“I do love my desserts,” she said. “I might have to see what is on the special today too and bring something home for your father.”
“Is there anything else you needed from me?” Ella asked.
“Is Kendra working on this with Ivan?”
“You’re barking up the wrong tree there, Mom.”
“I asked a simple question,” she said. “What are you talking about?”
“Kendra and Ivan. That is your plan. I know it. Admit it. You’ve had it in your mind for a year and you see it’s not going anywhere.”
There was no reason to lie about this. Again, some things were better to be out in the open. “I don’t understand what is taking so long.”
Ella lowered her voice. “I’m not sure if Kendra is into dating.”
“She’s not gay,” she said. “No way. I’d know. I can sense that.”
Ella laughed again and put her hand over her mouth to stop the noise. “I didn’t say that. I said I’m not sure she is into the dating scene. I’ve never heard her mention a man before and she’s been here over a year.”
“She’s very private about her life,” she said. “She has a lot on her shoulders caring for her mother.”
Jolene knew Kendra’s story now. She didn’t when they interviewed the young woman last year. She didn’t know much more other than her gut, which told her Kendra would be a great asset to the team, her daughter, and potentially her nephew Ivan.
But again, damn Ivan was giving her fits and dragging his feet and she wasn’t sure what the problem or issue was.
“You’re making more out of it without knowing all the facts,” Ella said. “Any facts, for that matter. I talk with Kendra more than anyone. She’s private and quiet, but she doesn’t spend as much time caring for her mother as much as you think. Or as much as maybe she used to.”
“She’s probably cheap just like Ivan and that is why she doesn’t go out and date. You know it and I know it. You can see it by her limited wardrobe and the car she drives.”
“Kendra is very practical. There isn’t anything wrong with that. It’s her life.”
“She’s boring. Come on. You know it. You pick on her clothing colors all the time.”
“I don’t pick on her,” Ella said. “Not in a mean way. She always compliments me on my clothing and I asked her once why she doesn’t wear more colors.”
“What did she say?” Jolene asked, crossing her arms.
“She said she gets more usage out of plain solid colors.”
“Exactly something Ivan would say. See, perfect for each other.”
“Or so much alike they’d put each other to sleep. As I said, you might be barking up the wrong tree on this one. Let it go and move on to someone else.”
“Nope,” she said. “I love a challenge.”
2
Stand Up For Yourself
Kendra was walking past Ella’s office thirty minutes later after she went to refill her water bottle.
“Kendra,” she heard Ella say. “Can you come here?”
She turned and went back. “Yes.”
“Shut my door.”
By the grin on Ella’s face, she knew where this would be going. “What happened with your mother?”
