Sorimah
Chapter Six
Time in the new office was moving at a fast pace. Our business had picked up and for the life of me, I couldn’t understand why. After getting through the finality of everything, EJ and I were gaining new employees as well as new clients. We stayed in our lane, and it seemed to be doing right by us.
EJ mentioned throwing them a party once before and now I was thinking it needed to happen sooner than later because whatever they were doing was putting new sets of eyes on us. I loved how they received compliments on top of compliments about their care and it needed to be rewarded.
“Hey Penelope, do you mind meeting me in the conference room? I wanted to start on something,” I asked over the desk phone.
“Yes ma’am. I’ll be right there.”
I headed for the conference room tapping Adrian and Gracy along the way. They recently joined the team with Adrian being my head of HR and Gracy as my hiring manager. They were practically snatched away from their jobs at other companies, but they were the best at what they did so I had no choice.
Everyone filed in with smiles among their faces. They were eager to do their jobs not knowing they were about to participate in a celebration for them.
“What’s this about Ri?”
“Well, Adrian, I plan on throwing a party soon and I wanted to know if we have a date where the majority of our staff will be available to make it?”
She went to typing on her iPad and after a brief moment she said, “We have a Friday next month where over half of the nannies aren’t scheduled.”
“Good. Penelope, write that date down and let’s get started on this shindig by finding a venue.
Grace, can you handle hiring a party planner?
You’re good with grilling people and knowing if they’re genuine or not.
Also, Adrian, I was wondering if we could hold some type of raffle for a few prizes.
I want gift bags of course but I want y’all to be able to relax and feel appreciated there as well. ”
“Dang boss lady. I didn’t know we meant that much to you,” Penelope commented.
“I wouldn’t be successful if it wasn’t for y’all. Even though y’all are in the office, y’all put in just as much hard work as the nannies. I’m grateful to have two locations where my employees actually enjoy doing their job.”
“You a good boss and I should know coming from a place where they abused their titles. I’m happy to be here,” Adrian chimed in.
“I’m happy to have you all. I want this to be a treat for y’all so, Grace, please make sure whoever you hire can handle things. Please be sure to run everything by me so that I can take care of the billing. I don’t want any problems.”
“Yes ma’am,” was given in response in unison.
Without them, I would probably be up to my neck in stress.
When I first started this company with EJ, we were pulling our hair out by day two.
We didn’t know how to run a business for real until people came along giving us guidance and volunteering to help.
Thye eventually became a part of the team and here we are today with two locations.
“Ms. Styles, I hate to interrupt but you have someone here to see you,” one of my receptionists opened the door alerting me.
“I’ll be right there. Thank you.” She closed the door, and my attention was back on my ladies.
“Don’t over think any of this either, it’s just a little joint for y’all to feel appreciated.
Oh, and whatever you guys decide on, please call EJ and bring her in on it.
This was her idea, and she needs to make sure the date aligns with those from her location as well. ”
Nodding, they gathered their things and departed. I walked back to my office and asked for Penelope to bring back my appointment once I was comfortable and settled. Within minutes, a beautiful woman walked through the door. She looked and smelled like money so I knew her request would be top notch.
Standing, I met her halfway with my hand extended and a smile on my face.
“Hello, and welcome to Mother Bear Care. I am the co-owner, Sorimah Styles. Please come and have a seat.”
“Hi, Sorimah. I’m Aviana Miles and thank you for meeting with me.”
“It’s really no problem at all. What can I do for you?” I questioned.
I rounded my desk after she took a seat. I could smell the expensive perfume on her before we even made contact. With the red bottoms she stepped in here with and the Chanel bag that was draped across her shoulder, anything less than around the clock help wasn’t going to be requested.
“I’m looking for a nanny that is available seven days a week with an availability of twelve hours or more. Also, she has to be willing to pull overtime. Of course, she would be compensated but if we ever need her to stay longer than she was scheduled, I would like that not to be an issue.”
If there was a bet on what she was requesting, I would’ve won big.
What this woman walked in here wanting was someone else to play mommy to her kids.
