Nicki POV
"Hi, Alexandria right?" I asked as a woman who resembled Aaliyah held the door for me.
"Uh... Are you Onika?" she asked.
"Yes, nice to meet you." I extended my hand to shake hers.
She shook my hand. "I'm super excited about this position. I'm a huge fan of yours."
"Well, on behalf of the business, we are more than glad to accept you." I stated as we sat at our designated table.
"I know I'm not as well qualified as most people but I promise I will work just as hard." she sat up straight.
"I read that you just recently received your degree." I sipped the water the waiter had placed before me.
"Yes."
"I actually prefer to hire recent graduates, believe it or not." I assured.
"Really?"
"Yes, it just keeps the essence of the business fresh and fun."
We continued talking about her position and the ins and outs of the business until our food came.
Alright Nicki you can do this.
"Where are you from?" I cleared my throat.
"Oh.. Um.." she twirled her hair in her fingers, "Manhattan."
I scrunched my nose, "Really? I expected you to say Canada."
"I mean.. I lived in Canada for a while.. But that was years ago." she smiled.
"Oh.. Like 5 or 6?" I said unconsciously.
"Uh.. Yeah about that long.. How'd you?" she looked at me weird.
"So um.. Manhattan huh? So are you moving to Queens for this position or will you be traveling each day?" I said changing the subject.
"Oh um. I hadn't really thought of that."
"Well hey, if you need help finding a place around here I can surely be of assistance." I offered.
"Thanks Id appreciate that."
"So... Are you leaving any family behind?" I hinted.
"No not really. Just my pets." she replied.
"No family? You really come off as a family oriented woman." I lied.
"Eh.. Its complicated."
I sighed, "thats life. Just super complicated."
By the time we finished eating I had dropped ample hints, she only nearly caught me once or twice.
We drove in my car over to the office, as we got close I pulled over and looked at her.
"Is there something wrong?" She asked.
"There is something that I need to tell you." I took a deep breath.
"Did I not get the job?"
"Oh no. You got the job, its just... I dont know how much you'll still want it after I tell you this."
"What could possibly make me give up a chance of a lifetime?"
"Well... Lets just say when we walk in, you will see 2 people you know rather well." I bit my lip, unable to gather my words.
"Umm.. How would-?" She shook her head in confusion, "Who are they? I dont understand why they would hinder my career."
"What if I told you they were your ex and your daughter?"
I closed my eyes and waited for her response.
"How'd you know that?"
"Aaliyah looks just like you. And that's kind of why I asked so many personal things earlier, I wanted to be sure it was truly you. I also kinda wanted to see if you would mention them at all." I admitted.
"Thats the past." She said sternly. "But its a little unsettling that my new boss is already meddling with my life."
"Mmm not exactly."
"Look, Aubrey and I are in the past. I can assure you that his presence won't interfere with my work." She stated.
"Good"
"I'm sorry if that ruins anything."
"No that's perfect. I ju-"
She cut me off, "why aren't you more bummed out?"
It was the moment I had dreaded. I had thoroughly prepared myself to be able to get through an outing with her without freezing or freaking out but it all went out the window in that moment. I guess I overplayed my time.
I cleared my throat and began driving again.
"Oh I get it." She smirked as we pulled up.
We got out the car and she followed me inside the building.
"You two are.. a thing." She concluded.
"Sure, you can say that." I shrugged, pressing the elevator button.
"So why do you want me here?" She asked.
"I need an employee, you need a job." I stepped into the elevator, she entered behind me and as the doors closed I added "and I care about Aaliyah."
"What does that have to do with me?"
"A child needs a mother." I spoke through my teeth.
"She'll have you as a stepmother soon." She replied.
I stopped the elevator and turned to her, "I understand that you left because of the accident. It was a tragedy, I get it. But you've got to realize that Aaliyah was equally affected. You leaving only made the matter worse. Sure she's had Aubrey there for her ever since. But he wasn't there when it happened, you were. And she can't finish healing unless you do it with her." my eyes began to water as I felt my own truths through my spiel.
She was on the verge of tears, but she nodded as she dabbed them away. "What if she hates me?"
"Im not good at advice... But I doubt she will. She may be upset with you, but you're her mother, just love her.. I guess." I shrugged.
"Okay."
"Ready?"
"Yeah. I think so."
The elevator doors opened. Lydia and Vanessa were at Lydia's desk with OJ.
"Mommy." OJ ran to me.
"You have a son?" Alex asked silently.
"Yeah, this is OJ." I smiled.
"Hes not..." She cocked an eyebrow at me.
"Oh god no." I scrunched my nose up, "Aubrey and I just met a few months ago."
"Oh okay." She sounded relieved.
"You must be Alexandria." Lydia walked over to us.
"Yes I am and you are?"
"Lydia, Nic's best friend and favorite employee."
"Oh, nice to m-" they began shaking hands but Vanessa jumped in.
"Im Vanessa."
"Yes, my hyper-energetic equal." Lydia said sarcastically.
"Are you nervous?" Vanessa asked, "you know.. Reuniting."
"Umm.. Ok. So does everyone know my life story or just you guys?" Alex asked, slightly uncomfortable.
"So um. Lyd.. Where are Aubrey and Aaliyah anyways?" I ignored.
"Yeah honestly I cant think of a way around this. So yeah... They are decorating your office." Lydia replied.
"Okay.. Well. Vanessa can you give Alexandria a tour of the building?" I asked.
"Yeah I'd love to!" She eagerly grabbed her phone and escorted Alex back onto the elevator.
"I'm exhausted." I slumped into a chair.
QOTD: thoughts on Alex so far? Do we trust her? Is this gonna stir up trouble? Hows Liyah gonna react????