by Donna Jay
Who cared what job she secured? It wasn’t like she’d ever have a family to provide for. Perhaps that wasn’t so bad. At least she’d never have to worry about losing them.
A tap on her bedroom door pulled her out of her funk. Her mother’s warm smile reminded Katie life wasn’t all doom and gloom.
“I thought you might need some stamps.”
“Thanks, Ma.” Katie took the stamps, eyed them up then held one out to her mother. “Here, you do the honours.”
Unfortunately, her mother didn’t take the bait.
“I paid for them, you lick em.”
Damn. “I’ll spit on them.”
“Don’t be a baby, a little bit of glue won’t kill you.”
Acting like the baby her mother professed her to be, Katie screwed up her face, closed her eyes, and did a quick lick and stick.
“If you hurry, you’ll get those in the post-box tonight. By tomorrow afternoon, the phone will be ringing off the hook.” Her mum narrowed her eyes. “You did put our phone number on your applications, didn’t you?”
“Yes, mum. 84-265” The number had been drilled into Katie’s head since she was old enough to talk.
Chapter 5
Not holding out much hope, Katie fed the three letters into the post-box, then biked home again, nerves eating a hole in her gut. She probably looked like she was drunk, swaying all over the road as she glanced left and right, over her shoulder and back again, praying she wouldn’t see a white Cortina.
Arriving home safely, she didn’t even have time to put the kickstand down before her mother was waving her inside.
Willing her heart rate to slow, she closed the shed door and rushed inside.
Her mum held her hand over the mouthpiece. “It’s a man. He wants to talk to you.”
Trepidation pooled in Katie’s stomach. She didn’t know any men. Was it one of the trio’s fathers? It wouldn’t surprise her if one of them tried to one-up her and had accused her of being the abuser instead of the victim.
Before her thoughts could spiral out of control, her mother thrust the phone into Katie’s hand.
“Hello?” Her voice shook with worry.
“Hi, is this Katie Parker?” a man asked in a friendly, professional tone.
“Yes,” she said with more confidence.
She bit her lip and her mother seemed to have the same thought as Katie. Her mum’s eyes went wide, and she mouthed ‘job?’
Please let her be right. Katie crossed her fingers behind her back.
“This is Leo Briggs. You applied for a job at Clarke’s Home Décor about…” There was a lengthy pause, and Katie wondered if she should say two weeks ago or wait for Leo to supply the rest.
“A fortnight ago.”
“Correct,” Katie said, aware she was yet to reply with more than one word, yet unsure what more to say.
For all she knew this could be another rejection. Maybe this man was merely polite enough to inform applicants via the telephone instead of a rejection letter.
“Sorry it’s taken so long to get back to you, but—”
Here it comes. Katie’s heart sunk.
“—now that we’ve got through the Christmas rush, I’ve had time to go over the applications and I’m pleased to say you’ve made the shortlist. We’d like to offer you an interview, if you’re still interested, of course.”
Beaming, Katie paced back and forth as far as the phone cord would allow. “I’d like that very much, Leo.” She’d heard people appreciated being addressed by name, so she hoped that hadn’t sounded too forward.
“How about eleven a.m. tomorrow? Can you be here by then?”
“Yes. Perfect. I can make it earlier if you’d like,” Katie said feeling like she’d been offered a lifeline, and she had.
Leo chuckled, a deep, throaty sound that put Katie at ease.
“I love your enthusiasm, Katie. But I have an appointment at nine and another at ten, so I’ll see you at eleven, okay?”
Certain his prior appointments would be other applicants—her opposition—Katie plastered on a smile and spoke in a professional manner. “Eleven it is then. I look forward to meeting you.”
When she hung up, the relief Katie felt even though the job wasn’t hers yet, swept through her like a Tsunami.
Laugh-crying, Katie hugged her mother. “I have a job interview. Tomorrow at…”
“Eleven,” her mother finished.
“That will give us enough time to figure out what you’re going to wear.”
