Page 56 of Versions Of Us

“Why do you say that?” I ask, careful not to press too hard.

“I don’t even know my mother.” Her casual tone is unnerving.

“So, you were raised by your father then?”

“If you can call it that.” Her answer saddens me. Or maybe it’s that I can sympathise with her.

“I take it he’s played a bit of an absent role.”

“I mean, physically he’s there, but yeah. He’s not really there.” I pause, waiting for her to elaborate. She finally takes another breath before she blurts out, “He’s drinks. A lot.”

“I see.”

“No. You don’t.”

“What?” I’m stunned by her blatant response.

“You have no idea what it’s like.” Her voice increases in volume. “Let’s not do this whole thing where you pretend to understand what it’s like to grow up with an alcoholic father.”

“I’m sorry, Em. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

I realise now that I’ve made a serious error in telling Em personal details about my life. Regardless of the fact that I broke protocol by doing so, I’ve given her fuel to use against me.

“You’re lucky he left you,” she spits. “It gave your mother the chance to meet a stand-up guy.”

I’m speechless and it takes me a moment to realise she’s referring to my own father’s abandonment. Her words are as vicious as a slap in the face. I suddenly want out of this conversation. My reflexes take over and I slam the phone down in frustration.

“Kristen.” I jump in my seat, realising Jules is standing close by, peering over my shoulder. “Everything okay?”

“Uh, yeah,” I stammer. “Prank call.”

“Ugh,” she groans. “People can be so inconsiderate. Tying up the phone lines when other people are desperate to get through.”

“Um, yeah,” I agree. “It’s a whole new level of selfishness, that’s for sure.”

I feel bad for the lie, but something about the conversation I’d just had with Em isn’t sitting right with me at all and the last thing I want to do is admit to Jules that I’ve shared things I shouldn't have with this girl.

Jules drags a chair over from the space underneath the window and flops down onto it with the appropriate lack of energy a mother of a one-year-old should have.

“I wanted to talk to you real quick while things are quiet around here. James is going to take your incoming calls for the next couple of minutes.”

“Oh. Okay.” I say hesitantly, fearing that I’m in trouble. This is it. She knows I’ve broken protocol with Em. “Is… is everything okay?”

“Yeah, of course,” she replies, looking up to where Chase sits on the far side of the room. “Chase, do you think you could come over here a moment?”

Chase gives a nod and then wheels another chair over from a nearby desk to the position beside me. Our schedules don’t often allow us to share the same shifts, but tonight is an exception.

“Uh oh. Are we in trouble?” he jokes.

I know he’s only kidding but the possibility makes me nervous anyway.

“No, of course not.” Jules gives Chase a playful shove in the shoulder, and he grins. “The opposite actually! You guys have been doing a great job and I wanted to say that all the hours you’ve both been putting in are really appreciated.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. “That’s what we’re here for. And of course, your efforts are appreciated too, Jules. We’d be lost without you.”

“Thanks, Kristen.” Jules gushes. “Just don’t forget to let me know if it gets too much. This job can be really stressful, and I know everyone here has other commitments outside of this.”

We both nod. “Of course,” Chase says.

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