When I pull back, he looks up at me, affection softening his eyes. “I might be full of shit, but I love you, lass. I only want the best for you, and Byrne Enterprises is not it.”
Nodding, I force a smile to my face. “Love you too. Get better, okay?”
He nods, then gestures to the front door with a nod. “Get goin’.”
Letting myself out, I shut the front door behind me and make my way down the path to the rickety gate. I glance back, wishing things had gone differently. I don’t get why Dad reacted like that.
As I walk down the street toward the bus stop, I pull my phone out of my pocket and dial Mom’s number, hoping she’ll react differently.
After a couple of rings, she answers, “Hey, sweetie.”
“Hi, Mom.” The disappointment keeps my lips from curving into a smile. “I got a permanent job.”
“You did?” Instantly, excitement bubbles in her voice, which lightens my mood a little. “That’s wonderful news, sweetheart. Where? What’s the pay like? What will you be doing?”
Slowly the excitement trickles back into my heart. “I got a position as a receptionist. The pay is amazing. I’m starting at three thousand, five hundred.”
“Gosh, I’m so happy for you, Kiara! That’s the best news ever,” Mom exclaims.
Reaching the bus stop, I glance up and down the street. “Dad’s not happy about it at all.”
“Why? What did he say?” I can hear the surprise in her voice.
“He said he doesn’t want me working there.”
“That’s weird.” Mom pauses, then asks, “Where will you be working?”
“Byrne Enterprises. It’s a huge company, so there’s lots of room for growth.”
“Oh…” This time when she pauses, I start to frown because it feels different. “Ah…”
Shaking my head, my frown deepens. “What’s wrong with Byrne Enterprises?”
“Nothing.” She hesitates, then says, “I just heard it’s a tough place to work.”
“I can do tough.”
“I know, sweetie. I just don’t want your first permanent job to scare you off.”
“It won’t. It can’t be worse than Joe’s diner.”
“Yeah… I guess.”
My parents' reactions are downright disheartening, but it only makes me more determined to make a success of the job.
They’re just being overprotective. I’ll do my best and show them I can stand on my own two feet. Especially for the pay Byrne Enterprises is offering me. I need the money now more than ever.
Changing the subject, I ask, “Is Mr. Rodgers still a pain in the butt?”
“Ugh.” I hear Mom moving around her apartment. That’s another reason I needed this job, so Mom can come live with me. “I swear the man is trying to drive me insane. Yesterday I placed a potted plant in the hallway, just to pretty up the empty space, and he gave me an earful about it.”
“Such a grump,” I comment. “Try to ignore him. Hopefully, he’ll find someone else to bother.”
“From your lips to God’s ears.”
“I’ll pop in on Sunday,” I say as my eyes land on the approaching bus.
“Can you bring me a box of the coffee I like?”
“Sure. See you then.”
Ending the call, I wait for the bus to come to a stop, and once the doors open, I step onto it. I sit down in the first available seat, and when we start to move, I stare out of the window.
As we pass Dad’s house, it’s to see Kristine opening the front door for two men. They’re all smiling, and it makes me feel better knowing Dad has friends who check in on him.
Damn, I wish my parents were happy for me. I expected them to be proud and to celebrate with me.
My shoulders slump, and while I blindly stare at the passing scenery, I can’t understand why they reacted like that.
This is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I’m definitely not letting it pass me by. I’ll work my butt off and show them I can be successful.
Chapter 2
Kiara
I set down a steaming mug of coffee in front of Denise before taking my seat at the reception counter.
“You’re a lifesaver,” she grins while picking up the cup. “Next time I tell you I’m going out during the week, stop me. This hangover is trying to kill me.”
I let out a soft chuckle. “I told you it was a bad idea.” My gaze drifts over her pretty face. “Don’t worry, there’s no sign of the hangover. You look beautiful as always.”
I swear Denise and Beyoncé could be identical twins.
“It’s the mad makeup skills,” she chuckles.
“You have to teach me some of that magic.”
After the morning rush, the lobby’s quiet. I’ve been working at Byrne Enterprises for two weeks and learned so much. Denise is patient with me and a good teacher. We quickly became friends.
Just as I take a sip of my coffee, the phone rings. Denise takes the call giving me time to swallow.
“Byrne Enterprises, Denise speaking. How can I help?” She listens then replies, “One moment, please.” I watch as she presses the extension for the executive floor.