A Trade For Good

by Bria Daly

  Mitch also seemed like a nice guy. They were all nice. Jeff was nice too, after all, he had hired her, but he was the only one she couldn’t read, and the only one who made her nervous.

  Alan helped Sera move a desk out of the storeroom and over to the front room where she set the computer up. Sera figured she'd position herself in a central location to greet people and to make herself available when the guys needed her at the office. She called to have a line added, moved the fax and the answering machine to the front, and basically set up a reception area. She wanted to get a hold of a nicer chair for clients to sit in and wait before they were called into the other offices, but was trying to work with what they had available to them; she didn’t want to create additional expenses for the business. Additional expenses could make them question her hiring, and she wasn't about to jeopardize this job. She needed the work too much to risk it.

  On her break, Sera drove to her house to pick up an old rug she had always loved but Peter had hated. It was in the basement and she had thought of putting it somewhere in her house where everybody could see it, but she realized the only reason why she'd do that was to spite Peter, and Peter would probably never see it anyway.

  She picked up a few other things she had lying about collecting dust just to give the office a homier look. She decided she had filed almost all of the papers already and could work on inputting files into the computer later on.

  Instead, she worked on hanging up prints of photos taken from completed jobs. They had been dumped in a box, like everything else, but the pictures were priceless. The before and after’s would be an incredible marketing tool.

  The storage area they had in the building turned out to be a treasure haven in the end. Unfortunately it also held enough dust from what felt like a full century, but the building wasn’t that old.

  Sera found two more file cabinets, what looked like a cubicle divider, cables that would come in handy for something, someday, some knick-knacks – although most of those were ugly and useless – and picture frames. But the best find again were the before and after shots from some of the jobs Mason Landscaping had already completed. She had to stop and catch her breath for a couple of them. Some were even difficult to recognize as before and after’s. The difference was incredible. Had it not been for the house in the background, she wouldn’t have been able to tell it was the same place. Their work was impressive and she wished they could have completed it in her own house before Peter had fled the coop.

  As a sort of finishing touch, she lovingly placed a couple of frames on her desk with the pictures of her kids. If nothing else, the four children in the pictures would add warmth and brighten up the room. She wasn’t humble when it came to her kids; she knew they were all good looking.

  The reception area, which hadn’t existed until a few hours ago, was far from perfect, but it was a start. The prints on the walls were impressive, but could use nicer frames. The walls could also use a coat - or five - of paint. Her desk could also use some color, but again, baby steps.

  With a big sigh, she looked around pleased at her handiwork, and then frowned, knowing she should get back to doing paperwork. The clock in the back was now over the doorframe, and as she looked at it, she realized she had been at work for almost 9 hours. It was time to go or Deb would have her head on a platter. In fact, if she didn't hurry, she was afraid she'd find Deb's head hanging somewhere instead.

  She got into her car after locking the office doors. She had been alone most of the day, which meant the guys were doing fieldwork, but still, she wondered about the phones not ringing. She had not answered the phone other than for one wrong number.

  The phone should have been ringing all day. Business was slow, she was told because of the weather and all of the rain, but at least there should have been people trying to line things up for upcoming jobs.

  Judging by the photos she had seen, the work Mason Landscaping did was incredible. There should be people lined up waiting to get their work done by them. And knowing Peter had contacted them, and not someone else, meant they had to be the best. Peter only had the best of the best ever done. Money was not an obstacle; he just didn't always pay it back.

  Tomorrow she would call other landscaping firms pretending to be a client to get a feel for the market. She'd try to find out how busy they were and maybe even stop by to check them out.

  Chapter 7

  It was late when Jeff came back to the office. He had been home to take a shower, but decided he couldn't stay away from the office forever.

  When he reached the door, he turned the key and walked in, as he had done for the last seven years, but took a step back. He looked up at the office number to make sure he was in the right place, and found the outside was the same, but the inside was not his office at all.

  Actually it was, but it felt like a Twilight Zone moment where he was dragged into another place, another dimension, and another time. But this place he had been dragged into, he had to admit, looked much better than the one he had left.

  Yes, it was his office, but it didn’t look anything like it had the morning before. After a quick look he realized that everything was there. The same desk, chair, computer, clock, and even the pictures on the walls were all his. They had just never been put together to make it look like an office - like a real office.

  As soon as he walked in, he recognized the front area was set up as a reception area. He went over to Sera’s desk and noticed the notes she had made on her pad: check businesses, call on delinquent accounts, make appointment to see Melle’s math teacher, set up payroll, check their website, bring in fern from house, buy diapers, check what camera they use, and call lawyer.

  He smiled at the notes and then saw the pictures of her kids. There was a boy, who looked to be about twelve or thirteen, a girl who was around eight, another little boy who looked like he was four or five, and a red-faced baby, who was probably the “fax baby.” They were all beautiful kids, except maybe for the baby, but it was hard to tell. The baby was all scrunched up and looked like she was about to start crying, or had been at it for a while.

