Torn

Chapter 1

Monique P.O.V

"Please be sure to email these status reports to Mr. Fairchild before lunch. And please don't be a minute late." I tell my trustworthy assistant as she took notes.
"Yes ma'am right away. Is there anything else ?" She asked.
I sat back in my chair in deep thought trying to think of if I had anything else. "No not at the moment." I say after a couple of minutes thinking. She nodded her head and continued taking notes.
"Don't forget that you're supposed to be meeting with the board of directors at Pepsi to discuss future plans." She said.
I completely forgot about that meeting.
"Oh yes I completely forgot. When and what time is the meeting ?" I asked secretly hoping she says the meeting is tomorrow. She flipped through her notebook and then she looked through her bag and retrieved her daily planner. She finally found what she was looking for.
"The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 9:30 a.m in the board room." She said. I took a sip of my coffee and typed in the information into my tablet. Yes, I have an assistant but I still like to keep up with the move of things.
"Okay got it. Thanks Marissa you've been amazing." I said. The young girl blushed. She's only been here six months and has done more than my old secretary had done in ten years. She was a single mother raising three kids because her baby's father is in the military. They broke up before he went because he wanted her to 'enjoy her life' which I find odd because she's twenty-five years old raising a five year old, A four year old, and a three year old all of which are his kids. So the irony in that situation is amazing.
"Thanks ma'am. I try to do the best job I can so I can take care of my kids and make sure they have all the necessities and not want for anything." She said. I smiled at her. She's a strong young lady, a great mother, her children are beautiful and well behaved.
"No problem sugar. How are my babies ? I haven't seen them in a month. You keeping my godbabies from me ?" I say giving her a suspicious look. She laughed while shaking her head.
"No never. They've been with my mom for a month because I got evicted and that's why I have been working overtime trying to save up and get a place to live because I'm currently living with my mother and all our stuff is in storage which is about to expire soon. I'm trying my hardest to keep it together but it's hard. I'll figure something out" She said as she wiped tears from her eyes. I got up and consoled her.
"Let it out girl it's okay to cry. You're a great mother and I know you're a strong woman and we women do anything to make sure our kids are taken care of. Those are my godbabies and I'm going to make sure their taken care of. You have my number and you know you can call me. I'm your boss but I'm also your sister honey and I know how it is raising kids, it's tough and us as black women has got to stick together." I tell her as I wipe her tears. I walk over to my desk and give her some tissues.
"Thanks Monique. I really needed that." She said giving me a weak smile.
"No problem matter fact hold on one second." I say going to my phone. I dialed the number to one of my partners in business.
"Hello. Hi Alex how are you today ? Great that's wonderful. Listen I need a favor." I said
"Oh lord Monique did you get arrested ?" He said. I laughed out loud almost dropping the phone.
"Man that's my past. Listen you remember Marissa ?" I said while looking at her.
"Yes the sweet girl with the well behaved kids. What's wrong with baby girl ? Do I have to go back to killing ? " He said. I laughed. It's no secret that he has a crush on her.
"Listen fool. She needs a place to stay. She's been evicted from her place and she needs help. Do You have any available apartments for her and my godbabies ?" I say hoping he says yes.
"Matta fact I do. I just renovated a new property on 17th street. It's a six bedroom, five bathroom,  spacious living room, a big kitchen, big backyard, and a balcony. I'll give it to her free of charge, she'll just have to pay for the utilities." He said.
"Thanks Alex that's wonderful ! Awww I love you so much big brother" I said.
"Yeah yeah yeah. She can move in tomorrow around noon. That'll give us time to put furniture in it and all the good stuff." He said.
"Okay and we'll meet you later so we can get furniture okay. And what's the address ?" I Said getting my pen and sticky note.
"It's 1709 Penn Street. You and baby girl meet me at the furniture store today at three" He said.
"Okay and thanks so much brother." I said smiling my butt off.
"Yeah I know and sunday I still want my soul food." He says laughing. I rolled my eyes because he's been asking about this for three weeks.
"Okay man I got you. I got to go, I have work to do." I said.
"Okay and make sure you bring baby girl sunday." He said hanging up. I looked at the phone and laughed he's foolish. I looked at Marissa and smiled. She looked dumbfounded.
"What ?" She said.
"Here is your new address. It's already paid for. Only thing you'll be paying is the normal utility bills, food, clothes and etc. Meet me at the furniture store at three this afternoon so we can pick out some furniture for your new place." I said smiling and handing her the sticky note. She literally screamed and started crying. She ran over and hugged me tightly.
"Thank you so much Monique. I'll be forever thankful. You're so amazing. Thank You Jesus" She said. I smiled and squeezed her tight.
"No problem. Now get to work with those reports honey and don't forget today at four we're at the furniture store." I said.
"Yes ma'am got it. Thank you again." She said and got her things and went to her desk to send the reports. I love my job.