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“Stop by here,” I requested, getting an immediate smile out of him.
“We have work to do, Chap.”
“I’ll be quick.”
I watched desire fill his eyes as he considered my request before he laughed and shook his head.
“Tonight, a’ight? You can do whatever you want to me then.”
“Fine. I love you, and I’ll see you soon.”
“I love you too, Angel. Be safe.”
“You too.”
After disconnecting the call, I finished getting ready. Now, I was even more excited about getting to work. I still wanted to work on myself a bit more before getting into a relationship with Jeremiah or anyone else, but knowing he was my man and that he had my back the way he did gave me a boost of confidence that had me walking on a cloud.
That cloud darkened but it didn’t burst when I walked into WCSF and saw Tiffany seated by the receptionists’ area. Because it was just minutes before nine, a lot of employees were standing around making small talk before it was time to get to work. I prayed she didn’t try to start any shit. The last thing I needed was more public drama.
After greeting our receptionists and the employees who were hanging around, I headed toward the elevators. Tiffany hopped from her seat and made her way in my direction, yelling out for me. Unlike in the past, she wasn’t well put together. Her hair was in a low ponytail, there was no makeup on her face, and she was dressed in a hoodie and leggings.
Had she come to fight?
“Is there something I can help you with?” I asked as sweetly as I could.
“Yeah, you can re-activate my severance package. I’m ready to sign it now.”
As amused as I was, I maintained my composer.
“I’m sorry, Tiffany, but that package is no longer on the table.” Her eyes rolled and she groaned as she took a step in my direction, but I continued to speak. “You terminated that offer when you went on the radio and slandered us. That goes against your employment contract, so I am not obligated to offer you a severance package.”
When I turned to walk away, she grabbed my arm. I looked around, and the fact that people had their cameras out already tickled me. The receptionists were up and headed our way, while others were waiting to see the drama unfold.
I lifted my hand, stopping Brook Lynn and the others.
“You owe me,” Tiffany said through gritted teeth. “I held things down while you were gone. The design department would have gone downhill without me!”
Jerking away from her, I straightened my stance so that we were face to face. “Are you forgetting I left because you had an affair with my fiancé?” She scoffed and crossed her arms over her chest. “I took you under my wing because I believed in you. I was prepared to help you get to my level, to exceed me. But instead… you wanted to be me.” I looked her over with disgust, feeling like Tyra Banks on that episode ofAmerica’s Next Top Model. I wanted to yell about how she’d fucked her own self up. How I believed in her. How I was rooting for her. But none of that mattered anymore. “I don’t owe you anything, Tiffany, not even mercy. Please gather your things and leave the premises.”
My eyes shifted to my personal receptionist, Kathy, and I told her, “Put hiring an independent, Black-owned security team on the company to-do list. Effective immediately, she is not to be let in without approval from me or another partner. Also, hire personal assistants for all partners and lead associates.” I directed my attention to Brook Lynn, who was beaming as she stared at me. “Please call Mr. Cane and ask him to make sure Tiffany gets all of her belongings and leaves the building promptly.”
“Yes, ma’am,” she replied simultaneously.
As I continued toward the elevators I added, “To all of you who decided to pull out your phones to record what you thought was about to be a fight, please remember it goes against company policy to record and share anything that happens during work hours at WCSF. Instead of firing you all, I’m going to assume you forgot how things work because I’ve been absent.” I did a quick 360 spin so I could look at them all. “This is your only warning; I will not extend this grace again. Get to work. Now.”
Like roaches when the lights were turned on, they all scurried in different directions.
As I stepped onto the elevator, I couldn’t help but smile. It felt good to be in control of myself and my emotions, it felt good to maintain my cool, it felt good to be back at WCSF.
26
Several Weeks Later
Fall break had comeand gone. I spent the entire week with Tierney since she was out of school. Jeremiah and I had taken her to Universal Studios, and we all had a blast. She said it was refreshing seeing us as a couple, and that meant a lot to me. It also meant a lot to me that she was considering going to RVH University so we could be closer. While I wanted her to experience life and all this world had to offer, I also wanted her to live life on her own terms. If she wanted to stay in Tennessee for college, I’d make sure she had everything she needed while she was here.
Rose Valley Hills had started up with the several fall festivals the town offered. Fall was my favorite time of year. As happy as I was about the activities being offered, there was a big decision weighing heavily on my heart. It wasn’t something that I’d talked to Jeremiah about yet, but I planned to do so this evening.
I’d started talking to a therapist right after firing Tiffany. She helped me get the things in my mind out that needed to be out, and when I couldn’t release them, she gave me tools on how to live with them anyway. The problem hadn’t been me wanting to do what was best for me; it was me hiding within myself without actually trying to make things better. I spent so much time in a dark space, deepening insecurities and self-doubt that, up until that point, I’d never suffered with.
