Torn Between The Two

18

Omniscient

"How do I look?" Ximena asked as she examined herself.
She was dressed, waiting for Nasir to come pick them up to head to her grand store opening.
To say she was a nervous wreck was an understatement.
Nasir quickly pulled up and hopped out, opening the door for her.
"Damn baby you look so beautiful" he cooed at her taking time to admire her.
"Thank you baby but let's go I'm already running late for my own store opening"
As they drove towards the store, she mentally thanked her mother for going the extra mile for her.
Her mom went over to the shop earlier to make sure that everything was done to perfection since Ximena was out getting herself prepared.
She wanted to be there but her mom and Nasir could see how stressed she was.
Recently she had also quit her job at the hospital to give her candle shop all her attention.
She felt as though she had enough money to take her through until her business started to take off.
Pulling up, she smiled as her eyes started to burn from tears burning her eyes.
She could see people already standing outside with champagne glasses drinking and talking among each other.
"Wow" she said as she looked at the turn out of people at her business.
She had invited old co-workers from the hospital, people she was acquainted with, close friends and even Amir.
Since they were being cordial she didn't see a reason why she couldn't invite him.
"I'm going to go to my man" Farrah said as she left Ximena and Nasir alone.
She looked in the direction she was walking and saw Von standing with Amir.
He raised his glass towards her smiling and she returned a smile.
"Here you go baby" Nasir said as he collected two glasses of champagne from a tray.
"Thank you"
Her mother made her way over with the golden scissors.
"Ma, thank you sooo much" they hugged as they rocked from side to side.
"You don't have to thank me Kai. I'm just happy to be apart of this new milestone in your life"
She handed over the scissors to her.
"It's time"
She looked up at Nasir as he gave her a reassuring smile.
"You got this lil baby" he bend a bit and give her kiss.
As she made her way to the front of the store, she called on her mom, brother and best friend to join her.
"Oh wow I don't know what to say" she cheesed as everyone laughed.
She looked up and made eye contact with Nas who smiled.
"For starters, thank you all for supporting me today. I appreciate it. Welcome to the grand opening of Scented Haven By KAI. We have a wide variety of scented and non scented candles to choose from. We also provide a DIY station where you can make your own candles. Here at Scented Haven By KAI we aim to add that little decorative piece that lights and add a lingering scent to your safe haven"
They applauded.
"Before you cut this ribbon let me offer a word of prayer for you" Ximena's mom said.
"Dear Lord, I ask for your graceful guidance as my daughter Ximena build and grow this business. I put my trust in your hands that you will bless her business, her suppliers, her customers, and her employees. I pray that you protect this enterprise and the investments she has put into it. Amen"
Ximena anticipated this moment her entire life.
Since she was little, her mother would take her and Xahier shopping whenever she wasn't busy to try and distract them from the fact that she didn't really have time for them.
She would often wonder off into bath and body works and other small candle stores.
The scents always caught her but the way it was made was what she was most interested in.
Once she learnt to perfect it, she was ready to do whatever she could to get her business off the ground.
First it started with her making and selling to family and friends.
Once they started recommending her work to other people, she decided to start an online page.
As her customer base expanded, she decided that it was time to open her store.
And now here she was.
Taking one last glance at the crowd, her eyes landed on Amir.
He smiled at her and she smiled back.
"Okay Kai this is it" she spoke to herself.
And just like that, the ribbon was cut.
"You're free to explore" she said as she stepped aside.
Everyone made their way inside.
"Congratulations ma" she turned to see Amir standing behind her.
"Thank you for coming. It means a lot to me"
"No biggie. You're always there to listen to me rant so it's the least I could do. You look beautiful by the way"
She blushed a little.

He handed her a bag. Confused, she looked at it then back up at him.
"Just a little milestone gift"
She took the small jewelry box that marked Cartier out of the gift bag and opened it.
"Wow this is beautiful" she admired it but soon came back to reality.
"I can't accept this Amir"
He stopped her.
"Please just take it. It's just a gift. He'll understand"
She thought for a moment. She knew how Nasir could be and she didn't want anything to ruin her big day.
"Fine"
They hugged then made their way inside.
Nasir saw the whole encounter. He was fuming but he tried to relax knowing that if he acted on his feelings it'd probably ruin Ximena's day.
He didn't want that to happen.
She walked in greeting some of the guest.
Her mom was the cashier for the day.
She spotted Nasir and headed over to him.
"Hey baby" she tried to kiss him but he didn't budge.
Realizing that he was probably upset, she sighed pulling him into her office, locking the door behind her.
"Nasir"
"What was that out there Ximena?why is he even here?" He asked as calm as ever.
"Look I invited him because we're friends. We're cordial. You have nothing to worry about when it comes to Amir babe"
He stared at her. She could tell that he was trying to read her.
"I don't like it and I'm not just saying that but if I was still hugging on one of them bitches I used to fuck you'd be ready to dump my ass in a heartbeat"
She sighed knowing he was right.
"So you want me to stop being friends with him?"
She asked as she fold her arms in front of her.
"I'm not here to control you lil baby. You wanna be friends with ya ex? Go ahead. I'll head out tho"
"Nasir wait" he left out the office leaving her there in utter shock.
She couldn't imagine this was happening right now.
This was supposed to be her day now she was upset and about ready to leave.
"Girl pull yourself together. This is your day. This is about you. Go outside and run your business" she gave herself a pep talk.
Examining herself in the mirror, she was satisfied.
"Who wants more champagne?"