Reece
“I quit!”
I mean mugged my soon-to-be former manager, Patricia, as I couldn’t control my breathing. I couldn’t believe this was happening again. This was the third job that I had quit in six months. Normally, I don’t quit a job this easily, but these employers have been irking my nerves! I feel as if I don’t click well with anyone, especially since I know more about their job than they do. That’s probably why they don’t like me.
Well, the feeling is mutual.
“We don’t need you here. You were nothing but trouble, anyway.”
“And I don’t need this job! I’m highly educated, so this was a waste of my time.”
“So, why did you apply for this job, if it was such a waste of your time? Oh, I forgot, because you have a nasty attitude. Now I see why you’ve had two jobs within six months. Now, get out of here.”
I stared at Patricia and grabbed my purse. Whatever; good luck finding someone who can do both my job and hers.
After exiting the office building, I strolled to the parking lot and leaned against my car wishing I hadn’t just gotten into it with her. Sure, I hated that job with a passion, but it was paying my bills. Even with a Master’s degree, the jobs I had, were mediocre. From being a bank teller, to an office manager, the jobs I were getting didn’t match up to my qualifications. Unfortunately, those were all I could find at the time. Now, since I’d opened my damn mouth, I have nothing.
Maybe I should just start fresh and move to another city. I have been living in Dallas all of my life, and frankly, it’s not doing anything for me. Although there are a lot of job opportunities in the area, I think those fell short on me, because I just couldn’t catch a break.
I stared at my phone, wondering what I was going to tell the lender for my car as the note was due. I doubt it if my last check would cover the entire bill, so I have to figure out a way to get the remainder of it.
I could call Vanessa. She is a big business owner now.
My cousin, Vanessa, had always done well for herself, even before she married Mark and became part owner of Suds. She’d worked for a high-profile business before she got down on her luck and had to go work at a high-end car wash. But look at her now. Not only did she find love, but became wealthy as well. Now, she’s also a mother to a beautiful year-old daughter. I still couldn’t believe she was a mother. Vanessa was the type of woman who never cared about having a family, but she has definitely changed since she met Mark.
Who knew you could find love at a car wash?
Me, I couldn’t do it. It’s just not my thing to mix business with pleasure. I never dated anyone from any of the jobs I’d held. It’s just too messy once someone decides to break things off. I’ve seen it with friends and other co-workers, so that’s something I don’t mess with.
But at least Vanessa’s romance didn’t end up like that. I’m happy for her and the life that she has now. Maybe I am a little jealous because my life didn’t pan out the way I wanted it to. I’m in my 30s, and still don’t know where the hell I’m going. I’m to blame for that, but it’s not like I haven’t been trying to achieve a better life. Other stuff just got in the way of it.
I looked at my phone again before staring at myself through my car window. I looked at my golden caramel skin, brown eyes, and my full, pouty lips and smiled. I need to stop feeling sorry for myself and actually make something happen. I’m a Palmer, damnit! As my daddy always say, we don’t just settle. We get shit done.
I got into my car and scrolled through my phone. For some reason, I couldn’t leave just yet. There really wasn’t too much to do anyway. I went to my social media page, and went through my timeline. I suddenly stopped to see a post from my ex-boyfriend, who had a picture of his new girlfriend. Or should I say, his fiancée. She was proudly displaying her engagement ring as he was displaying one of his cheesy grins.
Sighing, I tossed my phone in the passenger seat. Honestly, I don’t know why I’m upset. That could have been me proudly displaying an engagement ring, but instead, I turned down his proposal and broke up with him all in one minute. Four years in a relationship with him and I threw it all down in the toilet, all because I didn’t want to be committed. I’d probably never want to be committed to anyone.
Maybe I just haven’t found the right person.
Kenny could have been, but I couldn’t picture the rest of my life with him. At least he found someone that wanted the same things as him.
I stared ahead through my windshield and took a deep breath. Not only is my professional life a mess, but my personal life is too. I really should get it together. I just don’t know where to start.
My phone started to ring as I glanced over at it. It was Vanessa, which I was surprised about. I picked it up and hit the accept button.
“Hey cuz! How is everything?”
“Everything is fine, cuz. How is everything with you?”
I cleared my throat so I wouldn’t sound too depressed. “Everything is wonderful. Couldn’t be better.”
“I heard something completely different. My dad just told me you quit your job again. Really, Reecee?”
