“But not all of my time. Tell me about law school.”
“There’s nothing to tell. I have to do an admissions test, which is on Saturday. Even if I get a good score, I still might not get in because I haven’t done an undergraduate degree.”
“Is the test hard?”
She shrugged. “It seems all right. I’ve never been the academic one.”
“Nonsense. You’re as smart as Bridget and Carly.”
Zita didn’t bother correcting her. “We’ll see.”
“Zita, you have always been more interested in people than study, but that doesn’t mean you’re not intelligent.” Carmen lifted Zita’s chin.
“You don’t know that. Neither of us does. None of my grades were great.”
“Only because school didn’t interest you. I’m sure if you study what you’re passionate about, you’ll be fine.”
Zita smiled at her mother’s confidence in her. “It’s been a little difficult to find the time to study.
“Then you will have homework time with the other girls. There’s no getting around it.”
“All right, Mama. Thank you.”
She nodded. “I’ll leave you to study.” Carmen hugged her. “But no more keeping secrets from your mother. If you are not happy, I want to know why and how I can fix it.”
Zita smiled at the stern tone. “Yes, Mama.”
Carmen kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
Waiting until she closed the door behind her, Zita exhaled slowly. Her mother knew, there was no more hiding. Now if she failed, everyone would know. Which made her all the more determined to succeed.
***
David has his music cranked loud as he worked through the numbers, checking the details in his monthly report. A hand clasped his shoulder, the grip tight, and he knew it was his father. He took the headphones off his ears and turned around.
“Damn it, David, that’s it. You can’t wear those things at work.” His eyes were narrowed.
David smiled. “I appreciate your concern, Bob, but I’m more productive when I wear them. It blocks out unnecessary distractions.”
Bob scowled. “I’m no distraction, I’m your boss.”
If he wasn’t used to his father’s scowls and gruff nature, Bob could actually seem intimidating. Perhaps that’s how other people saw him. “Absolutely,” David agreed. “I wasn’t referring to you. What do you need?”
“I need your monthly reportnow.”
“I’m reviewing it,” he said. “I’ll have it to you within the hour.”
“I didn’t say within the hour, I said now.” His chest puffed outward and his eyes brooked no argument.
It caused David to pause. What was so important? “I’m sorry, I didn’t get your message about the changed deadline.”
“I didn’t send any message,” he growled.
“Then you’ll have to wait until it’s finished. There are some numbers I have to check. I’ll send it straight to you when I’m done.”
Bob glared at him and David met his gaze without flinching.
“Fine. I want it ASAP.” Bob stalked out of the office.
