Bad Girls Finish First by Shelia Dansby Harvey Read Free Book Online Page B

York-based investment-banking firm.
    â€œIt’s good to meet you,” Erika said as they shook hands. “I thought maybe I’d been stood up.”
    Raven never apologized to anyone but she made an exception in Erika’s case. “Oh, no. Thank you for agreeing to meet me. I’m so sorry that I’m a little late. Something came up that I needed to take care of. Our staff usually stays on top of things, but . . .” Raven gave a bemused smile. “Some days . . . whew!”
    â€œI’m sure it’s a good staff.”
    â€œI’d like to think so; I handpicked every member,” Raven said.
    â€œWell then, I guess we know who’s running things,” Erika said jovially.
    â€œI do what I can to help, but it’s my husband’s show,” Raven said, deciding there was no time like the present to start selling Erika on Michael’s qualities. “The senator’s a visionary, always looking at the big picture.” She shrugged, reached for her water glass, “I manage the details.”
    As they looked at their menus, Raven said, “I’ve never been here, but I sure like this menu.” She read a few en-trées aloud. “Pan-seared sirloin, braised pork chops, crab cakes with butter infused chipotle sauce. Sounds delicious.”
    â€œSure does, for later. For lunch, I prefer lighter dishes, don’t you?” Erika asked.
    Raven put on a fake smile and nodded. When the waiter came they both ordered salads. Raven detested salad.
    As was her habit with every woman she came into contact with, Raven sized Erika up. She’s decent looking , Raven decided, especially for her age. Probably has had some work done . She studied Erika’s clothing and her jewelry and grudgingly admitted to herself that the woman had style. Erika had on simple, expensive diamond studs and a platinum and diamond ring, which she wore on her right hand. She shouldn’t wear such flashy jewelry; it shows a lack of class, Raven thought. Raven looked at Erika’s earrings only once, and wished that she’d worn her own diamond studs, which she judged to be slightly larger than Erika’s. Raven had to make herself stop sneaking glances at Erika’s ring. She noticed a Greek-lettered pinkie ring on Erika’s left hand.
    â€œSorority girl?” Raven asked.
    â€œYes, I was,” Erika looked down at her ring. “I know it’s silly to still wear this, but no matter how hectic things get, I can look at this ring and instantly feel calm. I still talk to two of my sorority sisters at least once a week, and no matter what’s going on we all get together twice a year.” She looked up at Raven and inquired, “You must be a sorority girl too. It usually takes one to recognize one.”
    â€œI am,” Raven said. She looked into the distance and hoped her eyes appeared to be alight with memories. “Thrown in with women you’ve never met, and you become friends for life. Incredible,” Raven said even though she hadn’t had a thing to do with her own line sisters since the day they went over.
    â€œDid you go to school here in Texas?” Raven asked.
    â€œNo, I went to Wellesley, then to Wharton.”
    Raven shook her head. “It shows,” she said in a low conspiratorial tone. “I’ve only been in Texas a few years, and I love it here, but the culture is a little insular, don’t you think? It’s people like you, who’ve experienced how things are done in other parts of the country, who can help Texas reach its full potential.”
    â€œHow so?” Erika asked. The slight smile on Erika’s lips made Raven think that maybe she was being laughed at, but she pressed on.
    Raven set her fork down. “By helping to open the eyes of all Texans so they can see beyond my husband’s color. I’m talking about whites, Latinos, and blacks. They’ve all got to come together, realize