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It was the response Imogene had come to expect anytime the topic of her father had come up. At least Judy wasn’t being openly mean. More times than not, Imogene had been on the receiving end of harsh criticism for her support of her father and cruelty she didn’t wish on anyone. But again, she understood it. He’d been convicted once, and for most people that was enough, and their minds couldn’t be changed.
“The justice system is flawed” —Imogene held up her hand— “I know people say that all the time. But in this instance, it’s the truth.” Imogene paused, waiting for Judy’s response.
“I’ve been doing this a long time. Cynicism comes with the territory.”
“I understand.” And she did. While innocent people were wrongly convicted yearly, it was by far not the norm.
Judy straightened in her seat, grasping the edge of her desk and pulling herself closer. She scanned Imogene’s resume again, biting her lip. Was she contemplating? Please, hire me.
“Can you start on Monday?” She peered up with a small smile playing on her lips.
“I can start today,” Imogene blurted.
She chuckled and held up her hand. “Monday is fine.” Judy sat back in her chair, eyeing Imogene. After a few seconds, it became awkward. “Do you mind if I ask you a few personal questions?”
“No, go right ahead. I’m an open book.”
“Married? Boyfriend?”
Oh, that’s forward.
Imogene chuckled. “No. I don’t really date much.”
Ever. The last man she dated was casual and only lasted six months. Things had been going good until her father had been arrested. It was interesting to see how many people bailed when life got hard. Better to find out early though.
Judy clasped her hands, leaning back in her chair. “Why is that?”
“Um, I don’t really have time.”
Girl, you have plenty of time. But she wouldn’t be offering up the details of her pathetic social life. Why advertise?
“You got family close by?”
“Just a cousin who lives in Lawry, but um, we’re still in the reconnecting process, so we don’t see each other often.”
Judy slowly nodded. “Friends in the area?”
Imogene awkwardly cleared her throat. “Not yet, but I’m working on it.”
What an incredibly lame answer. She sounded more like a ten-year-old at a new school rather than an independent twenty-seven year old woman.
Judy smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes, and she glanced down at her phone. The silence stretched, and a part of Imogene was wondering if Judy was going to withdraw the employment offer.
“Can’t make any promises.” Judy held up her hand. “But I have a friend who owns an apartment complex downtown. Let me make a call and see if she has any vacancies.”
What?
“Oh my God, that would be wonderful.”
“Don’t get too excited. Even if she has availability, it’s far from anything special.” She paused, scanning Imogene’s face. “But it’s safe.”
Imogene grinned, and her excitement almost bubbled over. “I don’t need fancy.”
“Good.” Judy snorted. “’Cause you’re not going to get it there. Let me make the call and get back to you. Until then, I’ll get the paperwork for you to sign so you can start on Monday.”
Imogene waited until Judy left the room for her mini celebration. She tapped her feet, wiggled in her chair, and felt an immense pressure lift off her shoulders.
Finally! Everything was working out perfectly.
