“Thank you. I wanted folks to feel like they’re in first class before they even get in a ride.”
“Mhm. That’s nothing but Black excellence, baby. I love it. What’s next?”
Najee chuckled. “The driver’s lounge. You good? You want a water or anything?”
“Hand me one of those Lipton teas.”
Najee retrieved one from the mini fridge, and they headed to their next spot. They strolled toward the back, where the staff space opened up into a modern, relaxed environment. The snack station had bottled water, chips, fruit, and even protein bars. Nearby, charging stations were set up for phones and tablets, with extra cords just in case someone forgot theirs. Personal lockers lined the wall, each labeled with a unique number, and a few couches and massage chairs filled the corner.
“They got it good in here,” Joyce said with a laugh.
“Always. I gotta take care of my people. They’re out in the streets representing me. It’s only right that I make sure they’re well-rested and taken care of.”
Aunt Joyce took a seat on one of the chairs and looked around with a soft smile. “You really thought this through.”
“Every detail,” Najee said.
“Your mama would be so proud of you. I can see her smiling now.”
All he could do was nod. Every day was a reminder of who he was doing this for. As long as he remembered his why, Najee would forever be good.
“Yeah,” he smiled softly. “I can, too. Hear her talking about some ‘Where did you get all of these cars from, Najee? You can’t drive without me in the car with out,’” he mocked, imitating her voice.
Joyce giggled. “That squeaky voice of hers used to drive me up the wall, but I sure do miss it.”
“Just call Ny. She sounds just like her some days.”
That’s what he would do. Nyesha was beautiful and had a calming, free spirit just like Candice had. Whenever Najee was in his feelings, he’d call and just listen to her ramble about her day or pop up on her at her crib. She enjoyed his company just as much as he did. Nyesha was only seven when Candice was killed, but their memories still lingered in her mind. She missed her every day and was so glad Aunt Joyce had stepped in to take care of them.
Once she felt rested enough for the rest of the tour, they took an elevator down to the garage and parking access area. As the doors slid open, Aunt Joyce stepped into the wide, open space, and her jaw dropped slightly.
It was more than just a parking lot. Every vehicle was parked in line, clean and equipped with a tracking system. A securitygate with a keypad and facial recognition station sat by the sealed-off entrance, with visible cameras watching every angle. One corner of the garage had wall-mounted charging stations for electric cars.
Another corner housed a detailing station, complete with water hoses, microfiber cloths, vacuums, and bottles of every cleaning product you could think of. Beside that was a fully stocked supply closet. Behind its door were shelves holding everything from windshield wiper fluid to air fresheners, as well as small travel-sized items.
“I don’t know how you did it, but this right here is amazing. You took your pain and something people would’ve laughed at and made it a legacy. You should be proud.”
“I am. You don’t even know. I didn’t do it alone, though. Without you and Uncle Ron, and a few other people, it would’ve never been like this.”
Joyce waved him off. “Oh, please. Yes, it would’ve. I don’t know anyone with more hustle and determination than you. You’re disciplined too. Even with that hussy calling herself trying to play you, you’re still focused and making moves, baby. You didn’t need us, but I’m glad to be along for the ride.”
Stepping her way, Najee wrapped her up in another hug. “Thank you, Ma. We gon’ ride ‘til the wheels fall off.”
“I heard that. Now, where’s that lunch you promised me? I don’ walked up an appetite,” she said, making him laugh.
“I got you.”
They headed back upstairs, and Najee checked in with a few of his workers before heading out. It was always a good time with his auntie, and she stayed lacing him with game. It was the old-school kind, filled with wisdom and advice that not everyone was mature enough to receive. Najee took everything she said in stride and applied it to his life when necessary.
After their lunch date, Najee headed back to the office and hopped on a few calls. There were a bunch of events happening over the weekend, and the phones had been off the hook with transportation requests. He wasn’t going to place the influx of calls and emails on the fact that his face had gone viral and a few still shots were meme-worthy, but he wasn’t denying it either.
Renae had royally fucked up, and Najee didn’t have one regret about the way he handled her. Had he been younger, in those twenty-something’s and not given a fuck, he would’ve shown her what it meant to be a real crash out. He had passed that stage in life, or at least with her he had. And behind some disloyal pussy, at that? Najee would never disrespect himself in that manner.
Taking her back hadn’t crossed his mind at all. He was a man with standards and morals. As far as he was concerned, the years spent with her never happened. Renae who? The morning after the party, he went and got tested for every STI known. He received a clean bill of health before he was released, and she had the nerve to put his life on the line. Najee had every right to humiliate her.
Knocking out a few more hours of work and adjusting a new driver’s routes for the airport shift, Najee shut down his computer for the day. He’d been putting in extra hours and securing details for his partnership with Peace Haven. Getting home late every evening with nothing on his mind but sleep wasn’t how he wanted to end his day today.
He had a special someone’s face in mind and didn’t think twice before he picked up his phone to FaceTime her. Orielle had been the one thing in his life that felt natural. Once she opened up to him, Najee had no problem keeping those walls down.