EJ and I started this business because of women like her.
They paid a lot and spared no expense. Whoever I got on this, was going to have to be single and kid free because this client was basically turning them into a single mother overnight.
“How many children are we caring for and how soon are you wanting these services?”
“Today, if not, tomorrow and one child.”
“That’s a little short notice Ms. Miles.”
“I heard you were the best and as the best whether it was planned out or dropped in your lap, you’re supposed to be able to handle it, right?”
My words were caught in my throat because my response wasn’t a nice one. The saying of swallow your pride was literally what I was in the mist of doing. She had no idea how bad I wanted to set her straight.
“You’re absolutely right. Give me one moment and let me see who’s available. Do you have a preference of the age range?”
“I don’t. As long as she can get the job done, I’m satisfied.”
Nodding, I went to pecking on my computer and as far as I could tell, we didn’t have anyone who fit those qualifications. All of my nannies were booked and sticking to regular schedules that left them with breathing room. She wanted a replacement, not a nanny.
“We don’t have anyone at this location, give me a minute to call the other one to see if we have someone that fits your criteria.”
She nodded and sat quietly while scrolling through her phone. For her to be so young, I was confused on why she couldn’t look after her own child. My guess was she was smaller in age and speaking that I was an unloved child once, the early years mattered the most.
EJ picked up almost instantly and I was grateful.
“Hey, please tell me you have someone available for twelve hours or more shifts, overtime ready, and can start by tomorrow.”
“Girl, you know the nannies from here don’t play that shit. We run a business not a sweat shop. Plus, all the nannies we did have available for those hours are booked and don’t plan on switching because of the attachments to the families. Sorry sis’, you might have to let that one go.”
“Thanks for nothing. I’ll call you back.”
I hung up and looked toward the potential client and she wore a stale look on her face. I could tell she wasn’t pleased. I prided myself on providing the best care, so I was doing something I didn’t normally do and turned her away.
“It seems like we don’t have anyone available for this position, Ms. Miles. I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”
“I’m willing to pay ten grand a week.”
“Ms. Miles, I —”
“Ms. Styles, I am a woman that needs help. I have things that need to get handled but I want the best for my child. I came here because you came highly recommended. Do I have to take my business elsewhere?”
How about you go home and be a fuckin’ mother to your child bitch.
“Not at all. I will personally take this case on as long as you understand that I will still conduct business when necessary. Meaning, I will take calls and meetings, but everything will be held via telephone. I will not live in the home because my personal time will be respected. Also, if there are others around the house, please make them aware of my position. I will not come where I am not welcomed.”
“Anything else Ms. Styles?”
She wore a wide smile on her face and I low key felt some kind of regret agreeing to take her on. It was something about her that gave off a bad vibe.
“I’ll draw up a contract with both of our stipulations and we can go from there. The services will not start today or tomorrow but will be fresh on Wednesday. I have to prepare myself and cover my basis with my business. You will grant me that time, yes?”
“That’s not a problem.”
“Great. Here’s my card and on there is an email address. Please send me everything that you’re requesting from my company, and I will try to honor as much as I can. If we have to negotiate a few things, I will call.”
“Sounds like a plan. Thank you, Ms. Styles.” She stood with that same goofy smile and extended hand.
“The pleasure is all mine, Ms. Miles. I’ll talk to you soon.”
I palmed her hand and shook it. She was going to be an aggravation and that I could tell from her demeanor.
The only reason I took her on as a client was because of her child.
If she was willing to pay that much money just to be distant from them, then that baby must’ve felt alone. I didn’t want that for them.
Once she was out of my office, I flopped down in my seat. Aviana Miles was a woman you had to prepare yourself for. That was why I asked for another day before I agreed. Mentally, she was going to cause exhaustion. I could see that coming from a mile away.
Picking up the phone, I called my sister back. I had to get her over to the crib tonight to tell her about this mess. It rung until I couldn’t take it anymore. I ended up hanging up and shooting her a text to come over. I then got back to work to get as much as I could done before I took off.
**