Page 4 of Beachy Sweetheart
“I’m saying I won’t be here. I followed your rules. You treat me like a servant instead of your employee. I’m not asking for special treatment. I’m asking to be treated like a person instead of a robot.” My hands shake and my heart pounds. Never once have I talked back to her. I’ve always just gone along with what she’s wanted, even when it meant losing out on doing somethingI’vewanted. But not this time.
She stares at me, no doubt stunned. She drops back into her chair and pulls up the spreadsheet for the schedule on the computer.
“I suppose your father gave you the weekend off?”
“You know I don’t like it when you do this, but yes.” She never could pit me against my dad. He never tried because he was heartbroken they didn’t work out. He’s still heartbroken, but he never tries to get me to quit Happy Time. He gives me a smile every day when I leave and reminds me to drink water. Mom always grumbles when I ask for anything, so I stopped.
Until now.
I need this weekend.
I grab a bottle of water from the mini fridge and watch as mom works through the schedule. She texts Marco, one of the many managers, to take down the current schedule, that she missed something.
She taps the mouse as she works through the problem. There’s a mumble under her breath and she huffs. “You have your weekend.” She clicks through the schedule to next monthand holds out her hand. I pass her the folder with days off requests.
I wait while she ruffles through them and plugs in the requests. “You’re in luck. The third week is entirely clear of requests next month. Monday through Sunday.”
“I’ll take it.” I grab a form and have her sign after I’ve filled it out.
She turns back to me and just stares. “As much as it pains me to say this, I’m proud of you for sticking up for yourself. I can be a bit of a bull.”
I snort. That’s a total understatement.
“Hey now.” She chuckles.
“Just remember I’m a human boy every once in a while and we’ll be good.” I grin and stress rolls off me. I get to go play with my Little friends this weekend.
Mom pushes back to her feet. “I’ll try, kiddo. Got you on tickets for a few hours, so enjoy the AC while you can.” She gives me a small smile and squeezes my hand.
I know mom just wants Happy Time to do well, and it does, but I want a life outside of the carnival and dad’s hotel. Dad realizes this, though.
“Thanks!” I grab another water bottle and head out of the trailer.
There is definitely a pep to my step now that the confrontation is over and blessedly short-lived.
“You look chipper now,” Liam says when we cross paths.
“Got my weekend.”
“Must be nice.”
I glare at him. “You know I don’t get special treatment or perks.”
“Oh, I know.” He grins and dances away from me. “You always get the shit jobs, and you’re always here. That isn’t a perk.”
My face burns. He’s not wrong. I rarely put up a fuss because I don’t want to upset mom, but this weekend is different.
3
ANDY
Kevin’s ideaof taking me out for celebration is our favorite Mexican restaurant with the best margaritas. I’m not complaining. My frozen peach margarita is refreshing with fresh peaches.
“So where did you decide?” Kevin asks around a mouthful of chips and salsa.
“Booked next month at this place called Cruiser Beach Hotel. It’s a family run place, looked cozy. There’s a fun beach carnival in walking distance and some bars and other places to explore. Should be a good month.”
“Sounds good.” He nods and wipes his face with his napkin. “Are you going to the Little play day this weekend?”
