Wassup?
Me
Can you drop by today? Mekhi got into it with another boy, and he needs something I can't give.
Wolfe
I got him, but I need to talk to you, too.
Me
Cool, I'm free in an hour.
Before I could set my phone down, harder knocks graced my door, pulling my attention.
"Tamera said it was cool for me to come back here," the man declared, stepping into my office before I could respond.
He was tall. That much was evident from how the doorframe barely cleared his shoulders. My eyes flickered over him once, quick and professional. He was light-skinned, smooth, even-toned, with a broad chest, a skinny yet solid build, and a relaxed but alert posture, like he'd be ready to move at a moment's notice. I cleared my throat, gesturing toward the chair across from my desk.
"Have a seat, Mr. Bryant."
He acknowledged me with a single nod as he came further inside. A quiet confidence followed him. Unannounced yet undeniable. He possessed the kind of presence that made you straighten without realizing why.
"Okay, Mr. Bryant, I?—"
"Solace."
He didn't smile. His face wasn't menacing, either, just controlled and undeniably handsome.
"I'm sorry," I said, blinking through my confusion.
"You called me Mr. Bryant."
"Yes, because that's the name on your application."
"I'm sure it is," he smoothly replied. "Now I'm giving you the privilege of calling me Solace."
"Privilege?" My brows dipped.
"I believe my presence is a gift," he said evenly. "And not everyone is fortunate enough to encounter me, let alone learn my name."
"Uh… okay." I paused, reassessing him. "This is supposed to be an interview for the basketball coach position. While you have the height, I don't believe basketball is the reason you're here."
"It's not."
"Then why are you here?"
"Property."
"Oh, I'm not selling," I replied matter-of-factly.
"I wasn't asking if you were."
His gaze stayed on me, silently measuring my worth.
"My eyes are on the supermarket that isn't too far from here. My company acquired it in a… let's just say acquisition."
The supermarket was indeed close. A few of the boys stole from there and messed with gift cards, trying to be scammers. As for their actual groceries, I'd made it clear to my staff not to shop there. The owners didn't care about that place. The shelves were always half-stocked, and what was on them was usually past its expiration date. To put it plainly, the supermarket was neglect wrapped in fluorescent lights.
