Almost Home (NG2)

Happy

Rob and Cayla had a truce. She didn't ask about Christmas and he didn't mention it. He was having difficulty finding a plane ticket, but had plenty of options to travel on Christmas day.

He was ready to commit to Christmas, when his father called on Tuesday afternoon.

"Dan wants to talk with you."

"Already?"

"We'd like to have the position filled by the first of the year."

"Seriously? When does he want to call?"

"He has an opening at three tomorrow."

He would be at work, but he could shut his door. Nobody paid attention to anyone else."

"Okay. He can call my direct line. He doesn't have a problem with our relationship."

"He worked for his father. You won't work for me."

"Anything I should know?"

"Be yourself."

He should have told Cayla, but didn't and spent the day watching the clock. His phone rang at a minute past three.

"Rob Taylor."

"Hi Rob, it's Dan Currier. Your father calls you Robbie."

"Were you ever Danny?"

"I still am occasionally. I never considered that you two had the same name until you answered your phone."

His resume said Robert. "I can be Robbie."

It was the first time he wished he didn't have his father's name.

"Are you definitely willing to relocate?"

"I'm ready to come home... to Maine and my family."

"Tell me about the work you've been doing."

He explained the services he provided to his business customers, calling them small businesses. "I train the bookkeeping staff to make reporting and taxes easier." He didn't mention money lending.

"What are your strengths?"

"I'm organized, meticulous with numbers and details, and kind. It's ingrained, Rob and Chellie raised me."

"And weaknesses?"

"Besides being a boring numbers guy?" Dan laughed. "My parents are still shaking their heads. I'm an introvert." It was the reason he had so few friends. "In Maine, is the fact I like country music a weakness?"

"I'll take it." Dan laughed.

"This might be a little personal for an interview, but your dad mentioned a girl. You won't want to run back south to her?"

"It's been holding on by a thread for too long. Once the thread is cut, I won't have a reason to stay. My scissors are out."

"What are your interests?"

Rob chuckled. "Country music. I plan to buy a new wetsuit and start surfing again."

"Cool. I've seen the surfers at The Point. It always amazes me. Anything you'd like me to know?"

"Just that I'm coming home, regardless. It would be nice to have a job when I do."

"If I hire you, I couldn't keep your salary and employment file private from your father. I would step in if necessary, but I would expect Rob to treat you like any other employee."

"The girl I'm with works for her daddy. She has done things that put her father and his employees in an awkward position, so I understand one-hundred percent. I'm a professional as is my dad. I love my mom, but my dad was always my hero. So I'm lucky to have been raised by the two of them."