Page 3 of Through the Fire

“This is dope as hell, sis. I know you’ve found online success already, but opening your own store is a major flex.”

I flexed my arms, showing off the little muscle I had. Jayce chuckled heartedly.

“Don’t hurt ’em now.”

I giggled, walking over to straighten up a shelf of body butter. A Little More Shea was my heart. After heartbreak chased me away from home and a terrible eczema flare-up due to stress, I had to find something to channel my whirlwind of emotions. I was so afraid that if I didn’t keep busy, I would be lost in oblivion for the rest of my days. It wasn’t an option, so the best thing that could’ve ever happened to me was created.

A Little More Shea started off as a passion project but quickly morphed into more as I became more knowledgeable and obsessed with the craft. Healing came in many forms, and I liked to believe I did God’s work with my products. They were moisturizing, hydrating, and smelled amazing. I was positive my scentBend Ovawas responsible for the births of a few brown sugared cutie pies.

Shifting from a strictly online business to being a brick-and-mortar store came with its own struggles and commitments. Over the last two months I have been back in Rosewind, I spent most of my time ducked off either at home or here creating the perfect ambiance for my visitors. The shop wasn’t large, which gave it an intimate and homey feel. I kept a diffuser blowing essential oils to help promote relaxation and peace while shopping.

I walked back around the desk to get back to sifting through the influx of online orders we received. I was thankful for the team I’d built to help make running my business easier. The promo my graphic designer rolled out was doing what it needed to. By the end of the month, A Little More Shea was projected to clear another six figures. I was so grateful money wasn’t an issue for me. How the fuck would I have survived poverty and grief at the same time? I wouldn’t have, and that’s why God made a way for me to be the successful business owner I was today.

“Well, aren’t you a pretty little thing?”

Jayce’s voice caused me to momentarily lift my head to find him talking to my employee, Becca. I shook my head, focusing on my work when my phone screen lighting up caught my attention.

I picked it up to find a notification of a Facebook message. My body froze when I saw the name.

Rashad Arlington:What’s up sis! It’s been a while. I heard you were back in town and wanted to meet for lunch. Here’s my number 803-235-5659.

I sat there unable to move, feeling disconnected from my body as my heart started to race. My greatest fear about returning home was now a reality. The whole point of flying under the radar was to save myself from having to reconnect with anyone from my past, especially those attached to my old lovers.

“So, you remember my homeboy, Shyheim, from when we lived in Temple Hills? Well, we reconnected, and he lives here too. I told him about your shop. He’s having an issue with his daughter I felt like you could help him with.”

I knew Jayce was talking, but I didn’t make out a word he was saying. I was too lost in my thoughts. Would seeing Rashad be a good idea? What could we possibly talk about now that the person who brought us together was long gone? I couldn’t shut my brain off if I tried.

Jayce walked up to the counter when I didn’t respond and leaned across it.

“What’s wrong?”

Never one to miss anything, of course, he’d pick up on the shift in my mood. I shook my head while placing the phone face down on the counter.

“Nothing.”

I gave him a fake smile, hoping it was believable. It seemed to work because his face relaxed as did his posture.

“Now, what is it you were saying?”

He drummed his fingers on the counter.

“My homeboy is going to swing by for your help.”

I nodded still halfway hearing what he said because that message had thrown me completely off. How could he have known I was back? We didn’t run in the same circles. Hell, I didn’t run in any circles, but he knew…

“Okay, cool,” I finally replied.

Jayce was looking at me crazily again, so I had to play it off.

“You hungry? I could go for some lunch.”

* * *

I wantedthis day to be over. When I got back from lunch with Jayce, the shop was jam-packed. Thankful for the distraction, I jumped into action, helping where I could. Now, a restock of the shelves was needed. So, I was keeping busy with that to keep from thinking.

It was an hour until closing time, and I couldn’t wait to make it into the safe bubble of my home. Becca was supposed to close, but she had to help her little sister who was stranded with a flat tire. I jumped at the opportunity to stay and keep busy until I was forced to face my feelings.

The bell above the door jingled as someone pushed inside. I was down on the bottom shelf adding jars of body butter, so I couldn’t see who it was.

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