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“We’ve talked about this a million times,” I said. “I’m not applying right now.”

“But why not?”

“Because I like consulting.”

“You mean freelancing,” Mom corrected me.

“I mean consulting.” Consulting sounded more impressive.

Patty silently mouthed, consulting, and gave me a thumbs-up.

“I work with clients directly,” I continued. “I set my own schedule, I work from home, and I’m making enough to cover my expenses.”

“Barely, from what you’ve told us,” Dad interjected. Apparently, they weren’t the only ones on speakerphone.

“That was one difficult month.”

“One difficult month can become two,” Mom said.

“I know.”

My mother sighed again, louder this time. Patty leaned closer to the phone, fascinated.

“I simply don’t understand you,” Mom said. “You worked so hard in school. You were always capable of so much more.”

My throat tightened. “I am using my degree.”

“At home.”

“Yes.”

“But if you’re always at home, how are you ever going to meet a man?”

I closed my eyes. Patty’s face changed. The amusement remained, but irritation flashed in her eyes.

“I’m not trying to meet a man through my job,” I said.

“Then where are you trying?”

“I’m not trying anywhere.”

“That’s exactly the problem, Sloane. You’re twenty-six. You can’t wait forever and expect someone appropriate to magically appear in your living room.”

Patty glanced around my living room, then pointed at herself. I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing.

“What about that fellow from the plane?” my father asked.

“No,” I said.

“He owns property,” Mom reminded me.

Now it was my turn to sigh. “He’s married. We’ve been over this.”

“Separated.”

“Mom.”

“I only think you’re dismissing opportunities too quickly. You have a habit of withdrawing before people get to know you.”