Comfortable Chaos

Chapter 21

Andre
Don't play stupid

They told me the job would last at least three weeks. They can't just end it today. This is bullshit. People have lives. Why would they take a job away like this? As soon as they drive us back to the labor building, I march right in there and demand some answer. They better give me good ones.

I approach the front desk, where the receptionist and a rep are talking. At first, they smile at me but when they see how angry I am their smiles fade.

"Can we help you with something?" the rep asked.

"Yeah, you can explain to me how my job ended early," I said.

"Your job? Were you on the port project?"

"Yes." Don't play stupid. Mine was the only job that ended today.

"Okay. Well, yes it did end today due to some safety concerns. Inspectors evaluated the site and found some violations that prohibit the project from continuing."

"What concerns? There haven't been any issues before."

"Well, everyone believed that the site was safe but given this new information, we want to make sure we ensure the safety of the crew is honored."

"How about you honor paying me for the time that I would have had if the project had continued?" That's only right. It's not fair to cut somebody out of a job and not do anything for them.

The rep looked at the receptionist. "Um, I'm afraid we can't do that."

"Why not?"

The rep is turning red faced. "Well, we can't pay you guys for a job that isn't being done. There's no money for that."

"I don't believe that. What happened to the money that was supposed to pay for the workers before? Where did that money go? Did it magically disappear into somebody's pocket?" I don't know who they think they're lying to but I'm not the one. They know they're doing wrong.

"Listen. I understand your frustration-"

"You don't understand nothing. You still have a job."

"And we'd be happy to help you find another one."

"When?"

"When one is available?"

"Which will be when?" I asked.

"When we get another job order that you qualify for?"

"Ah, man. You're full of shit."

With that, I leave corny dude standing there, looking stupid. I'd better leave before I drop him right there. I refuse to believe they can't pay me what they owe for the next week and a half. That's a drop in the bucket for them. Workers are the ones that have to suffer.

I'm so mad right now. Let me call Brandi again and tell her to come get me. I tried reaching her on my way back from the site but she didn't answer. The phone rings and rings. Then, she picks up.

"Finally! I've been trying to reach you for at least forty-five minutes," I said.

"You told me to keep the phone off most of the times. What's wrong?" Brandi asked.

"I need you to come and pick me up. When do you get off work?"

"I'm off now."

"Did you get off early?"

She pauses. "No. I quit."

I can't believe she did this. "You did what?! When?"

"Yesterday," she said.

"When were you gonna tell me?"

"I don't know. I'm looking for another job now. What difference does it make?"

"They let us go! The contract has been cut short," I shouted.

"What?"

"I don't have a job, Brandi."

"Why?"

"Something about a problem with the safety inspection. Can't you go back in?" I wish she would have talked to me before she quit her job. I should have had some input given our circumstances.

"To that job? No. The customers were so mean."

That's the problem with being a kid. Everybody's got to make you feel good. If we're going to make this work, she's gonna have to toughen up. "Get over it. You can't quit jobs every time somebody's mean to you. We'll always be broke."

"I'm not going back. I wanted to punch a customer in the face."

I can't argue with her about this right now. We'll have to deal with her brat behavior later. "Forget it. Come pick me up."

What am I supposed to do now? This whole job shit sucks. You make two steps forward only to take four steps backward. Greg never came through for me, which I'm still pissed about. I don't know. Maybe it's time to give Sammy a call.

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