Chapter 0007

TEXAS, HOUSTON 2017

~SIERRA~

"Shit, where’s that belt?” I cursed as I started looking for my belt. It’s a challenge for us plus-size women to wear an office skirt without a belt, it makes you look unprofessional. 

When I found it, I placed it around my waist. It would also help in case no one wanted to hire a pregnant woman, as my bump was already showing. 

“I should register for a yoga class,” I reminded myself as I looked in the mirror. My hands unintentionally reached my bump. 

“We need to get this job,” I said out loud, and my eyes caught sight of my hair, it was copper, my natural hair color. Three years ago, I had to dye it to my husband's —well, now my ex-husband’s demand. Lily sent me a copy of the divorce last week. 

I’ve been in Houston for two weeks now. I have been looking for a job but with no luck. They all either wanted to be bribed or get into my pants. I was not going to lose my dignity, especially now that I was pregnant. 

After I admired my hair in the mirror, I grabbed my qualifications and purse before I ran out. I still didn't know how to get a cab, so I took out my phone and used the GPS to locate the restaurant. 

I saw the job opening on social media, and I was confident with this one.

When I spotted the restaurant, which was just a five-minute walk from my small apartment, I breathed in and approached it. There was a lady by the door, so I walked up to her.

“Good morning,” I politely greeted.

“Good morning, ma’am. Welcome to Wine and Dine Restaurant.”

“Thank you, I’m here for the job opening, yes, I saw it on social media.” I smiled.

"Oh, the chef's position?” I could tell she was in shock as she looked at me from head to toe.

“Yes.” I ignored her rude behavior.

“The position is closed. See, that’s the supervisor and right now she’s talking to the new chef,” she said, pointing at the women, and my eyes followed the direction of her finger.

“Please, I desperately need this job,” I begged, but she didn't respond, instead, she looked at me with judgy eyes, like I didn't fit in here. I ignored her, and I approached the supervisor.

“Miss, I understand the position is taken, but I’m willing to do anything, I can even clean. I desperately need this job, please.” I pleaded, and my tears threatened, but I held them back.

“I’m sorry, but we currently don’t have any openings.” She tried to sound sweet, but her tone betrayed her.

“I can do anything —serve, wash plates, please,” I begged, and she started to look uncomfortable.

“Like I said, we don't currently have any job openings, just leave your papers and we’ll call you once we have an opportunity,” she said, faked a smile, and continued to talk to the new chef. I realized nothing I could do would change her made-up mind, so I started to walk away, but she stopped me.

“The CEO’s parking spot is 2B, try to talk to him,” she said and then continued her conversation. I didn't even thank her as I started running. I didn't know where the spot was, but I still ran, as I didn't want to miss the chance. 

When I reached outside, I spotted the parking area. I made my way to it even when I didn't know where to start, luckily, I spotted a guard, and I approached him.

“Sir, where's the 2B parking spot?” I asked, but he didn't respond.

"Sir, please help me, it’s urgent.”

“I could help, but your body is not my type, I prefer my ladies to be sexy and slim. Have you heard of the gym?” He teased me. 

I felt a cold tear roll down my cheek, and just when I was about to wipe it off, I saw a car reversing my way, and the guard screamed, “Watch out!” 

I jumped as I tried to save myself, but I fell to the floor and hit my head, and then everything stopped.

**********

I forced my eyes open, and they wandered to the white ceiling and then the little window. I felt the stinging pain in my head.

“Ouch!” A painful scream escaped my lips, and I touched the spot where the pain was coming from.

“Careful.” I heard a manly voice, and unintentionally, I called Damian’s name.

“Damian?”

“No, I’m Gilbert, the man you collided with at the restaurant, remember?” He asked with worried evidence in his tone. He came to my side and helped me sit up. I nodded, as everything was still fresh in my memory.

“I just hope you’re okay,” he said worriedly, and then the door opened. A middle-aged man walked in.

“Good morning, Ms. Reid,” he greeted me, and I nodded.

“We checked for everything, and you’re perfectly fine.”

“And my baby?” I asked as that was my main concern.

“Oh, they are fine.”

“They? I'm having twins?”

“No,  they are triplets. Congratulations, Ms. Reid, you’re expecting triplets,” he said, and once again, fresh tears found their way to my cheeks. 

“I’ll be right back,” the doctor said, and he walked out.

“Wow! Triplets, congratulations! I must see the men behind this, I need to learn his trick. Where is he?” Gilbert asked, and I wiped away my tears.

“Dead,” I responded. Yes, Damian died the moment I got on that plane.

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” His face changed from that of happiness to that of pity.

“It is okay,” I said, as thoughts of raising three kids stole my mind. How was I going to manage three kids with just a million in my account? I was not going to bother my grandmother with this, but three kids required an assistant. 

“You’re not too happy about it?” He asked, bringing me out of my thoughts. I nodded, as I was not able to bring out words.

“Listen, life is tough, especially in such a big city. Everyone is fighting a battle. We’re all here struggling with one or two things, but we just have to face it, the aim is to survive.” Fresh tears rolled down my cheeks as he spoke.

“Take me, for example. People assume that I’m living my best life. As the owner of a successful restaurant, I should be good, right? But if you ask me, I would rather live someone else’s life.”

“Why?” I was now intrigued.

“I’ve been burdened with managing a family restaurant that is now going down. My wife just divorced me, I just want to find an honest buyer, but no one wants to buy it because it's going down,” he said, and then I remembered the reason I collided with him.

“I’m sorry for the divorce. Are you the CEO of Wine and Dine?”

“Yes, and trust me, it is a burden, especially with this divorce and buyers offering nothing for the restaurant.”

“I was going to talk to you. I wanted a job, but since you are thinking of selling, I might have an offer for you.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” I said as a smile found its way to my lips.

“Are you proposing you buy the restaurant from me at a reasonable price?” He asked with a voice full of hope.

“Yes, it’s a good business, right?” 

“A very good one if you know how to manage it,” he said. 

I used to help Damian manage The Winters Company, even when it was from home. He had a lot on his shoulders —the law and the company. I did almost everything the CEO was required to do for him, he forced me to learn.

“I’m confident,” I said, as my hands were now caressing my bump. Three babies? It was overwhelming.