The Price of Passion

Apology Bagels

Onika Pov: R&R Eatery

"None of those blogs ever talked about how messy she was?!" Lauren exclaimed as I waited for my bus. I chose to take an Uber for as far as I could afford before switching to my bus pass. Riding three buses would be too exhausting, and I still wouldn't have arrived on time.

I checked my watch, growing more frustrated with each passing minute, as the bus failed to show. "No, and I don't know what to do," I muttered. Ms. Knowles provided me with her weekly schedule, showing that Fenty and Ivy Park had arranged a meeting today to explore a potential collaboration. You'd expect that she would have mentioned this when she hired me.

"I know what I'll do." My friend declared yawning. I knew she was tired, yet she refused to rest until she knew I had arrived safely. "Just focus on your job, and if anything goes wrong, call me and I'll teleport there." Lo was still fuming about how Robyn manipulated me, but I was feeling more hurt and embarrassed than anything else.

"The bus is late and you know I hate being late," I complained glancing at my watch again and noticing that only a minute had passed.

"Chill out," my best friend told me. "She said the doors open at six and that work starts at seven."

"I might be getting kidnapped," I sighed seeing bright lights approach me. Calmly I told her 'Hold on' as a black SUV came to a stop in front of me. I reached a point of irritation where I just didn't care anymore.

"Bitch, run!" She urged. "I'll call the police."

I told Lauren to wait as she panicked on the other end of the phone, frightened for my safety. It was Ms. Knowles; I hadn't expected to see her until I made it to work, although I knew she would be working by six if not before. One aspect she was truthful about in her interviews was how inspiring her work ethic is.

"What are you doing out here so early?" The woman questioned me while stepping out of the truck.

"I'm just hanging out." I couldn't help the slight sarcasm in my tone as I looked between her and the bus stop.

"I deserve that." She chuckled nervously. "Would you like a ride?" Ms. Knowles proposed, clearing her throat in an attempt to dispel the awkwardness that had plagued the air.

I took a deep breath before accepting. It was the only choice I had if I didn't want to waste any more time.

"Friend let me see if she's fine in real life or if you and the rest of the world are delusional because she got money," Lo mumbled sleepily.

Quickly ending the call I felt my cheek flush in embarrassment while Ms. Knowles laughed and held the door open for me.

"She's funny." That girl wasnt joking, she really wanted to know. "Has it been that long since I made an appearance?" She questioned taking a seat beside me.

I answered simply with a 'yes' since she had rolled out all her recent projects via social media. Which wasn't unfavorable; it's where everybody shared everything. It was the domain of our world. "We the people like the mysterious thing you got going on." We embraced the challenge of glimpsing the mogul, excitedly waiting for every appearance and post.

"Am I correct in assuming you're upset with me?" The question appeared rhetorical as I ought to be thankful above all else.

"You gave me a job and a ride in less than a week, thanks." If she wanted to discuss it, then it's her responsibility to raise the topic especially since she denied me the courtesy the other day.

"Don't thank me for a job you're clearly overqualified for," Ms. Knowles reacted with disdain as if I'd insulted her. "I ask because of the attitude you had since I pulled up," I could feel her turn to challenge me but I wouldn't dare look. "Are you upset me?" She repeated the question. "Just remember that you've lied to me before; it wouldn't be wise to do it again." Her advice piqued my curiosity and drew my attention to her.