Page 8 of Truce Of The Matter

Fridays are always pretty busy but this one is on another level. Between tax season and this MLK Day weekend sale, we are swamped. Customers were actually waiting at the door when I opened at nine and it’s been nonstop all day. It’s all hands-on deck and I’m fully staffed from eight to eight to make sure every customer gets serviced.

“Mr. Goode. You are needed in the warehouse,” my assistant, Melia, announces through my two-way.

“Give me five,” I respond then turn to one of my salesmen, Kurt. “The young lady standing by the outdoor furniture display wants express delivery. Set her up and waive the express fee. She purchased five rooms. I’ll be in the warehouse; hit me if you need me.”

“Sure thing, boss man.”

When he heads to the customer, I trek through the showroom floor, then through the back employee area and into my office for my keys. When I purchased my store, it was an old outlet furniture store, Odd Pieces. I acquired the 65,000 square foot store and showroom along with a 125,000 square foot warehouse and distribution center. The warehouse is about a mile from the store so we usually use one of the two golf cartsout back to commute to it. However, it’s the end of January and cold as fuck out so I’m going to take my ride.

After grabbing the keys from my desk, I start my ride remotely then head out. I need the seat warm before I slide in. My iron levels stay low and I can’t stand to be cold. I had to get an iron infusion yesterday because it was too low. I had been anemic prior to my accident but after it and my surgeries, it’s gotten worse. The moment I’m in my warm seat, Melia hits me on the two-way again.

“Did you leave yet?” she asks with a sense of urgency.

“About to. Why? Something’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong. I just wanted to hitch a ride. I need to get the inventory for the outdoor Kingsly set with the firepit. Some popular couple from Cliqued posted a video with them having a romantic dinner on the set and everyone wants one. We’ve been getting inquiries all morning.”

“I haven’t pulled off yet. Just come outside.”

“Perfect.”

After placing my two-way into my middle console, I turn on the passenger seat warmer then pull right up to the back door. Melia cautiously steps out and inches the few steps to me. There’s snow on the ground and she has on her usual heels. No matter the weather, she wears those damn shoes. I lean over, open her door, and she gets in.

“Whew! It’s cold as hell,” she says then shivers.

“Very and it’s supposed to snow again on Sunday.”

“I know,” she sighs. I drive to the warehouse, park in my spot, then get out and help Melia. There’s some ice on the walkway and I don’t want her falling. “Thanks. They will kill me if I fall and mess up our one hundred- and eleven-days free of incidents.”

“Especially these warehouse workers.”

To ensure the safety of all employees, I run safety bonuses. Every two hundred days of no incidents, no accidents, and no injuries, each employee gets a two-hundred dollar bonus. It’s a small incentive but it works and they work hard but carefully to ensure that they earn the bonuses, limiting my liabilities.

We enter the warehouse and my manager, Furley, greets me at the door. He and Melia worked for the previous owners and I rehired them along with about twelve other former Odd Pieces employees. It eased my transition into furniture. Truth is, I didn’t know shit about the furniture business when I bought this place. I was a boxer who needed something to do with his money and something to keep my mind occupied, so surrounding myself with vets in the industry was essential.

Furley and I walk the warehouse floor and he points out pieces with nicks and other minor defects. Only the best is allowed on the floor and sold in the main store. However, once a month, we run an Oops Sale on those flawed items not purchased by employees. They get first look with a fifty-percent discount. Whatever is left is then reduced by thirty percent and sold as-is to the public. It’s a bargain because the defects are truly minuscule. Truly damaged or defective pieces aren’t sold at all.

After I inspect and approve all the pieces he identifies, I find Melia and we head back to the main store. As soon as I’m in my office, my cell rings. It’s my mom and she has Aryel. Because she’s retired and loves her grandbaby, my mom helps out when needed and today she picked Aryel up from school.

“Rex,” I answer.

“You know it’s me so why do you answer the phone like that? I prefer, hello Mom,” she says with a chuckle.

“Hello, Mom,” I say to appease her. “Is everything okay with Aryel?”

“She’s fine. Lyra is here and she’s going to braid Aryel’s hair if you want.”

“Just her hair, none of that stuff added. I don’t want them going all down her back.”

“No weave. Just her hair braided up into a cute ponytail. With all that thick hair on her head, she doesn’t need any weave. I’ll send you a picture of the style for your approval.”

“Thanks, Ma. I should be there around six.”

“Take your time. She’s fine. You know what? Actually, she can just stay here tonight and maybe you can go somewhere and meet somebody.”

“She has Girl Scouts in the morning and it’s cookie time. I’m picking her up.”

“Okay,” she sighs, worrying. She’s so concerned that I don’t have a life but she doesn’t have to be. I’m good. I date casually, fuck when I have needs, and chill. I just haven’t brought a woman around them or Aryel yet and I’m not until it’s right. I’m not confusing my princess by bringing different women around her. Aria confuses her enough as it is. “Take your time and don’t worry about dinner. Your daddy wants oxtail stew and they are already on the stove.”

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