Keeping Up With Mr. Jones x m. jones

P R O L O G U E

P R O L O G U E

F A M I L Y  T I E S

I LOVE MY FAMILY.

But sometimes they're a pain in the ass.

"Uncle Burnie!" I shout, sprinting through the house towards the visitor that had just been let inside by his spare key. My uncle releases the handle of his suitcase and his arms stretch out to give me a hug. They open just in time for my socks to skid along the hardwood flooring and smash into him, arms wrapping around his torso, with enough force to make him stumble. I definitely thought for sure that he'd fall but he's a big dude so that didn't happen.

"Jesus," he laughs, hugging his arms around my own torso. "Miss me much, Kit?"

"Can you blame me?" I pull away from the hug looking up at him as Mom and Dad join us in the entryway. "I haven't seen you in a long time! I'm allowed to miss my favorite uncle."

"You're so dramatic; five months isn't forever." Burnie corrects in a matter-of-fact tone. In response I stick my tongue out at him. You'd think at twenty-six years old I'd be more mature, but I'm not. I mean, come on, I still live with my parents, what did you expect! "And I'm your only uncle so,"

I shrug and let Mom and Dad greet Burnie after doing so efficiently first. The four of us move to the family room and Mom announces to us that dinner should be ready soon.

Dad and Uncle Burnie talked about this and that, he asked some questions about how college was going—which lead to dad bringing up how he didn't approve of my career ideals for the millionth time. When everyone was washed up and dinner had been laid out, we joined at the dinner table. The conversation continued with pleasantries about how good Mom's cooking was, how Burnie's trip went, and everyone's life lately. Then we dig into the important details.

Me.

"How have you been doing, Kit?" Uncle Burnie asked, while he sipped his drink and munched on the casserole dinner Mom had made.

"I've been good." I answer, plastering a smile over my exhaustion ridden face. I'm sure I could pass out after all the hours I'd worked this week on top of attending my classes. But I still had at least fifteen hours of homework waiting for me in my room.

"Really, because you look like shit."

"Thanks, Uncle Burnie." I snap sarcastically. "Life's just busy. Balancing school and work and my loads of homework."

"Well, you know there's always a door open if you ever want to come work at Rooster Teeth." Burnie explains with a kind, inviting smile. He takes another bite before swinging his fork at me and adding, "After college, of course."

"Yeah," I sigh. "Wouldn't it be some kind of conflict of interest since I'm your niece, though?" Not that I really had a problem with that. I'd wanted to work at Rooster Teeth with my uncle and his founding father besties since before I can remember. I even focused my major on something that would maybe one day get me into the Rooster Teeth staff.

"I'm the CCO of the company, if anyone questions my authority over hiring you, I can fire them." I laughed thinking it was a joke, but when he wasn't laughing as well I stopped and gave him a look.

"Wait, you're not serious, right?"

"I mean," He shrugs, not finishing the sentence. "Besides," he continues, taking another bite, "You've always been interested in what we do, and I know everyone would love you there." Ignoring the disapproving looks Dad sends me, I ponder my uncle's words. This was a lifelong dream of mine, to work at Uncle Burnie's company with all his friends. They were all such a tightly knit little family that I've always dreamed of being a part of.

"I'll think about it." I finally say. Burnie smiles in approval as he dips his fork down for another bite of casserole, whereas Dad is not too excited to hear my decision. Thankfully, as Dad begins to open his mouth to argue with me, Mom begins discussing her recipe.

The rest of the night, I only had one persistent thought: I could end college next year with my BA and have job at one of the coolest companies in the world: Rooster Teeth.