Troy
After what happened on Saturday, Mark texted me to tell me to take the rest of the day off as well as Sunday so I could clear my head. Now, it is Monday and I am going back to my store, feeling a bit nervous about what my employees will say to me. I don’t know why I was nervous, but I guess since everyone saw what happened, I just didn’t want to talk about it.
As for the meeting I had with Mark, he didn’t even bring up what happened to my co-workers, but they did know about it since someone posted a video of it on social media. That did piss Mark off, but there was nothing I could do about that. I didn’t even know about it until Albert, the manager from the Overton store, showed it to me. If I find out an employee posted that video, he or she will be fired.
I walked inside the store to see Jamarcus standing behind the counter watching TV. He looked up and smiled.
“Well, good morning, Troy. What a beautiful day it is, isn’t it?” he asked with a wide grin.
“Why are you so damn chipper?” I asked.
“Because boss lady is here. She’s in the office.” He said and began laughing.
I rolled my eyes and walked past him into the office and the first thing I saw was Vanessa sitting behind my desk with a huge smile.
“Hey, Vanessa. It’s good to see you.” I said as I went to her. She got up to give me a quick hug before sitting back down.
“Good to see you too, Troy. Pull up a seat so we can talk.”
I sat in the chair in front of the desk. I didn’t even know Vanessa was coming to the store today. Mark hadn’t even bothered to mention it during the meeting.
“What brings you by?” I nervously asked.
Vanessa smiled. “Don’t play dumb with me, Troy. You know why I’m here.”
“I guess your husband didn’t waste any time telling you.”
“He didn’t have to tell me anything. The video of you and Sabrina went viral on social media. You know you’re bringing attention to this place that we don’t need, Troy. Do you want Suds to be a car wash that acts like a soap opera?”
I laughed, which probably pissed Vanessa off, because she scowled.
“What’s so funny?”
“Are you really going to go there, Vanessa? Remember, you did some crazy stuff when you were an employee at Harrison. You were fighting customers.”
“That I’m not proud of, but it was to defend myself. You are literally using this place to pick up women.”
“What’s wrong with that? Practically every employee has been, even before the dating ban has been lifted.”
“Do you know that Sabrina could file sexual harassment charges on you and this company? But of course, you don’t care.”
“It was consensual, Vanessa.”
“Yes, it was, but you don’t know Sabrina’s mindset, Troy. You can’t mess around with women’s hearts. You keep thinking this is a game, but it’s not. Honestly, if Mark wasn’t so damn forgiving, your ass would had been out of here a long time ago.”
I leaned back in my chair as Vanessa stared at me. “So, you want to fire me?”
“You’re a liability, Troy. You always have been the entire time I’ve been here. I have heard so many stories about you that would probably make everyone in this company heads spin. Even after this incident, you will not learn your lesson, and frankly, you probably never will. That’s why I decided to hire someone to watch over you.”
I stared at her as I burst out laughing. She rolled her eyes and sighed.
“Wait, you’re telling me that you hired a babysitter for me?”
“Someone needs to watch your every move, I would do it, but I have three other stores to look after.”
“And Mark is okay with this?”
“He agreed. In fact, he thinks this is a great idea. This person will not only be here on a continuous basis, but she will be helping with the clerical side of the business. She will work on the store’s paperwork, payroll, and advertisement. This new team member will work behind the register when needed since Sabrina will be transferred to our Overton location. She doesn’t want to work with you any longer, which honestly, I don’t blame her.”
“So, who is this babysitter? I hope she’s hot.” I said with a smirk.
“Ugh, I don’t see how women fall for your shit, Troy.”
“Evidentially, a lot of women do.”
“Whatever. Anyway, her name is Reece, and she’s my cousin. If you even try and talk to her, I swear I will kick your ass.”
“I think she can take care of herself, Vanessa.”
“She can, because I know my cousin. She won’t fall for any of your cheap lines, or that played out charm of yours.”
