Suitable Employment

By Juli Adla

Jill Simmons Drake is a recent young widow trying to reclaim her identity through purposeful employment. She seeks refuge with friends in Hong Kong to escape being known forever as 'the widow.' The challenges of being a foreigner and having a child to care for limits her employment opportunities. She eventually gains employment as a nanny. At first it seems a downgrade from her former work as a medical researcher. Soon, it becomes evident that she has become the binder that holds this conflicted family together. With her practical outlook and caring nature, she is able to nurture her own wounded self, her daughter's growth, the somewhat damaged children in her care, and her overwhelmed employer. She makes a disjointed household function as a unified body. Yes, being a nanny can equate to doing complex research since each new discovery brings new challenges.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Juli Adla
• Release date: May 23, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463664391

Juli Adla

Juli Adla wrote her first play in grade 5. She now writes for her own enjoyment of creating feasible plots with believable characters. She was disappointed in the female characters in many novels having grown up around strong, resilient women. The men she knows have much more depth than often depicted in modern literature.She and her husband made the decision to stay in the Pacific Northwest to raise their family. Now, including grandchildren, the family has roots in 5 continents. Her husband, a retired police officer, is her technical resource for her mystery novels.Adla has worked in business, politics, but mostly education as a teacher and administrator. She hopes her readers enjoy her books as much as she enjoyed creating them.

Book preview

Suitable Employment

a novel by

Juli Adla

Copyright 2019 Juli Adla

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Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 - From Cold to Hot to Just Right

CHAPTER 2 - Escape

CHAPTER 3 - To Begin Again

CHAPTER 4 - Overlooking the Bay

CHAPTER 5 - Settling In

CHAPTER 6 - Road Trip with Kids

CHAPTER 7 - Everyone Loves a Party

CHAPTER 8 - Deception

CHAPTER 9 - Stormy Weather

CHAPTER 10 – Where Art Thou?

CHAPTER 11 - A New Commitment

CHAPTER 12 - House Guests

CHAPTER 13 - Role Reversal

CHAPTER 14 - To Finish the Job

About the Author

CHAPTER 1 - From Cold to Hot to Just Right

Come on Chilly Jilly. We’re going to Uncle George’s pond. Rob was trying to prompt his younger sister to come into the cold winter day. Rob and Kevin were getting ready to go out again.

Mom ask them to stop calling me that! I just can’t go out again, Jill Simmons told her mother and two brothers.

Go ahead boys. And, that’s really close to name-calling. Not allowed, Robby.

Well, I have never seen anyone so sensitive to the cold. She misses all the fun. She’s a hot house flower, aren’t you, Jill?

I guess so. You be the tough guy, big brother, Jill answered, but without malice.

Rob and Kevin Simmons went out the kitchen door. On the back porch, they bundled up for their afternoon in the snow and ice. Jill knew they really wouldn’t miss her at Uncle George’s skating pond. As long as some girls from town showed up, her brothers would have a good time.

Jill watched out the window. The snow sparkled in the midday sun. She had made one trip out this morning and was still cold to the bone from it. She loved the out-of-doors, but always suffered in this severe weather. Her skin would dry and crack regardless of how much moisturizer she applied. Her head would throb from her sinuses. When she graduated from high school, she would leave the cold winters and go to school in a warm climate. She loved the farm, her family, and she had great friends, but spending so much time inside every winter was aggravating.

She hadn’t talk to her parents about out-of-state colleges. Minnesota had great colleges, but harsh winters. Maybe she would go to Arizona or Florida. Rob was already finishing up at the local junior college. He would go to a four-year school next fall. Kevin was a high school senior and was already accepted at the University. Jill continued to think about applying to out-of-state colleges. A modest college fund was created for the nine cousins when Grandma Simmons sold their family farm. Jill’s portion would at least get her started. It was time to start researching her options. She was a sophomore already and the next two and a half years would go fast.

Rob knew that farming was his calling. Dad had to have a second job to really support the family, but Rob wanted his own self-sufficient farm. His interest in biology and chemistry was a pathway to successful farming. The same interest had inspired Jill to look at medical research. Kevin was destined to be a teacher. Jill was sure he would be a good one. Jill was still uncommitted, but whatever her career, it would be someplace warm.

Jill, have some cocoa. You’re shivering again. Maybe you need a hot bath to warm you up. This weather doesn’t suit you, does it? Her mother handed her a large mug and sounded sympathetic.

Mom, I love everything about it, but being out there. How do you manage to stay warm? She snuggled deeper into the quilt on the sofa.

It doesn’t affect me the way it does you, Honey. Her mother sat down in a chair near her. They sat in companionable silence for a while.

How do you think Dad would react if I went away, like out-of-state, to school? Jill’s voice was higher than usual with stress.

You don’t ask how I’d react?

You can cope with anything, but he can’t. Do you think he will fight me on this?

Her mother looked at her a long time. Do you think Josh will fight you on this?

