Ashley: My Ego Needs to Take a Back Seat
Ashley Darby tells how her trip to Bermuda affected her two most important relationships back home.
Bravotv.com: What do you think about Charrisse Jackson Jordan and Karen Huger's showdown on the boat ride?
Ashley Darby: Come through with the laser tongue, Mrs. Jackson! I had no idea Karen and Charrisse were feuding so hard, and I knew gosh darn well it wasn't over planning a girls' trip to Bermuda. This was meant to be a time of bonding and getting away from the pressures we are all dealing with at home, but the longstanding drama between these two showed through. I think Karen and Charrisse both think they are big fish who are fighting for dominance in a small pond.
Bravotv.com: Do you think Bermuda was good for your relationship?
AD: Yes I think Bermuda was good for my relationship with Michael because it allowed me to think about something other than my husband and Oz. While I love them both, it welcomed some Ashley time that I felt I'd been missing for awhile. It's hard to love and care for others when you're not in a good space with yourself, and laughing and dancing in Bermuda allowed me to do just that.
Bravotv.com: Tell us your thoughts about the "modifications" Michael made to your title at work — was it a positive change for you?
AD: When I first heard Michael say that he made changes to my title at work I almost blew my gasket! I am open to making changes but communication is essential to any relationship, both personal and professional, so it stung to hear Michael had made changes in my absence.
At the same time, I have to remember that Michael is my business partner and makes decisions in the best interest of the restaurant, and my ego needs to take a back seat. I appreciate him thinking of ways to separate the business from our personal life in order to keep the love we have for each other burning bright.
Bravotv.com: Why do you think Karen is being so secretive with moving to Great Falls?
AD: You'd think Karen is housing the Hope Diamond with the amount of mystery surrounding her move. For a woman who proudly boasts about 'owning her stuff,' it's odd that Karen is secretive about moving from her beloved Potomac so quickly and mysteriously. She may be able to run to Great Falls but whatever she's dodging will follow her there too.
Bravotv.com: What did you think of Charisse’s lavish champagne room? Is she the real Grand Dame of Potomac now?
AD: Charrisse did the damn thang with that champagne room! It's classy and elegant - befit for a woman who has been a wife and mother for many years, and is now taking some time to think about herself. I hope she sits on that plush, white chair, booty butt naked, with a glass of chilled Veuve Clicquot, and feels confident in herself. I'm not sure Karen will part with the title of Grande Dame - they may need to duke it out over a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors.
