Page 33 of Prince of Darkness

“She’s really starting that company?” Damn. Good for her. I’m proud that she's doing it. I need to do something to keep me busy. Kim has two little ones underfoot and is now starting the lingerie company she’s been talking about since she graduated college. She didn’t bank on getting knocked up and married so quick. I didn't count on my best friend being the fucker that did it either. I’d seen it coming though. He is a shitty friend for sleeping with my sister but he is also a great father and husband. I know he loves her. The smile that’s always on my sister’s face tells me that she’s happy. This happiness I speak of has also led her to try to play matchmaker with me.

“I tried to call and reason with her.”

“How’d that go for you?” His jaw ticks. I know the feeling. This doesn’t even bother me. What bothers me is the trick double dates or set-ups in general. This is child's play compared to her usual antics.

“Not well.” He straightens his tie. “Will you please call her?”

“Call Kim,” I say to the automated system. Mark perks up as though this call is going to go his way. Kim is a brat. I’ll have to pay the million dollars or go on the date. She’s not going to accept anything less.

“Calling Kim,” the system says back. She picks up after two rings.

“Her name is Janet.”

“Jackson, if you're nasty?”

I look over at Mark, a little surprised he’d said that. His mouth closes. I think he shocked himself as well. Kim giggles up a fit.

“Why are you trying to kill Mark?” I ask her.

“It’s one date.” I can hear her roll her eyes. “Give Mommy that,” she says softly to one of the boys. I smile. I never thought I’d want to see my sister have kids but damn, do I love my nephews. “It’s not going to kill you to go on a date.” I raise my eyebrow at the phone. “You’re so skeptical. It’s just one date. It’s a few hours of your time. Think of all the money you’ll be saving.” She laughs, thinking that her collection agency idea is genius. She should know better.

“I guess my credit will be ruined, because I’m not going.” We both know that this won’t touch my credit score but I’ll play along.

“You’re so stubborn. Let me know how it goes with the collection agency,” Kim says before hanging up on me. I laugh as I disconnect the phone call.

“What are we going to do?” Mark paces back and forth in my office. One would think that he’s the one that’s been sent to collections by his reaction.

“Nothing.”

He stops pacing and gives me a look as if I’m the one that’s crazy now.

“Nothing,” he repeats to himself as he makes his way out of my office. I can hear his mumbles of disapproval all the way back to his desk. I sit back in my chair and go back to the boredom I was experiencing before my sister decided she was going to try and stir the pot.

I try to concentrate and get some work done before I go home today but nothing seems to keep my interest. I need something new to spark my interest and devote my time to.

“Mr. Kennedy, I have a call for you.” Mark's voice comes over the speaker. Before I can ask who it is, he patches it through.

2

MIA

Itap my foot as I wait outside Mrs. Brenner’s office. This is worse than sitting outside the principal's office. Not that I ever was in that situation. This is what I’m guessing that feels like. For once I actually want to go back to my small cubicle and fade away with the rest of the people that work here. I hate that damn box but sitting in this chair waiting on Mrs. Brenner is making it look a lot more appealing. I knew today was going to be a bad day. I hit snooze way too many times and barely made it to work on time. Now, this.

“Mia.” I look up at the sound of my name to see Mrs. Brenner standing in her office doorway. “I don’t bite.” She shakes her head at me, motioning me into her office.

“But you fire,” I say as I stand to follow her in. She motions to one of the two chairs in front of her desk.

“That is part of the job sometimes,” she admits with a shrug. “I’m not firing you, Mia, so relax.” I let out a breath as I take a seat in front of her desk. Thank God. I need this job. “Today anyways.” My relief is short-lived.

She flips open the folder in front of her. I’m sure it’s all about me. I’ve been at the collection agency for six months and I’ve hated every second of it. Some days are better than others but overall it sucks. Calling people that are struggling to pay their bills is not something I enjoy doing. I get hung up on a lot, cursed at and it’s in no way rewarding at the end of the day. I tend to have a big heart and this job doesn’t really allow for that.

“You hate your job,” Mrs. Brenner says, not looking up at me but down at the folder.

“I-” What do I say? I don’t want to lie.

“You thinking about finding something new?” She glances up at me.

“I thought you weren’t firing me.” I fidget with my hands in my lap.

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