Although well-meaning, the comment sent Katie into a tailspin. Not counting her school uniform, she owned one skirt and blouse. Both would be suitable for a job interview, but with the weight she’d gained, she would look like a woolsack about to burst its seams.
“Hey, I know.” Her mum gave her a thoughtful look. “What about the skirt and top you wore when we went to Nana Parker’s birthday dinner?”
“Ma, that was six months ago. How do you expect that to still fit? I’m a growing girl.” Katie chuckled to hide her embarrassment.
“Ah, silly me.” Her mother smacked herself in the forehead and Katie loved her for it.
There was no denying she’d put on weight but making her feel like shit wouldn’t help.
“Let’s go shopping tomorrow? You didn’t want a party when you turned sixteen, so we’ll call it a belated birthday present.”
Her mother looked so pleased with herself, Katie accepted the gift for what it was. Her mother propping her up, rather than knocking her down.
Blinking back tears, Katie hugged her mum. “I know I haven’t been the easiest person to live with lately, but I promise to try harder.”
“Hey, I remember what it was like to be a teenager, all those hormones wreaking havoc. Periods. Growing pains. Sore breasts.”
“Yeah, thanks for those.” Katie cupped her boobs. “I would’ve been happy with B’s or C’s but, no, I ended up with D’s…and the unwanted attention.” Shit, did she say that out loud?
“Katie.” Her mum grabbed her by both hands and pinned her with a look that made Katie want to bolt.
“Remember that day you were late home from the river?”
How could she ever forget? Already regretting saying too much, all she could manage was a nod.
“Did something bad happen to you?”
Torn between telling the truth and keeping her secret, Katie chewed on her bottom lip.
“I know you said you were going to hang out with some girls, but the more I’ve thought about it, the less I believe it. Did you meet up with a boy?”
“No!” Katie bellowed, shocked and angry. “I didn’t lie to you.”
“Well, tell me what happened then.” Frustration crept into her mother’s voice, her eyes pleading. “You’ve been so angry and sad since that day, and I don’t know how to help if you won’t talk to me.”
“I’m not a little girl who needs mummy to fix everything,” Katie’s voice cracked. Shit. She didn’t want to cry.
Her mum pulled her into her arms, and that’s all it took for the dam to burst. Tears streamed down Katie’s cheeks, soaking her mum’s shirt. If only Leo had phoned thirty minutes earlier, she would’ve been spared the anxiety of looking over her shoulder for Cherie.
“I can’t tell you, not yet,” she mumbled against her mother’s shoulder.
“I’ll let it go for now, but I hope one day soon you’ll trust me enough to share what’s troubling you. My love doesn’t come with conditions, Katie.” Her mum kissed the top of her head.
The clearing of a throat broke the mother-daughter embrace. Katie swiped away her tears, surprised to see her mother do the same. Her mum was hurting for her and that hurt Katie. She had to get her shit together.
“Who died?” her dad asked, eyeing them closely.
“Oh, no, nothing like that.” Her mother smiled. “Our girl has…” She turned to Katie. “You tell him, I don’t want to steal your thunder.”
“I’ve got a job interview, tomo
rrow.” Katie pointed to her eyes. “These are happy tears.”
Good save.
“And, us girls are going shopping, aren’t we, sweetie?”
Excited again, Katie nodded.
“You women are strange creatures.” Her father shook his head. “You cry when you’re sad, you cry when you’re happy, you cry when you’re hormonal.”
Her mum slapped his arm playfully. “Speaking of women, your mother’s coming to stay next week, so you’ll be outnumbered three-to-one.”
He clutched his chest and swooned. “How will I cope, being surrounded by my three favourite girls?”
Chapter 6
The following morning, Katie dressed in an off-white blouse and a navy-blue skirt that came to just below the knee. She gave herself a once over in the mirror and had to admit her mother was right. The cream blouse complemented her tanned complexion, and the combination of shoulder pads and a dark skirt streamlined her figure.
