Page 3 of Slapshot
“Sure.”
“Sure? Wow, well, don’t get too excited about a night out or anything.” She hip checks me playfully.
I tuck my phone back into my pocket. “I’m sorry. I was thinking about my card. I need to get it straightened out. Can we go out tomorrow night instead?”
“Of course. I suppose I could study for my art history test next week.” She makes a face. “Do you want me to come with you to the bank after class? Those people can be scary talking about account closures and fees.” She shudders. I wonder if she’s speaking from experience. The way she spends money, I can very well see how she might reach the end of even a very high credit limit. I don’t really blame her. When people give you everything you want, you start to expect it.
“Thank you, but no, I’ve got this. I have to go somewhere even scarier than the bank to settle this.”
“Scarier than the bank?” she squeaks.
“Way scarier.”
* * *
On the second floor of the student employment office, a woman named Holly ushers me into a seat in front of her messy desk. It’s lined with pictures of small dogs wearing sweaters and cheesy costumes.
I hand her my resume, and she sets it on top of a pile of papers without glancing at it.
“Well, most of the campus jobs have already been filled for the semester, but here’s what I have.” She places a finger on her monitor and slides it across the screen as she says, “Spanish tutor, dining services attendant, and they’re looking for an aide in the early childhood education center.” She looks to me hopefully.
Unless I can learn Spanish overnight, that’s out.
Hair net? Absolutely not.
“I was hoping for something in marketing. That’s my major and I’m applying for this super competitive internship next summer and could use some relatable experience on my resume.” Maybe if I look at this as experience instead of desperation, I can put a happy spin on it.
But Holly does not look like she cares about my hopes and dreams. That would make her one of many.
And I’m out of options unless I want to take a chance that one of the restaurants or bars in Burlington are hiring a girl with no experience at… well, anything.
With a sigh, I ask, “What does an aide do in the education center? Teach colors and play games with the kids?”
“This position is more diapering and sanitizing than teaching. We have actual teachers for the older kids. You’d be working alongside the lead teacher of the infant room doing whatever they need to keep the little ones safe and entertained.” She scrunches up her nose.
Something tells me by the lack of baby photos on her desk and the disgusted look on her face, Holly and I are on the same page about changing diapers. Eww.
“There’s nothing else?”
“I’m sorry. This far into the semester…” She trails on, lecturing me about all the good jobs being snatched up quickly and how I should have started my search earlier. I sit back and take it. I’ve gotten impressively good at zoning out when adults lecture me.
Mostly from my dad.
You’ve been given a chance to start over. Use it wisely. No more games. No more blowing off classes and letting your grades fall. In fact, I’m not adding any more money to your account until I see your first semester grades. Essentials only. I’m serious, Kaitlyn. Last chance to get it together.
I really hadn’t thought he was serious. I’ve had nearly unlimited funds since I was sixteen. You can’t just cut someone off like that. And I have been doing better with my spending. Last week I bought a pair of boots from the half-off rack. If I’d known the boots were the last purchase I’d be able to make for a while, I might have done things differently. Too late now.
“Oh wait.” Her voice lifts three octaves, snapping me back to her droning speech. “A new job just posted. It’s with the athletic department. The hockey team is looking for an equipment manager.”
“Girls’ or boys’ team?”
I already know it’s too much to assume it’d be the girls’ team. That is not the type of year I’m having.
“The boys’ team. If you’re interested, I’d hustle over. It will not stay vacant for long. Would you like me to call Coach Keller and get more information?” She looks so damn optimistic. I guess if your job is hooking people up with employment, this is the moment you live for. Unfortunately for her, I have a long track record of disappointing people.
“No.” I stand. “I think I’ll try off-campus jobs.”
Not today, Satan.
