Page 52 of Last Letters to Ara
Coming in prepared to get down on my hands and knees for this job, her easy statement has me questioning if it’s time to get my ears checked. “It is?”
“Yes, if you want it, the position is yours.”
“Don’t you want to ask about my qualifications? Or speak to references?” The only reference I have is Karen, and I have no qualifications to work in retail. I always find a way to shoot myself in my foot, and here I go again, safety off.
Jane laughs. “You just told me that you’ve been coming here for years, so I assume you have some affinity for the arts. You have no issue telling people what to do.” She motions back toward the delivery guy who is now hard at work. “Plus, you knew your way around here well enough to find me, so it’ll save time on having to show you around. Seems like all I need to know.”
I’m shocked stupid, but I try my best not to show it.
Jane doesn’t realize that telling off the delivery guy was a once-in-a-lifetime moment, spurred by anger, which was totally out of character for me. But sitting here, listing the reasons why I don’t think I’m right for the job isn’t going to get me anywhere. If I end up sucking, she can just fire me. I’ll make sure not to do irreversible damage while I’m here, no harm done.
“When would you like me to start?”
“How about right now?” She grins.
“What would you like me to do?” I want to get to work before she changes her mind.
“Let’s unpack these boxes. I ordered a whole bunch of new textiles.”
I smile so widely that the aliens can see it from Mars at the prospect of spending my entire day with textiles of all different types, colors, textures and calling itwork?
Jane shows me to a storage room where I can leave my things, and she leaves me to stow them. I pull out my phone.
Me: GUESS WHAT.
I stare at my screen and hope that the first person I wanted to share this with isn’t too busy. My phone vibrates before the screen even goes dark.
Theo: WHAT.
Me: I got a job.
Theo: Fuck yes.
Me: GUESS WHERE.
Theo: WHERE.
Me: Jane’s Material Store
Theo: OMG IT’S PERFECT.
Me: I KNOW, RIGHT!?!?
I love that he knows what this means for me without having to explain it further to him.
Theo: What time do you finish?
Me: I have no idea.
Theo: All good, I’ll just google closing time.
Me: Why?
Theo: I’ll be outside waiting when you get off.
Play it cool, Ara.
Me: What’s on the agenda?
