Page 38 of The Benefits of Love (As I Am 2)

My jaw clenched. Igave up trying to explain to her that my work mattered, giving people memories from the most important day of their lives, and that my brain worked. It worked all the fucking time. “We are not having this discussion again.”

“Fine, but what about your sister? Don’tyou want her to attend college?”

Olivia ambled into the living room and Imouthed the wordMomas Isignaled to the phone. “Idoubt thesethree weeks”—Iemphasized again—“will be life altering for her.”

“You’ll put ideas in her head, you always do.”

Mom was an expert at channeling these feel-good vibes.

Not.

All the rationalization in the world couldn’tmake her see my point, so Imade fun of her instead. No one could have told me she didn’thave it coming.

“Mom, Ipromise Iwon’tforce-feed her consumerism or capitalism.” Olivia laughed in the background and Iput ahand on the phone to shoosh her. “And when she returns, she’ll be over-the-moon excited and ready to start the new year”—Ipressed the speaker button—“Won’tyou, Olivia?”

“Iwill, Mom,” Olivia said in abored tone, slumping on the couch next to me. “You’ll be able to control your robot again in no time.”

“Don’tyou dare talk to me that way,” Mom yelled. “Just because you’re there, doesn’tmean you can disres—”

“We know, Mom, we know.” Iput ahand over Olivia’smouth to stop her from adding more spiteful gems that might propel Mom to drive down here and drag her home. “We have to go, lots ofsnapping picturesto be done.”

Ipressed theendbutton before either of the women added more fuel to the fire.

“You’re so bad,” Ichastised Olivia, without ashred of anger.

She squeezed me tight and put her head on my shoulder. “You love me.”

“Ido. I’malso immune to flattery.” Ipatted her thick, blonde hair. “This flight attendant dream isn’taphase, right?”

“Iswear it isn’t.” She put her hands on my shoulders. “I’ll work hard and I’ll be the best Ican be, just like you. You’ll see.”

Seeing her so dedicated filled my heart with pride. Iloved her to pieces and knew her dedication to finding her place in the world would pay off. Iloved being her inspiration, her hope.

“Good. Until then, you need to start earning your place here. Starting today my phone is your phone. I’ll teach you how to answer calls and what details to ask for when you take messages.”

“Ready when you are, boss.”