  Jeff wondered how anyone could do it. He didn't like going to an empty house, but he had to admit, he got his rest and lots of quiet. How Sera could leave the office and deal with dinners, schools, and groceries, etc. was beyond him. He also couldn’t imagine having a family and dumping them like the Sinclair guy had. The fuzzy memories he had of the guy weren’t good; sounds like he was as much of a jerk as a husband as he was as a client.

  Jeff went for a closer look to the before and after shots that were hanging on the walls. The pictures looked great, and it made sense to have them there for everyone to see. He had never thought of displaying them like that; he really liked what she had done.

  When the pictures were taken, they had just taken them and filed them - more like piled them - and had completely forgotten all about them. He looked at them again and thought what a damn good job they did at some of those houses.

  He stayed to catch up with a few things when he realized it was already 8:30 at night. He knew he should have gone home, but just didn’t feel like facing the silent house today. He thought about calling Lydia, but reminded himself he shouldn’t. He had finally disengaged and didn’t want her to think he was interested in continuing with the relationship. Jeff and Lydia had been off and on for two years now and Lydia was starting to get serious. In the beginning, it was easy to let things happen. She had started arranging his life, his house, choosing his friends, and even what he wore. He was lazy by nature when it came to things like that, so he didn't care at first. But with those changes came additional demands.

  Jeff wasn't ready to settle down. When he saw Mitch and his sister together, he thought they really had it good, but so far, he didn't see himself staying with any one of the many women he had dated without getting tired of them or resenting them in the end.

  It was better just to make a clean escape. He never made any promi
ses, so there was no reason why anything should be expected. He had slowly excluded Lydia from his plans and claimed to be busy when she tried to include him in hers. If he had to be honest, he was terrified to commit. It seemed more complicated than it was worth.

  He didn’t really get why he was so opposed to commitment. Mitch and Trish seemed happy, his sister Brenda also had a great family, and her husband Jerry, a high school buddy of Jeff’s, seemed very happy and was even growing a little paunch he attributed to his three “pregnancies.”

  It didn't help that none of Jeff’s friends seemed to like Lydia, but then again, Lydia didn’t like them either. She never had time for his friends, but expected him to love her friends and find the time to spend entire evenings with them.

  Mitch hated Lydia and didn't hesitate to show it. Lydia despised the whole landscaping business, his family, and any dirt she saw under Jeff's nails. He owned a business; that was good. Actually doing the work should be relegated.

  So no, no Lydia tonight.

  Jeff stopped by the kitchen and saw that the coffee pot was off, but had a post-it note attached that read: Good morning boss, just push the “on” button. Jeff went to push the button and stopped. Instead, he grabbed his keys, maybe he’d grab a bite to eat as well and just go home.

  At his favorite Italian restaurant, he got in line to order takeout. The hostess recognized him immediately and asked him about Lydia.

  Lydia had only been to the restaurant twice, but had caused quite a stir when she had sent back her meal because it was overcooked once, and because it was undercooked another time. Jeff had decided never to bring her here again. He liked this restaurant, liked the food, and liked the people. He might have dirt under his nails sometimes, but he was never rude, and Lydia had been anything but polite.

  Jeff told the hostess that he and Lydia were not seeing much of each other these days, which brought a big smile to the young girl’s face. Everybody always treated him well at the restaurant and would probably rejoice at the possibility of never dealing with the likes of Lydia again.

  The girl started telling Jeff about her new boyfriend and how the ex-new busboy had been fired for hitting on the owner's daughter. Jeff was enjoying the conversation and it sure beat going back to an empty home. He thought he might just stay and eat at the restaurant instead of taking the stuff home. His favorite waitress walked by and waved at him. Jeff waved back and as he did, he saw that the table where the waitress was attending had all eyes on him. At first, he wondered if she had said anything to them. Maybe even something about Lydia, the über bitch, and then he noticed Sera looking his way. The woman at the table with Sera said something to the waitress and the waitress, all smiles, came running over to speak to Jeff.

  "Hi Jeff, haven't seen you for a while. Did you come by yourself today?" At Jeff's nod, she turned around and gave a thumbs up to Sera's table. "The group at the table across the way would like you to join them if you don't mind."

  Jeff looked up at the onlookers and waved with an uncertain smile as the waitress lowered her voice and said. "They're really nice. The really pretty girl with the couple used to come here with her kids by herself all the time. She always said her husband was working late and she liked to come here because we're loud and the kids didn't have to stay quiet. She hadn't been here for a while now. I don't even know if she has a husband, but one of the other waitresses says this guy came here with her and the kids once and was a complete jerk. He complained about everything, and wasn't nice to his family or anyone else. She's super nice. Anyway, they're celebrating something and when they saw you they asked me to come and tell you they'd love for you to join them."

  Jeff looked over and saw Sera with the other couple and no children. He wondered how he could get out of this. He wasn't sure if he wanted to get to know Sera; he was already uncomfortable about working with her and was afraid of even looking at her the wrong way. She was married and she had problems. No, that was definitely something he wanted to stay away from.

  He looked at the waitress, nodded, and worked his way over to Sera's table.

