Chapter Three

I hate having to look presentable. I squirm in my seat that the hostess just pulled out for me, glancing at my watch. I have 5 minutes until I have to tell Ms. Loveless, "Thank you for the offer, but I can not accept it"

Breathe, Vanessa, Breathe.

    At 12:58 she walked into the Roadhouse. She looked so sophisticated, so petite yet she showed such dominance. I wish I could be like that. Melanie greeted me with a smile, snapping at the waiter to get her a glass of tea. I gulped down my water to calm my nerves. "Look, Ms. Loveless," "Melanie.", she corrected. "Melanie. I am sorry to disappoint you and while I would graciously like to accept your proposal, I am afraid I cannot. Moving to an entirely different continent is a big step that I don't think I am prepared to make at this point in my life."

There, I said it.

    I looked at Melanie, who much to my surprise, looked quite calm. Despite everything I have said. She was looking down at her tea, stirring in a surprisingly good amount of sugar. After taking a sip, she placed her spoon down on her napkin and looked at me, with a half smirk. "Miss Rose, let me just inform you that we aren't just picking any employee from a hat. We have done intensive research for people who are right for this job. Now, just looking at your high school history alone, numerous activities, a 4.0 grade point average? I have taken a personal look into your employee files and have found that every single evaluation you passed with flying colors...", "but.." I interjected.
    This didn't stop her though, she talked right past me, without even raising her voice. I took another sip of water. "I have the notes right here..." she stated, opening her briefcase and pulling out a manilla folder. "Shows great leadership skills, always on task...Miss Rose, I know this would be a very snap and far out decision, especially on such short notice, however...even at your young age of 20..", "22." I corrected, "have I not seen such potential in a worker such as yourself. You would be perfect for this job and I think it would be in everyone's best interest if you would accept this offer." She finished up.
    I bit my lip, "well..." I started off. I guess she could sense my hesitation. "Would it make it a little easier if I offered you a 60% pay increase, in addition to your housing and necessities?" Wow. I have never had someone try and sell me into a job so hard. "May I have a night to think it over?" I made my response brief, in order to possibly prevent a cut off. Smiling, she agreed.

    The entire way home, my thoughts from our meeting raced. As much as I hated my job, it's all I know. It keeps me grounded, it gives me a distraction from the world around me. As much as I would like to come to this decision myself, I have to talk to Brianna. I just hope she doesn't cry. I don't know what to do when people cry. I walked into the house, and it was empty. "Bri!" I screamed, to make sure.

No answer.

    I plopped my bag down and headed toward the fridge. I pulled the cold handle open, and grabbed the milk. As I shut it, I saw a note posted to the fridge, next to Bentley's finger painting.

Nessa,
I might be home by the time you read this. I am taking Bentley to his doctors appointment, I did the laundry.
Love you,
Brianna

    I poured the milk into the glass, and pressed play on the answering machine. There were two messages. The first one beeped in, Brianna's mother. "Hi sweetie! I just wanted to see how my little peanut was doing, and how his check up went! Call me back!" I'll have to remember to tell Brianna she called. I choked a little on my milk when the secound message beeped in. "Hi Ms. Rose, it's Melanie..." a thick accent rang through the speaker.

Boy, this chick is pushy.

    "I am pleased that you decided to take a night to think my offer over, and do want to remind you of the deadline. Friday is the day that I will be taking care of any details, and if you decide to sign with us, you will be flown out the following Monday. Get back to me as soon as you can with your answer, have a good night, Miss Rose." I sighed, plunging my empty glass into the soapy water. I think I will do dishes to get my mind off of this until later.