Page 3 of Mending Me
“It’s mostly a management role but the people you would be overseeing are great and really good at what they do. This division oversees high security needs such as events, high-profile weddings, and they cover security whenever celebrities or politicians come into town. And of course, the rich and wealthy of Charleston.”
“Like the people they name bridges and schools after,” I joked, half laughing.
“Exactly like the people they name bridges and schools after,” he confirmed without a hint of humor in his voice.
“Sounds easy enough. I’m game for whatever, I’m just thankful you’re hooking me up with this Kolb.”
“I would do anything for you, brother. We’re all really happy you’re back. We didn’t expect you to be gone for over ten years when you enlisted after high school. Shit, some of us didn’t think you would make it past bootcamp.” He chuckled.
“Yeah, I don’t think I expected to be gone this long either but, it got me out of my house and forced me to grow up in places I needed to grow up. I’m happy to be back.”
We talked about everything included in my role—what my requirements and working hours were, and he filled me in on who I would be working with. When he told me how much he would be paying me, I choked on my drink.
“Is thatactuallywhat it pays or is that what you’re paying me because I’m your friend?” I questioned. I didn’t want special treatment and if that wasn’t what he was going to pay someone from off the street, I didn’t want it.
“Yes,” was all he said to answer my question before continuing, “Now, you’ll need to go to the floor below this one and talk to Margie in HR. She will have all your paperwork, badges, and keys for you. Once you fill it out and she files everything, you will have your sign-on bonus in your account. That should help you get settled and set up with everything you need now that you’re home. Do you need a place to stay?”
“Uh, no. I have an apartment north of the city.”
“Wherenorth of the city?” He dragged out his words slowly and furrowed his brows.
“Kolbi stop. It’s in a safe area and I like it. I don’t need you giving me any more handouts. The job is enough.” I stood up from my seat and extended my hand towards him. He mirrored my movement and took my hand to shake.
“Alright, well if you decide you don’t want to stay in some shithole anymore, you let me know. I have a few places around town I keep as safe houses if you need a place to crash.”
“I’ll be fine, thank you.” I dropped his hand and started walking towards the door to head to HR when he called out to me.
“Oh, and just a word to the wise, Margie is really sweet and good at what she does, but she will try and get in your pants. She might be old, but she’s not shy. Keep your guard up.”
I turned slowly to look at him and gave him a puzzled look. “You hired a horny old lady to work in yourHuman Resourcesdepartment?”
“I didn’t know she was horny when I hired her. She was really nice during her interview, even brought homemade grits for me. It wasn’t until after she was hired that she invited me to a hotel room to meet her for drinks after work.” He was laughing now. “I promise, she’s harmless. Just always tell her no, no matter how many times she asks.”
He raised his hand and waved to me before sitting back down at his desk. I pushed the glass doors open again and walked back toward the elevator, bracing myself for my meeting with a horny, elderly woman. Only Kolbi would hire someone because they brought homemade grits to their interview.
Two hoursand multiple sexual advances later, I was free from Margie and officially an employee. My official next day would be tomorrow and I was expected to be at the office by 0830. After leaving my meeting, the first thing I knew I would need to do is figure out how I was going to get in and out of the city. I had left home at eighteen and never had my own car, so when I came back last week, I didn’t have one waiting for me. It hadn’t been a big deal since the gym and the grocery store were within walking distance of my apartment, but now that I had a job, I was goingto need a way to get around. I would just take the bus to work like I did today until I figured it out.
Exiting the office and walking out onto the sidewalk, I was hit with the sounds and smells of downtown Charleston.
Growing up here, I always enjoyed walking around the city and watching the tourists take it all in. Charleston wasn’t huge, but it had a big city, small town vibe to it that was charming enough to make it a popular tourist destination. The weather was warm already and the humidity was sinking into my skin with precision. I could feel the beads of sweat spring up on the back of my neck as I stood just outside the office. Not wanting to idle too long on the sidewalk, I turned left and headed towards the water where I knew the ocean breeze would help to break the heat.
As I walked towards the pier, I passed couples and families enjoying the city and sights. Charleston is old, really old, and that added to its charm. Horse-drawn carriages pulled groups of people down the street as guides educated the passengers on the history of the city. I couldn't help but laugh at the stream of cars that had gotten stuck behind a carriage and now had to wait until it moved over to pass.
A few blocks down, I ducked into a coffee shop to grab a coffee and something to eat. I sat outside at a small metal table and watched as people took photos, laughed with their friends, and walked down the slate sidewalks. I watched as a couple got what I assumed were their engagement photos taken by a photographer holding an oversized camera. The girl was wearing a white dress and laughed as her fiancé dipped her back in the middle of the street, the photographer snapping photos as he did. When he pulled her up, he kissed her on the neck and she smiled for the camera. A lump grew in my gut as I watched them. I was nearly thirty years old and I hadn’t been in a relationshipsince high school. Sure, I’d been kinda busy serving my country and all, but still, it had been a while.
My mind flashed to the image of the girl from the gym who read in between sets. I wondered if she had someone in her life. Suddenly, I was picturing her in a white dress in the middle of the street and me being the one who dipped her back for a photo.Get a grip man, you don’t even know her name. I blinked the image out of my head and stood from the table to throw away the remnants of my lunch.
After a ten-minute walk, I hit the pier and pushed out a deep breath once the ocean breeze hit my face. The more the sun rose, the warmer it got and the more sweat started to roll down my back. It was early June and I knew that the heat and humidity would only get worse from here. My eyes watched as cargo ships rolled in and out of the harbor and smaller shrimp boats pulled in their morning haul. I loved coming down to this spot of town because of the big open grass area that looked out on the water. Kids were playing in the fountains and young men and boys were passing out sweetgrass roses to people passing by. They made me think of Kolbi.
I started to look for a bench to sit on and think about what I was going to do the rest of the day. I knew I should get on the bus to head home, get groceries, and figure out how I was going to get to work tomorrow, but it was too nice to leave the city just yet. My phone buzzed in my pocket and I pulled it out to see a notification from my bank. Pulling it to my face, my eyes grow as I read the number that was just deposited into my account. A text from Kolbi came in close behind.
Kolbi:
Your sign-on bonus should be in your account. Happy to have you home, brother.
I suddenly knew what I was doing the rest of the day and what I would be taking to work tomorrow.
4