“Didn’t you just say if I try to talk to her then you’ll kick my ass? So what do you have to worry about if she’s not going to talk to me?”
“That’s just a reminder, Troy. Anyway, she’ll be coming to the store soon. I’ll still be here to show her around.”
“I can do that. I am the manager.”
“I’ll do it, Troy. You just do your damn job.”
I stared at her as she got up from her seat. Vanessa turned to stare at me one final time and shook her head before pausing at the door.
“You’re a good manager, Troy, but you need to act like it. You’re someone that these employees should look up to, but how can they when you’re always getting into trouble? That’s why this store is in such disarray. You need to stay focused, okay. That’s all Mark and I ask of you.”
I looked at Vanessa and nodded. “You’re right, and I’m sorry. I’ll do better, okay.”
Vanessa nodded. “I’m going to hold you to that.”
As she walked out of the office. I leaned my head against the back of my chair and sighed. Vanessa is right; I really do need to try and stay focused. There is no doubt that it can be done. I just need to do it. After several deep calming breaths, I pull myself before going back to the lobby.
As the door to the office opened I spotted Vanessa talking to someone who sort of looked like her. I stood near the register, admiring how beautiful she looked. Smooth, golden caramel skin, big brown eyes. Full pouty lips. And that body. Shit, she had curves in all the right places.
“You might want to pick your mouth up from off the ground. You’re drooling, man.” Jamarcus said.
We both stared at the woman in front of us, as Jamarcus gave a low whistle.
“I have to admit, she’s sexy.”
I stared at her as she looked over at us. I swear she was giving me bedroom eyes, which I had no problem with.
“Man, don’t even go there with her. Every woman here can’t be a conquest to you,”
“I’m not going there, Jamarcus. I’m just admiring her beauty.” “You’re undressing her with your eyes. Just admit it.”
Jamarcus was right; I was, but I’d never admit that to him.
“Jamarcus, Troy, I would like to introduce my cousin, Reece Palmer, who will be your new office manager. She comes highly qualified as she has been a manager at several companies. You’re in good hands with her.”
I stared at Reece as she gave a sweet smile.
“Hi Reece; Jamarcus Broussard. Welcome abroad.” Jamarcus said as he gave Reece a firm handshake.
“Thank you,” She shyly responded.
“Troy Jimenez. Welcome to the family.” I said. She held out her hand for a handshake, but I don’t do handshakes. I gently placed her in my arms to give her a firm hug. Jamarcus rolled his eyes as mines went to Vanessa. She shook her head, giving me a look that said, “Don’t try me, Troy,”
I could tell Reece was a little taken aback as she slowly pulled away from me. She cleared her throat and smiled. “Nice to meet you, Troy. I have heard a lot about you,”
“I hope everything you heard was good things,”
“That, I can’t say, but I don’t like hearsay and gossip. I like to form my own opinion about something or someone.”
I looked at Vanessa who rolled her eyes. I like Reece already.
“Anyway, let me show you around the building, so you can familiarize yourself with everything.”
“You sure you don’t want me to show Reece? I am the manager. You’re barely here to show anyone anything.” I said to Vanessa.
Vanessa looked as if she wanted to slap me as she took a deep breath.
“Nessa, it’s fine. Troy is right; he should be the one to show me around.”
Vanessa smirked. “Okay, I’ll let you get to showing Reece around.”
She motioned for me to come to the counter as she gave me a heated look. She moved closer to me so no one could hear her.
“Remember what I said, Troy. Don’t play with my cousin, got it.”
I gave her a cocky smile as Jamarcus came closer to the register as a customer approached the counter. Reece gave Vanessa a look that said, “don’t worry,” as she nodded.
“If you need anything, please give either Mark or myself a call, okay.”
Reece nodded as Vanessa gave me another heated look before going to the door.
As soon as she left, I looked at Reece, who gave another sweet smile.
Although I should listen to Vanessa, I’m not going to. Before long, Reece will be in my bed. I can guarantee that.