RDD 125
I reached FCIE at 4:12 pm. When I came out of the car, Santiago and Waylen were already waiting for me.
"Brother-in-law, we already cleaned the shop. This is the money for today."
"Thanks, Santiago."
I have more trust in Santiago because I knew him longer. He is Penelope's younger brother and our relationship is close. We are relatives. So I know that the money in the envelope is the right amount.
I tapped his shoulder.
"I want to tell you guys that we might have another worker. Waylen, I think you will know him... Although I still haven't picked which one of them I will hire."
"Boss, you're going to hire another worker from the Castillo construction? Don't worry Boss, I know most of them. I will tell you if he can be trusted or not."
"That's very helpful. Now, I have to apologize but I can't work tomorrow."
"Boss, you're the owner of the shop. You have the right to take a rest. You are paying us to work so it shouldn't be our right to tell you what to do."
"I- Is that so?"
I was surprised by what Waylen said. He made sense. I'm the boss and I pay them money to work. There is no reason to apologize.
"I have to watch the construction, particularly the five workers. I can't let them in the house while I'm gone."
"Brother-in-law, you are too overprotective, but I like that. Don't worry, we will take care of the job tomorrow. You already said that we will have another co-worker so the job will be easier soon."
"That's right."
I agreed. Perhaps I'm taking things fast but I'm quite confident that it will not be a problem. After all, I have the Grind System on my side.
By the way, Grind System is getting quiet lately.
[Initiating mission!]
[Mission: Earn 1 million pesos in 100 days.]
[Rewards: Hotdog recipe, cheese dog recipe, and 15 system points.]
[Current
... Hey, I just talked about you getting lazy and now you're going to give me a mission?
What the hell?
Can I even earn 1 million pesos in just 100 days? That might be hard... I guess I have to put more grind into the job!
[System Remarks: Host had acquired 0/1,000,000 pesos.]
My profit for today was not counted, was that right?
"Boss? Are you okay?"
"Huh? Nothing, I'm just thinking about how to make our jobs efficient... Anyway, I will deliver the ingredients early in the morning. If you need me, you can call at any time."
"Okay, boss!"
Waylen easily agreed.
"Brother-in-law, am I still responsible for the cash register tomorrow?"
"That's right Santiago." I nodded.
"I don't want to disappoint you but I can only work before August. I will enter college to study. I just want to remind you."
"That's good to hear Santiago. I'm glad that you're taking your future seriously. Don't worry, I will find another worker before August. For now, let's keep the shop stable."
I'm happy that Santiago is serious about going to college. Penelope and I didn't finish college so I hope that Santiago will take a different path. After all, a college degree is important in this current era.
People who graduated have more careers to choose from. Companies prefer hiring college graduates.
"See you tomorrow morning then."
After informing them about tomorrow, I returned to the house with an envelope of money.
The kids were busy in their small worlds while my wife was making dinner.
"Let me help you. I'm not tired today so let's make dinner together."
"Keith, you just want to spend more time with me."
Penelope giggled while washing rice. Washing the rice is a must. If you don't wash your rice before cooking it, you deserve to go to hell.
"How did you know? Of course I want to be with you, always."
"Geez, you and your pick-up line." She rolled her eyes but her blushing cheeks could not be hidden.
"I talked to Santiago that I will not work tomorrow."
While chopping an onion, I started talking about my work.
Clear communication is important to keep a healthy relationship. So as much as possible, I want to tell my wife about my job... Even though it's boring.
"Keith, are you really that afraid that those people will do something to us? Do I have to remind you that they are your brother's employees? They know that you are Sean's younger brother so they will do something bad to us."
"Still, I can't trust it on 'what if'. I want to be sure. You are the most important people in my life and I want to make sure that you guys are always safe."
Penelope paused and looked into my eyes. Her crimson eyes were so mesmerizing.
"Keith..."
"Penelope..."
We approached each other until we were only an inch apart.
"Mommy! Bwother said that I can't touch his scissors!"
"I- I see! Let's go talk to your brother then." My wife was completely red.
Unfortunately, Sophia showed up and our spicy situation quickly vanished. I was left in the kitchen after Penelope took Sophia to the living room.
I sighed and continued chopping the onion... Damn this onion, making me sad.
A few minutes later, Penelope returned.
"Sophia needs the scissors to cut paper. But holding sharp things is dangerous for her so Roman told her to ask for my permission."
"Then why did Sophia tattle like she was maltreated?"
"Well, you know Sophia... She likes getting the most out of it. I can't let her use the scissors so I'm the one who cut the papers into shapes like stars and hearts. She said she wanted to use those papers to decorate her room."
We both chuckled. Sophia is really playful but calculative. She wanted to look like Roman was the bad guy even though Roman was just concerned.
Honestly, Sophia inherited that attitude from her mother--
"Why are you looking at me like that? Keith, you are thinking of something bad."
"Nah, I just want to continue what we left earlier. How about we continue it in our room."
"... Humph!"