Page 67 of Caught A Vibe

Now XPTech’s newest staff writer, assigned to cover breaking pandemic news and relevant tech developments.

This buzzing in my brain and tingles down my spine must be excitement. It’s certainly not panic, right? A full-time job with benefits and stability? A regular salary? No more cobbling together freelance work and side hustles to pay the bills? All the things a functional adult should want.

The American Dream.

At least, I’m sure my mom will think so. My father definitely would have. He might even rise from the grave to say, “I always said you could do better.” I wouldn’t put it past him.

But I stopped seeking their approval a long time ago. I tried very hard for a very long time and it never came. I was never good enough. To save myself, I had to stop caring. But the ingrained desire for my parents to be proud of me has apparently been lying dormant, waiting for a professional win to jump out and sabotage me. I shake my head to clear some of the static and clap my hands.

It is really time to celebrate. This is a big step in my career, and I couldn’t have gotten here without Penny! She’s going to flip!

I rouse myself from the couch, and cross to the kitchen table where she sits with her head propped on her hand, noise-canceling earbuds in.

I touch her on the shoulder, and she jolts and slaps her laptop closed. Her eyes look tired, but the light in them gradually sparkles back as I watch her mentally pull herself out of her work and into my giddy joy.

“You look like you got some good news. What’s up?” she asks.

“I got it.” I bound around the kitchen like Tigger on speed.

“Got what?”

“The job.”

“What job? I feel like we’re in an Abbott and Costello bit.”

“Who?”

“—is on first.” She waves her hands at my confusion. “Ignore me. I thought you had a job.”

“I did. I do. And I’m doing well enough with all the pandemic articles that they hired me on full-time! You’re looking at the newest XPTech staff writer.” I puff up my chest holding my fake suspenders and win the laugh that turns my insides all sparkly and golden.

“I didn’t know you had applied.”

“I didn’t. But Chad has been teasing the possibility for a while, and I didn’t say I didn’t want it, so he must’ve taken that as affirmation.”

“Good old T.A. I’m so happy for you, Dash,” Penny says.

“You know what this means? A salary! Benefits! Retirement accounts!”

“Woohoo!” She pumps her fists in the air in a victory dance, laughing.

“I know it’s ridiculous to get excited over entry-level, and my articles are just fluff, but—”

“Don’t knock your work! The world needs fluff and joy now more than ever. Your work has just as much value as mine.”

That sets me back a moment. I’d never considered my work on par with hers, and hearing her say that feels damn good.

“I’ve paid my own way freelancing and hustling for so long, it feels good to have some guarantees.”

“Well then, I’m glad you’ve got them. I’m so happy for you. We should celebrate! Don’t worry. I’ll plan everything! Why don’t you go shower while I get things set up?”

I plant a kiss on her forehead, because if I kiss her anywhere else in this state, we will be celebrating in a very different fashion. Not that I’d mind, but I am trying to be better about remembering to eat.

I lean back before her nearness can distract me from my goal. Shower. Dress for dinner. I smile, soaking in her joy and praise.

“Don’t mind if I do.” I strut into the bedroom, closing the door behind me, flush with pride in this win. The pandemic has changed so much for the worse. It’s nice to have something change for the better.

Penny

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