Page 35 of Desire
“Of course, but I’ve spoken with your mom several times, and she hasn’t mentioned wanting us to come over.”
“That’s because she doesn’t want to seem pushy and overbearing. I told her we’d be there if we had no plans.”
“Sounds good. I need to finish getting dressed, or Ria and I will be late.”
“I’ll get her up and fed, then send her to you.”
After kissing me again and giving my ass a squeeze, he disappeared into the hallway.
“Miss Chambries—”
“It’s Mrs. Harris,” I corrected the office assistant, Miss Trinda.
“Oh, yes. I apologize. Mrs. Duncan needs to see you in her office. I’ll stay here until you return.”
“Thank you.”
It was nap time for my students, so I quietly left my classroom and went to Mrs. Duncan’s office. She was the site director.
“Miss Trinda said you wanted to see me?”
“Yes, please come in, close the door, and have a seat.”
I followed her instructions and sat in the chair in front of her desk. Her expression let me know this wouldn’t be a positive conversation. Mrs. Duncan was an older Black woman who’d been the director of Little Black Pearl Preschool for over twenty years. She wasn’t a mean boss, but she was stern. However, she and I got along well, and she seemed to like me as an employee, although I wouldn’t call her a friend.
“Is everything okay?”
“Unfortunately not. I want you to know I fought for you because you’re the best teacher I’ve ever had the pleasure of supervising.”
“Umm, okay. What’s the problem? Fight for me for what?”
“I don’t know how well you read the employee handbook, but there is a strict no fraternizing clause.”
“No fraternizing?”
“Yes, employees cannot enter into romantic relationships with other employees… or parents.”
I took a moment to digest her words. Like most people, I hadn’t paid close attention to the employee handbook. I skimmed it, but I didn’t recall seeing anything about fraternizing.
“Oh, umm, I…” I was at a loss for words.
“When corporate became aware that you’d married one of the student’s fathers, they contacted me, and I was told I had to let you go. That was three weeks ago, and I’ve been going back and forth with them, pleading your case since.”
“And?”
Wearing a solemn look, she shook her head. “I have to let you go.”
“What? Are you—you’re serious?”
“I tried, Desire. I truly did everything I could. I’ll give you a glowing recommendation if you need a reference letter.”
“But we’re married, and our marriage was arranged by a company. We didn’t even date.”
“I know, Desire. I explained that to them, but it didn’t help. They wouldn’t budge.”
Tears slipped from my eyes, and I quickly wiped them away. Mrs. Duncan looked like she wanted to cry as well.
“Thank you. Can I finish out the day and say goodbye to my kids?”