“And while we’re being honest, why is your hairline all the way back there? Forehead just screaming for coverage. You don’t have any edges up under there? You know you’re supposed to place it where your natural hairline is, right?” Makari tilted her head to the side like I had just done.
“Did I miss something? Why is everybody coming for me?” Layla’s narrowed gaze moved around the women.
“Bitch, you’re trying to be shady to my girl. How about we not play dumb and keep it one hundred?”
“Oh thank God, somebody finally said it,” Shiya stated with a cocky smile.
My eyes moved from face to face, reading their lips so I could keep up. I was mostly good at reading lips, but group settings were a challenge for even the most skilled. There were occasionally things I couldn’t help, like people turning away, disrupting my view of their mouths with their hands or drinks, or talking while they were eating, which meant I sometimes only caught half of what they were saying. So far, today had been pretty easy since Makari expressed how to include me in conversation easier. Shiya and Zina made a valid effort to be mindful of those things. Layla only did when she was making slick comments or trying to be funny.
“If you hate my wigs so much, how about you foot the bill for one?” Layla glanced at everyone then rolled her eyes.
“I’m going to make you an appointment with my girl because that…” Shiya circled her finger in the air. “Is unacceptable.”
“I got five on it,” Makari added with a grin.
“Bitch, fuck y’all.” Layla sucked her teeth, forcing a stiff smile before she continued. “I’m pretty as hell though, so bad wig or not, I still got me a baller.”
“Hoe, we all got ballers and that’s not the flex you think it is.”
“Damn sure isn’t, considering it’s her second one.”
“Third,” Makari clarified.
They continued going back and forth but I tuned them out when I got a text from Toya.
Toya: Would you be opposed to working at Chandler but not in a classroom?
I loved being in the classroom. The kids were the best part of my day, so I had never really considered anything outside of that, but I was curious.
Me: Depends. The classroom is my happy place.
She’d mentioned finding a position for me at Chandler a few times, and although I was grateful, I hadn’t expected much. When I made the decision to stay, I checked their site for open teaching positions and there weren’t any, although they were always accepting applicants. I applied through their site and attached my credentials and resume, feeling hopeful that something would come up.
Ryland adamantly voiced enough times that I didn’t have to rush to find a job or need one at all. I appreciated him giving me the freedom to figure out what I wanted to do, but the one thing my mother and I agreed on was not losing my identity or fading into Ryland’s world. His lifestyle was cool, and based on the two cards I had in my purse right now with my name on them, Ryland had no issues providing me access to his lifestyle or money.
The access was indeed a flex, but I needed something that kept me from losing my mind. Rylee was in school all day and Ryland had his commitment to football, which meant I needed something to occupy my time. I honestly loved teaching, being around my students gave me life and provided purpose.
Toya: There still aren’t any open positions across any of the grades, but Nicolette did mention that they would be hiring for an Instruction Coach.
Me: I’m not sure what that is and it sounds boring
Toya: Girl, why did I say the same thing?
Me: Then you hate me right
Toya: Nope. I actually love you. An Instruction Coach is pretty much a teaching babysitter. You review their lesson plans to make sure they meet state guidelines. Do observations and evaluations for the first grade teachers on your team. You only have to be on campus when you’re doing the observations. It pays way more than being in a classroom and it’s pretty much part-time work with a full-time salary—Nicolette’s words, not mine.
Toya: And before you say no, let me add that if you take the job you’ll still be on campus, so you can see Rylee whenever you want. But you’ll also have the freedom to travel and see Ryland whenever you want too You’ll thank me later for the flexibility this job offers
Toya: Plus you don’t really have to apply. Call Nicolette and tell her you want the job and it’s yours. It’s already been cleared by all the powers that be.
Me: You’re selling this way too hard. What’s the catch?
Toya: There is no catch. You’re on your boss shit, so I know having your own is important and I want you to stay. So I’m doing my part to get you locked in. You’re welcome. Now call Nicolette and tell her you’re accepting the job.
I grinned.
Me: I didn’t say I was taking the job.