“Alright boys, say goodbye to Annie and get ready for bed.”
“When are you coming back, Annie?” Josh asked.
“Annie and I will discuss that,” Emmet answered firmly. I gave the boys a wink and they seemed to leave the room satisfied.
“Annie,” Emmet began, “the lion’s share of your work will be running the household. I work from home a couple days a week and the rest of the time I am at the office. I don’t need any assistance professionally. The only exception is if I entertain clients here. You and Amanda will collaborate on those efforts. Amanda is my assistant at the firm.” The firm, I thought. He may be an attorney too. No wonder he looked at me funny when I started to spew legal jargon. I needed to be cautious with my vocabulary.
“At the house, as I mentioned, Susan handles most of the laundry, going to the grocery, and cooking while she is here. She is responsible for the boys except for Wednesday afternoons and on the weekend. You’ll prepare dinner Wednesday night and breakfast during the week. If I have to travel, I’d rather the two of you coordinate coverage. I prefer cooperation to a dictatorship here. Your job is to take care of the house and my personal affairs. With the house, you are in charge of the operations, per se. If something breaks, call and get it fixed. If someone quits like the maid or lawn service, replace them. I don’t enjoy micromanaging or giving constant instruction. When Josh said you have to read my mind and finish my sentences, he wasn’t far from the truth. If a decision has to be made, just make it.
“Annie, just because the job isn’t difficult, doesn’t mean it isn’t important. I don’t have a problem with mistakes. I have no tolerance for stupidity or carelessness. Since you’ll be living here, you are welcome to join us for all meals, but you aren’t required to. Just inform Susan regarding dinner so she can set a place for you. On the weekend I’d like you to take care of Saturday breakfast and lunch now and then. Sunday you are completely off unless I am traveling.”
“Lydia said she reviewed the pay with you. I don’t provide health insurance until you have been here for ninety days; I pay my staff at the house once a month; nobody is paid under the table and I don’t give out loans.
“House rules, no men in your room. No overnight guests. No suggestive or immodest behavior. Be mindful that I am raising my children in this house. If you exhibit judgment that compromises my ability to raise responsible, well-adjusted children or you put them in harms way for any reason, you will be immediately terminated. As harsh as that sounds, realize you have a job to do. Certainly you have worked with parents who bore the same attitude toward your function within the family.
“I would like for you to start Monday. You may use the entire weekend to settle in if necessary. Do you have any questions?”
I stood silently for a moment just looking at Emmet, more for dramatic effect than anything. I didn’t want to seem desperate for the job and answer too quickly. I couldn’t think of any questions. His dissertation was quite complete—besides, he clearly expressed he didn’t relish providing instruction. “What time Sunday would be convenient?” I replied.
Emmet smiled and reached out to shake my hand.
6
As I sat in the hotel room sipping coffee and anticipating my day, I couldn’t believe my excitement. At 5 am I was completely packed and ready to leave. When Emmet said “anytime is good” I didn’t think he meant before sunrise. My plan was to go after 8:00 Mass. I just couldn’t sleep anymore.
Susan was the only one at the house when I arrived. She was fixing a special dinner for my first night even though it was her day off. How welcoming. Susan looked to be in her mid-fifties. She had shoulder length gray hair, a warm smile, and tired eyes that indicated life had not been kind to her.
The kitchen was her kingdom. She prided herself on being a gourmet cook and admitted she was addicted to the cooking channel, soap operas, and crossword puzzles. She had a laugh that was contagious and a quick sarcastic wit. I could tell we would get along famously even though I did not share any of the addictions she confessed.
Monday, Emmet set up a one-hour window to answer any questions I had. I spent time last night compiling a comprehensive list. I had a feeling I wouldn’t get this chance again. The bus arrived at 8:21 daily. Emmet accompanied the boys to the end of the driveway and waited until the bus departed. We were to start our meeting promptly at 8:30.
I woke up early and ran for thirty minutes. It completely rejuvenated me. I was back at the house with plenty of time to shower and have breakfast ready for the boys and Emmet. I wished them a good day and sat at the kitchen table with my cup of coffee and note pad of questions. I was positioning myself in the kitchen in hopes we could meet here in a more equitable environment instead of sitting in his office—Emmet at his big desk and me in the small uncomfortable chair that leaned toward its short leg.
Emmet entered the kitchen at 8:29. I waited for him to sit, crossing my fingers so he wouldn’t motion to the office. Although Emmet was clearly more comfortable being in control, I wanted him to know I was no shrinking violet. I was careful not to sound formal in my communication, wanting to sound like a day care provider and not an attorney. Without the children present it was more difficult than I had anticipated.
“Thanks for the time this morning, Emmet. Since we only have about an hour I have some questions to run through so I can understand the guidelines. If you can be patient giving me guidelines, I can make better judgments on how you want me to handle your affairs.” Affairs, that wasn’t the right word. I should have said household…or home.
“Go on,” he said, looking intrigued by my take-charge attitude.
“The first and most obvious question is boundaries. Please tell me either what you do or don’t want me to stick my nose into, whichever list is shorter.” That sounded informal; not at all like an attorney during a cross-examination.
“Not much is off limits to you, Annie. After all, you do live here now. Rooms first; if my office door is closed and you need me, just knock and come in. Don’t wait for an answer. If my bedroom door is closed and you need me, knock and wait for an answer. No need for any embarrassing situations. I’ll reciprocate for your privacy of course. Susan uses a bedroom on the first floor when I travel. For your own safety, you should avoid it.” He smirked.
“My computer is off limits to everyone. That’s to protect me from losing data. There is a family computer for the boys in Josh’s room. Susan has her own. I have another laptop for you to use if you need one. My assistant at the office, Amanda, handles all my business emails. She’ll email anything personal requiring your attention. You’ll need to provide your email address to me.”
“Email address? I’ll have to set one up…”
“You don’t have email?” He asked, furrowing his brow.
I’m Amish? “Oh, I um well…I’m…I’m more of a text messenger than an e-mailer. You know, too much spam.” Well that was smooth. I’ve gone from informal to inarticulate in less than six minutes. Who doesn’t use email, I thought! Vagrants and comatose patients, that’s who…even incarcerated criminals have email. It’s obvious he doesn’t believe the spam excuse.
“I’ll have Amanda set up a company email account for you. It will be more efficient having you on the distribution list.”
“Expeditious, I agree.” There I go, swinging back to my ten-dollar words. I need to watch it or Emmet is going to think I have multiple personality disorder!
He raised his eyebrows momentarily and then continued. “There is one locked drawer in my office, three safes, and one locked dresser