Page 5 of Pills and Potions: Snoh
“Good morning, ladies. Anything new?”
“Same old, same old. Have a good day,” Queen responded before answering the phone.
“Same to you ladies.”
I turned the corner where the elevators were located. The office building was a three story with HR having the first floor to themselves along with security. The second floor was designated to the design team and the third was where I worked from with my heads of departments. Ink Impressions ran like a well oiled machine with their help.
The doors opened and I stepped on with London behind me. She was on a call setting up another meeting. She was the reason my day ran as smooth as it did. I thanked God for her countless times ‘cause I’d be ready to pull my hair out if she wasn’t who she was. Besides looking like a human fuckin’ Barbie, she handled business like a boss would. I had to upgrade her from a secretary to a personal assistant.
She knew me like the back of her hand by now. She worked for me for years and not once had a slip up. She was on time, thorough, and thoughtful as hell. She gave a fuck about my staff when I couldn’t out of being too busy or them genuinely not crossing my mind. She was my better half. All I needed was forher to realize that shit and we could turn this from business to personal.
We stepped onto our designated floor and more greetings were thrown our way. I spoke and gave subtle nods as well as smiles. I headed straight for the conference room and got comfortable. London stepped out and returned moments later with the rest of her coworkers behind her. Once everyone was seated, I took control.
“Good morning once again. I wanted to get a jump on the new quarter. Is there anything that’s concerning with the numbers or any negative feedback on the designs?” I questioned.
“The numbers are always good, except Melanin won’t budge with the quantity count. I’ve been keeping up with their reviews on their site and the people are upset about missing out on the monthly issues because they get gone so fast. Maybe you can speak with Olandria about that. She won’t budge for me.” Phillip was over the Melanin account, so I looked to him to see if what Derek was saying was true.
“She refuses to speak to me until she speaks to you. I don’t know what the problem is but maybe, just maybe, she’s in a bind to where she can’t up the numbers. More issues mean more money which means the payroll gets bigger,” Phil added.
“I’ll take care of it. Other than that, what’s new?”
“We’re looking into this partnership with Rated X. Their starting an adult coloring book. It has quite the visuals.” Farrah pulled out a few copies of the inside content and handed them to London. She brought them over to me and I couldn’t lie, they were pretty graphic.
I looked up and chuckled. “What’s taking so long to bag them?” I could see myself relaxing and bringing a few visuals to life.
“It’s a small company so they’re worried about losing money,” she replied.
“You slacking on me? What happened to the Farrah that didn’t take no for an answer? Get her back and seal that deal. Make it worth their while.”
“Yes sir,” she said smiling.
“Is there anything else? This new quarter I want the same energy but more deals. Let’s make it happen,” I said pleased with what was thrown at me so far.
“Speak now or forever hold your peace,” London chimed.
“We good, Boss Lady. Can us regular folk get back to work now?” Phil jested.
“As long as you know who’s in charge,” she threw back followed by a wink. That small gesture stirred the jealousy pot within me. I didn’t like her joking with other men in front of me.
Everyone filed out as I remained seated. Once it was just me and London in the room, my mouth ran before I could gain control of it. “Don’t do that again, London.”
“Do what, Snoh?” she asked with a gentle, yet confused expression.
“Nothing. See if my next appointment is here and ready, please and thank you.” I almost wrote a check I knew she wouldn’t let me cash.
“Are you sure? Did I do something to offend you?”
“Nah, I tripped out for a second. My appointment if you don’t mind.” I quickly reeled my emotions back in.
“Yes sir.” She hesitantly backed out of the room, and I released a deep sigh. My feelings for this woman were going to put me in a position I couldn’t get myself out of.
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“I can go in and grab you some snacks, Snoh. It’s not a big deal.”
“I appreciate it but, I need some fresh air. Sit tight for me. I’ll be in and out.” I stepped out the car, aggravated. She didn’t do anything but cater to me the way she always did but the physicality was starting to fuck with me.
As a man, I was far from ugly. I looked exactly like my mama but had my daddy’s masculine features. I was a good height and had a muscular build. Having many women throw themselves at me daily was normal but not having London even budge in a nigga’s direction was mentally exhausting. I yearned for that woman, and she played as if she didn’t have a clue.
