Page 9 of Bossed By the Orc

“You know that development buying up everyone’s houses across the street?” Dad screamed into the phone. “Those idiots are trying to push us out. I know they have something to do with this. But we’re not going to go. We’ll figure something out, don’t you worry. I’ll take up more jobs in town.”

That wasn’t possible and we both knew it. Dad was taking care of Mom and couldn’t be away from her for that long in case anything happened. At this point, she could barely use the bathroom on her own. She got dizzy so often that she needed full-time care.

I started recalculating what little money I’d have in my monthly budget. I knew I’d need to send them more. I could find another job during the day. This was the city and there had to be vacant jobs that would hire me somewhere. Forcing a smile on my face, I tried to sound cheerful.

“Well, they can’t beat us. And I’ll be taking on some more hours soon, so my pay will be higher.”

“I don’t feel comfortable with you sending us money, sweetheart,” Mom whispered.

“Mom, Dad,” I breathed, “please let me do this.”

Mom’s cough sounded teary this time and Dad’s voice was rough as he said, “Thank you, sweetie. Now, go off and do something fun. Everything must still be open there.”

I laughed, swiping my fingers under my eyes. “They are, actually. It’s fun, fun, fun twenty-four seven.”

“You’re still so young, Pen,” he yelled into the phone. “Go out and have a good time. Don’t waste your time working too much.”

I rolled my eyes. I didn’t enjoy going out when I had no commitments. I preferred staying in with a glass of wine and a book.

I definitely wouldn’t be going out when my parents were depending on me and every penny mattered. “I’ll go out this weekend,” I lied, knowing that I’d already asked for the weekend shift.

While I hadn’t been rostered in yet, I knew my supervisor had trouble getting anyone on the schedule for Friday and Saturday nights. I’d gladly take them for two times the pay.

I pulled on my clothes as I talked to them, promising to call them next week. When they were satisfied with my lies about going out and meeting people—probably with the hopes of me getting knocked up and giving them a grandbaby—they hung up.

I texted my best friend immediately.

Pen: I love you more than anything else.

Becca: If you were a big, sexy orc, my life would be complete. Why are you confessing your undying love for me anyway?

Pen: My parents called.

Becca: You know I’d do anything for them

Pen: Thank you.

Becca: Don’t be weird. Now have you met any sexy orcs there?

Pen: You wouldn’t believe this, but actually, I met two.

Becca: I’M PACKING MY BAGS NOW!

Pen: Yes! Come here so I don’t have to miss you so much! Even if one of them is a dick!

Becca: I sense a story brewing. Tea tomorrow?

Pen: Tea time is the best time. Love you.

Becca: Same. *kissy face emoji*

I smiled down at my phone, tucking it into my pocket as I grabbed my bag, slinging it over my shoulder and leaving the changing room.

‘Tea Time’ was what Becca and I lovingly called gossiping over wine.

We started as teenagers with stolen beer behind my dad’s shed whenever one of us wanted to talk about boys or someone being mean to us. Then it became a weekly therapy session because we were both too poor to afford the real thing. My heart panged, missing my family and home so much that I ached.

Chapter Six

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