Taming Mr. Black – NAOMI’S POV “Naomi!” The sound of my name makes me jolt up. I wipe my eyes and look toward the door. Rachel stands there with a toothbrush in her hand, smiling. “Good morning. Mama said you’ll be late if you don’t get up.” She disappears down the hallway, leaving my door open. I groan, drag myself out of bed, throw on yesterday’s clothes, and head to the kitchen. The house smells warm and sweet. “Good morning, baby,” Mom says, already sliding a plate of pancakes toward me. “Morning.” I pour myself coffee, add sugar and cream, and sit down. Mom watches me for a second, then switches to Spanish. “Is this about that boyfriend of yours? Is he still bothering you? After you told him you were done?” I groan into my coffee. “Mama.” “What did you even see in him? I never liked him. He’s spoiled, full of himself, and arrogant. Not standing up for you when his mother was berating you? Shameless.
And his parents… just because they’re rich doesn’t mean they get to treat people like gum. Chew them up and spit them out whenever they feel like it. These people…” Mom goes on in Spanish. “Mom, it’s okay. George and I are over. We’re not getting back together.” I sigh, turning off the tap. “I didn’t know it would turn out like this, but I’m done with him. And I don’t care about his parents. I’m not useless just because I don’t have a good job yet.” This is exactly why I hate talking about George. It always turns into this. “I’m glad you’re finally moving on,” Mom says, leaning against the counter. “So when are you leaving that job? It’s not doing anything good for you.” “I don’t have much of a choice. And you’re the one who taught me to work for my money.” “That bartending job—” “I’m a server, Mama. There’s a difference.” “They both work in a bar.” I exhale, grabbing my coat. “There are no jobs right now. I’ve tried. I’m still trying.” “I thought you hated your boss.” “I didn’t say that. I said he’s an arrogant, privileged asshole.” “He’s never even spoken to you,” Rachel cuts in, walking into the kitchen. “Are you sure that’s hate? You talk about him all the time and he probably doesn’t even know you exist.” “Shut up, Rach,” I shoot her a look. “I’m heading out.” I hug Mom. “Don’t forget your nephew’s birthday tonight.” “I won’t!” I grab an apple and head out. I breathe in the warm morning air and spot a cab.
I slip inside, give the driver my address, and lean back, closing my eyes for a second. My phone rings. Bianca. “Hey, Naomi. Are you heading to work?” Bianca and I have been close friends since we both graduated from the same college. Bianca works as a cashier in the city’s mall, not a fancy job for someone who graduated with a business degree. And I, on the other hand, graduated with a marketing degree, and I worked as a server in this elite club called Club K. Club K is the biggest club in the city and it’s owned by Billionaire, Killian Black. The bartenders and servers are mostly college graduates. You barely ever get a job as a bartender in Club K, especially, when you don’t have a good degree. It is home for the elite men and wealthy men of the state. There are times where celebrities just drop by. The club is the most talked about club in the country and the home to nearly every Billionaire you can think of. So, me being able to secure a job there, I guess, I should be grateful. The pay is pretty great too. At least, I get to take care of my bills and myself. “I’m on my way” I say. “George was here, though. He dropped by yesterday saying he needed to see you. Well, I told him you’re not around.
He got p*ss*d and left.” Bianca says. I sigh. “What are you gonna do about him?” She asks when I don’t say anything. “I’ve told him countless times I can’t do it anymore.” “You really need to work harder. Get him off your back once and for all, Naomi.” I sigh and nod to no one in particular. “I gotta go. Be careful.” “I will.” I say, and Bianca hangs up. George is my boyfriend. Well, my ex boyfriend. We started dating back in university. He had money, status, a whole future lined up in his father’s company. His family hated me from the start. Too “low class.” His mother never missed a chance to remind me. At some point, it just stopped being worth it. We lasted two years. That was enough. I broke it off five weeks ago, and he’s been showing up ever since.
Apologizing for things he didn’t even do, acting like we can just start over. He doesn’t hear the word no. It’s like it doesn’t exist for him. That’s why I’ve been spending nights at my mom’s place lately. We’re not rich, but we’re okay. My dad died in the army when Rachel was born. Mom barely held it together, so Antonio and I stepped up. He’s an interior designer now, always working, barely home. His son, Charlie, lives with Mom. His ex, Grace, couldn’t handle a husband who was never around. The cab stops in front of Club K. I pay and step out. It’s still early, no lines yet, no noise. I head inside. Another long day.