Chapter 9: An Unexpected Help

“Dan, this is Hugo Valdez, my family. Uncle, this is my guapo boyfriend, Daniel Foley.” “Dan?” He nodded. “Dan, I’m glad to meet you. Graciela tells me you’re a whiz at algebra, yes? Dan nodded again. “It so happens my finance manager just quit on us, and I need help fast. Could you come work for me?”

Dan said, “Sí, Señor Valdez.” Grace and Hugo winced. “OK, first rule. Never speak Spanish around me again. Take this card.” (“West Valley Motors / Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram / 66 Auto Mall Parkway”) “Be there at 10:00. Wear a tie. Sylvia is my accountant, she will get your W-4 and paperwork done. I don’t have anybody to train you, but this last guy was so bad, it’s probably for the best. Salary is $2,400 a month to start, schedule is 10 to 7 six days a week. You’ll have just one day to get up to speed, that’s all I can give you.”

“Now, what is that, yeuch, thing you parked in front of my beautiful new cars? Get your stuff out, it’s going to the crusher. Grace, here are some keys. In the back you’ll see an older Cherokee. It’s been painted brown, so I can’t sell it, but it’s mechanically decent and safe to drive.”

“Uncle Hugo! Oh, thank you. I promise to be extra-careful with it. And no alcohol, ever. (I can’t tolerate it, anyway.)” She hugged him, then he turned to Dan. “As for you, when you pass six months, we can lease you a company car. Maybe a Ram pickup or another Jeep. Now get out, you two, before I change my mind.”

As they left, Hugo chuckled. “Guapo?”

Ed opened the mail. He saw his terminal paycheck. Stiffly, he dropped the check on the kitchen table and began a highly profane rant. After ten minutes, he found a dusty bottle of Jim Beam and had a stiff shot. Then he resumed ranting for another twenty-five minutes and stomped off to bed. Dan examined the check. After absurd “processing fees” were deducted, the total amount was negligible.

The next day, Ed Foley began searching for his next job. He had come to realize his heart problems arose from his venomous prior employer, and that he had fully recovered from the heart attack, as confirmed by the doctor. After winning a few interviews, he took a new job in a growing company with a substantial salary increase. Giving away his old clothes, Ed asked Grace’s mother Maria to help him pick new suits and shoes suitable for the office environment. Before bringing her home, Ed asked Maria for a private word.

A few days later, Ed called Dan, “Could you and Grace come see me, please?” Grace and Dan were in the kitchen, coveting the ice cream. “OK, Dad, what do you need.”

“Here’s the thing,” said Ed. “I don’t like having that big bedroom to myself. It’s kind of drafty, and the closets and drawers are half empty. Plus, that little bathroom is a chore. So I’ve decided to move. I’m going to take Dan’s room, and share the main bathroom with Dré.”

“But, Dad, what about me?” “You, genius, take the master, and that big-ass bed.” “Ohh kayy, Dad, if that’s what you want. But, why is Grace here?”

“Maria and I had a little chat. She’s not wild about it, but she wants the best for her daughter, so you’re going in there too, Grace.” She was not believing her ears. “OK, Ed, where’s the hidden camera. Who will be jumping out to laugh at me, at us.” Dan was transfixed.

“Hugo tells me Dan is doing great at the dealership. And my new job is great. And you’re practically my daughter-in-law anyway. So, please, be our Grace too. Maria packed some of your clothes, they’re in the back of my car.”

Grace burst into tears. Dan looked stricken. “Happy tears, dumbass.” She kissed all over his face, then blurted, “Keys, Dad.” Ed blinked. “Yeah, you. Must be inherited. Dan, unpack your room. Get those dirty magazines, too. Dad, same thing. No magazines? Don’t care. Where is Dré? Sister!”

Dré appeared, looking confused. “Help me get my clothes out of Dad’s car. Yeah, the Foley-mobile. Move, all of you! Time’s a wastin’.”

It took three tries before Dré “got it.” Then she was crying. “Happy tears, dumbass. What is with you Foleys, anyway?” Dré flung her arms around Grace and sniffled. “I always wanted a big sister.” Grace rolled her eyes. “I already have two sisters. But you can be one, too. Now dry up, we have cleaning and arranging to do.”