“Not to sound rude, but couldn’t you have stayed with your family? Or back in Brooklyn at his place?” Aja questioned.
This question earned her a smack on the shoulder from Janae.
I chuckled at her attempt to chastise Aja again.
“Unfortunately, no. Both my mother and sister passed away. I don’t know where my father is. I haven’t seen him since I was thirteen years old. My job gave me some time off after the fire, and Parker said he had accrued a good amount of vacation hours over the years. I agreed to tag along.”
It felt odd saying that my sister passed away. The words made it seem like what happened to her was uneventful, as if she drifted off into the afterlife peacefully. My mother had left us that way. She went to sleep one night and didn’t wake up the next day. My sister was tortured and murdered. The words were harsh, but that was what happened. Saying anything else left a bitter taste on my tongue.
Aja reached to place her hand on top of mine, while Janae placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. They each give their condolences.
“We couldn’t imagine not having our mother there to call or see every day. I don’t think I could imagine a world without Janae,” Aja said solemnly. “I’m sorry for asking like that. I don’t exactly have a filter.”
I took Aja’s hand in mine and squeezed it. “It’s okay, you didn’t know.” I gave them a watery smile as tears threatened to spill from my eyes. “I’m taking it one day at a time. Your brother saw that I was in a bad way and offered to bring me here, away from it all.”
The sound of the waitress introducing herself jolted us out of the somber moment.
When she prompted us for our order, I realized I didn’t get a chance to look at the menu.
Luckily, she offered us the brunch special, and we’re all in agreement.
After the waitress took our order, which seemed like it would be enough to feed the three of us plus five others, we settled into lighter topics of conversation.
While we waited for our food, I learned that Aja studied finance and worked directly under the Chief Financial Officer at their family company, while Janae was a bar-certified lawyer who worked under the Chief Compliance Officer.
“How do you both like working for Gentry?”
“For as long as I could remember, I always wanted to work at the company. Our Granddad used to take us to the office when we were younger all the time. We thought it was so cool that our family owned one of the tallest buildings in Oakland Ridge.” Aja said with a fond smile as she recalled the memory.
“When our dad realized that Aja had a knack for numbers and I was the undefeated champion of the debate team, he made us a proposition.” Janae said with a shrug.
Bewilderment marred my face. “If you don’t mind me asking, what was the offer?”
“Our expenses and tuition were paid as long as we completed our degrees. In addition to living worry-free and debt-free, we got to access our inheritance at nineteen instead of twenty-one. At first, I was hesitant, but Aja convinced me it was the right choice. We kind of had our own cautionary tale to reference.”
“We’re happy there. I may work a little too much, but I love Gentry. It’s in our blood.” Aja finished.
I don’t miss the frown that takes over Janae’s face. There’s more to the story here, but the Woods family drama isn’t any of my business. I’m just passing through.
When the conversation shifted to me, I didn’t miss the lack of enthusiasm when I told them about my work at Mosaic Inc. Janae was looking at me with a polite smile, one that I’ve seen many times before. It was the physical embodiment of a southern, “bless your heart.” I don’t think Aja is even attempting to cover the twisting of her lips in disapproval. They’re incredibly perceptive, and I’m not sure how, but they're seeing right through my carefully crafted facade.
The food arrived, interrupting us momentarily. It took two waitresses to bring it out. They started setting down steaming hot dishes, and everything smelled delicious. An additional waiter delivered three carafes of a deep burgundy mixed drink, that must’ve been the sorrel that Janae ordered.
There are Ackee and Saltfish Stuffed Plantains, an Oxtail Flatbread topped with fried onions, Chicken and waffles, Huevos Rancheros, and Paella. My mouth waters as the food is placed in front of me. I’m not sure where to start, but the twins dive right in. The Oxtail Flatbread calls to me, my firstbite provoked a moan of appreciation for the perfect marriage of flavors. Aja and Janae nodded their heads in agreement, like they had predicted my reaction. We eat in silence for a while before Aja breaks it.
“I’m sorry in advance if I’m overstepping.”
“Pfft, that would be a first,” Janae muttered. Now it’s Aja’s turn to give Janae’s arm a smack.
“As I was saying! Willow, it doesn’t seem like you love your job. Have you considered quitting and finding something new?”
“Actually, yes,” I responded slowly. “I’ve always wanted to start my own graphic design company. When my sister passed away, I let that plan take a back seat, and I took a job at Mosaic Inc to get the bills paid.”
Though there was sadness in their eyes, there was also excitement. I mentally patted myself on the back for getting the words out. Holding up a mirror to yourself and taking accountability wasn’t always easy. Work was my main focus. My plate was always full because more work meant less time to ruminate on the state of my life. Her death may have been the catalyst, but the truth was, after everything was taken care of, I stayed at Mosaic because I was comfortable.
“I’m happy you’re taking this step, that’s huge. You shouldn’t stay at a job you don’t love.” Janae’s voice was solemn as she tucked a blonde strand behind her ear.
“I’ll drink to that!” Aja responded, raising her glass in the air before taking a sip, just as her phone began to ring. “I’ve got to take this, ladies. Please excuse me.”
