Page 14 of Kandi's Crush: A BWWM Sweet Billionaire Romance

“You’re right. It’s been a week! What are you doing over there?” My mother raised both hands and punctuated the air with her movements. Exasperation leaked from every single syllable. She straightened her back and lowered her voice. “You gotta get your head out of the clouds. Thank goodness you work with us—Corporate America wouldn’t stand for this.”

Those were fighting words, and I was ready for a fight. My mother enjoyed bringing up the reason she believed I was back in New Orleans and working for Scrub-A-Dub. This spring, on the advice of my favorite professor, I’d applied for a position at FinaSoft. Two weeks and four rounds of interviews later, the hiring manager invited me to join their junior sales program.

The Atlanta-based position was three states away from the domineering watch of my mother. Free from scrutiny and ‘management,’ I could stay out all night without worrying that Mama would find out and demand an explanation. For once, I could be a young, twenty-something exploring nightlife and dating.

The bad part was that I would be alone in a strange city. The Atlanta metropolitan area had to be at least three times larger than New Orleans. I couldn’t imagine living in such a big city with no friends or family.

I had declined the offer because I was too afraid of taking a chance. I’d told my family and friends that I didn’t get the job. In my mind, lying to my family, professors, and friends was easier than admitting the truth.

At that moment, my mother wasn’t playing fair, the conversation could have easily devolved into an argument. Instead, I exhaled and said my words in a slow, measured cadence.

“Mother, I’m working hard. His house needed more care than we originally thought.” I cringed and instantly regretted my choice of words when she blinked in surprise.

“Mother?”

I called her ‘Mama’ affectionately, but she became ‘Mother’ when she approached ‘getting on my nerves’ territory. Catching the hint, she adjusted her demeanor by straightening her back and changing her voice to a more conciliatory tone.

“I know Pierre is cute. But you have got to focus on your career and doing everything well.” Her expression brightened a little. “Speaking of Pierre, how was the date?”

I finally turned to face her. “He’s very handsome.” And arrogant to the point of rudeness.

“Well . . . Was it a love connection?”

“Mama, I don’t like him. He talked about himself the entire time.”

“He was likely nervous. I think you two will be good together. His parents are good people.”

Pierre received the Celeste Alexander seal of approval because his parents’ values and expectations aligned with hers. She knew his mother from the old neighborhood and followed his successes on and off the court.

She paused, seeming to choose her words carefully. “Kandi, just give him a chance. I’m sure you two will have fun at the ball. You didn’t respond to my text messages with the gowns I found online. Did you like any of those?”

The Sportsman Ball was in one week. Created after the Deepwater Horizon disaster to raise awareness of the dangers threatening the state’s wildlife, the ball was one of the more conservative local events. It was possible that Pierre and I would be the only twenty-somethings in attendance.

My mother had set it up without even asking me, and I had wanted to scream in frustration when she’d informed me that my attendance was mandatory.

Either I work on these boxes or I stay here with her chattering like schoolgirls about a guy I don’t even like.

“Marie and I are excited about going shopping with you. Everything is on me—dress, shoes, hair. Money is no object. Also, you can wear Nana Alexander’s comb. It’s perfect for the twenties theme.”

My great-grandmother passed along her antique wedding jewelry to my mother. Mama and auntie wore it on special occasions. I didn’t wear it for my prom, but I’m allowed to wear it with Pierre?

“Mother, I can pick my clothing.”

“I know you can pick your own clothing. I just want to make you happy. Well, I’ll leave you to the unpacking.” Her posture slumped before she turned on her heel, walking back to her desk.

Damn it. I hurt her feelings.

I guess I should have plastered a phony smile on my face and pretended to be excited.

One hour later, I emerged from the storeroom. I’d unloaded all the boxes, stacked the inventory on the shelves, and placed the boxes in the recycling bin.

“All done! If you need nothing else, I will head out.” I announced. I hooked my arms through my backpack and began walking to the door. Auntie Marie gave me a sympathetic smile.

“Thank you, sweetie. I think that’s all we need. You were a big help.” She winked and flashed a megawatt smile.

“Kandi, don’t forget to get those staffing plans completed for Chadwick’s property. We would like to build a forecast for the next three months.” My mother used her softer, less authoritative voice. The same voice she’d used when I was younger, before I had hit puberty.

“Will do.” I walked over and planted kisses on her cheek and then did the same to Auntie.

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