  Chapter 8

  Chad and Deb had taken Sera out to celebrate her new job. The kids all stayed with a babysitter, except for Emma who had stayed with Marion, Peter and Chad’s mom. Nobody could handle Emma, and Sera doubted Marion could, but at least she was family and it was safer for Emma. After all, an outsider might just run away or kill her.

  Sera had worn the red top that Deb had given her for her birthday; the one Deb said made her even more irresistible. She wore a short black skirt and some high-heeled shoes that brought her height to a full 5'3". She had worn her hair down for a change and it framed her face and hung low, to below her shoulders, with a few wisps of a curl hinting down into her exposed cleavage.

  She hadn't worn make-up since before Emma was born, but today she actually did feel like celebrating. Chad had called her up to tell her it was all arranged and she had no say in the matter. She had to leave the kids at their place, and they'd drive to wherever she wanted to go.

  This was a restaurant where Sera had always felt comfortable. She came here with the kids when Peter was traveling, worked late, or didn't want them around.

  Sera loved the Italian atmosphere and the fact that the restaurant owners loved her kids and stopped by to pinch their cheeks and make them giggle, and that the waitresses didn't care if the kids made a mess. The restaurant was loud, which was perfect for them. And even though she could have picked something quiet, this is who she was and what she liked.

  Sera had only brought Emma once, right after she was born and before her colic had started, but soon after, Emma’s colic began, and right after that, Peter left them. Money was tight and her restaurant days were over, unless someone else paid like today because Chad and Deb brought her.

  Never shy about eating, Sera had ordered a huge meal of spaghetti and veal parmigiana and was being teased about where she'd put the food. Short and thin, it was always a wonder, but she did like to eat.

  Deb had been telling Sera about the earplugs she bought to wear when she tried to calm Emma down. She also tried the contraption that Sera had designed to keep Emma's pacifier on. Sera called it the muzzle, although it was more like a plug. Em liked the soothing feel of a pacifier in her mouth, but with her mouth fully open in a wide wail all the time, it was hard to keep the pacifier in place. So after careful thought and many sleepless nights, Sera found some elastic thread and tied it to the little holes in the front of the pacifier that help keep the pacifier from creating a permanent suction and suffocating the baby. The elastic went around Emma's face, like the type of elastic that goes around the head on a mask. When Emma wailed, the elastic allowed the pacifier to pop out, but not far enough for her to lose it completely.

  Deb said that this had worked for a while, but the earplugs she bought were the real Godsend. They were wondering how Marion was faring, but Chad said his mother had insisted on taking Emma and it was her own damn fault if they took a little longer and truly enjoyed the evening. The good news was that Emma was about to start her “resting” period. The bad news was that by the time Sera picked her up, she'd be starting her screeching period again.

  The owners of the restaurant were always in and out of the kitchen, but had come out to ask Sera how the children were doing. They had met Peter once, and just to be polite, asked about him as well. Sera told them he was traveling, which was true, and she wasn't sure when he'd be back, which was also true. She wasn't ready to tell the world her husband was A.W.O.L. and had dumped not only her, but his own kids.

  The waitress had also asked, but she didn't seem as interested in hearing about him, as much as making sure she didn't have to place another table setting for him if he showed up. Interestingly, when they saw Jeff and offered for him to join them, she was quick to offer and bring his plate and utensils immediately.

  Deb saw him first. Chad had been busy looking at his menu when Deb elbowed Sera in the ribs
and whispered into Sera's ear, "Check out the hottie over there," as she fanned herself to make a point.

  Sera laughed at her very much in love, but not blind, sister-in-law and looked to where she was pointing, and blushed. Without a doubt, that was Jeff, her boss, and he was a hottie.

  He was wearing black jeans and a red polo shirt, and she had to admit, he looked very good. She saw he had the hostess’s full attention, and he hadn't just caught her sister-in-law's eyes, but seemed to have gotten the attention of several of the women in the room.

  He was busy talking to the hostess and they were both laughing at something he said. She wondered if he was flirting, but it didn’t look like it.

  Jeff and the hostess were deep into conversation, so Jeff had no idea Sera was there. Sera would have kept it that way, but Deb had other plans.

  Chad caught Sera and Deb looking at Jeff and asked his gawking wife if either of them knew the man.

  Deb laughed and quickly told Chad, "No honey, but Sera here just pointed him out and can't take her eyes off of him." She winked at Sera and smiled to her husband sweetly.

  Sera ignored the wink and said, “As a matter of fact, I do know him. The man over there," she stopped and looked pointedly at her sister-in-law, "is none other than the reason for our celebration today. That's my new boss Jeff Mason."

  Deb's face was too funny for words. If she was gawking before, the look she gave Sera was priceless.

  "You said he was nice. You never said he was that nice."

  Sera and Chad both laughed at Deb.

  "Oh my God woman," Deb continued, "how could you not notice that man is absolutely gorgeous? What is your problem?"

  Chad cleared his throat. "In case you haven't noticed darling, I'm still here. Should we ask him over?"

  His wife looked thrilled and clapping her hands she said, "Oh yes honey, let's do, let's do."