Page 74 of Our Final Encore

“It needs some more work,” he finally says after moments of silence hang between us.

“I liked it.” Our eyes meet and I feel a tiny shift in the air. Some kind of unspoken understanding.

“Thanks.” One side of his lips tip upward, causing his dimple to appear. “It’s getting late…”

“Yeah,” I nod. I’m still not tired, and I don’t really want him to leave, but it doesn’t feel right asking him to stay even longer. “Thanks for everything you did today.”

He places his hand on my knee, but quickly brushes it away. “Of course. Let me know how Mamaw is doing tomorrow.” He stands up and starts walking toward the door, I awkwardly follow behind him, still wishing I could come up with another valid reason to make him stay longer.

“I didn’t expect you to step in and help me like that. I really do appreciate it,” I say.

“We’re family now, Opal. That’s what family does.” His tired eyes stare into mine as we hover in the doorway. “Goodnight.”

I step back, allowing him to pass by me and walk out the door. “Goodnight.”

FORTY-SIX

Opal

About a month after Mamaw got released from the hospital, Mom moved back in with us. She had to take a significant pay cut after quitting her job and finding a new one at a smaller local news station, but she insisted that it was the right thing to do.

It feels a bit different, all of us living under the same roof again, but I don’t mind it. The only thing I worry about is how crowded it’ll feel when the baby gets here, a small house like ours can only accommodate so many people. But I’m trying my best not to sweat too much about it right now, all I can do is try my best to save up every penny I don’t spend on necessities.

Alex and I have managed to remain civil ever since the day Mamaw went to the hospital. Although I think that night of him serenading me was a one off event, it hasn’t happened since, nor have we talked about it. When we talk, we talk about the baby.

I take a deep breath before pushing open the glass door in front of me, the bells above me tinkling softly as I enter. “Morning, Jess.”

Jessica peeks up at me from behind the counter, a blank look on her face. I give her a friendly smile but it isn’t returned. I know I’m on thin ice. When I checked my schedule last night I was no longer scheduled for my typical amount of hours. As far as I know, we’re open normally all week, so clearly she just didn’t feel like putting me on the schedule.

“Opal.” She nods, setting down the cupcakes in her hands. “I was hoping we could chat, can you give me a few minutes? I’ll meet you at your desk.”

“Sure,” I nod, pretending like I’m not shaking inside. I hate getting in trouble. Always have. Whether it was my grandma, a teacher, or in this case my boss reprimanding me, it’s always made me feel two inches tall.

I set my stuff down at my desk, logging into my computer as I usually would.

“Hey.” She scoots a chair up beside me, the sound of it screeching across the floor puts me even more on edge. “How are you doing?”

Not what I expected her to say, but alright. “Uh, I’m fine. Good.” My smile is fake and I’m sure she can tell.

“You’ve seemed a bit…off lately.” She stares at me for a moment, as if expecting me to agree or disagree. I just stare back at her. “I’m not sure if something is going on in your personal life, or maybe you’re just not happy with this job anymore.”

“No! Not at all. It’s just–yeah, personal stuff.” My hands are clammy, I wipe them on my slacks to try and relieve the feeling.

She gives me a half-ass sympathetic smile, her brown eyes crinkling in the corners. “It seems like whatever it is has been taking up a lot of your energy. I like you, Opal, I’m not just saying that. But, I’m not sure that you’re the right fit for this job anymore.”

Fuck fuck fuck.“Jessica, I need this job. I’ll do better, I’m sorry.” God, I sound pathetic, but I have no idea how else torespond. It’s the truth, I have no clue where else I could find a job almost halfway into my pregnancy. I’m not huge yet, I’ve been able to cover my bump at work with flowy dresses and tunics, but it won’t stay like that for long.

“I will be more than happy to give you a good reference. But I think it’s time for you to move on, I’m sure there’s another job out there that you’ll be much more excited about.”

I sigh, knowing that her mind is made up, and I’m just wasting my breath if I try to argue now. “Okay.”

“You’re welcome to stay until the end of the day, but if you don’t want to, that's fine too. I’ll cut you your last check this Friday.”

Wow, so much for a two week notice. I guess that only applies if it’s the employee’s idea to quit. “Alright,” I nod, grabbing my bag and spinning around in my chair to get up.

Maybe I should stay for the rest of the day, heck if I know, I’ve never been fired before. But at this point that just seems like it’d be awkward for both of us.

I exit the bakery without another glance behind me, anger simmering in my veins. I’ve done so much for that company, and for such shit pay. I know I wasn’t a perfect employee by any means, but I did try.

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