it.
“And now?” Betty let the words drag out, saying them slowly and inquisitively. The question seemed to strike Piper unexpectedly, as though the air leaving her lungs was being pulled by a vacuum. Filling the void in conversation, Betty thought she should frame up that vague question a little. “Do you have a job or are you independently wealthy or something?” She leaned in closely and whispered slyly, “Old family money?” She winked as if to say, your secret is safe with me. Which Piper doubted it would be.
“No, don't I wish. I’m looking for a job. I haven’t found anything that suits me quite yet.” Piper tucked the loose hair that had fallen toward her face behind her ears. She always thought it made her look mousy and studious with it pulled back but she couldn’t stand to have it in her eyes.
“We’re always looking for some help on the graveyard shift here. It pays crap and is boring as hell but you can’t screw it up.” Betty leaned back and raised an eyebrow at Piper, goading her to take her up on the offer.
“That sounds like a challenge, because, trust me, I could certainly screw it up. I’d be a terrible waitress. Frankly, I don’t like people all that much, and I have the patience of a two year old. I appreciate the offer, but it’s not something I would be any good at.” The thought of working in a diner, wearing that hideous getup and pulling her hair into a bun was enough to make Piper queasy. She’d rather rob a bank and live on the run than come home with a pocket full of loose change and smelling like bacon.
“Is there anything you’re good at?” Betty asked, seemingly disappointed to not have Piper signed on as the newest addition at the diner.
“Not particularly. I’ve always liked computers. I’m pretty savvy with technology I guess. But without a degree I’m sure there isn’t much work out there for me,” Piper said, shrugging it off.
“Well, not so fast. My moron of a son-in-law happens to work for the cable company. Since no one seems to be able to live without cable now I know his place is always hiring. That’s all that computer and technology junk right? You could get a job there.” Betty’s face was lit again with the spark of excitement. It was clear the thought of being a part of something, being a help to someone made joy rise within her.
As Piper began to decline, Betty cut in with something interesting. This could be something that would again open a door, quite literally, for Piper and her greater plan. “You know everyone lets the cable company in their house. Think of how many dirty little secrets you’ll be finding out, and you can come back here and gossip until we’re blue in the face about it. Who’s ordering dirty movies, whose house is a disaster? You know, all that good stuff.”
Dirty little secrets? Piper thought. Betty was right; everyone lets the cable company in. It would be easy access to someone’s home. She might be on to something.
“Betty, that sounds like a really nice offer, but I couldn’t put you out like that.” Betty cut into Piper’s words with the waving of her hands.
“That boy owes me so many favors I can’t even dream up enough ways to collect on them. The biggest of all is the fact that I let the idiot live after he married my daughter. I’m telling you, he's usually as useful as a screen door on a submarine so trust me, if there is something he can actually do to help, then he should.”
“But you don’t owe me anything, so why would you help me?” Piper furrowed her brow, for the first time letting her skeptical nature shine through.
“I consider myself a pretty sharp judge of character, and you, my girl, seem like a good kid. I haven’t quite gotten you all figured out, but I’ve seen enough to know I like what I see. Now come on over to my house tomorrow for dinner, and I’ll have my daughter and my son-in-law over. We can talk details. I have to get back to work, so I’ll just see you tomorrow.” Betty patted Piper’s hand and stood. She pulled her pencil from behind her ear and jotted an address on her order pad, ripped it skillfully, and handed it to Piper.
“That sounds good but…” Piper said sheepishly.
“Oh Piper, it’s no