out the door and as soon as I turned around, the office door opened.
"I think you’re next. Avonté Douglas, right?"
By the way this lady was looking at me, I could tell this would just be a formality with her. I could play this interview in my mind already. I knew the conclusion wouldn’t be in my favor. I’m just sleepwalking through this entire experience.
"How are you today?" the lady asked.
"Good."
"That’s excellent. Listen, I guess we should cut to the chase. We’ve found someone to fill the position, but I’d like to hold on to your resume for a possible opening that may happen soon. Would that be okay with you?"
"Yes, Ma’am, that would be fine."
Here I was, sitting like a young boy who’d just gotten his heart broken. Still, I tried to be professionally humble. It appeared that Vanessa did her thing and got the job.
My mind was going blank as I sat across from the interviewer. She was talking about the company, and all I could see was her mouth moving in slow motion.
"I’m sure you’re a little disappointed but we here at Montaqua Publications are always interested in young creative minds. Please don’t be discouraged."
"Oh, thanks, I won’t be. I guess it’s a learning experience as they say, huh?"
"Exactly. Plus, you never know because we could be calling you back very soon. You seem to be someone that would fit well inside of a creative environment such as this one."
"It would be a dream come true, Ma’am."
"Well, don’t give up on that dream. Not enough people have the patience to start somewhere and work their way up."
"Thank you," I responded, not liking the hint she was giving me.
As I walked out the office, I took a look at the piece of paper with the phone number that Vanessa had given me. I started to crumble the page and toss it in the trash, but I didn’t. I almost said a few curse words about my competition, but I passed on disrespecting her that way. I remembered how cool she seemed. Maybe she had more going for herself on paper than I did. My jealousy kicked in for a second and I returned to my thoughts of tossing the phone number. I didn’t. Instead, I found a pay phone in the lobby and tried calling Vanessa. I had a feeling it was her beeper number. Even though I’ve been blessed to receive phone numbers without really trying hard, I figured a woman like this probably wouldn’t give hers out so easily. I waited for the message after I heard the dial tone for the fourth time.
"Hello?"
The sound of her voice was like drinking down one of those smoothies on a hot day. She sounded so sweet.
"Hello. Is someone there?" she answered a second time.
"Vanessa?"
"Yes, who’s this?"
"Oh, wow!"
I guess she proved me wrong again. I was batting a thousand with my assumptions today.
"Do I know you?" she asked.
"Hey, Vanessa, this is Avonté."
"Hey you, how did it go?"
"What you mean, how did it go? You got the job!"
"I thought maybe you could still talk your way into getting something. You had me smiling, even though I tried to hide it."
"Is that right?"
"Yes, you did and I was thinking about you, too."
"You were?"
"Yes."
"Damn, you got me in this lobby perspiring…"
"Doing what?"
"Sweatin’, Gurl!"
"Oh, you are funny, Avonté."
Vanessa had me forgetting all about the fact that she stole my job. Talking to her on the phone was just as cool as it was in person. I felt like I was still sitting next to her, glancing down at her legs, and I could even remember the scent of her perfume. I wasn’t supposed to be losing my focus and thinking about another lady in my life. My shield was having a hard time fighting this one off.
"Sweetheart, I’m gonna have to go but call me later, okay?"
Now she was fighting unfair because hearing a woman call me "sweetheart" was like touching my sensitive spot. She just pushed my button of vulnerability and it felt great.
"Where you headed to?" I asked.
"Well, if you noticed, I’m on my cell phone sitting in traffic. I’m going to the mall to buy something new for my first day at work!"
"Oh."
"Don’t sound sad. I’m not trying to rub it in, Avonté."
"Nah, it’s cool."
"You’re welcome to meet me at the mall, if you want."
"Nah, that’s okay. I’ll call you tonight, Vanessa. You gonna be home?"
"Yes, and don’t feel bad, okay!"
"It’s cool. Congratulations on the job."
"Thanks, sweetheart."
"Yep."
"Hey, listen!"
"Yeah, what’s up, Vanessa?"
"I’m gonna put in a good word for you. I think it would be nice to work together. I hope it wouldn’t present a problem, especially if we’re seeing each other away from work."
"That would be cool, thanks."
"Okay, talk to you later, Avonté."
"Peace."
I wasn’t sure how to take her offer, but I figured if I could get my foot in the door, then it would all be left up to me to prove my true value to the company. I could make the right connections and I’d be on my way. Maybe that old saying about who you know could finally work for me. Vanessa seemed pretty sincere about helping a brotha out. I was glad she wasn’t turned off by my early hints of conceit. But, if she ever discovered the real me later on, then that was okay. I was determined to turn all my preparation from school into making my way up the ladder at this advertising agency. I was excited that it’s black-owned, too. Listen to me go on and on...
A few days passed by and it took me two to realize that I was celebrating a little too soon–again. I needed to at least wait for Vanessa to give me a call and let me know I was in. My other interview didn’t work out at all. The interviewer just sat there sizing me up while reading my resume and application. That’s a lonely feeling when I’m sitting there waiting for someone to decide my immediate fate before I gain a little control. I started to get up at one point, but then the person ended my anxiety by letting me off in that familiar way.
"We’re gonna review your resume and get back with you," I was told.
"Uh-huh, how long is it gonna take you, stupid?" I thought to myself.
"Thank you so much" is what I actually said.
Now I’m sitting here doing more research and at the same time feeling sorry for myself ‘cause preparation doesn’t seem to be getting my foot in the door right now. Looks like it’s gonna take a lot of luck.
Email V. Anthony at RomeoDream@aol.com
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