I chuckle, digging my hand into the bowl of popcorn. “I’m excited. Should I get bail money ready?”
“Nah, but what are the chances of you wearing leg warmers?”
“In the Californian heat? Zero.”
April doesn’t say another word as we both argue over which guyRoryshould have ended up with within the show.
The week drags on, so when Friday finally appears, I breathe a huge sigh of relief. There are a few more reports I need to email out before I call it a day and start the weekend. Mom wanted to spend some time with me, suggesting breakfast tomorrow. Apparently, Dad is in Atlanta for some work thing with Will and Uncle Noah.
Saturday night is a birthday party of an old friend from school. I wasn’t too excited to go, but since no one else from school was invited, I accepted not to be rude. As for Sunday, I planned a much-needed day by the pool to soak in the sun and finish the book I’d been reading.
“Alexa, may I speak with you?”
Meredith motions for me to follow her to the office she uses. Closing the door behind her, she requests I take a seat.
Her tone sounds cold like I’m in trouble or something. I start to panic, given I can’t afford to lose my job.
“There’s going to be a change in your workload next week.”
“Oh, really. What's the change?”
“Mr. Cash, as you know, is quite a busy man. The company is in the middle of acquiring a few businesses. There's a lot of work involved, and Mr. Cash has requested you assist him.”
She stares at me avidly, waiting for me to respond, but I don’t understand what is happening.
“I don't understand, Meredith. I’ll be assisting Mr. Cash with what exactly?”
“Mainly project work. Any tasks he might need,” she adds, keeping her tone professional. “If Mr. Cash thinks you're up for the job, then Mr. Cash thinks you're up for the job.”
“What if I don't think I'm up for the job?” I state, panicked. “I've only been here for, like, what? A month. I’ve only just learned how to work with you.”
“I'll be here to assist you should you need anything.”
“But what about you? What about the help you need?”
“Alexa,” Meredith calls softly, removing her glasses. “I'll be okay. I'll always be okay. It's your turn now. Show him what you can do.”
I continue to sit here, speechless.
“Enjoy your weekend. I'll be heading off shortly. My sister is coming to town, so I must be home when she arrives.”
From the bits and pieces Meredith has revealed about herself, she is married but has no children. She said it’s why she’s able to dedicate her time here since her husband likes to fish, and she doesn’t.
“Okay,” I muster up while standing. “Have fun with your sister.”
As I walk out, the panic is suddenly replaced by anger. Why would Hunter change my job after what happened on Friday? I pull my phone out and send a text.
Me:Why did you change my job?
Hunter:That's no way to talk to your boss.
Me:I don't understand why you must make this more awkward.
Hunter:I don't understand why you think there's something to be awkward about. Is there something you want to share, Alexandra?
I don't know how to respond. He’s playing some game to which I don’t know the rules in order to play fairly.
At home, I check my bank balance to see how much I’ve saved. The only places I found that I could afford to rent were run-down studios in very questionable neighborhoods. If my mom found out, I’m pretty sure she’d have a heart attack.