“Well, I’d say I love you, but you’re a dumbass. You need to apologize and open your eyes to see what a treasure you have to not only have her work for you, but also, she’s a gorgeous woman. I was hoping this call would be about something else, something much more than you not pulling the stick out of your behind and seeing what is right in front of you.” I hear the lilt of her accent.
“God, Mom, I know you want me to get married and settle down, but really? She’s my assistant.”
“Don’t take the Lord’s name in vain with me. You want me to hit you up the side the head?” Her voice is getting higher in pitch.
“Sorry, sorry. But, really, I do need help. I have to make it right. If she really does leave, I’m up shit creek without a paddle. There’s no one else that can do what Callie can and do it so smoothly without me having to ask twenty times a day. You know how it was before.” I’m still pacing, probably wearing a hole in the carpet with all of this walking.
“Well, son, I guess you need to get on your knees and grovel. But, hey, if she doesn’t stay, maybe I can offer her a job here.” Knowing my mom, she’s coming up with a plan to do just that.
“Don’t steal her away yet. I love you, Mom.”
“Te amo, Jamie.” Some things never change with my mom, and I hope they never will. She didn’t give me a lick of help. Going to sit behind my desk, I come up with a plan. Let’s hope it’s a solid one.
3
Callie
Mr. Rodriquez never came out of his office for the rest of my last day, so when quitting time came, I grabbed my box, closed my computer down for the last time, and walked out the door with my head held high. It was the greatest feeling, as if the weight of the world wasn’t on my shoulders.
I’m sure my parents will be disappointed that I haven’t secured another job first, but that’s kind of hard to do when you work all of the crazy hours I did.
I place my box of items in the back of my 4Runner, something all of our fathers shook their heads about—always wanting us girls to drive a Chevy or a Ford—but I chose something that was more of a luxury. I knew, with carting around Clairabella to dance now and who knows what else in the next few years, I would need something that can accommodate both of us while getting decent gas mileage. Once that’s done, I hop in and head straight to the grocery store to stock up on wine and snacks.
Before leaving, I was able to sneak in another text and ask the girls if we could change plans and get together at my house. Clairabella has school tomorrow, so for the first time in months, I’ll be able to make breakfast for her, drop her off at school, pick her up, help her with homework, and we can cook dinner together. Tears fill my eyes just thinking about all of the amazing memories we have coming our way. I know I’ll have to find another job within the next few weeks to maintain my bills, but I’m going to be picky about where I choose to work next.
It only takes me ten minutes to get to the grocery store, and I grab all the snacks plus a treat for Clairabella. Between the girls and my parents, everyone makes sure she eats a wholesome meal when I can’t, but let’s be honest, my girl loves her some mac and cheese with a side of broccoli, so that’s what I’ll make her tonight. Although, I know she’ll be into the chips and dip just like the rest of us girls will be.
Making quick work and what seems like two-hundred-dollars’ worth of food and wine later, I load everything up, then go get my girl at her grandparents’ house. I’m really hoping they won’t give me too much of a hassle when I let them know I’ll have Claira the rest of the week.
Taking my time to get to my parents’ house is not something I usually do, but I swear if my father tries to talk me into moving in with them, I may run away with my hands in the air while screaming. The sad part is, even taking my time, I get to their place in less than fifteen minutes. I guess that’s the price you pay for living in a small town.
I pull into my childhood home that hasn’t changed much except for the color of the house and the plants that are in the flower beds. Mom never wanted anything new or flashy, and Dad was A-Okay with that. I barely open my door when I see the light of my life running toward me.