The Space Speculation: Book 2 ~Painful Past~

Chapter 23: My New Job

Jace's family completely cut off all communication from me after they got the news, like it was my fault or something. I didn't know anyone else to talk to.

Paisley didn't take the news well. She spent most of her time hiding in her room. I felt awful. Terrible. I felt like the worst living being in the universe, even if didn't do anything.

Packing away his stuff was the hardest. Each item, one tear. Each thought of him, one choked sob. He was all I could think about. 

I tried making Paisley feel better by getting her a little cocker spaniel puppy. She named him Creamsicle. He cheered her up, but I would still see her swollen red eyes and hear constant sniffling all the time. 

My worries started back up when I realized I needed to get money to pay for everything. Before, that was never a concern; Jace did all the complicated tax things for me. I had no clue where to start. 

My prayers were answered when Calvin showed up at my door again. This time I invited him in and poured him a steaming hot mug of dark cocoa. 

"I have a proposition for you, my dear. Unknown sources have convinced me that you are without a job." I nodded my head, a little embarrassed and confused about how he had gotten that information.

"Well," he grinned. "If you'll accept it, I have a wonderful job opportunity for you." I instantly perked up.

"I'm listening." I leaned forward on my stool.

"I hear from many that your husband loved to dabble with space. I've been told he has recorded and claimed seeing aliens and civilization up in the heavens."

 I gulped.

"That is correct. Jace loved everything space and he was intelligent about it too."

"I work with an organization connected with the government. We research all things paranormal and odd; and a lot of the matter we receive is claimed to have fallen from space. We are very top-secret and professional. If it weren't for me, you would have to go through tons of paperwork and tests and personal examinations. But, if you accept my proposal, I can deal with all of that." 

I must have been grinning like a fool because his smile grew and he laughed a little. If only he knew how much I really DID know about space! I knew everything!

"This is wonderful, Mr. Lane. Yes! Of course, I'll take the job, I have studied a lot alongside Jace and I know plenty!"

He clapped and then kissed my hand. 

"That is wonderful news indeed! I'll come get you when we're all ready for you. With this job, you can pay for this house and much more." 

The instant he gently shut the front door behind him, I let out a soft squeal of joy. 

"Thank you!" I whispered up to the ceiling.

About a week later I got a call from Calvin early in the morning. I didn't know how he had my number, but I didn't question him. 

"We are ready for you at last! I am sending your partner to pick you up. He should reach your house in about an hour. No need to bring anything except yourself."

I scrambled to pick out an outfit appropriate for the occasion. I had never had a job. I had never been out much and so I didn't know what to wear. I was in my tank and sweatpants when I heard the bell ring. I was horrified when I heard Paisley open the door and greet the visitor.

"I'm Paisley! I just turned seven years old! Come inside!"

I raced down the stairs to find Paisley sitting on the couch next to a man in a gray suit. I smiled and raced over to her. 

"Pais, we don't open the door to strangers, okay?"

"But I am no stranger," the man said as he stood and shook my hand.

"The name's Thomas Lane. You can call me Tom. My father is Calvin Lane. I was instructed to pick you up..." then he added, "Partner." 

He was my partner? This tall skinny man with dirty blonde hair and oval glasses? 

 I suddenly realized I was standing there wearing nothing but gray sweatpants and a pink tank-top. My hair was frazzled and my mascara was smeared.

"Uh, you're early."

"I am?" He looked down at an expensive-looking watch on his wrist.

"But don't worry. I-I'll be down in just a second." I ran to the stairs.

"Um, eat whatever you want from the fridge," I yelled as I raced to my room. 

I was sweating bullets as I frantically searched for an outfit. I slipped on a tan blazer and pants and hastily twisted my hair up into a knot of twirled curls.

Finally I ran down the stairs, nearly tripping on Paisley's doll which she had left on the bottom step even though I had told her to put it away.

"Ready," I panted as I pulled on my sneakers. 

I left Paisley with a babysitter and hopped into Tom's Prius.

This section was written by Amity