“Your dad keeps asking me strange, unexpected questions at work. He wants you to test me tonight. Your aunt apparently knows my entire employment history.”
Georgia sighed. “He’s been thinking about something important.”
“Yes, and?”
“Something involving the company.”
My stomach tightened.
“He’s been thinking about something important.”
“Is he selling it?!”
“No.”
“Am I getting fired?!”
“No, calm down. It’s definitely not that.”
“Then what, Georgia?”
She hesitated. “You’ll know soon.”
“Am I getting fired?!”
I shook my head. “Your family’s exhausting.”
She laughed. “Imagine growing up with them!”
Before I could respond, Madison appeared. “Georgia! Group pictures!”
My date grabbed my arm. “Come on!”
“Your family’s exhausting.”
***
As we walked inside, I noticed something.
Georgia had stopped acting annoyed with me.
Whatever her father was planning, she seemed to be on my side.
That made me feel slightly better.
Only slightly.
I noticed something.
The photographer arranged us beneath a balloon arch. “Couples, stand together!”
Georgia moved beside me. “Put your arm around me,” she whispered.
I hesitated. “Another test?”
She rolled her eyes. “Brent, it’s a picture.”
“Right. Sorry.”
“Another test?”
The photographer raised his camera. “Smile!”
My phone buzzed a few seconds later.
It was a text from Sheldon.
“Everything going smoothly?”
I showed Georgia.
She grinned. “Tell him I’m being difficult.”
It was a text from Sheldon.
I typed, “Georgia has requested a chair facing northwest. Negotiations are ongoing.”
Sheldon replied immediately. “Interesting. How are you handling it?”
I stared at the response.
Georgia peeked over and started laughing.
I typed, “I’ve offered her a north-facing chair and a complimentary napkin.”
I stared at the response.
Three dots appeared.
Then:
“Good thinking.”
I shook my head. “Your father needs a vacation.”
Georgia grabbed my phone. “I’ve got an idea.”
She typed a message and handed it back.
“Georgia has also requested that I obtain the moon. Please advise.”
“I’ve got an idea.”
My boss didn’t answer for two minutes.
Then:
“Um, well, use your judgment.”
I laughed so hard the photographer had to take our picture again!
***
By the end of prom, Georgia and I were actually having a great time.
My boss didn’t answer for two minutes.
We danced badly, ate too many cupcakes, and watched Madison convince the DJ to play an old disco song.
Georgia taught me a dance move that made me look like I was fighting invisible bees.
***
When we finally left, she was still laughing.
“Okay,” I said as we reached the car. “I’ve survived prom. Can you tell me what’s happening now?”
Georgia taught me a dance move.
My date stopped smiling. “There’s something Dad hasn’t announced at work.”
My stomach tightened again. “Please don’t keep me in suspense, Georgia.”
“He’s opening another location.”
I blinked. “Another warehouse?”
She nodded. “And he needs someone to manage it.”
“Please don’t keep me in suspense.”
