21. Makari
Makari
J anice was officially hired. I for sure was going to let her complete the trial week before I let her know just in case, but in my mind, she was officially part of the team.
The way I moved through my day productively because I didn’t have to stop and get distracted by changing Avi, making her breakfast or lunch, or grabbing a toy that she tossed across the room.
As much as I loved my baby, juggling caring for her while trying to work was challenging.
I rolled my eyes every time I heard Omiri’s voice in my head telling me I needed help and that I didn’t have anything to prove.
There were so many reasons I refused, mostly because I didn’t want to become what everyone expected me to be, a woman living off my man’s money and privilege.
The things they said about me being a gold digger occasionally surfaced, no matter how much I said it didn’t bother me.
I knew who I was, Omiri confirmed how he saw me, but the lies and accusations still bothered me.
I also didn’t want to be viewed as a bad mother.
That was my mother’s voice in my head. You can’t handle being a mother.
You’ll come back home, begging me to do what you’re not capable of.
She didn’t believe I could be a good mother and I had to prove that to not just her but myself.
So yeah, accepting help was hard for me.
But after today, everyone who had anything to say about me, my life, and my ability to be a good mother to Avi could kiss my entire ass.
Being a good mother meant being the best version of myself and that meant showing Avi I could have a successful business, love her properly, and provide balance.
“Ms. Phoenix…”
I turned to Janice and smiled. “Makari, please.”
“Avi is down for her nap. Do you need anything?”
“No, I’m good for now. Thank you. I’m having company and she’ll want to see Avi. So please bring her to me when she’s up from her nap, that would be great.”
“Yes, ma’am. Can I prepare anything for the two of you?”
I shook my head. “No, we’ll be fine.”
Her main job was to care for Avi, not cater to me.
After she left, I plugged my laptop into the charger, grabbed my phone, and was on my way to the kitchen to grab a snack but I got a notification from the gate at the edge of the property letting me know a car pulled up.
I grinned, noticing it was Tiana and headed to greet her.
With my life being so chaotic and her working every extra shift she could get, we really hadn’t seen much of each other.
The house was so far off the street that it took her a minute to get to the circular drive which gave me time to have the door open. Tiana took her time grabbing bags from the backseat that I knew were for my baby, so I rolled my eyes, smiling.
“You know you’re doing too much.”
“Never, my baby gets all the love.”
“And what about me?”
“You get me, friend.”
“Ehhh, is there a gift receipt involved?”
She rolled her eyes. “Girl, please.”
Once she was inside, we headed to the kitchen where I made us drinks and warmed up the Cajun chicken mac and cheese that the chef made for me and we sat at the island catching up.
“Where’s my baby?”
“Taking a nap. Janice is going to bring her to you when she’s up.”
“Good because you know that’s the only reason I’m here.”
I grabbed her bowl and pulled it to me. “Then give me my shit back.”
“Uh no, I drove all the way out here, you have to feed me.” She took it back. “And this shit is good as hell.”
“Yeah, Chef Colby does his thing. I’m always tossing out stuff for him to make and he kills it every time.
He made me breakfast spring rolls with scrambled eggs, sausage, onions and peppers, and ramen just because I wanted Asian food for breakfast. I’m about to be big as a house playing around with him. ”
“You’re an NFL wifey now, boo. Just go pay for a new body.”
“Bitch no, that’s not how I get down.”
She smiled, shoving a forkful of food in her mouth, talking as she chewed.
“I know. I’m just messing with you because you’re so damn sensitive, but real shit, you can do what you want, friend.
Don’t think I won’t be living my life to the fullest and enjoying all the perks after I put this thang on one of his teammates.
In fact…” She held her face over her phone and unlocked the screen.
“Let me do a quick little search to see which Sharks players just signed fat contracts. I’m about to trap one with a baby. ”
“Bitch…”
She grinned and stabbed at a piece of chicken then popped it into her mouth. “I’m just playing… maybe . But you good though. The hubby keeping my girl happy.”
Hubby…
There was no point in arguing what we were because Tiana would shut down any denial I could come up with.
“Yeah, we’re good.”
She stared at me, grinning, not saying anything until I couldn’t take it anymore. “Um, can I help you?”
“Nope.”
