Page 15 of Hide and Sneak
That’s true. I gave a little girl my ham sandwich when she forgot her lunch. It didn’t matter that I checked her file first to make sure she had no food allergies or anything. She still should’ve gone hungry. Wait until she finds out I bought Freddie chicken nuggets. I’ll be facing the electric chair.
“You’re suspended for two weeks without pay effective immediately. You can return after fall break.”
Without responding, I get to my feet to leave before I say something that can’t be taken back. “Wait. You need to sign this disciplinary form.”
“No.” That’s the only answer she gets. If she doesn’t like it, fire me. I’m so sick of this place.
Not twenty minutes from the time I left home, I pull back into my driveway. Another cup of coffee probably isn’t the smartest thing since I’m already hyped up and seething, but it’s all I want. Dusty is happy to see me back so soon. I take him out to the yard and attach him to the long line so he can play while I sit on the porch to think.
Two weeks off unpaid won’t hurt me, honestly. I have plenty of savings and just as much money coming in from my side hustles. It’ll actually be three weeks off since the daycare closes for a fall break in September.
The temptation to quit was so strong while I was in her office. Nothing would’ve felt better than to tell her she’s a heartless old bitch and to shove the job up her flat ass, but that would screw up my long term plan. For years I’ve been saving, working side hustles, and living far below my means so I can start my own business. I’m so close. Another year earning like this and I’ll be comfortable taking on a mortgage for a building. I’ll use this break to work toward that plan.
Hunger starts to overwhelm my anger. There’s no point in sitting here fuming anyway. I need to call Freddie’s mom and warn her that she’s been reported and let her know I’ll happily be a witness for her if she needs one.
Maren sees me untying Dusty as she drives by and backs up to call out her window, “Hey, you’re off work today?”
“I am now. Are you busy? Want to come and listen to me vent?” She pulls into my driveway without any hesitation.
She joins me inside while I pour a bowl of cereal and sits at the table across from me. “You look tired. What happened?” Before I can reply, she drops her voice. “Did you sleep with Sutton?”
No, but he might have heard my vibrator.“What? No. If I slept with him, you'd know. I'd be sprinkling morning after pills on my cereal and checking myself into a mental hospital. Why would you think that?”
Maren shrugs. “I saw him getting home from work and whew. Maybe it’s the rugged jeans, boots, construction vest combo.” She flaps her hand. “Anyway, what’s wrong?”
“I got suspended without pay for two weeks.”
“Yougot in trouble at work? What did you do?”
The story of my morning pours out. My shoulders relax a little as her outrage on my behalf grows. There’s really something to be said about venting to a sympathetic friend. AfterI’m finished, Maren considers it for a moment. “Does that bitch live in town? Like do you have her address?”
My mood lightens considerably and I burst out laughing. “No, but I’d love to hear what you’re planning.”
“That’s to be determined. So, what are you going to do?”
“Use the time to work on my business plan.”
“For the indoor play center?”
“Yes.” There’s something I haven’t told my friends. They know I want to open an indoor playground because there’s nowhere in town to take young kids to play, but not that I’ve already started buying the equipment. I’m not sure why I haven’t told them. Maybe because it still seems like a silly pipe dream sometimes. “I’ve been buying some secondhand equipment over the last year and putting it in storage. Soft play stuff, inflatables, et cetera.”
She sits back with a growing smile. “That’s great. Do you think you’re close to being ready?”
“I need another year to save for the mortgage down payment. There are plenty of empty buildings near downtown for sale. I’d like to get one where I can live on the premises too. That would save me on rent and stuff.”
“That’s smart. Are you still making good money on the underwear and feet pics?”
“Oh yeah. And I could be selling more.”
“Wear two pair of underwear at once.”
“Genius,” I laugh, putting my bowl in the sink. “Any other tips?”
“No, just do yourself a favor and take some time to relax. You’ve worked hard for a long time. Try to enjoy some of this forced vacation.”
It’s not bad advice. “I have every intention of sleeping late in the mornings.”
“Well, that’s a start.”
