Sophie:Really? I use the incense stick on the windowsill. Try that next time.
Lincoln:Proving my point, Soph. But thanks. Told her she needs a new one this morning, and she said she’d feel guilty getting rid of it. Said it’s been with her through many milestones, including the birth of Lilah.
Sophie:Aww I didn’t even think about that. That little coffee maker has made us so much coffee. I’m with mom on this one, Linc. Sorry. :)
Maverick:Nah man, that thing is seasoned. I like it. The coffee maker stays. Get your lattes somewhere else. Unless you’re too much of a pussy to go into Creek Cafe. Is there a certain someone you’re avoiding?
Sophie:LOL
Lincoln:Fuck off.
Lincoln:Earth to Wes? Should we send out a search party? Are you with me on the new coffee machine or what? Mom and Dad could afford to buy a million of them, but were stuck hoping for a full 10oz out of a 6 year old hunk of plastic.
Wes:I make my own coffee at home because I’m a grown man. Soph, can you call me when you’ve got a minute? Need help finding a replacement for Kayla, if you don’t mind.
Maverick:Shots fired! 3 against 1, Linc. Nut up and go into the damn cafe. Also sorry, Wes. Heard the kid quit on you.
Lincoln Cooper has left the conversation
Sophie Cooper added Lincoln Cooper to the conversation
Sophie:Call you in a bit, Wes. Let me work my magic. :)
I shake my head and get back to work. I should really mute the group chats notifications if we’re going to keep arguing about a damn coffee machine.
I’m not surprised at all that our mom refuses to buy some fancy machine. Even though my parents are retired, they certainly aren’t hurting for cash, thanks to founding, growing, and eventually selling Cooper Construction. They built an incredibly successful business from the ground up.
We were never the spoiled rich kids you might expect with parents like ours. Not that they were always wealthy. The first ten years of building their company were tough. Some years were leaner than others, but by 2004, they had expanded to a national level.
They taught us the value of hard work, and because of them, we had a comfortable, grounded, childhood. But they certainly don’t bankroll our lives now. After college, we each got a piece of land on the property, but beyond that, we’ve been on our own.
Sophie’s ominous “work her magic” comment makes me nervous. Between all of us, we pretty much know everyone in town, and off the top of my head, I’d say none of them are qualified to take care of my kid. Maybe I’ll put an ad online. Just the thought of interviewing strangers to watch Lilah makes me feel like I’m about to break out in hives.
I can only hope, or pray to whatever god is out there, that I find someone reliable, fast.
3
Ivy
“I used to babysit that damn trollop. Let me knock some sense into her,” Rose demands from her leather recliner in the living room.
“She’s not responsible for the district-wide budget cuts. She can’t just hire me back,” I call back to Rose from the kitchen, where I’m plating our dinner.
Rose rolls her eyes as I walk into the living room holding our plates. I hand her one, then plop down in the identical chair next to hers. Crossing my legs, I balance my plate on the armrest, and twirl some pasta onto my fork.
“They can’t just let you go,” she grumbles as she scoops some food onto her fork as well.
“Actually, they can,” I say. “But I appreciate your undying loyalty.”
“We ride at dawn,” she replies, dead serious, and I nearly choke.
“What? Did I not use that right?” she asks, genuinely curious.
“Yep, you did,” I assure her, still coughing. “Just wasn’t expecting that.”
“Sophie said it when she was over yesterday, and I liked it,” she chirps, grinning as she takes a huge bite of food.
Right. My last day of employment.
