My parents were waiting with bated breath for me to tell them about how my job was going.
Go big or go home.
“Oh yeah, that was a great one I came up with in the morning brainstorming session,” I said, hoping my parents couldn’t read the fib on my face.
I hated lying to them, but I hated disappointing them even more.
“I’m also working on organizing sessions for women escaping domestic violence situations and giving tips on how to navigate the corporate environment to help them become financially stable.”
At least that was something that I could be honest about.
“Oh, that’s wonderful. Isn’t that wonderful, Barry? What a lovely idea. All those poor young women. You know, if you do decide to give Disney another shot,” my mom said, “that would look fantastic on your resume.”
“But Lexi’s doing so well at her current job,” my dad argued. “You’re up for a promotion, aren’t you?”
“They’ll tell me soon at the six-month mark,” I said.
More lies. I wasn’t getting so much as a new notepad from the supply closet, let alone a promotion. Not if Anthym had anything to do with it.
“I hope you’re still having fun,” my mom said. “You’re in your twenties. You need to go out for drinks and see Shakespeare in the Park and go to the opera.”
All things that cost money. Money I didn’t have.
“She’s flashing her boss,” McKenna whispered to Grenadine. “Seems like she’s having a lot of fun.”
I glared at them over the top of the laptop.
“Oh, don’t make that face, Lexi. You haven’t told us about anything interesting you girls are doing.”
“It’s just the weather’s not great right now,” I said. “It rains a lot.”
“It will clear up,” Dad said assuredly. “It can’t rain forever. Eventually the sun will come out.”
My mom leaned forward. “Are you bringing a Prince Charming home anytime soon?”
“Don’t ask her that. We want you to find your happily ever after in whatever way works for you,” my dad assured me.
“Your dad and I met when we worked at Disney and were about your age,” my mom gushed.
“But no rush,” my dad added. “You can just concentrate on doing the best you can at your new job.”
“She can’t work too hard; she won’t have time to find her Prince Charming!” My mom swatted him lightly.
“Don’t lower your standards,” my dad added. “You deserve the best!”
And here I had lowered my standards just by taking a job that would support my high-end sticker habit.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“We’re making things awkward,” my mom hissed at my dad. “Don’t you hear her getting upset?”
I cleared my throat.
“I’m fine.”
“Squeaky Mouse, we’re sorry.” My dad looked crushed.
“It’s fine,” I said. “I love you guys. I have to get some more work done.”
