“Why? She loves your kids and babysitting,” I remind her. “She says it all the time.”
“Maybe because Mom still has a career. She runs her own business and manages people. Mom’s still girl-bossing at her age. Dumping my kids on her is unfair because I'm having a bad day.”
I’m all out of ideas on how to help Ava, growing bored with her dilemma.
“Okay, so what about Millie? Dump them on her.”
“Why are you calling?” she responds impatiently. “It’s not about my kids.”
“Right, okay. So, I wanted to tell you, I got the job.”
A crackling sound over the speaker sounds like Ava dropped the phone.
“Oh my god. We've been talking about my situation, which you don't care about anyway, and all this time, you could've told me you got the job. Congrats, sis,” she rushes in excitement. “Give me all the details but wait a minute, let me get comfortable because River looks like she is just about to pass out. Maybe my talking to you is helping, so I probably shouldn’t stop talking.”
I glance at the window to see I’m not so far from Ava’s place.
“I'm on the bus, about to hop off,” I tell her while standing up. “I was hoping I could come over because I need a new wardrobe.”
“Fine, see you soon.”
* * *
“When I agreed to lend you one outfit for the interview, I didn't agree to lend you an entire wardrobe for your new corporate career,” Ava complains as I sift through her wardrobe and pick out items to wear.
Hanging over my arm is a nice gray pencil skirt, a black buttoned shirt, and a matching blazer to the skirt.
“But you're so pretty and so talented,” I coerce in my sweetest tone. “You're the best big sister ever.”
Ava’s girls managed to fall asleep simultaneously, which is why she’s hovering over me and watching what I take. When I reach to pull out a nice beige dress, she instantly slaps my hand and demands I put it back. Something about Valentino and vintage.
The baby monitor she’s carrying in her hand makes a crackling sound before a cry blares through the speaker. Ava’s shoulders fall, followed by a heavy sigh.
“Freedom is over. I’ll meet you downstairs when you’re done.”
I spend another twenty minutes going through her clothes since she has a lot. Of all my sisters, Ava’s wardrobe is like the women’s department at Macy’s. Racks, and racks, of clothing, all of which are organized into colors and or styles.
When I’m finished, I borrow two pairs of pants, three skirts, and four blouses. It’s enough for me to mix and match until I can afford to buy my own clothes.
Ava is inside the kitchen with River, who is sitting in her highchair, attempting to eat some fruit. River has grown so much in the last year. Walking, somewhat talking, she’s a mini-Austin and it’s super cute. It’s not just her, everyone has grown. I’m only two months away from turning the big twenty. Time sure did fly when I was having fun in Europe.
Austin arrives home from some meeting to pick up Emmy. She has a playdate with her bestie so Austin will drop her off before heading back to the hospital. His hello is quick, followed by a goodbye as he races out the door with an excited girl behind him.
When River sees them leave, she extends her hands and wails.
“Such a Daddy’s girl,” Ava mumbles, then pulls out some crackers and Jell-O which instantly quietens River.
I make myself and Ava some coffee from her fancy machine. Placing the steaming hot cups on the table, I sit beside her but quickly get back up again to grab some cookies from the jar on the countertop.
Their house has always felt like home to me, or maybe because they make me feel like I’m part of the family. When it comes down to who I feel more comfortable around, it’s definitely Ava and Austin. I love Will and Millie, but their house has a different dynamic. Way more chaotic with three boys running around.
“Tell me more about the job,” Ava asks while blowing the steam away from the mug.
I quickly open the email from Meredith, scrolling to read as fast as I can. Everything is quite formal. Attached are employment forms and a contract. The pay is average compared to other roles I’ve applied for, but beggars can’t be choosers.
My finger clicks on the third attachment, which is a job description. The main part of the role is assisting Meredith with admin-type tasks. From what I’ve read, nothing to do with April’s stepfather, which is a relief. I much prefer working with a woman.
“I'm just a junior assistant. I'll be reporting to Meredith.”