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“Maybe, but only part-time too. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a job. I’m not really looking for anything too stressful.”
“Well then this would be perfect and part-time works. Mahogany is a relaxed environment and I only want good people here who understand the importance of a calm atmosphere. I like you.”
Cali laughed lightly. “You don’t know me.”
The woman smiled. “Maybe not but you feel like a good fit. I’m Reyna by the way. This is my place.”
“Oh…” Cali shuffled her cup from her right hand to her left before extending it. “I’m Cali.”
Reyna accepted her hand and the women shook. “Nice to meet you, Cali. Go ahead and explore a little. See how it feels. I need to handle this forming line. When you’re done, if you’re interested in working here, come see me and we can discuss the options. Maybe a trial basis.”
“Sounds good.” Cali offered a genuine smile. She watched Reyna walk away then stop a few feet into her escape.
“One more thing. You will see that all of our titles are selective. Black and Brown only, if you know what I mean. It’s part of the vibe here. A true celebration of us.” She winked at Cali then was gone.
For the next hour, Cali did some exploring and after selecting a few titles, she settled into the reading area which was sleek and modern but still felt cozy. There were plush armchairs, two small sofas with soothing earth tones that provided a theme throughout the store. The vibe was so meditative she found herself not wanting to leave.
By the time she made it to her car to head home she had three new books and a part-time job with a boss she felt she was going to enjoy getting to know while working for her. Reyna seemed chill and kind. For the first time in months Cali felt like things were looking up. She had a genuine smile on her face and a desire to keep it there which made her dial the number of a man who had Cali feeling happy about life again.
War.
“Hey love, hang on for a minute. I’m walking out the barbershop. Let me settle up and I’ll be right with you…”
“Oh, I didn’t mean to interrupt, I can call you back…”
“That’s not necessary. Just give me a second. Don’t hang up, okay.”
Her smile expanded. “Okay.”
She held the phone, listening to War thank someone, then offer a promise to see them in a couple weeks. There was laughing and another male voice in the background followed by a little shuffling before her stomach was fluttering again from the warm sexy voice that flowed through her phone.
“I’m back, love. My apologies for making you wait.”
“No need to apologize. I was the one interrupting you.”
“A welcomed interruption so I’m not complaining. What are you into today? Sounds like you’re out. Where you headed?”
“How do you know I’m out?” She frowned and War laughed lightly.
“I’m not stalking you, love. I can hear things in the background. Just perceptive that’s all. You’re on speaker; I can hear the background noise. I hear the light sounds of traffic.”
“Oh.” She smiled. “So you’re that guy, huh?”
“Depends on what you mean?”
“The guy who takes in every little detail going on around you.”
“It’s been necessary in my recent line of work.”
Being in the streets.
“But not anymore?”
“Still useful but for different reasons.”
“Reasons like tracking your girl’s moves.”
“I told you I don’t have one of those. Unless you’re offering to take that spot then I’m not tracking shit when it comes to a woman.”
