7. For the Last Time 😁

I've never had so much fun at work. I even looked forward to clocking in. Like, I've learned more about my employees in one week than the entire time I've worked with them.

On Tuesday, A.B. found out that Nate liked to dance. They had a whole dance competition. Randomly, a customer got involved with their Soul Train dance moves, and it was up from there. In the end, Nate won and A.B. said Nate could leave early and he'd pay him in cash for his three remaining work hours. Nate took the money and vanished.

On Wednesday, Brivona talked to me more than I've ever talked to myself IN PUBLIC. Most of her questions were about A.B. By the fourth question, I figured she liked him. She eventually got brave enough to talk to him herself, and somehow it led to a cook-off. Everyone is participating on Thursday for the food challenge. Whoever has the best dish gets Friday off and $50 in cash.

On Thursday, Jessica was the judge since she hadn't been to work all week. She ranked Brivona's red velvet cupcakes a 3/5, Nate's spicy chili a 4/5, my garlic bread a 3/5, and A.B.'s store bought rotisserie chicken and mixed veggies with ranch a 5/5. Guess I should've made spaghetti along with the garlic bread or brought everyone frozen dinners. None of us  were eager to give A.B. our money, but we didn't have to. He gave the runner-up, Nate $20, and he gave the rest of us $10 each. A.B. said he wasn't going to take Friday off, but we could all come in an hour after our shifts started. If A.B. became our new boss, I don't think any of us would complain.

I was enjoying going to work so much that I didn't even notice today was Friday. Nate and Brivona were off today, but Jessica and I were handling the normal Friday crowd. Around 5 p.m., things had slowed down. I was ready to take another break until Jessica realized we had an instrument ready for pick-up.

"Oh, shoot! I forgot to call that customer. That instrument has been here since this morning," I admitted.

Jessica smiled, "Mmm-hmm. That's 'cause you and Brivona been fawning over A.B."

I quickly faced her. "What? I do not fawn over anybody." I leaned against the counter.

Jessica laughed as she handed me the phone. "Girl, call that customer before we close. I'm trying to get out of here and go home."

I rolled my eyes as I took the phone and walked over to the pick up shelf. I read the tag on the instrument's case for the customer's name and contact information. After the second ring, the man picked up.

"Hello. This is Jamie at Music Bravos. I'm calling to let Mr. Vance Henry know that his instrument is ready for pick up... Yes, sir, we close at six-thirty today... Yes, sir... Okay. We'll see you soon... Bye." I hung up the phone and decided to head to the breakroom.

I took a seat at a small table and pulled out my phone. I had 10 text messages from my cousin.

Monica: Hey cousin! It's Friday!

It's decision day!

It's been a few hours. Have you made your decision yet?

Don't clock out without telling your boss you're going to LA.

Reply back before I annoy you with random texts

Hellooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Have you heard from Zeke???

JAMIE!

Your shift is almost over. Don't try to get out of this by quitting after you get to LA.

That's okay. I'll be at your house when you get off work.

I took a deep breath as I began to text her back.

Jamie: Please don't show up to my apartment. I'm about to talk to my manager now. I'll call you when I get home. DO NOT text or call until I call you. Okay?

Monica: Yes cousin

I put my phone away before leaving the breakroom. I made my way to Dave's office. Inside, I took a seat in the chair opposite of Dave's desk.

"Jessica asked if she could go home early. I told her yes. You can go home, too, if you like."

I looked at A.B. as he read his book. "No, I'm fine. Plus, there's a customer that's coming to pick up their instrument in a few minutes."

A.B. nodded his head, "Okay. Cool."

I looked up at the ceiling, trying to find a way to start this conversation. "You've made working here so much fun this week."

A.B. finally looked at me. "It's fun being around y'all."

"Are you going to be our new manager?" I asked him.

"No, but I've officially decided to move back to East Grove. Working here this week has helped me see that East Grove is still a good place to live. There's a lot of young people here, and East Grove Community College is a big part of that. I'm thinking about being a mentor."

