If you could think of what a stereotyped grandfather was supposed to look like, Bill’s face is the picture that would pop in your head. It is hard for him to get out of his house to go shopping so we pick stuff up for him. He insists on paying us right away but we tell him it only costs half of what we actually pay at the store.

I brought him a Peanut Pie Supreme from the Dixie Diner once and his eyes lit up like a kid’s at Christmas. I love hearing his stories about when he was a kid. I am always a little sad when I have to go. He talks a lot about his grandkids and wishes they would come by, or call, more often but they ‘have busy lives’ as he says.

In my mind I call ‘B.S.’.

They only live half a mile away from him but don’t bother coming to see him. Some people will never appreciate what they have until it’s gone. If I could, I would adopt him as my grandfather. I have to be careful what I say about his relatives when I am around him because if I ever let my tongue loose no good would come of it.

Older people usually know what’s going on, and know they are living a lie about their families caring. Maybe they have told themselves the lie so often that it is all they have to believe in anymore. Knowing the truth will not set you free, however it can make you miserable.

Beverly had a surprise for me when I got to the office. I could see that little smile she has when I walked in the door and knew it was something to do with me.

“Well yes Sarah.” She greeted me. “I think that would be a great idea.”

Hunh…..wtf.

“I am so glad that you decided to help a friend of mine out for a little bit.”

“I did?”

“Your learning how an auditor counts inventories will give you a decided edge in understanding the ins and outs of the accounting field.” She was trying not to laugh, but it was beginning to seep through.

“I bet you did not know exactly how exciting and rewarding this new career of yours could be. Did you?” She handed me a piece of paper.

“No, not exactly.” I was hesitant but took it.

“Here is the address where you will meet your client. She will explain your duties when you get there. Her name is Beth and I am sure you will get along fine.”

“Did you mention something about ‘rewarding’?”

“Of course I did. When you work for me it is for free, others pay for your time and trouble.” (I feel like I am being pimped out.) “She cannot pay much but her usual assistant is out on maternity vacation and I thought you might like to earn some extra income that is above board and legit. True?”

She always has a way of implying things without articulating them.

“Of course I will Beverly. When do I start?”

“She will meet you at Spartan Automotive on Shell road in 30 minutes. You have time to swing by your house and put on some jeans you don’t mind getting dirty. Better hurry, it doesn’t pay to be late on your first day at work now does it?” I know when I leave her she is going to break out laughing.

“How long is the assignment and what is the pay?”

“Probably two to three weeks. She and I will settle on the amount and I will cut you a check from here. Congratulations, you are now a part time employee of mine.”

Definitely being pimped out.

I barely managed to make it there in time but when I did it was easy to spot her. She was the harried looking woman with one of those belt calculators strapped to her side. She introduced herself as Beth and asked what experience I had doing this. Truthfully all I could say was that I had seen people audit convenience stores when I worked in them but that was about it.

As it turned out my job was to stay ahead of her and turn the bar codes on each item so that they point out. She then could scan them in the inventory. After she scanned I had to turn them back around on the shelves so the labels faced outward. When items were either under some other junk or stuck on some top shelf I had to pull them out for her. Not a bad job once you get in the rhythm of things. Usually her daughter helps but her daughter is expecting a baby.