Imani Richards is 25 year old multimillionaire with trust issues. Her last relationship was abusive, and she promised herself that she would not fall in love again. But When she meets August Alsina, her old best friend and high school lover, will s...
The view of the Atlanta city life was just so interesting to watch. The busy traffic, the friendly people, the lights, it was all so fascinating. I've always enjoyed waking up just in time to see the beautiful Atlanta mornings. I zoned out for a moment, staring at my window in awe. I just came back to this city from staying at my sister's place in Seattle, and I missed this view. I missed the busy mornings, drinking coffee over the view, and especially the smell of the bakery down the block. I was nostalgic for better days. Days where I didn't have to worry about profit reports, news articles and business calls. I was nostalgic for the old days.
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All of a sudden, I heard the ringing of my cellphone, bringing me out of my thoughts. I walked over to my dresser, answering the call without even bothering to look at the caller I.D.
"Hello?" I said, adjusting the phone on my shoulder so I could make myself coffee. I needed a quick pick-me-up and coffee always seemed to do the trick. Especially since I just brought back coffee beans from Seattle, I couldn't wait to make a cup.
"Hello Imani," my dad said. I internally rolled my eyes. The only time my dad calls me is to give me a list of things to do, and I wasn't in the mood. I was tired, I still had jet lag from my trip to Seattle, and I have an interview that is going to take up all my time. "I was just checking in to see how everything is over there." He said after a moments pause, "Are you unpacked?".
"Just about I-"
"I'm going to head back to NOLA for a while." He started, rudely cutting me off. "I have a big meeting, I just wanted to tell you to head over to the office because we have a lot of work to do before this fundraiser is over." I sighed, even though Richards Inc., was my company, my dad felt the need to control its every aspect. I didn't mind doing fundraisers, honestly, I loved them. My whole mom's side of the family was big on giving back to the community and our company was hosting a fundraiser on restoring homes back in New Orleans and families that were affected by the hurricane. I was hosting a banquet at the end of the month to conclude the fundraiser, and I still have a million things to do.
" I also wanted to remind you about your interview today." My dad replied bringing me out of my thoughts.
"Yea Dad, I didn't forget about it." I mentally rolled my eyes.
"Good, this interview to give us the extra promotion we need to reach our goal. I got word that they will be asking about your employees, and taking a tour of the building. I got a plane to catch so I'll call you later, bye."
I know. I thought to myself. It's my company, after all.
I sighed, hanging up the phone. Me and my father were never close growing up, he was always so busy with work so I spent my childhood with my mom. It's not that I'm ungrateful for his help, I did ask him to work with side-by-side with me, but that as back when I was a college student trying to get myself together. I built the company from the ground-up, and he took the position as a "business partner."It was a pointless attempt to bond with him, but now all he really does is boss me around. My parents divorced when I was around 3 years old, so I never really had the chance to be "daddy's little girl."
But back to the interview, I honestly had no idea what I was going to say. I mean my employees? What is there to talk about? I wasn't a bad boss, I hired underrepresented teenagers and low income families that are qualified for the job. My company does get busy and hectic, but what else is new? I ran my fingers through my long black hair in distress. I still needed to find an outfit for this interview and I have no idea what I'm going to say. I opened the door to my walk in closet, thinking of an outfit to wear . I settled on a casual maroon dress, a cute Valentino clutch and some open-toed heels. I honestly hated wearing blazers and pencil skirts to work, I just turned 25, and wearing traditional office attire makes me uncomfortable.
I looked in the mirror one more time on my way out the door. Grabbing my keys, I headed down the stairs into the garage. I got into my car and started driving to work, turning on the radio I heard the voice of an old friend.
Didn't have a lot, but a n*gga had enough, Had to keep it moving, when the going got tough It was bad yall, lost some n*ggas on the way it was sad y'all They couldn't make it here today. Now I do it for my homies that could never get to do it...
I smiled at August's voice, I could recognize it anywhere. We went to high school together, and he would sing for me all the time because he knew how much I loved it. I haven't seen him since he left New Orleans, and I missed my old best friend. I heard that he lived here in Atlanta, but I never actually had the chance to meet up with him, with him being famous and all. I remember back when we were in high school together, we went to every single school event together; Homecoming, Prom, Winterball, everything. He was the only guy my mom actually liked, but my dad thought he was too "thuggish" to be around me. I was thinking about all the memories we shared, and I didn't realize I was still in the parking garage of my apartment. I started heading to work when I got a phone call from my mom.
"Hey mommy!" I said happily.
"Hi sweetie. How are you?" She asked.
"I'm fine, I finally finished unpacking." I moved to Atlanta a month ago, but I hated unpacking boxes. I almost considered not packing furniture and buying new stuff, but my mom would have killed me if she knew I spent that much money.
"That's great princess, I'm glad, I heard you had an interview today, I know it's your first major interview alone so I wanted to check in to see how you are feeling." The thing I loved about my mom is that she always knew when to call. I was scared out of my mind for this interview, and I needed to hear her voice.
"I'm really nervous mom..." I said honestly.
"Sweetheart, there is nothing for you to worry about okay? You will do just fine, you always do. I'm so proud of you princess." I smiled at the silly nickname my mom gave me, I loved hearing her voice, she knew how to cheer me up.
"Thanks Ma."
"No problem, and when you get to work, I have a surprise for you." She said all giggly. I rolled my eyes jokingly. Knowing her, it would probably be some sweet gift from home, and I couldn't wait to see what it was. "Okay, I got to go princess, love you!"
"Love you too mommy." I said, hanging up the call . I turned off the engine of my car, and walked into my office. I was greeted by my assistant, Melanie. Over my days in the office she has became my best friend here in Atlanta, and also my only friend here. We went to college together, I mean I did finish early once my business started booming and offered her the job as assistant right away.
"Imani your mother has sent a package, it is in your office right now." Melanie said, her eyes never leaving the computer screen.
"Thanks Mel," I said with a smile. "I'm sure she packed something for you anyways."
