Georgie had just returned to the Kransz mart after his lunch break. This was his last week running the deli counter and he was set to start his new duties as the evening shift supervisor the next week. He was initially excited for the promotion seeing that his career was advancing and now he’d make a lot more money, but that morning he was reflecting on the other things that would come from this promotion. Georgie had always been a man of the people. He much preferred socializing with his coworkers and entertaining them in some ways over working hard and diligently for the store. Everyone who worked there was extremely comfortable with Georgie. He’d often witness his fellow coworkers take shortcuts and skip out on their duties, but none of that mattered to him and everyone else trusted him not to say anything. People would often confide to him about personal struggles and intimate details of their lives, but these were not the types of things you’d necessarily want your boss or supervisor to know.
He was afraid he’d be treated differently with his promotion. His coworkers, some of them he considered close friends, might not trust him anymore. Their interactions would be less authentic, less real. He always made fun of career-focused people and those focused on advancement. He considered them fake or people that just didn’t get life. But now he was one of them. Gone were the times he’d smoke with Marquis and Morgan in his car after work. Where they’d gossip about everyone and make fun of Mark their manager. Gone were all the harmless crushes he had with Daija, Sammy, Caitlyn.. the friendships he had with those girls had been so important to him at the time. They had totally consumed his life at the moment. Yet, now it would be inappropriate to seek those kinds of friendships out, now that he’d be in a position of power of them. But maybe it was best. The turnover rate had always been high at the Kransz Mart and the average employee age was around 23. Most of his old coworkers had left to pursue education and better careers, yet Georgie had stayed around getting older and older.
As Georgie sliced pastrami from behind the counter he saw a familiar face. Doctor Remington. He lived in the wealthier neighborhood adjacent to the one Georgie grew up in. Georgie probably never would have met the guy, but he delivered newspapers to him from the age of 10-18. Dr. Remmington always seemed to like Georgie, even though Georgie wasn’t that academically inclined and was from a poorer less cultured family then the ones Dr. Remmington usually associated with. But, Georgie enjoyed his company as well. He’d lend books to Georgie and would always remind him to apply for colleges. Although Georgie never actually read the books he lent, Dr. Remmington was probably the main reason he went to college in the first place even though he only managed to complete 2 years. Georgie always prided himself on the fact he was able to form friendships with any kind of person from all walks of life. He saw himself similar to the Jack character from titanic. Someone who lived amongst thieves and lowlifes yet could charm and fit in with member of the elite class.
“Georgie! Long time no see!”
“Howdy Doc! Doing the shopping for tonight?” Georgie said smiling.
“Yeah, I was planning on making chicken cordon bleu.”
“Wow. Sounds amazing! When are you going to invite me over for dinner Doc? We gotta catch up sometimes.” Georgie said sarcastically.
“You know you’re invited anytime… You’re still working the meat counter I see. What’s next for you?”
“Well I did actually get a promotion. You’re looking at the next night shift supervisor at the Kransz Mart.”
“Wow. Congratulations. You know I’ve always seen you some type of manager. You could really open up your own business maybe a restaurant?”
“Haha. Maybe someday.. That would be cool though. But I gotta learn how to cook first.”
“Hey, are you actually free this Sunday? You should stop by for dinner?”
“Yeah I think I could fit that into my schedule.” Georgie said.
“Oh and I have a favor to ask you, and I’d pay you of course.. Would you be able to give driving lessons to Hazel.”
“Driving lessons? Sure that sounds fun.”
“She hasn’t really responded well to my training, I think I’m too anxious with her behind the wheel. Plus she’s in that phase where she wants nothing to do with her dad. And she has always kind of looked up to you.”
“Well I doubt that. But, yeah I’ll teach her. I mean knowing her she’ll probably be a better driver than me. She’s already way smarter than I’ll ever be.”
“Hey, don’t sell yourself short.” Mr. Remmington said.
“Well, I’ll see you Sunday Georgie. Maybe you guys can have your first lesson then.”