“Then why the hell are you staring at me?”
“Because you deserve all this. I’m happy for you.” Her voice was sincere and I knew she was.
“Aw, you love me.”
“Yes, hoe, I love you.”
“Are you good?”
“I’m gucci. The hospital is kicking my ass but I’m stacking money, so life is grand. I just missed you, and before you get all pouty, I’m not saying that to make you feel bad. I just genuinely miss you and feel like we’re in two different worlds now.”
“We’re not. We’ve just both been super busy.”
“I know but it feels like we’re in different spaces.”
“Didn’t you just tell me not to pout?”
She rolled her eyes. “I can pout. I’m the one being kicked to the curb.”
My phone vibrated with another notification letting me know someone was at the gate. I pulled up the cameras and frowned when I didn’t recognize the vehicle. When they pressed the intercom button, I spoke through the app.
“Hi, can I help you?”
“Yes, I’m Addison Bradley, personal assistant to Kameron Tyler. I have a delivery for Makari Phoenix.”
I knew exactly who Kameron Tyler was and considering Omiri had just recently signed a brand deal with them, he had to be the reason they were here.
I tapped my screen to open the gate. “I’ll meet you at the door.”
“Thank you.”
They pulled up in a black sprinter van and unloaded several black carrying cases with portable racks in them. After the two gentlemen who arrived with Addison assembled them, she handed off instructions on what to bring in before she gave me her attention.
“Ms. Phoenix, it’s such a pleasure to meet you.
Kameron had me hand select pieces for you from the new line that I felt would personally fit your style.
We also have selections for little Miss Avianna.
Some match yours and some are special picks just for her.
There wasn’t much online about you for me to go from, but Mr. Hayes gave us an idea of what you would like.
He also made some suggestions of his top picks after he viewed the new line.
Where would you like me to set everything up? ”
“Living room is fine.”
She nodded and waved one of the guys over who entered the house with garment bags draped over his arms. She pointed and directed him, walking off toward the living room.
“We are definitely worlds apart. That man just hooked you up with the new line from Kameron Tyler. I am not worthy.”
“Stop, it’s not that big of a deal. He just signed an extension of his contract with them to promote their shoe line and…”
“And he hand selected a wardrobe for you. I’m surprised you didn’t tell them to pack that shit up and go. You’re definitely settled into this life. I love this for us.”
“For us?” I arched my brow and she shrugged.
“Yep, I’m your size, boo. I’m about to be fly as hell out here in these streets.”
We watched them set up everything and it took thirty minutes to completely fill the four racks they brought in. Two for Avi and two for me. At the bottom of each were heels, sandals, and casual sneakers.
“Ms. Tyler hopes you’ll enjoy the selection we picked for you.
She’s very interested in including you in our Fall campaign.
It would be amazing to have you and Miss Avi featured with Mr. Hayes.
If you scan the black labels, it will bring up look books for the pieces you have.
Feel free to mix it up however you want, but if you need some ideas, you’ll have them. ”
She handed me a thick black folder with Tyler Fall Collection embossed in gold foil on the cover.
“The rest of the line is in here. If you see anything else you like, my personal contact information is inside. Just give me a call and I’ll have it sent to you.
There’s also a note inside from Kameron. ”
I opened the folder and on the first page was a handwritten message.
Makari,
I hope this note finds you well. The pieces selected are designed to cater to women such as yourself.
Classy, chic, and bad ass. They’re a mix of elegant and practical, keeping in mind that you’re a mother on the go.
I would be honored to further discuss having you as a part of our campaign.
You have a lovely family and you represent everything I stand for.
Xoxo,
Kam
“Also, she wanted me to make sure you know there’s no commitment required.
Regardless of whether or not you agree to be featured, you have unlimited access to the line.
We’ll send whatever you like.” Addison grinned.
“But if I were you, I would say yes. It’s a limited opportunity that Kameron doesn’t offer freely. You’re one of few.” She winked.
“Thank you.” I glanced at the racks of clothes. “I’m definitely in.”
“Good to hear. I’ll let her know to send over the official documents for your review.
Okay, well, that’s it for me. I’ll leave you to explore the collection, and again, you have my contact information.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out. If anything doesn’t fit or it’s not your taste, just let me know. ”