Shortly before eleven, she entered Clarke’s Home Décor. Resisting the urge to stoop, she pulled her shoulders back, held her chin high, and headed for the staircase with a confidence born from determination to prove herself as the right person for the job.
The upper level was home to bedroom furniture and décor. A rich-burgundy bedspread caught her eye. She ran her hand over the satin as she walked by.
“Nice isn’t it?” A saleswoman gave her a megawatt smile.
“Yeah, probably out of my budget, though,” Katie said, kicking herself. They didn’t need to know she was poor.
“We have lay-by. Or we have cheaper options over there.” The woman pointed to the other side of the store.
“I’m actually here for a job interview.” Katie smiled shyly.
“Oh, wow. Why didn’t you say?” She chuckled. “I guess you just did.” She held out a hand and Katie shook it, taking a small measure of strength from the woman’s confidence.
“Name’s Joyce. The boss’s office is through those doors.” She lowered her voice, “Don’t be scared of Leo. He’s nothing like a lion. He’s a gentle teddy bear.”
“I’m nervous as hell,” Katie admitted, unsure why. Although, something told her if she got the job she’d get along well with Joyce.
“Just be yourself.” She shot Katie a wink, then sauntered over to a customer looking at headboards.
When Katie’s gaze landed on a lamp with brass edging and opaque panels, her mind immediately flicked to her mother. She’d love it, and if Katie got the job it was the first thing she’d put on lay-by.
Lingering outside the office doors, she took a fortifying breath before stepping through. Directly to her right was a counter with a receipt book, and beyond that a desk with a telephone system.
Opposite where Katie stood was another desk, stacked high with all manner of files. At the far end of the spacious office was a smaller room with glass windows where a dark-haired woman had her head down, counting money.
To her left there was a door with a gold plaque stating: Leo Briggs, Manager.
It was slightly ajar, and a man who appeared to be around the same age as her father, early forties, had a phone to his ear. He had a full beard and was peering at some papers on his desk.
The woman sitting next to the switchboard transferred a call and then stood. Like Katie, she carried a few extra pounds, but unlike Katie, she was extremely attractive. Or perhaps it was her welcoming smile that gave off that vibe.
She stepped up to the counter. “Hi, you must be Katie.”
“That’s me,” Katie said, trying not to fidget with the clutch purse her mother had insisted would give her something to do with her hands.
“I’m Janet, and you’re here to see Leo, right?”
“Sure am.”
“Katie!” A deep voice came from behind her. “Sorry to keep you waiting, business call.”
She turned to Leo. “That’s why you’re in business, right?” Katie said, shocking herself.
She had no clue where that came from, but her confidence grew tenfold when Leo said, “I like you already.”
He stepped aside and motioned for her to go first. “After you.”
From over her shoulder, she heard Janet say, “Good luck” and then another voice muttered, “I hope she’s better than the last one. At least she’s dressed nicely and knows how to smile.”
Leo was indeed a gentleman. Katie felt relaxed in his presence, which made the interview questions easy to answer, at least for the most part.
After a quick rundown of the job description and the expectations of the new employee, the atmosphere in the office was far more relaxed.
“What appeals to you about the job?” Leo rested his chin on top of his hands.
“All of it. Working nine-to-five.”
“Eight-to-five,” Leo corrected.
“Oops, sorry.”
“It’s fine.” He gave her a reassuring smile. “Go on.”
“Typing, answering the phones, learning the accounting system, becoming a valuable staff member.”
“I value all of my employees, Ms Parker.”
Flustered, Katie stammered. “That’s…I didn’t mean it like that.”
Leo chuckled. “Relax, I’m teasing. We like to have fun around here, too.” He looked her dead in the eye. “Tell me, what does Katie Parker do for fun?”
Ugh, how was she supposed to reply to that without sounding like a total bore? Katie took a sip of water while she gathered her thoughts. “I like to spend time with family. I’m passionate about music. I want to join a gym, but I can’t until I have an income.”
