Bait (Wake, #1)(27)

“Blake, honey, tell us all about it.” My mom’s enthusiasm was exactly what I needed. Even Shane looked like he wanted to know all about my new job.

“Well, it's a growing business and I'll be working with the owners on big idea things. At first, I'll accompanying them to trade shows where other industry people will be, as well as potential clients, and I'll go with them when they work on projects to get the feel of what my position will be. If everything goes well, I'll start going to shows on my own. They said they'd eventually want me to take on entire projects.”

She quietly clapped her hands together in front of her mouth, like a thank you prayer, and smiled from ear to ear.

Shane said, “That sounds cool, so will you be cooking then, or what?”

“I'll do some cooking. Part of the job is revamping tired menus and coming up with new ones. So, there will be some cooking, but not like I was doing every day. It's more creative, and I love that,” I said answering him, and looking at my mom to show her that was the part I was most excited about.

“And I'll get to travel all over the place. They don't have many existing customers outside of the U.S., but there are some. I think they said mostly touristy locations like Jamaica, St. Bart’s, places like that. And they also have clients in Alaska, which I think is cool. Oh, and they have two offices, one here and one in San Francisco. So, I'll get to see Micah more. I'm so excited.”

“Wow. That's a lot of traveling. Take me with you,” my dad joked. “Your brother is already driving me nuts.”

“Phillip, he is not.” My dad grimaced from what I bet was a pretty firm kick under the table, compliments of my mother.

When I looked at Shane to see if he took the teasing well, he was scratching the side of his nose with his middle finger. No hurt feelings there.

We ordered every appetizer on the menu; it's how my family always ate dinner when we went out. I loved it. We talked about everything and shared. It was the only way to dine with your loved ones. I caught a few more loaded glances between my dad and Grant, but even Grant was laughing and seemed to enjoy himself.

Only Shane teased me about my new bangs, but I didn't care. I loved them, too.

Grant's phone rang quietly in his pocket. He looked at me apologetically, but said, “I'm sorry, Blake. It's probably the Jensens. They put in an offer and are probably calling to get an update.” It wasn't strange for him to get calls at dinner, or anytime really, and I understood that it was just part of his job.

“Don't worry about it. Take the call.” I gave him a sincere smile and he appeared grateful as he retrieved his cell and stood to excuse himself. He walked over by the edge of the outdoor dining area, closer to the pristine view of the water.

My dad threw his napkin at me and said, “I have an extra ticket to tomorrow's ballgame. Or are you working? Did you quit?”

“I'm talking to them tomorrow. So, I'll let you know about the game.” I wasn't looking forward to talking to my current employer, but it had to be done. At least if it didn't go well, my dad would get me drunk at the game.

Tuesday, June 24th, 2008

They let me go. Let's just say it wasn't a congratulatory goodbye.

“Well, congratulations,” my boss said shortly. Then he said, “Fuck,” and walked out.

I left with a small plastic bag containing the few personal belongings I'd had in the break room and at my station. I told a few people goodbye and then I left. I liked that job, but the feeling of new and exciting possibilities overshadowed any disappointment I may have felt.

I was eager to travel and excited with not being nailed down to one city, at least for now.

When I got into my car, I called my dad. He was happy I could go to the game with him and he told me that he'd pick me up around two.

The ballpark was bustling. We found our seats while the bleachers filled with Mariners fans. My Dad sat next to me and we had beers and hot dogs.

“God, these are good,” I told him as I ate my ballpark frank.

“We haven't been to a game together in a long time, sis. I'm glad you could go,” he said and bumped his shoulder with mine.

“Me, too.”

I loved my dad. My mother and I were close, but not like my old man and me. We were a lot alike. We shared the same sense of humor. Ours was a relationship that was easy and strong.

“So, tell me about this new job. Are you nervous?” he asked as he washed down the last of his lunch with his beer.

I was chewing, but with him I wouldn't be scolded for talking with my mouthful. I covered my lips with my hand and said, “Yeah. I think it's going to be really fun, you know? I love traveling and getting to work in different places sounds ideal.”

Thinking about all of the different cities that Bridgett and Lance told me about yesterday made me think of Casey. They'd mentioned a place in Phoenix and of course their other office was located in San Francisco.

“Good. I'm going to go get another beer. You ready for another?” he offered. I didn't have to work tomorrow, so I thought, why not?

“Yeah, a big one. Hurry though, game’s about to start.”

He sat on the end of the aisle, so a quick dash out and back wasn't much of a hassle.

Still thinking about Casey, I decided I should text him. I'd said I would and that was two days ago.