SLADE: Oil and fluids are non-negotiable.
ME: Anyone ever tell you that you’re kind of like a large wild feline that stalks the tundra?
I just can’t help myself. His bossy matter-of-factness makes me want to pick at every grouchy layer.
SLADE: I’ll wait to hear from you.
ME: Ok. Shall I send you that information via text, or would you prefer a phone call?
SLADE: Text
ME: Yes, sir. I hope you have a pleasant evening.
I scroll, mentally adding the total of the things he said were required.
“Is everything ok?” Kat’s voice is soft.
I inhale and let it out. “Yeah.”
“You sure?” She glances at me. “You know if you need anything . . .” She lets it hang there.
I’d be lying if I hadn’t considered seeking her advice about Miles and my pathetic situation. But it’s messy, and she’s my boss. Nothing good would come from dumping my baggage in the middle of the only thing putting food on our table, no matter how minimal it might be.
“Thanks. I’m good. Just hoping Slade can work magic, and my car will be fixed sooner rather than later.”
She nods. “How are your classes going?”
I enrolled in two online courses to work toward a bachelor’s degree. Achieving a paralegal certificate was a first step. It helped me get this job, but I added two classes when I found out I qualified for financial aid. Juggling work, mom life, and studying is a challenge, but I’m determined to do it.
“Statistics make me want to pull my hair out if I can even stay awake.”
She laughs. “Ugh. I had the worst professor. He smelled like mothballs and had hair growing out of his ears. I couldn’t even think with all of that going on. I don’t know how you do it with kids.”
It’s my turn to laugh. “Lately, not very well.” I barely passed my last test, but I keep that to myself.
She pulls into my driveway. “I gotta run. Kiss those babes for me.”
I grab my things and climb out. “Thank you so much for the ride.”
She waves a hand. “You call me if you needanything.”
I enter through the back door, and the scent of onions and garlic welcomes me. A wet nose greets me, along with a bark and wagging tail. I carefully slip off my heels and flex my toes. The swelling around the smallest is finally starting to recede.
“Mama!” Ollie runs into the kitchen with Frankie crawling as fast as she can behind him.
I bend to kiss his face and squeeze him. I swing low, scooping Frankie up, and pull her to my chest, kissing her cheek.
She lets out a squeal. “Ma-ma.”
“Mama, wook.” Ollie holds out a large, orange paper letter F that’s been turned into a fox. “It’s a f-fox.”
“It looks so good, bud. Did you make that at preschool today?”
He nods.
Helen rounds the corner, tugging on her coat. “We took a deep dive into fox territory today.” Her eyebrows raise, and she winks at me.
“They eat rabbits and v-vegetables.” His little nose crinkles.
