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Chapter Two
Helen
January 8th…
I’ve been here for two weeks and while it didn’t exactly start out great – leaving behind all you’ve ever known is never easy – it’s clear this is where I belong. I love my parents and I know they return it and only want the best for me, but their idea of that is far different from mine.
That’s a pleasant way of saying they want me to follow the path they’ve set out for me, therefore, pretty much denying me the ability to make up my own mind. Our arguments regarding this have only increased as I’ve gotten older, but the final straw was when they’d decided to have a dinner party.
Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things until the guest list is one single man after another, all fitting their criteria. I know that’s how they met, and it worked out great for them, but I’m not brave enough to risk my future on a maybe.
Isn’t that what you did by moving? That’s taking a big chance.My subconscious is sometimes the bane of my existence, making sure I pay attention to the truths I’m trying so hard to ignore. I really wish it had a mute button. Or at least a volume, letting me turn it up or down depending on how good it’s being and how sage the advice.
When one of their suitors had shown up at our door, engagement ring in hand, I knew I couldn’t stay. Knowing we’d more than likely never see eye to eye on this, I’d informed them I was moving and took the necessary steps to make it happen. It hurt, especially with our relationship on such shaky ground, but not as much as leaving my little brother behind did. Jason and I have always been close, so he saw my decision as somewhat of a betrayal and began acting out when he learned of my plans.
My parents had accepted, though I know they’re still assuming I’ll change my mind and return home. The man, Arin, however, is a different matter altogether. He made it known that I’d been promised to him and his family had already begun wedding preparations.
I’d escaped, for that’s how it surely felt, like a thief in the night, Jason pleading with me to take him with me. I’d promised he could visit as soon as I got settled and I’m well on my way to making that a reality.
I got a position almost immediately at Tap That.Granted, the name doesn’t scream professional, but I quickly learned this town has a propensity for puns and tongue-in-cheek names for their businesses. A quirk I’m loving.
As to what I want to do with my life beyond that, I’m not sure yet. I went to college for business and have administrative experience, as well as managerial, though both are within my father’s company, a well-known car dealership in my home state with multiple locations. Not sure if that counts on a resume. Then again, he also isn’t one to hire anybody unless they’re qualified for it, including his own daughter. Heck, I’d say he was actually harder on me than the non-related employees and expected more from me than he did them. I made sure I always achieved it, even if the accolades for doing so were never received.
Pushing the disappointment – mine and theirs – in each other aside, I finish my morning routine. Ironically, while I fought against the rigidity of my heritage, sticking to what I know helps me. It’s comforting when so much had been the opposite throughout the years. As different as I’d like to think I am from them, I’m smart enough to admit there are similarities, too. And they aren’t all bad.
I realize I’m a walking contradiction, which is fine with me because I choose to be. That’s what it boils down to…having a choice.
———
I wave at my co-workers as I walk inside for my shift. The majority return my greeting in the same manner or verbally. Curtis, the manager, gives me a chin nod. Aside from joking around with Declan, the owner and our boss, Curtis keeps to himself. I’m not sure if that’s just his nature or something caused him to be like that. Either way, his reasons are his own and none of my concern unless he deems otherwise. That doesn’t mean I’m not curious. It’s human nature to be so.
I stow my gear, then clock in via the tablet off to the side for employee use only. It’s also how Declan and Curtis keep track of the inventory. While I’m there, I check the schedule to see my upcoming hours and make a note of them on my cell’s calendar.
I’m getting as many as I can, yet I worry it’s not enough. Thank goodness living expenses are cheaper here. The quality offered is no less, but the cost sure is. That being said, I’d prefer a little breathing room with my expenses. Seeing Nora, Declan’s wife, exit his office and head toward the door, she smiles at me and I give one back. Deciding to go for it, having found her easy to talk to, I ask if she knows of anyone in town hiring.
“You can ask Declan for a raise,” she suggests. “He was just saying how great of an employee you are.” I blush at the praise, not really used to compliments for job performance.
“I appreciate that,” I tell her honestly, “but I don’t want to take advantage of his kindness.” He did, after all, hire me with no waitressing knowledge.
She nods, not pushing further, then says, “Word is the new resident, he’s best friend’s with Emmett, Kenna’s husband, is opening a branch of his business here.” I love that here they explain who’s who this way, using their version of six degrees of Kevin Bacon. It’s like a contest, each vying to see who can connect with the least number of people. “He’ll need to restaff the entire office and such as he allowed the staff back home to remain there, not wanting to uproot their lives.” Okay, that sounds like a good boss, the kind you’d be lucky to work for.
“Do you know where I can find him?”
Chapter Three
Grady
January 12th…
“Get lucky yet?” My mom wants to know, shocking me into silence. She can’t mean…nah. Right?”
“I’m going to need you to be more specific,” I respond, hoping I don’t regret it. I hear my dad, Clint, chuckling in the background. He’s actually my stepfather, but I’ve never considered him to be anything other than my true dad. When he met and fell in love with my mom, Michelle, and she him, he filled the void my sperm donor left behind. Clint never tried to be anything he wasn’t, which is one of his greatest traits, in my opinion. If you won’t be yourself, who else could do it?
“Oh you,” she tsks. “I meant in getting Sow and Grow Lawn Care up and running.” Then she hums, mumbling, “But if you found your woman and started on my first grandbaby, I wouldn’t complain either.”
I remind her, “We don’t always get what we want. I’m still waiting on that puppy I asked for when I was fourteen.” She chortles, a word I’ve known yet never been able to put a sound to until now, and informs me that I’m an adult. “Nice of you to remember that when it suits you.”
“It’s a perk of being a parent, one you won’t be able to experience if you don’t get a move on it. At least go on a date,” she urges. “Ooh! I know. Let your mother take care of it. I know exactly how to fix this.”
