My MIL loved you. I trust her judgment, so I’m offering you the job. I know you don’t have very much experience, but Cecelia’s recommendation was glowing, and she seems to think you’d fit in well here. Besides, I’m not looking for Mary Poppins. I’m just looking for someone responsible who genuinely likes kids. You fit the bill.
When can you start?
Nick
From: “Evi Halle” <[email protected]>
To: “Nicholas Wilder” <[email protected]>
Date: September 6, 2014 10:23 p.m. PST
Subject: RE: I CAN START A.S.A.P!
Dear Nick,
O.M.G!
Thank you, thank you!
I can start immediately.
(Get me out of this house.):)
Evi
From: “Nicholas Wilder” <[email protected]>
To: “Evi Halle” <[email protected]>
Date: September 6, 2014 10:29 p.m. PST
Subject: RE: Can you start on Monday?
Evianna,
O.M.G! (Did I really just say that?)
Can you start on Monday? Cecelia will call you with the details.
Nick
Five.
Evianna
“I can’t believe they hired you,” my mother smirks from beside my dresser. She’s been in here for the last hour, helping me pack.
“I don’t know why you’re all so surprised,” I say, gritting my teeth. I throw my T-shirts into a suitcase. “It’s not like I’m a crazy person. I’m a college graduate. In fact, I have two college degrees. I’ve never been in trouble with the law. I’m mentally stable. I’m normal,” I offer, even though I know my mother is going to laugh. She does.
“It’s not that, Evianna. It’s just… it’s a surprising turn of events, that’s all.”
I glare at her as I fold a pair of jeans.
“Yeah, well, when your boyfriend of seven years cheats on you and you have nowhere else to live, getting a job is kind of the first thing you should do.” I hold my hand up because I know she’s about to insinuate that I have a place to live. “And by nowhere else to live, I mean a place that a normal, twenty-five year old would live—should live. That does not include this house, in my opinion.”
“I’ll just say one thing,” she retorts. I look at her and wait. “You are always welcome here.”
I soften a bit. I know she’s being sincere. I know my parents love me. But… it’s so weird living at home after living on your own. Some people can make it work. I just know that I can’t. And if I’m being honest… I really miss the apartment I shared with Dan. Not so much because of Dan, but because it was my own space, and having my own space was really important to me.
“I know, Mom,” I say, walking over and hugging her. “Until I find my dream job, I need some independence. That’s all.”
“Okay,” she says, nodding. “I just… if you need anything… I know it hasn’t been that long since Dan—”
“Stop,” I plead. “Please don’t say his name.”
“Okay. He who shalt not be named,” she adds, chuckling. “I’m just saying… maybe you need more time to heal?”
I snap my head around and stare at her.
“It’s been three months. I’ve been moping around for far too long. I don’t think I have anything left in me to heal, if I’m being honest. The only thing I need is a fresh start. I need to put some time and space between everything… to process everything. This is the next logical step.”
“I know, honey, and we’re proud of you,” she says, caressing my arm. “What about food? Do you have a kitchen?” she asks. Her question is valid. Of course my mother wants to make sure I’ll be fed.
“My guest house has its own kitchen, though when Cecelia called yesterday, she said I can use the house like my own when I’m there, including their fridge.”
She nods her head approvingly.