Like me, my father has chosen to remain single for a long, long time. He and my mother’s relationship was an interesting one, especially back then. They were best friends growing up, and they both came from very old-fashioned southern families.The type that expects a man and a woman to get married and start a family. My mom and dad made a pact that if they were still single by the time they graduated high school, they’d get together and do just that.
Neither of them has ever divulged too much about the situation, but from what I’ve gathered, it was all very clinical in how my brother and I were conceived. They both love my brother and I, and they love each other, but they were never in love. I have my theories about what they bonded over when they were younger, and why the pact was needed, but neither of them has ever admitted as such, and it’s not my place to pry.
But my dad has been single for my entire life, and my mom moved away from Wolf Creek when Hollis and I became adults, and she lives in Austin now with herroommate,who I’m pretty sure we all know isn’t just a roommate. Why she feels the need to hide what it actually is from her kids, especially in this day and age, is beyond me, but again…not my place to pry.
After we finish eating, Hollis takes Tucker outside to play and help with evening chores while my dad and I clean up the dinner mess. I can feel the questions coming, so I’m not surprised when he asks, “So, why aren’t you hiring this guy?”
I heave a sigh, placing the condiments in the door of the fridge. “Partially because he seemed like a total mess from the minute he showed up here, but also ’cause he’s Violet’s brother, and that seems like its own set of issues.”
“Why?”
The water turns on behind me, and without looking, I know he’s starting to handwash the dishes. Over the years, we’ve fallen into a routine during Wednesday dinners. Hollis always takes Tucker outside for chores, while I put everything away and wipe everything down, and my dad washes the dishes. Always by hand, despite having a dishwasher because, according to him, that’s the only way they really get clean.
“Because I don’t need Violet thinkin’ what we have is more than it is, and hirin’ her brother seems like a way to muddle the lines.”
“Is he qualified?”
“Yes. In fact, he’s more qualified than my last nanny was, but that’s not the point.”
“And how many other candidates do you have lined up?”
I grind my molars, already anticipating where this is going. “None,” I grit out.
My dad is quiet for a moment. I know what he’s going to say, and I think the reason it annoys me as much as it does is because, deep down, I know he’s right and I don’t like that.
“Pull your head out of your ass, and quit being stubborn,” he finally spits out. “You said it yourself; options are slim, and if this guy is qualified and would be good for the job, and Tucker seems to like him already, then hire him. If it doesn’t work after you do, then fine. But you need a nanny, Finn. Bringin’ Tucker out to work every day isn’t sustainable for either of you.”
I don’t respond. He’s right, but I’m not ready to admit that.
“And who cares if he’s your girlfriend’s brother,” he adds. “If you’re not feelin’ it with this woman, then tell her. Set boundaries. Her being related to him doesn’t have to change your working relationship with him if you set clear boundaries.”
After we finish cleaning the kitchen, Tucker and I head back to our place. Once I give him a bath and read him a couple of bedtime stories, I head out to the living room to relax for the night. Putting on my favorite Johnny Cash record, I pour myself three fingers of Foxx Bourbon—only the best—and sit in my recliner, thinking over everything my father said.
He made a good point… If I hire Ash, and it doesn’t work out, I can always let him go. And Idoneed somebody.
By the time I pour myself a refill, I’ve already made up my mind. Pulling out my phone, I glance at the time. Maybe I shouldwait until morning to make this call; it is almost nine. But fuck it. If I wait, I’ll find some reason to talk myself out of it, and that’s not what I need.
The phone rings twice before it connects.
“Hello?”
“Hey, it’s Finn Moore.”
He chuckles. “Yeah, cell phones have caller ID.”
Gritting my teeth, I exhale harshly through my nose. “After consideration, I’d like to offer you the job if you’re still interested.”
“Are you serious?”
Do I honestly strike him as somebody who would call and joke with him?“Yes, I’m serious.”
“Of course, I’m still interested!” he replies excitedly. “After the way our meeting went, I just assumed I blew my chance.”
“When can you move in and get started? I know you’re still living in Portland, so?—”
“As soon as possible,” he blurts out, cutting me off. “Sorry.” Breathing out a small laugh, he continues. “I’m going back to Portland tomorrow to bring all my stuff here, so I can move in this weekend. If that’s not too early for you.”
“No, that would be just fine. You can get settled in, and I can show ya the ropes this weekend. You’ll officially start on Monday.”
