Rough Patch

One Long Night

Felicity
"I want the new display right here." I was currently directing my staff where to put my new collection. Things had been going great at the store, especially since I've been designing more and I was excited.

I brought in some guys to help with the heavy work and the rest of us could just fill it in ourselves. I was a very hands on person when it came to my brand and I was even considering opening a second store, with how well this one was going.

When they put it in the center, I grabbed my iPad, walking around trying to see what I would want the format of the store to be for now. My phone rang and I looked down at seeing who was calling, making me roll my eyes.

Brian was calling... yet again.

He's been calling me nonstop for the past few days and it's honestly getting annoying as hell. It was like ever since he found out about Laurent, MY FRIEND, he's been pressed. I still barely see Brian, but he's always checking in on me now.

I ignored the call and pushed my phone back in my pocket, focusing on the task at hand...

I was finally making the last changes to the floor plan when my phone rang once again, making me suck my teeth. "Hello?"

"Why do you sound angry?" I sighed hearing my dad's voice. "Sorry daddy, Just a little frustrated. I've been getting calls all day and I'm now finishing the new floor plan at... 7pm" I said looking at my phone and widening my eyes. Damn I wasn't thinking it would take that long.

"I'm proud of you, my hard working girl is getting things done." I giggled "Yeah dad, I gotta make sure I can take of you and mommy."

"Honey, you know you don't have to worry about us. Retirement has been amazing the last few weeks. I'm just calling to check on you because you haven't called all week." My dad had just retired from the police force after 30 years and I was beyond happy to see him so happy himself.

I sighed and looked down playing with the iPad again "Sorry about that daddy, I've just been so busy over here. Between married life and the store, I'm being tugged."

"Baby girl just make sure that you're taking care of yourself. Don't stress out too much, I don't want to have to take it into my own hands and you know I will."

I chuckled "No daddy. You won't have to. Again sorry about not calling sooner, I never miss our call." "Yes, just don't forget about us over here." I smiled and nodded like he could see me "Okay dad. Please tell mom I said hi and that I love her."

"I sure will sweetie, I love you, alright?"

"I love you too daddy." We hung up and I bit my lower lip, thinking about my parents. They've been married almost 30 years now and we're the best example of love I had in my life. I don't even know how I ended up in this screwed up marriage and allowed myself to be disrespected.

Divorce has crossed my mind time and time again, but then I think about my parents marriage. I would hate to be the bad egg that ruins the sanctity of marriage. I knew this was just a tough time for Brian and I, but we were gonna be okay.

We have to be okay.

I groaned to myself before walking out to the floor. I started fixing the mannequins while the staff was taking care of customers and doing our usual tasks. I always made sure I dressed them myself because it wouldn't look like that without me.

I smile once I was happy with it and started checking the sales made today. The day had flown by and the store closed in the next hour.

My staff was gone for night when I finally locked up and got outside. When I turned around I was pushed back against the door, hurting my back.