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FELICITY
By Saturday morning, I’ve almost finished packing and I’m feeling more confident about my new job. I’m leaving for Landmark Mountain as soon as I’ve tidied up a bit. I got here before the holidays and expected to be staying until at least late summer, but I’d barely unpacked, so it doesn’t take long.
“I can’t believe you’re already moving out. You just got here.” Weston stands in the doorway of my room—hisguest bedroom—scowling at me.
“Tell the truth, you can’t wait to have your freedom back,” I say, stuffing another sweater into my suitcase.
He scoffs. “I’ve been plenty free with you around here.”
“Exactly.” I roll my eyes.
He makes a face. “Shit. That’s why you’re leaving, isn’t it?”
“I’m leaving because I got a good job. The pay is great, and I’ll have a cozy little place…”
“You really want to spend your time before law school away from home? Why even bother graduating early?”
I turn and pack a few more things into the last open box, hoping my brother didn’t see me flinch just now. I can’t believe Sutton found out about law school. I wasn’t expecting to have to answer for that. I certainly didn’t intend on carrying out the lie with him too. I feel awful for not telling my family the truth yet, but I just can’t imagine it going well.
My parents have a practice in Silver Hills, and my sister Olivia has worked there since she passed the bar. I had every intention of following in their footsteps. Weston has been consumed by football since he was a child, and thankfully, he’s always excelled at it, because otherwise, I don’t think he would’ve gotten off the hook so easily.
My parents love me and want what’s best for me. I know without a doubt that this is true. But the guilt I have about all the money they’ve put toward my schooling, not to mention the plans they have for my future at the Law Offices of Shaw & Shaw…it’s overwhelming, and it’s a weight I’ve been carrying for over a year now. The closer I got to graduation, the more anxiety I had over following that career path.
Especially since I haven’t exactly nailed down a new career path just yet.
“Felicity?” Weston says.
I turn and he lifts his eyebrows in question.
“You really want to spend your time off this way?” he repeats.
“Oh…yes, I do. I think it’ll be fun. Judge Landmark is nice, and I think I’ll stay busy.”
“Wait, you didn’t tell me you were working with a judge.” He tilts his head, looking impressed. “Okay. Very cool.”
My hands ball into fists. And now I’ve let him think my new job is something related to law. No one in my family would understand if I told them I’m taking a nanny job. Not at this point in my life.
It would not align with what they expect of my future.
I don’t remember ever consciously lying before, ever…until now. It’s awful. I hate it. But it would also be much easier if everyone thinks that’s what I’ll be doing for a little longer. At least until I can save some money to repay my parents and figure out exactly what I want to do.
“Yes!” I say, injecting enthusiasm in my voice. “And Landmark Mountain is such a cute town. I can’t believe we never went there growing up. It’s not that far.”
“This is a family of workaholics, sis, you know that.” Weston laughs. “I’m gonna miss you. You just got back…and I liked having you around. Sorry if I made it too uncomfortable for you with the women…”
I walk over and poke his side. He grabs my arm and twists me into a half-hug, half-wrestle move.
“I liked being here…most of the time.” I maneuver out of his hold and kick the back of his knee, making him jerk forward. Never gets old. I move out of the way before he can grab me again, laughing at his attempt. And then I smile over at him fondly when I’m at a safe distance. “All kidding aside, I’ve loved being here. Thank you for everything. And I’ll still come to your games…as many as I can.”
“Bring whoever you want as often as you want to be there. Just give me an idea of how many ahead of time and I’ll set you up.”
“Thanks, West. I’ll miss you too. Once the season is over, you can come visit me too.”
He nods and turns when the doorbell rings. “I will, promise. Pizza’s here. Take a break and come eat something.”
When I go into the kitchen, my parents are there, and I shoot a look at Weston for not warning me that they were coming over. He shrugs and grins. I hug them both and get a plate, piling it with a couple of slices of Hawaiian. I called them about the job last night and they both got on the phone and had plenty to say about it.
“Felicity, you didn’t tell us who you’re working for,” my mom says. “Now, it all makes sense!”
