Page 40 of Sugar Coated Lies
“Yes.”
He picks up a pen and twirls it in his fingers. “I wanted to talk about that, too. Is there anything I orwe,as your employer, can do to help? We have an excellent insurance package. It usually starts after ninety days, but I can instate it early.”
“That would be incredibly helpful,” I say, as if I’m floating off the chair. I’ve never had health benefits from a job before.
A pleased smile turns up his mouth. “I know that won’t fix your predicament with getting someone to care for your grandpa. Is it possible for Carol to watch him—on our dime because it’s an employee event and we’re requesting your presence? It’s important to my parents.”
I nod. “I don’t want to disappoint them, and I would love to go.” I also can’t risk losing this job. “I’ll see what I can do and get back to you.”
“Perfect,” he says as his mint-green eyes trace my features.
A blush crawls up my cheeks. I duck my head to hide it and excuse myself from his office. I can’t be late to relieve Carol, especially if I’m going to ask her to stay late on Friday night.
* * *
The restof the week passes by with ease compared to my prior jobs—late hours, no breaks, grimy environments.
Daire surprises me Thursday by joining me at the end of my lunch. Like always, I sit alone on the back patio, enjoying the view and peace of the rows of pecan trees. Sometimes I imagine they’re grapevines in Italy. The temperature gets warmer every day, though. Soon, I’ll be forced to eat inside, where there’s A/C.
“Great view, isn’t it?” Daire appears across from me, his hands on the back of the metal chair, his gaze on me.
“I love it.”
“Do you mind if I sit?” he asks.
“Not at all.” Like I’d say no.
“I wanted to see if you have an update for me regarding Friday.”
“I do, actually. Carol is able to help out.” She eagerly agreed to watch Grandpa, assuming I had a date with Daire, even though I explained it’s a work event. She didn’t believe me, nodding in agreement like she’s a fairy godmother, privy to future outcomes I can’t possibly foresee.
“That’s great,” Daire says, something off in his tone. Instead of the happiness I expect to see on his face, his features tighten with concern.
Was he hoping I couldn’t make it? I can’t think of a reason why he wouldn’t want me there other than I might embarrass them. But they have all kinds of employees here, different ethnicities, ages, incomes, and lifestyles. I can’t imagine that’s it, especially after meeting his dad in the kitchen that one time. The man was the kindest, most genuine person I’ve ever met.
“I’m not one hundred percent sure of Carol yet,” I add, just to gauge his response. If he looks hopeful, I’ll bail on the evening. “She has grandkids, and sometimes her daughter-in-law needs her help at the last second.” Not a complete lie. Her daughter-in-law only needs that kind of help when her husband is out of town for work, which isn’t often.
His shoulders sag. “I hope that isn’t the case.”
Maybe hedoeswant me to go? Oh hell, I don’t know anymore.
Easton walks by in the distance and waves at us.
Daire makes a face but waves back, and I make sure to wave, too.
“What is it that Easton does here, if you don’t mind my asking?”
“Whatever it is he feels like doing,” he says with a heavy sigh and watches as Easton disappears down a row of pecan trees with one of the farmers. They’re easy to spot because they always have gloves and straw hats.
“Does he want to have a future here, like you?” I ask, curious.
“He does, but he doesn’t want to do what I do or work how I work.”
I nod, not fully understanding but also not wanting to pry more than I have.
“You, on the other hand, could have a great future here.”
I like hearing him say that.
