Page 15 of One Good Reason

“It most definitely is,” I retorted. “One thing you will learn about me Ms. Howard, when I’m presented with idea, I turn it into an opportunity. That passion that you had when we first spoke, I need you to dig deep down inside and pull it out. It’s time to get the ball rolling.”

“I’ll shoot my connects information over to you Law. Get with him and follow up with me.” Turning to Talitha, Poppa grabbed her by the hand. “Don’t stress about anything. This is your vision, we’re just here to see it through for you. I think you have something that could be major as long as you follow through with it. If I can be of any help at all, don’t hesitate to reach out.Law got my digits and he doesn’t mind calling me up any time of the night. I’m extending that same courtesy to you.”

“Thank you so much, Mr. Patton.”

“Call me Poppa.” His slick ass was lowkey flirting. Knowing exactly where this could lead, I interrupted whatever it was that he was getting ready to say.

“Pop, let me walk you out.”

“Ummhmm,” he hummed and nodded his head.

“Talitha, give me a few minutes.”

“Will do.”

Poppa and I rose from the table and after he gave Talitha a final goodbye, we left the conference room.

When we were a good distance away from the door I asked, “You really think this could work?”

“Hell yeah! All you gotta do is set the foundation and employ the right people. I’m talking from admissions down to the advisors. This could work Dutch. Mark my word, this shit is getting ready to change the game.” Holding his hand up, he ran a finger down the front of it and asked, “How many ofusyou know that’s done opened a fucking accredited school up.”

“Shit. I can name a few,” I responded.

“And I’m not talking ‘bout no fucking beauty and barber school. They throw them muthafuckas up on every damn corner. I’m talking ‘bout some legit shit. You ‘bout to really pave the way for some shit.”

“Man,” I drawled. “I’m just trying to do my civil duty.”

“Yeah. And that pretty lil’ chocolate thing sitting in the conference room is all the motivation you need.”

“Ain’t nothing Poppa. You know me. If it was, I wouldn’t hesitate to say so.”

“Y’all ‘bout to be working together on this shit. If it ain’t nothing right now, it will be.”

“Nawl. I’mma keep it business. The last time I mixed the two, she fucked my crib up,” I chuckled, even though the shit really wasn’t funny. I’m just glad I could laugh about it now.

“All I’mma say is if you do take it there, be careful with that one Dutch. Something tells me she ain’t like Dahlia.”

“No need to adhere to your warning. I promise I’m not even on that.”

“I hear ya’. I’mma forward you that information. Now yo’ ass owe me.”

“Favor for a favor.” I accepted. After letting him know I would get up with him later, I ambled back to the conference room where I had Talitha waiting on me.

Rounding the conference room table, I sat down in my seat and gathered the papers I had sprawled out on the table.

“I’m going to reach out to Poppa’s friend, and I guess we can go from there.”

“Mr. Harvey, if I may.”

“Go ahead,” I urged.

“This is a lot. Like a whole lot, and I don’t know if I will have the necessary time needed to devote to a project of this magnitude.”

“Okay. I can understand that. I’m going to be with you one hundred percent of the way seeing as though it would be my name on everything. I fully plan to be involved.”

“No.” Her head shook vehemently. “You’re not understanding. Outside of work, I take care of my elderly grandmother. I have a nurse that’s with her during the day.”

“I see.” I nodded. Scratching at my beard, I thought of ways to make it easier for her to be involved with this project. “What if we have someone step in as interim director so you can use your days and focus on this?”

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