Page 27 of DadBod

“My mother said you were looking for work.”

She’s a lovely woman, but she’s got a big mouth if I’m being honest. “I have been thinking about getting a full-time job during the day, yes.”

“Summer is right around the corner.”

I nod. It’s mid-May now. He’s right.

“In the past, my mom would help me out from time to time, but the last couple of years, I’ve let Ryann watch Calvin, but that’s not going to work now.”

“Why not?” Oh, I know why. It all stems from her sneaking out while he’s here at the restaurant.

Rome clears his throat. “You, more than most, understand what they’re going through right now. Ryann, especially.”

I nod.

“She’s taking the loss of Tina harder than I expected.”

My head tilts to the side. “Why do you say that?”

“They used to fight like cats and dogs.”

“Oh, that’s mothers and daughters.” And I’d even go as far as to say it means they were closer than most. “Don’t equate their fights with how much she loved her mom.”

“Right.” He nods. “I’m getting that now.”

This entire conversation reminds me. “Did Monica’s comment today give you this idea?”

“No,” he scoffs. “My mother suggested it after dinner here the other night.”

“Oh. I see.”

Rome stands up from his chair, picking up the stack of papers again. “Think about it.”

I stand as well, but I don’t turn to leave. Instead, I ask, “What will this job entail? Will it be five days per week? What hours? Would I still have my job here? How much will you pay me? Are there benefits? Will I have time off?” I really need to go home for a visit soon.

That smirk reappears on his lips. “Those are all excellent questions.”

“Thanks.”

“You’re off tomorrow, right?”

He does the schedule.

“Meet me at my home tomorrow at noon. We’ll have lunch, and I’ll do my best to answer all of your questions.”

“Lunch?” I feel my throat get suddenly dry. Will he cook? Maybe I’ll finally get to eat something created by the man himself.

“I’ll text you my address.”

“Okay.”

I guess Rome’s done with this conversation, because his eyes are back to the top of his desk. I make my way out the door, shutting it as I go. When I spot Jeriann, her head is on top of the table, and I swear, she’s asleep. She wasn’t. “God, honey bun. That took forever. Did you two finally consummate your relationship?”

I slap her forearm as I pass her. “No. Jeez.” Grabbing her wrist, I drag her out the door, pulling her down the street to the train station.

“Spit it out, woman. Do you still have a job?”

“I may have two now.” If I want the other one.

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