I sighed, wishing Vanessa wouldn’t stretch out my name like that. She normally does it when she’s about to start lecturing me. The girl is a year younger than me and always trying to sound like she’s my mother. I already have one, I don’t need another.
“Huh, how did your dad find out about that?”
“Huh, because your boss is friends with my dad. He was the one who got you that job. Reecee, we can’t keep bailing you out of stuff. You’re thirty-one years old, you need to get it together.”
“I know that, and I will. It just that things are complicated right now.”
“Seriously, Reece? You’ve been saying that for almost ten years now. It’s getting old, girl.”
“Not everyone can have the life you’re living, Nessa.”
“Girl, you do know how I got there, right? I was working at Suds for months after I lost my job at DuRow. I wasn’t handed anything.”
“I know, and I’m sorry,”
“Even though my dad won’t bail you out anymore, I’m going to give you another chance. That’s if you want to accept it.”
“Lay it on me. What’s your suggestion?”
“That you come work at Suds.”
I started laughing. There have been some mediocre jobs recently but working at a car wash was not an option.
“Thanks, but no thanks.”
“You didn’t even let me finish. Anyway, I think you would be perfect for the office manager position at our Richmond location. The store really needs some help getting their stuff together. They need help with customer service, paperwork, and most of all, the damn manager.”
“What’s wrong with the manager?”
I heard Vanessa sighed. “That, I have to talk to you face-to-face about. But let’s just say that work is his least concern when he’s there.”
I gave a confused look to what Vanessa just said. I don’t know why when she couldn’t even see me.
“I thought there was an office manager that worked with all four stores?”
“Oh, Rosario. Well, just so happened that she no longer deals with the locations now. Mark appointed her as a general manager, so she works specifically at our corporate office. He decided to give each location their own office manager. We were able to hire three for the other stores; just this one that we’re a bit concerned about.”
“And why is that?”
“As I mentioned, the store needs a bit of work. We need someone there who takes no shit from anyone and can tame Troy. Not sleep with him.”
Now what Vanessa said earlier made sense. “So, you think I wouldn’t fall for this man’s charm?”
Vanessa took another deep breath. “I hate to admit this, but you’re cold as ice, cuz. You really don’t give a shit about anything. That’s why things didn’t work between you and Kenny. Which by the way, did you see his social media post?”
“Yes, I did.” I mumbled. I wished she wouldn’t rub that in.
“I’m not trying to rub it in that he’s engaged now, but Reecee, you have to realize that your life is a mess. What can you possibly say later on in life about the accomplishments that you have made? You can’t say much because you haven’t made any.”
“Oh, thank you so much for the vote of confidence, Vanessa. I’m so lucky to have a cousin like you.”
“Cut the bullshit. I’m just saying this for your own good. Anyway, if you come down to Houston and accept this position, I promise you it’ll be worth your while. I think you could do really well there. Mark and I could possibly even give you a location if you be dedicated to the business.”
I gave another confused look, wondering why they would do that.
“Why would you both do that?”
“Because I know if you apply yourself, you would be a force to be reckoned with. I just think you don’t challenge yourself enough to see your full potential.”
“I don’t know if I want to own a car wash.”
“Never say never, cuz. But like I said, we have to see if you’re willing to do the work before we decide to hand you a business.”
“And how do you know if the manager, Troy, doesn’t want his stake in the business?”
“Please. Troy is only thinking about the next woman he’ll banged. He doesn’t care about owning a car wash.”
“I’m confused right now. If you and Mark know how this man is, why is he still employed?”
“Because Mark doesn’t want to fire him. He believes he’s a good manager, he just need a sense of direction.”
“And you think I’ll be the person to help him get on the straight and narrow?”
“Maybe, but I guess we’ll find out,”
“I didn’t even accept the job,”
“Please, Reece. What do you have to lose?”
“Well, I was thinking about moving to another city. I guess Houston will be my fresh start.”
“And you can stay with Mark and me until you can find a place.”
“I don’t know. You just gave me a job, and now a place to stay.”
“Girl, take the offer. Our room as well as Samantha’s is downstairs, so you practically have upstairs to yourself.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously,”
“Do I have to wear that tacky lime green shirt?”
“Oh, I forgot to mention; we do have new shirts. They’re green polos.”
“Oh joy,” I mumbled.
I played with the ring on my finger, thinking this was a sign.
“How soon do you want me in Houston?”