Tessie D

Mr. Despare had called while I was at school to talk about my work schedule. I’m supposed to start training on Friday night. 

When I got home from school yesterday, Momma was in the kitchen wiping off the countertops with a dishrag. We started talking about the job, but I didn’t tell Momma about the interview. What would I say? What was there to say? He gave me a piece of fruit and a job? 

I don’t think Momma would’ve cared anyways. All she could talk about was how charming and handsome Mr. Despare sounded over the phone. 

“How would you know that he’s handsome just from the sound of his voice?” I asked. 

“Oh, a woman can tell, she has a way of knowing something like that. Besides, you’d have to get a job sooner or later, and now is as good a time as any. After all, everyone works.”

Well, not everyone, I thought and looked over at Daddy.

Momma continued, “He said most of the other girls make $50 a night in tips but that someone as pretty as you are would make so much more. You’re gonna do so good,” Momma smiled. “For you, for us. And, he promised to look out for you, too. Make sure that you’re taken good care of since y’all are related.”

Momma was excited but I think I would’ve felt better if I’d at least gotten to meet my aunt. It doesn’t especially matter though. It’s not as if my aunt knows me. Mr. Despare said she’s never even at the restaurant. It just feels weird to be talking to someone only a few years older than me.