Josh is just a kid, and so am I. He didn’t ask me what I thought of him going to Montana State next year. He’s a high school boyfriend. I hope I have lots of boyfriends before I have to discuss my life plans with anyone.

Dear Daughter, you are too wise for your years. Your Dad won’t fight you on going to school out-of-state if it is the right thing for you, but don’t ask him to like it.

Immediately after her sixteenth birthday, Jill set out to get a weekend job. Her goal was to save as much money as possible before college. She danced around the kitchen when the local grocery store called and asked her to work Saturdays and Sundays. Then she wondered what her parents and pastor would think about working Sundays. She consoled herself with the fact that most church people didn’t hesitate to shop on Sunday, so someone had to work.

Jill limited spending money to ten dollars a week and then tried to stretch the ten dollars to two weeks.

One Saturday morning, Josh showed up at her counter without a purchase.

Why are you working all the time? You never have time for any fun on the weekends. Is your boss such a tyrant he doesn’t understand you need some time off? he asked.

Jill was surprised. Josh had great summer jobs in farming and construction. It was harder for girls to find good paying work. Well, I am trying to save up for college. I want to work a lot.

College can’t cost that much. You have money from your grandparents, don’t you?

Well, that will pay some of it, but school is expensive. She quietly added, I’ll have to pay out-of-state tuition.

What? Josh looked stunned. You think you might go to Bozeman with me?

No. We are interested in different things. I need a school that has the program I’m interested in.

Couldn’t you just go Baxter Community College until I finish in Montana? I’ve got to go to Montana. That’s where the scholarship is. You weren’t planning to really work. I mean not for a long time, were you?

I think I am going into medical research. That is what really interests me. Wouldn’t it be great if I discovered a cure for some disease? I really want to work in medicine.

Well, Baxter has some nursing programs. Why not…? Josh shrugged his shoulders with the realization that Jill had a plan that didn’t include him. Do you think you can get time off for the spring dance? he asked quietly. A customer was approaching the check out.

Are you asking me?

Yeah.

I’m sure I can get time off and I would love to go with you.

Okay. He left the store.

Jill felt sad, but relieved at the same time. Josh was a nice kid, but she needed someone who would encourage and support her dreams. Josh was still young and immersed mentally and emotionally in his own plans. That was fine with Jill and now it seemed it was clear to Josh. She wondered if he would struggle against this idea since everyone considered them a ‘perfect couple.’ If not before, Jill knew Josh would understand when he left for college at the end of summer. There would be plenty of girls at Montana State who would love to get to know the sweet natured football star.

Jill began her college search in earnest. The school counselor was delighted to be able to help Jill in her search. Not many students at her high school were looking at the medical research field. As they talked about Jill’s interests, the counselor began to direct her to one specific college. Over the next few months, they met regularly to research and compare schools.

In those months, Jill cherished the family farmhouse, the open fields, even the gravel road. Every family gathering was another memory she had to lock away. Her determination to seek her own way and live in another environment kept her focused. She knew that her dad would not listen to anything half-baked. He was a reasonable man - yes, but a pushover - never. She had to have facts and figures to first show him it was the right school, and then to show him it was doable.

She waited almost a year and then after fall harvest was over, she approached him. She found him in the little office alcove off the kitchen doing the household accounts.

Jill leaned against the doorframe and explained, Dad, I’ve been researching colleges and it is time to ask you to get on board. She was going to be eighteen before she left for school, but some colleges were requiring a parent’s signature to place prospective students on scholarship lists.

What do you mean researching colleges, Puddin? he asked without looking up from the bookwork.

Dad, I plan to go to college at UCLA.

But, that’s in California, he stated the obvious, but maybe he just wanted to make sure he understood what she had said.

Right.

Jill, have you thought this through? Isn’t this a little sudden? he was rubbing his chin. He then turned in his chair to look at her directly. Please, tell me this isn’t a reaction to Josh coming home on break with that girl on his arm.

No, Dad. Josh knew about UCLA long before he showed up with that girl. She might be just what he needs, because I’m not.

Well, tell me about UCLA and why it is a better choice for you than the University of Minnesota, or, or... Her father gave her his undivided attention.

Jill and her dad spent many hours during the next week going over all the information Jill had collected. Finally, her dad called a stop to the discussion one evening when they sat together in the living room.

I can’t find anything wrong with your logic. Jill, I expected at least one of you kids to take off, but I really didn’t think it would be you. How are we going to break this to your mother that you are actually going away?

Should we do it now. Are we ready?

I think so, her dad winked at her.

Mom! Dad and I need to talk to you, Jill called into the kitchen from the dining room door. Her mother appeared at the door with a look of apprehension and followed Jill into the living room.

Come sit down, Mary.

Her mother sat on the sofa facing her husband.

Our Jill is going to UCLA. I have looked over all the information. For the job she wants, it is the best decision. I know it will be tough on us, but we have to do this.

Tom, thank you for supporting Jill in this. She crossed the space between them and kissed him on his balding head.

