Page 6 of Paths
It shouldn’t even take a month. I’ve looked into it and, other than some paperwork, it’s only a few exams which shouldn’t be hard. Besides getting all my New York credentials transferred, it should be a simple process. What’s not easy is doing all this while hoping it won’t create a paper trail. I’m almost positive as soon as I start, someone’s pockets will be lined green, and I’ll be found instantly. “I’m not sure—it’s a lot of red tape.”
“Be sure and get it done. I really want to slide you into that position. It took me forever to find Cheryl, I went through three therapists before I found someone who wasn’t scared off by the sweet dispositions of our clientele.” His eyes widen with sarcasm.
“I’m on it.” I smile and try to appease him with another lie. Even though the paperwork is all sitting back at my bungalow, finished and ready to file, I’m totally not on it. I’m so scared, I’m not even close to being on it.
Later, on my way out, I hear my name called as I walk past the cafeteria. “Maya.”
Stephanie, the office manager, is waving to me from down the hall, so I stop and turn back. She’s standing with a younger man, and when I say younger, I mean probably in his mid-forties. Not a potential resident, that’s for sure.
“Mr. Acogi, this is our activities director, Maya Augustine.” Stephanie turns to me and continues. “Jeff Acogi is touring our facility for his uncle who lives in the area.”
I offer my hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Acogi. I haven’t been here long, but all the residents really seem to enjoy it.”
“Miss Augustine.” He takes my hand and tips his head. “It’s a pleasure. I like what I see so far.”
Stephanie turns back to him. “Maya is the best activities director we’ve had in a long while. Our residents really take to her, she works hard to get everyone involved. You can know that if you choose Rolling Hills Ranch for your uncle, there will be plenty of events to engage and keep him moving.”
Finally releasing my hand, Mr. Acogi says, “You must be very dedicated. It sounds like everyone enjoys having you here.”
I say nothing about hoping to someday be brave enough to get my Virginia PT license so I can work here in another capacity, and simply say while shrugging, “I like it here, too. The feeling is mutual.”
Stephanie smiles at me. “Thanks for stopping to say hi, Maya.”
“Of course.” I turn back to Mr. Acogi one more time. “Enjoy your tour.”
He smiles. “I already have.”
*****
Ron MacLachlan –
Upstate New York
“Boss, you got a call.”
“I told you I didn’t want to be bothered,” I yell without looking back.
Fucking recruits. We had a break from the cold and all I asked for was a couple hours to sit and fish. Can they not handle any-fucking-thing? I hardly get to the lake house anymore as it is.
“Sorry, boss. It’s Jeff. I told him you ordered no interruptions, but he wouldn’t have it. Said I’d be in a fuckload of trouble if I didn’t get you right away. I like to walk straight and don’t want a hole in my foot.”
When I look over, our newest and most motivated recruit in a long time, Trevor, is holding a cell out for me.
I fucking hate cell phones, too. We never had trouble doing business back in the day when we couldn’t be reached at a moment’s notice. If anything, it was easier back then.
If one of my lieutenants insists, I know it’s a big deal, so I shift my reel to one hand and take the fucking cell. Jeff went south to visit family, which really makes me wonder what this shit is about.
“What?” I clip.
“The kid said you’re at the lake fishing. Sorry to interrupt.”
“Glad you’re sorry, but you’re still interrupting. What do you want?” Not one nibble all day, and now that I have a fucking phone to my ear, my bobber dips.
“I’m in Virginia visiting my uncle.”
Shifting the phone to my ear, I slowly reel in the slack on my line. “Did you forget my Nancy made him baked ziti with sweet sausage? Just got my first bite all day and you call to tell me something I fucking know?”
“We had it last night. He loved it. Send my gratitude to Nancy. That’s not what I’m calling about.”
