I smile, holding back a chuckle, “Go ahead.”
She launches into what the rest of my day holds, even though both of us know we don't really need this daily run-through. I have the rest of my month already planned, everything slotted into its place.
But this check-in makes me feel a little more connected to the world around me, and Kelly knows I need that sometimes. I spend too much time staring at my screen, trying not to forget that on the other end of all this tedious law-speak, there are people who are affected by every word on the paper they sign, good or bad.
If I forget the humanity behind my job, I may as well quit. I won't be doing anybody any favors.
"Well, you have a meeting with the Harpoon developers and cityzoning board for that new multi-use space. Then lunch with your parents."
Not my parents.
My mom and her seventh husband. But that's neither here nor there.
"Then this afternoon you have to draw up contracts for the environmental protection procedures for that chemical company that thinks they want to move their processing plant here."
They don't. The laws are going to make it extremely inconvenient and expensive for them to do anything. They'll spend an hour or two looking over the city's requirements and decide it's not lucrative enough to set up shop here.
A few people will grumble about overreach and how our protective laws are preventing a huge company from creating jobs, but they wouldn't be qualified for those jobs anyway. They just want to complain about something.
"And then?" I ask, knowing that on her end, there's going to be a great big empty spot for the rest of the evening.
Kelly usually keeps track of all of my appointments, both personal and professional. And she gets paid exceptionally well to do so.
But there are a few things I keep to myself.
"Oooh, a hot date?" She quirks an immaculate, sharp brow. "Are you hiding someone from me?"
I laugh, standing to grab my things before heading to my morning zoning meeting.
"Of course not," I assure her as she hands me a black folder full of everything I need. "I just need a break tonight. A calm night in with no expectations whatsoever."
I'm lying through my teeth. But I don't think Kelly would approve of the things I'll be taking part in tonight.
The zoning meeting flies by, almost surely because I'm dreading what comes afterwards.
The builders and the city are basically on the same page aboutexpectations and limitations. Finally, a company that's done its research before showing up.
It'll be a beautiful, multi-level space with rentable cubicles, a coffee shop on the bottom level, large venue space spanning the top floor, and a rooftop garden.
It's very straightforward, and we all stiffly thank each other for our time before going our separate ways.
As I slide into my black car, a small SUV, I check my phone.
A groan slips out when I see the text from my mom.
Janet
CHANGE OF PLANS. MEETING HERE INSTEAD!
Why am I not surprised?
Mom can never stick to one thing. Now, I'll have to drive all the way across town, rather than right down the street like we agreed.
When I finally arrive, my mom and current stepdad have already been seated and served at least two drinks.
"Honey," Janet coos, standing and placing her hands on my cheeks, her long red nails nearly scratching my eyes out. "Why are you so late? I thought we agreed on one o clock?"
I take a calming breath.We did.We also agreed on meeting somewhere more convenient for both of us.
