Ava Gray #2
“It’s all the same, kind of. This position has more benefits.
I’m the head assistant, so you’ll be working under me and helping me with the workload.
The last girl we had only lasted a month because she couldn’t hang.
She complained too damn much, and honestly, there’s not much to complain about.
All you’re doing is running errands and making sure whichever Whitmore you’re assigned to for the week has everything they need.
Make sure they make it to all their meetings or reschedule them if need be.
Simple. Don’t worry, the first day of training will be a breeze.
You do have your own transportation, right? ”
“Yes,” I answered.
“Great. Since everyone is out of the office, we will be back and forth between here and their estates. So, our dress code is business attire. You can wear cute pants suits, skirts, dresses, whatever you feel comfortable in, but you have to appear professional.”
“Okay.” I smiled.
“Great organization is key for this position. We will be splitting the workload in half. I’ll provide you with your own personal planner, so you can keep track of everything.
I’ll also provide you with a personal work phone, so the Whitmores can reach you at any time.
So…I’ll see you back here tomorrow at nine o'clock in the morning. Be sure to bring me your banking information, so I can set up your direct deposit. Also, I’m not sure if Julia mentioned how much you’ll be paid.
I briefly spoke to her, and she said if you’re hired, your pay will start at twenty-five hundred a week.
“Twenty-five hundred a week?” I repeated in surprise.
I felt like Mickey and Neicy on BAPS when they yelled out “A mansion? Ten thousand dollars? Where he at!?”
“Wow! That’s great!” I shrieked.
My voice was a little too high pitched but hearing those numbers had me excited. Automatically, my mind started doing calculations, and a plan to leave my marriage to make a happier life for me and my baby came into play.
“If you can last more than ninety days, and your performance is up to par, I’m sure Julia will be more than glad to give you a raise.
You can choose one day out of the week for your day off.
Weekends are mandatory unless you’re told otherwise.
No excuses. Some days, as long as everything on your to-do list is handled, or if the Whitmores decide they don’t need you, you’ll be able to go home early. ”
“Sounds good.” I smiled.
“Do you have kids?”
“Yes, I have a seven year old daughter.”
“Do you have reliable childcare?”
“Yes.”
Honestly, the answer was no, but I wasn’t about to jeopardize this position. As always, I would figure it out.
“You’re the bomb, girl. Okay, so everything is set in stone, and I’ll see you first thing tomorrow morning. Don’t be late.” She pointed my way.
“I won’t, I promise.”
“No promises! They do no good here!” she called out to me as I waltzed out of her office.
My heart felt full of joy and excitement. I wasn’t expecting this type of outcome. Shit, during my first ninety days, I would be working like a slave. Now, I was on a mission, and I wasn’t about to slow down until my plan was fully in motion. This accomplishment called for a celebration.
“Girl, twenty-five hundred a week is more than enough to build you up a nice, private bank account. Shit, after three checks, you’ll be able to have your own little spot.
I’m happy for you, sissy.” Aja hugged my neck.
“But, a suggestion…I wouldn’t tell Rob how much you’re actually making.
Tell that nigga they’re paying you fifteen dollars an hour or something.
You don’t need that nigga counting your pockets and you’re trying to make moves. ” She gave me the side eye.
“I know. I got this.”
“Okay.” She held her hands up in defense.
“And don’t think I forgot about that shit on your face. At this point, I’m tired of having these conversations. I’m dead ass serious, though. If I see you with another bruise anywhere on your body, I’m telling Ace.”
“I hear you, but I’m fine, so no need for any of that. I’ll call you later. I love you.” I hugged my sister one more time.
“I love you too. I’ll see you in the morning. Savannah, give Titi some love. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay.” Aja loved on my baby before she grabbed my hand.
Savannah bounced at my side because she was excited that we were going out to get ice cream.
I had a bottle of wine at home that I would pop open later to celebrate privately.
I wanted to treat my baby girl to something nice and spend some time with her since my schedule was about to drastically change.
When we made it to Sweet Frog, I was glad it wasn’t overcrowded.
Sometimes Savannah didn’t do too well with so many people around.
It overwhelmed her. Walking into the establishment, we were greeted by the staff as Savannah ran up to the counter with her hands out, wanting an ice cream bowl.
I grabbed two small bowls before we made our way over to the machines.
Savannah loved the country vanilla, while I always settled for cookies & cream.
For our topping, I added extra Oreo cookies.
Savannah on the other hand, liked gummy bears, gummy worms, hot fudge and brownies.
Weird, I know, but she tore it up every time.
On the way to the register, Savannah bounced a little too much, which caused her to trip and drop her ice cream. Immediately, she broke into a fit.
“Hey…hey. Baby, it’s okay. Shhh, Savannah, don’t cry. Baby, look at mommy. We can make another one, okay?”
Nothing I said seemed to get her to calm down.
That was the worst part about her melt downs—she heard nothing I said.
I wrapped my arms tightly around her and hugged her.
Humming her favorite melody, I smoothed her hair to get her to relax.
Once I felt her calm down, I pulled her back to get a good look at her face.
People were watching us, and I could hear a few whispers which I chose to ignore.
I had to keep Savannah’s arms restrained so she wouldn’t start hitting herself. I hated that.
“Are you okay now?” I asked.
She had the hiccups, her nose was running and her face was wet with tears. I used a napkin to clean her up, then I got more napkins to clean up the mess she accidentally made.
“You can have some of my gummies if you want,” I heard a small voice say.
I turned my attention to Savannah, who was smiling at a pretty little girl.
She was taller than my baby, which let me know she was a little older.
It made me smile that she came up to offer Savannah gummy bears after she dropped hers.
Savannah looked at me, her eyes pleading because I knew she really wanted some.
“That’s so sweet of you. What do you say, Savannah?” I signed.
Smiling, my baby thanked the little girl with her hands then gave her a quick hug.
“Can’t she talk?” the little girl asked.
“Uh…no, she—”
“Zoie! Where’s your manners?”
The voice of a man caused me to look up into the most beautiful blue eyes I’d ever seen in my life. The color was so deep that for a second, I thought I was drowning in them.
“Oh, she’s…she’s fine. Kids are always curious. It's understandable,” I assured him.
Once I was able to pull myself from his trance, I observed his entire presence.
I had never been into white guys, but this man had an aura outlining him that sent chills up and down my spine.
Standing beside me his frame towered over me like a giant.
He had to be about six feet, seven inches.
He was built like a quarterback, and the gold slugs that lined his teeth gave him a swag I’d never seen a white boy pull off to perfection.
His faded hair cut and full beard was sort of a gingery brown color.
The tattoos outlining his neck and hands had me wondering if his entire body was covered in them.
Quickly, I had to shake the thoughts from my head because it was totally inappropriate.
“Thank you, sweetheart, for being so kind.” I smiled again at the little girl.
I had to come back to reality and get the hell out of dodge.
“Come on, Savannah.”
“Hold up, what’s your name?” White boy asked, touching my fingers.
“Ava.” I looked down at his hand.
That skin-to-skin contact caused a bolt of electricity to run through me.
“I’m EJ. It’s nice to meet you.” He smiled.
“Yea, you too.” I gave a small smile. “You two enjoy your ice cream and have a good day.”
I continued on to get my baby her ice cream, so we could get the hell out that place. The attraction I felt toward that man was totally unacceptable. Thank God, we’d probably never cross paths again.