“I think that’s a wonderful idea, baby. You’d be the perfect manny. You’ve been taking care of your nieces and nephews—and the children in this community—for most of your life. I can see your dream reaching great heights,” my mom said, smiling at me.
“Thanks, Ma.”
“I don’t know how your nieces and nephews are going to feel about that. You got their asses spoiled to death,” Lal inserted.
I chuckled. “They will be alright. I’ll still kick it with them when I have free time.” I looked at my mom. “You think you could help me start the process of finding employees?”
“Of course, baby. When did you want to start?”
“As soon as possible. I’m excited to finally do something I love.”
Lal chuckled. “You the only nigga I know that would open up a damn nanny agency.”
His ass was always teasing me, but it bothered me none, not like it used to when we were kids. Now, I teased him back and laughed at him.
“You know, we can make this a family thing. You and Pops can run the security team, Moms can be the administration, and Sheena can hire and vet the nannies.”
“Nigga, what?” Lal’s eyebrow raised as he looked at me like I told him I had an incurable disease.
I smiled at him. “What’s wrong with you helping ya little brother run his own business?”
“Did you forget that I run my own trucking business?”
“I could have sworn you were the CEO and don’t have to be on the road or a damn clock. Not to mention the twenty-odd employees that you’ve hired that can handle those loads.”
“I’ll tell you what, Son. Bilal and I will vet and hire you a security team once your building is up and running. We’ll all be a part of your administration team and help you build your brand,” Pops suggested.
I nodded. “I can rock with that. Thanks, Pop.”
“Yeah, and Sheena’s a content creator, so you know she got you on that tip,” Lal said.
“Bet. We need to celebrate.” I stood from the table and went to my father’s liquor cabinet and pulled out a bottle of scotch. Igrabbed four glasses just as a shrill of little voices could be heard coming down the hall.
“Nama, Gampop, we’re here!” my six-year-old niece, Siori, yelled, coming into view first.
“Siori, slow down, princess!” my brother told her.
“Sorry, Daddy!” she exclaimed, going around the table to hug and kiss everybody.
“Uncle Baye! You’re here!” Sahira exclaimed and jumped into my arms as I caught her.
I kissed her cheeks and hugged her tight. “How’s my favorite girl?”
“I thought I was your favorite?” Siori asked with a cute pout.
“You are. I have two favorites.”
“Uh un, Uncle Baye. You gotta choose,” Sahira said, folding her arms around her chest.
“See what your ass done started?” Lal asked as I laughed. I knew better. I wouldn’t dare choose, because they both were indeed my favorites. I placed Sahira on her feet and hugged my nephews, Brenton and Brendan, who were nine and ten, then hugged Sheena.
“We were about to have a toast for me getting my certificate and opening up my new nanny/manny service,” I told Sheena.
“Oh, wow. Manny service? That sounds interesting.” She smiled. “What will it be called?”
“I hadn’t thought that far yet, but I’m sure it’s going to come to me.”
“That’s dope, Brother B. I’m proud of you!”
