Chapter 4
“Your interviewee’s ten minutes out,” Dad said as soon as I stepped into our garage/home office/storage space.
“What are you talking about?” I closed the side door with my hip. My hands were full with my morning tea and our business binder. “I don’t have anyone scheduled for an interview today.”
I walked over to scan the large calendar I’d tacked to the back wall, just to be sure. I’d invested a hefty chunk of change for the thing and penned in everything from Dad’s meetings, commercial property demos, and tax season. Everything was color-coded to perfection. Honestly, this calendar was my magnum opus. Not that my parents, Nate, or anyone else at our company cared. But I did, and I didn’t see an interview written in green for today.
“Yeah, not on the calendar.” I turned back to Dad.
“Honey, you’re the only one who uses that thing.” He flipped through a folder of last year’s banking statements.
“That’s a major problem.” I joined him at our shared desk - which was really just two old breakfast bars smashed together. He let me have the chair that didn’t wobble, but it still creaked whenever I shifted positions.
He chuckled. “And you’re also the only one who thinks it’s a problem.”
“You’re not some man with an extra lawnmower anymore,” I reminded him. “You have employees. Commercial clients. You should lead by example and check the calendar.”
“Well, that’s why I pay you the big bucks,” he joked.
I gave him a pointed look that went to waste because his gaze was still focused on whatever he was hunting for in our files.
My dad started Anderson Lawn service after being let go from a larger landscaping business when I was in high school. After losing his job, things got tight around the house for a while. I was more than happy to pitch in when he started getting clients of his own. Slowly, the company grew, and it became a family business.
The more Anderson Lawn grew, the more I did behind the scenes. Organizing and managing were exciting for me. It was a way to prove myself to my folks and to quiet my ever racing thoughts - at least for a little while.
“I think you should at least pretend to look at it sometime,” I suggested. “Maybe the other guys will see you trying and follow suit.”
“Why would we want that?” He was still shuffling through papers. I could tell from the furrow in his brow he was getting frustrated.
“Because it’s professional… What are you looking for?”
“Nothing.” He continued searching without glancing up.
“I could help.” My gaze studied the folder. “I was the one who organized those.”
“You know, I think it’s time you start doing other things outside of the business. Normal, young people things. You’re being too obsessive again.”
His snippy tone gave me pause. “I’m just trying to help, Dad.”
There was a bit of regret on his face, but he didn’t take it back. “Sweetheart, just worry about your duties for the day, okay?”
I almost asked, which ones? Instead, I swallowed the sarcasm, urging myself to not start the day off with an argument.
“Who’s this interviewee?” I opened my laptop to pull up my generic set of questions. “I don’t have much time to prep.”
“You don’t have to take it so seriously. You’re interviewing Leo,” Dad informed. “I spoke to him earlier, so this is just a formality. Can’t have word getting out that Anderson Lawn accepts any applicant.”
The garage suddenly felt warmer. I didn’t have enough time to process the idea because I heard the unmistakable purr of Leo’s car pulling into the driveway. Dad gave up his hunt for whatever had been troubling him and went to greet Leo.
“Morning, Mr. Anderson,” Leo called as soon as he stepped out of his car. He sounded cheery and looked it too. Instead of a typical formal interview outfit, Leo wore dark sweats and his high school swimming tee that was tight around his biceps.
I chewed on my lip and tried not to stare as the two exchanged pleasantries. Once they moved closer to the garage opening, Leo finally addressed me with a simple “Morning, Kira.”
I tried to match his chill energy. “Good morning.”
“Kira’s going to take care of your interview today.” Dad smiled and clapped Leo’s shoulder. “She’s kind of our HR, publicist, graphic designer, and go-to shrub trimmer. Did I forget anything?”
“Probably.” I shrugged like it was a joke.
