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The all too familiar guilt sets in. I try to go home whenever I can, but it’s never enough. They want me to move back home, to run the store and settle down, but that’s not what I want. At least, not right now.
“I’m sorry. I’m on assignment, and I don’t know how long this will last.” I make my way to the rental car booth on the other side of the baggage claim. The line is long but seems to be moving quickly.
“Where are you at this time?” His disappointment is loud, even though he doesn’t say the words. He would never guilt me like that. Not intentionally anyway.
“Chicago, for now.”
He knows better than to ask too many questions. Most of the time I can’t answer them. We have to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement for most of our clients.
“You know your mother and I wish you would’ve picked a different career. It’s too dangerous, SJ.” That isn’t anything he hasn’t said a million times before.
I roll my eyes, tired of having the same conversation. “I know, Dad.”
I leave it at that. At thirty-three years old, I’m done explaining my life choices to them. I know they only have good intentions by wanting me home with them, but like I’ve said before, I’m not ready to settle down in Sutter Creek.
“Look, I have to go. I’ll call you two later when I have time to talk.”
More guilt sets in over the brisk ending to our already terse phone call, but as the line moves closer to the check-out counter, I find my patience dwindling as well. I know they only want what’s best for me, even if it’s not what I want.
“We love you, son. Stay safe.”
“I will. I love you guys, too.”
An annoyed huff leaves my mouth as the call ends. My patience is fading fast as I wait in line to pick up the keys to a black Tahoe. When I get to the counter, it takes all I have to remain calm.
The woman behind the counter looks at me with remorse. “I’m so sorry, sir. The Tahoe you reserved is no longer available and won’t be for several more days. However, we have a car you can take today.”
My nostrils flare, but I manage to keep my voice level. I hate being unable to pick out the rental car. Because of my size, most cars are uncomfortable to ride in. My six-foot-four-inch bulky frame requires some leg room.
“What kind of car?” I ask briskly.
“Um, a compact car is all we have left. It’s been unusually busy with so many shows playing in the city.”
My new client’s show is one of them. Frustration overwhelms me, and I quietly snap a comment to myself. “What’s the point of reserving a car when you give it away to someone else?”
Even as low as my voice was, she still heard and answers anyway. “I know, and I’m so sorry. I’m a button pusher for the most part. I just do what I’m told.”
Her response surprises me, and I take pity on the young girl. It isn’t her fault, and she has a long line of people behind me who probably won’t take the change well.
“Just give me what you have, I guess.”
A heavy sigh leaves me as I wait for her to write it up. I take the bill, noting that she discounted the rental. My brows furrow. Not a lot of companies give a shit when their services aren’t up to par.
“We aren’t supposed to do that,” she says as she leans forward to whisper over the counter. “But you’ve been the nicest customer about the issue so far, so thank you.”
Well, damn. And to think I almost lost my patience with her.
“I’m sorry people are shitty. I hope the rest of the day gets better.” I give a brief nod, before tapping my hand on the counter and turning to leave.
“You, too!” she calls after me.
I look over my shoulder to find a wide smile on her face. I give a tiny one back as I turn again and stride toward the airport parking lot. I feel sorry for her. People can get irate when they don’t get what they want. I’m a pretty patient guy, and I nearly lost it. Most people don’t have nearly the patience I have, so they’ve likely been awful.
I groan out loud when I finally come to the parking space for my rental. Fucking great. It’s a tiny Ford Focus. As I throw my luggage in the trunk, I open the driver’s door and inspect the small space with apprehension and dread.
I hope we don’t have to travel by car anywhere, or this will be a long stint.
It’s a fight for me to stuff my colossal frame into the tiny car, but I manage and head off to my client’s hotel. I’ll have to call in a few days to see if they have the Tahoe I originally reserved. I can barely move in this clown car, and I don’t plan to suffer for however long Nora is in Chicago.
