“No I don’t,” I admitted.
Normally, when I was in West Pier, I felt suffocated and couldn’t wait to leave, but this time around was different and I was sure it was because of Nakyra. I hadn’t spoken to either of my parents since the meeting with my dad. I was sure he told my mom about our encounter and she wrote me off along with him.
“Take as much time as you need. As you can see we’ve got everything handled here.”
Nodding, I glanced at the paperwork on my desk. Starting next month we wouldn’t only be transporting for commercial properties, we were going to start delivering to residential properties too. I realized these shipping companies were making a killing by delivering goods from companies so I was joining the trade. Steel Freight was about to become an even profitable shipping company.
I gave Ken my attention again. “Are we set with the interviews?”
“Yeah. They’re all set up for this week and next.”
“Good, good.” With the expansion of services, I would have to employ more people in both locations. I had gotten everything squared away in West Pier before I left. While I had people like Ken to handle the day-to-day stuff in the warehouse on the east coast, I still liked to be hands on with my business. I knew how it felt to be in their position and Ron always told me to make sure I took care of my crew. Even though we had expanded tremendously since I’d taken over, I still lived by that.
“And you’ve narrowed down the candidates for the replacement Operations Manager?”
He nodded and went into his book bag. “Here are my top five. I was waiting to set up interviews until you got here.”
“Good, I’ll look them over, but Thursday sounds promising.”
Ken and I discussed a couple other things before he left.
I was in the middle of approving payroll when my phone vibrated. Glancing at my phone, I smirked upon seeing it wasNakyra. Since she was on the west coast, she was a couple hours behind me, so I figured she was just getting her day started. I planned on being here for a week. While I wished she would have agreed to come out here with me, I understood why she didn’t. This time I gave her a pass, but next time I planned on having her by my side.
____
I’d purchased my house in New Haven a year and a half ago, but never realized how big and empty it felt until I came back home. It was a four bedroom, four and half bath house. It had three levels, a large, fenced-in backyard, finished basement, in-law suite in the back, and a loft area on the third floor. When I originally got the house, it was because I’d planned on starting a family and having kids. Once me and my ex broke up, that goal became a memory. This house was supposed to be filled with noise, toys, and little feet padding around by now. Now it was just me and it felt like too much. While I was gone, I had staff that came and kept up with the house, collecting my mail and airing the place out.
I screwed the cap back on my water and made sure my back door was locked before heading for my bedroom. My phone vibrated in my sweats and when I pulled it out, I couldn’t contain the smile on my face seeing Nakyra’s name and a picture I’d snuck of her appearing on the screen.
“Hey, beautiful,” I answered, causing her to blush when the FaceTime connected. I had been home for two days now, yet I was eager to get back to West Pier. Before, you couldn’t pay me to stay there longer than needed, now I was anticipating going back.
“Hi! What are you doing?”
“Talking to yo’ pretty ass now.” Her blush deepened.
“Creed, please.” She grinned shyly.
I chuckled. “I’m just being honest. How was your day?” Instead of going to my bedroom, I went into the living room, turned on the lamp close to the couch, and took a seat.
“Good. I just got back from hanging out with Camilla. We got brunch then went and got manis and pedis.”
“You two really hit it off, huh?”
“Yeah, she’s fun to be around.”
I chortled. “She’s something alright.”
“I think her and Dylan fixed their issues. She was in a good mood today.”
“I’m not shocked, those two argue and fight all the time but they can’t stay away from each other.” That reminded me, I needed to hit Dylan up and check on him. I was talking, but it seemed like this argument with him and Camilla was hitting him harder than the other ones they’d had.
“Hopefully they get it together. I hate seeing my girl upset.”
I licked my lips and studied her face. “I like your puff.”
Sighing, her shoulders fell forward and she rolled her eyes. “I’m over it already.” Her voice came out whiny, causing me to grin. The day I left she had gotten her braids taken out and was wearing her natural curls for now. She currently had them in a ball of curls at the top of her head. The style made her look younger than normal.
“You should wear your natural hair more.”
