AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Grant had almost been asleep when Mia had asked the question. It wasn’t the first time he’d heard it, but he never tired of answering it.
“Not really unless you count my dreams of being a rock star. Turns out, I have no musical talent so that was never going to work out. But I always knew I wasn’t interested in going into the family businesses. I wasn’t the type to sit behind a desk or wear a tie for a business meeting. That’s just not me. I want to be doing things, and I wanted to help people. Not that my family doesn’t do things for the community. They do, but I wanted to be more hands on. My parents were friends with the sheriff when I was a kid, and I saw how much he loved his job. I guess it sort of stuck because I don’t have any regrets. I love my brothers, but their lives are definitely not mine.”
“That sounds wonderful. Not many people get to do something they love.”
There was something in her tone that had him opening his mouth and asking the next question.
“Do you love what you do?”
“It’s interesting that you ask that question. I don’t think anyone ever has before.”
That wasn’t an answer, only a statement. Grant, however, wasn’t one to push, but Mia had apparently decided to reply.
“I would say that I…don’t love what I do,” she finally said. “Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy it. I love working with Lane. We have a lot of fun, and I like to think that I’m good at it. But do I have a passion for it? I can’t say that I do. Would it sound awful to you if I said that I’d like to spend my days painting and throwing pottery instead of writing and testing code?”
“Of course not. I didn’t know you had an artistic streak.”
He could feel the rumble of laughter in her chest as she levered up on her elbow.
“I can’t draw a stick figure. I’m hopeless at art. I got a ‘C’ in art in high school, and I think the teacher just gave me that grade so I wouldn’t have to take the class again. I don’t have a creative bone in my body. I just like to play with the paints and the clay and other stuff. It’s just fun because I have no expectations for myself.”
“But you do for work?”
“Yes, I have to. I’m being paid a hell of a lot of money to deliver a quality product. Contracts are filled with expectations. But I knew what I was getting into when we opened the business. There are just days that I’d like to forget it all and just play. I’m an adult so it’s sort of embarrassing saying this.”
“I don’t think there’s anything strange about wanting to play hooky from work now and then. Have some fun and forget we’re adults. Look at what we’re doing right now. I love what I do, but I also love taking some time off and relaxing. I think my brothers are the same way. They work hard, but they know when to cut loose a little.”
Grant had never been one to talk much about himself. He’d always thought it was better to keep most of his thoughts and feelings inside when he was with other people. He was a private person, but he trusted Mia with his innermost thoughts and feelings. She wasn’t the type to use them as a weapon if the relationship went south. Simply not her style.
“Growing up with three brothers must have been amazing.”
“I’m not sure amazing is the right word,” Grant chuckled, memories of his rough and tumble childhood running through his brain. He and his brothers hadn’t given their parents an easy time of it. “I had a wonderful childhood, but all four of us are competitive as hell. We didn’t care if it was about food or grades or who could climb up the side of the house to the roof faster. We were constantly competing. Wait, that isn’t true. Justin didn’t compete much. He’s pretty laid back, actually. But he sure as hell likes to win. He’s just more on the down-low about it. Pretends not to care.”
“Who usually won?”
“That’s easy. Ace. He was the oldest, after all.” Grant paused, not sure he should probe, but he wanted to know every little detail about this woman. “You don’t talk much about your family.”
“That’s because it’s a complicated dynamic. I love them, and I know they love me, but they’ve never approved of me, if you know what I mean. It’s always felt like I wasn’t doing enough to make them happy. My therapist has helped me understand that I’m not responsible for their emotions. They are. I’ve had to push back in the last few years and create some boundaries.”
“How’d that go?”
“About as well as one would expect. They’re frustrated with me, and even my brother gives me a hard time. He thinks we both should just fold like cheap tents if my parents want us to do something whether it’s choosing a career, a partner, or even a car. Yes, my parents wanted to pick my last vehicle. They also like to tell me how to spend or save the money I’ve earned. It’s wild, and they don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. Their parents did it, so it’s normal to them.”
“Your brother does what they want?”
“He does, and he feels like it’s the right thing to do. He’s always telling me that my parents won’t live forever and stuff like that.”
It sounded like the brother was trying to pack Mia’s bags and send her on a guilt trip.
“Family dynamics have always fascinated me,” Grant admitted. “As you know, I often deal with domestic issues, and it’s not always husband and wife. Sometimes it’s other family members arguing and it getting out of hand.”
“I would imagine you’ve seen some pretty awful stuff.”
He had. Neglected children were the worst, though. He couldn’t fathom bringing a child into the world and then letting it be cold or hungry. Or downright cruel and violent. If he lived to be a thousand and one, he’d never understand that.
“I can tell you don’t want to talk about that,” Mia said softly. “I shouldn’t have brought it up.”
“I simply don’t want to ruin our day together. But I will admit that some days in my job are a hell of a lot tougher than others.”
