Fatima: Love, Family, and Career

Chapter 6: In the A

Back in Atlanta

It's been a few days since the Orlando trip and Fatima has not told the girls that she slept with Zac yet. She received a text from him a week after, but she didn't respond. Fatima doesn't have time for a relationship and just wants to leave what happened in Orlando, in Orlando.

The girls did have a great time which was much needed, but now it's time to get back to work. Only 3 days until the grand opening of the firm.

Knock, knock. "Who is that?" asks Fatima. "Do they not see the closed sign?"

"I don't know," says Andi as she goes to check. She goes to the door and sees Madea.

"Hey Andi, I brought some food. I know ya'll have been working hard and haven't had time to eat," says Madea. "Where's my grandbaby."

"Thank you, Ms. Madea. She's in the back office."

"Who is it?" asked Fatima as she walks around the corner. "Hey, Madea. What are you doing here?"

"Hey, baby. I brought you some lasagna. It's coming along so nicely."

"Thank you." says Fatima. "Come have a seat, Madea."

"Naw I'm not staying long. Going to the casino."

"Madea why can't you play bingo like all the other folks your age?"

"Cuz I'm not old. Ain't nothing old about me. Ask them, young boys."

"Oh gosh! I don't want to hear that," says Andi laughing.

"Alright, imma get going. Don't work too hard."

"Bye, Madea." They say in unison.

"A I'm ready to get out of here too. Come by my place so we can eat this lasagna," suggest Fatima.

"Sounds good to me." The girls leave the office and head to Fatima's house.

They eat, finish up some work, and then watch a few episodes of Tyler Perry's Sistas.

Fatima starts to talk. "You know when we left the club in Orlando, right. I went to see Zac."

"How come I didn't know about this?"

"You and Lori was passed out drunk. He texted me to come to his room and I did."

"Ok. So how was it?" asks Andi.

"Oh, it was good. Real good."

"Are you going to see him again."

"I don't know yet."

"Well, I think you should. Yall hit it off really good."

"We will see." says Fatima.

"Alright T let me get home. I will see you tomorrow."

"Alright drive safe and text me when you get home."

Saturday-The Day of the Grand Opening

Fatima and Andi arrive at the office. Mike, the marketer has already set up for the event. Andi's mom had all the food catered. It was perfect. They had 30 minutes to start.

A few former coworkers, clients, and bosses stopped by. Their college classmates, friends, and family all came to support them. Also, people from the neighborhood that heard about it or just wanted to check it out. Had about 30 people that showed up.

Fatima and Andi say a little introduction and then they cut the ribbon.

"Let the countdown begin.1......2......3." Andi and Fatima cut the ribbon.

Everyone goes into the office to eat.

A nice-looking guy comes towards Andi. He is light complexion with curly hair.

"Hi Andrea, I'm Jake."

Andi looks confused. "Hi Jake. Nice to meet you. Are you a former coworker of Fatima's?"

"No. Actually, I am a realtor, leasing agent, property manager, you name it. I was next door touring the office."

"Ok, and you just happen to stop bye?"

"Well, I'm not gone lie I was being nosey, and I like what I saw." He smiles.

Andi blushes. "Well, you can call me Andi. Do you want some food? It's plenty over there.

"Sure thanks."

After getting a plate to go he stops by the front to speak to Andi.

"Thanks so much for the plate and congrats. The office looks nice. Nice to meet you again."

"Jake!" Andi calls him before he walks out the door. "Here's my card."

The crowd then leaves. The event was a success and will be open for business starting Monday morning.