Page 17 of Falling for My Best Friend's Dad
I take a deep breath and try to be patient. “You could play soccer and go to college. You might even have a better chance to go pro.”
“I don’t want to go to college.”
I want to tell him to get real, stop dreaming, but the high school comes into sight and I swallow my words back. “We’ll continue this conversation later.”
“We won’t,” Leo says as he and Maria get out of the car. “I’m eighteen and I can decide for myself. Besides, I already spoke to Mom, and she okayed it.”
I open my mouth to speak, but he turns away. Maria waves at me and says over the window. “Bye, Kayla. Don’t be upset!”
“Bye.” I force a smile.
Shit. I curse as I watch the two of them disappear into the crowd. That’s what I get being a big sister. No thanks. Your opinion is not needed. And I can’t believe my mom agrees to Leo’s insane plan. Maybe I should accept Victor’s friend request and send him a warning message.
After dropping Leo and Maria off at school, I drive toward J L Electronics. I still haven’t decided about which job to keep. Before I left the house, I wanted to stay at Bay Bistro, but after Leo dropped the bombshell, I’m not sure anymore. If I kept my restaurant job, would I be sending my brother the wrong message? How could I convince him to go to college if my own college degree didn’t mean anything?
I love my little brother and sister, and it’s been my goal that they will go to college so they’ll have better opportunities. I’ve seen how much my mom has to sacrifice to bring us up. Mom worked two full-time jobs in the past ten years until I graduated from college.
My mom never regrets her life with my dad, but I often wonder about what ifs. What if Mom didn’t drop out of high school because of my dad? If she hadn’t met my dad and fallen for him, then she wouldn’t have had me, but she might’ve gone on to college and had an easier life.
After my dad left us, I made a vow I would never let any man ruin my life. That’s the reason my virginity is still intact. I had a boyfriend in high school, his name was Mike, but all we did was kissing and cuddling. I was curious about sex and all that, but I never forgot what I wanted in my life. I wanted a college degree and a respectable career.
Why am I thinking about this? Yes, my choice. I have to make a choice. Jason’s PA, or Richard’s manager? Richard’s demand rings in my ear. “Quit that job and work for me!” And I can’t stop grinning even now when I think of his offer. I haven’t dreamed of being the manager at the restaurant. I’ve never even intended to stay there for long. But I’m flattered, knowing how much Richard trusts me and needs me. And the way he made me come… geez, I miss his touch already. I have a strong urge to accept his offer. But is it what I want? Will I be content being a restaurant manager for the rest of my life? Am I letting a man ruining my future, just like my mom?
When I arrive at the parking of J L Electronics, I decide not to worry about making a choice yet. I don’t want to give up my new title here without even a try. I get out of my car and head toward the building.
It’s still early and I’m surprised to see Jenny hovering over her desk, putting her belongs into a cardboard box. The top of her desk is already cleaned. She must’ve been here for a while already. My negative opinions for her all turn into sympathy at the moment. However lousy a job she’s done, she doesn’t deserve this.
“Hi… Jenny,” I say awkwardly, hoping she doesn’t know I’ll be her replacement.
When she glances at me, her cold eyes cut through me like blades. She doesn’t even respond.
I pause for a moment before walking to my desk.
A moment later, when I’m starting my computer and getting ready for the day’s work, I hear her voice from behind. “You’d better not gag, he hates it.”
I frown. What the hell? And then I get it. I don’t have much sexual experience, but I’m not ignorant either.
Despite my disgust, I turn to say to her calmly, “I’m not going to do what you did.”
She scoffs. “Oh, really? Good luck!” she says with contempt as she stomps out of the building, huddling the box in her arms.
Shit. What the hell is this? I curse silently. Adrenaline rushes through me, making it impossible for me to return to work. She’s only spiteful, I tell myself, but my heart doesn’t return to its normal rhythm until another employee comes in and we exchange pleasantries.
Jason comes in ten minutes later. After exchanging good mornings with me, he says to me, “Move your stuff!”
“Already?” I ask. Damn. “Jenny isn’t coming back?”
“I hope not,” he says. “But it doesn’t matter. You’re going to use the desk in my office.”
“Okay,” I mumble, reminding myself I’ll just try it out and see how well I adjust to the job. If it doesn’t work, I’ll quit.
I empty the contents of my desk and transport them to the desk inside Jason’s office. I fill out and sign some HR forms for the job transfer and begin my new duties.
The day starts with agony, but I soon immerse myself in new responsibilities. I’m familiar with the jobs because I’ve been doing most of the work for Jenny anyway. The only difference is I’m taking the credit now.
Jason holds a brief staff meeting where he announces my new position, and then he goes out to lunch with a business partner. My mom didn’t make any lunch for me last night and I don’t feel like going out to eat, so I get a pack of Bumble Bee Tuna Sandwich from the vending machine in the lunchroom. I want to have my lunch there, but I notice a few other women looking at me differently from before. I don’t know it’s jealousy or contempt on their face, but I feel uncomfortable, so I return to my desk.
I push my tangle of emotions and doubts behind and concentrate on work. Jason is in and out a lot in the afternoon, and doesn’t bother me. Time flies when you’re busy. When I glance at my computer clock again, I’m glad to see it’s a quarter to five. Almost done! I stretch and sigh with content. I finish most of the tasks on my to-do list of the day. Sales reports, meeting plans, and Jason’s travel itinerary… I think I can get used to my new position.
