Page 15 of The Off-limits Grump Next Door
My heart was in every word I typed, and I allowed myself to hope—hope that maybe this was my fresh start. Finally, I concluded with, "...I'm thrilled at the prospect of joining the ABS family and contributing to the rich history of storytelling in this city. Thank you for considering my application."
I read over my response, making sure it fit the 200-word limit. With a mixture of apprehension and excitement, I clicked “Submit” and watched the application disappear into cyberspace, feeling a little lighter.
My first instinct was to call Tina, video call, actually. I tapped on my phone, and her face filled the screen after the first ring.
“Hey, girl! I’m done!” I could barely contain the excitement bubbling in my voice.
Tina squealed in delight. “Yaaas, Kendra! You got this! I’m sending all my positive vibes your way.”
I smiled. Tina and I had only known each other for a few days, but our connection felt so natural, like we had been friends for years.Her infectious energy always seemed to ease my nerves.
I crossed my fingers and whispered, "Please, God, let me get this job." I whispered, hoping the heavens would hear my plea.
Tina chuckled on the other end, her voice playful but sincere. "Oh I do more than that! I’ll light a candle, say a prayer, and even do a little dance to make sure you get it."
I laughed, the tension I had earlier ebbing away. "You're the best, Tina. Thank you."
We talked for a few more minutes. Tina shared tips on ABS's office politics—names of people to avoid, others to keep close. I took mental notes, my mind already painting a picture of what life could be like there.
“I gotta run, though,” she said suddenly. “Production manager’s here, and trust me, he’s allergic to idle tech. Talk later?”
“Talk later,” I echoed, laughing.It felt good, this shared camaraderie with someone who understood my world.
Just as I ended the call, my phone buzzed again. A text from Lily, my ex-boss. My smile faltered as I opened the text.
"You can resume work tomorrow afternoon. But there’ll be a paycheck cut for what happened. - Lily."
I stared at the screen, disbelief mingling with surprise. Why was Lily suddenly asking me back? Curiosity tickled the back of my mind, but I decided not to push it.
The reason didn’t matter—I needed this. My heart leaped at the thought of having something to fill the time while I waited to hear from ABS.
“Noted. Thanks, ma’am,” I texted back, a grin tugging at my lips.
Getting my job back, even with a cut in pay, was a small relief. It was something solid I could hold on to, a distraction from the relentless anxiety that threatened to consume me, while I awaited news from ABS.
I stood and stretched, feeling the stiffness leave my body.Groceries— I had almost forgotten, my kitchen cupboards were looking a little bare.
Especially if I was going to bake something soon- my usual go-to for soothing nerves. Also if I landed the ABS gig, who knew how busy I’d get? I grabbed my purse and headed out for the local store.
The store was just a short walk, about twenty minutes. I decided to walk, using the time to familiarize myself with the neighborhood. Each step seemed to ground me, offering a brief moment of peace.
Once inside the store, I was greeted by the familiar sight of rows of things that competed for my attention. I grabbed a cart and began weaving through the aisles, letting my mind wander.
I picked out some fresh fruits and vegetables, the essentials—milk, bread—before my eyes drifted toward the baking aisle. I suddenly craved homemade chocolate chip cookies.
I added a bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips, walnuts, and sea salt to my cart, smiling as I envisioned the warm, gooey treats.that would soon fill my kitchen with the sweet aromas.
Baking was my sanctuary—a place where I could forget everything else and lose myself in the rhythm of measuring, mixingand creating.
I was actually quite good at it, if I did say so myself, but the thought of commercializing my passion was never going to be an option. I was far too laid-back for that. Besides, baking was my way of showing love and care to those around me, and I cherished the quiet moments spent in the kitchen, whipping up a storm for my loved ones.
But as I reached for a bottle of pure vanilla extract, my fingers froze.
Elon’s favorite flavor–my late husband.
The memories hit me before I could stop them—Elon’s blissful expression whenever he ate my chocolate chip cookies, the way his eyes would close, savoring every bite.
My throat tightened, and I blinked back the sting of tears.I wasn’t going to break down in the middle of a grocery store. Not today.I forced myself to take slow, measured breaths, shaking off the memories.
