Kris
In bed Christmas night I said, “I know my family can be a lot.”
“No … I mean yes they can. But I like it. It’s like something out of a movie. Everyone talking over each other and good-natured ribbing. It’s nice.”
I rubbed Belen’s shoulder, her head leaning against my chest. My family was loud and obnoxious, and I was happy she could see past all that. For all our jokes and bickering, we loved each other. And as the big brother, I was the first to tease my brother and sister, but I was also the first one to come to their defense.
“Was your yearlong micro retirement all you hoped it would be?”
My grip on her shoulder tensed. “Yeah, when I decided to take time off I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with my days. But somehow, I managed to stay busy. Plus, I wasn’t completely MIA from Virtual Labs. I still checked emails and chimed in when needed. I was just less available.”
“Are you ready to go back?”
I shifted my position so she couldn’t hear my heartbeat accelerate. “Yep, I have a ton of gaming app ideas and hope to hit the ground running when I return.”
“Is it harder overseeing a company from out of state?”
What was with all the questions? We barely ever talked about my job and now Belen seemed interested in every minute detail. But maybe this was a blessing in disguise. Another opportunity to break the news to Belen. “It can be. Not everything can be handled remotely.”
Belen let out a yawn. “So you’ll have to travel some?”
“Yes, I’ve racked up a ton of sky miles. I’m always catching a flight.”
“What are you like as a boss?”
“You are just full of questions, tonight.”
“There’s just this whole piece of your life I don’t know about. I’m just trying to get up to speed.”
“Yeah I think you should I’ve been meaning to talk to you about upcoming job commitments.”
“It’ll be weird not seeing you at the mall every day. But at least we have the evenings together.”
“You can always come and visit me at work?”
“Do you have an office in Minneapolis?”
“No—”
“Then why’d you pick that city to live in?”
“I like the snow.”
“Bullshit, no one likes the snow.”
“I do, it reminds me of home and it’s less expensive than other major cities.”
There was a knock on the door. “Come in.”
“Just checking on you. Are you all settled in for the night?” my mother asked.
“Yes, thank you.” Belen sat up in bed.
“Do you need another blanket?”
“No, we have plenty, Mom. Thank you.”
“Is Celeste all settled?”
