"Sure, Zo," I said.
"YAY!"
She hugged me and ran into the other room to get changed. Seeing her so happy put a smile on my face.
I had a good feeling about this. From now on, things were going to get better. I just knew it.
* * *
Ever since I was a kid,I loved baking. It was my favourite thing to do with Zoey. Since the individual base ingredients were so cheap and lasted a long time, we'd make cakes, muffins, cupcakes, and any other baked goods you could think of. The only thing I didn't like about baking was cleaning up the kitchen afterwards.
So when I saw this position at the local prestigious bakery, Puff Patisserie, I knew I had to apply. Not only was it a job doing what I loved, but since it was an upscale place with wealthier clientele, I would be making more than minimum wage.
I didn't just want this job. Ineededthis job.
I stood outside the bakery with Zoey, holding her hand. I took a deep breath. That proved to be a mistake, since the amazing smell of baked goods wafted out of the store and reminded me of how hungry I was. I stomped down the feeling.
"Well? Shall we go inside?" I asked.
Zoey nodded. "Let's go!"
She pulled out of my grip like an overexcited dog chasing a squirrel and ran into the store. I grimaced inwardly, hoping she didn't cause too much of a scene.
I followed her, trying to be quick but not flat-out running, because I didn't want to look like a desperate parent who couldn't control their own kid — especially one flaunting a sparkly pink dress that looked like it came out of a unicorn's butt.
"Hi everyone!" Zoey announced in the middle of the dining room. "My Daddy is here for a job!"
A few customers sitting down at tables blinked at her, and people lining up at the cash register turned around to see what the commotion was all about.
I balked. Shuffling over to Zoey as calmly as I could, I took her hand and whispered, "Time to use our indoor voices."
"Oh," she whispered back, then nodded. "Okay."
I felt my cheeks heating up as people stared at us. Even the cashier seemed to be stifling a grin.
Ugh, this wasnotthe first impression I wanted to make. I knew it wasn't exactly proper to bring your child to a job interview, but I had no other choice. Hiring a babysitter was way too expensive, but Zoey was too young to be left home alone. There was nobody I knew who was willing or able to take care of her.
I led Zoey to a table in the corner of the dining room and sat her down. Using my best serious adult voice, I said, "Daddy's going to go speak with the manager. Can you stay here quietly?"
Zoey nodded, kicking her legs. "Uh huh."
I knew her moment of tranquility wouldn't last long. To distract her, I pointed at the fancy cakes behind a glass nearby. "Here, look at all the–"
She gasped. "CAKES!"
"Shh," I said quickly. "Indoor voice."
"...cakes..."
With Zoey distracted and the line at the cashier dissipated, I headed over to the employee. They had green-teal hair swept neatly over their forehead.
"Hi there, I have an interview the manager Natalie at two?" I said.
The cashier nodded. "Oh, you’re the applicant, right? Sure thing. But um, what about your kid?"
I checked over my shoulder to make sure she wasn't causing trouble. For now she was just ogling fondant-slathered wedding cakes.
"What about her?" I asked.
