Know Your Worth

Oh, Mekkah

"Kim, you not getting any customers... What's the problem ?" I asked one of my new employees.

"Women come here and they got their stylists already... Don't nobody wanna give the new girls a shot." She sulked.

"You're the only girl not getting paid though...?" I questioned.

Kim said nothing.

I sighed.

"Look, you gotta make it work it for you... Sell yourself . Show these women what you could do! If you let yourself be invisible, that's exactly what you're gonna be to them! Get out there and be aggressive... You here to get paid, not to take up space. Now, go out there and apply yourself ." I dismissed her.

She rolled her eyes and left the room.

Rashad : Dinner tonight, my place ? We got things to discuss.

I sucked my teeth.

"No, go fuck yourself" I began to type.

I thought twice and immediately erased the message.

K.

I've been waiting to hear from Mekkah since that night and still, nothing.

Another waste of time..

I slammed my phone down out of frustration and left my office.

I wanted to see how the customers were doing and if they needed any water or snacks.

I heard the chimes on the door ring and in walked Mekkah with a broad on his arm.

The girl had wavy hair and it looked oily.

I rolled my tongue over my teeth and summoned all strength for me to remain calm.

"Niyari...?" Mekkah looked confused.

"Welcome, what can I do for you guys today?" I spoke, being as fake as can be.

"A wash and set, please?" The girl spoke.

"This way, Hun." I took her over to the sink, with Mekkah on my heels.

"Niyari, you work here?" He asked.

"I wouldn't be washing her hair, if I didn't." I said with a obvious attitude.

"Yari, lemme holla at you outside, real quick." He said.

"For what? There's nothing to talk about."

Mekkah must've gotten tired of me being Petty Labelle, cuz he got close to my ear and sternly said, "Be out there within the next 10 seconds."

My knees buckled, but I stood strong. Mekkah headed outside.

I gnawed at my cheek.

"Kim!" I called out.

"Yes, Niyari?"

"It's ya time to shine, take care of her." I handed off my duty to her.

"Alright." She beamed with excitement.

"I'll be back, y'all." I said out loud before leaving my salon.