That’s Reva for you. As peaceful as we think our Canadian friends are, she isnotafraid to choose violence in the morning. She keeps me in line and has a lot to offer the Foundation. Some days, I can’t live without her. Which reminds me to text Matthew and Seth.
Me:I see where your loyalties lie.
Matthew:*sips tea*
Reva and I head back downtown for our meeting.
“Well, if it isn’t my two superstars coming to save the day.” I hear Sheldon’s voice. Sheldon is the Foundation’s CFO, and steps in to pick up the slack when the other executives are out on business.
I give a small wave as we get closer. We don’t say much as we make our way to the elevators, which we take to the sixth floor board room.
Our board of directors wanted to go over the budget for next quarter and get an update on the systems. Sometimes these go on for a drag, but the passion in me burns. When I get on a subject, I feel like the only relief is when someone physically shuts me up. It’s the fixation aspect. That’s where Reva comes in; shutting me up when I’ve gone too far.
I shake myself out of my thoughts. “Tessa, are there any updates on the shelter building?” one of the board members asks me.
“I should have more of an update in the next two weeks. The foundation is good and the construction of the shell is almost done. Reva and I are going to be visiting it in the coming days,” I report. Nothing like blank stares from a board of men. If only I could get them to experience the field, even if only for an hour. Maybe then they’d understand. “Tessa and Reva have been very diligent with this project. They’re meeting with service committees in the neighboring cities and will report back. We all know resources are limited and even with the expansion of the shelter, it may not be enough. We’re working on the donor aspect,” Sheldon explains. Sometimes, Sheldon annoys the hell out of me, but in this moment, I let my feelings slide because he saves my ass with the board,again.
In a sense, that’s what Reva and I are trying to explain. Of course, from a male voice, they accept it. I can feel my blood boiling already.
Reva sees my cheeks getting red and my eyebrows furrowing and gives me a look. The more I think about it, the more my anger boils. Reva senses the anger and touches my thigh to help ground me.
Driftwood is burning blue, wild the wall shadows
Night winds go riding by, riding by the lochie meadows,
On to the break of day, close Mira stream singing
Caidil gu la laddie, la laddie, sleep the night away
Momma and Granddaddy used to sing to me when I was little. It soothes me, grounds me in the moment, grounds me when I need it. I take a silent deep breath.
“I’ll be able to give a more detailed report in the coming weeks. As far as we know, we’re on track to open in the fall of this year.” I’m being cautious of a set date; between the weather and the workforce, the date keeps being pushed around.
“We understand that leadership has changed, but don’t bite off more than you can chew, Tessa. A lot is riding on this,” another board member points out.
I nod. The meeting ends around noon, and, according to Reva’s scheduling, I need to eat lunch. In all honesty, I didn’t want to find out what she’ll do if I don’t.
I text Sam to join us at the outdoor barbecue place a block away. Sam has been another blessing in my career. Sam’s been in charge of the hotline for a couple years now. She’s the heavy hand and the advocate all in one.
“Did Tessa tell you how she was flustered this morning? I was about to smack the attitude right out of her,” Reva says bluntly.
I couldn’t respond, as she perfectly timed it to when my mouth is full of the best barbeque outside of Memphis. Jesus, I have to take smaller bites.
“Oh, who ruffledyourfeathers this morning?” Sam says, wiggling her eyebrows.
I finally chew through the meat and swallow. “Why is everyone so invested in my sex life? Don’t y’all have your own men to torture? Anyways, I prefer not to talk about it. If I don’t give him the power, he doesn’t exist in my mind.” That was another lie. I’ve been thinking about AJ since we parted ways this morning. I can still feel the brush strokes of his finger on my cheek.
“So, there was someone!” Sam’s giggling now.”By the look on your face, I’d say this man left you speechless.” The smirk on her face intensifies my reaction, although I’m still speechless..
Reva smirks. “You sure you don’t need a good dusting down there? Seeing as the cobwebs have built up and all.” I wanted to smack her. Damn, I chose violence today. “Sweetie, we’re just concerned that you need some release from all the stress. I could set you up with my neighbor, Adam.”
“Last time you set me up, he was the most vanilla man I’ve ever met. Seriously, I make too many damn decisions in a day. I just need someone else to take the lead,” I finally exclaim.
“Would you even give a man the chance to take the lead?” Sam asks. She’s got a point.
“Possibly. I’d just make him work for it,” I shrug, trying to finish my lunch before I go back to work.
“So, what I’m hearing is that you’re choosing to keep downstairs closed for business,” Reva grills me.