“I’ve been working for the company for a while, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’m wondering if there’s room for another general foreman.”
“You want a promotion?” Loyal asked.
“Yeah, my girl she just had a baby and she’s not working. I’m not union, so I don’t have the insurance package. I got some shit going on, man. I need benefits. I’m trying to get some help, but I can’t afford the sessions out of pocket, but the benefit package for the general foreman will allow me to get what I need,” James explained.
Loyal hadn’t been paying much attention at first because he didn’t need another foreman, but when James’s voice cracked, Loyal tuned in. It took a lot for a grown man to swallow his pride and ask for help.
“Sessions,” Loyal repeated.“Like, mental health session?” he asked.
James took his hard hat off and held it between his shaky hands. He was visibly upset. Loyal noticed his red eyes and the weathered look on the man’s face.
“I lost my son four years ago. Feels like my mind been going slowly ever since. My girl is fed up. She took my son and moved out. Said if I don’t get some help for my anger, she wasn’t coming back,” James said.
Loyal was shocked at the level of honesty.
“I know it’s a long shot, but I just need to catch a break,” James stated.“I’lleven keep my same pay, but if you can throw in the benefits, man…” James cleared his throat again and pinched the bridge of his nose to compose himself.
“There’s no shame in asking for work,” Loyal said. James’s struggle hit home.“I wish more men would have the courage to do what you just did.” His own father struggled with mental health issues, so Loyal understood. The second knock at the door signaled Cassidy’sarrival.
“Stick around, man. I’ma see what I can do. I might have an opportunity for you,” Loyal said.
Cassidy entered the trailer, and Loyal stood to greet him.
“My nigga, welcome,” Loyal stated as they embraced like gangsters.
“What you doing here, man?” Cassidy asked as he took a seat beside James.
“I work here,” James stated.
“Small world,” Cassidy replied.“You doing a’ight?”
“Making it,” James stated.
There was some tension in the air, and Loyal sat back to read the room.
“How y’all know each other?” Loyal asked.
“My sister is best friends with his girl,” Cassidy stated.
Loyal identified the conflict immediately.“Got it,” Loyal stated.“Well, woman business aside, we need a foreman on the building of the new lounge. How you feel about James heading that up?”
“Iain’t got no problems with that,” Cassidy stated.“Unless that’sa problem for you?” Cassidy asked, leaning onto his knees, and turning his head to the side to make eye contact with James.
“Better pay, benefits, vacation time,” Loyal listed off.“Shouldn’t be no issues.”
“Nah, man, I’m cool. Grateful for the opportunity. Thank you. Thank you both,” James said.
“Go see H.R., and we’llstart making the transition effective immediately. New benefits will be active January 1st,” Loyal informed. James had renewed energy as he got up from the chair. Cassidy sat back and kicked out one leg as James headed for the door.“Yo, man, the company Christmas party is tomorrow. Get a suit, get your girl a dress, and invite her out. Might help you get back in her good graces.”
James nodded.“Will do. Appreciate it, man.”
James exited the office, and Loyal and Cassidy squared off.
“What’s that about?” Loyal asked.
“Too much to get into,bruh, let’s see these plans,” Cassidy stated.
Loyal took the designs out of the tube and rolled them out across his desk.
