As I Am.......By Kennie Ellis

Chapter 22

After a nice hot shower and listening to my girl Erica Badoo I felt I had enough excitement I just wanted to crawl in my bed with some Butter Pecan ice cream and think about noting or anybody.. After a deserving shower and I put on my TSU PJ's and in my bed I went.. As I took my first bite the phone ring. Hey you it was great seeing you bet I know what you doing? what? You've just taken a hot shower you've put on some PJ's (probably TSU) and you're wrapped up in your bed eating some Butter Pecan right.. Ugh  he knows me so well am I right ME yeah I guess .. (we both chuckled) I wanted to say goodnight and say thank you.. For what? for giving us a chance.. Look can I see you tomorrow. sure now can I get some  sleep sure ME or we can just talk like we use too, Kirk remember we aould fall asleep on the phone (LOL)   Kirk I'm tired I've had an eventful weekend to say the least why don't I pick up some chocolate chip cookies and come back  over and you can tell me all about it..Kirk really  look I missed you I'm here and it's so much I want to say and do with you while I'm here so. Goodnight Kirk I'll see you tomorrow or should I say today goodnight beautiful.. 

I woke up bright eyes and bushy tailed ready to go to work and thinking about the night Kirk and I had. It brought back some amazing memories. I got up making the necesaary preperations for the meeting with Higgins and Higgins . It's weird to get up and Troy is at my house,him and my sister are going pretty deep, I'm actually happy for both of them. I arrived in the kitchen to get some tea and Troy asked to ride since we both have that meeting this morning. I also realized that meant he was coming back to the house this evening him and DJ are really into each other and they fit well together. As I walked out the door Troy and DJ were in a serious liplock position I hollard as I walked out of the door if  you aint done and in the car when I get in you are SOOL.  Troy ran out the door and caught up with me I could do noting but laugh. Tired huh !!! cute ME.. Look you know I love you but I love my sister I'm letting you know don't hurt her this is coming from a friend and a partner and her sister. ME I would never hurt DJ I've always cared about her I think I might even (and he caught himself turning up the music and saying noting else) I felt him it's hard to admit feelings at least for me not knowing if any exist  we just listen to some Jill Scott and rode to work. 

We arrived at work knowing we had to meet with the Higgins at 10am and I wasnt looking forward to seeing Michael but business is business in spite of the chain of events that has happened over the past week . Troy and I prepared for the meeting bring in our files from the last 10 years with spenditures/ cost / outcomes/ and projections... all and all this is to develop an sponser's agreement pertainingto the upcoming year or years whatever is agreed upon. I felt very prepared and of course I had to bring a little extra to my everyday look. Now I always try to dress business but I wanted a mixture of business and attempted to add some sexy. Troy noticed the effort and my perfume. Damm girl you trying to make him jump your bones at the meeting . what the hex are you talking about we have a lot riding on this and I wanted to make an oppression and just in case his butt whole father is that I wanted top show himskinny may be in but 'PHAT' is were its at .Really ME shut up Troy,(We both just laughted) . ME what is the name of that perfume that shitz is the bomb I have to get DJ some... It's called Bright Crystal and I havent wore this in a while. Come on Troy let's go we got this Girl.. (thinking to myself I sure hope so on top of Lawd help me).  We arrived at the office and Micheal's seceatary announced us. Mr Higgins will see you know. We were escourted in this huge confrenece room with Micheal, and Mrs. Higgins and Granmy that put a big smile on my face to see her. I did not know she would be there but I had to keep it professional.  Let the meeting begin. 

