At Her Best.

Twenty-Eight.

"Girl, do you really think this lady wants to hire me?" I asked, slamming Keisha's car door. "I mean, I did go to jail. I don't want to roll up in there to get let down."

Keisha huffed and rolled her eyes. "First of all, don't ever slam my car door like that again. And secondly, yes I'm sure. Her assistant has been keeping tabs on your school progress and everyone at her firm likes what they see. I talked to her to make sure it's legit. Besides, she used to be married to one of the biggest drug dealers in the city. And he's been to jail twice. Trust me, she ain't worried about your four-week trip to the pen."

"For the record, it was five weeks." I corrected. "Put some respect on my name. I gotta little street cred now."

"Oh, bitch please." Keisha laughed. "You was probably up in that joint crying yourself to sleep."

"Girl, you in my business? Don't do that." I giggled.

Laughing, Keisha and I walked arm in arm into Mrs. Nova Harding's accounting firm. Your girl was looking prim and proper for this interview chile. I was really digging my new look. Of course I had to put the Raja splash on the outfit, but I must say I clean up nice. When I got the call from Mrs. Harding's assistant asking me to come by for an interview, I was excited but still apprehensive. I mean, I was over the moon that a lady of her expertise was interested in little old me, but I still had my reservations. Mrs. Harding's assistant got my contact from my school, their firm claimed to be pleased with how I was excelling in class. Although I've only been at school for two weeks, I will say that I've been doing significantly well, and that caught the attention of some professors in the faculty. However, I still thought it was a little strange that an accounting firm had the pull to see who were the bright stars in college classes. It felt like an invasion of privacy to me. And that probably was illegal too, right? Right?

"Hi, my name is Keisha Bolton. This is my friend La'Raja Harper. We're here to see Mrs. Nova Harding." Keisha announced to the lady at the front desk. "We have an appointment at 10."

"Ah, yes." The lady secretary said. "We've been expecting you. Mrs. Harding will see you now. Her office is straight down the hall, you can't miss it."

Keisha and I smiled respectfully at the secretary and went about our way. I glanced around in admiration at not only the decorative space, but the people who filled the room. Everyone looked so bossed up and productive. They all exuded powerful, no-nonsense energy. This was always the type of person I envisioned myself to be, and fingers crossed that will be me. I felt honored to be amongst these fellow accounting geniuses, they were giving me nothing but motivation and inspiration.  

"Now, you're gonna go in there and kick ass!" Keisha exclaimed when we reached the door of Mrs. Harding's office. "Don't doubt yourself, you got this. Now why are you looking at me like that? Are you nervous? Don't tell me you're nervous. Do you know who the fuck you are? You're Raja Ajade bitch. And she doesn't get nervous."

I sarcastically rolled my eyes at Keisha and smiled. "I'm not nervous. I'm just happy. And proud. I'm damn proud of me. Everything I said I was going to do I'm doing. I'm back in school, I'm living better, thinking better. And now I might potentially be employed at one of the best accounting firms in the country. It hasn't been easy, but this interview is just a gentle reminder that I can possess a fantastic and purposeful life without taking any shortcuts."

"Oh, sweetie." Keisha gushed, pulling me into a huge hug. "Life's coming full circle for you, and I'm so glad I'm able to witness it! You deserve this my love. Now hurry up and go kill this interview so we can go have drinks."

I smiled, and Keisha quickly disappeared to go chit chat with someone she knew at the firm. I cleared my throat and breathed out slowly. Raja girl, you got this. This was all you've ever wanted, and you weren't going to mess it up. Pushing the door slowly, I mentally prepared myself for this encounter. It was time to show Mrs. Nova Harding all that I've got.

Greeting me with a huge smile and an extended arm, Mrs. Harding ushered me to be seated in one of her guest chairs. I had to catch myself before I got caught staring, because this woman was truly so breathtaking and sophisticated. I loved the way she carried herself, her whole demeanor and speech was so beautiful. I was literally only in her presence for twenty seconds, but I completely adored her already.

"La'Raja Ajade Harper." Mrs. Harding said when we were finally sitting face to face. "My name is Nova Harding, but you can call me Nova. I've heard a lot about you, and I must say I'm impressed. I really think you would be a great fit here at my accounting firm." 

"I would be honored." I replied. "You've created such a successful, phenomenal business. Being involved with your empire would be a dream come true. You're one of the leading accounting firms in the city, and the sole firm being led by a woman. I truly think so highly of you, it's so refreshing to see someone who looks like me dominating the accounting field. You're an incredible role model for little black girls. You're doing us proud."    

"Okay, flattery. I see you." Nova laughed. "I normally don't like too much of that but coming from you feels different. I hope you weren't too freaked out or pressured when my assistant called. Your school is my alma mater. Every year I donate a hefty amount to show my appreciation. In return they give me access to the students who're performing outstandingly. And you my friend were on top of the list. You've actually been on top of the list for a few years now. Why haven't you ventured out to do more with your talents?"

I smiled. Fuck. She knew some shit, huh? It probably wasn't hard to find out about my previous endeavors, I was not too long ago plastered all over the media. But there was something about Nova's approach that was so welcoming and loving. I didn't even feel ashamed or embarrassed at the question. I glanced at Nova who was smiling at me encouragingly, waiting for me to respond.

"Well, I got a little distracted, but I overcame that hurdle. I'm now ready to pursue my talents, and I think here at your accounting firm would be a great start." I answered.

"I love how you handled that question." Nova smiled. "La'Raja, I got an ear to the streets. Like I said earlier, I've heard a lot about you. And I'm proud of you. I'm rooting for you. Turning your life around is never easy, and I commend you for taking the steps to do so. Remember, your past doesn't define you. And you never have to question if it'll be brought up or slapped back in your face here. That I can promise you. We all have a past here, and we protect each other. So, with that being said, when can you start?"

I chuckled in disbelief. Was this really happening? I had to pinch myself to make sure it was. Me, La'Raja Ajade Harper, the newest member of one of the most prominent, flourishing accounting firms in the country. Yeah, that description just rolls off the tongue. I love it here.