“A freelance job?”
“Yes. You’d be able to work from home. How awesome would that be? It wouldn’t interfere with your pregnancy or even your baby because you would have your own hours. Aaaaand”—she pauses, for dramatic effect I’m sure, since that’s something Tara loves to do—“it also means that you could work from anywhere. You know, like from California, for example. If you’d fancy living there for some reason.”
It’s easy to hear the smile in her voice, and I can’t help but smile too.
I might have a job, and not just any job, but a freelance one. Something where I wouldn’t have to worry if my pregnancy or my baby would become an issue.
My heart all but jumps into my throat at the possibility of crossing one thing off my to-do list. A meaningful thing. Something huge that has been worrying me, since my savings can only last so long. It’s fine to live here while my mom and stepdad are gone since it feels more like house sitting than anything else. But as much as I love my mom, I can’t live here forever, especially not with a newborn baby. This was always supposed to be temporary.
I walk into the kitchen and turn on the water kettle. “Tara, I want it.”
She chuckles. “I was hoping you’d say that. I gave them your résumé, and they want to talk to you. I talked to one of the girls who does this job, and she really likes it. I emailed you all the info I got from the job posting.”
“Thanks, Tara. You’re the best.”
“Don’t mention it.” She’s quiet for a moment. “But does it sound like something you’d enjoy doing? I know you need a job, but it would be ideal if it was a job you’d actually like.”
I’ve been thinking a lot about what I’d like to do for a career, what I’m passionate about and so on, but I still have no idea. The accountant job I was laid off of was okay. I didn’t hate or love it, but it paid the bills, and that was enough for me at that point. I got a communication degree because I didn’t know what else to graduate in, but I always enjoyed the marketing classes I took, so this might actually be a good fit. And I love books.
“I think this might actually be right up my alley. I’m also getting a bit desperate, so I’m trying not to be picky.”
Tara sighs. “I hate you taking it only because you think you have to.”
“I know, Tara. But sadly, the bills aren’t going to pay themselves, and I’m going to have a freaking baby. I also really don’t want to live with my mom forever. Especially now that she’s married.”
She sighs. “True. Newlyweds are of a different caliber.”
“They are. As happy as I am for them, they’re like two teenagers, and I can’t even look at them half the time.”
Tara laughs again. “I’m not sure I’d pay money to see it or to not see it, but I get your point. Let’s try to get you this job then.”
“Yes, please.”
“I’m glad we’ve got this figured out. Let me know if you have any questions once you read over the email. I’m sorry to cut this short, but I’ve got to go. I signed up for a Pilates class I want to try.”
“No worries. I can’t wait to hear about it.”
“It should be fun. All right, HR should contact you soon for an interview, so let me know how everything goes. I’ve got my fingers crossed. But between you and me, the HR lady pretty much told me you sound perfect for the job and they need someone as soon as possible. I’ve got my fingers crossed.”
“Thank you, you’re the best.”
“Anything for you, Harps.”
“Go to your class and have fun. I love you.”
“Love you back.”
We hang up, and I go to the bathroom to turn on the bathtub water, so the tub can fill up while I check Tara’s email. The info she sent me looks standard and straightforward. It’s not a job I’ll get rich from anytime soon, but it’s a job, and it’ll pay the bills. And at this point, it would be stupid to decline it. It’s not like other job offers have been knocking on my door.
After my bath, I feel a lot more relaxed and take a quick nap to lighten this ridiculous exhaustion that’s creeping in at all hours of the day.
Then it’s time for my Ryan fix. Finally.
Ryan peers at me through the laptop screen, his brown eyes warm and comforting. “Are you excited?”
He was the first person I wanted to tell the job news to after I hung up with Tara, so I filled him in on everything the second he called.
My hands flutter around in front of me, something I seriously need to get a grip on. Especially during video calls, but that’s for another time. “I am. The more I think about it, the more I think I’ll enjoy it. Also, I could work in my pajamas. And what could possibly beat that?”