Micheal escorted  us in and reintroduced Troy and myself and every one that was around the table. He walked behind me and whispered I really need to talk to you after the meeting . I acted as if I heard noting and kept my business compossure. I did not want to bore them with what I has already stated at the fund raiser so I focused on the 2018-2019 proposal. I spoke on the importance of in home parenting training. mentoring programs, counseling both individual, group, and family and tutoring needs. I discussed the importance in ensuring parent/ school colloboration and job training. SAT/ACT Prep. As I spoke the passion and love I have for my kids and families poured through Micheal was looking at me with such admiration it made me a little nervous. After we completed our presentation Troy asked for questions the panel was looking over the proposal Granmy expressed I don't see raises for your staff or yourself in this. I would love to give eveyone a raise they have been with me since day 1 but we all agree that the sucess of our kids sucess mean the world to us and we all vowed that they come first...Thank you Ms. Ellis Mr. Wade can you give us a few minutes to discuss as a board, yes thank you for your time. 

(The commitee discussed the proposal) Troy and I sat going over the proposals and discussing rebuttles if they chose to cut certain things out of the proposal and the curculum. 

We were called back in, Micheal spoke on the cmmittee's behalf. On behalf of Higgins & Higgins Construction we are pleased to offer a 5-year sponsership plan for your organization with a few additions and provisions. We accepts the 350,000.00 a year for 5 year request  Troy and I looked at each other and was ready to negogiate. We would like to add 250,000.00 for raises and bonuses for staff. 350,000.00 for a total of 5- years for scholarships recipents.  We would also like to add  the purchase of a van for those field trips for those kids and familes. (I thought I was about tofall out of my seat I couldnt beleive the generosity)  and I would like to work closely with your team to offer any assistance I can. I was truly speechless for about 5 seconds Troy and I thanked the commitee  Micheal looked at me with so much warmth but I think I was reading too much into it. Troy and I shook hands and departed from the meeting. As we walked out we both were like kids in the candy store and couldn't beleive what had just happened. As we walked to the elevator Micheal yelled Ms. Ellis wait up.. Troy expressed that he would go ahead and go to the car.  Micheal thank you so much you don't know how much this means to my kids. Please thank your parents and Grandmother for me. ME your organization deserves it your work speak volumes. We intrviwed the families. kids, your  community partners  and they all only had the highest praised for you and your team and what you do . We need that for our kids, so it was our pleasure to be able to help. I actually had tears in my eyes I was so full of joy and to know that so many people appreciate what we do. (Micheal gave me a handkerchief) you're crying ... yes my kids deserve so much they are usually labled and down played stereotyped and misunderstood and to be able to give them this is a Blessing!!!   Micheal hugged me really tight. ME you are an amazing woman they are so lucky to have someone who cares as much as you do for them. I was so comfortable there and my phone ringed it was Kirk. Hey beautiful how are you? I've been thinking about you all day... ahhh hi Kirk can I call you right back just leaving a meeting sure beautiful just wanted you to know I was thinking about you. (I blushed it was nice to hear that from him)I'm sorry, and you were saying... (Micheal face looked a little irraited) Noting ME look I don't want to hold you thank you again for coming in . No Thank You !!! I was glad to hear Kirk's voice but why did he have to call right then. 

Micheal went back to his office irritated and fumbling with papers )Granmy came into the office) Hey you. you have a little time for your Granmy? Sure always Beautiful!!! ME sure presented well today and she looked so beautiful. Yes Granmy she presented well .... Mikey whats wrong? Noting!! just have a lot to do look you could never lie to me so whats wrong. Granmy I don't know .. I see ME and I get these crazy feelings I'm mad at myself because she's not my type, and young man what type is that?  I mean ... You mean those hoochie mamas that wear the skirts up their butts and they are all over you like you're a candy bar. (Micheal laugh) what do you know about hoochie mamas ? Hey we had them in my day as well we called them Harlots. (Micheal chuckled) Mikey when are you going to settle down and stop running from love and commiment. Granmy I'm not ready... I beg to differ son I think you are you just don't know it yet. Can you take a old woman home sure Granmy love too hey you want to stop for some Chikin Fil-A so this is date of course I am with the most beautiful woman in the world I want to show you off. You're my eye-candy...  Granmy I would be honored if you would escort me to Dancing in the Park tonight... I would love to show you off!!! Well kind sir I would be honored.  Good I'll pick you up around 6:30pm.