You’re okay with this? She already talked to you, he sounded a little disappointed.

Sometime ago she said she was looking at a lot of different schools, but I didn’t know how serious it was. So, you’ve decided, Jill. I am so proud of you. I know that Dad and I really have no say – you’re going to be eighteen, and you have your grandma’s money. I am glad you had Dad help you with this. She sat down near to Jill.

Jill took her mother’s hand. Now, I have a little sick feeling in my stomach. The fear of telling you has been replaced by a whole new fear, but she was laughing. I’m going to UCLA. If I keep my grades up, if my SAT’s are good, and if I can find a couple of scholarships.

She looked at her parents closely, realizing for the first time that they were aging. Mom’s dark auburn hair had more and more streaks of gray. Dad’s hands were stiffening with arthritis. Doubts flooded her consciousness. Did Dad need her to help with the farm? Could Mom manage the cooking and canning? Who would bring in the wood for the cozy fireplace? She stopped herself. They weren’t invalids and would be appalled at her thinking. Besides, Rob and Kevin might decide to live in the area. She could always get updates from them.

In the following months, she met all the goals she had outlined for herself. Kevin and Rob belittled her concerns about their parents and told her to ‘get a life.’ They knew their roles as big brothers. It was their way of helping her commit to her future.

I hate summer quarter. Why did I sign-up for these classes? It must be 110 degrees in here, Jill lamented to her roommate Brenda. They were sitting at their tiny table with piles of text and reference books dominating the space.

Because the master’s program requires it, Brenda reminded her mopping perspiration from her neck. I think it is time to turn on the air conditioner. Can we afford it?

Do you know how I hate Minnesota winters? Now, I hate California summers. The worst of it is I have a job interview in two hours. If I shower now, I will be all sticky again by the time I get there. Do you have a white blouse I can borrow?

Sure, take one of the uniform blouses. You just have to cover up the ‘Wendy’s’ logo. Find a nice pin. Actually, blue would go better with your suit. I have two blue blouses, Brenda pointed at her closet. Who’s the interview with? Like I would know one research company from another.

It’s Inter-Con. They’re pretty new in the market. Maybe, I can discover a great new medicine and you can design the brochure. There has to be some reason that we’re rooming together this summer.

I wanted to room with you because we are the same size, which doubles our wardrobe. Are research lab’s air conditioned? Brenda was reaching for the air conditioner switch.

Absolutely, and the job I applied for is in Sacramento. It’s got to be cooler up there. I just hope Mr. Dave Parker is an easy sell. I need a job so bad. This will be my fifth interview in two weeks.

One of those might come through, yet, Brenda tried to be encouraging.

But Jill needn’t have worried. Dave Parker was professional and amiable. The questions he asked revealed the adventurous and honest nature in Jill. Inter-Con wanted people with imagination and commitment. Gone were the days when a research lab could be manned by ‘T’ crossers and ‘I’ dotters. Innovation was the key to success and was the overriding philosophy of his employer. Jill Simmons was easily that. Her Master’s thesis was daring and timely. When Dave Parker asked her to describe her dream research project, she immediately smiled. When she finished telling him, he gladly marked the hire box on the interview cover sheet. How many young researchers wanted to know the different chemical reaction on the two halves of the brain created by feminine audio stimulus and masculine audio stimulus when the subject was under stress? Inter-Con may never research that question but wanted to hire that type of curiosity.

Dave Parker assured her that he would schedule a second interview within the next week with the personnel team. Just before they parted, he asked if she would talk to him before she accepted any other job offers. After that, he pressed another of his business cards into her hand, and on this one he had written his personal cell phone number.

Jill walked away from the interview with her heart pounding. She thought she just might have a job. She had not admitted to anyone that Inter-Con was at the top of her wish list. Maybe she was soon to be on their employee list.

There were other empty cubicles Russell Drake could use to complete his paperwork, but he sat down directly across from Jill. She gave him a friendly smile. She continued working, but noticed he was not looking at the folders he had in his hand.

Suddenly, he spoke quietly to her, Do you think I flunked out of med school?

She looked up at him in a startled stare. I never thought about it. Why would I think that?

Well, everybody that knows I was in med school thinks I flunked out.

Do people actually flunk out? Aren’t they just politely asked to leave? She was trying to think of how a medical school would address the failure of a student who had already invested over a hundred thousand dollars and years into a profession.

I left, he said with conviction.

Okay. You must have had a good reason, I’m sure, she tried to sound reassuring.

It was a good reason. The statement was left hanging in the air.

She turned away from the computer where she was entering data and faced him. He obviously needed to tell someone.

Okay, Russ, now I’m curious. Why did you leave med school?

"It came to me when we were doing rounds with one of the head honchos. He would stand there next to a bed and describe the patient’s condition and say, ‘Unfortunately, we don’t have the medicines or procedure or …whatever, to cure this disease.’ Right there in front of the patient. I don’t know if that was the standard routine, but I began to hate the guy