Page 3 of Playing with Fire

She completes the picture by coloring its final section then pushes the paper across the table. "Look! Look at this picture where you and I and Mommy and Maddox stand together!

She laughs while leaning across the table. The picture reveals colourfully drawn stick figures standing on bright green streaks when I examine it.

Grass maybe?

I almost forgot about Maddox. Maddox was their golden retriever. Maddox arrived as a gift from my family for theirs following Ro's birth and he has received excellent care throughout.

I would love to have that dog as my own but my parents have forbidden it. The moment I wanted to see him I would visit here to spend time together. "Em, why didn't you go out tonight?" Lily asks from the stove. I let out a sigh and return the drawing into Ro's hands. "I'm broke," I said honestly.

Her laughter reached me from her corner. "Weren't we all at your age." she jokes.

"Not. I can't find a job." I complained. "It's like every place doesn't need employees."

The way she turned the stove knobs made it clear she was shutting it down. She offered me a sly grin as she served the meal while suggesting she had a solution.

This piqued my interest. "You do?" I asked.

She had to put away the pans in the sink which caused a brief silence.

A college student backed out of their commitment at the last moment. She says with a convincing tone "There's a free spot at the parlour if you want to fill it."

"Are you kidding? I never imagined I would have the chance to work at that place! I exclaimed, standing up from my chair.

The Rowan family operated an ice cream parlor situated centrally in town. Everybody wanted to work there. Everybody goes there.

I've never visited a better ice cream establishment. If you missed the March deadline all the college students took the available jobs.

She looks back at me with two plates of food saying, "We didn't have any open spots until now."

The sound of Maddox's collar bell rings through the air as he trots to the corner. He will likely stay close to determine if he can get some leftovers.

He presses his body against my legs which makes me sit down to stroke him. "Oh my god! Thank you so much! I love you so much! I love you so much! I love you so much!

"No problem. My son's behavior this year deserves some compensation, so I'll give you two extra dollars an hour on top of your pay.

"You don't have to," I defend. "It's fine."

She chuckles softly before placing Ro's plate before her. She reaches for her fork immediately and begins her meal.

"No, don't worry about it. I'm happy to do it. Are you able to work Fridays?" she asks, sitting herself.

"Maybe after the yearbook. So I could be there around five?" I tell her.

"Great. I'll start your training next Saturday." she smiles.

A grin pulled across my face.

My financial issue just got solved.

I bent down to rub Maddox's head because he continued to nudge my legs under the table. "I'll see you there," he said.

"Emmy! Emmy! Will you join me for a movie?" Ro asked. Ro begged.

I looked at her and then checked my phone. The time was eight, but my schedule was completely open.

"Yeah," I agree. "But you have to finish eating first." I point to her half-empty plate.

The moment I finished speaking she responded by smiling and starting to finish her meal. My grin returned as I redirected my focus toward Maddox.

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