Will’s face lights up like I’ve just given him the best Christmas present ever. “Absolutely. I’m at your service, Boss.”
Despite my initial reservations, I find myself smiling at his enthusiasm. “Okay, let’s start with something simple. Can you organize these rental forms by date? They need to be filed in that cabinet over there.”
Will salutes dramatically. “Consider it done.” He dives into the task with gusto, humming as he sorts through the papers.
Surprisingly for me, I feel a small spark of gratitude. Having him here will help keep my mind off all the deeper things, and I can crank out the skates.
The morning passes in a blur of activity. Will proves to be a quick learner and an efficient helper. He moves from task to task with an almost supernatural speed, his cheerful humming a constant backdrop to our work. Despite my initial misgivings, I relax into a comfortable rhythm with him.
“Noah,” Will says as he polishes a pair of skates to a high shine, “ how’s the parade coming?”
I pause in my work, considering his words. “I never thought I’d enjoy something like that, but it’s been... nice. Challenging, but nice.”
Will beams at me, his smile impossibly wide. “That’s fantastic.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “Thanks.”
The door handle jiggles, and the door swings wide open to reveal the last two people I expected to see.
My parents.
They step inside, and the comfortable atmosphere in the trailer evaporates instantly, replaced by a tension so thick I could cut it with one of those spoons they use to feed babies. My father’s imposing figure fills the doorway, his salt-and-pepper hair meticulously styled as always. He wouldn’t dare go a day over four weeks between haircuts. My mother follows close behind, her blonde hair pulled back in a severe bun, her eyes already scanning the trailer with poorly concealed disapproval. She’s wearing the blue eyeshadow that haunts my nightmares—I don’t remember a day she didn’t have it on before I was out of bed.
“Noah,” my father’s voice booms, making me flinch involuntarily. “Are you going to greet us or stand there like a child and stare?”
I swallow hard, forcing a smile onto my face. “Mom, Dad. This is... unexpected. What brings you here?”
My mother’s hot pink lips purse as she takes in the cluttered counter and the piles of skates. “Can’t parents visit their son? We were in the area and thought we’d stop by to see how you’re... getting on.”
The way she says it, like she’s referring to some kind of illness rather than my life, makes my skin crawl. Will’s eyes dart between us, confusion evident on his face.
“Of course,” I say, my voice sounding strained even to my own ears. “It’s just that you usually call first.”
My father waves a hand dismissively. “We thought we’d surprise you.”
I gesture to Will, grateful for the momentary distraction. “This is Will. He’s been helping me out today.”
Will steps forward, his usual enthusiasm somewhat subdued in the face of the palpable tension. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery,” he says, extending a hand.
My father shakes it briefly, his grip visibly firm. “Charmed, I’m sure,” he says, though his tone suggests he’s anything but. “I hope our Noah isn’t working you too hard. He’s always had a tendency to... delegate.”
The jab stings, and I feel my cheeks heat up. “Will offered to help, Dad. He’s been an asset today.”
My mother’s eyes narrow slightly. “I see. And is this a regular arrangement, or just someone you’re taking advantage of?”
Before I can answer, my father chimes in. “You know, your brother just hired two new associates at his law firm. He’s really expanding his practice. And your sister, well, she’s sold more homes this year than anyone in a three-state radius. They’re both so busy these days, it’s hard to keep up.”
I feel my stomach twist. Here it comes, the comparisons. My parents make it into an Olympic sport. “That’s great for them,” I manage, trying to keep my voice neutral. “I’m sure they’re both very happy.” They probably are. They’ve always been high-achieving types who measure their personal worth by their bank accounts. I don’t think either of them have had a late assignment or a parking ticket in their lives. They play by the rules and have mastered life to the point that it hands them all their dreams.
My mother nods, a small, tight smile on her face. “It’s so wonderful to see them really applying themselves, making the most of their potential.” Unlike you, her eyes seem to say. She sniffs and then wrinkles her nose. The scent of this place isn’t for everyone.
Will, bless him, jumps in. “Noah’s been doing some great work here, too,” he says brightly. “Did you know he’s co-chairing the Christmas parade committee this year?”
“Is that so?” my father says, his voice dripping with skepticism. “I wasn’t aware you had experience in event planning, Noah.”
“I don’t, really,” I admit, hating how defensive I sound. “But I’m learning as I go. It’s been a good opportunity, too.”
“To what?” my mother interrupts. “Play at being important? Really, Noah, don’t you think it’s time you focused on something more... substantial?”
