All I need is to save for another three weeks, and I should be able to afford something nicer.
Problem solved.
Three more weeks of living in Hunter’s house. After that, he has nothing to hold over me.
Nothing at all ….
EIGHTEEN
“So, what’s the problem?”
Ava is sitting beside me on her third Mimosa. About an hour ago, she played rock, paper, scissors with Millie. Whoever won gets to drink. The loser is in charge of the kids.
Of course, Ava came out as the winner, lucky to be lying in the sun enjoying our lazy weekend.
“The problem is I don’t want to work for him,” I complain, letting out my millionth annoyed huff since I found out yesterday afternoon.
“Sounds to me like he wants to get in your pants.” Ava's giggles are followed by a hiccup. “Too bad he’s married.”
I glance at Millie, who presses her lips flat and doesn’t say a word on the matter. Since our conversation at her house, she hasn’t brought the subject up again.
“Ava, can you be serious for like a second?”
She crosses her arms. “Fine, go on.”
“I was thriving in a job reporting to a woman. I don’t do well when being bossed around by a man.”
“You have daddy issues, like literally,” Ava concedes. “You’ve always argued against whatever Dad says or rules he’s set. On a positive note, your many battles with Dad mean you’ve got the stamina and strength to go up against Hunter should you disagree with him.”
“He’s my boss. It’s different. I need money.”
The boys become loud and rowdy, forcing Millie to threaten them if they continue. It’s no popsicles after the pool, something they desperately want so quickly behave.
“The real question here is,” Millie begins with, then continues, “is this what you want to do long term? If you’re in this to make money for a greater dream, then just be professional so you can move on to your next goal.”
I shrug, then release a sigh. “I don’t know. I just want my own place. As for a career, it doesn’t spark anything in me. It’s just a job.”
“Take it from me. You have to love what you do,” Ava assures me.
Millie nods. “I’ve always wanted to work in law. Maybe because I watched Mom, and she looked like such a badass winning all these cases. It’s like fighting crime but being a law-abiding citizen at the same time.”
“You know, you always told Millie and me you wanted to fix sick people.” Ava smiles, then continues to sip on her Mimosa. “You made us call you Dr. Edwards.”
“I was just a kid …”
“Not all dreams have to change,” Ava says wistfully. “But back to your problem, don’t let Hunter get to you. Work hard, prove yourself, then get the hell out of his house before something happens.”
Ashton jumps into the pool, splashing all three of us. I let out a gasp from the cold water, but maybe it’s the wake-up call I need.
Ava is right. Work hard, prove myself, and make sure nothing happens.
“Nothing will happen,” I assure my sisters. “Trust me.”
* * *
Monday mornings have become my least favorite part of the week.
I avoided going back to April’s the past weekend again, this time crashing at Ava’s house. The fear of running into Hunter gives me this constant paranoia. Everything needs to stay professional.