She gave me another hug and turned toward the cake.
“Double chocolate?My girl knows how to celebrate.”
I served us each a slice, and we talked about how quickly everything had happened for the position and all the good things she heard about Steele Corp over the years.
“So if there’s an opening, do you want to know about it?”I asked.
I watched some of the light fade in her gaze.
“I’m content where I’m at.If that changes, I’ll let you know.”
She wouldn’t.At least, not yet.But hopefully things would change now that I was home.Maybe a little of my good luck would rub off on her.
“I’d better get ready,” I said as soon as it was close to my shift’s start time.
“Jay’s going to be disappointed to see you go so soon,” she said as I stood.
“Go?I’m not leaving Lunar Pulse.I’m in debt and young.There’s no reason I can’t work both jobs.”
“And there’s no reason you should.”
“I disagree.Life has taught me always to have a backup plan.”
She gave me a sad smile.“I know it hasn’t been easy, and I’m sorry for that.”
“Life isn’t supposed to be easy.It’s supposed to be lived,” I said, quoting my friend, Wrenly, who knew that lesson better than anyone I knew.“And I’m determined to live it my way, which means two jobs and world domination.”
The spark of humor relit in Mom’s gaze.
“I believe in you.I also believe that I’ll make myself sick if you leave that cake with me tonight.Take it to work with you.”
Laughing at her, I set two more pieces aside for us, got ready for work, then left with a wave and the rest of the cake.
Uncle Jay welcomed the cake and listened to my good news.Like Mom, he wondered when I was quitting.
“Having dual incomes is too tempting to pass up.You’re stuck with me for a while.Now, what drink are you serving up for tonight’s special?”
“You’re tonight’s inspiration.Let’s go with a Pink Squirrel.”
“Haha.”
The drink he made tasted like a chocolate-almond milkshake and was dangerously good.And with a cherry on top and a dollop of whipped cream dusted with more glitter, it photographed well.
“This is perfect.”
I sat at the bar to tweak the wording for the social shares and sent a message to my girls.
Me:Who’s coming out to celebrate my new job at Steele Corp?
Wrenly:Seriously?That’s amazing!I wish I could, but it’s family dinner night.
Miranda:I knew you’d get it!I can’t be with you tonight, but I’m celebrating with you in spirit.
Then Miranda sent me a separate message.
Miranda:I had a word with your Angel and told him his flirting attempts were coming across as creepy.Expect his apology tonight.If you need me, text.I’ll drop everything for you.
Miranda:I’d drop everything for you, Wrenly, and shoes.
