MINES

Chapter 3

KEHLANI POV

"So what you gonna do?" Dom ask me

I came home right from work at Walmart and rushed to tell Dom everything. From Megan being the anonymous owner of Nike, that no one gets to see; to her inviting me to dinner with her, her husband and their child.

"I need this job cause I can't work at Walmart anymore and this job is what I always wanted. I get to use my art to help make sneakers and some clothes! I- I think I can make it through. No I know I can, I'm just there to do my job and get the hell out. I probably won't have to deal with her for long cause I'mma be one of the designers, she's just the CEO; I know she not THAT involved" I say

She nods her head, "But what about the dinner?"

"Oh I'm definitely not going. That's for damn sure" I say making us both laugh

We call it a night, but I go to sleep wondering and worrying how tomorrow is going to be.

I wake up refreshed and ready for the day, Dom and I leave our apartment at the same time heading straight to Starbucks. Her getting a caramel crunch frappe and me getting a plain hot green tea. We head to the train laughing and joking. Before I know it we hit Houston street and I prepare to get off. But of course Dom gives me her lecture; don't talk to strangers, let her know that I made it to work safely, focus on my work and not Megan, call her if I get scared, and most important... don't be scared.

With that I head off and make my walk to the loft that on the outside looks damaged, run down and just a regular warehouse but inside is beautiful and hides all the precious things no one knew could be inside. Soho... the hidden place where all the great fashion is made.

"Good morning Newbie!" I hear soon as the elevator doors open
"Morning!" I say back to the receptionist Danielle

I take in how she looks me up and down while biting her lip. I continue to walk to my desk as I meet some of my new co designers; Kellon, Jah, Evers and Jules.

"I see y'all done met the newbie, Kehlani. Kehlani, it's good to see you again" I hear what breaks up our conversation and look up seeing Normani

What the fuckkk..... Am I gonna be around all of my bullies at this damn place.

"It's great to be here... good to see you too" I say trying to sound confident

She smiles then continues on, "Well because of our great success, this new season we gotta come out on top... as we usually do. The fall is coming in meaning... back to school. So the theme for this new collection is back to school. Fall colors... maybe some floral patterns, whatever y'all come up with. Y'all got till Friday to come up with some sketches"

We all nod our heads and come together to think on what we can do. We come up with each of us doing different wears; Kellon focusing on workout attire, Jah on winter shoes, Evers on kids wear, Jules on... I don't even know I think things that are black cause he kept talking about black, and me... I chose varsity.

As I start to sketch I think on what I can do, and it comes to me. HBCU. Recognize historic black colleges by designing sneakers based on their colors. That and pairing it with varsity jackets... yeah, I like it.

As I sketch out one sneaker, Kellon comes behind me complimenting me on the design of the sneaker.

"Yo you coming for lunch?" He ask
"Um... I'm not really hungry yet..."

"Well remember we can go to lunch for as long as we can, just text me when you're ready we'll probably be there till the night time"

"Okay will do" I say as I watch him and the others leave out