Chapter Twenty-Five #2
Shyriq nodded. “Yes.”
“What? Why?” she questioned, tugging his arms from around her. “You fired her?”
“No, baby. I would never do that. She requested time off. A leave of absence,” he explained.
Nhuri stiffened. “What? Why would she do that?”
“Wait. You didn’t know?”
“Of course, I didn’t know.”
Confused, Nhuri slowly paced his office, trying to wrap her mind around what he just told her.
Natalia hadn’t mentioned anything about needing time off, so this blindsided her.
Shyriq could tell she was caught off guard by the news, and for a moment, he regretted not being more prepared for this conversation. But there was no turning back now.
“I didn’t know you guys hadn’t discussed it. Cara just called and told me. It’s per her doctor’s request,” Shyriq offered, hoping that eased some of her nerves.
Nhuri’s expression faltered momentarily, and she got somewhat out of her feelings. “Oh. Well, if it’s an order, then okay. I guess I’m just a bit hurt that she hasn’t said anything to me.”
“Maybe she was waiting for the right time.”
Nhuri liked how optimistic he was, so she went off his energy and returned to the other matter at hand.
“So, you want me to take over her position?” she asked.
“Yes. Cara suggested that, given your work over the last few months, you’ve stepped into Natalia’s role, at least temporarily. She said you’ve been picking up the slack during her absences, and it just makes sense.”
He wouldn’t mention why or how she was doing Natalia’s job because it didn’t matter now. Nhuri was silent for a long beat, processing what he had just said. He could see the contemplation swirling through her mind.
“And you trust me with this?”
Shyriq nodded. “Yes.”
Nhuri looked at him for a moment, clearly processing the finality in his voice. Her lips parted slightly as if she were trying to find the right thing to say. But instead of speaking, she shook her head slowly, and her gaze moved to the floor for a brief second.
“Why me?” she finally asked, wanting to know. “You could’ve chosen anyone else for the position.”
Shyriq stepped closer, pulling her back into his space. “Why not you? You’ve earned it. Not only did you step in when your sister needed you the most, but you’ve also been an asset to me and this company from day one. Plus, you’re smart as hell, resourceful, and I trust you.”
Nhuri’s eyes flicked up to his, meeting his gaze with an intensity that made his heart skip a beat. “And you trust me with this . . . even after everything?”
Shyriq swallowed hard, the weight of his words settling between them. “Especially after everything.”
Sighing, Nhuri played with the gold Cuban link bracelet on his wrist. “I don’t know what to say. I mean, I want to say yes, but it’s a big responsibility.”
“That you’re more than capable of handling. If it makes you feel any better, I didn’t know either. I just found out minutes before I called you. We’re in the same boat. I understand if you’re not ready to decide right now.”
Nhuri’s eyes softened, but the frustration was still there. “I just wish Natalia had told me herself.”
“I get that. How about y’all talk about it, and you let me know by the end of the week what you decide? Cool?” he asked, rubbing her back and shoulders.
Nhuri nodded. “Okay. And who’s going to take my position? I’ll have to train them.”
He smirked. “Look at you, all concerned. You didn’t even want the position at first, and now you wanna train somebody.”
Laughing, Nhuri tilted her head back, exposing her neck. Shyriq didn’t waste any time kissing it, leaving a heated trail up to her ear. She shut her eyes and relished this moment before responding.
“That’s the past. But answer my question,” she said, letting her head fall so she could look into his eyes.
“I don’t know yet, but you can train them. You can also do me a favor as well,” he suggested.
Nhuri blinked slowly. “And what might that be?”
“Come to dinner with me so you can meet a few of my friends.”
“Today?” she asked in a panic.
Shyriq chuckled. “No. I’ve sprung enough on you today. This weekend. I think it’s time that everyone met.”
Instead of overthinking like she usually would, Nhuri nodded. “Okay. I’d love to meet them.”
“I’ll let you know the details. You met Cane but not the others.”
