Kevin
"New York, huh," Buzz said that night when I told the family about the job. It was one of those occasional nights when we were all able to get together- what with everyone's jobs and the kids and all; that and the fact that Megan, her husband, and two kids lived in Florida. Tonight, we were all at Jeff's house, since it was the biggest. Lawyers made good money these days.
"I think that's great Uncle Kevin," June said from her place across from me, "Maybe you'll be able to see Ms. Liberty!" I smiled at my front-toothless little niece.
"But, Kevin, New York's so far away!" my mom said with concern in her voice.
"Oh, come on, Mom; it's not the first time he took a job outta state," Buzz said. I opened my mouth to reply then quickly clapped it shut.
I may not have liked it, but Buzz was right- in the past three years alone I'd taken on three jobs- one in Ohio, one in Florida, and one here in Illinois. I'd been able to take my college course online and I had family that let me stay with them when I had jobs in Ohio and Florida, so the moving wasn't really an issue. And it wasn't that I was a bad employee and got fired all the time. It was just that I couldn't find a job I found interesting enough. Being a substitute teacher wasn't for me, neither was being a security guard or an ice cream taste tester. I was fine at all these jobs, but I didn't like any of them enough to keep 'em. I was really hoping that this time would be different, though I had a few doubts.
"But, where will you stay?" my mother asked, again, with motherly concern.
"Uncle Rob still has his place in New York," I explained, "and, since he doesn't use it much, it's up for rent. He already has a tenant, but he said I could stay there too." Before my mom could ask I quickly added, "His tenant is twenty-four, single, in college, has no drug history, and doesn't mind sharing the house."
"I think that's great Kevin. But I surprised you've taken an interest in accounting," Dad said smiling at his own corny joke. I rolled my eyes and shrugged.
"Well, I do really like math." And the dollar signs that would be on that check were also to my liking.
"Yes, but you don't like sitting around at a desk all day," Linnie said taking a sip of her soda.
"I've never really done it to know if I don't like it," I said, taking a sip of my own soda. "And, besides, it's an accounting gig for the Plaza Hotel," I said with a flourish, "I wouldn't wanna pass that up." The dinner conversation digressed after that. It was all settled. The next day I would be heading over to Buzz's, where I lived, to pack my stuff for New York