“It’s fantastic, thanks. Better than the dorm room I lived in.” Because I won’t be returning before the end of the semester, I went ahead and completely moved out. I stashed everything I didn’t bring with me to Washington in my storage unit near campus. I had planned on renting a spare room between semesters from the parents of a friend in one of my classes, because they had a guest room and seemed really nice.
The good thing is, when I explained what happened, they totally understood why I couldn’t turn down this opportunity. They also extended the offer to let me stay there between semesters, once I return to Tallahassee, if I need a place temporarily.
At least the storage unit is in my budget. I pay for it a year in advance and first got it when I sold Mimi’s house. I have more than enough in savings to renew it when it comes due without it killing my budget. Knowing Mimi, I’m sure she wouldn’t have minded I sold the house and our cars and most of the house’s contents. Especially since I’m using everything for my education. I’m not out there partying it away, or snorting it, or wasting it on stupid shit.
Mimi was very practical and taught me to be frugal, but not to ignore self-care. To not be emotional overthings. That it’s experiences, people, andrelationships, that matter. That it’s better to be happy and living out of a suitcase than to be miserable and tied to a situation because of possessions.
Since I’ve already lived that scenario and seen it in action, it’s a motto I took to heart long ago.
If I’d kept her house, within a couple of years I’d be needing to sell it. I couldn’t afford the maintenance on it and pay for college. And it’s unlikely I would’ve lived there, anyway. Renting it out would have been another headache and expense. I can get by without the cars. Yes, I worked out the money on paper before I sold them. I save on insurance, on gas, on maintenance. I use the bus, or cabs, or ride-shares, or get rides from friends or coworkers. Even if I took a ride-share everywhere, I’d still be saving a lot of money every month. If I ever need a car, I can rent one.
I’d like to think Mimi would be over-the-moon happy for me right now and proudly boasting to her friends about me snagging this opportunity.
Note to self, figure out how to make sure my parents hear about this.
Then again, with the background check, I’m sure someone will probably contact them, and they’ll give the FBI agent running the check an earful about me.
Screw them.
My parents, I mean.
I still haven’t contacted them to let them know Mimi died. I did look online when filling out my security forms—checked property tax records in New York and found out they still own their house. Meaning they’re still alive, as of right now. Neither of them are on Facebook, or other social media. My dad’s business still has a phone listing, as does their home phone.
It’s…tempting.
I included all of that info on my security clearance application, along with the fact that I am estranged from them, and have been for over ten years. I don’t know how their statements to the investigators will impact the process, but it’s out of my control and something I try not to worry about.
Whatever they say won’t take away from the fact that I’m here now, and have a dream job to do. My portfolio will be awesome when I complete this project.
Yes, not many interns can list “White House” as one of their projects.
Elliot Woodley arrives and joins us. I think I catch a flash of…somethingfrom him, but I’m not sure. Then again, maybe I’m wrong, because he’s soon acting friendly, chatty, very personable.
Maybe I’m wrong about this, too, but I’m not altogether sure that maybe he’s making eyes at Leo.
And, I’m reasonably sure I’m correct about this, but it feels like maybe Leo’s flirting with me a little.
Could I be that lucky?
This is all fantasy, of course. Has to be. Or, more accurately, has to remain that way. I need to stay professional. I don’t want to screw up my big chance by getting fired for inappropriate behavior. That would really suck.
It’d damned sure disappoint Mimi.
That’s my kryptonite. Every major decision in my life is now weighed against whether or not it’d disappoint or please Mimi. Not in a creepy or unhealthy way. Not like when I was little, when I tried to win my dad’s attention and approval.
She’s my invisible compass. I know if I keep her heart and love as my true spiritual north, I’m likely to succeed no matter what I do.
Does that make sense?
Maybe it doesn’t.
When I’m finished there, Leo escorts me back to my hotel, and I invite him up to chat for a while.
Yes, I want to ask him questions, but it’s more than wanting to spend additional time talking with him.
He’s easy to talk to, easy on the eyes, and there’s already an easy rapport between us that should probably terrify the fricking hell out of me and yet…doesn’t.
I have friends, but I miss having someone totalkto. Someone I feel comfortable with like I do Leo.