I raised a brow. "Really?"

"I've been working on a business plan that I think will help people find jobs."

"Like a temp agency?" I inquired.

"Yes and no. I want people to be secure in their positions. So, permanent positions would be better," A.B. replied.

I still didn't know how to bring up my situation.

A.B. asked, "What about you? Have you made your decision, yet?"

I had a sigh of relief. "Actually, that's what I wanted to talk to you about."

A.B. closed his book. "I'm all ears or is this something Dave needs to hear?"

I shrugged, "Well, yes, I think, but I won't be here to tell him."

A.B. narrowed his eyes at me.

"I'm going... I've decided to go to California, because it's my opportunity to become a singer and songwriter. I'll get to record my music, music that I want to hear, and share it with the world. It's a dream that I've had for too long. I'm afraid if I don't take this opportunity, I'll miss it." That felt good to say aloud.

"Congratulations, Jamie. I hope you have a safe trip to California, and I'll be praying for you and your career. I just want to know why you didn't share your vocal abilities when I was breaking things with my dance moves?"

We both laughed.

"Sorry. I'm not an extrovert by any means."

"You're not a complete introvert, either," A.B. told me. "Did you ever get a chance to read the Bible?"

I admitted, "No, but I will. I guess when I clock out, I should give you my badge and the key to the store."

A.B. said, "Or you can give me those things now and get a head start on packing."

"Your idea is a lot better. A.B., I'm so happy I met you, and I'm glad I'm not leaving East Grove on a sour note."

A.B. said, "Jamie, I'm glad I met you, too. I'll be expecting an autograph the next time I see you."

I agreed, "You'll be the first person to get my autograph, just don't tell my cousin that."

He chuckled as I gave him my employee badge and the key to the store. "Bye, A.B." I waved at him.

"God bless you, Jamie."

I left Dave's office for the last time. I went to the break room and grabbed my things. No more 9-to-5, clocking in and out, ringing people up, taking cash or card, talking to customers, and locking the doors. I wasn't going to miss it either. I kept walking and didn't look back. I got in my car, wearing the biggest smile I believe I've ever worn in my life. This is a cause for celebration. I treated myself to a large cookie monster shake before driving home.

After some down time, I sent Zeke a text.

Jamie: Hi Zeke. I hope you're not too busy, because I've decided to go to California.

Zeke: I knew you would. Your plane leaves Sunday morning.

I almost dropped my phone. Did he just... I shook my head and my hands. Why so soon? I thought I would at least get another week to rethink my decision. Then, I remembered A.B. talking about God. I got on my knees and I began to pray. "Lord, please tell me what to do. I know I haven't talked to you since I was a little girl, but I need your help, and---"

My phone rang. I looked at it and saw Zeke's name on the screen. I took a deep breath before answering it. "Hello."

"Can you make the flight or no?" He asked me.

I stood up as I began to express my feelings. "Zeke, I'm not ready. Maybe, I should wait another week."

"Jamie, it's okay. We're not going straight to work when you get here. We'll have fun. I'm going to show you around and try to get to know you better. How does that sound?"

I chuckled, "A lot better than I was thinking. Thanks for calling me and calming me down."

"Anytime."

I smiled. "Today was my last day at work."

Zeke asked me, "How do you feel?"

"Freeeee," I sang.

Zeke lightly laughed, "I'm glad to hear that. I gotta get back to something, but I'm gonna let you enjoy this evening and Saturday. I'll send you your flight information, and I'll see you on Sunday."

I took a deep breath. "See you on Sunday, Zeke."

"Bye, Jamie." He hung up.

Before I could hang up, Monica called me. I switched over to answer her call. "Cousin, I'm leaving on Sunday morning."

"Ahhh!" Monica screamed with zeal. "I'm coming over tomorrow to help you pack up the things I want."

I smacked my lips. If anyone was going to tell me I was making the worst decision of my life, it would've been my cousin. It's time to go up from here. I've wanted this my whole life, and I wasn't getting any younger. The time is now.