Let's find out, shall we?

As Tammy sets a plate and cup in front of you, Molly brings over a pitcher of water and you three sit down and start to eat. The pizza is pretty good - a step above what you usually get, if you’re honest. And it didn’t cost that much extra - maybe you’ve found a new pizza place?

By common (and unspoken) consent, everyone avoids the subject of your apartment during dinner.

Instead, Tammy asks Molly how her cross country practice went.

“We ran a couple miles today and then did sprints to build up our kicks,” Molly says.

“How’s that going?”

“Good. I got my 200 time down a second since last time we timed it.”

“That’s great,” you say. You don’t know a lot about running but you do know a second for something that short is pretty significant.

Molly blushes as she looks at you. “Thanks.”

Bzzt. Your watch buzzes.

Tammy smiles indulgently. “What else did you do?”

“Oh, we also ran up and down the hill a few times just so we weren’t just focusing on flat ground. The park where the next meet is is supposed to have some hilly ground.”

“That’s smart,” Tammy says.

You nod and add in. “Sounds like that coach knows what to do. Do you like - er, is the coach a man or woman?”

“Woman,” Molly says. “And yes, she knows what she’s doing. She ran in college herself, and was an All-American. At first she was coaching in our high school, so we make jokes about her following the team. Well, there’s only three of us on the team who went to that school, but...” and she shrugged.

“Oh?” you ask. “How long has she been coaching you guys?”

“She started as the assistant coach when I was in Grade 9, then became the Varsity coach the same time I joined Varsity. So she’s actually been my only coach for cross country. There’s actually three coaches for track - her, one other woman and one man. The man, Coach Thomas, is actually the head coach for both men’s and women’s track so we don’t deal with him too much. He goes back and forth between the men and the women but mostly with the men since the two men’s coaches aren’t that experienced.”

“Hmm,” you say as you nod thoughtfully. “That’s a little different than our school did things.” You look at Tammy. “You ran track, didn’t you?”

She nods. “For two years anyway.” She smiles at Molly. “Then I started chasing you around instead.”

You wince internally - you didn’t mean to poke that sore spot, even if it isn’t as sore as it used to be. You reach over and grasp Tammy’s hand and squeeze it. “And a very good job of it you did, too. She’s grown up to be a fine young woman.”

Bzzt. Bzzt.

“Thanks,” Tammy says as Molly blushes. Tammy squeezes your hand in return and lets go. She blinks a bit to dispel the moisture from her eyes. She sits up and briskly says, “Okay, did anyone want any more pizza or are we done?”

Molly and you both snatch another piece each and you grin at each other as you take a bite. Bzzt.

You’re a little surprised at how often your watch is buzzing and for what are seemingly minor things.

Tammy chuckles and stands up. She looks at the pizzas and figures out how to combine them into two boxes and then puts them in the refrigerator.

As she busies herself with that, you ask, “So work sucked for me today. Hope your day was better.”

She gives you a look. “We’ll get back to that in a minute. Work went alright for me today. I have a project I just got today. I’m not sure how I’ll do it, though.”

“What is it,” Molly asks.

“The owner asked me to evaluate our purchasing record against our sales and report on what’s been working and what hasn’t and recommend purchasing options for the next season.”

“Sounds interesting,” you say.

“Yeah,” Molly says. “But, mom, aren’t you the floor manager, not the purchasing manager?”

“Yes. But the owner seems to want to double-check the purchasing manager’s work. And she’s said in the past that as the floor manager I need to know what’s going on, which is fair. I’ve actually done it before - that’s not the problem. I just don’t really have time for it right now.”

“Why not?”

“We’re getting a huge shipment next week. We also have a few custom orders I need to handle and I have three bridal parties coming in for fittings.” She sighs. “It’s just a lot is happening next week compared to normal.”

Molly nods and smiles. “Sounds like you need a hot bath and a cold glass of wine.”

Tammy sighs and nods then looks awkwardly at you. “I was actually about to do that when you called. That’s why I was a little abrupt with you. Sorry.”

You stand up and take her into your arms. “It’s alright, Tam. The timing may not have been good earlier but I’m here now and we’ve eaten. You go ahead and take your bath.” Bzzt. “I can amuse myself with TV or my laptop or something.”

She nods. “Sounds good, thanks. Or Molly and you can catch up or something.” She winces. “However, before you do anything, you need to let your boss know you may not be at work tomorrow.”

You groan.

“What’s wrong?”

“I actually can’t. I don’t know how to get hold of her other than work email.”

Tammy looks surprised. “Wait, what? I thought your boss was a guy?”

You nod. “That was true until a little while ago. He’s no longer with the company.” You sigh. “That’s actually why work sucked for me today. I’d applied for the position and found out today I didn’t get it. A woman by the name of Penelope got it. She’s a good worker I guess - just really young. She’s barely out of college. I’m fairly sure the only reason she got the job is because she’s the owner’s daughter.”

“Why, that bitch!” Molly erupts.

Bzzt. How interesting.

“Language, Molly,” Tammy says mildly. “But, yes, that sucks. Almost sounds like you need that hot bath and cold wine more than I do.”

Molly says, “You two could take it together if the tub wasn’t so small,” then laughs.