Chapter 10: The Future Dimly Seen

“Sweets, I have a problem.” “Maybe I should let little Dan rest tonight?” “No, that’s not my problem. That’s a creamy solution. Heh. Hear me out. Uncle Hugo has been a godsend to us. But I can’t work six days a week and go for new goals, too.” “What are you thinking?”

“Grace, I want to go to college. I still have advanced credits, and I need to take the SAT. If my score is good, I can go for scholarships.” “What about your job?” “My love, you can do my job for us with one pretty hand tied behind your back. I can teach you in a few hours. Hugo loves you, and he wants us to prosper together. I’ll have to give back Dan’s Ram, but we don’t need two big vehicles.”

“Someday, we might even want a child to raise. I know our families will ... what’s wrong?” Grace had burst into tears. These were not happy tears. “Dan, you know I’m on the pill. And, I have diabetes. That’s because pregnancy is dangerous, and birth defects are likely. Please, Dan, I can’t go there. Just try to love me anyway.”

“Oh, oh, honey, don’t be sad. I can’t bear to hurt you. I love you, truly. I won’t ever stop loving you. Don’t be sad, just let me hold you. A diabetic Grace is worth more to me than thirty-five ordinary women.”

“Thirty-five, huh. Not thirty-six?” “I’m using algebra, Sweets.” “You knucklehead.”

“Don’t worry, my love. I’m off to the West Valley Salt Mines. I’ll bring you home a treat.”

In a typical day, Grace avoided sugars and carbs, leaving room for a reasonable dessert in the evening. Finger sticks and lab tests agreed, her diabetes was under good control.

After dinner, Grace spoke up after demolishing her cup of chocolate ripple. “You know, I think I agree with your idea. Let’s go talk to Uncle Hugo.” Ed looked up. “What idea?” “You want to go to college, like Dré, so I want to take over your dealership job.” “Really? I won’t ask if you can do it. You have this plan worked out?” “Not with Hugo, but I think he will go for it.”

In Hugo’s office the following day, Grace kissed her uncle and then sat with Dan. The job swap was proposed, then Hugo leaned back. “I have some stipulations on this arrangement. Dan, you have to relinquish the Ram. Graciela already has a car, so I’ll just add those lease costs to her checks. Dan, you need to thoroughly train her to be thorough and watch for any inappropriateness. And we need to start selling the factory financing and extended maintenance plans. I don’t exploit the buyers, but FCA isn’t building long-lasting cars and the banks are being bankish. You know, you can borrow the money if... “ “ ... you don’t actually need it,” finished Grace.

Hugo leaned forward, “One more thing. I can’t have my niece around if the staff is always sniffing around looking to date her. None of those guys are worthy.”