14. Connor
Connor:
Hey, man, do you want to grab breakfast this morning?
Chris:
Sorry, Bro. Scotty and I are meeting with a commercial client this morning.
Connor:
Oh, okay.
Chris:
You want to grab some tomorrow after tennis?
Connor:
Yeah, that works.
Connor:
Hi, Dad. What are you doing this morning? Do you want to meet for breakfast?
Dad:
(Auto Reply) I’m driving right now but I will get your message when I arrive at my destination.
Connor:
Any update on Kensington Sons?
Lisa:
You mean in the 5 minutes I’ve been in the office this morning? No, sorry.
Connor:
5 minutes? It’s after 8:30, you’re usually in at 7:00.
Lisa:
Yeah well Sullivan doesn’t start his day at the break of dawn like a farmer. He doesn’t need me here until 8:30.
Connor:
A lot of normal city people start their days at 7:00.
Lisa:
Yes but you were usually here for at least an hour by the time I got here at 7:00.
Connor:
So that’s a no on the update for Kensington Sons?
Lisa:
It’s a TBD. I’ll keep you posted. Go take up knitting or something, you’re not supposed to be thinking about work.
Dad:
Hi, Connor, I just got your message; I was driving to my running group meetup (yes, I appreciate the irony). But we can get together for lunch if you’d like.
Connor:
Yeah, if you’re sure you don’t mind.
Dad:
Nothing would make me happier. I’ll see you at that soup and salad place off Wadsworth at 12:30.
Connor:
Sounds great. Enjoy your run.
Iscrub my face with my hands after pacing my living room for the 73rd time. Lunch with Dad is four hours away, and Lisa doesn’t have any information for me. I’ve already reorganized my shoes and dress shirts, culled and safely disposed of the few expired vitamins and supplements in my medicine cabinet, and moved my winter ties to the front of the tie rack. What am I supposed to do for four hours? Is this what a “staycation” is like? Why would anyone subject themselves to this torture?
After another hour-long ten minutes go by, I almost consider un-muting the group chat between the Berringer and Price families, but even I’m not that desperate yet.
Connor:
How is your morning going so far?
Jess:
Kind of slow, TBH. How are you doing on your first official work day without work?
Connor:
I’m so stir crazy I think I’m starting to hear colors.
Jess:
LOL! That’s probably not optimal. Our dads are in a running group that meets every M/W/F in the morning, you should join them!
How does she know about the running group? How did I not? And Chuck is in it, too?
Connor:
I missed it today but maybe Wednesday.
So since we’re both bored, tell me something interesting.
Jess:
Ooo, interesting? I don’t know if it qualifies as interesting or not, but apparently there’s a nice little wager going around my office right now. Seems they’re all invested in finding me a date!
Connor:
A date for what? Why on earth are your coworkers discussing your personal life like that?
Jess:
I’m laughing so hard at that last sentence right now.
It’s a long story, but suffice to say…they’re definitely involved. Company holiday party is coming up and I’m the lone wolf. But good news! Our receptionist, Sammie, found me this gem:
*photo*
My living room pacing has picked up again at the mention of Jess being treated like a dating show contestant at work. I don’t like the thought of her being paraded around like a show pony. Nor do I like the thought of her going out on a bunch of dates. And when I see the picture she sends me, I almost drop my phone.
Connor:
How old is that guy? Is his mom going to pick you two up and take you to the mall?
Jess:
RIGHT?! Don’t worry, I told her it was a big fat no.
Connor:
I’m not worried.
I’m definitely worried. Are there other guys she’ll say yes to?
Connor:
So is this like an ongoing thing, you getting fixed up at work?
Jess:
Meh, it comes and goes. I’m used to it at this point. So your turn.
Connor:
No thanks, I don’t really want your coworkers to set me up.
Jess:
LOL! Tell me something you’d do for fun if money was no object whatsoever. And no pressure but please tell me it’s musical.
I smile at her constant encouragement of my music. I’m not really used to being praised for anything creative like that. But to answer her question? I have no idea. And the slow realization that I’ve never really made time for “fun” makes me feel inadequate somehow.
Connor:
I guess I’d have to say I’d take up playing the guitar.
Jess:
*Applause GIF*
You have made my whole day, I just need you to know that. And good news! Learning guitar doesn’t have to be super expensive to start. You should totally make that your project today!
Your first assignment this morning: look into YouTube videos or lessons for guitar and decide if you want to rent or buy one. I expect a full report detailing your findings by 5:00 pm.
Connor:
Yes, ma’am.
Jess:
I love it! I’ve got a call coming in, but I look forward to your report. Have a great day!
Connor:
You, too.
She’s giving me a project. No one else knew what to do, including me. But in just one text message, Jess was able to give me direction just by…giving me directions. With a totally renewed sense of purpose, I decide that learning guitar is going on my list. I jog over to my work bag, grab my laptop, and hustle back to the couch to start looking for information.
Connor:
Hey, Dad - can we move lunch to the Italian place by the mall? There’s a store there I want to look through after we eat.
Dad:
Not a problem. Chuck wanted to join us, I hope that’s all right. He’s going to try to talk you into joining our running group so come prepared for that.
Connor:
Jess just talked me into taking up guitar. The Berringers aren’t taking my time off lightly are they?
Dad:
There’s no better family to have by your side when you’re in need. See you at 12:30.