Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 37695 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 188(@200wpm)___ 151(@250wpm)___ 126(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37695 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 188(@200wpm)___ 151(@250wpm)___ 126(@300wpm)
“I don’t mean that in a bad way, Britney. I’m just suspicious. There are probably hundreds of people in town looking for a job. People who have worked retail before. People who have degrees and solid educations. It’s weird that they would hire you.”
I stare at him hard.
“Anybody can use a cash register, Joey.”
“That’s true, but still. Experience is everything when it comes to getting a job. Heck, why would anyone want an eighteen year old girl who has nothing?”
My throat chokes up and I try to remain calm.
“Well, maybe they’re looking for a fresh face. Maybe they want someone who’s optimistic with a good personality. The pandemic has everyone down, so maybe they saw something in me that was positive!”
Tears start to pool in my eyes, but Joey doesn’t say anything. He merely looks down again before gathering the grocery bags and stepping into our minuscule kitchen.
Normally, I’d offer to help put his haul away in the cabinets. But he doesn’t deserve my help today. I can’t believe he’s being such a jerk about my job. I’m doing this for us! My brother is amazing and I love him, but sometimes, he says stuff that makes me fume.
I stomp into the kitchen and start rummaging through one of the bags. I wanted to leave him to put away everything on his own, but that level of control just doesn’t feel right. We work silently until all the food is stored. He managed to get some pancake mix, a ton of macaroni and cheese, plenty of canned goods, and even some fresh fruits and vegetables. We’ll have enough for a while, and I inhale with relief. I knew Joey would come through for us. He always does.
“Why can’t you just be happy for me?” I finally ask, breaking the silence.
I hate that my voice cracks as I say the words.
Joey turns to me, his face repentant.
“I’m sorry, Britney. I shouldn’t have been so mean, you just surprised me, that’s all.”
I put my hands on my hips.
“I want to help out around here. You shouldn’t be the only one who contributes to our household. I’m an adult now.”
He nods slowly, rubbing his chin.
“I know, Brit. I guess I’ve been sheltering you because I don’t want you to know how harsh the real world is. Plus, I’m your older brother. I don’t want you to suffer.”
I scoff.
“I’ve suffered a lot already. Our parents died in a car accident, Joey. I already know how harsh the world is. Let me live in it, and find my own way.”
He nods, sighing.
“You’re right. I really am sorry, and I’m happy you got a job. The paycheck will help us out a lot. I hate that you have to work when you’re still in high school, but we need the money, and I won’t stop you from going.”
I wrap my arms around my brother’s waist. “I love you, Jo. Thank you for not making me quit before I’ve even started.”
He hugs me back briefly, before letting go.
“I love you, too. Now, how about we make pancakes for dinner?”
I grin. Pancakes were our mother’s favorite, and she made them for dinner at least once a week. When we can, Joey and I try to keep that tradition alive. It’s a little painful, but it’s one of my treasured memories and I love spending this time together with my big brother.
I nod happily, and Joey and I get to work making the meal. We laugh and joke as we whip up the batter and start griddling the gooey liquid. Once we have two good stacks ready, we sit in the living room to eat. It’s homey and comfortable, and I bite into a fluffy golden disc.
I can tell my brother isn’t thrilled that I’ll be working, but at least he’s not telling me to quit or yelling at me about it. I’m eighteen. He’ll need to loosen the reins eventually, and now is the perfect time. Like it or not, we need another paycheck in order to survive and John Hemsworth’s offer comes at the perfect time.
After dinner, Joey washes the dishes while I dry them and put them away. We rotate chores every night, the same way we did when our parents were still alive, and it’s very homey and comforting.
When we’re finished, Joey says he’s going to read a book in his room while I decide to get ahead on next week’s assignments. Luckily, my teachers post them early, and I bring up the required reading on-line. It’s more important than ever to get ahead because with a new job, I’ll have less time for schoolwork. If my grades start suffering, I know my brother will definitely make me quit, and I don’t want that.
After all, I want to see John Hemsworth again, and my cheeks flush as I press my thighs together. Who am I kidding? My new boss just might be the best part of this position, and now I can’t wait.