Page 2 of Billion Dollar Mistake

“Strong as a horse,” he says, taking a large slurp of his soup.

I eye him critically. He’s an adult. There’s nothing I can do to get a different answer out of him. If he’s doing ok, I usually believe him. Even though I shouldn’t.

I bring a spoonful of soup to my mouth, enjoying the salty taste.

“Are you ready for your job interviews this week?” Dad asks.

The way he looks at me, as if he wants to help, has me saying, “I think so. But would you help me prepare?”

He lowers his spoon and sits up straighter in his chair. These days the roles have reversed. Dad used to be the man of the house, always caring for the two of us, and now he feels like a burden. I know he does.

He’s worked in a few different warehouses over his working years. One being at the department store where he met my mom. He was meant to be working on the floor, but on his lunch break, he saw Mom struggling to move shoe boxes, so he offered to give her a hand. They got to chatting, and because he is good at convincing people of just about anything, he asked her on a date and she agreed. And like they say, the rest is history.

“Alright. Hit me,” I say eagerly.

I eat another spoonful of dinner before he asks, “Why do you want the job?”

“Jeez. Hitting me with the hard questions fast.” I laugh.

But, in my mind the words I need this job scream out loud.

I don’t know how I’m going to afford the gas bill. But I keep my lips firmly together. Those words won’t leave my lips. They’re my problem to solve, and right now, getting a job will fix it.

“I have to. You need to be able to answer these easily,” he replies.

“I have gathered invaluable skills during my studies and my good marks are proof of how valuable I could be as a new hire. I am a fast learner, and I am ready to face new challenges,” I answer, hoping he likes my prepared reply.

He nods as he takes another mouthful of dinner and so do I.

“Are you a hunter or a gatherer?”

My brows pull together.

“Just answer it,” Dad counters, obviously reading my confused face.

“Gatherer. I think,” I say, watching him to see if I’m correct.

“Yeah, you are. You’re good at collecting data.”

I exhale. “Give me an easy one now.”

“They’ve all been easy. But okay. What motivates you?”

Money. Financial freedom. Happiness. But I don’t say those. Instead, I think for a minute, watching my dad finish the soup. He’s always loved my cooking, so seeing him finish it makes me happy.

“I enjoy working with numbers and my attention to detail is my greatest strength. I am excited about the opportunity of being here and learning more about your company.”

Mom claps from her seat. “Good answer.”

“Calm down, Lydia,” Dad responds. But his soft smile and longing look make my gut twist.

I worry about Mom. If I am scared out of my mind right now, I wonder what she’s feeling. Does she fear she’ll have no money for herself if she becomes a widow? Maybe there’s a fear of having the relationship with her only daughter change because of grief. Or is it the fear of losing the person you love?

Unfortunately, as much as I wish I could be there for her and tell her I know exactly how she is feeling, I can’t. I’ve never been in love.

Chapter 2

Jeremy

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