“What do you think, Erick?” Clover asked. “What’s your opinion on me hiring an assistant manager? I’m asking so I want your thoughts as a fellow business owner.”
“I think hiring an assistant manager is a good idea,” Erick said. “And we’re only saying this because we care, not because we’re criticizing. Your work ethic is impressive, but I would like to see my girlfriend more than one hour a week. And a business needs more than one person who knows how everything works. You could get hit by a bus, you know.”
“Or pregnant,” Ruthie said. “Because of the lemon tree.”
“I don’t want to know what you two have been doing with the lemon tree,” Erick said. “So don’t tell me.”
“I’m not getting pregnant, Ruthie. But I will hire an assistant manager,” Clover said, relishing the idea of having a personal life again. No more living for work. Time to start working to live. She’d hire a new manager, but not for Erick’s sake and not for her parents’ sake and not for the sake of any future children she may or may not have. But for her sake and her sake alone. “I’ll start looking for somebody on Monday.”
“Tomorrow is Monday. Do I really have to be there on Monday?” Ruthie asked.
“As a thank-you for digging up this stuff for me, you can have the day off—paid,” Clover said.
Ruthie cheered from the backseat.
“Thanks, Clo. You’re the best,” Ruthie said.
“Yes, she is,” Erick said, taking Clover by the hand.
Clover felt warm from the inside out, relaxed, happy, at home. She felt like she always wanted to feel with her family—loved unconditionally. Even if her own family still had some work to do, at least she could get that kind of unconditional love here, with Erick and Ruthie.
Erick kissed the back of Clover’s hand.
“So...” Ruthie asked. “When are you two getting married?”
Clover looked at Erick, who winked at her.
“Ruthie, you’re fired.”
* * * * *
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