She took a breath. “I’m reliable and don’t party, so you won’t have to worry about me phoning in sick with a hangover.”
Leo chuckled. “I drink and attend the occasional party, so it’s good to know you’ll be here while I’m chugging back aspirin and vowing never to drink again.”
“Hazards of the job?” Katie asked, forgetting who she was talking to for a minute there. She was at a job interview not a social gathering for fuck’s sake.
Leo’s expression turned serious, and Katie hoped she hadn’t shot herself in the foot by getting too comfortable.
“We’ve talked about your strengths, Katie. So, tell me, what are your weaknesses?”
Boy, was that a loaded question? How much time did he have? Would he believe her if she said none, or see the lie for what it was, avoidance? Not only that, she’d sound pretty conceited to say she was flawless.
Unsure where to start, she said the first thing that popped into her head. “I can be self-conscious.” Her cheeks heated as if to prove the point.
“That’s not a bad thing, Katie. You’re young, once you join the workforce an entire new world will open up to you. Did you like school?”
Her eyes drifted closed as images she didn’t want to see tried to intrude. At a loss for words, she shook her head. “I didn’t fit in.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, and she wondered how a job interview had taken a turn to her personal life.
“I think you’d fit in here.”
Her head snapped up. Was he saying what she thought? Excitement shot through her then fizzled out as he continued.
“I have two other candidates to see, and then I’ll be making a decision. You can expect to hear from me in the next day or two.”
Keeping her smile in place, she stood and shook his hand. “Thank you for your time. If you offer me the job, I promise I won’t let you down.”
“See, you’re already sounding more confident.”
Katie felt it too, this job was hers. It had to be. The other option wasn’t even worth thinking about.
Chapter 7
February 1986
Two days before the new school year was due to commence, Katie hung up the phone and sighed with relief.
“Thank fuck for that,” she said at the same time as the front door clicked open.
The scent of talcum powder invaded her nostrils as her nana stepped inside. Her mum followed closely be
hind, lugging a floral print suitcase.
“Hey, sweetie.” She smiled at Katie. “What are you looking so chipper about?”
“Do you want the good news or the bad?”
“Bad,” her nana stated. “Always best to get that out the way first.”
“The good,” her mother said, “It’ll make the bad easier to deal with.”
“I got the job.”
Her mother’s face lit up. “Wahoo. That’s wonderful.” She narrowed her eyes. “What’s the bad?”
“I won’t be hanging around home all day, cleaning house, preparing dinner.”
Nana Parker looked at Katie’s ratty jeans and black T-shirt. “I hope you’ve got some nice clothes to wear to work.”
The comment shouldn’t have surprised Katie, considering her nana was always impeccably dressed, makeup done just so, hair, white as snow, set once a week.
“She sure has.” The proud smile plastered to her mother’s face made Katie’s chest swell. She was going places, all the way from office junior to office manager.
“Well go get them.” Her nana shooed her toward the hall door.
Not wanting her happy mood interrupted just yet, Katie placated her nana. “Tell you what. I’ll show you my new clothes once we’ve had dinner.”
“Good idea.” Her mum headed into the kitchen and pulled open the fridge. “This calls for wine.”
“Bit early for that, isn’t it, Vivian?”
Batting for her mum, Katie put on the sweetest smile she could muster. “Sherry for you, Nana?”
“What the hell.” Her nana pulled out a chair at the table. “It’s five o’clock somewhere.”
Pleased her nana relented without a fuss, Katie got out the sherry bottle while her mother retrieved the wine.
When her dad arrived home an hour later, he stood at the door looking from one to the other, an amused smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Having fun, ladies?”
“Sure are, come join us.” Her mum jumped up and kissed him on the cheek. “Katie has good news.”
He gave Katie a wink. “She’s moving out.”
“Yep,” Katie teased back. “When I’m, um, let’s see. Thirty-five.”
