A Desk Job - Chapter 3, Part 4
Why was Mister Exham answering the company phone? How had he known it was Fenton? What the hell?!
Fenton could only gulp and mouth for air. He was petrified by that voice, the memory of what had occurred the day before, and what he was supposed to be saying.
Mom did not seem at all sympathetic and gave him that look that said ‘speak now or reap the consequences.’
“Um… uh. Mister … uh … Mister Exham…” He mumbled, secretly hoping the man would catch on to his disinterest and let him off the hook. Fenton felt like a tiny puppy, whimpering at its new owner.
But there was no response on the other end of the line. No pity response. Fenton could just imagine the man’s smirk, enjoying making the teen wallow and beg for this job that he didn’t want.
“About … uh. About the job? I was calling to see … if …”
Still no response. Fenton’s face was burning with embarrassment and frustration. He squeezed his free hand into a fist and forced himself to speak, no longer willing to give Exham the pleasure of hearing him squirm.
“Mister Exham. I was calling to accept the job you offered me yesterday.” The words came as a torrent with no pause or inflection. But he felt physically relieved at getting it out there. Mom seemed to lighten up as well.
“I knew you would. Come by the office tomorrow. We’ll discuss the particulars. Have you sign the paperwork. Get you started.”