“Let me look again.”
Several more minutes pass before a different voice comes on the phone.
“Hi, Aria, this is Janice, I’m the director of personnel at the university.”
I’m taken aback. I’ve been moved up the chain of command for unknown reasons. “Hi, uh, did Cindy explain my dilemma?”
“She did. I apologize for taking so long, but we wanted to make certain we didn’t miss anything. Your sister never worked here, nor did she attend school here.”
“Not even a bachelor’s degree?”
“Nothing.”
My stomach twists in knots. “That can’t be true.”
“I don’t know what she might’ve told you, but I assure you whatever she was doing, she wasn’t doing it here.”
“Thank you for all your help.” I don’t disguise my dejection.
“I wish I could’ve given you better news.” She ends the call, and I stare at the phone numb with shock. I don’t understand. If only I could discuss Anna’s situation with my parents. I don’t have anyone. No friends, no family, no one. It’s a sad state of affairs. I remind myself I do have Noah, and he’s what keeps me going.
I’m humiliated Drakos witnessed my meltdown yesterday. He was uncharacteristically kind and concerned. Or maybe I’m wrong. Maybe this is who he is. Yet he did give up rights to Noah, which is a huge black mark against him.
After a disheartening day of discovery, I leave for the practice facility late afternoon to pick up Noah. I lost track of time, and I’m late, which isn’t like me. His practice should be over by the time I get there.
Noah’s monthly rink fees are due in a few days, and I have no money to pay them. I’ll have to max out a credit card, which is close to its limit. There should be just enough for the fees.
Last night I explained to Noah about losing my job. When he asked why, I didn’t sugarcoat it. I told him I wasn’t proud of work I was doing. I didn’t want to write lies anymore, which is what Charles wants. Perhaps I told him too much, but he listened with a wisdom much older than his years and comforted me. I assured him that nothing would change as far as he’s concerned other than I’ll be home more often. I love Noah as if he were my own, and I’ll do anything and everything to see him thrive no matter the cost to me.
Charles didn’t waste any time replacing me. A new guy, using the moniker Hockey Messiah, has already penned a scathing article on the Icehawks with made-up allegations of wild parties, altercations with hotel staff, and drunken brawls on the road trip. I’m glad I don’t have any affiliation with that garbage anymore. His outright lies anger me. I embellished and even fabricated here and there, but never to the extent Messiah is.
I slink toward the entrance to Rink Three where the kids are practicing. I don’t want to talk to anyone. I know I’m being paranoid, but I feel as if everyone is staring and laughing at me behind my back. They probably aren’t and haven’t noticed my byline is gone from All Hockey News.
I freeze when I hear Gardenia around the corner talking to Noah. I wait. I don’t want to face her right now.
“Aunt Aria lost her job.”
Noah, no, please don’t involve her. I’m embarrassed and horrified, even though the concern in his voice rips my heart open. The poor kid. I just wish he’d kept quiet about my adult problems. He shouldn’t be burdened with them.
“She did?” Gardenia sounds incredulous.
“Yeah, he didn’t like what she wrote the past couple days.”
“He didn’t? I really enjoyed her recent articles. They were good.”
“Her boss hated them. He makes her write mean things, and she doesn’t want to do it anymore.”
“He makes her?”
“Yeah.” Noah sighs loudly. I’m torn between lying to him about our financial situation or being honest to a point. He’s a kid. He doesn’t need to know how I put food on the table.
“Noah, I’m so sorry to hear this.”
“Me, too. I need to go.”
Realizing I’m about to be caught eavesdropping, I frantically look around for a place to hide. Before I can back off, Noah barrels around the corner and almost crashes into me.
“Aunt Aria, you missed my practice.”