“They better not act weird toward me like I’m a rebound.”
Shyriq laughed heartily. “Never that, baby. I wouldn’t ever let them disrespect you or me like that. Shit, I wish I would’ve met you first.”
Nhuri smiled, thinking the same thing.
The workday couldn’t come to an end quickly enough.
While Nhuri had every intention of going straight home, running a bubble bath, and relaxing for the rest of the evening, she had to make a pit stop at Natalia’s house first. She hadn’t even had time to fully process the offer before her frustration sent her straight to her sister’s doorstep.
After parking in the driveway, she used her key to enter and found Natalia in the kitchen making a salad.
“Well, hello to you too,” Natalia said, popping a cucumber into her mouth.
She was dressed in a pair of leggings and an oversized sweater, with her hair in a messy bun. Nhuri had to admit that she looked comfortable and at peace—a drastic difference from how she had looked weeks earlier.
“Oh, don’t hit me with that,” Nhuri fussed, flopping onto the bar stool. “When were you going to tell me you were taking a leave of absence?”
“I take it Shyriq told you.”
“Of course, he did.” Nhuri turned to face her, confusion and hurt written all over her face. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Natalia rubbed her temples and walked over to the sink to rinse her hands. “I didn’t tell you because I knew how you’d react,” she admitted, sliding a glass toward Nhuri before leaning against the counter. “I needed to do this for me without feeling guilty about it.”
Nhuri frowned, twisting the cap on the bottle of wine slid her way. “You really think I would’ve made you feel guilty?”
“No, not intentionally,” Natalia said, shaking her head. “But I know you, Nhuri. You would’ve tried to talk me out of it or convinced me to push through like I always do. And honestly? I don’t have it in me anymore. I needed a break. Financially, I could take one. Mentally? I needed to take one.”
Nhuri exhaled, and some of the tension left her shoulders. She hadn’t even considered how much Natalia had been dealing with. Between work, her health, and being a single mother, she had every reason to step back. She got it.
“I just wish you’d told me,” Nhuri said, softer this time. “You know I would’ve supported you.”
Natalia gave her a small smile. “I know. But I also know you. You’re a fixer like me. You would’ve tried to take on my stress along with your own, and I couldn’t let you do that.”
Nhuri bit her lip, realizing she was right.
Natalia took another sip of her water before setting down the glass. “And honestly? With Raniya spending every other summer month with Raheem, I want to enjoy my time with her while she’s here. She’s growing so fast, and I don’t want to miss out on these moments because I’m drowning in work.”
Nhuri’s heart softened at that. She’d always admired the way Natalia put her daughter first.
“I get it,” Nhuri finally said, nodding. “I just . . .” She let out a dry laugh. “I just wasn’t expecting it. And then, on top of that, Shyriq and Cara are offering me your job like it’s no big deal.”
Natalia chuckled. “Well . . . It makes sense. You’ve been handling a lot of my workload anyway. They see what you bring to the table.”
Nhuri scoffed. “That’s not the point.”
“I know,” Natalia said with a smirk. “Still, it’s nice to be recognized, right?”
Nhuri rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips. “It is.”
Natalia reached over and squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. But I hope you can understand why.”
Nhuri squeezed her hand back. “I do.”
“Good. And know that I am so damn proud of the woman you’ve become. I know it wasn’t easy, but you pushed through. Everything happening in your life and for you isn’t a coincidence. You deserve it all.”
Nhuri’s eyes watered. “Thank you, sis. Your resilience and strength will always make me go harder and fight for what I want.”
“And I wouldn’t want it any other way. Now, come in here, and let’s gossip about what’s going on at work. I heard Tyreek and Ashley are messing around,” Natalia said.
Grabbing her glass of wine, Nhuri followed her sister into the living room. She was grateful that they could discuss things openly. Fear had never held either of them back, and it wouldn’t now. Nhuri couldn’t wait to see what this new journey took her on.