Page 12 of Rocking Player
As the food wound down, Michael wiped his face and asked, “What is it you do, Georgie?”
My stomach twisted. Normally, whenever someone in my mom’s groups complained about their job, I’d been the "at least you’re not Georgie who works retail now" feel good rebuttal. I never mentioned my side business that brought in money, as it wasn’t their business, and I only worked at the store for healthcare.
I wasn’t looking for love or some sort of satisfaction from working when I folded my hands in front of me and said, “I raise Jeremy and work part-time filling online orders at a store.”
Jeremy finished his food and pushed his plate back. “Mom quit her nice job to look after me.”
Oh, no.
“My job before was boring anyhow,” I said fast. No way should Jeremy ever feel guilty over that choice. I sat straighter and met Michael’s clear blue eyes as I said, “Look, I’m not poor or desperate. We don’t need your money to survive.”
Jeremy pointed toward the living area of the room and asked, “Mom, can I go sit on the couch and play a game on my phone?”
We’d leave in a minute and get a car share back to the stadium.
For now, I ignored how my skin was still warm from Michael’s nearness and just said, “Sure.”
Jeremy got up and left.
Michael leaned back in his chair and asked, “How are you paying for everything you have by yourself?”
I lifted my chin.
We’d not seen each other in years, and he had no idea that I rejected every other man I met, as I asked, “How do you know I’m alone?”
His eyebrow rose and, inside, I quaked.
There was no way I wanted to lie, so my neck tensed, and I closed my eyes as I said, “Fine.” For a moment, I just breathed, then I said, “My parents left enough for the six of us, but I think a few of my cousins added dollars to that inheritance.”
He blinked and asked me, “Your sisters?”
He remembered that detail then. I should be flattered. Maybe part of me was. His words had sent butterflies into my chest, but I ignored that sense and said, “Yes. Though I’m the only one who chose not to work some fabulous dream job. My parents helped raise my cousins so, in many ways, they are more like brothers, and to pay tribute to my parents, they pooled their money to ensure we were all fine. I’ve been managing to use that to ensure Jeremy has a future.”
“You still work for the day to day expenses?”
“I need healthcare for us.”
“I see.” He played with a piece of his short dark hair that curled. He’d done that years ago, in the same spot, as we had deep discussions on the hotel balcony. The memory of the Bahamas even had a warm breeze tonight as he asked, “And, you’re happy going home alone to an empty bed?”
“Yes,” I said and didn’t move. I’d not be ashamed or admit that every night I wished for his kiss. There was nothing wrong with finding home life fun.
He had his hands on the table, but leaned closer as he asked, “How? I go crazy staring at the four walls.”
Writing. Painting. I enjoyed challenging myself, but he likely didn’t share my interests because, honestly, I found my life more fulfilling than when I’d worked in financial services. “I do more than just work at a store.”
“What else then?”
I swallowed my pride and said, “I develop websites when I’m in the mood to work.”
He sat back like I’d answered his question. “So, you work from home?”
Oh, he had no idea, and I didn’t bother to explain myself as he’d leave us alone soon. I shrugged my shoulder and said, “Part-time. It’s nothing.”
Jeremy let out an audible yawn. “Mom charges five thousand for initial set up.”
Michael’s eyes had a shine in them that sent heatwaves in me from that glance of his.
My son didn’t even pop his head over the couch as he said, “That’s decent.”
