I ran my finger down the appointment schedule on my laptop. “Uh, seven, ten, and a late night will call.”
“Jackson?”
“Of course.”
“I’ll take them all,” Diane said.
I remember the speech I gave that first night that the ladies got together. “The most important thing that I’m going to teach you is how to conduct yourselves in a ladylike manner in every situation. Elegant and classy, ladies, that is who you are at all times.” I stood up and moved to the middle of the living room. “I’m going to teach you how to walk, how to talk.” I looked at Diane and she rolled her eyes. “And how to dress and how to conduct yourself at any occasion. Knowing what to say and what not to say, will make your company more desirable and therefore requested on a regular basis.”
I thought back to the day Diane came running into my office and shoved her hand in my face. “I’m getting married!” she yelled and then danced around the room like she was in a conga line. “I’m getting married, Jada,” she said and once again shoved her hand in my face. This time I grabbed it and looked at the ring. It was a princess-shape Mark Broumand platinum 3.41 carat diamond ring.
“Isn’t it beautiful, Jada?”
“Yes, Diane it is.” Then I asked the question. “Who asked you to marry them?” The reason Diane was my top earner was because she worked all the time. I didn’t think she had time for a social life.
“Jackson.”
“Jackson? You don’t mean Jackson Ponder?” Now it made sense, Jackson Ponder was one of my better clients, and Diane had been his only choice for the last two years.
“He took me to his country club last night to meet his friend, and this morning he asked me to marry him.”
Now that the initial shock had worn off, I got up and hugged Diane. “I am so happy for you, Diane.” And I was. Jackson Ponder was a multibillionaire. “You’re getting married, and to a very rich man,” I said and hugged her again.
“Every hoe’s dream,” Diane laughed.
“So when is the big day?”
“In two weeks,” Diane said. “And I got something to ask you, Jada,” Diane said and took a step back.
“What’s that?”
“Would you be my maid of honor?” Diane looked at me. “Please say yes, Jada. You’re my best friend, my only real friend. I couldn’t get married without you standing next to me.”
“Of course I will, Diane. I’m honored that you asked.”
“I haven’t decided who I’m going to ask to be bridesmaids yet,” Diane said and I smiled.
“Why choose.”
“What do you do mean?”
“Why not have all of the ladies as your bridesmaids?” I suggested. You see, Jackson Ponder was rich-very rich-and that usually meant that all of his friends were rich too. I saw it as an opportunity to recruit some new clients.