Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 55667 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 278(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55667 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 278(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Violet sits on the closed toilet and tips her head back. “Is it fair that girls represent less than ten percent of the Mathletes in our county? Also, I shouldn’t have to wear shapeless, burlap-sack style clothes because I’m gifted in the chest department.”
I clean her contact lens, tell her to look at the ceiling and pop it in. She blinks a few times and gives me the thumbs up. I’d like to be the mom who says don’t use your lady assets for evil, but honestly, she has a point.
Violet has the same math brain I do, and as an accountant working in a firm dominated by men, I can honestly say having boobs is as much of an asset as it is an ass ache.
Violet hugs and thanks me, then rushes to her room to grab her backpack while I return to the kitchen and pour coffee into my travel mug. I pluck my purse from the counter and meet Violet at the front door.
“I’m sorry I can’t be there this afternoon,” I say as I climb into the SUV.
Violet buckles herself in and tucks her wavy hair behind her ear. “It’s not a big deal and listening to people solve math equations isn’t exactly riveting for most people.”
“Maybe not for everyone, but you know I’d be there if I could.”
“I know, mom. It’s okay.” She pats my arm and smiles. “Mrs. Swanson’s recording the whole thing, so we can rewatch and make notes for the next competition.”
“Mathletes is far more competitive now than when I was your age.”
“Eh, having estrogen on the team is making Mrs. Swanson a little ruthless. There’s extra funding available with a set of boobs.”
“I’m proud of you for joining,” I say and squeeze her arm.
“I needed an extra-curricular, and she was super persistent about it. Also, the potential for a college scholarship is high. I’d like to avoid spending Grandma Hall's inheritance on school if possible.”
“We have that education fund set up for you, too,” I remind her.
“Yeah, I know, but if I can offset the costs of tuition with a scholarship, I can allocate that money elsewhere.”
I smile at my daughter. “You’re amazingly responsible, you know that?”
She smiles back at me. “I learned from the best.”
I drop Violet at school. “Oh! And don’t forget, the team is coming over for pizza and chicken wings after the meet. We want to plan a strategy for our next competition while we’re fresh!”
“Right. Yes! Good luck this afternoon!”
“Thanks, mom!” She closes the door and Michael, one of her Mathlete teammates, lopes down the steps to greet her.
With Violet at school, I head downtown, to the office of Freeman Financials. I spend the first two hours of my day in meetings where the higher ups waste my time with nonsense. It’s about as exciting as watching paint dry.
I require additional caffeine to make it through the rest of the day, so I stop at the café across the street.
“Skye! How’s everything going in the world of numbers on this fine Monday morning?” Larissa, who works behind the counter most days of the week asks.
“Predictable, as numbers usually are. How are you? How are your night classes going?” Larissa is taking evening courses at a local college so she can work full time and earn a degree.
“So far, so good. I’m really enjoying my sociology class. Can I get you the usual?”
“I’ll take a twenty-ounce today, and a triple shot of espresso.”
Her eyes flare. “Did someone stay up late binge watching their favorite show?”
I chuckle. “I just sat through a meeting that was drier than Saltines in the Sahara and one of my clients handed me all their tax documents yesterday afternoon and they’re due tonight, so I have a long day of number crunching ahead.”
“Yikes. Sounds like not a lot of fun.”
“I’m used to it, and I don’t mind working under pressure.” I scan the display case and add a pumpkin spice muffin to my order.
“Excellent choice and a perfect pairing for your latte.” Larissa hands me the brown bag and I tuck it into my purse.
“Thanks Larissa, have a great rest of your day.”
“You too!” She smiles and her attention shifts to the person behind me.
I move aside and wait for my order.
News plays on the TV in the corner with closed captioning scrolling across the screen. It’s the usual depressing stuff, so I people watch instead. Several tables hold people reading the paper, other patrons have laptops propped in front of them. Only one pair looks like a potential couple. The local college isn’t too far from here and they seem to fit the student profile. The girl ducks her head and blushes, while he picks at the cardboard sleeve around his cup.
I haven’t been on a date in ages. Francine in PR wants to set me up with her cousin, but he works in car sales, and I don’t really know how much we’d have in common. Besides, Violet is halfway through high school. She needs me now more than ever.