Page 2 of Finessed By A Hood White Boy

I froze to look at her as if she was crazy for getting in my way to calm my own child down.

“If either one of us rush in right now, it may cause her to spiral even more.”

I wasn’t trying to hear that shit. Lowkey, I knew why my baby was being so distant. Although she didn’t see the fight between me and Rob, I’m sure she heard enough of it. The way he carried on…ugh. I knew my baby like the back of my hand. Savannah hates large crowds and too much noise. She doesn’t care to be around too many people. The only people she’s completely comfortable around are my parents, my twin sister and my twin brother. I truly believe Rob scares her. Whether she actually hears us argue and fight or not. It never fails, she senses every ounce of my stress. So, there was no waiting to comfort my child. There’s been moments where I had to be completely honest with myself. I’m a part of the problem. As I sat holding on to my baby to get her to calm down, I realized that it was time that I made a move. Fuck my peace. I needed to make a move and separate us from the toxicity for the sake of Savannah’s peace.

By the time we left therapy, I felt so drained. Once we got situated in the car, I sat for a few minutes trying to figure out my next move. I wasn’t in a hurry to get back to the house, then again, I didn’t have anywhere else to be. I glanced in the rearview at Savannah as she stared blankly out of the window.

“Wanna go get some cookies?”

She turned to look at me with a tiny smile and nodded her head. My favorite coffee shop wasn’t too far away and I craved an iced coffee with two shots of espresso added to it. I needed an energy boost and I knew that would get the job done. When we walked inside, the smell of freshly brewed coffee swept past my nose immediately. I stood in line looking at the menu on the wall as if I didn’t already know what I was getting ready to order.

“Hi, what can I make for you today?” A girl behind the counter asked with a welcoming smile.

“Hey, can I get an iced caramel and vanilla coffee with two shots of espresso. And I would also like two chocolate chip cookies.” I dug into my purse to pull out my bank card.

While she rang everything up, I noticed the help wanted sign taped to the counter. I looked at it for a few seconds, contemplating asking for more information.

“So, are yall really hiring?” I pointed to the sign.

“Yeah, I think the owner is trying to fill a few shifts. I’ll be glad to give you an application.”

“Um, okay.” I nodded. “What are the hours?”

“I can’t even tell you, I’m sorry. I do know that she’s mainly looking for someone to come in the afternoons until closing. And the pay is minimum wage.”

I stood off to the side and waited for the girl to make my coffee. I needed to do something and start somewhere to bring in some type of consistent income. People were coming in and the line was getting long with only two people working behind the counter. They definitely needed the help.

“Excuse me.” A woman tapped me on the shoulder from behind.

“I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be nosey or anything.” She smiled politely.

Her appearance was professional and her clothes looked expensive.

“It’s okay.” I shook my head.

She glanced toward Savannah then back at me.

“Are you looking for a part time or full time position?”

“Honestly? I don’t even know yet.” I shrugged.

“Well, I’m only asking because I may be able to help you with a better position than working here.”

I watched her reach into her purse and pull out a business card.

“My name is Julia. I work at the Whitmore Financial Bank. They actually have a secretary position available.” She handed me the card.

“I’m actually the hiring manager of the company. So if you’re interested, I would love for you to stop by for an open interview.”

“Oh wow. Yes, I’m definitely interested.” I looked at her in shock.

I just so happened to be at the right place, at the right time. I reached out to shake her hand and thanked her for suggesting the opportunity.

“My schedule is a little tight right now, but if you’d stop by first thing Wednesday morning we can go from there.”

“That sounds like a plan.” I nodded. “I’m Ava by the way.”

“Ava, okay, it’s nice to meet you. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.” She smiled and waved as she walked away.