Page 2 of Dangerous Pursuit

“Have I ever mentioned Jack and Hazel Soloman, the nice couple I clean for on Fridays? They were one of my first clients seven years ago.”

“I think so. I don’t remember for sure, but what about them?” Mom often comes home with stories from work.

“They’re the nicest family—always making small talk while I’m there, and today, we were chatting about our kids, and I happened to mention that you finished your senior year early and needed a full-time job until fall, and guess what?” she asks, beaming. Her excitement is contagious, making me smile.

“What?”

“Well, their son, Jackson, who was already out of the house when I started for them, took over their property management company when they retired—Soloman Management or something. Their daughter, Cici, was supposed to run it with him but ended up moving away. I remember when she lived at home, she was such a sweetheart. I can’t believe she left.”

“Mom! Get to the point. What’s the good news?” I interrupt her rambling, growing impatient. She tends to do this, drone on and on, taking forever to finish her stories. I’m honestly surprised to hear that the Solomans talk with her so much. My mom can be overwhelming at times. God bless her.

“Well, they mentioned that Jackson’s assistant is going on maternity leave and that they needed a temporary replacement. I told them how smart and mature you are, graduating from high school early with all those advanced classes, and I can’t believe it, but they offered you the job!”

“Like, they want me to interview for it?” This might be perfect, and I bet it would pay decent money.

She has the biggest smile on her face. “No, honey, they want you to start training on Monday. No interview necessary. They said any daughter of mine will be amazing, and with the drive you’re showing, you’ll be great.”

I’m stunned. “Monday? Wow… that’s just… wow…”

“That’s good, right? I figured you needed something to do anyway since you won’t have school anymore. Maybe it’ll go so well that they keep you on until you start college in the fall.” She’s so happy, it’s infectious.

My plan was to continue playing poker, but this way, I could make money guilt-free. Maybe it’ll also give me time for a social life. If I work eight to five, I can go out at night like most people my age instead of playing tournaments. I’d still make meals and help around the house, but with my nights and weekends free, I’d have plenty of time for everything.

“It’s great, Mom… just crazy that I start on Monday with no interview, but with the timing, it’s like it was meant to be. They know I have no office experience, though, right?” The doubt is seeping in.

“Sweetheart, you’ll do great. I’m sure you’ll pick it up in no time. You have nothing to worry about with how smart and responsible you are. Why don’t you go up to start picking your outfits for next week and let me clean up.”

“Mom, you worked all day. I can do it. I have all weekend to decide what to wear, but nice try. You should take a bath and relax. I don’t mind.” I refuse to let her clean when she gets home.

“Mia, I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I sure am lucky. I love you, honey. Come say good night when you’re done.”

“All right, I’ll be up in a few.”

I ruminate over my new job while putting away dinner and tidying up the kitchen. I’ll be an assistant to the owner—well, the owner’s son. I know nothing about him or Soloman Management, so I’ll have to do some research over the weekend. The last thing I want is to walk in unprepared and clueless.

After saying one more thank you and final good night to Mom, I rush to get ready for bed so I can call my best friend, Walker, and tell him the good news. He knows how much it bothers me to lie about the extra income. Another positive is that I’ll have something to keep me busy during the day since, unlike me, he’s still in school until graduation.

I’m a nervous wreck gettingready for my first day. I played my last poker games over the weekend, even declining an invite to a live tournament this week. Since I’m taking this job, I’ve decided to go legit. Being full-time should cover the extra expenses I take care of and still allow me to save for a car. Poker is lucrative, so it’s hard to give up, but knowing how upset Mom would be if she knew is enough motivation to quit.

Pairing my classiest black skirt with a fitted purple ribbed V-neck is the best I came up with from my limited selection. Clothes have been at the bottom of my list for the past few years. Gold hoop earrings complete the look with my favorite necklace, a nightingale spreading its wings. It was a graduation present from my mom, a tribute to my middle name, which happens to be Nightingale. Finishing up with two sprays of my favorite scent and my only pair of heels, a wedge sandal, I’m as ready as I can be for a first impression.

I enter the kitchen but don’t dare eat with the butterflies in my stomach. Puking at work on day one is not on my to-do list. Instead, I grab a cup of coffee and try to stay calm.

“You look great, sweetie. Are you excited?” My mom appears from around the corner.

“More nervous, but what are you still doing here? I thought you had a job at seven.”

“I couldn’t miss my baby’s first day of work. I’ll just be home an hour later tonight. Do you want to order pizza for dinner since we’ll probably both be tired?”

“That’s perfect. Sorry you have to work late, but I’m glad you’re here now. What do you think?” I spin around.

“Very professional. I can’t believe how grown-up you look. You’re going to do amazing. I know it. Be confident and remember how wonderful you are, mija.” She leans in to hug me.

“I love you, Mom. Thanks again for getting me this job.”

“Of course. You’re going to have a great first day. I can’t wait to hear all about it,” she says before grabbing her things and heading out the door.

After a few more minutes, I force myself to follow and make my way to the bus. It’s not a long commute, but it’s enough to ponder all my research from the weekend. I learned that Soloman Management Group is a pretty big deal. They not only do property management for numerous places but own many of the buildings they manage. Even more impressive is that they started from nothing and grew their business to become one of the largest in southern California.

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